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PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "There's No Cure Like Travel!" On the Road with Vincent Rodriguez III and Anything Goes

After applying some lip balm and lip liner, I blot. Can't go on stage looking like a drag queen. Unless I'm in <i>Kinky Boots, Priscilla</i>… or <i>La Cage</i>. Hint hint: <i>Kinky Boots</i> =P — PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "There's No Cure Like Travel!" On the Road with Vincent Rodriguez III and Anything Goes

Vincent Rodriguez III is currently appearing as "Brother Luke" in the first national touring company of Roundabout's Tony-winning Anything Goes revival. He shares a wide variety of pics from backstage and on the road at a few recent East Coast stops. Read the
94 PHOTOS

Final week in DC staying with friends and for me it starts with a morning iced tea latte and some food prep — Final week in DC staying with friends and for me it starts with a morning iced tea latte and some food prep

Vincent Rodriguez III

I cooked up some Taco Chili and Qunioa w/ Peanut Sauce for my hosts. I'm a good houseguest. =) — I cooked up some Taco Chili and Qunioa w/ Peanut Sauce for my hosts. I'm a good houseguest. =)

Vincent Rodriguez III

Off I go on a beautiful sunny day in DC to drive my happy self to work, The Kennedy Center. — Off I go on a beautiful sunny day in DC to drive my happy self to work, The Kennedy Center.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Ah, the callboard. Here we sign in and see what news there is to know from Company Management, Stage Management and other stuff. — Ah, the callboard. Here we sign in and see what news there is to know from Company Management, Stage Management and other stuff.

Vincent Rodriguez III

One of our Stage Managers, Geneveive, puts them up in every city so we know where the heck we are going once we get to the theatre. Getting lost on your way to your entrance isn't a pleasant feeling. — One of our Stage Managers, Geneveive, puts them up in every city so we know where the heck we are going once we get to the theatre. Getting lost on your way to your entrance isn't a pleasant feeling.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Next Slide

Outside our dressing rooms we get our mic pack from the mic tree. — Outside our dressing rooms we get our mic pack from the mic tree.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Marcus and I play a duo in the show so we often share the same dressing room. These signs also get put up before us actors get to the theatre for sound check. — Marcus and I play a duo in the show so we often share the same dressing room. These signs also get put up before us actors get to the theatre for sound check.

Vincent Rodriguez III

We had a few extra vanities in this large dressing room so I got comfortable and made myself at home. Especially since we were there for 4 weeks as opposed to 1 week. — We had a few extra vanities in this large dressing room so I got comfortable and made myself at home. Especially since we were there for 4 weeks as opposed to 1 week.

Vincent Rodriguez III

One of our dressers sets my costumes by my spot after steaming them so they look sharp for my first entrance. The robe on the left is so I don't walk around naked whenever I'm out of costume. — One of our dressers sets my costumes by my spot after steaming them so they look sharp for my first entrance. The robe on the left is so I don't walk around naked whenever I'm out of costume.

Vincent Rodriguez III

I like to keep my make up tidy so it's easy to find just in case I am running behind in my pre-show prep. — I like to keep my make up tidy so it's easy to find just in case I am running behind in my pre-show prep.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Gotta have my sugar and food options on stand-by. I usually eat right before the show and again during our big break after the Act II opener, "Blow Gabriel Blow." — Gotta have my sugar and food options on stand-by. I usually eat right before the show and again during our big break after the Act II opener, "Blow Gabriel Blow."

Vincent Rodriguez III

A before shot so you guys see my little make up process. — A before shot so you guys see my little make up process.

Vincent Rodriguez III

After lining my eyes with white, which is supposed to make my eyes seem bigger, I put a bit of blush on. — After lining my eyes with white, which is supposed to make my eyes seem bigger, I put a bit of blush on.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Then I line my eyes with black eye liner via brush. My former pencil application wasn't strong enough with all my sweating so I switched to the heavy duty stuff, Paint Pot. #thanksmac — Then I line my eyes with black eye liner via brush. My former pencil application wasn't strong enough with all my sweating so I switched to the heavy duty stuff, Paint Pot. #thanksmac

Vincent Rodriguez III

After applying some lip balm and lip liner, I blot. Can't go on stage looking like a drag queen. Unless I'm in <i>Kinky Boots, Priscilla</i>… or <i>La Cage</i>. Hint hint: <i>Kinky Boots</i> =P — After applying some lip balm and lip liner, I blot. Can't go on stage looking like a drag queen. Unless I'm in Kinky Boots, Priscilla�� or La Cage. Hint hint: Kinky Boots =P

Vincent Rodriguez III

Here's my mic pack and my mic belt. I have a very specific way of putting it on so that it doesn't come off and that it doesn't interfere with my hat or my physical warm up. — Here's my mic pack and my mic belt. I have a very specific way of putting it on so that it doesn't come off and that it doesn't interfere with my hat or my physical warm up.

