21 down...80 more to go.

So we are now 1/5 into the run and starting to settle into a bit of a rhythm.  I'm getting used to becoming a night owl, as that is the only way I actually get enough rest.  The Aerialistas are still rehearsing daily (except on double show days) and constantly evolving and refining our act in the air.  Our next big project is a white trash Thanksgiving celebration and we've invited the whole international cast and crew.  We will be provided a very modified historical pageant of the Thanksgiving story...think cowboys, reptilian overlord, Noah's ark.

Things I've learned so far...
1.  It is okay to wear three bras in my bellhop costume...bigger is better
2.  Olive oil removes stage makeup and makes you smell like a sauteed version of yourself
3.  Passing gas is more offensive here than in the states
4.  Dogs are really gods in the German mind
5.  Food service that is not motivated by tips, is...less than motivated
6.  Someone going "gluten free" here would essentially starve or resort to cannibalism
7.  Gluewein is the universal lubricator for creaky bodies
8.  Don't order water at a restaurant, you could get a cocktail for less euros, and why not?  Cocktails any time of day is the norm
9.  There are as many varieties of cured meats here as there are varieties of singer/songwriters in the PNW
10. A post show beer from the vending machine massages away any bumming of what went wrong in the show.

xoxo
Jenn

A morning run.

This morning was so beautiful, I decided to take my camera along for my run from the theatre through the Schlossgarten, a beautiful park which connects the city center to the Neckar River.

 Look!  a Youkali poster!

 And there's a weepy ol' willow, he really knows how to cry, that's how I'd cry in my pillow, if you're to say farewell and goodbye...

 This park goes forever.  It was a color fiesta two weeks ago, but I kept forgetting the camera.

 A picture for my mom :)

 Spooky in the sunshine even.

 There are very few folks running here, unless it's the weekend.

 This statue has a twin, but it is being restored.

 One of the palaces near the city center.

I love love love this sculpture right outside the theatre.

 Trail Run

 Fountain I like (there are tons)

 gemusa market

 winter market and gluwein

 another pic from a trail run

my dinner tonight from the winter market

kartoffle mit apfel und gluwein

German TV spot.

LOok Ma!  We'Re on TelEVisiOn!!!!

Presse

 

 So far the press has been mixed to positive regarding our show, Youkali.  All press has been positive about the Aerialistas however, and we've been described as blonde angels or Marilyns.  Fun.  The storyline of Youkali is about a magical place you can go and be whoever you want to be...flapper, transgendered, drunk, frigid, whatever... or just to expose your inner talents.  The place, however, is just a dream and doesn't really exist. The title comes from a song called Youkali.  Our Youkali happens to take place in a hotel, providing the perfect atmosphere for all paths of life to cross.

Youkali by Kurt Weill: 

It was almost to the end of the world
That my wandering boat
Straying at the will of the waves
Led me one day
The isle is very small
But the kind fairy that lives there
Invites us
To take a look around

Youkali
Is the land of our desires
Youkali
Is happiness, pleasure
Youkali
Is the land where we forget all our worries
It is in our night, like a bright rift
The star we follow
It is Youkali

Youkali
Is the respect of all vows exchanged
Youkali
Is the land of love returned
It is the hope
That is in every human heart
The deliverance
We await for tomorrow
Youkali
Is the land of our desires
Youkali
Is happiness, pleasure
But it is a dream, a folly
There is no Youkali

And life carries us along
Tediously, day by day
But the poor human soul
Seeking forgetfulness everywhere
Has, in order to escape the world
Managed to find the mystery
In which our dreams burrow themselves
In some Youkali

Youkali
Is the land of our desires
Youkali
Is happiness, pleasure
Youkali
Is the land where we forget all our worries
It is in our night, like a bright rift
The star we follow
It is Youkali

Youkali
Is the respect of all vows exchanged
Youkali
Is the land of love returned
It is the hope
That is in every human heart
The deliverance
We await for tomorrow

Youkali
Is the land of our desires
Youkali
Is happiness, pleasure
But it is a dream, a folly
There is no Youkali
But it is a dream, a folly
There is no Youkali

 

http://stuttgarter-wochenblatt.de/stw/page/detail.php/2998472

How does this happen?

All of the aerialistas agree, Germany is making us fat.  Okay, maybe not just Germany, but the insane schedule that was production week.  We never saw the light of day and were moving around like jet lagged zombies (except cuter) on the stage, being placed in this scene or that.  No training or stretch time....then...wapow!  Showtime and performance.  For all of us this was absolutely way less physical activity than we are used too, but far more fatiguing.  Plus, every morning, two crates of bread were brought in to keep us going.  uggh.  I don't think I want to even look at another pepita roll or kaiser bun.
This morning was our first "normal" morning.  I was blessed to wake up without an alarm, have a cup of cowboy coffee that Sara (our early morning riser) makes and leaves on the stove for the rest of us, leisurely drink said cup, and then take off for a run.  True bliss.  I have found two suitable running routes so far, and today's was my favorite.  As close to a "natural" area as I think we will find by foot.  Beautiful fall foliage ont he trees and Oh my God!  I saw other joggers.  First time. My body is responding well already to the rest and activity, and my neck and hips are finally starting to loosen up and pop their normal noises.  Hopefully my tummy will start feeling better soon.  Better for me and better for Bridget when I'm not farting on her mid-act.
Now time to grab a snack and stretch out before donning the wig and makeup for tonight's early show.  After the show, the whole cast will go out for supper and we get to read the critical reviews from the premier night that will go out in Monday's paper.
I finally got some batteries for the camera and will be posting pics as soon as I get to taking them.
love Jenn

 That is me front and center, Bridget being smooshed by me  :)

Viv up front, me behind

Surprise! This is actually musical theatre with circus!

Day two of rehearsal hell week.  Yesterday was 12 hours, today 15.  We are on stage about 90% of the time, only off for costume changes in the two hour show.  Wild!  Aside from our two acts, the chair dance and aerial piece, we interact with the singing main characters and other international acts.  Lots of folks from Germany, but also Russia, Canada, and London.  Beautiful and uniquely talented folks.
Somehow, our Rosemary Clooney dance piece performed with a live band now sounds like Elvis in his more loungy years, but the translation of Ain't She Sweet is sounding nice and will only get better.  K dudes, gotta style my wig and catch some sees.  I will post pics when I actually get out to take some, maybe in a couple weeks, pretty crazy right now.  I may even try to write more original messages at that point.  Til then, Bis Spater!!