Welcome to Tina's

I'm BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-05-09T23:27:00.001-04:00

First off I guess you read that Antonio confessed to writing my blog. Well it's true although I didn't know until he said something. I thought it was Joey. I'm going to try writing myself. But don't expect alot. Some of us actually have a life. I do like the "ugh!" of the day thing and the cooking thing. I think I might try to keep that up. We'll see what else I post whenever I get around to it.

Tina's "Ugh!" Of The Day

2007-01-22T12:46:00.000-05:00

I understand that you have to be careful when driving in the snow. I know that you should reduce your speed. But goddamn yesterday I was driving on the highway and the person in front of me was driving like ten miles an hour. It took me forever to get around the person because the rest of the traffic was going about 25 to 30. You're not really helping anything driving that slow. And if you slow down too much it's harder to get going again.

HELLO!!!! Get off the road and let us Philly drivers who know how to drive in the snow pass.

I miss Florida already.

Welcome To Tina's Kitchen

2006-12-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen, I am about to share with you my ultimate holiday recipe:

Chicken DeSimone

Ingredients:

4 cooked chicken breasts

(Jeffrey says that it has to be white meat)

1 family sized can creme of chicken soup

2 cups sour cream

1 sleeve of Ritz Crackers crumbled

1 stick melted butter

Preheat oven to 350°

Cut chicken into bite size pieces.

Mix chicken, soup, and sour cream in a bowl

Pour mixture into a casserole dish

Mix crackers and butter in a plastic bag

Layer the cracker mixture over the chicken

Bake 35 minutes

If you need to double the recipe do not double up on the soup.

OK I know you are supposed to have white wine with chicken but this is Tina's kitchen where white wine is not allowed. So break out that bottle of merlot and enjoy.

Tina Tina Tina

2006-12-11T15:30:00.000-05:00

Poor Poor Redskins.

Yah Eagles!

Hey stop on over to Toby's Baltimore and see me in "It's A Wonderful Life." Yeah OK I'll pay your toll.

Hey is that alcohol in my hand?

My Wish List

2006-12-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

Tis the season to buy me gifts.

I bet you're wondering what you should get me for Christmas. Well here it is. It's a Triple Chocolate Grand Marnier Cheesecake. But I don't expect you to make it for me. That's a lot of work. You can buy it at igourmet.com.

Hurry don't get caught in the Christmas rush.

Black Friday At Toby's

2006-11-27T12:12:00.000-05:00

Check out this picture that was taken during the Black Friday rush for our performance of It's A Wonderful Life at the Toby Inn.

My New Look!

2006-11-20T10:10:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody! Check it out! Welcome To Tina's has a whole new look. And can you guess the theme of my blog? It's the EAGLES colors!

Speaking of the Eagles I'm in mourning today. My poor Donovan out for the season with a torn ligament. I don't know how much more his fine body can take.

2006-11-15T14:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome To Tina's is under construction. Stay tuned for a new look.

Halloween

2006-10-31T16:25:00.000-05:00

Halloween!!!

Ugh!

Bunch of dirty little kids begging for candy. Get a job and buy your own candy. And half of them don't even wear costumes. And heaven forbid you give them the wrong kind of candy. You'll wake up with a yard full of toilet paper.

Well anyway Happy Halloween to everybody.

Eagles

2006-10-30T11:57:00.000-05:00

You know I'm a diehard but I'm getting a little pissed. The Eagles have now lost 3 in a row. What the hell is going on?

Sorry I haven't posted much. I've been very busy lately.

The Eagles

2006-10-16T11:14:00.000-04:00

I can't believe we lost to the New Orleans Saints. Who knew that they would be 5-1 this season. I guess they have something to prove after their city was hard hit. That's OK. At least we are still above the Cowboys. By the way congratulations Billy on the win.

Mark Madness

2006-10-12T18:56:00.000-04:00

Welcome back Mark and thanks for sitting down for another interview. Today's topic will be

Reality Shows

Why do you think reality shows are so popular?
I think people are fascinated with what "real" people are like in different situations. I also think people like to imagine themselves in these situations and think "if they can do it, then I can do it." It gives everyone the hopes of having their 15 minutes of fame. Although most of these people are not real anymore. I think back to the first Survivor when nobody was aware of what this type of medium was about. It was fresh and interesting. I still enjoy it but it was more interesting when people were fresh and didn't know what to expect or how to "act" and you got to see what really happened without alliances taking control over situations.