Vincent Rodriguez III

After wiping a small alcohol wipe by my right temple, behind my right ear and the center behind my neck, I use 3 small pieces of thin 3M tape to keep my mic from moving. — After wiping a small alcohol wipe by my right temple, behind my right ear and the center behind my neck, I use 3 small pieces of thin 3M tape to keep my mic from moving.

Vincent Rodriguez III

There's my mic clip which sits right under where my hat usually sits and there's my center mic tape spot. — There's my mic clip which sits right under where my hat usually sits and there's my center mic tape spot.

Vincent Rodriguez III

I love my spats. Both Marcus Shane (the guy who plays my "brother" John) and I have spats. It helped show that our characters were trying to be more progressive towards American customs. ie. my fedora, which you'll see in the next photo. — I love my spats. Both Marcus Shane (the guy who plays my "brother" John) and I have spats. It helped show that our characters were trying to be more progressive towards American customs. ie. my fedora, which you'll see in the next photo.

Vincent Rodriguez III

And this is a finished me after about 10 to 15 minutes. (Sometimes my black eye liner gives me problems so it can take longer if I've had too much coffee. Shaky hands = busted eye liner — And this is a finished me after about 10 to 15 minutes. (Sometimes my black eye liner gives me problems so it can take longer if I've had too much coffee. Shaky hands = busted eye liner

Vincent Rodriguez III

Whoops. Almost forgot to wrap my knee as per my physical therapist's orders. Doing 8 shows a week can take their toll on ya. — Whoops. Almost forgot to wrap my knee as per my physical therapist's orders. Doing 8 shows a week can take their toll on ya.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Yay, now I'm ready to go up to the stage. I bring a small bag with me that has my physical therapy toys, slippers for after the show, whatever pants I wore to work that day and my smoothie and/or my bottle of water. — Yay, now I'm ready to go up to the stage. I bring a small bag with me that has my physical therapy toys, slippers for after the show, whatever pants I wore to work that day and my smoothie and/or my bottle of water.

Vincent Rodriguez III

The calm before the storm. This is usually what our backstage gondola area looks like when I arrive. All the sailors are on stage singing as I am there to drop off my bag, do a final looksy in the mirror then head stage right. — The calm before the storm. This is usually what our backstage gondola area looks like when I arrive. All the sailors are on stage singing as I am there to drop off my bag, do a final looksy in the mirror then head stage right.

Vincent Rodriguez III

A few of our Angels wait backstage and chat quietly before their next entrance. I've always loved this lighting and now I get to share it with you guys! — A few of our Angels wait backstage and chat quietly before their next entrance. I've always loved this lighting and now I get to share it with you guys!

Vincent Rodriguez III

Kristopher Thompson-Bolden (or KTB as we call him) being his charming happy self as he too awaits his next entrance stage right. — Kristopher Thompson-Bolden (or KTB as we call him) being his charming happy self as he too awaits his next entrance stage right.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Once my first bit of the play is done, I head back to my chair and take off my hat and hang my jacket so it stays crisp. Along with it is my tuxedo tails for the finale. — Once my first bit of the play is done, I head back to my chair and take off my hat and hang my jacket so it stays crisp. Along with it is my tuxedo tails for the finale.

Vincent Rodriguez III

I tap less than others do in the show so my tape lasts longer. (Reason for the tape: So we don't slip and fall during the tap number, "Anything Goes." Yes, it's happened to many of us) — I tap less than others do in the show so my tape lasts longer. (Reason for the tape: So we don't slip and fall during the tap number, "Anything Goes." Yes, it's happened to many of us)

Vincent Rodriguez III

See? Though this has probably one more show left in it then I'll redo them, which happens about every 6 to 8 performances with two layers of tape. — See? Though this has probably one more show left in it then I'll redo them, which happens about every 6 to 8 performances with two layers of tape.

Vincent Rodriguez III

A little overview of my small bag of stuff that sits to the left of my chair. That roller is shared by many of us backstage before we do our dance numbers. — A little overview of my small bag of stuff that sits to the left of my chair. That roller is shared by many of us backstage before we do our dance numbers.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Speaking of physical therapy, here is our sign up sheet that goes up every Tuesday. First come, first dibs on time slots. — Speaking of physical therapy, here is our sign up sheet that goes up every Tuesday. First come, first dibs on time slots.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Backstage we do numerous things to occupy our time. Jeff Brooks is catching up on emails and texts. Apparently that spot by the stairs was a perfect spot to catch a signal without going outside. — Backstage we do numerous things to occupy our time. Jeff Brooks is catching up on emails and texts. Apparently that spot by the stairs was a perfect spot to catch a signal without going outside.

