Stroll Down Memory Lane

Speedy · Veteran Member

RE: Stroll Down Memory Lane

Speedy · Veteran Member

Kate, me and Juliana

Speedy · Veteran Member

Eris and Derek

Speedy · Veteran Member

Chad Doreck, a Danny contestant, me and Kathleen Marshall, the dirctor and choreographer of the Broadway Show Grease. Also, David Ian, producer and one of the judges on the panel along with Kathleen Marshall and Jim Jacobs.

Bumble Bee · Veteran Member

That Chad really is a cutie isn't he? Ashley and I ran into him on one of my visits to New York. We were eating at "Vinyl." It was such a surprise to see him!

Kristen · Guru

Speedy wrote:

Chad Doreck, a Danny contestant, me and Kathleen Marshall, the dirctor and choreographer of the Broadway Show Grease. Also, David Ian, producer and one of the judges on the panel along with Kathleen Marshall and Jim Jacobs.

Love your pictures, Speedy! Thanks for sharing! smile

Kristen · Guru

And Speedy I enjoyed hearing your story about going to finale! I'm sorry about your family's loss, but I'm glad that you were able to all be together and celebrate something positive. Your family can be so proud of Ashley! Not only in all of her accomplishments but in what a wonderful person she is!

Broadway Dude · Veteran Member

Yeah, these are all great! Nice to see them here this weekend! Thanks! Hard to believe that the show grossed $850,000 last week and that it is closing!

I know it was a Holiday week, but that is still a lot of money. Good luck to all the great people in this show...

Kristen · Guru

Bumble Bee, I loved your pictures too! smile

Kristen · Guru

Broadway Dude wrote:

Yeah, these are all great! Nice to see them here this weekend! Thanks! Hard to believe that the show grossed $850,000 last week and that it is closing!

I know it was a Holiday week, but that is still a lot of money. Good luck to all the great people in this show...

I guess that we need to look on the bright side that a lot of people are getting to see the talented cast perform before the show closes. I wish everyone much success as they continue in their careers too!

Speedy · Veteran Member

My uncle and cousins with Ashley and a large group of us all wearing our green, which was Ashley's color.

Bumble Bee · Veteran Member

Speedy wrote:

My uncle and cousins with Ashley and a large group of us all wearing our green, which was Ashley's color.

Love the neck decor...lol Did you have them made especially for the day? They look real!

Eris · Guru

I don't know how I can sum up a nearly two year long roller coaster ride in a post on a message board. There are too many great memories to get them all down. I'll run down a few highlights.

1. Accidentally catching a repeat of the reality show on Bravo late one night while doing laundry and getting hooked.

2. Having the opportunity to fly out to LA and see the taping of "Danny's Night" the day after my birthday.

3. The fundraiser for Meghan which led to my being able to attend the finale. While the show didn't end the way everyone wanted I really think it ended the correct way. Everyone got great opportunities out of it.

5. Seeing Ashley in Hairspray, Derek in Tale of Two Cities and All Shook Up, Kate go on as Elle in Legally Blonde, Juliana in College: The Musical, Kevin in Tale of Two Cities, Chad in Altar Boyz, and Allie go on as Patti and ChaCha in Grease.

6. Seeing Max and Laura in Grease for the first time with some really great people after Christmas last year.

7. Being at Max and Laura's closing night and Derek and Ashley's opening.

8. Lots and lots of hugs

9. Sitting front row twice. So much fun!

10. Having a lot of fun with my many friends.

Speedy · Veteran Member

Well, as we all know, Ashley did not win the TV competiton but the very next morning we all got together for breakfast and before Ashley even came down to eat, her phone started to ring with offers for work. She was offered the lead in a national tour but she wanted to perform on Broadway and did, starting July 10, 2007 in "Hairspray" as Amber VonTussle a role she enjoyed for one year and then, finnally, the role of "Sandy" in Grease. Her story has come full circle from two years ago to now. I have had the privilege to see her in both shows and am amazed still by her talent and how genuine she remains. She is just Ashley, we can be silly and laugh and still have great fun. What is next for her? I can't wait to find out and you can bet that I will be there, wherever and whenever that may be.

Kristen · Guru

Speedy wrote:

Well, as we all know, Ashley did not win the TV competiton but the very next morning we all got together for breakfast and before Ashley even came down to eat, her phone started to ring with offers for work. She was offered the lead in a national tour but she wanted to perform on Broadway and did, starting July 10, 2007 in "Hairspray" as Amber VonTussle a role she enjoyed for one year and then, finnally, the role of "Sandy" in Grease. Her story has come full circle from two years ago to now. I have had the privilege to see her in both shows and am amazed still by her talent and how genuine she remains. She is just Ashley, we can be silly and laugh and still have great fun. What is next for her? I can't wait to find out and you can bet that I will be there, wherever and whenever that may be.

