Back to the Burgh

Remember in my last post how I shared about how wonderful RWS and Associates is?

Well, they're at it again!

Thanks to this incredible office of people, I had the absolute pleasure to drive down to my college town of Pittsburgh, PA for a performance and a visit!

I hadn't been back to Pittsburgh since I graduated, so I was truly jumping out of my skin to see this beautiful city I lived in for four years of my life.

In true RWS fashion, they teamed me up with two of the most wonderful people I have ever worked with! We learned our show in two short days, drove to Pittsburgh on the third, and performed on the fourth! Talk about a whirlwind experience. However, I made sure to get in all of my favorite, albeit touristy, spots on my Pittsburgh checklist.

As soon as we arrived in the burgh, we dropped our stuff off at the hotel and drove through the Liberty Tunnel (You know that scene in Perks of Being A Wallflower?) to "dahntahn Pixburgh" for Primanti's sandwiches.

My Primanti's sandwich was comprised of freshly baked Italian bread, french fries, tomato, coleslaw, provolone, and sirloin steak! The classic!

Michael and Brittany were as in love as I first was with this sandwich! If you're ever in the Pittsburgh area, I recommend it wholeheartedly.

We went to bed early, however, because we had a show the next day! As much as it can be joked about, I love doing children's theatre. It's so magical to have children looking at you, so enthralled by your every word and movement. 

After the show we did some shopping, and I headed to meet one of my favorite dance teachers from college, Miss Maria Slutiak. This woman is a force to be reckoned with! She has four beautiful children and can teach anyone how to land a double pirouette. She's tiny, she's loud, and she has one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen.




Eating my way through Pittsburgh! Primanti's, Pamela's, and Razzy!





Next stop, meeting up with one of my favorite people from college, Bucci! (Apparently he goes by Jonathan now, but I don't buy it!) We walked around one of my favorite places in Pittsburgh, Squirrel Hill, and then we headed to our old college stomping grounds in Oakland for the best frozen yogurt I've ever had: RazzyFresh. I actually can't talk about it for too long because truly, nothing compares!










My last morning in the burgh was the cherry on top of a perfect weekend. I met up with Bucci again, but this time the one and only Ian Sulkowski met us too! We pulled up some chairs at Pamela's, ordered big breakfasts, and got caught up on everything we've missed. (We took some jogs down memory lane, too!)

Then I headed back on the road with my country music Pandora station and my windows down. I hope you all had beautiful weekends!
Meghan

Country music, Crinolins, and Coffee

These past two weeks I had the extreme pleasure of workshopping a brand new show with RWS and Associates headed for Hershey Park!

Workshopping a show is a great experience. You get the opportunity to be a part of something constantly changing and growing, create something brand new, and it's all put together in a very short time!

The show is called Rollin' Down The River and features three couples on a riverboat. It's chock full of great country songs (Wagon Wheel, Tortured Tangled Hearts, Homegrown Honey, Walkin' In Memphis...) and I love the opportunity to sing some country hits!

Whenever I work with RWS and Associates, I'm surrounded by the greatest people. I don't know how they seem to find incredible talent with such kind hearts, but I'm honored to be a part of it! This time around, I got to work with my dear friend Nicole, and meet some new wonderful people as well!

In under two weeks, this team of people were lead fearlessly under John Charron, Jens Kramer, Robbie Eicher, and Molly Tynes. Despite all kinds of changes (like a cast member halfway through our process!) we pushed through and created a product I was proud to be a part of.

Look how much fun we had!

Have a great week!
Meghan

Welcome, 2015!

Happy New Year, friends!

This past year has been such a whirlwind, but I'm so glad I've kept this blog to keep track of it all! Illinois, New York, Florida, Hawaii! What a year it has been!

I spent the day ringing in the New Year with my awesome parents, my best friend Kathryn, her husband, and her mom at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Because what else is a Florida girl supposed to do except go to a theme park?

