Madeline at Sea

Dear Maddie, Ella and Sam...

Madeline is doing well! She is having a lot of fun. This morning the cast had fittings for their costumes and Madeline was being so crazy! (Well, ok, maybe it was Daddy. But still.) She is kind of sad today because the sky is dark and cloudy and she actually has some time to be outside. Oh well!

Madeline will go later to check on Amy who has been quarantined because of a stomach virus. YUCK! On second thought, maybe Madeline will just call her to see if she's feeling better.

I hope you're all having a great day!

Love,
Daddy

PS: Here are some pictures of Madeline backstage in the dressing room!

Nassau

Last night we actually got off the ship and hugged land for a few hours. The singers and I went to eat dinner at Senor Frogs in Nassau. It was fun! What a beautiful night!

Graham, Amy, Jeff and Zoie in front of the Spirit.

Tonight we are going to watch the final performances of "Radio" by the current cast. I know they will do a great job!

More NCL Spirit

Last night was such a blast!! I got to get off the ship in Cape Canaveral for a bit---long enough to meet my old friend Darcy Chapman and her girls for dinner. (I missed seeing Tim and the boys but they were at football practice.) We had such a great time laughing! Thanks for coming to see me, Darcy! (You'll find their blog link over to the right under my favorite sites) Darcy and I used to sing together and still do sometimes when she travels with ZOE. She and Sheryl knew each other in Michigan growing up.

When I arrived back at the ship it was "White Hot Nights". Everyone dressed in white and they had festivities everywhere. It was a lot of fun!

Candice Maxsom, me, Kevin Garvey and Rusty Pettit.

The current cast was all decked out for White Hot Night.

The new cast had their photo made for the marquee last night. They all looked really sharp!

Amy Bloom, India Payton-Granderson, Megan Scully, and Zoie Morris pose for the camera.

Before I left home, we went through this ritual where I hugged and kissed two of their favorite stuffed animals so they could sleep with them at night and think about me. They decided this time to send "Madeline" with me. Ella and Maddie both "spoke" with her and prepared her for her first big trip and Ella explained to her that she would be safe and sound packed away in Daddy's suitcase. So, here are some pictures of Madeline and the cast's best wishes sent back to the kids...

Zoie says, "Hi, Maddie, Ella and Sam...we miss you!!!"

Shane Gould sends kisses to the kids!

Vicki and Megan send their love to Maddie, Ella, and Sam!

NCL Spirit

I was able to upload some pictures today...it's been going great out here. The cast is really doing well and rehearsals have been very productive.

Amy, Zoie and I posed for a picture on the back deck with the Empire State Building in the background. We had the coolest sail away from Manhattan! The cast was feeling a bit overwhelmed by what was in front of them but everyone was excited to begin this adventure!

We all waved to Lady Liberty as we sailed past her on Sunday.

I love this cast!

Claire and I went with the new cast to watch the final two performances of their Broadway show last night.

The current cast after their final performance of the Broadway show. They did a great job! They were my first cast on the Spirit and it's been great to see them finish so strong!

The new cast gathers for a photo opp after seeing the current cast's final Broadway show.


I love these guys! They are working so hard and are such a blast to be with.

They say the neon lights are bright...

>
Claire and I made it to NYC yesterday and got everything situated in time for the cast to get here. They barely made it to the ship before sail away. I was trying not to freak out (a.k.a. freaking out). Everyone made it safely and is doing well.

It's fun seeing my other cast again too. Their Broadway show is tonight. The new cast will sit in the audience at both shows and soak up as much as possible.

I am working these two cruises as Musical Director and Production Manager. I have been in meetings and rehearsals since we arrived. Tonight will be a fun break while we cheer on the current cast. Rusty Pettit, who is one of the singers and the company manager on board for the current cast has done a fantastic job. Kevin Garvey who is dance captain has also done a great job. (Hi, Kevin's mom!! We love your son!!) Kevin agreed to extend another contract and be company manager for the new cast. He fits perfectly with all of them.

Tonight we're all going to eat sushi and to the shows. Hello to my family at home. Miss you all so much! Thanks for calling and writing me so much, Maddie!

