Blending Right In

 In three days it will already be a MONTH since I first arrived to stay for good here in New York.

The time just flew by so much faster than I thought. I guess being used to the Los Angeles atmosphere and California vibes for pretty much all my life so far, I didn't think I would adjust to big city life so quickly.

Turns out my mindset truly was MADE for the Big Apple! 

I'm just glad I have been so eager to go out whenever I have free time and find some events to be a part of as a new New Yorker.

October 2nd was the March for Abortion Rights, starting down at the city Supreme Court building in Foley Square and going all the way up over a dozen blocks to Washington Square Park. 

I arrived prepared with a sign I hastily made the night before, pink glitter spilling off all the handprinted letters as I carried it through the streets and subway.

Nonetheless I displayed it proudly as I walked along fellow supporters, all genders and all ages standing together in support of all womens' right to choose. 

We were also graced with the presence and support of Amy Schumer, Jennifer Lawrence, and various city activists, office candidates, and Congresspeople. One real double take moment was right as we were approaching Washington Square Park, we passed by actor and Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham standing along the curb with a fist raised up in support.

Once we reached the park, I was surprised to see there was already packs of people there just enjoying themselves. From that and the hundred some turnout from the march, it looked like it would be impossible for everyone to fit! 

Honestly I still don't know if they all would have, since most people were wondering the same thing and just left after that.

The next day I was probably the most excited for. I attended my very first Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction in Shubert Alley. I'd only ever seen pictures from past years, and didn't really know what to expect outside of show merchandise and live auctions I could NEVER afford to enter. 

It was far much more than I ever thought. Used costume pieces and makeup! Props and design sketches! Scripts, librettos, and various books on any areas of the industry!

Unfortunately, when you're living on a student budget and still seeking work you can't afford to spend much. Still I was just as happy getting to be there and see everything the flea market had to offer. 

Even hold some of them...like a pair of silver slippers from WICKED, worn by Jenna Leigh Green who was my first Nessarose when I first saw the show back in Los Angeles!

I was also mindful of keeping my eyes open to see anyone I recognized, whether actors, dancers, or producers. And I was pretty lucky!

After seeing him play Beetlejuice almost two years ago, I got to meet Alex Brightman and tell him I had left a letter for him at the stage door...but never knew if he got it or read it. 

No matter if he did or not, he still appreciated it and even complimented my Defying Gravity shirt that I've had forever. I probably got it back when he was still playing Boq in the show!

I also spotted Broadway journalist Eddie Shapiro at one of the live auctions, where a signed edition of his book on Broadway leading ladies was up for grabs. Not his autograph though; they were the autographs of all the actresses he interviewed for the book!

Except Carol Channing. But no biggie.

Helping to emcee the auctions was Jennifer Cody, who has had notable standout roles in shows like Urinetown and Shrek the Musical. And she's the voice of Charlotte from Disney's The Princess and the Frog! AND she's married to Tony nominee Hunter Foster and sister in law to Tony WINNER Sutton!

All that slipped my mind though when I went up and asked to take a picture with her. I was so giddy to share that this was my first Flea Market and I had just moved to the city. Jennifer was so sweet and welcoming to me and I honestly can't find the words to describe how wonderful that made me feel.

Writer, actor, and On Broadway radio host Seth Rudetsky had a table right across from the auction and we took a picture together as well. I got to tell him what a fan I was of his Stars in the House video series and he gave me a discount card for his next live Broadway Breakdown concerts.

Though I didn't buy anything that day, I made a ten dollar donation to Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, which all the proceeds of the auction and flea market benefit. Over the course of thirty years, this event has raised over twelve MILLION dollars for the organization alone. 

This year's Broadway Flea Market made over 753 thousand dollars! Broadway fans really know how to give!

With all that weekend's excitement, I should have expected the events of this week. I came down with a bad cold and had to be holed up in my room, and observe my classes virtually through Zoom. But hey, at least I wasn't still in California. 

I've been resting as much as I can, drinking lots of water, typical sickness stuff that my mom would recommend. Zicam is a pretty effective cold medicine thank goodness, so now I'll never have to drink Emergen-C again. Natural fruit flavors, yeah right!

So this weekend is going to be a recharger. Staying in and staying focused on keeping up with classes and assignments, like I promised myself I would.

Making it here is going to be all about hard work for a while. 

At least I feel right at home.