If you were a producer and were starting a reality show what would your show be?
I think I would do a reality show about real people in interesting occupations and each week I follow a different person in their workplace. Imagine following Tina at her day job with Tour and Travel and then theatre at night. Imagine a day at the Kennedy Center Instant Charge. Imagine following somebody who works production assistant work behind the scenes at a TV show. Imagine a day at the dog groomers. There are many opportunities for fun

Which one would you be good on?
I think I would do well on a show like Big Brother or Amazing Race. I would love to do Survivor but do not think I fit the mold for that show. They seem to have set types they pick and almost every guy under 40 is a muscle stud. I think the race would be great fun and you and I would be a great couple for the show - that would be great TV. I would also be good paired up with Joey or Carla. Think of the fights that would ensue. On Big Brother, I would do well because I usually do good in social situations except I don't get drunk so that might hold me back.

Do you think your life would make a good reality show?
No, I actually do not. People may think there is a lot of excitement in my personal life but they are wrong. I work and watch TV. It is when I am outside of my home and work that I have more fun. When I am in new environments and new situations

Do you get so into reality shows because you think you are better than the contestants?
No, I do not. I get into them because they are either fun or they are hot!! I enjoy a hot reality guy. Although, they need to get more good looking guys who aren't body builders. Handsome with normal bodies that aren't so ripped. Although, I do like looking at the muscley boys - scratch that. Keep it as is

Would a reality show about the Baltimore dinner theater scene be popular?
I am not sure. If done right with the right casting it could be fun to see. I think it would be funny to watch different personalities turn it on more for the camera while waiting tables and dealing with the backstage environments. Especially the smaller ones. We will see how the new "casting Grease' reality show goes to see if people are interested. The UK version of casting Sound of Music called " How do you solve a problem like Maria" did well over there.

I'm going to give you some names and I want you to tell me which reality show each would be good on.
Foofi- Playing it Straight or Boy Meets Boy
Toby - The Bachelorette
Darren- Trading Spaces or Queer Eye
Ryan- Project Greenlight
Carla- America's Next Top Model or The Simple Life
Sabra- Blind Date

I have a reality show idea. It would be you doing a travel show exploring the many restroom facilities around the world. What do you think?
I think it would be called "Your favorite dumping hole". I would go to different places and talk to locals about the best dumping spots and then I would eat local cuisine and see how long it took for me to have to use the best hole in their town or country.

Thanks again for taking time out of you everso busy schedule to be interviewed by Welcome to Tina's, the true big blogger. Until next time.

Battle Of The Century

2006-10-03T12:29:00.000-04:00

EAGLES VS. COWBOYS

TINA D. VS. BILLY W.

THIS SUN. OCT. 8TH

LOOK OUT T.O. THE BIRDS ARE GONNA CATCH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ragtime at Toby's

2006-09-20T19:05:00.000-04:00

Another review that mentions ME.

Broadway World review

Big Blogger

2006-09-14T12:48:00.000-04:00

Wow! It's almost time. Who's going to win the Big Blogger contest that I was voted out of?

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

2006-09-10T11:31:00.000-04:00

F o o t b a l l !

GO EAGLES!

Welcome To Tina's Kitchen

2006-09-07T08:49:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited about making it through to the last 3 of Big Blogger that I decided to dig deep into my recipe box for one of my best recipes to share with you. Strawberry Grand Marnier Cheesecake Dip

Ingredients:
1/2 cup crushed strawberries
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup Grand Marnier
1 cup softened cream cheese
1 cup sour cream

Reserve 1 tablespoon each of the strawberries and walnuts for the garnish.
In a small bowl, mix strawberries, brown sugar, and liqueur. Set aside.
Blend cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Add strawberry mixture, blending well.
Fold in walnuts.
Mound the reserved strawberries in the center and ring with the reserved walnuts.
Cover and chill.

Now here's the problem with this recipe. Every time I make it I forget to buy cheesecake to dip in it. So when this happens I grab some tupperware containers and head on over to the Toby's kitchen. Oops! Don't tell.

Welcome to Tina's

2006-09-06T14:53:00.000-04:00

VOTE FOR TINA TO STAY IN THE BIG BLOGGER email:
thefollowspot@aol.com.

Tina's "Ugh!" Of The Day

2006-09-02T14:02:00.000-04:00

I hate it when I can't think of anything to blog about. And I'm not going to be like another blogger and tell you about the toilet paper I use or the hairspray I use. Besides I know everybody knows what hairspray I use.

I know that sometimes you get tired of hearing about me so today I'm going to turn the tables. I want to know what you Ugh! about. And I really want to hear from my Big Blogger supporters out there. Maybe I'll make this a regular feature on my blog too.

Welcome to Tina's

2006-08-28T14:05:00.000-04:00

RAGTIME @ TOBY'S BALTIMORE
Hi Everyone,
Just a little update on Ragtime. They are offering 1/2 Price Tickets on the following nights: Friday, Sept. 1st, Sat. Sept. 2nd and Sunday evening, Sept. 10th. Please make your reservations soon, It would be ashame for anyone to miss it. !!!!!!!!