Spirit Progress and Remembering Johnny Stallings

We did a run-through for the office and other casts yesterday. Randy Gill, Jeff Walling and Mike Fernandez came. It was so fun having them! Jeff Walling is now a producer for a show on BROADWAY. Wanna guess which one? No, I am not fibbing.

I leave tomorrow to take my cast to NYC. I am excited about this group. They are a wonderful group of performers...very talented and a lot of fun to be with. Pray for our safe travels. I am really bummed about being away from my family though. We've been doing lots of fun things today soaking in the time.

Here are some clips from yesterday...

"Swing"

"No One Mourns the Wicked" from "Wicked"

"One Short Day" from "Wicked"

Zoie portrays Tina Turner singing "Proud Mary" in the rock show..."On the Radio"

------------

I received word today that Johnny Stallings died this morning. Johnny's father, Gene, is a beloved ex-coach (Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Cardinals, and University of Alabama). His sister, Martha Kate, is one of my best friends from college. We traveled in a band recruiting for ACU and we were Sing Song hosts together. I remember going to the Stallings' house in Alabama and having the most hilarious time with Johnny. Johnny had Down's Syndrome. Johnny was also one of the brightest, most caring and loving people I have known. Gene and Ruth Ann have spoken to audiences all over the country about the impact he has had on their family. They truly believed, as do I, that angels followed him.

I remember that one of the songs we did in that group was "God Bless the USA". It was Johnny's favorite. For years after that trip to Alabama, every time I would see Johnny he would remember and come over to me and sing..."And I'll gladly stand UP next to you..." over and over! We adore the Stallings family. Our prayers are with them. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts this weekend.

Spirit

This cast has been such a tremendous blessing for Claire and me to work with. They each bring SUCH energy and "spirit" to their work. They did a run-through of "On the Radio" last night and blew me away. I was so proud of them!

My singers are so talented and fun. They are very generous with each other and have an incredible working relationship. It's so great when a cast clicks with the right chemistry! Let me tell you a little bit about my singers...

Zoie Morris is from NYC. She was in Ragtime on Broadway and did the National Broadway tour of the Scarlet Pimpernel. she has numerous other regional theater and television credits (Law and Order and others). You should see her do Tina Turner. It is amazing!

Amy Bloom is brand new to ships but an extremely gifted vocalist. She's from Los Angeles and got a call last night to do a roll on Comedy Central but said she was glad to be here with us! We are too, Amy! What a gift! Her portrayal of Elphaba in "Wicked" is incredible..."Defying Gravity" blows me away!

Jeff Pettit is also a talented actor and singer. Ironically, I saw him in Big River several years ago playing the lead role of Huck Finn. He was fantastic. I remembered him when he came to audition for us and I am so glad he's in this cast. He is right at home as Link in "Hairspray"!

Graham McMurry recently got off a Celebrity ship...the Millineum. I heard him for the first time in rehearsals for that ship and loved his voice. He is a great addition to this cast. He's got a lot of soul for a white boy. :) He and Jeff both rock the songs from "Movin Out" (all Billy Joel songs.)

The dancers are all sharp and great performers. They are all hard workers too (singers and dancers). They are self motivated and extremely professional. Working with casts like this one make me realize how much I LOVE my job!

We are headed into our final few days of rehearsals. Tomorrow will be the final run-throughs for all the producers and office. We'll have our cast dinner tomorrow night and then leave early sunday morning for New York. You can feel the buzz of excitement from the cast. I can't wait to see them out there on stage for the first time!

Comfort

What brings you comfort? For me, there are certain people, songs, scriptures, even pillow cases that bring comfort. I had lunch with my mom today. That brought comfort. Spending time with Mike Cope last weekend--that brought comfort. Waking up early with my kids today, walking downstairs holding hands and then piling on the couch where they literally all nestled on top of me...that brought comfort. Sheryl's kindness and tender touch bring comfort. She is a gift. "Supper Soup"... a beef and vegetable stew that my family has eaten for years...brings me comfort.

Sometimes comfort looks funny or even crazy. For instance, Sam found a pacifier that belongs to little Evy Tate Williamson. He has it hidden somewhere (we can never determine where). Every now and then when the girls are overwhelming or when he just needs a "smoke break"...he goes in the den and hides behind one of the chairs and takes a hit on the paci. He'll sit back there quietly and just suck away. Comfort.

