Once all was said and done, this show was a great success! Reefer Madness: The Musical, had nine sold-out shows (out of 15) and 1,029 people saw it. 

We put in over 6 months of work and it all paid off. I hope this is just the beginning, as they say, because I do not want to be just another artist who puts on one show, realizes it's impossibly difficult, and gives up. I need to make this company work, and I think that's what'll give me the drive to make it work. There are already a few projects up in the air, and we'll let you know when they land! 

Thanks again to everyone that came out! 

We only spent 150$ on marketing, and it just goes to show that good work will get a good audience. And that Montreal musical theatre is an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with! I thank my incredible cast and crew, because these people worked their talented little butts off, for the simple reward of doing the show (read: they worked for free, someone hire these people!) 

Until next time!

Well, there are only five shows left. 

It has been such a whirlwind ride from day one to now. Our first shows were half empty and we couldn't get press in to save our lives. Now we are getting glowing reviews, sold out shows and message after message from people, strangers and friends, who love the show. I am really proud of this show, and after the last show, I will never see my baby again. I am sad, but at the same time, I have already started working on the new projects and I hope this is my life from now on. 

One thing to the next with a couple of days in between for video games and sleep!

Well, we are over the hump. We are at the halfway mark (ish) and have only 8 shows left of Reefer Madness!

This has been the most amazing (and difficult) run. So far the word of mouth and feedback is amazing. But watching the show everynight has caused me to analyse every minute detail, and it's hard not to stand up and yell STOP!!!! Please move an eighth of an inch to the left for perfection. And...GO! At this point in the game I am learning to let go, and it's the only thing I didn't really plan for. The past two shows, I've let myself relax and enjoy the show. 

I have gotten a lot of praise lately, (and frankly friggin deserve it) but the true credit goes to the cast and crew. As much as I have done to put on the show, at least 20 other people have given as much time and talent and love. So in terms of energy put in the universe, my piece of the pie is teeny tiny!

Last night was opening night of Reefer Madness, and I cannot describe the feeling of pride I experienced. This has been such an amazing experience, from the get-go 6 months ago, and last night was everyone's reward. I couldn't have asked for a better Opening night. 

Now I hope that the cast gets the opportunity to be seen by people that can help them along in their lives. I am really gratefull for the 30+ people who have helped me make this show what it is!

Our first preview of Reefer Madness was last night and I am so proud of this show. Knowing the piece so well, I clearly noticed every little thing that went wrong, but it was so cool to see how people covered and adjusted to keep the story going. You can rehearse all you want, but until you have an audience, you can't really know how the show goes 100%. That's why you do a preview, it's to have one last "practice run", but with an audience. You can see where the jokes are working on not, you cal tell where the audience is really into it, or not. 

This show has a lot going on with set and costume changes, props, singing, dancing and special effects. I cannot even imagine what backstage is like. (I am told it's pandemonium!) But now that everything is set, I feel like tonight, it's really going to come together. 

Break a leg!

The train has left the station! The "Reefer Madness Crew" has been hard at work since April and it is starting to pay off! 

Last night we had what will now be an annual fundraiser, for our production of Reefer Madness: The Musical! The cast learned 3 random pieces of musical theatre just for the event. So ON TOP of learning an entire show, they learned extra stuff with gusto, heart and willingness. THANK YOU! 

If you were there last night and didn't catch who was who, here's the talent: 

• THERAPY from TICK,TICK, BOOM... was sung by Jake Smith and Karelle Rémillard
• BITCH OF LIVING from SPRING AWAKENING was sung by Jade Hassouné, George Bekiaris, Christopher Pineda and Marc-André Poulin
• LEGALLY BLONDE dance medley was danced by Julie Goldenberg, Joanne Sarazen, Emilie Barrette, Karelle Rémillard and Hannah Eichenwald. 

Props go out to Shayne Gryn (powertothepickle.com) who is the musical director on the show, and he arranged the two songs for banjo and guitar. 

You know how there's always that one guy who does nothing and seems to get everything without breaking a sweat? And then there's you, toiling away with never a result? I was taught that hard work and get-down-to-itness are the way to go, and it's starting to pay off for me, big time! Last night was an incredible success, and I thank everyone who came and supported us, and I hope to see you again in September!

EXTRA! EXTRA! For ONE week only, we will be selling pre-sale tickets to REEFER MADNESS: THE MUSICAL! There are some sweet shows playing next week as part of Just For Laughs down at Mainline Theatre (3997 St-Laurent), and we'll be there from 6:30 p.m. - 11:15 p.m. Tuesday the 13th - Saturday the 17th to sell super special advance tickets. AND they are only 20$! AND AND AND if you can get 3 friends, you can buy a four-play card, and that drops the price to 15$!!! At this time, we're only accepting cash, but not to worry, the regular box office will be opening later on this summer and you can  buy tickets over the phone or online, if there are any left that is...

This weekend we held auditions for our first show. What an exhausting process!

This was the first time where I was the veto power. I've been in the room before as a stage manager or choreographer, but never as the person who actually has to be responsible for the whole casting. I have to say that I really apprecited Shayne, the musical director, and Jake, the vocal coach, being there. And of course Danielle, my incredible Stage Manager. And Jade, who basically just sat in the lobby the whole day! 

I saw way more talent than I thought I would. I have a tendancy to be "overly realistic". Some would say negative. I am working on it, but it's hard when you're constantly dealing with and being let down by the realities of being an artist. So much talent, and so few roles to fill. I saw people that were incredible, but there's just no role for them. It actually makes me feel better as an actor knowing that when I don't get a part, it may just be that I don't suit anything, and it has nothing to do with my talent. But then what do you do? Cast someone who doesn't fit into the overall vision AT ALL, but is incredibly talented? It's rough.


Also, and I've always said it, it is tough to be a girl. The standard is much higher, and there's more of us out there. I must have seen almost 30 girls, for 1 part and only 5 boys for 2 parts. 

That's showbusiness, kids!