climbin’ up hill

I'm up every morning at six And standing in line With two hundred girls Who are younger and thinner than me Who have already been to the gym I'm waiting five hours in line And watching the girls Just coming and going In dresses that look just like this Till my number is finally called When I walk in the room There's a table of men Always men - usually gay Who've been sitting like I have And listening all day To two hundred girls Belting as high as they can!

[rilcyjames]

jeranderson‌:

I think you’d make a great Lucielle. We should duet together sometime this summer, maybe some Parade or some other JRB. He sure is. I owe a lot to him and I’m lucky to call him a friend after working together so many times. I bet you’ve been close! Casting is such a tricky thing, your day will come!

The feeling is mutual. Cool boss, noted. ;) I’ll let you know for sure. Maybe we could chat tonight after curfew and you could give me a run down of how camp has been going so far? I’m very excited to be here, I wish I had an opportunity like this as a teenager.

I think that’s a wonderful idea! It’s a great way to show that we work well together, and I think that’s the kind of morale that’s needed around here!  There’s so much JRB to choose from, it’s going to be super difficult. Actually, my go-to JRB duets are I’d Give It All for You from Songs for a New World and All the Wasted Time from Parade. But you also have been singing that song for god knows how long and this hypothetical duet wouldn’t be happening for a while, so we have time to brain storm! Oh totally! But with this whole camp thing going on now,

Totally the coolest boss you’ll have ever I -- yeah! Sure. Totally, I’m so ready for some constructive criticism so I can already work on improving everything for next year. Right!? If I had this as a teenager, who knows where I’d be now! 

[rilcyjames]

jeranderson‌:

Always fashionably late… and apparently camp is no exception. I was finishing off my Broadway run as Leo Frank. JRB and I can’t stay away from each other for too long, I think it’s a tradition of mine to be in at least one of his shows per season.

Thrilling to be working with you all this summer as the MD for Guys and Dolls and I’m always here to answer any questions about Broadway, the biz, or anything, really. 

It’s better late than never! And I’m honestly so jealous. Lucielle is one of my dream roles. I’m sure that you did a marvelous job! JRB is a genius. I’ve auditioned for quite a few of his shows. Haven’t gotten in, but I’ve got a feeling I’ve been close! 

I’m super excited to work with you, and I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job. We’ve got a great cast, and if you have any questions -- feel free to ask. I may be your boss, but I’m a cool boss. 

[rilcyjames]

ajayashby‌:

Oh no, I’m enthusiastic! I’m just my own brand of enthusiastic. Spending the summer babysitting teenagers and analyzing a flop musical is completely unironically a dream come true. Better than wasting away in Phoenix, that’s for sure. At least you put me with one of the cool shows and not – no offense – Guys and Dolls. My mom has played Miss Adelaide like four times, and we have all the DVDs to prove it, so you did me a solid by putting me as far away from that show as possible. 

I’m going to choose to ignore the obvious sarcasm and take that as a positive! I’m super excited that you’re here and helping out. Carrie’s wonderful. But lets make sure no one almost gets beheaded by the set like someone almost did in the original. Oh! And not too raunchy, because I wouldn’t want the parents to be too upset about what their children would be doing on stage.  Guys and Dolls is a classic! But I suppose everyone has their own taste in musicals, and you’re totally entitled to your own opinion. Wow, that must’ve been rough. Having to hear the same songs over and over again while your mother was literally being the biggest star on Broadway. 

[rilcyjames]

ajayashby‌:

So I bet you’re asking: Ajay, why did you arrive to your job three weeks late? The answer, in short, is that I didn’t even know I was working here til last night when my mother called me, wondering why I wasn’t in Saratoga fucking New York. My answer to that was, ‘Mom, because I’m not an old white retiree, I’m 21 and drunk right now.’ So long story short, I’m fashionably late as usual, except this time I get paid for it and no one can say anything cause Amara Ashby is paying for your bug juice. Apparently I’m assistant directing Carrie: the Musical? Sounds like a blast. 

....Despite how obviously unenthusiastic you are about all of this, I’m sure you’re going to come to enjoy every second of this. These kids are so happy to be here and they’re already so pumped to do this. Especially your cast! They’re so thrilled, and I’m sure you will be to. So -- chin up! You’re totally going to learn to love this place, and I super appreciate the help! We totally appreciate you and your mothers support! Welcome to Camp! We’re glad to have you, late or not!

[rilcyjames]

△ did you hire your husband’s mistress as some kind of revenge scheme?

10/10 

No! She’s quite talented, and she makes a wonderful addition to our team.. I’m just so darn ashamed that she couldn’t be my assistant director! Maybe next year.

[rilcyjames]

△ what inspired you to open the camp?

5/10.  I was sad and a little drunk, and my best friend brought up the fact that I oringally went to school to become a high school English and Drama teacher.  Then some how we started talking about summer camp and how fun it was -- and then my drunk mind came up with this! And honestly, it’s made things a little brighter in my life. And all I can hope is that I help these kids in more ways than one! 

[rilcyjames]

cindyno‌:

Then I’ll do my very best in doing so! You know what, that’s a really good point. The more you do of something, the less scary it gets. I mean, that’s totally true with a lot of things, so why not with dancing? I’ll give it a try, Mi-..uh, Riley! 

Good! Try your best and broaden your horizons! And, we have wonderful and qualified choreographers who will help you every step of the way. Good! That’s all I ask.  

[rilcyjames]

calabbott‌:

A musical that glorifies gambling and stripping! Yep, super happy and cute. I’ll take my beginners and make sure they’re prepped for the big boy shows by next summer, trust me. How have things been, though? Aside from this.  We haven’t caught up in a while. 