Today the heads of entertainment at NCL are here watching some of the run-throughs. My cast is nervous but they will be GREAT! I will be out there cheering them on and smiling as big as I can. Hopefully, familiar support will bring comfort today.

Because I believe in God and in the mystery of all that encompasses Him. It fascinates me that the Holy Spirit is referred to as The Comforter. Comfort is really something that is hard to define because it's different for everyone. Isn't it cool that God knows each of us and what makes us tick and meets us right where we need Him?

Just out of curiosity...what brings you comfort?

Rehearsal Craziness

It is a bee hive of activity at the rehearsal studios right now. We have three big casts in with more than 40 performers...not to mention all the production staff. Everyone is so incredibly gracious and wonderful to work with. I thought I would load some video to show you what our world is like right now around the studio...

Some members of the Jade cast...rockin it out!

The women dancers in the Spirit cast workin' on part of the 70's section from "On the Radio".

The NCL Spirit singers are working hard...this was the day we learned the Radio show. They made huge strides in one day!

Amy sings the Donna Summer classic..."Hot Stuff". After listening the other night, Ella was walking around the house singing, "I want some pasta baby this evening...I want some pasta baby tonight..."

The Spirit singers working on the finale of "Radio"..."Cup of Life"

We leave a week from tomorrow....whew! ONE MORE WEEK to get evrything ready! I am NOT looking forward to being away from my family for two weeks. UGH! But, I anticipte it being a really smooth cast hand-over.

We've Got SPIRIT, Yes We Do!

My spirit cast did a run-through of Broadway yesterday for the producers and Dave (our general manager/director of entertainment). They did a fantastic job!!

Two of our singers...Graham McMurry and Jeff Pettit

The cast on break

Opening of Broadway

"One Short Day" from Wicked

Swing

" Good Morning Baltimore" from Hairspray

Thanks to everyone for your comments and requests. I will get those clips sent out today as soon as a can. They are only samples of the songs but it will give you a taste!

Happy hump day everyone!

Seriously...FOR THE LOVE!!!

So apparently, it's still not working. Not sure why.

As a peace offering...the first 15 people who comment asking for a clip will get it. Please specify which songs (no more than 3) and leave your email address.

Shalom!

For the LOVE...

OK...I reformatted and put them back on as mp3's. Please try again...click this link and let me know if it's working this time. Sorry, friends! :)

http://www.esnips.com/web/ZOEFearless

Sample Clips of "Fearless"

Here are some sample clips of ZOE's upcoming release called "Fearless". For those of you unfamiliar with ZOE--it's all vocals. This will be our 12th CD (or is it 13?)

Sorry for the faulty posting earlier...try this...

Click the link and it will take you to esnips where you can hear all the clips. Let me know if this works for you...

http://www.esnips.com/web/ZOEFearless

"We're the class who's really great, senior class of 88!"

Yeah...apparently, our class chant wasn't the most creative...but it rhymes, right? I had an absolute blast this weekend at my High School reunion. I haven't seen a lot of those folks since our ten year and some since High School. I had so much fun laughing and catching up. I took a lot of pictures...imagine that!

On Friday night we all met at the hotel and mingled and visited for 7 straight hours...CRAZY!

Shawna Duff Hutcherson, me, Dusty Waldrop, Joni Humphrey Taylor and Shannon Hosch Lawrence

Michelle Balthrop Box and I were drum majors for 3 years together. She's a nut! Her laugh is exactly the same as it used to be.

Shawna (who was my singing partner all through school) and Kirsten were some of my best friends.

On Saturday afternoon I drove out to the house I grew up in. After my father died, my mom sold it in 99 or 2000. (It was so hard to see her leave that house.) I drove up in the drive way and the owner was outside so I got out and introduced myself. He said, "Oh, you're the guy who's feet and hand prints are in the cement in the backyard by the shed!" He took me back there and showed me...two small hand prints and feet prints with my name and a date (1977) in the cement. It almost made me cry! He was so kind. He showed me all around---even the barn where he had painted a big Texas flag on the side. He even invited me inside and allowed me to take pictures (which I am not posting here out of respect to him, but if any of you old friends are reading who remember our house, email me and I'll send some to you. It's crazy different!)

