rivervox | Entries tagged with theater

I spent eight hours in the BHS auditorium yesterday at the Student-directed Festival. Violet was starring as Miranda Priestly in a Devil Wears Prada scene and was a hilarious Mitch McConnell in an SNL sketch. I love watching all the kids. So much energy and creativity. They make these for each other, by themselves and have a great day. The final show. Not as many tears as last year and I don't think it's really hit us yet as we're still recovering. Violet went to a small party afterwards and we watched Dead Boy Detectives, Dick Turpin and Three Body Problem.

Last Sunday was a nice Mother's Day including a lovely breakfast, walk around Jamaica Pond and a trip to Castle Island plus ice cream at Sully's. Dinner AT Veggie Galaxy! Then we had champagne and cheese and chocolate and watched Doctor Who. Really a happy day.

Otherwise working hard to finish school as strongly as possible. Five more days. Dress is at the seamstress. Need to buy shoes today. Find some accessories and make a plan to attend. We all need graduation clothes. We'll get it all done this week so we can go off to VERMONT over the long weekend. I've rented a condo in Quechee that I think will be nice. I didn't want to drive too far because I don't need the stress. I just need to get our of this box and walk in the woods a bit.

I thought I would be very emotional today, but there's so much to do. We're on the rollercoaster with little time to reflect. Just hanging on and trying to enjoy the ride.

Last night was my final BHS musical box office mission. It was exhausting to be around and talk to so many people. I'm proud that I did it and that I planned for the time that it actually requires. It's a very long hour, kind of like working in restaurant rush. Processing 500 people through the gate is intense. It went well, it's over. Turn the page.

We are going to NYC in two weeks. Again, I'm doing it right this time. We're taking Tuesday as well so we can relax a bit. I booked us at the Casablanca in a suite at a decent rate. I think it will be worth it. Good seats for the show too. This is the wisdom of age I suppose. And the privilege of having a bit of money to spend, since we don't travel, shop or do very much. Which reminds me that I'm going to order new socks. I HATE these and they are well-made so last a long time. Into the Helpsy bag they go. Life is too short. Hell, the days are too short.

Things are ramping up for Violet's play which happens in one month. DH has booked his flight to Israel in April. The sun is out after a week of gray. On to the next mountain!

Watching Criminal Record with Peter Capaldi and True Detective with Jodie Foster plus Annika and The Witcher. Late night monsters and crimes.

Current Mood: pleased

I went for a walk this morning. Funny to be out on a spring morning deeply entrenched in the politics of 1536 and Henry's privy council. Gorgeous day after rain yesterday. It was a fine day to spend in a theater watching kids make art. Violet was up and out early, and though we bit our nails, she triumphed. Now a day to recover. Honey is on a train to CT en route to a few days at Nyack for work. We still need to deal with all of her stuff, which is making our little space more crowded.

I could title this post SNAFU, since nothing has changed, but at least we have moved through these big stressful events. The wheel turns and we keep struggling on. Doing the Next Right Thing.

Current Mood: okay

Just a few good things. This morning when I pulled in to the parking lot, Magic Flute on the radio, there was a cardinal sitting on a branch in the bushes right in front of me. I thought immediately of Uncle Donnie and courted the idea that he was watching over me. I sat and watched the bird, listened to the Mozart and just felt pleasure. The hopped off to meet his mate, whom I hadn't seen due to her camouflage. The music ended, they flitted off and I went inside.

Yoga this morning. I will walk at midday. I'm getting into that routine, since it fits better with my schedule and I can be at work by 9:30. Last night was a BetCo show. Always interesting to see what they are up to. We watched a stunning Res Dogs. Really the best show.

Current Mood: calm
Current Location: Saint Paul
Current Music: WCRB

The show is over. It was wonderful and Violet was clearly the heart and star of the show. All that anxiety has blown away but we are now in the Vale of Tears after the play. I'm hoping now that we can get on track for school with more time and less stress.

Yesterday, I went out to Kendrick. Funny how it calls me sometimes. It was wonderful, but felt like a long walk. I've cut down on my walking since Blitz and it's showing. Keeping up with yoga is great but I need to do 2 mile walks a few times a week. I did one this morning too, and old route by Lawrence, Longwood Mall and the beech trees, then down to the river and back. The Silmarillion is more interesting at this point, with the tale of Turin. It's interesting that the Elves behave just as badly as humans. I was struck by the death of Beleg, whom Turin kills after being tortured by Orcs, when he has come to save him. One must imagine Tolkien would have seen soldiers wake up fearful and fighting in the war. I almost wonder if there is a specific incident. I remember stories, from maybe my stepfather, about being wakened from bed after his service and trying to strangle his mother. Anyway, I very compelling tale. I wonder why the Rings of Power show left all of this out. Interesting to learn that the dwarves were there before the Elves.