Terrell Owens Again

2006-08-27T14:40:00.000-04:00

The Cowboys are fining Terrell Owens $9,500 for missing a team meeting and a rehab session and being late to an offensive meeting. Man it just doesn't end with this guy. You are getting paid 25 million dollars. The least you can do is come to the damn meetings on time. And I understand he's been challenging Parcells ever since he got to Dallas. Like I said before, not worth the headache. Billy White what was that comment about learning his lesson? The Cowboys have won their first three preseason games without Owens. I know that it's just preseason but that's got to make the coaches take notice.

Hey everybody thanks for not voting me off.

I've Got Cash For You

2006-08-25T17:03:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling generous right now. So I will give $4 to everyone that keeps me in the Big Blogger game. That's right. I am extending the offer I made during Footloose. For anyone who comes to see me and the rest of the cast in Ragtime at the Toby Inn in Baltimore I will pay your toll. I shouldn't have to bribe you to come see my show, but whatever it takes to be the Big Blogger.

Mark Madness

2006-08-23T09:12:00.000-04:00

That Mark seems to be slacking off on "Tuesdays With Tina". So I thought I would turn the tables on him and introduce you to a "Welcome To Tina's" feature called:

Mark Madness!

Mark Madness will feature questions from me, but here's the good part. Unlike the long endless interviews on "The Follow Spot", my interviews will be no more than ten questions, because as it says at the top of my blog, I write from an A D D prospective

Today's topic: Blogs and Friends!
Mark, Give me your impression of each of the blogs on your list of links.
each of the blogs - shit.
actormann - new and exciting , I see much potential for some very interesting and different reading material from a very creative mind
StephenGregorySmith - gave me inspiration to do my blog and I am glad his is still operating, how else would I know what was going on at Signature
Filmdom - I enjoy a good review written in a very human way.
Janoose Productions - it was good for the week it operated
BruDogHaven - great at first but really...it went as far as it could go and now I am tired of it
Get Your Own - another very different blog with interesting points of view and different topics not in the theatrical world , yet artistic in it's own way.
Adventures of Jill and Clan - her children are very attractive but I need a little more than just her family life - this blog needs and edgy entry to intrigue its readers more. Perhaps one of the kids acts up and Jill hits them and then we read about what happened after that. Punishment, more beatings, locked in their room with no dinner...the possibilities are endless.
Laugh, Laff, Laf - more laughs in the title than on the blog - needs a few entries
Triple Time Step - has it disappeared??
MacWick Designs - I think people should revisit this page and plan their holiday gifts early. they really are very well received by everyone who gets them - good gift!!!
DERMAtology - could this be the next big blog? I see a sitcom in this one - look out!
Welcome to Tinas - need we really hear anymore from this bitch than we already do?
Phoenix Entertainment - Oh, my works site - check out our newly created Grease promo on the shows page - just finished working on that and it came out really great.
All the rest are fun theatre sites or gay blogs - who cares really.

Which one of your friends without a blog would you like to see with one?
I think that David James would have a very interesting and witty blog but I would also like to read a blog from Carla Della Torre Dakin because she does make up on many famous people and newsmakers and she would have neat stories but would probably get fired for talking about them.

Do you find that it's easier to keep in touch with friends through blogging?
No - I still call people all the time. For the first month or so, I stopped talking and said - "Read my blog" but I got yelled at all the time. I will say that the blog has put people back in touch - in a way - with people we havent seen in years like Keara, Jill Reumke, Jennifer Dickison, Kim Berly etc...

I've had strangers comment on my blog. Are you worried that strangers might get the wrong impression of you from your blog?
Don't give a fuck what they think and I welcome them to read and enjoy. Our group of friends and aquaintances are so unique and special that I think it would interest almost anyone who doesn't take themselves too seriously

Is blogging a dream come true for you since nobody ever listened to you before?
Umm...people always listened to me. They may have walked away and said "fuck off" or "whatever" or "given me the finger behind my back - Tamarin - but I always feel I have been listened to.
follow up: Do you really think people care?
again - don't care if they do - but I think they do - otherwise why would The Follow Spot have passed 20,000 hits last night - YAY

Other than Jeffrey, has anybody in a restaurant commented or given you dirty looks for taking pictures of your food?
No - people are into their own food. we are in Woodbridge, those toothless freaks out dining are too worried about shoveling in their food that they don't pay attention. The only attention we get is when Jeffrey makes too big a scene about it.
follow up: Do you think that is why Stephen Smith declined your dinner invitation?
I think Steve turned down my invitation because.... (Mark never answered this question. Perhaps I struck a nerve)

Why are you neglecting your Tuesday with Tina duties?
Sometimes it is hard to have a topic to discuss with you and if I don't have a topic and I am not "feeling it" that day, I think it is better to not do an interview than to do a shitty one. Some work and some don't but I don't want to try and force one if the time isnt right.

