From Wolftrap we moved onto the charm (and heat) of the southeast.
The next stop was Charleston, West Virginia which was about 95 degrees Fahrenheit on the day we arrived. The area of the town we were in had an old feel about it but also had lots of modern amenities. There was a new mall and lots of nice restaurants within walking distance as well as several cute cafes and home made ice cream shops. Most people chose to relax and have a nice meal when we arrived and then we all met down by the hotel pool later in the evening. Someone had found a truth-or-dare type game in one of the toy stores so we agreed to play that with the troupe and it ended up going on for hours. Before the end of the night a few people ended up taking an unexpected swim in the pool but it was all in good fun.

There was a jazz/blues bar just down the street from the hotel which provided great entertainment for our stay in Charleston. Several of our musicians (including Paul Booth, Steve Holloway, and Kennedy Aitchison) came down one of the nights and the local jazz band let them sit in and play for a few songs. We were all very impressed as were many of the regulars at the bar. It's always fun to see cast members showing off their talent outside the show.

Kennedy and Paul after playing jazz in Charleston

After Charleston we made the trek to Greenville, South Carolina. It was unfortunate that we only got to spend a few days in Greenville as it was very quaint and had a lot to offer as far as daytime activities went. There was a river which bordered the back of the theatre and ran down into a lovely waterfall. Several cast members took the opportunity to walk down and explore the waterfall as well as the beautiful flower gardens around it after the show one evening. The main street was lined with tall old trees and had fairy lights hung at the intersections. To the delight of the cast there was even a road called Coffee Street which had several (you guessed it) independent coffee shops on it.

The Waterfall and gardens behind the theatre in Greenville

Coffee St intersection, Greenville

The last night we were there most of the cast went to a Dutch restaurant called Adie's after the show for dinner. The members of the company who were on tour last time Riverdance came through Greenville remembered this restaurant and their endless hospitality. Nothing has changed about it since then - if anything it's improved. After racing the few blocks to the restaurant in the rain we were greeted by the staff who offered us towels to dry off. The evening got even better when the owner came out to personally talk to us and see if we were enjoying our evening and the great food and to tell us about the origin of some of his more unusual recipes. The entire night seemed like a celebration of some sort and it was hard to say goodbye and return to the hotel.

Sam Nicholas and Jenny talk to Adie

The Boyne company enjoy their meal at Adie's in Greenville

I have no doubt that if Riverdance comes through Greenville again we'll all have to stop in and say hi to Adie!