Stay Classy, San Diego (Oct.30)

hello all. this blog is being writen from our pimp pad in downtown San Diego on the 27th floor of a high-rise condo building overlooking the water and most of downtown... ...how's your view?

so let's catch you all up:

this city so far has had its ups and downs for sure. the city itself is just wonderful and we are really enjoying the theatre and the audiences. obviously, with the horrible fires that engulfed most of the area, last week was pretty scary for everyone. my heart goes out to the hundreds of thousands of people who had to be evacuated from their home, even for just a day or two, and all of our prayers are with those who lose their homes and cherished items to the fire. one of our local crew guys lost his home in the fires and sarah knows another girl in the area who lost her home as well; she was on the front page of the Union Tribune a few days ago embracing her mom amongst all the devastation.

but it's a true testament to the people who live here to see how much everyone is helping each
other. there are donation bins all over the city and in practically every building i have walked into. and people had to be turned away at Qualcomm Stadium because too many people showed up to volunteer.

as far as our show - it certainly "went on". we did cancel one show on Tuesday because the air quality was so poor, but honestly, doing the show Wednesday, when you could still the ashes and smoke particles in the air while we were singing was not the best way to rally the troops, so to speak, and because of the air it truly affected all of our voices as five people called out that next day because they had no voices or they were feeling to ill to go on.

but the week progressed and the air quality went from Unhealthy to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Moderate to Good and we are definitely back in the swing of things. and the audiences have been extra supportive because, honestly, after watching CNN for 4 days straight, we are a nice change of pace and a good way to take your mind off things for awhile.

and for a great segue...let's chat for a moment about Broadway Cares:

as many of you know, theatre companies across the country twice a year take collections for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (www.broadwaycares.org). last year's collection, i am so very proud to report that we beat all the other companies on the road and Broadway to raise just over $236,000 due to the love, support and kindness of our San Francisco audiences from last year. as of now, i think we are tracking to meet or beat that goal from last year and we couldn't be more happy or excited not only because it's a remarkable feeling being able to raise so much money for National and local organizations, but also, because of the fires, Broadway Cares has agreed to give 50% of the donations we make here in San Diego to the San Diego chapter of the American Red Cross. so if you want to make a difference, please go to the Broadway Cares website and donate something!

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continuing on my San Diego track - i need to share some pics of the view from our place. please keep in mind, this was on kind of a cloudy day:



like i mentioned before, we are at an amazing place called the Park Place (how the hell did we find this on Craig's List) and we are sharing the place with those wacky newlyweds, Chris Jones and Jenna. i have to say, i was a *little* nervous sharing with another couple but we are having a blast! they are great to live with, love to cook as much as us and best of all, their dog Fender and Toby have become fast friends and they absolutely love playing together or just sitting on the couch in our room and watching the sailboats go by or just taking a nap together:


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moving on...

i would like to now officially welcome Zachary Prince to the Sherry company. Zach did his first show this past Sunday night as Frankie and he will be our Frankie alternate doing 2 or 3 shows/week. the whole company gave him a much deserved applause at the end of the show and the audience was wonderfully supportive. i think that he will be a tremendous asset to the company and we are happy to have him here with us. funny fact: he and Taylor are cousins. ah, family.

and the show has been great with the new girls as well. i certainly miss our original Jersey Girls, but Jamie, Sarah and Holly are doing a fantastic job on stage and are really keeping the talent and truth of the characters present throughout the play. and what's more, everyone is getting along and speaks volumes...

but what does that mean for Rick Faugno? when is Melissa Strom returning, if at all? if she does, what happens to Sarah Darling? with Daniel's departure from Broadway in January, what does that mean for other actors who are playing Bob? what about Vegas? what cast is going to San Fran and will that same cast end up going to Vegas? so many things to speculate about...go for it Broadway World Jersey Boys Tour Threaders - i love the weird shit you guys come up with!

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want to end this blog with a few little tidbits.

first, a huge congratulations to my good friend Robert "Junior" Garcia (Junior is assistant propsmaster for our show) and his girlfriend, Kara Tremel (you super fans should know that name) for getting engaged this past weekend! we had a great engagement party for them last night at the W Hotel and all of us are just getting over our hangovers.

also, lots of love and congrats to West Hyler (our assistant director) and Ted Chubb (our trumpet player) both of whom got married in the past two weeks to their ladies...

...i believe that makes 7 weddings or engagements since we started this show one year ago.

lastly, speaking of weddings, today is mine and sarah's 6-month anniversary. unbelievable that it has already been six months because i can still picture her the first moment i saw her in her dress...so amazing. i just want to thank all of you that read this blog who always take in interest in mine AND sarah's lives on the road together and i want to thank my lovely bride once again for being with me on the road selling thankless merchandise to nameless faces night after night. i love you intensely.

until next time, happy Halloween to everyone (especially my father who LOVES this holiday) and will write more soon...