I can't wait to see too, Speedy! I know great things are ahead for her!

And though the results were not what I wanted, I am so grateful that I was able to see Ashley in TWO Broadway shows. She was amazing in both, and I know that it won't be long until I am in the audience watching her perform again! smile

-- Edited by Kristen at 17:57, 2009-01-03

Suddenly_Sandy · Veteran Member

Eris wrote:
"I don't know how I can sum up a nearly two year long roller coaster ride in a post on a message board. There are too many great memories to get them all down. I'll run down a few highlights.

3. The fundraiser for Meghan which led to my being able to attend the finale. While the show didn't end the way everyone wanted I really think it ended the correct way. Everyone got great opportunities out of it."

___________________________________________________________________________

You have mentioned the fundraiser for Meghan numerous times, I am curious as to how that led to your being able to attend the finale. I know that the tickets for the finale were extremely hard to get. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't someone from Ashley's family put your name on the list? I mean isn't that how you were able to go to the last Grease TV show? And didn't Meghan send you candy from her home town also as a thank you for your efforts? I could be wrong, after all it has been two years already. I am sure you will be able to clear this up or maybe Meghan will remember. Seems to me you were also supposed to go the March 18th show but got snowed in? Now that is a memory. Anyway, I am sure that you will be able to clear it all up for us.

-- Edited by Suddenly_Sandy at 19:53, 2009-01-03

BBS420 · Guru

I think one of the greatest things for me, and the biggest surprise, has been the friendships I have formed here with so many new people. Taylor fans I had never talked to before, and the regulars, who welcomed us, even though the road was a little rocky at first. lol. and of course the show itself. I would not have gone to see it if it hadn't been for Taylor, but what a fun and energetic show it was.

I will stay in touch with those that would like to, and hopefully get to meet more of you in the future.
Grease is the word!

pinkfan · Senior Member

Speedy wrote:
Eris and Derek

What a beautiful dress Eris. You sure have been a huge part of the Grease experience from the very beginning. I remember your "Slumber Party" on the GYTOTIW NBC boards.
There were like 23,000 posts on that thread and I even remember reading you doing a play by play of the performances while the show was on TV live, much like the Phillies baseball games. Do you remember that? I am not sure how many people who are left on these boards remember the famous "Slumber Party", that must bring back a lot of memories.

-- Edited by pinkfan at 20:19, 2009-01-03

Luvin Broadway · Veteran Member

pinkfan wrote:

Speedy wrote:
Eris and Derek

What a beautiful dress Eris. You sure have been a huge part of the Grease experience from the very beginning. I remember your "Slumber Party" on the GYTOTIW NBC boards.
There were like 23,000 posts on that thread and I even remember reading you doing a play by play of the performances while the show was on TV live, much like the Phillies baseball games. Do you remember that? I am not sure how many people who are left on these boards remember the famous "Slumber Party", that must bring back a lot of memories.

-- Edited by pinkfan at 20:19, 2009-01-03

That sounds like it was a lot of fun!

Eris · Guru

Suddenly_Sandy wrote:
You have mentioned the fundraiser for Meghan numerous times, I am curious as to how that led to your being able to attend the finale. I know that the tickets for the finale were extremely hard to get. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't someone from Ashley's family put your name on the list? I mean isn't that how you were able to go to the last Grease TV show? And didn't Meghan send you candy from her home town also as a thank you for your efforts? I could be wrong, after all it has been two years already. I am sure you will be able to clear this up or maybe Meghan will remember. Seems to me you were also supposed to go the March 18th show but got snowed in? Now that is a memory. Anyway, I am sure that you will be able to clear it all up for us.

I don't remember if it was Meghan or Ashley's mother but one of them had suggested that I come out to LA to be part of the big "surprise". The plan was that Meghan, her friend, and I would split a hotel room between the three of us but we had a huge ice storm out here that weekend. Meghan was able to switch the tickets to the finale and that's how I was able to get there. I recall people on the NBC message board were practically begging for tickets on there. And yes Meghan did send me a box of candy even though I told her it wasn't necessary. Not that I didn't appreciate her thoughtfulness. I just didn't go into the venture expecting anything out of it.

In fact, when I started the fundraiser I was sure no one would take me seriously. I thought they'd think the idea was ridiculous and just laugh. I was certainly not expecting to raise over $600. We ended up turning people away because Meghan didn't want to take more than what was needed. Which is perfectly understandable. Those of you who have been around since the NBC days may recall that after my fundraiser for Meghan the Austin fans threw in money to send Austin's best friend out to LA for the finale. They raised over $1,000 and when all was said in done people were asking for proof on how the money had been spent. I'm so glad we didn't run into anything like that.

