Eliza: Have Tiara, Will Travel

Rehearsing in NYC

My Fair Friends

We really only have a handful of rehearsals to pull this together. Peter and I have been waltzing our toes off in between actual scenes; we want to be rock-steady because we know the ball gown I wear will change everything once I’m in it, specifically our centers of gravity. And he is the very model of gravity when waltzing - charming and reassuring as he steers me. Matthew Stephens, our fantastic music supervisor, has been kind enough to work with me separately to give me a couple extra stabs at my songs to allay my fears (yes, I admit it - anxiety this follows me like a plague). “I Could have Danced All Night” is a particular delight- the rising major 7th chord of the first phrase is hope itself - hum a few bars and see! It’s a simple trick that a melody can play - when notes go up, the listener’s mood is elevated too. And then add those marvelous lyrics - well! But I digress...

Jeff Mattsey who plays Doolittle (and the entire baritone ensemble) keeps us in stitches with his stories about his time at the Met (he is a regular there!!) and his adorable granddaughter; Michelle McConnell, who just ended a years-long run as Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera, pops out high notes like they’re candy and guides me about when I lose my way. She’s also a Mary Kay rep and treated us to a much-needed evening of beauty masks and giggles. Cree Carrico is the youngest but funniest Mrs. Pearce ever, and she’s just a marvelous performer. Charlie Tingen is Freddie; he looks and sings like an angel and I thrill to his "On The Street Where You Live." I’m telling you - go see them perform when you can; you won’t be disappointed.

And UIA Presents - the folks who produce these concerts - are just the nicest. They have this lovely ease to everything they do and we all feel very much cared-for and valued. I mean, Kristen the lead producer, not only might be one of the most positive people I’ve ever met but she also brings snacks for every rehearsal! Vanessa heads the company and she is all no-nonsense and kindness at once. And her team: Aaron, Heather and Amy all give off the warmest vibes, so I hope to know them all better post-gig.

Eliza, Outside

Jeff Mattsey rocks a tiara.

We're finally in Salt Lake City, and it’s beautiful. The mountains! The fresh air! The glamour of travel…the weather report in NYC showed an impending storm so UIA changed our tickets and we flew out a day early. Nothing like last-minute packing with two gowns, three tiara options and all of my winter clothes. But I made it to the airport on time (heh heh).

We have spent the first part of the week adjusting the choreography to the size of the stage and figuring out how to avoid the cellos and basses when making an entrance or exit (tricky, and possibly expensive, stuff). I hear my colleagues vocalizing in their rooms before rehearsal - oh, those voices! - but I prefer to go outside and yodel to myself as I stroll through town - I’m sure people think I’m nuts but “Loverly” is good walking music. The loading dock outside Abravenel Hall has especially good acoustics.

Family In The House

My family is all the things to me, so I am thrilled that my little sister Kate is here for the show! I’m also pretty impressed by her tenacity; not only are her friends Jen and Mara joining, they are bringing kids. Four of them: Natalie (Jen) and her friend Emily, Ian (Mara) and my awesomely funny nephew Levi. And of course Silver Fox is coming too; I couldn't do it without him. It’s just too hard to voice what it means to me. So I will recount the fun: SF and I visited the Mormon Temple and museum - fascinating. He’s put up with my extra workouts and extra naps, balancing nicely between sturdily supportive and “no I’m not bored at all.” And the kids are dashing about in the cold, posing with all the art and overrunning the outdoor mall. Note: we had the best lunch at The Red Iguana per Mr. Mattsey's suggestion - do not miss this spot if you’re in SLC.

Not-So-Little Lee

And having Levi here to see the show is really the best part for me and the Silver Fox. This little guy has had a rough year health-wise and Kate and my brother-in-law Josh have been through it. We know he doesn’t feel like himself, and yet to his 9-year-old credit he continues to sass me and act like I am the biggest weirdo he has ever known, which is as it should be. He teases me about my age, my goofy singing, my drama - in other words, he keeps me in line. I can’t wait to hear what he thinks of the show. For now, it’s safe to say the Red Iguana has a huge fan in Levi.