Miss America Week Begins! Preliminary Night One

I am finally in Las Vegas!!!!! Early this morning my Mom and I flew five hours to Las Vegas for Miss America week!!!! We arrived in Las Vegas around 11:30 AM (if you are following me from New York then it was 2:30PM). We are staying at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, where the pageant will take place. The hotel is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! It even has it's own mall right in the middle of the casino. There is definitely no need to leave the hotel because everything you could possibly need is right here. We were so excited to be a part of pageant week for numerous reasons. This is my first time in Las Vegas so it is extra special to be here for Miss America. The last time I was at the Miss America Pageant was in 2004 when it was still in Atlantic City. Erika Dunlap was crowned with the prestigious title. So it was awesome that she was the first Miss America I saw at the hotel! I got a picture with her and her husband Brian Kleinschmidt, which most of you know came in third place on the CBS Emmy-Award winning reality competition The Amazing Race. We then stopped for a late lunch at Ocean One, one of the many restaurants in the hotel.

Erika Dunlap, Miss America 2004, and her husband Brian Kleinschmidt

After lunch, we got ready for the first night of preliminaries. The pageant is being held at the Theatre of the Performing Arts right in the hotel. Alyse looking phenomenal in the opening number dancing away front and center. She only competed in on-stage question tonight, which all the contestants are being asked questions related to their platform. She did a great job! The ALPHA Group performed their talents and I was very impressed. The pageant actually began with half of the group performing and the second half went after the on-stage question portion of the competition. The SIGMA Group competed in lifestyle and fitness (aka swimsuit competition) and evening wear. Let me just say that ALL the contestants have fantastic bodies! They are wearing black bikinis designed by Winn Wear, official Miss America sponsor. Some bikinis have a rhinestone broach on the bottoms which looks really cute.

My Mom and I at visitation

At the end of the night the preliminary winners were Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron, for Talent (singing "Listen" from Dreamgirls) and Miss Puerto Rico, Mimi Pabon, for Swimsuit. I was extremely happy for Caressa Cameron because we competed together at the Miss Teen America Pageant in 2005. It was great to see her again.

Caressa Cameron, Miss Virginia

Mimi Pabon, Miss Puerto Rico

Alyse Zwick, Miss New York

When the competition was over we all headed to the ballroom where visitation was taking place. Visitation is when you get a chance to talk to the contestants for about twenty minutes. It was so great to finally get a chance to talk to Alyse. She looks amazing and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the week has in store for her.

Briar Rose

This month has been pretty busy for me with work, getting my application ready for Graduate school, and starting my preparation for Miss New York. But last night I got to enjoy some down time with my family in New York City. My sister, Kaitlyn, performed in an Off-Broadway production called Briar Rose at the Roy Arias Theatre Center. It is based on the tale of Sleeping Beauty (the Brothers Grimm version). The PipeDream Theatre Company first premiered this musical in Staten Island, which my sister was involved with as a cast member of the original cast. In this version, my sister was part of the ensemble as a featured dancer. She was also the Dance Captain and one of the Choreographers. She did an amazing job!!! I am so proud of her.

Kaitlyn with Sal Pavia (Vice) and Lisa Ann Wetzel (Versa)

Speaking of busy I spent the whole day packing because on Tuesday morning my Mom and I are flying to Las Vegas for the Miss America Pageant! Best of luck to the beautiful and genuine Miss New York Alyse Zwick! We can't wait to cheer her on as she competes for the title of Miss America 2010. I will be posting how the week goes so make sure you check it out. Make sure you also tune in the the Miss America Pageant LIVE on TLC on January 30th at 8PM.