Yesterday I did extra yoga for my hips and baked cookies. We had Thai food and watched the end of the Sound of Music and Tick, Tick, Boom. DH and I watched Reservoir Dogs. It's hard to watch things together now. No one gets to watch what they want. We are all made miserable by trying to do it together. Sigh.

Current Mood: hopeful
Current Location: Saint Paul

Muggy morning walk listening to the Brothers Karamazov. We're seeing Sing Street today at the Huntington. Yesterday we went to the JP Music Festival to see Army of Toys and other bands. It was great to see them. I forget how wonderful live music is. It reminded me of the first time I saw the Toys at the House of Blues. Their stage show is next level and the musicianship is top notch.

Violet got her booster and spend the day on the couch. We watched Thor:Love and Thunder which was diverting, but of course Jane gets fridged.

Counting down the days to my trip. I'm checking things off the list (glasses, clothes, luggage) and I need to be very prepared for P'town/LA.

Current Mood: mellow
Current Location: Saint Paul

We did it, dear reader. We went to see Much Ado on the Common. As the sun set, the day cooled and we were able to enjoy the show. It was nice to be in an audience, hearing the laughs at the familiar lines. People cheered and clapped and were very involved. The time frame and the gender-swapped characters didn't do much for the piece, but it was enjoyable. And free! So nice to be out on the town.

I slept late Sunday and didn't walk. We did some cleaning and then we went to Nantasket. A blisteringly hot day, and the water was cold. Wonderful to be there and we drove home cool and content. We watched the finale of Stranger Things, which was flawed but satisfying. I could easily have cut 30 minutes out of that thing. I stayed up late to finish Bridgerton and some wine, so I'm a bit bleary today.

Hot again, I walked at Leverett. Next time I must bring water. In these temps, I can't last more than a mile without a drink. I'm really looking forward to the rains promised later in the week.

Current Mood: listless
Current Location: Saint Paul
Current Music: WCRB

As expected, a pretty quiet week. Violet had drama-related stuff last night so we watched Northern Exposure and Moon Knight, plus Mr. Mayor. Moon Knight is fantastic. And yes, I have a crush on Mr. Isaac. This morning I spotted a certain sci-fi author again. Not sure what to do with that, but it's exciting. I walked from here down to Leverett and around. A bit longer walk. Crossing Rt. 9 made it less fun. Days are better when I don't have to drive to BHS.

Warm and cloudy today, rain later. Spring is a coy mistress. We need to get busy with Passover and Taxes. Not to mention the never-ending clean up. We got hit with a new assessment which is going to stretch us just when we thought we were putting some money together.

Honey's play opens today. I'm very sad to miss it. I sent flowers and I hope she receives them without too much hassle. I looked into going down, but the flight and hotel would have been expensive. Ah well. Let's hope for photos and video. She is playing Bernard in Arcadia by Tom Stoppard. One of her biggest roles ever. Ironically, they didn't cast her in the Mainstage show. Probably the most accomplished Shakespeare actor in that school. Maybe they were going for amateurs?

In any event, we're in a nice lull before the storm. April come she will.

Current Mood: content
Current Location: Saint Paul
Current Music: WCRB

The big week has passed. The States Festival was Saturday and they didn't advance. Very sad. Maybe, as DH says, if they're not going to actually compete, they shouldn't play. So it was all late nights and too much homework. The added stress of A Cappella fest. A crescendo of anxiety. Plus Purim. As I have learned, I can only handle one extra thing and last week I had 2 or 3. I was vibrating. Still, I kept walking, ate well, resumed the salad routine and we all made it through.

Saturday night we watched the finale of Discovery and Our Flag Means Death. I slept late Sunday, did housework, talked to Honey and went out to Kendrick for a walk. It was a beautiful equinox day. Spring has arrived. Crocuses first in line. Last night we watched Around the World in 80 Days and it was very cool that they included Bass Reeves and the founding of the KKK. We watched Picard which is a yawn and then I watched Trapped, which is a great Icelandic murder mystery. I was thinking about it all night.

