Children Are Our Future

Just got a text from miss Amanda G (currently a junior at AEHS, and a good friend of mine from the theatre department).

Amanda: Hey Sammy. This is Amanda Gamage. This probably seems really out of the blue, but I just wanted to thank you for being so passionate about theatre. Most especially Einstein theatre. Just thank you for being my friend, and for all the advice and memories I got to share with you. Now that I've had two years to reflect - it was so significant. So just thank you so much.

Me: BABYDOLL. lol I love that you introduced yourself as if your number ever left my phone. I adore you. And you will so many amazing things in your life. Thank you for you kind words. And thank you for making my high school experience as amazing as it was. I met kids at McDaniel who hate their HS theatre programs because everyone was rude and stuck up and the program wasn't good enough to earn respect. And that's so not our story. Never forget, STAGE is love, always.

Amanda: SAMMY!!! I just got back from the end of the year party. And I was crying when they were showing clips from Drood and Drowsy. It's so hard to comprehend that my stage career is almost over, and just - WAAAAAH. HOLY CRAP HOW DOES ONE EVEN BEGIN TO HANDLE THIS???

Me: Hahaha I know dear. It shattered me. Both those shows mean more to me than most people will ever understand. But you just gotta move forward and make them proud by being an even better version of yourself and succeeding in what you love. Also, visiting often helps. Plus, someone like you can find friends and a home wherever you go, so there's more love to spread!


A much needed amazing way to end today. Sometimes I don't mind being the clingy one who lives in the past. 'Cause some people are totally worth it.

Almost, Maine

So I went to see Almost, Maine tonight. This is an advertisement for anyone in the 301 that reads my blog. Go. Albert Einstein High School. 7pm. The show itself, the writing, is SO GOOD. Like, its sad and funny and all kinds of awkward. But the reason it's so awkward is because all of it is so intimate. And we've all been in every story. We can relate to all of it. It's exaggerated and it's just a bunch of metaphors taken way too literally. But it's the most honest love story I've seen on a stage in a long time.

Not all the acting is great, admittedly. But the ones who are good? Absolute gems. Kyle Smeallie & Noah Habenstreit get honorable mention, as expected by anyone who knows this group. Declan Enright & Zachary Norris have THE best chemistry. Christian Moreno & Erin Gallagher are both fantastic and work really well off each other. Mae Keller, completely new to me, really owned her scene. And the whole thing just gives me feelings. Go watch. Go. Watch.

Alumni Cabaret

Sidenote: I met Karina! She seems lovely. I didn't really get to talk to her. Wanted to, but I had like 20,000 people to hug and when we went to IHOP it just wasn't happening. Love my boys, but Lord knows I can only handle them one at a time. I'm easy to pick on, and when it's in a mob my patience just. Whoops. Anyway, she's a darling.

Main note: THE CABARET WAS FABULOUS. Storm & Jason sang together and I got all kinds of feels. Eric Teran a song from one of my favorite musicals (In the Heights). Rebecca Bradley & Mary Holmcrans were their usual fabulous selves. And Rory picked a song that surprised the heck out of me until I saw her perform it. She may not be the most agreeable person but you cannot deny it, that girl owns the stage. And then there was a mob of people who graduated before I did. And it just. OMG. There was SOUL. And BELTING. And HEARTACHE. And FUN. And TALENT. Like, I'm glad I didn't perform. I'm pretty good, but some of these people just. I'm just so proud of this school. This program. And how it's managed to be such a huge part of all our lives. Also, we know boys who can sing are my weakness. Tonight was just no fair, my poor little Sammy heart didn't stand a chance. ALL the swooning at Mr. Prince Charming. Ah well haha.

IHOP was also fun. The boys are a bit too much for me, but God bless every moment I spend with Charlotte. That girl is ridiculous and wonderful. Margie was so missed <3 especially during "If I Were A Rich Man" hahaha

Leaving Home in :14 hours
Leaving McDaniel in: 15.5 hours
Arriving at BWI in: 17 hours
Departing for England in: 19 hours

Wonderful Weekend

Just a heads up. My computer is doing the thing again, so I basically caved and am now typing this in the library. Blog withdrawal.

FUN WEEKEND. Lots and lots to tell. Back to bullets.