Clearly, Kathryn and I had a blast. There's never a dull moment when we're together! There truly is nothing like starting off a year with your best friend.

I hope your 2015 is off to a great start! I'm off to watch some serious championship bowl games!

XO,
Meghan

I'll Be Home For Christmas

There's nothing quite like being home for the holidays. As dear Perry Como sang, "Oh there's no place like home for the holidays." Between you and me, I think he stole that line from Glinda in the Wizard of Oz, but that doesn't make it any less true!

I am so happy to have had the opportunity to be back in Sarasota for the holiday season. From seeing my kids perform in the Christmas Parade, to shopping with my mom and watching football with my dad, I really couldn't ask for anything more this holiday season!

Happy Holidays from the Sunshine State!
Meghan

The Boiling Pots

This past Tuesday in Hilo, Hawaii a few friends and I headed to the Boiling Pots. The Boiling Pots is a place located off of the Wailuku River, about a mile and a half north of Rainbow Falls. The Boiling Pots have their own falls, however, the Pe'epe'e Falls.

While this area can be dangerous while flooded, we made sure to go on a bright sunshine-y day! We swam through the first couple "pots" (pools created by lava flow!) until we got to where you can see the waterfall!

Meghan, Billy, and David before swimming to the falls!

Meghan pretending to be Ariel with Abe, the cliff post-mud fight, pre jump,
and Meghan and David swimming to the falls!

Abe was our guide, and we followed him out to the falls! (The Boiling Pots are Abe's favorite adventure spot in Hawaii!) We swam out, walked under the falls, had a big mud fight, and jumped off a cliff into the water! Then we coasted (Heel's Up!) back down the falls with the current. We were WIPED after, but what a blast!

After our day of adventure's in Hilo, we all went to a "family" dinner at the Skyline restaurant on board the Pride of America! I love these boys! I can't believe our adventure time is about to come to a close!

XO,
Meghan

  

Touring Kauai

On Thursday morning my parents and I got up and headed for the Waimea Canyon. My dad stopped at Starbucks for me (what an awesome guy!) and we drove up to see the canyon from the overlook.

Of course, we were up for anything, so when we saw a sign for a blowhole called "Spouting Horn" in Poipu, Kauai we had to check it out!












Up we continued to drive until we started seeing the red clay associated with Hawaii. Then, finally, we made it up and around the canyon for this gorgeous view! The Waimea Canyon is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."

In typical Manahan fashion, Daddy got the best pictures! Check out this awesome shot he took of the waterfall, Waipoo Falls!

After we left the Waimea Canyon overlook, we grabbed some snacks (in Hawaii than means pineapple and mango!) and headed around to see the other side of the island. Fun fact, in Kauai you can only drive around part of the island because the Na Pali Coast National Park doesn't have roads! (Check out more about the Na Pali Coast in my blog post here!) 

But we did come across the Manini-holo Dry Cave! It was one of the most insane things I've ever seen- and I got to walk through it!

It was an awesome day in Kauai! I can't wait for my parents to see the Na Pali Coast tomorrow!

XO,
Meghan

Seeing Pearl Harbor

The first day my parents got here, I met them bright and early! It was a day that I had always wanted to experience since I was young: We were going to see Pearl Harbor.

Fun fact: When I was in 5th grade, I had an awesome history teacher, Barbie Spraker, and a fierce love of reading. I became irreversibly hooked on books about World War II. My grandfather also served in World War II, and he has always been one of my greatest heroes. To this day, I love to read historical fiction and nonfiction, as well as plenty of biographies. 

It was 7:15am, my Mom was already in line for tickets to the museums, and my Dad was picking me up and buying us coffee.

Pearl Harbor turned out to be an incredible experience, just as I had hoped. We started by seeing the USS Arizona. We took a ferry boat out to the memorial to pay our respects. With our tour group, there were three Navy sailors who I had the wonderful pleasure of getting to speak with. They were in Oahu from Arizona and brought a flag with them that they had raised all over the world. Today, they were allowed to raise their flag at the USS Arizona memorial. 

