John deHaas

I just found my date book from 1999. I didn't remember this, but I auditioned for Comedy Warehouse on August 17, 1999, the very same day that Universal decided to close the X-Men show I was in. When one door closes, another opens....
I remember when I first started in 1999, the Green Room was ALWAYS packed! We had the cast of Comedy (5-7 people), the cast of the Ad Club ( 7 more) and the Explosion Dancers (I think about 8). During the night, the room would go from empty to packed and back again. But the energy was always great!
I remember playing piano at the club and getting the "are you new here" from guests right up until we closed. I guess when you sub, the chances of people seeing you do the show on any kind of regular basis are pretty slim.
I remember when it rained and I had to walk from the Green Room to the club. There was an alleyway with no roof over it. I kept thinking that it made no sense to not put a roof here, but what did I know!
I remember going to Downtown Disney orientation with Elise. She was starting as ticket taker. Over the years, I would keep running into her until eventually she learned the club as a tech. It was great seeing her at the closing party last Sunday.
I remember coming back to CW one week after my father's funeral. I was trying my best to get through the night when Eddie Wilder asked me how I was doing. When I broke down, he said the most amazing things to me, and to this day, I will never forget his warmth and compassion. Thanks Eddie.
I remember when my Mom came to see the show in December 2006. My father had passed away about a month earlier, and I was trying to show her all that Disney had to offer. We had just come from La Nouba, and I was going to play one show so she could see me play. Unforunately, I got laryngitis and could not sing a note or say anything! But she still liked it.
I remember the workshops. They were always so great and helpful, and it was interesting seeing the process behind the structures.
I remember seeing faces from the past, and more importantly, them remembering me and my contributions to the show. Thanks Steve and Jim.
I remember smelling popcorn as soon as I entered the club.
I remember going to D-Zertz, which used to be where the Irish Pub is now. They had soft serve cookies and cream ice cream that was to die for!
I remember when Thursdays were the only cast night. That was a party every week.
I remember when we used to have a guest list.
I remember my first night and how nervous I was. I knew I would be fine with all the music, but the names kept tripping me up. Up to the last day, I always reviewed everyone's name on stage before the final announcement.
I remember so many funny things that happened onstage. Too many to list here, but they always bring a smile to my face.
I remember playing New Year's Eve 1999. I stood out front of the club with Jen Bascom and Layden Sadecky who was watching the Times Square countdown on his little portable TV. The fireworks on the island seemed to last forever!
I remember playing New Year's Eve 2000 and seeing Duran Duran on the West End Stage. It was FREEZING!
I remember going to PI with Shawn on our first date. We saw a show at CW and Ad Club and had dessert at The Cheesecake Factory at Disney Quest.
I remember going to the Wildhorse Saloon for a taping of some TV show. I think it was on CMTV but I don't remember.
I remember subbing at the Ad Club and dreading the last few shows since BET would crank up the bass, and the walls would shake backstage.
I remember Jen Kober and her hillbilly teeth. I think at one point she was not allowed to use them for awhile!
I remember some memorable characters like Randy Bottoms and Susie Chop Chop. Don't ask me why!
But most of all, I remember how fearless everyone was. We took risks. Sometimes they succeeded, sometimes they didn't. But it was never dull going to work.

John B. deHaas