A Friendship Rekindled Through Comedy

Linda Vorachack and Danielle Smith
co-creators, writers, and stars of D&L In the Atl

ATLANTA - The world needs to laugh more. Well, at least that's what Danielle Smith and Linda Vorachack of Atlanta, Georgia think.  While growing up in central Georgia, these two were inseparable. Their parents were best friends and even spent numerous Christmas holidays together. When Danielle's mother became the Godmother of both Linda and her brother John, the friends deemed themselves God-sisters. 

Unfortunately, as they grew older, like most childhood friends, they eventually grew apart. Linda's family moved North of Atlanta while Danielle's family remained in Macon. Thirteen years later these two sisters magically reunited.

"I always knew I'd be reunited with my long-lost friend at some point in our lives. I just didn't know when," said Danielle Smith, co-creator and executive producer of D&L In the Atl. "I finally got to see Linda when she showed up to her mom's house who was hosting an event that day. Though we didn't reconnect at that time, I still hoped we could catch up." 

Now four years later, not only have the two rekindled their friendship but they have also rekindled their love for making silly short skits. Only this time, they aren't begging their parents to watch them put on a show in a living room like they did as kids. 

"Ever since I've known Danielle, I feel like God brought her into my life to make me a better person," said Linda Vorachack, co-creator, writer, and co-star of the show. "In turn, it makes me want to be there for other people so that they too can see their own potential. Even though we've been apart for thirteen years, I feel my connections with other people throughout my life was a journey that God intended to teach me many life lessons."  

Anyone who knows the story of how drastically different their lives were over those years apart, would hardly believe that they still had anything in common. Luckily that wasn't true. Linda still had a Godmother, and both Danielle and Linda loved the woman dearly. 

While visiting Danielle's ill mom in the hospital in October 2015, the two began telling random stories to make her laugh. Within the hour they began writing skits that, little did they know, would soon become one of many they would film in September 2016. After testing their material in front of live audiences with another sketch comedy show in Atlanta, the two knew they were ready. 

Some might consider D&L In the Atl to be a modern version of the 90's hit In Living Color, except with two female hosts. They are hoping it will be a breath of fresh air from the stereotypical Atlanta comedy scene. Their style of comedy doesn't rely on profanity to carry punch lines and the scenarios are unlike anything you've ever seen. However, that will be for their audience to decide.

"Though we haven't pitched it to the networks yet, we're hoping the premiere will give us an honest evaluation if the world is ready for our style of comedy," Smith said. "With anything, people will always be critical of your work, but as long as people see value in our humor, then I think it's worth the investment."

The show's pilot episode will premiere Monday, December 19th at the Plaza Theatre on Ponce de Leon in Atlanta. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com. 

Discovering Purpose Through a Hurricane

Lorenzo Green (left) and Larry Bowen (right), new best friends and evacuees of Hurricane Matthew, enjoy a funny conversation at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, in Savannah, Georgia, October 10, 2016.  (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Perry)



SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND CONVENTION CENTER, Savannah, Ga., October 10, 2016 – I remember the first time I seriously considered military service. I was watching TV and a commercial with Soldiers conducting rescue missions out of a helicopter was on. It had that feel good music to make you want to sign up that same day. Though it would be years later before I actually raised my right hand to join the Army National Guard, I still remember that feeling of empowerment and purpose.

With nearly five years under my belt, I finally experienced that feeling.  As we received the news of Hurricane Matthew preparing to pummel the south eastern coast of the United States, I knew I might be called upon. Before I knew it, I dropped my toddler son off with his grandparents in the middle of the night, and I was headed south on a closed highway.

What most civilians don’t realize is that in addition to the first responders like the police, fire department, power companies, EMTs, and others; the National Guard is the second group to move in and assist the civil support agencies where needed. Yes, military vehicles can be scary to some, but behind those steering wheels are our nations’ sons and daughters that possess special skills that are vital to every mission given. They are professional engineers, water purification specialist, mechanics, IT technicians, and more.

I’ll never forget the feeling that really struck my heart when I walked into the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. My line of work grants me more access than most and that day we were documenting the activities of an infantry company that was assisting the American Red with returning evacuees.  Yes, infantry Soldiers were passing out first aid kits, moving supplies, distributing water and playing games with the children. Seeing them with the children was nearly tear-jerking because who knew what their families would soon have to return home to. 

Then across the room I noticed an unlikely pair; two elderly men laughing as if a Hurricane had never even happened. I couldn’t help myself. I just had to speak with them. As soon as I walked over they both smiled greeting me warmly; giving me permission to sit on the cot across from them.

Their names were Larry and Lorenzo, two gentlemen in their mid to late sixties with the biggest smiles you’d ever see. Despite being born during a time when their interaction would have been discouraged, they had recently become the best of friends. Delighted by my eagerness to hear more, they welcomed my interview.

“This was my fourth time evacuating,” said Lorenzo Green, 65, Savannah native.

He had heard the housing authority and police would be coming around to evacuate everyone and that there would be a curfew put in place.

“The only thing I did was start packing and went downstairs to catch the CAT bus to the civic center,” Green said.  

There, he filled out paperwork and boarded the evacuation bus to Augusta; where the two men met. You would have never known they had just met each other because they knew each other’s stories so well and often times finished each other’s sentences. Unlike Lorenzo, Larry didn’t know what to expect but he knew the situation was urgent enough to take seriously.

