<p>Angst, glad ur D is happy now AND that she found her tape recorder. I was hoping that it was "misplaced" rather than stolen. I agree that I always send my S with tissues, disposable cameras and some of the other things you suggested. They should add these things to the list in the booklet they provide. I guess, its forums like these though, that help other parents- its just that not everyone finds these sites.
Sue, that was a most inspirational story and just shows you how people can still persevere and follow their dreams no matter what. My husband is a dentist and one of his classmates was involved in a horrible car accident right before graduation. He lost use of both his legs and no one thought he would be able to practice his craft. But, he learned how to do oral surgery from a wheelchair and is now a highly respected dentist and lecturer in the area. It took hard work and some adjustments, but he is still doing what he wants to do.</p>
<p>Angst, also, did u find out anything about neighboring hotels? I am also staying at the Lodge. I always stay at Days Inn and tried to book a room for the return part of the trip and found out they were completely booked as is the Howard Johnson and Best Western. Apparently, there is another event going on the area too (a dog show or something) so rooms are scarce. I think I got the last room at the Lodge (so they said) but I am a little dismayed about being 20 minutes away. Did you find out about the Swan or any others? Thanks.</p>
<p>Audi...I tried the Days months ago..and they were fully booked due to dog show. So I called Best Western and was not happy as I described earlier by their trying to charge me $50 extra for non-smoking etc. So then I booked the lodge. Its nice and clean but I would prefer to stay closer. It was really slow when we stayed there..I have a feeling it will be super busy next visit!
It was a little hike to SDM from the Lodge..but not too bad. I had heard of a place called The Concord which is a golf resort hotel..but couldnt find more info on it.</p>
<p>Audi, that is also a very inspiring story about the oral surgeon, wow! The thing with this guy who directed and choreographed the show is how he DANCED ON BROADWAY...I mean that involves your legs! </p>
<p>The thing about the resort hotels like Concord, Raleigh, and Kutshers (none of which I have stayed at but my kid has performed at), is that they are resorts and usually the rate includes all the meals. When at performance weekend, we ONLY sleep at the hotel and get there quite late at night each night and would never use the meals. For us, it would be a waste of money and quite expensive (particularly when attending two sessions). You might want to do it if you feel it is more special or vacation-like. For me, I live in the mountains in a resort town and so I really just want a cheap and convenient place to crash at night after watching umpteen shows all weekend and after Our Time Cabaret ends so late. We have no meals (except breakfast) and spend no time at the hotel. We spend the entire time at SDM or taking our kid out for a meal close by. But if you are willing to spend the money for an inclusive resort hotel, look into those. I usually stay at Days Inn. Some stay at bed and breakfasts. I once stayed at the Lodge at Rock Hill but while it is nicer than Days Inn, it was not worth it to me to spend more money and be further away. For the anniversary bash at Kutshers, I am staying at Best Western in Monticello which is where Kutshers is located. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>I used trip advisor and the reviews on some of those resorts was not very good. Alot of complaints. I did not see a review of the Concord though. Since this is right around our 25th wedding anniversary..we would like to stay somewhere very nice..I just couldnt find anywhere.
The Lodge is nice but I mean its not anniversary "special" but thats where we are right now. If we could stay at the Days..it being so much closer we would.but they are booked with dog show people.
BTW Audi..I joined AAA at a discount..something like $56 or so for hubby and me for the year and this gave me a 10% discount at The Lodge. I think their rate of $189 is pricey for what it is, but I guess they can get it. Anyway the AAA discount helps.</p>
<p>What we would like to do really is come even earlier in the week and hubby could play golf and I could just relax..so would love to find a special place there.</p>
<p>I got the July 18 issue of US mag. and it has a feature called STARS AT SUMMER CAMP..and ta da. ..SDM is where a lot of them went! Very neat!</p>
<p>It says Natalie Portman 15 and Mandy Moore 12 roomed on the same floor. Natalie had a solo in Joseph and Technicolor Coat..(wonder what Mandy was in) It had two males that went to camp..Zach Braff or something like that and Josh Cryer (not sure if I got names right) and said one got discovered there.</p>
<p>Angst, Zach Braff was in Garden State if you've seen it. He also wrote the screenplay for it. By Us magazine do you mean Us Weekley?(If so I must run out and get it. lol Whos on the cover?</p>
<p>Angst, thanks for the info on AAA. I am a member and did use it for the Lodge reservation. I don't know much about the resorts. Two years ago, with not much to do one day while my S was in a dress rehearsal, we went over to one of them (I think it was Kutschers) and I was not impressed. I think it looked run down and in need of renovations. These hotels used to be so prestigious and I remember all my friend's families going up there on holidays and summer vacations. I have heard that some are refurbishing, but I would want some info on that before I went there. Concord I think is just for golf-there used to be a hotel but it was torn down. I'm not sure if there are any accomodations there (I could be confusing this with Grossingers though). I guess I am staying at the Lodge unless miraculously something opens up at the Days Inn or Howard Johnson. And by the way, his name is Jon Cryer and he is in that show about Two Dads or something with one of the Sheen boys. He is a comedian/actor. Zach Braff is also the star of the TV show Scrubs. There are quite a few famous alum from SDM.</p>
<p>The Concord was torn down? I did see some rates on it and it was so cheap that I wasnt sure if it could be decent...but maybe its not even there. I read the reviews of Kutshers and Raleighs on Tripadvisor and they were pretty darn bad..included things like mold, lousy food, poor service, peeling wallpaper etc. So decided not to risk it and just stay at Lodge which is adequate albeit not very exciting.