Vincent Rodriguez III

And while we pass the time backstage, there are monitors throughout the backstage/dressing room area where we can watch what's happening onstage. — And while we pass the time backstage, there are monitors throughout the backstage/dressing room area where we can watch what's happening onstage.

Vincent Rodriguez III

For the past few weeks, Marcus, will wait backstage, leave his bible for me to put back in the prop box and he hides somewhere nearby till I find him. And when he sees that I see him, he hisses like a cat and playfully runs away. — For the past few weeks, Marcus, will wait backstage, leave his bible for me to put back in the prop box and he hides somewhere nearby till I find him. And when he sees that I see him, he hisses like a cat and playfully runs away.

Vincent Rodriguez III

…fun things like….Facebook on our phones. (and this isn't even the most sailors we've had at one time on their phones.) — …fun things like��.Facebook on our phones. (and this isn't even the most sailors we've had at one time on their phones.)

Vincent Rodriguez III

Mackenzie Warren awaits in the wings, dressed for one of her crosses as a passenger aboard the S.S. American. As one of the understudies for Reno Sweeney, she likes to be ready and knowledgeable with her understudy assignment by watching. — Mackenzie Warren awaits in the wings, dressed for one of her crosses as a passenger aboard the S.S. American. As one of the understudies for Reno Sweeney, she likes to be ready and knowledgeable with her understudy assignment by watching.

Vincent Rodriguez III

During the show we have lots of down time. Some of us read a book, like Gary Lindemann here. — During the show we have lots of down time. Some of us read a book, like Gary Lindemann here.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Or you can take some floor backstage and stretch like one of our newest Angels, Katie Hagen. Usually you can find more of us on that floor with Katie, warming up and stretching before our big dance numbers. — Or you can take some floor backstage and stretch like one of our newest Angels, Katie Hagen. Usually you can find more of us on that floor with Katie, warming up and stretching before our big dance numbers.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Had to make an important phone call during my big break in the show in Act II, so I had to step outside since our phones didn't work inside the Kennedy Center. I also got a great photo out of it. (Notice the American flags. I felt so patriotic) — Had to make an important phone call during my big break in the show in Act II, so I had to step outside since our phones didn't work inside the Kennedy Center. I also got a great photo out of it. (Notice the American flags. I felt so patriotic)

Vincent Rodriguez III

Backstage that week, Correy West was tracking one of our sailors since would soon be replacing one of our cast members. Correy may look familiar since he was just in <i>Nice Work If You Can Get It</i> on Broadway, another Kathleen Marshall show. Welcome — Backstage that week, Correy West was tracking one of our sailors since would soon be replacing one of our cast members. Correy may look familiar since he was just in Nice Work If You Can Get It on Broadway, another Kathleen Marshall show. Welcome

Vincent Rodriguez III

Okay, so sometimes after Blow Gabriel Blow, we get overheated, so yes, the costumes come off and the best spot to sit and catch your breath is next to the backstage fan…turned up to the max. — Okay, so sometimes after Blow Gabriel Blow, we get overheated, so yes, the costumes come off and the best spot to sit and catch your breath is next to the backstage fan…turned up to the max.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Some of our sailors have numerous entrances and so there's a lot of sitting and waiting for their next entrance. Or in Tony Neidenbach's case, a sensible "lay down" and wait. (Note: This was after dancing 3 of our big dance numbers) #starbucksbetweenshow — Some of our sailors have numerous entrances and so there's a lot of sitting and waiting for their next entrance. Or in Tony Neidenbach's case, a sensible "lay down" and wait. (Note: This was after dancing 3 of our big dance numbers) #starbucksbetweenshow

Vincent Rodriguez III

Now here is me in my little "sit and wait" spot. Everyone is onstage for the wedding except for Marcus & I. It's probably my favorite grooming prep for the show since I get to wear tails and gel my hair over. I love the 1930s look. #ilovegenekelly — Now here is me in my little "sit and wait" spot. Everyone is onstage for the wedding except for Marcus & I. It's probably my favorite grooming prep for the show since I get to wear tails and gel my hair over. I love the 1930s look. #ilovegenekelly

Vincent Rodriguez III

For 4th of July I went to a theme park with my partner and friends. It was such an awesome day. — For 4th of July I went to a theme park with my partner and friends. It was such an awesome day.

Vincent Rodriguez III

I even rode this! The tallest roller coaster I think I've ever been on. Ridiculously scary but so much fun! Thanks Intimidator 305! — I even rode this! The tallest roller coaster I think I've ever been on. Ridiculously scary but so much fun! Thanks Intimidator 305!

