Moving and Shaking

Have you ever wondered how tours get around? I just found out.

I don't know why I haven't thought about it before, but there is an awful lot of stuff that needs to get from place to place rather quickly. Our set takes up 3 large crates! These are the kind that travel on those large ocean freighters and are unloaded in massive ports. Our show was sent out weeks before our arrival. Within countries, this jigsaw puzzle travels on the back of three semi trucks. I do not envy the crew's job!

It is currently after midnight on Saturday and all of our luggage was to report downstairs in the lobby for pick-up. While we are performing our three shows tomorrow, the bags will be traveling to our next destination in Changzhou.

Wait! Our bags are leaving a day before us?

Yes.

And we need to check out of the hotel tomorrow morning before a full 13 hour work day?

Yes.

So no showers?

Correct.

No bed to relax on?

That's right.

And we are leaving 30 minutes after the final show?

You got it!

Bring it on! Yes everyone, we will be stinking up our transportation vehicle. Fortunately, most of us will be so tired to find the stench a bother. And Changzhou is only a two hour drive away.

The crew remains behind for however long it takes to pack up our massive set, props, lighting, cameras, and costumes. Only then will they make their smellier journey to our next city, where the performers have a day off and the crew must immediately get to work setting everything up all over again to prepare for our shows this Wednesday and Thursday.

And we do it all over again Thursday night when we head to Wuxi for some weekend engagements! No days off for the crew this week.

Thankfully, Danielle graciously gave me her nifty backpack for my flights to China. It has proven itself useful once more, serving as my temporary suitcase for tomorrow's day of filth and sorrow. Thank you sweetheart!

 We also change roommates each city. Before we travel, there is a sign-up sheet available to give us an opportunity to pick our own hotel partners. For the next two cities, I will be traveling with fellow performer Shavar Horton. He has been an extremely kind friend, leaving to pick me up food and items on multiple occasions while I was too sick or sore to leave. I think a very strong friendship will form out of this international adventure.

Great news: most of our cities in China are promoted events, meaning that an outside company is putting up the funds to house and transport us in return for a cut of the ticket sales! Thank you to our many kind promoters here is China! You have provided us all with excellent hospitality and kindness. I look forward to all the experiences you are providing the cast and crew of Winnie the Pooh!

-- Nathaniel Beaver

Comments

[Danielle Moses]

I'm glad you're enjoying the backpack, baby. I've been on the hunt for a new one so that I have a carry on when I come see you.

Sorry about your smelly trip, but I'm happy things are going well for you!

[Shavar]

You know I've been to many concerts, Circus's, and many Disney on Ice shows but not once have I ever wondered how the shows travel and were set up. But it's really fascinating how things are done. From packing the trucks to tearing down the sets I do find it interesting. It really does take a group effort to put on a show. I think this is the week when you ate the soup? Yeah man you know I have your back. That honey milk tea alway made me happy....Mmmmm