What about the Swan Hotel..do you know anything about that one?
I guess you could keep calling the Days..but they were booked up when I called and that was several months ago.
I would like to eat at Picolos again which was delicious..Hubby wants to play golf but Lodge does not have anywhere to eat on premises (except the breakfast which was ok bagels, cereal, granola bars..no fruit)..so I dont know where I would eat or what I would do while he golfs. </p>
<p>Defying..Its US Weekly..I think Angelina and Brad are on cover..cant recall for sure but its July 18 edition..pretty cool huh! Bet SDM gets alot of calls after that..but I understand they got lots of calls after CAMP was released and I thought it was an awful movie..(sorry to those of you who liked it).</p>
<p>Angst, I may be wrong about the Concord-it may have been Grossingers I was thinking of. One of them has golf but no hotel. In any regard, I have not heard good things about any of these resorts. They all need refurbishing. I don't know about the Swan either-never called it to get rates. There is not much to do period in the area. I remember driving around Monticello the last time I was there and had time to kill. Piccolo is the nicest restaurant that we found up there as well and we had breakfast at the Liberty Diner or Dunkin Donuts if we wanted to just have a cup of coffee or something fast. All in all, we tried to hang out at SDM, see a show etc. We even partially packed up for my S the first day-took alot of things out of the room while we had the time and it made the ending easier. When we came to pick him up on Sunday, they were pushing the kids out so they could get ready for the next session. The kids were all exhausted from practically pulling an all nighter (my S slept the whole ride back) and it was hard to suddenly pack up-4 boys and the room looked like a cyclone hit it!!! I am sure the girl's rooms are similar. So, if you have the time (an hour between shows or something) try taking some things out and putting it in your car in advance. Other than that, it was all about SDM. This wasn't a vacation for me. So, if you can steal a few days prior to the weekend.....great!!!! Just don't know what to advise you to do around there.</p>
<p>Ahh the liberty diner! What memories. Funny story alert. Yes I have many from lovley Liberty nY. One night after driving for about 8 hours my parents and I were starved. There was nowere around to eat this late at night(we hit alot of traffic) except you guess it the diner! So we walk in. You know its food. We sti down and promptly notice , we ahve no tablesetting. My mom asked our waiter (a young girl about 18 or so) can we have so place setting. She looked a bit nervious and repied,Im sorry miss but we don't have those. My mom looked at her like you dont have silverware. my dad said im sure you ahve silverware, its also called a place setting and she said o ya we ahve that. Brought us the silverware and procedded to take our order. My dad ,being the talkative person he is told her we had been driving for about 8 hours to take me up to camp and we were tired and hungrey, having not eaten much except for some snacks in the car on the way up. Okay she says I'll bring you your food. 20 mintues later we hear a crash. Sure enough it is our food. Thats not the worst of it. THE GIRL WAS AFRAID WE WOULD YELL AT HER FOR DROPPING THE FOOD SO SHE HID!this is no joke she went into the kitchen and did not come out. Another waiter came over and explained the situation. In the end we got our food frim this other waiter, but the girl would not come back out for anything. Finally the other woman prosueded her to give us the check. She slowly crept out of the kitchen gave us the check, and when ym ada tryed to apologize for scaring her she looked like she was about to cry.</p>
<p>Defying.That is quite a story. I think they should have given you your meal free!