Mark, thank you very much for this informative interview. I hope "Mark Madness" becomes a huge hit among our friends. And America take note that, here at "Welcome to Tina's" you'll always find great entertainment, great recipes, great rants, and plenty of ME! (hint hint to the voters out there) Until next time America!

Let's Hear It For The Boy!

2006-08-14T19:09:00.000-04:00

Who is that hottie on the right?

"Two-time Helen Hayes Winner, David James (for The Wizard of Oz and Godspell at Toby’s) was our server. David told us that he loves being a server because it allows him to greet his audience and hear their comments at intermission and after the show. Do you know any other Helen Hayes Award Winners who would be a server?"

OK, that quote speaks for itself, so I won't even comment on it. But, I will tell you that I found it online at: FOOTLOOSING AT THE NEW TOBY’S BALTIMORE-LOVE THAT FUNQUE!!

Speaking of Footloose, we are down to our last week and there are still a bunch of you who haven't come to see it yet. We have Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. That's it! If you still want to come, call me. We are even offering half price for Saturday night. And my offer about paying your toll still stands.

Welcome To Tina's Kitchen

2006-08-09T20:24:00.000-04:00

Imagine it. It's a sunny Saturday afternoon. You're lounging in your back yard. You're off from your day job. Your blackberry is silent. You have no show. You don't have rehearsal. . . OK, all that never happens, but just imagine it. Now imagine yourself with a cocktail in hand. A cocktail you made using the recipe you found on:

Welcome To Tina's
Kitchen

Red Wine Punch

2 parts red wine
1 part soda water
3 tbsp powdered sugar
orange slices

Mix powdered sugar with red wine in a punch bowl, and stir well. Add soda, plenty of ice, and orange slices. Serve immediately.

For maximum effect, I recommend using a kiddie pool instead of a punch bowl. Of course this means that you will have to increase the amount of ingredients, but this should be no problem if you are like me and keep a case of red wine in the trunk of your car.

Tina's "Ugh!" Of The Day

2006-08-03T19:43:00.000-04:00

It's hot . . .

It's 95° right now. It's been in the high 90's all week. It's very hot, but that's not what I'm posting about. I'm posting about those damn newscasts. It's hot! We know it's hot! Do they have to remind us about it on the news over and over and over again? How many people do they have to stop on the street to ask about the heat? There was one reporter on the news this morning at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge construction site who had one of those temperature laser gun thingys. She was actually pointing it at various surface at the site and telling us what the temperatures where. "Let see, the temperature on this plank is 98°. The temperature on this concrete is 99°. The temperature on this bolt is 101°." Yes, she actually pointed the goddamn thing at a bolt. I mean, What the F#<$?!! Enough already!

It's the same with the gas prices. How many times do we need to be told how high the gas prices are? Like we can't just look at the sign when we are on the road. Oh, and I love when they tell you where the lowest gas prices are. Like my ass is going to drive all the way across town to save 5 cents a gallon.

Are You Ready For Some Football!

2006-07-30T11:15:00.000-04:00

"Welcome to Tina's" readers, the time is almost near. That's right, my favorite time of the year. Football season!

I can't wait to see those Eagles on the field again. And, I can't wait to see my Donovan McNabb take control of the field and the locker room again. Especially now that that nuisance Terrell Owens is gone. Don't get me wrong. He is a great receiver. One of the best ever in the NFL. But, who wants the headache of dealing with him. Well I guess the Cowboys do since they signed him to a three year deal.

And he had the nerve to write a book claiming that we didn't get to hear his side of the story.
Evidently, he claims that the media, the commentators, and the Eagles didn't let his side of the story come out. Are we supposed to forget about all of his antics before he even came to Philly.

Even though he helped us get to the Superbowl, I say "Good riddance". He's not worth the headache.

From The Mind Of Me

2006-07-17T21:52:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, a poem by yours truly called:

* * * *

I Do Not Like Mark Minnick

I do not like Mark Minnick,no ma’am
I do not like him
Sam, I am

I do not like him at the pool

I do not like him and his stool

I do not like his love of Darren
In those gay shorts he’s wearin’

I do not like him in the rain
It’s my vacation do you know how much I’m payin’

I do not like him

Sam, I am

Well I guess he ain't so bad

Did I say that?

Damn!

My Favorite Things

2006-07-01T14:01:00.000-04:00

Since I’ll be in Orlando next week and I won’t be blogging for a little bit, I thought I would give you an idea of what my vacation will be like by pointing out my favorite places to visit in Disneyworld.

I always enjoy having a meal at one of my favorite restaurants, Mexico.

I don’t remember the name of the restaurant but I do remember the best part about it. I can enjoy a sangria with my tacos al carbon. You can’t go wrong with a beverage that has red wine and brandy.

