Before we get started, I have just one request. If you’re on an airplane with assigned seating, could you please sit where you’re assigned? If everybody gets on the plane, and it’s half full, sit wherever you want. But at least sit where you’re assigned while people board. If you don’t, then ten people are displaced, and Justin has to sit next to somebody ten times his size and strength. And he was one scary man.
After having about a week and a half at home, it was on the road again. I arrived in Boston first, shortly followed by John and George. George was picked up by friends, so John and I were left to drive the hour or so to Shirley, all at the mercy of computer-generated directions. After several detours, roundabouts, and pure guesses, we miraculously made it to the hotel without having to stop or turn around.
We ran into Jeff and his parents as we went into the hotel. I had enough time to change clothes before going to the theater. Fred was already there, tinkering with his gadgets and sputtering random sounds into the mics. I took my usual spot in the green room, setting up my computer and getting ready for an evening of excitement.
I also met the mighty Andy Martel in Shirley. Andy is a true driving force in Rockapella’s management, and it was certainly nice to put a face to the voice I’ve talked to weekly since March.
Post-show, it’s back to the hotel. It smelled skanky, but it had the Game Show Network. I fell asleep to the sounds of “Match Game ‘75” in my ears.
Friday morning. Fred and I hit Friendly’s for breakfast, before hitting the road for Fairfield. Actually, Westport, where the hotel is located. We end up only stopping once, which is amazing when you fill three bladders full of water, coffee, ginger ale, fruit juice, and soda. Fred and I meet up with Jeff and his parents at a small deli in Westport. However, traffic kept Fred and I from checking out the cool shopping area, so we hit the hotel for about an hour before going to the theater.
What a beautiful campus! Fairfield University has trees, grass, fountains, the works. Congrats to Amy, who celebrated her 100th show in Fairfield. Her 100th show request was originally “Indiana,” but apparently John’s never heard that song. So, she settled for “A Change in My Life.” Then, the requests came pouring in. Screams from the audience included “Keep On Smilin’!” “Here Comes the Sun!” “Eye of the Tiger (which has NEVER been performed by Rockapella)!” The show finished up with “Up On the Roof,” and everybody went home happy. Well, we were detoured. The Univeristy locked the campus gates we drove through earlier, so we had to find a new way out. Fred had me pull over and look at the map, while the other guys zoomed off into the night, determined to find the exit for themselves. 15 minutes later, we’re back at the hotel, ready for one more.
Until tomorrow,
Justin
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