Luckily, without even knowing the previous story, my Dad was ready with his camera.

We Can Do It!

After we saw the USS Arizona, we headed back to ship for a soundcheck, grabbed breakfast, then returned to Pearl Harbor to see the Pacific Aviation Museum.

The Aviation Museum was awesome. Not only did it have an indoor portion filled with history and airplanes, it had a hangar filled with more aircrafts.

It was incredible. But, this is only the start of a week filled with awesome adventures!

More to come,
Meghan

An Early Morning in Waikiki

This morning my fellow cast member, Qiana, the ship’s personal trainer, Chris, and I got off the ship at 7am with bicycles and a craving for a good breakfast.




We biked our way out to Waikiki Beach in Oahu and found a wonderful restaurant called Hula Grill. I had the croissant french toast with fresh cut strawberries and a fresh fruit smoothie. It was delicious! I love eating breakfast, and the thirty minute bike ride to Waikiki made is taste that much better.

After we finished our breakfast, we walked along the beach for a bit before heading back to the ship. (Qiana and I had to do our soundcheck!) As we started getting closer to the ship, we happened upon a parade!

Hawaii is gorgeous, but it is mornings like this with exercise, great food, amazing views, and even better company that remind you that you are living in a place people call paradise.

Expect the Unexpected

So, in the last 48 hours, I have left Florida, flown to New York City, seen some of my best friends, celebrated a friend’s birthday, and found out that I am moving to Hawaii for six months.

As unexpectedly as this adventure began, I found out today that I will be joining the cast that I was swinging as Production Cast Principal on the Pride of America.

Life in musical theatre really turns upside down when you least expect it.

So, tonight I am getting my life in New York together because I fly down to Florida to see my family for a few days before heading to Hawaii. Hawaii!

I already can’t wait to share all of my Hawaiian adventures!
Meghan

Surprises Around Every Corner part 1

It doesn’t matter how many times you get the call or the email, getting a job always feels like someone planned an extravagant surprise birthday party just for you.

Your phone is ringing, it’s a number you don’t recognize, do I pick up? Is it that weird product survey company again? I have to get on that updated do not call list!

Then you think, Oh My God, what if it’s Broadway? What if Broadway is calling? Not that I have auditioned for a Broadway show recently, or that this is a New York area code, but, what if?

Finally, and probably with a total of two seconds to voicemail, you clear your throat and answer, “Hello?”

Then, they offer you a job. They offer you a job and as they are giving you necessary details like pay and time, all you can think is, “I have to call my parents! I wonder if I know anyone else that got this offer? I have to text my best friend! How much time do I have to pack?”

You end the phone call, do all of the above, and get ready for the next big adventure.

Yes, I’m off again. I am headed to Florida to begin rehearsals as a swing for two Norwegian Cruise Line ships!

All of those 4am mornings paid off, what an amazing feeling.

Meghan

With Her Nose Stuck In A Book

Fun fact: I have always wanted to own a New York Public Library card. It is synonymous  with being a New York resident and provides hours of subway entertainment.

Today, I went out and got my NYPL card, Starbucks, and a stack of books to go with it! 

Some days, this city just treats you well.

Meghan

All Good Things Must End

The Mississippi River
Photo Credit: Chuck Manahan

With this post, I bid the Quad Cities and Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse adieu. I truly cannot believe that my time in this area has ended. I have had such an amazing time getting to know my cast and the midwest!

For now, I am off to drive cross country to my next destination... New York, NY!

Until next time, Rock Island.
Meghan

Christmas in Chicago

Today my family and I arrived in Chicago for Christmas away from home! We decided to go to the Museum of Science And Industry, a place my Dad has wanted to take me for years and years!

They had an incredible room of Christmas trees decorated for every country, an entire wing dedicated to Walt Disney, and my Dad's favorite... Planes hanging from the ceiling! This museum was stunning and it was difficult to see everything in just a day, but just as every great theme park aficionado would, we made it through every wing!