• For reasons that needn't be discussed, Mae is no longer the Stage Manager (pledge mom) for Alpha Psi. Of course that isn't a position that can be left open since that person is the bridge between current members and potential new members. SO. We had lots of voting to do. We first voted that the position could be a co-management position this year, considering how last minute it was and the fact that we are ALL insanely busy. After a few nominated people, myself included, left the room, the group had a long discussion, which I'm still kind of curious about. By the end, Jess Anderson and I were voted as the co-stage managers. We're both really excited to get things started for this new class. Hopefully we're able to do a good job and be as helpful as they need us to be. There's a lot to be done, and I want to be there for Jess in whatever capacity possible. SIDENOTE Jess and her boyfriend Michael have been dating for over two years. Their song is Your Guardian Angel. You already know what my reaction to that news was <3
• I went home for the weekend. I spent the first night helping my mom babysit Cristina. Poor thing is teething, so she's already fussy. She's also developed what we call "mamitis" (in Spanish), so basically if she doesn't see her mom or dad the little girl starts wailing. It breaks my heart, but I enjoy every possible moment with her.
• I hung out with Eric on Saturday. We went to Panera, and then we went to AEHS to see their fall show, Figments. Oh my goodness. I loved it. So cute. And Eric was such a good sport about the whole evening. 
• At the show I saw Alex, Jason, and Brian. Oh my darling. I can't begin to describe how much happiness filled my heart spending time with them. I can't believe how much I missed them. And how much they missed me as well. It was so healing. I also saw a WHOLE BUNCH of my babies, and it made me ache for my school. I'm not living in the past, I don't think. But that auditorium is home. And the little ones make sure I always feel welcome. Hugging Spencer is one of the best feelings ever. After the show, the boys went on a Kenny's run for old times' sake and invited me to join them. It was my first time ever stepping foot in Kenny's. Finally.
• Hector texted me. All evening. My dearest darlingest friend who I miss oh so much. He's coming back for Christmas. I finally get to see him again. Words can't describe how big my smile was when he told me. He also said he'd like to see me outside of church, and proceeded to shower me in compliments as he always does. Seriously, I'm gonna marry that kid haha. I just need it to be December like, NOW.
• Sunday morning brunch with the ladies of our family at Silver Diner. SO much fun. I love spending time with those girls, they are always such a delight. And yes to good food. Just yes.
• Went shopping with Karla and the baby, so now I have a new jacket and boots for Europe :3
• MONDAY ISN'T WEEKEND BUT I'M COUNTING IT ANYWAY. Last night was our first rehearsal for Jack & the Beanstalk. Can we please just talk about how good it feels to be back in a rehearsal process? I'm stressed and overbooked and trying to manage my time and the one thing that makes me busiest is the one thing that keeps me sane. I will get everything done though. As crazy as it sounds, working in the theatre just motivates me to do better. It breathes new life in me. And I'm back in it. And I'm going to be in a show with a wonderful cast of people and a crazy director. I'm in heaven ^_^

Inside Man

As if getting texts from Spencer didn't make me happy enough. I now know what all the shows will be for this year. It's always so good to be included. I will be here, rooting for my babies. MEANWHILE, we're doing three shows?! WHAT?!?!?! I love that I still say we. Whoops. Anyway, one of them is Almost Maine, a romantic show that McDaniel actually did the year before I attended. I've heard a lot about it and always been curious. Now I finally get to see it!

Grease Is the Word!

Original title is original.

NOT!

Reason 231: Grease at Albert Einstein High School. After months of looking forward to this, I got to go to my babies' last show. Oh the cuteness, I can't. Congrats to all, especially 2013. Also, whoever doesn't want to go to the dance with Noah Habenstreit is demented. That is all.

Concert

Reason 145: After a long and strenuous day, I relaxed at the Einstein Winter Concert & Art Show. A night of Christmas music and wonderful art. I'm so proud of our visual art department, we honestly are one of the best in the state. And who doesn't love hearing familiar tunes :)

 No one, and I do mean NO ONE sings this song (or any song) like her <3

One Act Too Many

I apologize for the delay! Now that I am home, I'm back to weak internet. It comes in and out as it wants, so I can't help it. I'll do my best to be on time whenever I can.

Reason 139: One-Acts! at AEHS. It was so fun to see all my friends. And be at my old school. And watch the little ones work hard. I seriously look forward to every performance. And I had a blast! As usual, some were weak while some were outstanding. But overall, it was a fantastic time. I love this group to absolute death! S.T.A.G.E is love, always!

Hooray for boy bands stuck in our head ALL NIGHT

When You're Home

Reason 79: Visited AEHS today. Oh my goodness it felt so natural. Sure, a lot has changed, which is yucky. But it didn't even matter. So many people saw me and came running to me. That's such a great feeling. My babies are growing up and I can't wait to see how they progress. Also, I met one of Smeallie's freshman. OMG I adore this child. He's so fantasticly fabulous. Seriously, the endless hugs were so filling. I loved every moment of it. YAY GOOD DAY. Can't wait to come back in November.

From the musical In the Heights

Stay So Connected

Reason 63: So 12 hour rehearsal. Fun times, non? So tired. But the best part, interestingly, was texting Spencer. My little baby from back home. He's like a son to me. And the fact that we've been talking all day just gets me so nostalgic of Einstein and the strong connection I have to that school. I love hearing about the show and his classes and the homecoming decorations/themes. All of it! Also, he's the only person who I know will for sure be at Hairspray. That seriously touches my heart.

Obviously not the same sentiment. But a cute song :)

All Grown Up and Saving China

Reason 47: My babies are growing up! Smeallie has released the cast list for the Odd Couple, and let me tell you I am SO EXCITED to see my darlings up on stage and in charge of crews. I also saw a lot of freshmen names up there. Do you know how exciting that is?! I have so much faith in this program, and I can't wait to see S.T.A.G.E in action again!

Maybe 'cause he's in town, but I'm on a Todrick Hall kick. I can't get over how brilliant he is :)

Simple Message

Reason 46: So have you noticed how positive the Arthur theme is? Like actually, how uplifting it is? We have!

We've gotten quite a few compliments for it.

PS: Einstein S.T.A.G.E has a blog, and it posted something about the Odd Couple today (fall show). I'm actually so excited. And because I follow the blog, I'll probably know the cast list before these kids do! Haha