Audi..Hubby would like to play golf and the courses there looked great but there is just nothing to do that I saw so I think we will just go for the Friday and Sat. not sure yet. Sounds like the Concord hotel is not there?</p>
<p>Really not so sure about the Concord. Like I said, it could be Grossingers I was thinking of. I do know that one of them only had a golf course. The courses are supposed to be superb. My husband likes to play also and commented that they look great but he has never played there. We mostly have gone up there for SDM.</p>
<p>If any of you are interested in Grossingers and Concord history here are a few sites. I remember as a child, spending a summer in the Catskills with my parents. This brings back some memories. </p>
<p><a href="http://catskillarchive.com/grossinger/%5B/url%5D">http://catskillarchive.com/grossinger/</a></p>
<p>My parents met at Grossingers which is no longer what it was. It turned into something else. However, we drive right by the entrance when we stay at Day's Inn in Liberty and so I think about how my parents met there and then their grandchild spent the summers of her youth just five miles away. </p>
<p>As mentioned, we never look to stay at these resorts when we go to performance weekend because all of our time is spent at SDM. The cabaret performed at The Raleigh Hotel and Kutshers Resort up until two years ago and so my D has spent evenings at these hotels many times, but not overnight. I will be attending the 30th anniversary bash along with 1500 others at Kutshers next week. I could tell ya what it was like then. I am not going to spend the money to stay there, though. I am staying at Best Western Monticello nearby which was not exactly that cheap either. My D is staying at a B and B (not even sure which one) with lots of her friends. Freelance, who posts here, is gonna be my roomie at Best Western though! </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>I was thinking after reading about the resort hotels and after I posted, to suggest that you look into The Raleigh Hotel. As I mentioned, while I have not been there, the cabaret troupe my D has been in at SDM performed there every session until recently. It so happens that the granddaughter of The Raleigh Hotel's owner also went to SDM and was one of my D 's better friends and she even roomed with her one summer. This friend happens to live during the year by sheer coincidence in my hometown in South Jersey and so my D got to see her sometimes when visiting grandparents. Her parents worked at the Raleigh too except they left there several years ago, but the grandfather still owns it. </p>
<p>So, I just went to look it up online and lo and behold, there was a fire at The Raleigh two days ago! I had no idea. Coincidentally, my D was in NYC two days ago and considered staying that night with this same friend who is going to CAP21 summer program and it was her 18th birthday party that night but she ended up staying with a different friend (who just graduated from there). So, she would not have heard about this but surely would have if she had stayed with the girl who is the granddaughter of who owns the Raleigh. So, I don't know if you can still stay at the Raleigh or not. So much for my suggestion. </p>
<p>I don't think you can stay at the Concord right now but I may be wrong on that. SDM suggests if you want a resort, to go to The Raleigh or Kutshers. I have rarely met parents who come for performance weekend who do that. When I stay at Days Inn, and come in late from SDM and Our Time Cabaret, you know most of the people at the hotel are also parents of Stagedoorians cause they are all walking in there late at night too!</p>
<p>I was at my gastroentorologist(wow long word) and we were talking about camps. I told her I was going to Stagedoor and she replied my D. goes there and has been for 5 years. She raved about the camp and said it was AMAZING!She said that she could not beleive these were kids preforming and to put a show on in 3 weeks it was amazing. Susan I think she knows your D. as she mentioned that 1st session her D. was in Jekly and Hyde. She said your D. is amazingly talented and extradinarly good on stage. Her D. name is Becca and she is 13. She said second session she got a pretty big part in Big River and was very excited. She said her D. insists on going till she is 18. While we are on the subject of hotels she gave my parents the name of a B&B that they shoudl stay at. She said it is an amazing camp. I havent' hear anything less, though im sure there are some kids who don't like it and dont return but it seems the return rate is very high.</p>
<p>Def Grav-what is the name of the B&B if you don't mind sharing it. Also, Sue, it was asked that since Konnie is not posting cast info for second session (she is too busy with the gala) that perhaps you can do it. My S started telling me names of kids but since I don't know them (only Sara who is Aida), I couldn't be of help. He said I'm sure Sue or her D could post them as many people keep asking. Just a thought if you knew them and the kids names.</p>
<p>DefyingG, that was very nice of her to comment on my D 's performance and for you to share it. My D is not home but I'm positive she would know this girl as she knew her entire cast and loved them. She commented as well that there were some 13 year olds in it. I see a girl by that name in the program under ensemble. The ensemble in that show was very strong....as a whole group sound AND each girl sang a solo verse in Bring on The Men and they were all quite good. I'm happy for her D to get a good role in Big River. The director of Big River is one that my child adores and he directed her in Cinderella and she just took Dance Master Class with him last session. He played the original Mr. Mistofelles in CATS on Broadway and on the video. She is in for a treat. The musical director is the guy who plays piano in the CAMP movie. </p>
<p>I am excited for you that you will have the opportunity to enjoy a theater program which my daughter loved and was a huge part of her youth. Thanks for sharing.
Susan</p>