The entrance at the Museum of Science and Industry

Merry Christmas, bloggers!

Meghan

It's Getting Close to Christmas!

My parents are officially in the Quad Cities! I am so excited to have them see my shows and to celebrate Christmas in Chicago!

You know my dad is around when I have amazing pictures like this for the blog:

Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Photo Credit: Chuck Manahan

A Christmas Story at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Photo Credit: Chuck Manahan

More adventures with my parents to come!
Meghan

The Next Adventure

Life here in Rock Island is off to a very busy start!

Photo credit: Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse

I arrived in Illinois on the 23rd and began rehearsals with the cast right away! This cast is wonderful already. Everyone is older so there's no drama and the dishes are always done. The show has an audience on November 6th (that's nine days away!) and we've actually made quite a lot of progress in the short time we've been here!

Photo credit: Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse

Above are pictures from the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse Facebook page taken on the first day of rehearsal! There are ten kids in the show and they are so sweet and talented, albeit rambunctious!

The adults, including myself, all live in the Actor's House together, which is basically a gateway to practical jokes, late night laughs, and quick friendships. It's been a blast so far! I'm looking forward to more pictures of costumes and adventures to come!

More to come,
Meghan

Music Monday: Jana Kramer

So I thought I'd start a few "regular" things to add to the blog!

Today, I want start a "Music Monday" to encourage myself to keep discovering new music instead of listening to my favorites on repeat. (Although, I'll probably share some of those too!)

Today's Music Monday is dedicated to up and coming country artist Jana Kramer!

Jana is quickly becoming one of my new favorite female country artists. She's a mix of Jo Dee Messina, Carrie Underwood, and Dixie Chicks. She is definitely country, with some undertones of pop.

She began her career on One Tree Hill, but debuted her self-titled album in 2012. If you've heard her sing, you've probably heard the song "Why Ya Wanna." However, her song "I Hope It Rains," although very Taylor Swift, is slowly becoming one of my favorites. Jana also won the Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Female Artist in 2013.

I saw her in concert recently, at the Fryeburg County Fair in Fryeburg, Maine. She killed this concert. She sounded exactly as she does on her recordings, and I commend her for that! On top of her songs on her most recent album, she debuted some songs, as well as singing some crowd favorites including Katy Perry's Teenage Dream and Jo Dee Messina's Bye Bye.

Jana began recording a new album in September, and I'm looking forward to it! She also posted this awesome quote on her instagram a few days ago, and I really loved it.

Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @kramergirl! 

Enjoy!

Meghan

Saying Goodbye to New Hampshire

It is officially my last full day in New Hampshire without shows. I am surprised at how quickly my time here has dwindled, and I'm kind of sad to see it go, too.

I spent my morning packing up my car so I wouldn't have to do it over the weekend (also so I could know if all of my things could actually fit in my car) and my room is now empty except for the few things I will need for the shows this weekend.

Now, I am sitting at Starbucks rewarding myself with a Pumpkin Spice Latte and enjoying one of my last days looking at the White Mountains. (Joni Mitchell's "All I Want" just came on. Perfect.)

But, it's time for the next adventure. It's time to try my hand at the midwest and to do a full length musical for the first time in a long time. According to the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse Facebook  the kids have already begun rehearsals! I can't wait to arrive in Rock Island and have a show already being put together. It is going to be an exciting rehearsal process and a great run, I can feel it!

For now, I am off to the outlets. I can smell a Columbus Day sale all the way from here.


Goodbye, New Hampshire. Hello, Illinois.
Meghan

Flume Gorge

This morning Nina and I woke up and decided to travel to Flume Gorge!

