“…Goin’ places that I’ve never been. Seein’ things that I may never see again. I can’t wait to get on the road again.” ~Willie Nelson
'Bon Voyage!' from the FOODPLAY parking lot.
Willie said it best, and for FOODPLAY Troupe 1, that’s exactly what we did this past week. We packed our shiny new scarlet van (we’re still playing around with a name for her–Red Sonja–the counterpart to Conan the Barbarian, The Scarlet Pimpernel for those with musical theatre inclinations, or Hester Prynne for American Lit fans) and took off for a week of shows in Reading, MA.
A gorgeous day for some Foodplay with cameo appearances from our director Paul and production manager Megan.
Opening Day
Our very first shows of the season were at the scenic Wood End Elementary School. After two shows for two very well-behaved audiences, we went out to grab a quick bite with our awesome director, Paul, and our incredible production manager, Megan.
A few hugs and goodbyes later, we were done for the day and heading into explore Boston’s Freedom Trail. This 2.5 mile long walking trail is not only a great way to grab some exercise, it’s also a unique way to see some of America’s most historic sites like Boston Common, the State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, the House of Paul Revere and the USS Constitution (aka Old Ironside from the War of 1812).
Foodplay Troupe 1 in front of The State House, one of the first stops on Boston's Freedom Trail.
Living la Vida LocaL
The main difference between FOODPLAY Troupe 1 and FOODPLAY Troupe 2 is where we go. FOODPLAY Troupe 2 travels all over the country from Illinois to Tennessee to Colorado and California, whereas we’re primarily playing shows in the greater New England area. Both tours have their perks… for instance FP 2 sees more of the country than we do. However, I’m really enjoying being based in Western Massachusetts for the Fall.
The View from Mt. Tom.
Firstly, Autumn in New England is a sight to behold. Last weekend Alex (Janey Junkfood), my best friend Seth Stutman (MASS APPEAL man), and I went for a hike up Mt. Tom in Easthampton for a spectacular view of the Pioneer Valley.
Jan Klump offers me some vocal instruction at Act Too Studio in South Hadley.
Secondly, being back on the weekends affords me the opportunity to seek out a little personal development in my free time. For any future FoodPlay-ers, or any local actors and singers, check out Act Too Studio in South Hadley.
The Klumps possess an expansive knowledge of their craft, offer constructive, insightful critiques, and best of all they provide this top-notch training with warmth and humor. My hour-long Saturday voice sessions are one of the highlights of my week, and that’s saying something considering this coach’s busy schedule.
Finally, the local tour provides a healthy marriage of road-warrior adventures and homebody comforts. I couldn’t be happier to call Western Mass my home for the coming months.
Donna Moore poses front and center with her Healthy Side Dish Suggestion Box.
Two weeks into our tour and we’ve already been to a lot of cool schools and performed for thousands of great kids. One such school was Pine Hill Elementary School in Sherborn, MA. In addition to its scenic wooded location, Pine Hill boasts an active and involved group of parents.
Donna Moore is one of those parents. Acting as the parent representative for the Dover-Sherborn School Nutrition Advisory Committee (SNAC), Donna showed up to Pine Hill the morning of our show with a nifty idea to promote healthy eating habits: a Healthy Side Dish Suggestion Box.
The idea, as I understood it, is simple: collect ideas and recipes for healthy side dishes to be served both at school and at home.
For more thorough coverage, check out what the local press had to say about Pine Hill’s Healthy Eating Week and our perfomance:
Healthier Food comes to Sherborn’s Pine Hill School
FOODPLAY Comes to Pine Hill School
Great meeting you Donna. Keep up the good work!
Stay Healthy,
~Coach J
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