The fundraiser turned out so well for everyone involved in my opinion. And I think we're all very grateful to each other for all of it.

Pinkfan, I went to about five stores looking for something blue because I didn't have anything. I found that during my lunch hour one day at Express on the clearance rack. Later that night Derek was eliminated. Timing, huh?

Yes, the slumber party thread was eventually deleted. I guess someone complained about it. *shrugs* I still keep in touch with a few of the gals from the thread though.

And yes....we had a recap thread every week to discuss each episode as it was happening. Those were always a lot of fun.

-- Edited by Eris at 20:38, 2009-01-03

HopelesslyDevotedToGrease · Newbie

Eris wrote:

I don't know how I can sum up a nearly two year long roller coaster ride in a post on a message board. There are too many great memories to get them all down. I'll run down a few highlights.

1. Accidentally catching a repeat of the reality show on Bravo late one night while doing laundry and getting hooked.

2. Having the opportunity to fly out to LA and see the taping of "Danny's Night" the day after my birthday.

3. The fundraiser for Meghan which led to my being able to attend the finale. While the show didn't end the way everyone wanted I really think it ended the correct way. Everyone got great opportunities out of it.

5. Seeing Ashley in Hairspray, Derek in Tale of Two Cities and All Shook Up, Kate go on as Elle in Legally Blonde, Juliana in College: The Musical, Kevin in Tale of Two Cities, Chad in Altar Boyz, and Allie go on as Patti and ChaCha in Grease.

6. Seeing Max and Laura in Grease for the first time with some really great people after Christmas last year.

7. Being at Max and Laura's closing night and Derek and Ashley's opening.

8. Lots and lots of hugs

9. Sitting front row twice. So much fun!

10. Having a lot of fun with my many friends.

Eris, I didn't even realise how long all of you guys that have been here from the start, have been posting together. You must have so many good memories. It must have been so much fun to be a part of it from the start. It's very similar to the bond that me and my friends have formed, from being fans of the same person from Idol. I can't imagine how it must feel for it to be ending now, but hope all you guys can keep in touch. You have a lot of Broadway knowledge and I have really enjoyed your posts. Take Care.

pinkfan · Senior Member

What ever happened to Andromitta? Was she just a Max fan? I guess.

-- Edited by pinkfan at 20:47, 2009-01-03

pinkfan · Senior Member

Wasn't it you and Andy who did the Slumber Party?

Eris · Guru

pinkfan wrote:
What ever happened to Andromitta? Was she just a Max fan? I guess.
-- Edited by pinkfan at 20:47, 2009-01-03

She liked all of the contestants and even got to see Ashley, Derek, and Kevin perform but Max is her one true love lol

pinkfan · Senior Member

What will you do now Eris?

pinkfan · Senior Member

I think that NBC should bring all of the contestants back, kind of a reunion, to see what they have all done since the TV show and what is next for them, that would be fun, they could have people from other reality shows that they have done too.

Eris · Guru

I'm not sure what you mean. I still have my friends, my job, and my other activities.

pinkfan · Senior Member

Well, there has to be some kind of void after all, you have spent a lot of time on this and the NBC boards as well for two years now. I mean, look at the number of posts.

Bumble Bee · Veteran Member

There will be a void in a lot of our lives, when this show is over!

Eris · Guru

I don't see it that way. I feel as if I've been blessed with a great experience and I will have my memories for the rest of my life. Not only that but my social circle has widened tremendously and I will continue to see and keep in touch with the many people I've met over the past two years.

BBS420 · Guru

Bumble Bee wrote:
There will be a void in a lot of our lives, when this show is over!

amen.

BBS420 · Guru

Eris wrote:
I don't see it that way. I feel as if I've been blessed with a great experience and I will have my memories for the rest of my life. Not only that but my social circle has widened tremendously and I will continue to see and keep in touch with the many people I've met over the past two years.

I am keeping in touch with some very nice people from this board.

pinkfan · Senior Member

All the "Sandys", those wonderful posters and of course Jim Jacobs with Ashley.

Kristen · Guru

pinkfan wrote:

All the "Sandys", those wonderful posters and of course Jim Jacobs with Ashley.

Love the pictures, pinkfan! And I'm so thankful that I have my Ashley poster! smile

pinkfan · Senior Member

Where did you get an Ashley poster Kristen?

pinkfan · Senior Member

Oh, I remember now. I should have a picture somewhere.

-- Edited by pinkfan at 22:13, 2009-01-03

Kristen · Guru

pinkfan wrote:

Where did you get an Ashley poster Kristen?

I got the Ashley "Grease" poster at the finale party in Ohio! smile I love it!

