Cody, WY and Billings, MT

Yesterday:
We had a great time at the Buffalo Bill Museum this morning.
Leland and I and a happy Native family
Some of the crew at our TeePee
Buffalo Bill's Saddle
Yes, I get excited about strange things.


We then drove to Lovell and set up for a show in the gymnasium. I do love the challenge of transforming a basketball court into a theatre, and it never ceases to amaze me the miracles that can be created with a marley floor, hand-cranked towers, and some good old pipe-and-drape. It was a great crowd, and I love sitting in the front row which is where the tech table usually ends up when its a gym show. The best part, however, was that sitting behind me tonight were my sister Adrian, dearest friend David, and sweet Jared Young.
Tim (on the phone), Adrian, Me, and Surrogate Mom Janielle
They are all touring with 42nd Street and had a stopover in Billings tonight. They got in this afternoon, rented a car, and drove to Lovell to see us. I hadn't seen Adrian in a month, and David even longer, and it made me grin from ear to ear. Tim and I then drove with them back to Billings where we have our show tomorrow. I now find myself sitting in the Super 8 laundry room, doing a week's worth of laundry. Did I mention that it is 3:30 AM? Tim, you owe me big time.

Today:
Here at the lovely Sheraton in downtown Billings, train whistle blowing, waiting for my calzone to be delivered. A good day, all things considered. I slept until 10! Decadent. Then Tim and I drove around downtown Billings searching for the car rental place. We then went to the Alberta Bair Theatre, which is a great venue, and the one where 42nd Street will be in April. There were gale-force winds in the alley where we were unloading the truck. It resulted in multiple heavy cases blowing off the truck and Fijian leis flying through the air in every direction. In the end, we got everything inside. It was a beautiful show with the full light plot, which rarely happens on tour. We actually got to eat dinner today, too, the first time in days. The show was sold out and very well received. We had a great, fast load-out and the crew liked us, which is, I consider, the greatest compliment of all.