100.

It's hard to believe that after 4.5 months and 100 performances, I finally had to say goodbye to this sweet Amish sister, Ruth.

I crossed a lot of things off my bucket list when I took this incredible contract at Blue Gate Musicals in Shipshewana, Indiana.

• I originated a role in a world premiere musical
• I recorded a cast album with the full original cast in Nashville, TN
• I performed the same show for 4 months, hitting 100 total performances! The longest run I had done prior to Blue Gate was somewhere around 5 weeks and 30 performances.

Not only did I get to experience a lot of "firsts," I also got to explore a new part of the country that I never would have found myself in otherwise. A few highlights included:

• Three visits to Chicago - one included a trip to see the World Premiere/Pre-Broadway run of Spongebob The Musical; another included a hilarious performance by the Improvised Shakespeare Company at iO. Also - my first Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field!
• An exploration of the Northern Midwest's breweries and wineries, including Dark Horse Brewing Company in Marshall, MI, Wedgewood Brewing Company in Middlebury, IN, Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, MI, Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, MI, Breitenbach Winery in Sugarcreek, OH, Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City, MI, Cherry Republic in Traverse City, MI, and so many more.
• Visiting several other theater companies in the area and seeing some great professional theater at Cornwell's Turkeyville, Tibbits Opera House, Hope Summer Repertory, and Amish Acres/Round Barn Theatre. We also visited our Blue Gate sister theater in Sugarcreek, OH, and got to see Josiah For President at the Ohio Star Theater!
• Experiencing the "plain life." This was my first time living among the Amish and I learned so much about this wonderful group of people. 
• Rollercoasters at Cedar Point. Obviously. (Favorite: Millenium Force; Blew My Mind: The Dragster)
• Visiting Nashville and Franklin, TN, was a definite highlight. Live music at every turn, an amazing Blues bar, exploring the Carnton Plantation, the recording studio, delicious food, and the best group of people. Even the 9-hour car ride in a 15-passenger van was fun! 

But, all of this wouldn't have been the same without the hard-working, generous, talented, and all-around GOOD people I got to work with every day. I'm so thankful for the time we had together, and the memories we made. I hope to see you all again soon! Special thanks to Wally, Dan, Sara, Sylvia, Scott, Bill, John, Jamie, Jaime, Chuck, and Lorna. 

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