BBS420 · Guru

Kristen wrote:
pinkfan wrote:

Where did you get an Ashley poster Kristen?

I got the Ashley "Grease" poster at the finale party in Ohio! I love it!

right around the corner from me.

pinkfan · Senior Member

BBS420 you were right up the road from that party and didn't even know it.

BBS420 · Guru

pinkfan wrote:
BBS420 you were right up the road from that party and didn't even know it.

I know, I really wish I had watched the show, I could have met you and cheered Ashley on, I'm a pretty good chearleader for a celebrity I like.

I only watched the first couple shows.

pinkfan · Senior Member

Just curious, why did you only watch the first couple of shows?

Kristen · Guru

BBS420 wrote:

pinkfan wrote:
BBS420 you were right up the road from that party and didn't even know it.

I know, I really wish I had watched the show, I could have met you and cheered Ashley on, I'm a pretty good chearleader for a celebrity I like.
I only watched the first couple shows.

Everyone was so friendly at the party too! smile

That was another great "Grease" memory for me! Ashley's family and friends are wonderful people! It was so great to see all of the support that she has!

BBS420 · Guru

pinkfan wrote:
Just curious, why did you only watch the first couple of shows?

hubby is the one who watched it, and happened to be home the first couple times it was on. I don't watch much tv, and when he went back on the road, I forgot to watch.

BBS420 · Guru

Kristen wrote:
BBS420 wrote:

pinkfan wrote:
BBS420 you were right up the road from that party and didn't even know it.

I know, I really wish I had watched the show, I could have met you and cheered Ashley on, I'm a pretty good chearleader for a celebrity I like.
I only watched the first couple shows.

Everyone was so friendly at the party too! That was another great "Grease" memory for me! Ashley's family and friends are wonderful people! It was so great to see all of the support that she has!

maybe I could have bumped you out of the best Ashley fan. lol just kidding.

pinkfan · Senior Member

We'll have to get together sometime and watch it again. Several of us have all the shows and Grease Academy and auditions. I haven't watched for a very long time.

BBS420 · Guru

pinkfan wrote:
We'll have to get together sometime and watch it again. Several of us have all the shows and Grease Academy and auditions. I haven't watched for a very long time.

and then we can watch my man win season 5 ai!!

pinkfan · Senior Member

You know the old saying, when one door closes, another one opens? Well that is so true for Ashley. She did not have many opportunities in Canton/Massillon, where she grew up to do musical theater outside of school. Yes she did take dance most of her life and performed and competed in that but as one grows up you want to do more and it just wasn't available to her. So there was an audition for Beauty and the Beast in Cleveland, now that is about an hour, hour and fifteen minutes away but she want to audition for it. The show was to run for the month of December in 2005. Ashley went for the audition and two call backs until it was between her and another girl, so she was hopeful. Well, she didn't get the part.
She was upset at the time but as it turns out, she auditioned in NY for Barbie Live on December 5th and got the part of understudy. She had that job until August of '06 and then she moved to NY to start the process all over again. In November of '06 she auditioned for GYTOTIW and the rest you know. So, when one door closes, another one opens.

BBS420 · Guru

I am very happy for Ashley, and it's exciting she's a hometown girl. I am sure she will have a wonderful career in the theater.

Kristen · Guru

pinkfan wrote:

You know the old saying, when one door closes, another one opens? Well that is so true for Ashley. She did not have many opportunities in Canton/Massillon, where she grew up to do musical theater outside of school. Yes she did take dance most of her life and performed and competed in that but as one grows up you want to do more and it just wasn't available to her. So there was an audition for Beauty and the Beast in Cleveland, now that is about an hour, hour and fifteen minutes away but she want to audition for it. The show was to run for the month of December in 2005. Ashley went for the audition and two call backs until it was between her and another girl, so she was hopeful. Well, she didn't get the part.
She was upset at the time but as it turns out, she auditioned in NY for Barbie Live on December 5th and got the part of understudy. She had that job until August of '06 and then she moved to NY to start the process all over again. In November of '06 she auditioned for GYTOTIW and the rest you know. So, when one door closes, another one opens.

What a great story! And an important lesson for us all to remember! smile

Kristen · Guru

BBS420 wrote:

Kristen wrote:

BBS420 wrote:

pinkfan wrote:
BBS420 you were right up the road from that party and didn't even know it.

I know, I really wish I had watched the show, I could have met you and cheered Ashley on, I'm a pretty good chearleader for a celebrity I like.
I only watched the first couple shows.

Everyone was so friendly at the party too! That was another great "Grease" memory for me! Ashley's family and friends are wonderful people! It was so great to see all of the support that she has!

maybe I could have bumped you out of the best Ashley fan. lol just kidding.

You can be a fellow fan! smile