“I didn’t know what to do,” said Larry Bowen, 69, of Pooler, Georgia. “I’ve never evacuated so when I saw the TV screen read evacuate, get out of here; I got scared.”

He had never seen that type of warning in Pooler before.

“I called GA Power to see what I needed to do with my appliances,” Bowen said. “I turned my refrigerator on high and unplugged my air conditioner.”

Luckily while he was away, Bowen was able to speak to a neighbor that stayed behind who reported that his home looked fine; information that was definitely appreciated. The one thing they both kept mentioning was how nice and professional the police and civil support personnel were.

“They cared about you and really looked out for you,” Bowen said. “I can’t complain. You’d walk up to them and they would try every way in the world to help.”

They were both very pleased by their experience which will most likely make the decision to evacuate a bit easier for them in the future.

Overall, I didn’t know what to expect when I went to support the Hurricane Matthew relief efforts; but I can say that it was one of the most gratifying experiences of my time in service. We were there to help and I witnessed it firsthand. For days soldiers were helping people, directing traffic, removing trees, distributing food, monitoring neighborhoods in the dark, helping clean up and all without appearing to think twice about the holiday weekend they were missing with their families. This is how I know I made the right choice.

To my fellow American citizens, be thankful that you live in the United State of America. It is because of our tax paying dollars and these selfless acts from our first responders, military service members, and those of everyday citizens that voluntarily lend a helping hand; is what truly make our nation great.  Without it, we wouldn’t be able to rebuild our nation as timely and as efficiently as we do. We are so very blessed.

As long as my line of work promotes teamwork, integrity, peace, unity, diplomacy, decency, inclusiveness and selfless-service; I will always do my best to uphold and exemplify the strong moral values my parents instilled in me.  I can only hope that you too will find your purpose. May God bless America!

The Halloween Season Draws Nigh: Tis Shockingly Scary

photo from rebelsmarket.com

It's that time of year again. One of the world's most lucrative industries will begin its stretch of welcoming visitors from all around the world. What am I referring to? The haunted house industry of course! Halloween season is undeniably the most lucrative season for theme parks such as Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Kings Dominion, and just about any of them that participate in the annual festivities.

For those who've never visited a theme park or stand-alone haunted attraction in October, you wouldn't know. If you think I'm referring to the typical ghosts and goblins spooky house then you won't find many. That's for children. We're talking about grown-up stuff.

In the twenty-first century you'll find the most technologically advanced animatronics, movie quality make-up and wardrobe, and the creepiest set designs leaving anyone wondering if their experience is actually real. Haunted House developers have very creative minds to design the most entertaining haunted attractions for their audiences. Year-round they attend a variety of trade shows like Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show in St.Louis, traveling events like HauntCon, and more.

No matter where the attraction, just know it takes a lot of hard work and creative juices to bring it to life. Now that my maternity hiatus is over, yours truly (a twenty-year-plus veteran haunted house connoisseur) will be at it again. This year I'll be bringing you reviews from some of the best haunted attractions in the Southeast. Don't just take it from me.  During my annual haunted house crawls, I invite some of the bravest thrill-seekers that get to share their experiences too.

If you're new to the whole phenomenon, I'd suggest visiting a theme park first. At least there are more people around to help alleviate you from being a constant target for the scare actors. If you just want to ease into this craze and you're looking for family fun, visit Six Flags. Why?  Because children are allowed inside the park. Believe it or not, I have never visited Six Flag's Fright Fest after all these years just because of that very reason. However, this year I have decided to include it on my review list just so I can provide the best feedback for those who are interested. After all, new night crawlers should know where they should start, at least for their children's sake. 

For all others, start with Halloween Horror Nights 25 at Universal Studios. This year's haunts range from Freddy vs. Jason, to the Walking Dead, Insidious, The Purge, and many more. Though I don't normally endorse haunted attractions until I've reviewed it first, I'll share Halloween Horror Night's event overview in celebration of its 25th anniversary. Here's a link to this year's video.

photo from pichost.me

Or, if you don't want most of your scares ruined by large crowds, go to Busch Garden's Howl-O-Scream and its new tale entitled Unearthed this year. Its haunted houses include Scarlett's Revenge, Circus of Superstition, Dead Fall, and others. 

FYI, Over the years I have found that due to HHN's popularity, the park tends to be too overcrowded to really enjoy the experience. However, at Busch Gardens, you can usually get a bit more bang for your buck.

Overall, the best thing about visiting any of the theme parks is that it's a great way to see how your favorite scary movies, television shows, and sometimes your worst nightmares comes to life. The professionals that put these attractions together are usually the same people that work on movie sets.

Now that the Labor Day's festivities have come to a close I am officially scheduling my visits for this year's haunted review season. To kick things off, I'll be sharing some videos and write-ups for your enjoyment. Though I've visited attractions many attractions over the years, even to include Virginia's King's Dominion and Ashland Berry Farm, I will primarily be visiting attractions in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida this year. It all depends on how much we have time for on our schedule.  If you know of any places that you like that I may have missed over the years, definitely bring them to my attention or simply have the attraction contact us. 

Lastly, I hope this will at least help you gauge where you might want to start.  Either way, just make sure you save your dollars. The cost of visiting theme parks and stand-alone haunted attractions in one season can really bust the bank. However, I hope I can help direct you to the best attraction that best suits your budget and scare tolerance.  Happy haunting!

To read a previous haunted house crawl review, click this!

To include your haunted attraction in future columns contact us at:
info@exclusiveremediesstudio.com