Vincent Rodriguez III

With daytime off, catching a late night showing of a movie can be a nice alternative to going out for food and drinks. We ended up having a private screening for me and my friends of "Monsters University." Fun times! — With daytime off, catching a late night showing of a movie can be a nice alternative to going out for food and drinks. We ended up having a private screening for me and my friends of "Monsters University." Fun times!

Vincent Rodriguez III

Travel day this time was a bus from Washington, D.C. to Schenectady, NY, so I got to carry way more stuff than if I were to travel on a plane. I loaded up on groceries at Trader Joes since there wasn't one in Schenectady. Can you tell? — Travel day this time was a bus from Washington, D.C. to Schenectady, NY, so I got to carry way more stuff than if I were to travel on a plane. I loaded up on groceries at Trader Joes since there wasn't one in Schenectady. Can you tell?

Vincent Rodriguez III

Never stayed in a hotel where there was a swimming pool AND water fountain IN the lobby. The smell reminded me of my high school swimming pool. #random — Never stayed in a hotel where there was a swimming pool AND water fountain IN the lobby. The smell reminded me of my high school swimming pool. #random

Vincent Rodriguez III

This is what I get for not unpacking properly as soon as I get to my hotel room. Ugh. — This is what I get for not unpacking properly as soon as I get to my hotel room. Ugh.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Not the best view but at least I don't have to worry about anyone seeing me walk around in my undies. — Not the best view but at least I don't have to worry about anyone seeing me walk around in my undies.

Vincent Rodriguez III

A lovely walkway past some cute little stores on the way to the theatre. — A lovely walkway past some cute little stores on the way to the theatre.

Vincent Rodriguez III

A bunch of the stores had our show advertised. Love seeing that! — A bunch of the stores had our show advertised. Love seeing that!

Vincent Rodriguez III

Ah yes, our home for the week. Proctors Theatre. Conveniently attached to a coffee shop that I went to about every day. #sorrystarbucks — Ah yes, our home for the week. Proctors Theatre. Conveniently attached to a coffee shop that I went to about every day. #sorrystarbucks

Vincent Rodriguez III

I was assigned to this vanity in the men's ensemble room. Many of the theaters that have tours coming through, have murals of each of the shows. In this theatre, they had murals on their vanities instead. <i>Spamalot</i>! — I was assigned to this vanity in the men's ensemble room. Many of the theaters that have tours coming through, have murals of each of the shows. In this theatre, they had murals on their vanities instead. Spamalot!

Vincent Rodriguez III

Quick company meeting before we start sound check. — Quick company meeting before we start sound check.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Had to get my vanity box and unpack all my stuff before I head to the stage. — Had to get my vanity box and unpack all my stuff before I head to the stage.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Welcome to the house of Proctors Theatre. In the red shirt is our music director, Jay Alger. He's pretty awesome. — Welcome to the house of Proctors Theatre. In the red shirt is our music director, Jay Alger. He's pretty awesome.

Vincent Rodriguez III

And our pit with our local musicians for the week. Except for Albin E. Konopka, our Associate Music Director/Piano player and Joshua Samuels, our drummer. They travel with the company along with Jay as our trio music team. — And our pit with our local musicians for the week. Except for Albin E. Konopka, our Associate Music Director/Piano player and Joshua Samuels, our drummer. They travel with the company along with Jay as our trio music team.

Vincent Rodriguez III

And our stage at sound check. — And our stage at sound check.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Post sound check, many of us talk with our new dressers to go over some quick changes that range from 30 to 90 seconds. Me, I don't have quick changes so I went to…. — Post sound check, many of us talk with our new dressers to go over some quick changes that range from 30 to 90 seconds. Me, I don't have quick changes so I went to��.

Vincent Rodriguez III

…yup, that little coffee shop in the lobby. And of course, as a nice "Brother Luke," I got Marcus and my mic pack before heading up to the dressing room. — …yup, that little coffee shop in the lobby. And of course, as a nice "Brother Luke," I got Marcus and my mic pack before heading up to the dressing room.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Sometimes Aaron Umsted is ready at the places call. And sometimes there's an empty wardrobe rack. And sometimes I get a sensible photo of him and his back attitude. We have happy sailors aboard the S.S. American. — Sometimes Aaron Umsted is ready at the places call. And sometimes there's an empty wardrobe rack. And sometimes I get a sensible photo of him and his back attitude. We have happy sailors aboard the S.S. American.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Me and my little project during the show. The cast's first "Lip Sync" video. #spoileralert — Me and my little project during the show. The cast's first "Lip Sync" video. #spoileralert

Vincent Rodriguez III

Tonight Kristie Kerwin went on for Reno Sweeney and I caught her lounging after the show at Ambition, a local restaurant, in one of their sexy "Heel" chairs. I think Kristie is still in character here. — Tonight Kristie Kerwin went on for Reno Sweeney and I caught her lounging after the show at Ambition, a local restaurant, in one of their sexy "Heel" chairs. I think Kristie is still in character here.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Got to work a little early and saw they were having an onstage rehearsal for the opening bar scene with one of our replacements. — Got to work a little early and saw they were having an onstage rehearsal for the opening bar scene with one of our replacements.