It’s always nice to walk off a good meal, so I like to continue around the World Showcase and see the different countries. Right around Italy is usually when I realize how thirsty I am. It’s a long walk from Mexico to Italy. I mean that’s like three continents or something. I’ve provided a map so you can see how far that really is. So to quench my thirst, I’ll have a glass of red wine to nurse the rest of the way around the lake. Now the great thing about the World Showcase is that you can get alcohol anywhere!

Now when it comes to a nice dinner, the Canada Steakhouse (it’s actually called el caller or something like that) is always nice.
I of course like to enjoy my meal with a tasty glass of red wine.

The good thing about staying at a resort on the Disney property is that it’s easy to take a break from the parks and go back to your resort. I like to take a midday trip to the resort pool where I enjoy a good book and a relaxing glass of wine.

If you ever visit Disneyworld, I recommend spending an evening at the Adventures Club on Pleasure Island.
It’s a show that consists of an acting troupe that puts on various skits throughout the evening. But that’s not the best part. The best part is that they have a bar there. That’s where I like to enjoy a nice glass of merlot. And if you stay there long enough, sometimes you can get an admirer to buy you a drink.

Another great nightspot is the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review at the Fort Wilderness Lodge. I definitely recommend this place. Good food, good show, and four words: ALL-YOU-CAN-DRINK. I only wish they would let me have a pitcher of sangria instead of by the glass.

Lastly, I would like to point out the only place I don’t like, the restaurant at Cinderella’s Castle.

Now don’t get me wrong. It’s a nice place to eat, but the last time I was there I asked for a glass of wine. Do you know what they told me? “This is a dry kingdom, my lord.” My response to that, “OH LORD.”

Well, I hope this ties you over until I get back. And if you find yourself traveling to Orlando in the future, please feel free to use this post as a destination guide. And don’t worry. I’m sure Mark will post plenty of pictures of me on his blog. And of course the only ones he will post will be the ones that make me look fat

Footloose

2006-06-22T14:54:00.000-04:00

Check it out

Footloose review

Explain To Me, Please

2006-06-18T10:43:00.000-04:00

Explain to me why it is that people feel the need to take pictures of people and their food. I do not understand. It is annoying for the fellow diners around you. It makes you feel self conscience. It messes with your eyesight. Can people not have a good time out if they don't take pictures of their friends and their food? Is it a way of dealing with issues in their lives? Is it just to get rid of stress from the week? I do not understand taking pictures of your food to put on your blog. I will say that I enjoy getting my picture taken or taking a snapshot or two, but I do not need to embarrass my friends . . . Yeah right! Who am I trying to kid. Take a picture of me and my plate. Any attention I get is good attention.

What?! You Think You Can Dance

2006-06-11T09:10:00.000-04:00

Do you watch that show "So You Think You Can Dance"? Here's something I don't get. These people who come on the show and claim that they've been dancing for years or have been taking lessons for like ten years, then they get up there and suck. Bad arms, poor extensions, F'd up walkovers. Where do these people learn? Power Dance Co?

Now, you want to see a good walkover, come on over to the Queen Of The Burn Brae Dance Studios.

By the way, if you want to see some real dancing, come on over to the Toby Inn for a little "Footloose". Hey, as an incentive I'll pay the toll for the first ten of my friends who come.

Tina's "Ugh!" Of The Day

2006-06-03T22:06:00.000-04:00

I hate it when I'm in the grocery store shopping and some dumb ass just stops in the middle of the aisle and walks away. Hello!!! Move your cart to the side please. I'm trying to shop. It's even worse when it's some fat ass with a shopping cart full of Entenmann's cinnamon buns, microwave pretzels, ice cream, BBQ Fritos, and Ho Ho's.

Happy Memory Day!

2006-05-29T10:07:00.000-04:00

I remember the first time I stepped on stage in 42nd Street at the Riverfront Dinner Theatre.

I remember the colors of Joseph's coat: red and yellow and green and brown and scarlet and black and oprah and peach and rudy and martini and. . . oh nevermind.

I remember that refreshing feeling the first time I sprayed RAV4 in my hair. Although, I think I need to revisit that experience. . . Have you seen my mop lately?

I remember the first time these lips tasted the sweet nectar of red wine.

And most of all, I remember all my good friends and family on this Memorial Day.

Tina's Revenge!

2006-05-23T00:13:00.000-04:00

OK today I thought I would bring you a day in the life of Mark Minnick.

This past Saturday, after writing another overly informative blog entry, Mark just couldn’t decide what he wanted to do with his free day.

Mark: Well, maybe what I will do is have some breakfast first. That might help me get some ideas on how I should spend my day. Oh, and it’ll give me more chances to take pictures of my food, which I know everybody loves to see.

Mark enjoyed his breakfast. But oops! Something was brewing downstairs! You know how breakfast food affects him.