"Smoking" in the Ratings

Every Thursday the Staten Island Advance produces the AWE: Advance Weekly Entertainment. It is exclusive to what's going on in film, television, and theatre for the week. I was reading through the AWE that was published on Christmas Eve when I came across a movie review for 'Nine'. First of all, let me just tell you how excited I am that Rob Marshall has directed another movie musical! You know him best for his work on a little movie called 'Chicago'. As I was reading the review, I happened to notice the rating box. Here is what it said: "RATED PG-13 FOR SEXUAL CONTENT & SMOKING." Smoking included in the ratings? I have never seen that before. Of course, this grabbed my attention because of my platform. So I decided to do some research about my discovery.

The Motion Picture Association of America made a news release on May 10, 2007 stating on-screen smoking has been added to its movie rating system alongside sex, violence, and language. CEO Dan Glickman states that movies that "glamorize smoking or movies that feature pervasive smoking outside of an historic or other mitigating context may receive a higher rating." Movies that include smoking are given a PG-13 rating.

It is about time smoking was included in the ratings. I have also believed that the influence of Hollywood affects many people, especially with our teens. Teens admire Hollywood celebrities as their idols. Many of them imitate what they do just to be like them. This includes smoking. If they see their favorite actor or actress smoking a cigarette, then they believe it is okay to do because a celebrity is doing it. I appreciate the rating board acknowledging the public health dangers to children associated with smoking.

Last night I got the chance to go to the movie theatre to see 'Nine'. I completely understand why smoking was incorporated in the rating. The main character Guido, played by Daniel Day Lewis, is a chain smoker! Every time you see him he is smoking a cigarette. He is constantly asking for another cigarette even if he already has a lite one in his hand. There are other characters that smoke throughout the film but they are nothing compared to the amount of toxins Guido is inhaling. It is important for teens to know that although many famous actors are smoking in this film IT IS NOT HEALTHY! Still, definitely go see this film. The musical numbers are exciting and entertaining (especially Be Italian) and the cast does a brilliant job with this Tony Award winning musical.

Message to our Troops

Today I attended a video taping at Staten Island's CTV station along with my favorite twins Kara and Jordan Kowalski. We were shooting a Holiday message to send to our troops who are fighting in Iraq and Afhganistan. SICTV had a variety of speakers and entertainters who thanked the military for sacrificing their lives. I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the men and women who are risking their lives in the face of war and violence. I am so proud of your leadership and courage. We are all praying for your save return.

Christmas at Historic Richmond Town

Today I wrapped up my busy weekend at Historic Richmond Town. Kara and I were invited to attend the Christmas in Historic Richmond Town event, where they also had a ceremonial Christmas tree lighting. This was an all day event sponsored by the Women's Auxiliary of the Staten Island Historical Society.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus

Signing autographs

With some colonial teens

Historic Richmond Town has been a landmark on Staten Island for fifty-two years. It is one of the top places to visit on Staten Island, especially if it is your first time in the borough. Its main purpose is to create opportunities for the public to explore the diversity of the American experience, especially that of Staten Island and its neighboring communities, from the colonial period to the present. Known as New York City's historic village and museum complex, it is comprised of more than twenty-five homes and public buildings. These buildings recreate the history of more than 300 years of continuous residence on Staten Island.

Before the tree lighting

With Ed Wiseman and David Picerno

In front of the "Traditional Tree"

Kara and I had a meet and greet session for about two hours in the Courthouse. The committee had set up a table for us to sign autographs for the patrons. We also visited some of the exhibits Historic Richmond Town had to offer. At 5 o'clock, the Courthouse bell rang to let people know it was time to light the tree. We congregated outside the Courthouse where we were greeted by carolers. Everyone followed David Picerno (Vice President of Historic Richmond Town) in a procession to the "Traditional Tree". We were welcomed by Ed Wiseman (Executive Director of Historic Richmond Town) as he introduced Kara and myself to the patrons. We even got to assist Mr. Wiseman in the lighting of the "Traditional Tree". The tree lite up in beautiful white lights as everyone cheered and applauded. It was a nice way to end a very long weekend.