Vincent Rodriguez III

At this moment, Gary is onstage as a priest and will come back to this chair to change into a passenger in less than 30 seconds before his next entrance. With a little planning, some rigging and a good dresser…it can happen. — At this moment, Gary is onstage as a priest and will come back to this chair to change into a passenger in less than 30 seconds before his next entrance. With a little planning, some rigging and a good dresser…it can happen.

Vincent Rodriguez III

The audience waits with anticipation. — The audience waits with anticipation.

Vincent Rodriguez III

First scene behind the curtain. — First scene behind the curtain.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Next scene behind the 2nd curtain. — Next scene behind the 2nd curtain.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Marcus with his bear, Doritos, enjoying some down time backstage. Yeah, we had lays from when we had a Luau potluck. — Marcus with his bear, Doritos, enjoying some down time backstage. Yeah, we had lays from when we had a Luau potluck.

Vincent Rodriguez III

A great way to have a company of actors sign posters without the use of a table. Brilliant. — A great way to have a company of actors sign posters without the use of a table. Brilliant.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Primping before Act II. Notice what Aaron Umsted is putting in his hair. #backstageshenanigins — Primping before Act II. Notice what Aaron Umsted is putting in his hair. #backstageshenanigins

Vincent Rodriguez III

We had three new cast members so we had a Put-In Rehearsal where the cast comes in to rehearse with the new folks. — We had three new cast members so we had a Put-In Rehearsal where the cast comes in to rehearse with the new folks.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Typically our principal actors are not called to this rehearsal, so instead, their understudies play their roles. — Typically our principal actors are not called to this rehearsal, so instead, their understudies play their roles.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Koh Mochizuki, one of our new cast members poses for my camera. — Koh Mochizuki, one of our new cast members poses for my camera.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Tony and Marcus iPhone-ing in the gondola. It is surprisingly comfortable to sit in it like that. (No, Marcus is not wearing a wig…or, is he?) — Tony and Marcus iPhone-ing in the gondola. It is surprisingly comfortable to sit in it like that. (No, Marcus is not wearing a wig…or, is he?)

Vincent Rodriguez III

Spacing out "Blow Gabriel Blow" with our newbies. — Spacing out "Blow Gabriel Blow" with our newbies.

Vincent Rodriguez III

It was a lovely night before half hour call. — It was a lovely night before half hour call.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Apostrophe, the awesome coffee house I went to daily, had a cool chalk art advertisement for our show. It only took me 5 days to notice it. #fail — Apostrophe, the awesome coffee house I went to daily, had a cool chalk art advertisement for our show. It only took me 5 days to notice it. #fail

Vincent Rodriguez III

Our call time for our Travel Day buses. Crew leaves way before the actors do so that they can get to the following city sooner and get our set loaded into the theatre. — Our call time for our Travel Day buses. Crew leaves way before the actors do so that they can get to the following city sooner and get our set loaded into the theatre.

Vincent Rodriguez III

When it's our final performance in a city, this is what my gondola looks like right before the finale. — When it's our final performance in a city, this is what my gondola looks like right before the finale.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Dennis Kelly, who plays Elisha Whitney decided he would pack himself away before the finale. Gary was moments away from not letting that happen. — Dennis Kelly, who plays Elisha Whitney decided he would pack himself away before the finale. Gary was moments away from not letting that happen.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Yup, load out begins a little early backstage as the crew stacks the chairs upstage right before the finale. This photo reminds of <i>Matilda</i> for some reason. #theatregeek — Yup, load out begins a little early backstage as the crew stacks the chairs upstage right before the finale. This photo reminds of Matilda for some reason. #theatregeek

Vincent Rodriguez III

As I get set for my entrance in the finale, I see the stage left dressers have preset tap shoes & shoe horns for some of the ensemble so that they can put them on quickly for the tap dance after the bows. — As I get set for my entrance in the finale, I see the stage left dressers have preset tap shoes & shoe horns for some of the ensemble so that they can put them on quickly for the tap dance after the bows.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Our beautiful Passengers, Sailors & Angels taking their bow. — Our beautiful Passengers, Sailors & Angels taking their bow.

Vincent Rodriguez III

The cast celebrates its 300th performance! — The cast celebrates its 300th performance!

Vincent Rodriguez III

Right before I leave the backstage gondola area, the big white and black drop go up into the fly space and many of our crew begin to break down the set. This whole process is called Load Out. — Right before I leave the backstage gondola area, the big white and black drop go up into the fly space and many of our crew begin to break down the set. This whole process is called Load Out.