Mark: Phew much better. Now I think I’ll go downstairs and blog about the good ol’ times I used to have back in Jersey. Back when I used to pretend to be straight in high school by sporting a gay mustache. I’ll even include some pictures, which I know everybody loves to see.
Alright, let’s see. . . “The Road To Stardom” . . . blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Mark blogged and blogged and blogged and blogged until he was hungry again. So he decided to fire up the grill for a little mid-morning snack.

After a meal of hot dogs and chips, Mark decided to head out to Columbia for an afternoon at the mall and maybe a show at the Toby’s.

Mark: I know! Maybe I’ll go and see Jeffrey’s show for the 20th time. But before that I’ll spend the day in Columbia and take some pictures, which I know everybody loves to see.
So, Mark headed out to Columbia.

Now of course after the long ride to Columbia, Mark was hungry. So he drove to the mall…
and decided to see what was on the menu at Uno’s. Unfortunately, Mark was a little stressed over not having had a chance to blog in the past 57 minutes, so he broke down and had a cigarette.

Mark: Oh I hope Jeffrey doesn’t find out about this.

After a smoke, Mark went in and had a grilled chicken sandwich.

Mark: That lunch was good. And I got a great picture of my sandwich, which I know everybody loves to see, but oh my. Is that a little bubblin’ crude I’m feeling?

After getting to know the restroom at Uno’s, Mark decided that the movies would be a nice way to spend the afternoon. So he went to the movies and saw “Over The Hedge”.

Mark: Even though it’s not a Disney/Pixar film which I love because I’m a Disney fan and I go to Disneyworld every year and I have a Disney Vacation Club Membership and I have my Disney plates and I have my man who worked on the Disney ship, I’ll go see it anyway. Besides I do enjoy that Wanda Sykes.

later. . .
Mark: Wow! An hour and a half of movie watching makes a man hungry. Good thing P F Changs is close by. Maybe I’ll have an afternoon snack there. I could even take some pictures, which I know everybody loves to see.

Mark decided to have a little something different this visit.

Mark: These pot stickers weren’t a bad choice. I might get these again the next time I come h - h - h - ere. . . Uh Oh!

On his way out of P F Changs, Mark decided to take a picture of himself in a different light. I'll leave it up to you to caption this photo.

Realizing that he still had a few hours to waste before “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, Mark decided to do a little window shopping. He checked out some clothes, he checked out some deck furniture, he even checked out the drug store. That’s when he saw it. The one thing that could solve all his problems.

Mark: I’ll never have to worry about being able to sit through a dinner theater show again. Now I’ll never have to leave during the show.

After making his purchase, Mark checked his watch.

Mark: Hmmm, plenty of time to get a little dinner before the show. All that shopping makes me hungry.

So Mark headed over to Clyde's for some dinner. Mark was a little nervous though, because he thought that maybe there might be some Toby’s actors hanging around at Clyde's before the show. He knew that if he saw anyone he knew, he’d get those same questions he always gets from his actor friends. “Hey Mark, put me on a Phoenix tour.” “Hey can I just come to call backs?” “Have you cast such and such role yet?” So Mark hid.

Once he knew the coast was clear, he went in. Mark decided to try the breaded chicken fillets. Once again, something different.

Mark: Not bad. Closest thing I can get to fried chicken here. But, I think I’ll go have dessert at the Cheesecake Factory.

So it was off to the Cheesecake Factory. But before that . . .

On his way to the Cheesecake Factory…

Mark realized that he hadn’t taken any pictures of his friendly neighborhood servers today.

Mark: Oh my god! I haven’t taken any pictures of my friendly neighborhood servers today.

At the restaurant, He took a picture of his server Louie. Louie was a little unsure of what was going on.

Mark: Don’t worry Louie. This is for my blog. I take pictures of my food and my servers, which I know everybody loves to see.

After a lovely dessert at the Factory, Mark headed over to the Toby Hut to see Millie. But before he made it inside he collapsed from being all stopped up with cheesecake. As he struggled to make it to the restroom he was accidentally stepped on by a student attending the show.

He finally made it to the restroom and . . .

Ahhhhh! Sweet release!

Soul Patrol

2006-05-18T09:09:00.000-04:00

Man how ‘bout them results. It sure was close. I am laughing at all you McPhee haters out there. I think they should just announce Taylor as the winner right now. There’s no way he can loose to Katherine

Encore

2006-05-17T19:10:00.000-04:00

Hey I just wanted to let you all know that if anyone is still interested in seeing "Encore", we only have a few shows left. So let me know if you want to see it.