Flume Gorge is a walk through granite walls, over water, up and down steps, at the base of Mount Liberty. Here's a picture so you have an idea:

I think my favorite thing about Flume Gorge is how it was discovered. The gorge was discovered in 1808 by a 93 year old woman named Jess Guernsey. First of all, I cannot imagine living in New Hampshire in the mountains in the 1800's. Second of all, I cannot imagine being 93 and living in New Hampshire in the mountains in the 1800's! Anyway, Jess had gone fishing, alone, and happened upon the gorge. When she went back to tell her family and friends, they didn't believe her! She finally got them to see the gorge and they were shocked- wouldn't you be? I was surprised and it's 2013! Initially, when the gorge was discovered, there was a giant boulder between the walls. 

If the boulder were still in place, it would have been over my head in the picture to the left, but in 1883, a huge rainstorm came and swept the boulder away. The rainstorm also created Avalanche Falls, a waterfall within the gorge.









It was stunning. The walk itself was short (especially in comparison to Mount Washington!) But it was a beautiful, cool, fall day and we enjoyed seeing more of what New Hampshire has to offer!

More to come,
Meghan

Portland, Maine

Today Nina and I ventured to Maine! I had never been to Maine before, but we took a trip all the way down to Portland to enjoy some sun and sea.

It was a positively beautiful day and we walked around for a bit and had lunch. We ate outside at this little restaurant called J's Oyster where Nina had the lobster roll and I had the haddock. It was absolutely delicious. I have this theory, about good seafood restaurants, where they should be a little run down with seats right on the water... You'll always see tons of people there, and that's how you know it's good. 

This sign was right outside the restaurant by the dock. It reminded me of my grandpa, because it sounded just like something he would say.

After a delicious lunch in Portland, Nina and I decided to do what we do best and visit the Freeport Outlet Mall, home of the Flagship store for L.L. Bean!

We were actually a little in shock as we pulled up to the outlets. L.L. Bean had a separate store for all of their products: Flagship, Home, Hunting and Fishing, Bike, Boat, and Ski, and, of course, the Outlet. All of the stores except the outlet are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So, you know, if you find yourself in Freeport, Maine in the middle of the night, now you know where to go! Last minute Christmas shopping on Christmas? L.L. Bean has your back!

All joking aside, it was like the mecca of the catalogues I have seen my mother get my entire life.

Nina and I on the L.L. Bean boot!

Hope you are all enjoying your own life adventures!

Meghan

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!

It's finally official! On my birthday, September 20th, I received an email from Denny at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, Illinois offering me ensemble in their production of A Christmas Story!

It was probably the best birthday present ever, because it means I will have a performing job again until January 5th. 

I am so excited to be a part of this production for two reasons. 

One, I love the movie A Christmas Story. It is a family favorite that has played at my house every year during the holidays ever since I can remember. We have a leg lamp, wrapping paper, the trivia game, and too many ornaments of Ralphie in his pink bunny pajamas to count. My family quotes this movie all the time. (Yes, even when it isn't the holiday season.) A Christmas Story is also the last thing we watch on Christmas in my house. It usually runs 24 hours straight on AMC on Christmas Day, and as soon as we have finished dinner, on comes A Christmas Story. (It is also regularly seen in the background of my family's famous "Wrapping Paper Picture." We basically cover ourselves in the wrapping paper from the presents we open as if it were our blanket.) We really just love this movie.

Second, I will be working with Tony Parise, a director I have worked with twice as a child. He was my director for Bravo! On With The Show on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre in 2004 as well as the director for the opening number of the 2005 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!   Both programs were done with Camp Broadway, a really awesome camp in New York City for kids interested in Musical Theatre. I knew he was the director when I auditioned for the show, but I didn't realize he would be at the auditions in New York when I went. I am so thrilled to be working with him as an adult after all of these years, it is sure to be a wonderful experience.

The best part about all of this is that I didn't even think I would be able to audition for this show. I had gone to an audition for a different show the day before, and had been called back the next day for an all day callback. On a lunch break, I took a chance and ran to the audition. Luckily, they had gone through most of the people they had in the morning and allowed me to walk right in. I cannot repeat it enough, but everything happens for a reason.

I'm so excited to be able to keep working, but even more, I'm excited to have more adventures to share with you.

This is only the beginning.
Meghan