Twas the Knife Before Christmas

So many of you know I am a dancer who loves performing in theatre productions. Actually I have been involved with the theatre for most of my life. It is a dream of mine to one day perform on Broadway. In the meantime, I have been busy building my resume by performing in regional, off-Broadway, and local theatre productions. A few months ago, I was asked to join a local Murder Mystery Theatre Company called Kill-Her Entertainment. It is directed by the amazing Nikki Lauren, who I first worked with two summers ago. We were part of the Actor's Harbor Theatre Company at Snug Harbor Cultural Center. Our first show together was Pippin under the direction of the late Chris Catt (a true visionary-one of the greatest directors and mentors I have ever worked with). I was asked to become the company's official choreographer. I was honored to have been given such a prestigious job with the established company. My first show with the company was Saturday Knife Fever, a show we will be reviving in Sayreville, New Jersey in February...so I am not gonna to tell you any details about the show...you are just gonna have to wait until I post it =)

With "Mrs. Claus" Nikki Lauren

Team Santa:Freddie, Ginger Bread, Candy Cane, and Herbert

However, I will tell you about my second show with Kill-Her Entertainment titled Twas the Knife Before Christmas. Here is the plot summary: The show takes place at the local chapter meeting of Adults for Santa at the Hillside Terrace Knights of Columbus (which is the actual venue of the show). This meetng has been called because Santa feels that everyone has stopped believing in him. So he sends his elves Candy Cane, Ginger Bread, Freddie, and Herbert to get the Christmas Spirit back on Earth. Ebeneezer Stoogio, a business man who only cares about his Blackberry, is hired to run the meeting. The meeting is constantly interrupted by characters such as Mrs. Claus, Louie the Limo Driver, and Melvin (Elfis' twin brother). Then, the meeting turns for the worst when Elfis the elf is murdered! Before the audience can guest who murdered Elfis, there is a Christmas Cabaret including a Dancing with the Stars dance section and singers performing some favorite Christmas classics. Once the audience has all the clues they begin questioning the suspects during Act Two. The murderer is finally revealed in Act Three...it was Herbert the Elf! The show ends with Herbert going to jail and the rest of the North Pole Gang living happily ever after, knowing that people indeed have the Christmas spirit.

With Nate my dance partner

Performing with Elfis (before the murder)

I played Ginger Bread the dancing elf in the show. My dance partner, Nate (who played Freddie), and I performed a swing routine to Jingle Bell Rock that I choreographed. Since it was a spoof on Dancing with the Stars, we were announced as "Freddie and Ginger...Bread!" (Get it Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers). It was a big hit at the show! Kill-Her Entertainment is unique from other Murder Mystery Companies because we incorporate musical routines in the production. Nikki Lauren, besides directing, writes all the scripts for the company. The whole cast had a blast working on this show. I guess you can say we brought the Christmas spirit to Staten Island =) .

Christmas Tree Lighting at Borough Hall

Finally the Holiday Season is upon us! Christmas is truly my favorite holiday for so many reasons. Besides the awesome present, it is a time to be thankful for all the blessings God has given us. My first Holiday appearance was with Kara Jae Kowalski, the reigning Miss New York's Outstanding Teen. We were invited to the Annual Lighting of the Borough Hall Christmas Tree. This event was sponsored by Capital One Banking.

With Borough President James P. Molinaro

Kara and I with the Borough Hall Christmas Tree

It was such a great turn out with families all around Borough Hall. There was entertainment by soloist Jonathan Cawley, an amazing singer who actually went to high school with me! We were part of the performing arts institute in high school and had performed in many shows together. It was wonderful to see him again. There were some local school choral groups who also performed at the event including P.S. 65, Curtis High School, and Micheal J. Petrides School (featuring Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2008 Alexandra Mazzucchelli). Kara and I were announced on stage as we helped Jonathan sing some Christmas carols with the kids.

With Alexandra Mazzucchelli

With Jonathan Cawley

The evening ended with a special appearance by Santa Claus who helped Borough President Molinaro light the Christmas tree. It was a great way to start the Holiday season.