Dawson-Boyd

It's time for a Seuss update. This past week was a true mid-west adventure. Three long travel days through Ohio, Wisconsin, et al, landing us in St. Paul, Minnesota on Wednesday night. I hadn't been west (REALLY west) in a while so it was a reminder to me of how progressive the east coast is. However, this part of the country has a certain charm and a definite calm one doesn't get in New York. Perhaps it's a result of miles upon miles of farmland and cows. Who knows?

Moreover, I will say that Super 8s are actually quite decent and accomodating "hotels," and Starbucks has become quite popular among many Highway rest areas (though not in Iowa, but that's no surprise).

However, the best part of this week for me has been our travels through and in Minnesota. Wednesday night, in Minneapolis, we checked out a yummy Italian restaurant called Lorino Pasta Bar, which I highly recommend. The restaurant has a massive Saloon feeling and sports a metropolitan, western, kitchy and creative ambiance. And fantastic food, which is a nice bonus. Afterwards, our cast mate and dance captain took us on a driving tour through the city. The only bad part of Minneapolis was that we weren't there for more than a day.

After our performance on Thursday morning we hit the road toward Dawson, MN but had to stay overnight in the middle of farmland. Literally. At various times throughout this drive, I felt as if I were in a horror film. It was slightly scary and rather exhilarating at the same time. THIS was it; REAL American farmland. The middle of the country, as far from the daily stress of New York as one could get. There was nowhere to get food that night except a random grocery store around the corner. I got yogurt and cottage cheese.

So, the next morning we embark to Dawson, MN to perform at a school, which I believe was a middle school and a high school. The students and adults at the school were beyond lovely and helpful and excited to have us. The drama department teenagers told us it was the best show they have ever seen (which was flattering and weird at the same time). Apparently the town of Dawson has about 1500 people and the one next to it, Boyd, has about 5 or 600, so they were combined to make Dawson-Boyd.

There was an adorable coffee shop on the main strip, a street that appeared to me to have popped out of Waiting for Guffman. I couldn't have been happier. The rain made the whole experience magical. I felt cozy, at peace and had amazing chili at the diner.

Upon leaving this town we traveled to Okoboji, IA, which was boring enough, but there was a Super Wal-Mart across the street which made us all ecstatic. Unless, one has experienced a Wal- Mart with a food section in the middle of America, there's no point in getting into detail. It's simply religious and inspiring.

We are currently in Waukegan, IL. Traveled here yesterday and have had the day off today. Unfortunately, I went to the doctor today to find out that I have laryngitis. I spent half my day off at a clinic, but I got to read my trashy romance novel which is AMAZING, so it made the waiting around more bearable.

We perform tomorrow morning at the Genesee Theatre here in Waukegan and then head into Hyde Park, Chicago. I'm excited to go to the aquarium and the Art Institute this week. Fish and paintings--what could be better?