Welcome To Tina's Kitchen

2006-05-13T13:34:00.000-04:00

We are supposed to eat plenty of fruit, but fruit is boring. So what I like to do is cut it up into a salad and mix it with one of my favorite enhancers: Grand Marnier

Fresh Fruit Salad with Grand Marnier
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons Grand Marnier
2 tablespoons peach jam

Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add cut up fruit and blend well. Chill until ready to serve, at least 30 minutes. To enhance this dessert even more, serve a snifter of Grand Marnier with this dish. For added excitement, go to your local Clydes and try to get your Grand Marnier free by flashing your tits.

"38" . . . UGH!

2006-05-10T13:32:00.000-04:00

I'd just like to say thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. 38 . . . Phew! I was trying to keep it on the DL but oh well. . . You know, it's hard being the oldest of your long time circle of friends and castmates. . . And damn I've been dancing for a long time. I hope to be dancing for many more years. . . Just reflecting to myself.

Thanks again and I'll see you guys for magaritas after the show (you Encore guys that is).

Dinner Theater

2006-05-09T14:06:00.000-04:00

Here's a little something interesting I came across today.
Dinner Theater
My favorite part is the fifth paragraph.

Tina's "Ugh!" Of The Day

2006-05-05T10:22:00.000-04:00

Don't you hate it when you're surfing the web and you find your likeness in the form of animals.

Ugh!

Actually, I guess it isn't so bad. They are kinda cute, much like your's truly.

And The Winner Is . . .

2006-05-02T11:13:00.000-04:00

Mark Minnick!

I guess someone out there reads "Tuesdays With Tina". Actually, I guess that person has to read it since he publishes it.

A congratulations to Mark for knowing that my first lead role was Audrey in Little Shop Of Horrors. Of course who else would know me better.

Your prize will be in the mail. Please email me a photo of you with the prize so that I can put it on my blog. For the rest of you slackers, there'll be other chances for Tina Prizes.

Gotta go now. Work Work Work

Everybody Cut Loose!

2006-04-29T11:10:00.000-04:00

Last night I was with a group at their hotel. One of the kids had a radio and some of the students were having a good time dancing in the lobby. It made me think of my upcoming project. Choreographing Footloose alongside Larry Munsey’s direction at the Toby Hut . . . Oh, I guess I can’t call Toby’s Baltimore “The Toby Hut”. . . Um . . .Choreographing Footloose at the "Toby Inn". I was thinking that I enjoy the musical and had a lot of fun doing it back in 2003 in Columbia, but the one thing I never understood is how this story even made it into a movie and a musical. A town that outlaws dancing and rock music? Who ever heard of something like that? Yeah, maybe back in olden times, but it surprises me that even in 1984, this story sold.

Oh well. Dumb plot or not, you’re going to see one kick ass production at the Toby Inn this summer.

Ugh!

2006-04-27T10:07:00.000-04:00

Obviously you all do not do a good job of reading "Tuesdays With Tina". I answered my trivia question in a previous edition.

Folks lets get it together. The prize is worth it!

Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!

2006-04-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've offered a prize from the "Welcome To Tina's" Prize Closet. Last one I gave out was to Stephen R for responding to my blog. BTW as soon as I get a picture of him with the prize, I will post it.

Hmm. . . How 'bout I do a little trivia. Now to come up with a question. . . Oh OK! Here's one:

What was the first lead role I played?

Da Bitch Stole My Thunder

2006-04-18T23:43:00.000-04:00

How dare that Katharine McPhee sing my signature song. And how dare she sound that good at it. Let me tell you something sister: I'll be singing "Someone To Watch Over Me" long after your fifteen minutes have passed honey.

By the way, how 'bout my Ace looking all hot with his slicked back hair. And he sounded OK this week.

The Gays Are Coming! The Gays Are Coming!

2006-04-16T08:45:00.000-04:00

I saw on the news yesterday that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender families will be organizing themselves and attending the White House Easter Egg Roll tomorrow. How admirable! I think it's great that the gays will be right in Bush's back yard. According to the Family Pride Coalition, the organizers of the movement, this isn't meant to be a political statement or protest.

I think the news organizations were looking for some controversy because they kept interviewing people in line for tickets and asking them about the coalition's efforts. Everyone seemed to feel that anyone deserved the right to participate. The only controversy they could come up with was that people were upset because the Pride used volunteers to stand in line for people who couldn't make it to the ticket give away. Some felt that if gays and lesbian families want to participate, they should stand in line just like everyone else. I guess I can understand that. I mean, hey if you want some ice cream from the Toby's Ice Cream Bar/Table, then you get up and get it your damn self.

Google "Tina"

2006-04-12T12:52:00.000-04:00

Have you ever Googled yourself. I did today. I found a few reviews from the Burn Brae, some from the Toby Hut, and a few mentions and reviews from various other theater projects I've done. I also found a few tour rep. mentions.

Then I came across something that almost floored me. It was a family website that had a section with family recipes on it. I'd like you to check out the site (Noe Family Website ) and look at the fifth recipe on the page.

