Good Morning Washington Heights. I woke up and immediately got my arsenal ready for tech day at Carnegie Hall. Better safe than sorry.
Allison Blackwell
A polite bowl of oatmeal to start the day and give me a little kick before I head out the door
Allison Blackwell
One more look over the script and lines so NO ONE will get embarrassed (aka me) #2lineagatha
Allison Blackwell
My Barbra Streisand Corner. I adore this woman and she is consistent reminder of greatness and the level at which I aspire to be.
Allison Blackwell
Off to tech day!
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Hitting Broadway...
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And now Carnegie Hall!
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Stage Door entrance
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Walking to the hallway to my dressings room. I get to share the hallway with Chris Fitzgerald, Colman Domingo, John Treacy Egan and John Bolton #legendsball
Allison Blackwell
My dressing room with amazing Linda Mugleston
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Thanks Carnegie for the gift bags and of course tons of water
Allison Blackwell
Look who just walked into the building: COLMAN DOMINGO
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Colman warming up for his amazing feature in "Fugue for Tinhorns." One of my favorite songs in the show
Allison Blackwell
Making my way down to the seats of Carnegie Hall and our director Jack O’Brien is giving notes and directions to the creative team. We learned this whole show in less than a week through his fearless leadership.
Allison Blackwell
Sierra Boggess and Joseph Torello pose for the camera. They are ready to start this tech.
Allison Blackwell
Colman Domingo and Chris Fitzgerald take a break from tech and relax.
Allison Blackwell
Two of the fiercest dancers I have seen, Jenny LaRoche and Samatha Sturm. Legs for days, baby!
Allison Blackwell
The legendary Len Cariou watching rehearsal on stage. If you don’ t know who he is. . . . . . . GOOGLE and GET YOUR LIFE.
Allison Blackwell
JD, Colman and I taking in Carnegie Hall and all its glory
Allison Blackwell
On a 20 minute break I wandered around Carnegie Hall
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Hallway leading to the stage
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Upstairs, I found some amazing signed pictures. The first one I saw was of Renee Fleming and the Robert Shaw. I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Shaw in college and Ms. Fleming. . . . . Enough said. That voice is BUTTA.
Allison Blackwell
Next, Dame Joan Sutherland and Frank Sinatra. Frank Sinatra starred the 1955 movie "Guys and Dolls" with Marlon Brando, Vivian Blaine and Jean Simmons. I especially love his rendition of “Luck Be A Lady”
Allison Blackwell
I had to take this picture of Ella Fitzergald. One of my favorite jazz singers in addition to Sarah Vaughan
Allison Blackwell
I have been listening to Leontyne Price since my dad put on her recording of Bizet’s Carmen as a child. Her grace, humbleness, talent and work ethic are unmatched.
Allison Blackwell
Back to work, a quick picture backstage before we tech the top of the show Katie Webber, Paloma Garcia-Lee, Taurean Everett, Justin Orso and Cody Williams.
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Mission Band minus myself with JD Webster, Linda Mugleston and Joseph Torello
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Our conductor Rob Fisher who keeps the whole show running smoothly and does it effortlessly with Rebecca Eichenberger and Nicely-Nicely Johnson, John Treacy Egan
Allison Blackwell
General Cartwright herself, the fabulous Judy Kaye taking a break backstage
Allison Blackwell
Lunch Break. Fade to SUBWAY. I am starving.
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Back to tech and WAITING FOR LIFE TO BEGINNNNNNNN (love you, LaChanze)
Allison Blackwell
A quick note session with Joel Fram with ensemble singers Nicolas Davila, Joseph Torello, Cree Carrico, Adam Alexander, Glenn Seven Allen, Brian Charles Mooney
Allison Blackwell
A sensible pose with Paloma Garcia-Lee, Adam Jepson, Manuel Herrera, Michaeljon Slinger, Stephen Carrasco
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Those of us on stage were blessed to have some extra voices just for Carnegie Hall. Here are the 4 women who gave us the extra umph that we needed: Cree Carrico, Gaelen Gilliland, Christine DiGiallonardo and Rebecca Eichenberger
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John Bolton giving us the “gangsta” pose
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I was able to catch an amazing moment between Patrick Wilson and Len Cariou. Patrick asked Mr. Cariou about his experiences in Sweeney Todd and A Little Night Music. I got to be a fly on the wall and listen to how it all happened.
Allison Blackwell
The stories continue...
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Nathan Lane and Megan Mullally going over lines. Hard work never ends.
Allison Blackwell
Ready for the big night. Heading home to get some rest. Thanks Carnegie Hall for being a great host.
Allison Blackwell