Vincent Rodriguez III

And once we pack up our vanity boxes, we put them back in this big bin so they can be travelled to the next city. — And once we pack up our vanity boxes, we put them back in this big bin so they can be travelled to the next city.

Vincent Rodriguez III

As per usual, I'm the last one to leave the dressing room area and this is our final look at the dressing room before wardrobe comes to get our robes/slippers and our laundry. — As per usual, I'm the last one to leave the dressing room area and this is our final look at the dressing room before wardrobe comes to get our robes/slippers and our laundry.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Waving goodbye to my Spamalot vanity. Definitely the best vanity I've ever had. Thanks Proctors! — Waving goodbye to my Spamalot vanity. Definitely the best vanity I've ever had. Thanks Proctors!

Vincent Rodriguez III

On the humid walk back to the hotel I caught KTB, Ryan Steer & Josh Franklin before their small road trip back to NYC before we have 1st preview in Toronto on Wednesday evening. — On the humid walk back to the hotel I caught KTB, Ryan Steer & Josh Franklin before their small road trip back to NYC before we have 1st preview in Toronto on Wednesday evening.

Vincent Rodriguez III

For my night off, I enjoyed some sushi & drinks while I finished writing the script to a film project I'm working on. — For my night off, I enjoyed some sushi & drinks while I finished writing the script to a film project I'm working on.

Vincent Rodriguez III

This is what I saw at 6:30am when I woke up before loading the bus. — This is what I saw at 6:30am when I woke up before loading the bus.

Vincent Rodriguez III

All my luggage before I boarded the bus to Toronto. Yeah, I shoulda did my laundry before travel day. — All my luggage before I boarded the bus to Toronto. Yeah, I shoulda did my laundry before travel day.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Me with my homemade beef stew, iced coffee & bottled water before I board the bus to our 5 week stint in Toronto. Come visit beautiful Toronto and see our fun musical! Vincent Rodriguez the 3rd here signing off! — Me with my homemade beef stew, iced coffee & bottled water before I board the bus to our 5 week stint in Toronto. Come visit beautiful Toronto and see our fun musical! Vincent Rodriguez the 3rd here signing off!

Vincent Rodriguez III

After applying some lip balm and lip liner, I blot. Can't go on stage looking like a drag queen. Unless I'm in <i>Kinky Boots, Priscilla</i>… or <i>La Cage</i>. Hint hint: <i>Kinky Boots</i> =P

Final week in DC staying with friends and for me it starts with a morning iced tea latte and some food prep

I cooked up some Taco Chili and Qunioa w/ Peanut Sauce for my hosts. I'm a good houseguest. =)

Off I go on a beautiful sunny day in DC to drive my happy self to work, The Kennedy Center.

Ah, the callboard. Here we sign in and see what news there is to know from Company Management, Stage Management and other stuff.

One of our Stage Managers, Geneveive, puts them up in every city so we know where the heck we are going once we get to the theatre. Getting lost on your way to your entrance isn't a pleasant feeling.

Outside our dressing rooms we get our mic pack from the mic tree.

Marcus and I play a duo in the show so we often share the same dressing room. These signs also get put up before us actors get to the theatre for sound check.

We had a few extra vanities in this large dressing room so I got comfortable and made myself at home. Especially since we were there for 4 weeks as opposed to 1 week.

One of our dressers sets my costumes by my spot after steaming them so they look sharp for my first entrance. The robe on the left is so I don't walk around naked whenever I'm out of costume.

I like to keep my make up tidy so it's easy to find just in case I am running behind in my pre-show prep.

Gotta have my sugar and food options on stand-by. I usually eat right before the show and again during our big break after the Act II opener, "Blow Gabriel Blow."

A before shot so you guys see my little make up process.

After lining my eyes with white, which is supposed to make my eyes seem bigger, I put a bit of blush on.

Then I line my eyes with black eye liner via brush. My former pencil application wasn't strong enough with all my sweating so I switched to the heavy duty stuff, Paint Pot. #thanksmac

After applying some lip balm and lip liner, I blot. Can't go on stage looking like a drag queen. Unless I'm in <i>Kinky Boots, Priscilla</i>… or <i>La Cage</i>. Hint hint: <i>Kinky Boots</i> =P

Here's my mic pack and my mic belt. I have a very specific way of putting it on so that it doesn't come off and that it doesn't interfere with my hat or my physical warm up.

After wiping a small alcohol wipe by my right temple, behind my right ear and the center behind my neck, I use 3 small pieces of thin 3M tape to keep my mic from moving.

There's my mic clip which sits right under where my hat usually sits and there's my center mic tape spot.

