"Pocky? You never call me Pocky!"

Throughout our month in Tokyo, the Japanese fans made it a rare thing for us to leave the stage door empty handed. It was endless...candy, rice crackers, chopsticks, mochi, t-shirts, hats, handkerchiefs, fans, beautiful handcrafted cards and origami to name some...even 5 fingered socks. One of my favorites, a personalized bottle of Soju. Most of the cast would join me in saying that they absolutely love the Japanese fans. Sure...it's easy to win us over with candy and gifts, but it was their spirit and genuine enthusiasm that stole our hearts. They asked very little, which made us want to give more and more. Not a dis to our U.S. fans, we appreciate you as well...you bake us elaborate cakes after all!! I just want to confirm the well known rumor that Japanese fans are amazing.

We kept a table right by our dressing rooms were we would drop off our edible gifts and share them with the rest of the company. I don't know how many different things I tried, and most of them so delicious. Sometimes, in between scenes, I'd run to the table and grab a pocky stick and run back for an entrance. What's Pocky? Pocky is basically a very thin pretzel like cracker stick that is dipped in chocolate or other flavors. Haneefah Wood who plays Joanne received countless boxes of Pocky, well known by the rest of the cast. One night, Nicolette Hart, who plays Maureen, almost called her "Pocky" instead of "Pookie"! Watch the video below.

I particularly loved Galbo Chips...crisp, chocolate rice chips that would melt in your mouth with every bite. So good! I hope they have them in the states.
I also loved this little mound of rich yumminess (pictured on the right) that I have no idea what it was. Can anyone tell me? I want a whole cake made out of that!

It was also really great to see so many faces I recognized from doing RENT over the years. Thank you for welcoming us so warmly to your wonderful country. We really feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to perform in Japan. Arigato Gozaimasu! We miss you!
LAVBM EPISODE TOKYO, KYOTO AND BOSTON COMING SOON!!!!!