My Next Great Adventure

Today was our last matinee of Stephen Schwartz’s Séance on a Wet Afternoon. The final show was really phenomenal. We pulled out all the stops and just gave 110% knowing that we were approaching the finish line. Stephen bowed with us one last time and we all hugged on-stage.  Although I leave New York with sadness about the ending of this adventure, another one awaits. 

The Jet

 I am writing this post from a private jet en route to Munich, Germany to sing Gordon Getty’s Plump Jack with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra. The opera will be broadcast live, recorded and performed at the Prinzregententheater on May 8.  I am on this private 727 plane because when someone offers you a ride on a private plane, you just say “YES”.  I cannot describe how amazing it has been to be allowed to partake in this luxury. Especially when I recall all the times, in an effort to save money, I packed peanut butter sandwiches to go on audition trips to New York or the times that I pulled long shifts at minimum wage jobs; desperate for every cent of overtime to help finance my travel.

Room to move

The on-board bed (complete with a seatbelt!)

The plane is spacious and allows for full movement between sitting rooms.  I was also allowed to use the full size bed to catch some much needed sleep since I was coming to the flight directly after my matinee performance. After all the times I have flown coach and crammed my legs under other people's seats, this was pure heaven.  We have been served everything from medium-rare filet, crab claws and steamed veggies to fresh tropical fruit and Peet’s Coffee (for all you San Franciscans). 

After a 6 hours of flying, we stopped in Shannon, Ireland to refuel the plane and do a little duty free shopping. I have always wanted to go to Ireland.  I’ve been in England plenty of times, but my schedule never seemed to allow for a quick side-trip. So, for one full hour, I took in all the green, heathery beauty and all the heavy brogue I could handle!

As we got back onto the plane, the staff asked me if I’d like to sit in the cockpit during take-off.  I suppose I had that “child-like” quality of wonder as I stared into the small space housing three men and three million switches. I have never experienced anything like it. The preparation was very intense as all three pilots spoke to each other in codes and checks and decided who would control what portion of the journey. Then……speed racer!!!!! 

Visiting the cockpit

I can only imagine what beauty awaits us in Munich. I have been only once, in the dead of winter, and I hear that May is a gloriously beautiful time to be in Germany. When we land, it will be just after noon and we’ll all need to catch a little more serious sleep. However, our first day is free and we don’t begin our rehearsals until late evening on the next day. There may even be time to sneak over to the Marienplatz, the heart of the city of Munich, and see some sites.

Tranquility above

What a long, yet musically rewarding, month in New York it has been.  With daily rehearsals and so many performances back to back, it has been a real treat to be pampered on this trip. I usually go searching around on internet travel sites for the very best deals and the very best ways to save. I’m glad I know how to find a bargain, but I could get used to traveling like this!