I love my spats. Both Marcus Shane (the guy who plays my "brother" John) and I have spats. It helped show that our characters were trying to be more progressive towards American customs. ie. my fedora, which you'll see in the next photo.

And this is a finished me after about 10 to 15 minutes. (Sometimes my black eye liner gives me problems so it can take longer if I've had too much coffee. Shaky hands = busted eye liner

Whoops. Almost forgot to wrap my knee as per my physical therapist's orders. Doing 8 shows a week can take their toll on ya.

Yay, now I'm ready to go up to the stage. I bring a small bag with me that has my physical therapy toys, slippers for after the show, whatever pants I wore to work that day and my smoothie and/or my bottle of water.

The calm before the storm. This is usually what our backstage gondola area looks like when I arrive. All the sailors are on stage singing as I am there to drop off my bag, do a final looksy in the mirror then head stage right.

A few of our Angels wait backstage and chat quietly before their next entrance. I've always loved this lighting and now I get to share it with you guys!

Kristopher Thompson-Bolden (or KTB as we call him) being his charming happy self as he too awaits his next entrance stage right.

Once my first bit of the play is done, I head back to my chair and take off my hat and hang my jacket so it stays crisp. Along with it is my tuxedo tails for the finale.

I tap less than others do in the show so my tape lasts longer. (Reason for the tape: So we don't slip and fall during the tap number, "Anything Goes." Yes, it's happened to many of us)

See? Though this has probably one more show left in it then I'll redo them, which happens about every 6 to 8 performances with two layers of tape.

A little overview of my small bag of stuff that sits to the left of my chair. That roller is shared by many of us backstage before we do our dance numbers.

Speaking of physical therapy, here is our sign up sheet that goes up every Tuesday. First come, first dibs on time slots.

Backstage we do numerous things to occupy our time. Jeff Brooks is catching up on emails and texts. Apparently that spot by the stairs was a perfect spot to catch a signal without going outside.

And while we pass the time backstage, there are monitors throughout the backstage/dressing room area where we can watch what's happening onstage.

For the past few weeks, Marcus, will wait backstage, leave his bible for me to put back in the prop box and he hides somewhere nearby till I find him. And when he sees that I see him, he hisses like a cat and playfully runs away.

…fun things like….Facebook on our phones. (and this isn't even the most sailors we've had at one time on their phones.)

Mackenzie Warren awaits in the wings, dressed for one of her crosses as a passenger aboard the S.S. American. As one of the understudies for Reno Sweeney, she likes to be ready and knowledgeable with her understudy assignment by watching.

During the show we have lots of down time. Some of us read a book, like Gary Lindemann here.

Or you can take some floor backstage and stretch like one of our newest Angels, Katie Hagen. Usually you can find more of us on that floor with Katie, warming up and stretching before our big dance numbers.

Had to make an important phone call during my big break in the show in Act II, so I had to step outside since our phones didn't work inside the Kennedy Center. I also got a great photo out of it. (Notice the American flags. I felt so patriotic)

Backstage that week, Correy West was tracking one of our sailors since would soon be replacing one of our cast members. Correy may look familiar since he was just in <i>Nice Work If You Can Get It</i> on Broadway, another Kathleen Marshall show. Welcome

Okay, so sometimes after Blow Gabriel Blow, we get overheated, so yes, the costumes come off and the best spot to sit and catch your breath is next to the backstage fan…turned up to the max.

Some of our sailors have numerous entrances and so there's a lot of sitting and waiting for their next entrance. Or in Tony Neidenbach's case, a sensible "lay down" and wait. (Note: This was after dancing 3 of our big dance numbers) #starbucksbetweenshow

Now here is me in my little "sit and wait" spot. Everyone is onstage for the wedding except for Marcus & I. It's probably my favorite grooming prep for the show since I get to wear tails and gel my hair over. I love the 1930s look. #ilovegenekelly

For 4th of July I went to a theme park with my partner and friends. It was such an awesome day.

I even rode this! The tallest roller coaster I think I've ever been on. Ridiculously scary but so much fun! Thanks Intimidator 305!

With daytime off, catching a late night showing of a movie can be a nice alternative to going out for food and drinks. We ended up having a private screening for me and my friends of "Monsters University." Fun times!

Travel day this time was a bus from Washington, D.C. to Schenectady, NY, so I got to carry way more stuff than if I were to travel on a plane. I loaded up on groceries at Trader Joes since there wasn't one in Schenectady. Can you tell?

Never stayed in a hotel where there was a swimming pool AND water fountain IN the lobby. The smell reminded me of my high school swimming pool. #random

This is what I get for not unpacking properly as soon as I get to my hotel room. Ugh.

Not the best view but at least I don't have to worry about anyone seeing me walk around in my undies.

A lovely walkway past some cute little stores on the way to the theatre.