All I can say is, "How fitting!" I might have to try that recipe someday.

Welcome To Tina's Kitchen

2006-04-09T20:12:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have a problem with dry beef? Two words: Red Wine. Here's something from my recipe drawer that might help.

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups dry red wine
1 bunch scallions sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soy or teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS:Combine all ingredients and marinate steaks (or any type beef) for several hours.
Serve with vegetables and red wine for a tasty meal. For a more satisfying meal, finish off bottle of wine.

I Can't Believe It

2006-04-07T16:50:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that Mandisa was voted off Wednesday. She was a great singer. Although her last two weeks were not good. But maybe she wasn't meant to sing country. At least she tried. Everybody can't sound great on everything. Hell, I sang "Someone To Watch Over Me."

America I think you got it wrong.

Of course my favorite Chris Daughtry is still in, so who cares. And that hot Ass . . I mean . . . Ace is still in, even though he can't sing.

Tina's "Ugh!" Of The Day

2006-04-04T19:50:00.000-04:00

Two words: Cherry Blossoms

What is the big fuckin' deal? Of course you know that I work with groups that visit this area from around the country. That's the first thing they ask to see this time of year. I don't get it. They are trees. You can go out in your backyard and see trees. And why are they called cherry blossoms. All I see is a bunch of flowers. Where are the cherries? Unless they mean the color. But they aren't red. They're pink. And don't get me started on the traffic around that title bason.

Boy my vacation can't come fast enough.

I'm Every Women

2006-04-03T14:27:00.000-04:00

How cool is it that my blog is read all over the world. Did you see that I got a comment all the way from Germany?! Maybe I should get them to send me some Tafelwein or Trockenbeerenaulese. For those uninformed, those are German wines.

Hmm

2006-04-01T12:41:00.000-05:00

You know, today I was thinking . . .

Yeah right. April Fools

T A C K Y

2006-03-31T10:47:00.000-05:00

Did you see that Mark begging for comments on his blog? What's up with that?

I'd like my readers to know that, here at "Welcome To Tina's", I would never beg for your comments. Although an occasional comment from you all would be nice.

Have a good day babes!

Ad From The Past

2006-03-28T23:59:00.000-05:00

Check out this ad I found from the year 1940.

Do you think this stuff would have worked on stinky tights?

The Boys All Pause

2006-03-24T09:31:00.000-05:00

Last night during the show, the funniest thing happened. One of the songs that I sing is Britney Spears' "Oops! I Did It Again." I always pick a boy out of the audience and bring him up on stage to sing to. I play with his hair and stuff like that. Then at the end of the song, I give him a peck on the cheek and send him on his way. Well last night after I kissed the boy I brought up, he tripped on the stage when he was headed back to his seat. You know what my first thought was when he tripped?

This Philly Girl still got it baby!

Tina's "Ugh!" Of The Day

2006-03-22T08:22:00.000-05:00

What the hell is up with the weather these days. Isn't it supposed to be the second day of spring. One day it's hot. The next day it's cold. All this weird weather is hell on my hair. Good thing I always have plenty of Rave 4 on hand to keep my mop in check. As a matter of fact, here's a tip for you:

Need A Lift? Try parting your hair on the opposite side. Forcing your hair against the grain gives it more volume. Then spritz it with a little Rave 4X Ultra Hold Hairspray. This will keep your tresses in place all day and night! Although, an extra spritz here and there throughout the day won't hurt.

That Damn Mark

2006-03-20T09:11:00.000-05:00

So, we had a show last night ("Encore"). I think it went well except for one thing. That damn Mark! His stupid ass was actually taking pictures of us during the show from backstage. Ugh! How unprefessional! Then he had the nerve to make me go out into the house and take pictures of the show. How many times did he yell at me about talking to Trish on stage during "Joseph..." Ugh! I'm sure you'll see the pictures on his blog. I should just take that camera, take his tired headshot, and take pictures with it all over Columbia.

Welcome To Tina's Kitchen

2006-03-19T10:54:00.000-05:00

Next time you feel like a little whipped cream on your favorite dessert, try adding a little Grand Marnier.

Take 1/2 cup chilled whipping cream, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier. Whisk cream in medium bowl to soft peaks, cover and chill.

Not only will it kick your whipped cream up a notch, but it won't stick to your skin.

Hey! Where Is Everyone?!

2006-03-13T14:16:00.000-05:00

I don't think any of my friends read my blog anymore. Probably because I haven't posted anything since October 2005. So, I think I'm going to test whether you all still read my blog or not.

I'll give a prize to the first one of my friends who comments on this post by March 20th. That's one whole week. The prize is a secret, but I can tell you that, much like "Tuesday's With Tina", it's all about me!

2005-10-23T20:56:00.000-04:00

Now I Have A Blog