More from LA's Best (cont.)

I went into Sunday's activities with more optimism. Things had been going well and I was getting little "signs" along the way. For example, "Good Time" by the Brazilian Girls popped on while I was The Limited picking out my outfit for this occasion. The news of the out-of-state Marker joining us was great news! And my departing flight only had 30 people on it! Woo hoo! No rain scheduled in the weather report, even though we were supposed to get stormed on. Things were good.

After the plane got de-iced (it was BUTT cold that morning), I took off for my first flight of the day. J was picking me up from the airport so we could meet everyone else for brunch at Masa in Echo Park. Good food and good conversation. A little surreal too. I mean, I've met people off of the internet before. Multiple times. Heck, my bookclub started from an online message board and 2 of my best guy friends were introduced to me via the web. I'm no stranger to this type of stuff. I guess it was just interesting to finally meet the people I had been communicating with, swooning with, and laughing with in the comfort of my computer screen.

The conversation mostly focused on Mark and Dance related topics. With of course, a 10 minute break where we couldn't talk about dancing at all. 3 hours later, it was off to the Hollywood and Highland area. But not without trying to squeeze 4 people into the backseat of an SUV. Fun times. We succeeded somewhat, and have the photo to prove it.

Oh, and apparently in Los Angeles, there is an American Apperal on every corner. Just thought I'd throw that in.

Hollywood was interesting. I haven't been in about 10 years so of course I don't really recognize much except for the major landmarks like the Chinese Theater, the Stars, and the cheesy would-be actors in superhero costumes. Gotta love the street performers...

Parking was a non-issue and we soon found ourselves at the Kodak Theater box office... with Mark's family. Yeah, really. Actually, I think I recognized one of the aunts from the show's audience pans during the summer. But I didn't realize this until much later. Anyway... since we were loudly discussing our favorite dancer and were all decked out with leis and whatnot, Mark's uncle approached us and struck up a conversation. Said he was meeting the family after the show in the exact spot we were standing. Well... okay then. Things were progressing quite nicely. But, we still didn't want to get our hopes up because... well, things happen... or don't happen. The fingers were firmly crossed and we were very hopeful.

One of us happens to spot Lil C walking into the theater via the stage door. He really is Lil. Like really short. Not kidding. Then I caught Elizabeth Banks walk into the theater as well. I only recognize her because M was watching Zach and Miri the night before. Thin as a rail. Also pretty short. Everyone looks so much bigger on TV. I don't understand.

Oh and bummer... we notice the warning posted on the Kodak Theater doors. No video recording or photography of any kind. Drats! So we all take a quick photo of our group before we head in and promptly hide our cameras and recording equipment. Alas... no security or bag checks. Wow... that was easy.

And the place was FLOODED with kids. The median age was maybe ten years old. Lots of chaparones and snaking lines of kids. I am beginning to wonder what kind of concert this is. I think benefit concert and I think sponsors and hoity toity dressed up elders with money to burn for a good cause. This? Was completely different. The sponsors bought groups of seats for the schools to attend and see all these performances. Yeah, the board of trustees and all were there. But they weren't the majority. In fact, the theater was pretty empty considering.

Our seats were a surprise. Front row mezzanine. I know that mezzanines tend to be a risk because you are never sure how far from the stage you'll actually be, but we had a pretty good view.

We grabbed programs to verify appearances. No Thayne... but Mark, Chels, Twitch, Katee, Josh, PASHA (!!!!), and Anya were all there. As well as quite a few notable names. The other thing missing... heavy security. I think we were going to get pics and vids just fine.

Lights dim... then relight... then dim again... more screams from the kiddos. Then out pops Nigel himself. Our Master of Ceremonies for the evening...