Uh -- I like to think of it as glorifying growth! Sky Masterson changes people’s lives, for love. Not that you’d know anything about that. I’ve been great. Totally fine. Working a ton and definitely not a waitress. Totally living that Broadway life to the fullest! How about you? What have you been up to? You keeping it in your pants or still -- I dunno, sleeping with young blondes? 

[rilcyjames]

cindyno‌:

That was not terrible. I love that bit. And that’s understandable. Maybe by the end of the summer, I’ll be able to call you just by your name! Ooh, I’m not the best at dancing, but I like it. I’ll try out, since the auditions don’t look like they’ll overlap. Is it really? Wow, that’s a huge honor if I get cast. And a challenge, too. I’ll definitely look up a synopsis once I get back to my cabin!

Well, it’s good to know that I’m not totally lame yet! Definitely keep working on it, because calling me Miss or Missus makes me feel old and I definitely am not that old. Everyone has their weakness, and who knows, maybe this place’ll help you become more confident in your dancing skills. Definitely should. It’s a classic, and one that everyone should consider auditioning for. 

[rilcyjames]

ramseyjames‌:

Hey, it’s not like mom’s all that old either. Now, aside from your insulting our mother right out of the gate (I jest, you know this), how it’s going so far? Is it everything you hoped it would be? I feel like there’s definitely been a great vibe starting up already, and we’ve still got days left before we really get started.

I hate to break it to ya, little bro, but we’re definitely starting to get old! It’s going swell! Super stoked, all the kids seem great -- even if some of them seem a liiiiitle bratty, but that’s okay! Confidence is awesome! I’m super stoked, and hopefully there won’t be too much drama. 

[rilcyjames]

calabbott‌:

I mean, sure…But it’s not like it’s got a blood bath or an entire destruction of a high school set. Or elaborate basketball dance numbers. I’ve got big ideas for characterization that surpass whatever Disney Channel had in store for High School Musical. Mark my words – this production’s gonna be a game-changer. I feel it in my bones. 

Carrie is wonderful!  Despite how someone almost got beheaded during the original production, it’s grown to be something magical! Plus, it’s for all those who don’t like the happy cute musicals, like we have.  And definitely has a lot more depth to it than High School Musical. More of a challenge. I’d say that High School Musical is the one for the beginners.  Well, I’m sure you’ll put your all into it, and you’ll do a wonderful job. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with High School Musical. 

[rilcyjames]

tyler-thomas-dds‌:

Yeah, I’ll uh… keep that in mind. And I’ll work on it, I promise. And… I’ll… I’ll um… think about auditioning for a bigger part.

That’s the spirit! You can totally do it. We all support you. 

[rilcyjames]

calabbott‌:

Miss James, I have a question! How boring does someone have to be to pick Guys & Dolls as their camp directing project? Kidding. I know you’ve probably got some great ideas in that head of yours, Riles. Can’t wait to see what you come up with. 

Hahaha. You’re so funny. Hilarious. Guys and Dolls is the most complex, and most definitely not boring. At least mine isn’t about a bunch of highschoolers doing a musical -- within a musical. There’s nothing deep about choosing between basketball or musical theatre. Of course, I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job. Can’t wait to see your spin on things. 

[rilcyjames]

tyler-thomas-dds‌:

I mean… I just don’t want to embarrass myself, you know? I’ve seen what a few of these other guys can do and just…. I don’t know. Maybe I’m a bit out of my league.

Sorry, you probably don’t want to hear that kind of stuff. “Attitude is everything” and all that.

I understand, but no one here will judge you, and if they do we have wonderful counselors and  staff who are more than willing to step in and help with whatever you need. We have a zero tolerance for bullying.  You’re fine, I promise.  Well, it’s definitely a mindset that you’ll need to work on. Everyone here is welcome. You wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think you could do it. 

[rilcyjames]

tyler-thomas-dds‌:

Oh, um… thanks. Well, I’m… I can dance, for sure, but… I’ve never been formally trained? I’ve just been in a bunch of musicals with dancing. I’ve just… I’ve never had a big role before. The biggest role I ever got was Guard #1 in Urinetown this year, so… maybe not?

That’s okay! There are plenty of people here who aren’t trained! It’s all about having fun and learning, and if you don’t even try for a lead role, then how are you going to expand your horizons? I’m sure we can get you the confidence to at least try to go for a larger role. 

[rilcyjames]

tyler-thomas-dds‌:

Thanks, Riley. I’m uh… happy to be here. Oh, I’m Tyler. Yeah, I was planning on auditioning for the ensemble of all the shows. Just figured… you guys can put me where you need me?

Aren’t you just the cutest little bean? We love a strong ensemble member! If you’re a dancer, you should definitely go for Guys and Dolls. We need strong male dancers for the ensemble. But, I’m sure you’re great so you could probably try for a supporting or even a lead if you want! Step out of your comfort zone! 

[rilcyjames]

cindyno‌:

It is so amazing to meet you, Miss - .. sorry, um..can I call you Miss Riley? I’m not used to calling authority figures by their first names. But I’ll definitely try my best to call you..your first name..if that makes you more comfortable! I’m not too familiar with Guys and Dolls, actually, but it sounds good! I’ll definitely try and learn more about it. Uh..is it like a drama? 

Just don’t call me late for dinner. Hah, yeah, that was just as terrible as I thought it would be. I want everyone to just feel comfortable around me. So, whatever you feel comfortable calling me, call me that, I suppose! Or push yourself out of your comfort zone.  Guys and Dolls is such a classic. I’m sure you’d be able to find a synopsis somewhere, but I wouldn’t call it a drama. It’s a show that one should go out for if you are super into dance. It’s probably the hardest musical out of all four of the musicals that we’re doing.