I got to start off discussing RENT "live" because I have a lot of thoughts. I'm also a huge fan (and of theater/musical theater in general... I did graduate with a minor in theater lol). I saw the off-Broadway revival as well as an amateur production than I've also seen the Filmed Live on Broadway movie and the actual movie. All were VERY differently done so I think I have a different view on how it should be done. I think Jordan Fisher is the best Mark yet. His rendition of Halloween hit me harder than any rendition I've seen before even Anthony Rapp's rendition. Vanessa also was fantastic as Maureen, which shocked me since I watched vids of her as Mimi at the Hollywood Bowl and did not like it but Maureen she went all in, not better than Idina (who I don't really like as a musical theater actress so this a lot for me to say). Her and Jordan held the show together. I think Brandon Victor Dixon was great (I recommend watching the concert the cast performed while the pre-recorded dress rehearsal was shown), but Jessie L. Martin... you just can't beat that voice. I LOVE Valentina, the drag queen who played Angel, so I'm a bit biased but she is new, she's not a trained theatrical actor or singer like the rest and I felt so bad she choked during "Today 4 U", that's a difficult song but overall I felt she turned it out and I'll Cover You and Contact were really well done. Tinashe was good, I personally think everyone's being harsh about her. Her voice wasn't great. Brennin Hunt was bland af as Roger and the biggest disappointment for me. Mario was forgettable as Benny. Joanne was good, nothing incredible. I hated how censored they made it and what they censored (like it just didn't make sense some times) and all the added script, it was so distracting and didn't add anything. "Contact" was staged beautifully and that final image was unreal. I thought "La Vie Boheme" was very nuanced choreo-wise and had cute nods to the original choreo so I liked that (changes to lyrics tho... ew). Act 2 overall was stronger than Act 1. And the finale had me in tears, that was the big highlight. Overall, I enjoyed it but I am bitter they didn't have an understudy. It was so unprofessional imo Still, as a Rent-head, I'm just glad the world knows more of such an incredible show.
Ok, that got long, oops. Please don't feel like you have to respond to all of that lmao (the theater buff/student just went WILD)
Anyways, the update!
Love all your Spaceship Earth photos. The emptiness and the calm of the morning are just so evident, it looks so beautiful. And gotta love those character topiaries.
So glad despite having to change all your plans, you had a great morning! I love Garden Grill, but haven't been in nearly ten years back when it was only dinner. Loved the food, loved the characters (Pluto is ALWAYS the best), but this definitely has me wanting to try breakfast there. And your character selfies are so sweet, especially the one where Dale gave you a hug. Best chipmunk for sure.
I'm sorry you didn't get to see Vanellope with Ralph. I met them back when they were at Studios when the Animation building existed and the first movie had recently come out (feels so long ago WOW) and she was the highlight (didn't even realize Ralph was there tbh). You gotta go back to see her. Glad you still had fun with Ralph. Having the whole family and the other CMs there, it's more fun when everyone is involved.
He was so perfect for us! Like, if there was a dating app to match someone with the perfect plaid, he'd have been our choice hands down. It absolutely seems like a dream job, and I laughed at your comment on costuming - I've read your reports before, and about your time on CP, so I have to ask: do you also judge best roles and costumes based on how hot they'd be in the bazillion degree heat?? That's basically my criteria for how I pick and choose which jobs I'd want at the parks
Or by what they have to wear when it's cold, because the coats CMs wear on Splash and Big Thunder when it's cold look like a nightmare, how do they even move in those bulky things?? I also sit and think about how I'd be handling summer in a HM maid's dress, lol! (i'd figure out a way to just deal with that one, I think!!)
Honestly, no haha I love the heat! I spent a whole day at
Disneyland in up to 116 degrees and it was one of my favorite days, nobody was at the park so I was living for all of it, could care less it felt like an oven outside and if I wasn't comfy (you're gonna be uncomfortable one way or another with FL or CA heat in the summer). I mostly judge on what I think I'd enjoy the most. Like I'd love to work Haunted Mansion just because of the character you have to take on, same with Character Performer or Attendant. Also a good amount roles have multiple costumes, like attractions and food & beverage roles, so I feel like judging the costume is way too much foresight in judging a role since it's just one factor and you're not guaranteed it. It's all up to what I think fits me personally and what would be enjoyable for me. If I was having fun, I could care less how I looked or how hot I was in the costume.