A bunch of the stores had our show advertised. Love seeing that!

Ah yes, our home for the week. Proctors Theatre. Conveniently attached to a coffee shop that I went to about every day. #sorrystarbucks

I was assigned to this vanity in the men's ensemble room. Many of the theaters that have tours coming through, have murals of each of the shows. In this theatre, they had murals on their vanities instead. <i>Spamalot</i>!

Quick company meeting before we start sound check.

Had to get my vanity box and unpack all my stuff before I head to the stage.

Welcome to the house of Proctors Theatre. In the red shirt is our music director, Jay Alger. He's pretty awesome.

And our pit with our local musicians for the week. Except for Albin E. Konopka, our Associate Music Director/Piano player and Joshua Samuels, our drummer. They travel with the company along with Jay as our trio music team.

And our stage at sound check.

Post sound check, many of us talk with our new dressers to go over some quick changes that range from 30 to 90 seconds. Me, I don't have quick changes so I went to….

…yup, that little coffee shop in the lobby. And of course, as a nice "Brother Luke," I got Marcus and my mic pack before heading up to the dressing room.

Sometimes Aaron Umsted is ready at the places call. And sometimes there's an empty wardrobe rack. And sometimes I get a sensible photo of him and his back attitude. We have happy sailors aboard the S.S. American.

Me and my little project during the show. The cast's first "Lip Sync" video. #spoileralert

Tonight Kristie Kerwin went on for Reno Sweeney and I caught her lounging after the show at Ambition, a local restaurant, in one of their sexy "Heel" chairs. I think Kristie is still in character here.

Got to work a little early and saw they were having an onstage rehearsal for the opening bar scene with one of our replacements.

At this moment, Gary is onstage as a priest and will come back to this chair to change into a passenger in less than 30 seconds before his next entrance. With a little planning, some rigging and a good dresser…it can happen.

The audience waits with anticipation.

First scene behind the curtain.

Next scene behind the 2nd curtain.

Marcus with his bear, Doritos, enjoying some down time backstage. Yeah, we had lays from when we had a Luau potluck.

A great way to have a company of actors sign posters without the use of a table. Brilliant.

Primping before Act II. Notice what Aaron Umsted is putting in his hair. #backstageshenanigins

We had three new cast members so we had a Put-In Rehearsal where the cast comes in to rehearse with the new folks.

Typically our principal actors are not called to this rehearsal, so instead, their understudies play their roles.

Koh Mochizuki, one of our new cast members poses for my camera.

Tony and Marcus iPhone-ing in the gondola. It is surprisingly comfortable to sit in it like that. (No, Marcus is not wearing a wig…or, is he?)

Spacing out "Blow Gabriel Blow" with our newbies.

It was a lovely night before half hour call.

Apostrophe, the awesome coffee house I went to daily, had a cool chalk art advertisement for our show. It only took me 5 days to notice it. #fail

Our call time for our Travel Day buses. Crew leaves way before the actors do so that they can get to the following city sooner and get our set loaded into the theatre.

When it's our final performance in a city, this is what my gondola looks like right before the finale.

Dennis Kelly, who plays Elisha Whitney decided he would pack himself away before the finale. Gary was moments away from not letting that happen.

Yup, load out begins a little early backstage as the crew stacks the chairs upstage right before the finale. This photo reminds of <i>Matilda</i> for some reason. #theatregeek

As I get set for my entrance in the finale, I see the stage left dressers have preset tap shoes & shoe horns for some of the ensemble so that they can put them on quickly for the tap dance after the bows.

Our beautiful Passengers, Sailors & Angels taking their bow.

The cast celebrates its 300th performance!

Right before I leave the backstage gondola area, the big white and black drop go up into the fly space and many of our crew begin to break down the set. This whole process is called Load Out.

And once we pack up our vanity boxes, we put them back in this big bin so they can be travelled to the next city.

As per usual, I'm the last one to leave the dressing room area and this is our final look at the dressing room before wardrobe comes to get our robes/slippers and our laundry.

Waving goodbye to my Spamalot vanity. Definitely the best vanity I've ever had. Thanks Proctors!

On the humid walk back to the hotel I caught KTB, Ryan Steer & Josh Franklin before their small road trip back to NYC before we have 1st preview in Toronto on Wednesday evening.

For my night off, I enjoyed some sushi & drinks while I finished writing the script to a film project I'm working on.

This is what I saw at 6:30am when I woke up before loading the bus.

All my luggage before I boarded the bus to Toronto. Yeah, I shoulda did my laundry before travel day.

Me with my homemade beef stew, iced coffee & bottled water before I board the bus to our 5 week stint in Toronto. Come visit beautiful Toronto and see our fun musical! Vincent Rodriguez the 3rd here signing off!

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