I shared some history with him that he never knew. I told him about the banisters and columns being from my great grandparent's house and that my grandfather had built our barn (which he said was very well constructed). It was quite a trip down memory lane. It honestly was one of my favorite parts of the weekend. Here are a couple of pictures of the house from front and back.

I also stopped in to see the Lorenz family. Ronnie and Darla were my parents' best friends since before I was born. I had a nice visit with them. I miss them a lot.

Saturday night was our reunion dinner out in Buffalo Gap at Perini's Ranch. It was a beautiful night and a lot of fun! It was such a blast to reconnect with old friends and hear about each person's journey and life. Some have fallen in love with Jesus since High School and it was especially cool to hear about their lives.

me, Jayme Baker, Shawna Duff Hutcherson, Shannon Crowe Zachary, Steve Denton

Terry Brooks Lovelace, me, Kirsten Bond Deiley, Dana Rogers Dunn

Mike and Heather Walvoord

Shannon Hosch Lawrence, Dana Rogers Dunn, Tracey Street Justice, Kirsten Bond Deiley

Eric Balthrop and me. Eric was a great friend in HS.

Mark and Tonya McClellen and me

Michelle Balthrop Box and I were looking at yearbooks and I think here I was saying, "Who in the world is that??" How can 20 years erase memory?

Cari Moore (wife of Matt Moore), Heather Walvord, me and Mike Walvoord. I loved seeing them!

As always, Shannon Hosch Lawrence, Shawna Duff Hutcherson, Shannon Crowe Zachary and I had to huddle and offer commentary on the entire weekend. I laughed until I almost wet my pants. Dusty Waldrop was a bundle of energy and everywhere at once. And Kirsten had to be rescued. Some things never change. And...I actually saw a man riding a horse down the side of South 1st downtown. Gotta love Abilene!

Another blessing in the weekend was having a nice long lunch with Mike Cope on Saturday. He's such a true brother and friend. I really don't know what Sheryl and I would do without him and his pastoral care and real honest friendship. It's so rare to find someone so willing to share their own failings who's also willing to walk through thick and thin with you. Mike has been that for me for more than 15 years. I love him!

Today I am flying home. West Texas is beautiful in its own way...but nothing like the rolling hills and lush landscape of Nashville. The beauty of Abilene is directly connected to the hearts and lives of those who live there. The people are what makes it so lovely. And that is alive and well!

Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel who played Elphaba (the green witch) in the original Broadway cast of "Wicked" and who also starred on Broadway and on screen in RENT is in town tonight. The Producers at Gary Musick were all invited to see her and so we're all going. I really love her voice and have for a long time. I am interested to see what the show will be like.

Meanwhile, rehearsals are going well. This cast is great and seem to have wonderful working relationship with each other.

Last night Sheryl and I sang at Otter Creek with Bobby Colvert and some of his blue grass friends (who were all amazing!). It was interesting being back there and in that room. But, it was geat seeing faces and hugging friends we hadn't seen in a while.

ZOE clips....I promise, they're coming. I just have to have time enough to load them!

Thank you, Amy Westerman!

ZOE Recording and SPIRIT rehearsals

Thanks to Chris Yoakum (our most excellent engineer) we had an awesome studio this year. We normally record at 1st Avenue Sound in Franklin, but it was booked this year and so we ended up in a different studio. It was awesome! Take 6 and Boys to Men recorded here and it is GREAT for vocals.

One problem though...in the mixing room, there were these low hanging orange lights. I about knocked myself out every single night. I even cracked one by running into it. We all know I wasn't blessed with grace in walking. I'll dance all day, but ask me to walk and I might kill myself or take someone else out.


Chris and BST
ZOE---the last night of recording (we were missing Philip Organ). Randy Gill was with us some throughout the process too. He wrote a song around the Fearless theme...INCREDIBLE!

Meanwhile, my Norwegian Cruise Line SPIRIT cast is in and we are deep into rehearsals. We're living in the Broadway show this week. I've got Hairspray songs flying around in my head!

The cast of the SPIRIT on their first day--pictured here with Claire (choreographer) and me.

L-R...Jeff Petitt, Dean Reilly, Shane Gould, Megan Scully, Amy Bloom, Zoie Morris, India Payton-Granderson, Topher Burks, Claire Williams... and in the front row...Carissa Bellando and Vicki Surtees. It's a great group!

ZOE recording rough clips coming soon!