Looking forward to regaining my balance.

Dog walkers are the sentinels of the block

Current Mood: calm
Current Location: Saint Paul

So tired. We went to Ocean Filibuster last night. I was already tired from the night before. Stayed up until 11:30. Wine involved. Woke up at 6:30 after a restless night. Got Violet to school did some shopping now ready for bed again.

The show was...Certain elements were great: music, visuals, costumes, performances. I guess it's the actual content that didn't work. The rhythm of the piece. It was a lot of work for the audience to understand what was happening, plus a lot of interesting information. Did it just not gel? I think it was too long, too padded. There were moments where it seemed like nothing at all was happening and I don't know what I was supposed to think. And I was tired. It could be a good 90 minutes.

I guess I'm disappointed that the cool thing that was going to cap off our vacation week was less than I expected. Still. Out in a theater. Trip to Cambridge instead of sitting on the couch. I was unable to connect with Sxip. It was too much for me at my energy state right now. I just wasn't capable.

Did I mention I was tired?

Current Mood: exhausted
Current Location: Saint Paul

As I was walking this morning, stepping carefully on the ice, it started to snow and I was elated to be out in the woods. To enjoy winter, you need to become a creature of winter. Hibernation doesn't work.

What a weekend! 4 shows. 2 Sat and 1 Sunday. I was exhausted from the stress of Box Office. The system itself was a chaotic, last-minute- seat-of-the-pants operation. Plus having to be packed in the lobby with hundreds of people then sitting in a theater. My first super-spreader event. I guess we'll see in 5 days.

The musical itself was terrific. We have some very talented kids in addition to Violet. So much dancing, great singing and fun music. I feel lucky to be at BHS.

Honey was home and we had a terrible Friday evening as her plane was delayed for 5 hours by the icy rain. We were very anxious about her, especially because she won't take off her mask to eat or drink in the airport. She got home finally at 1 AM. Went to bed at 2 and then into show blizzard.

Last night the cast went out for ice cream. We had Indian food for dinner and watched Around the World in 80 Days. Things might just calm down around here now. And the plague is dying down a bit.

I do feel accomplished and relaxed. Maybe happy?

Current Mood: cheerful
Current Location: Saint Paul
Current Music: WCRB

A bit frazzled though I got in a walk this morning. Stayed up too late reading. A busy, stressful week. My certification exam is TOMORROW and I'm not ready. I think it's important to go through with it and then take it again when I know my deficits. Proud that I'm pushing through on this. Direction and buoyancy.

Spent much of the weekend unpacking. Trying to fit the old junk into the new spaces and getting rid of what we can. Plus we need to clean up for Honey! If she passes her COVID tests, if she can fit all that stuff on the plane, etc.

We did see WILD on Saturday night. It was amazing to see Idina Menzel at that proximity. Such a voice. It was more like a workshop, concert show, and informal. The songs were very good, the stage business rough but I think this will have impact. Not sure I see it on Broadway, but it will be great for schools and local theater. Powerful message, though I'm not sure about the ending. It was stressful being in that full theater and now we'll just have to wait. And then we she gets back we wait again.

Looking forward to our week on the Cape. Which I need to book...

Current Mood: tired
Current Location: Saint Paul

Right in the middle of the intensity and a Nor'easter. Not getting outside to walk, little sleep, lots of stress. Not a good cocktail. But with planning, I'm working my way through it.

I presented at the retreat yesterday, the only person at my level to do so. It was scary and I don't think I did a great job, but I did it and I hope that counts for something.

The birthday breakfast went well and that's really the most important. Taking the afternoon off to do errands and box office volunteering.

Current Mood: exhausted
Current Location: Saint Paul
Current Music: Heaven by Talking Heads

Here we sit on Tuesday in the rain. It was a lovely weekend though. Saturday we had lunch with Amy & Jon & famille in their sukkah, which was lovely. We went to the Prairie Fire for beer and pizza which was cool. Uncomfortable seat though. The pizza wasn't great, but still fun to be outside. Big improvement on an unused parking lot. In the morning I walked around Jamaica Pond. Sunday was also beautiful and I went to the Reservoir. We had our weekly call with Honey and I walked some more. Quiet afternoon, part of which I spent reading in Emerson Park, soaking up the sun.

Sunday night was the Tonys and there were four hours of programming. It was very moving, fun, and entertaining. It felt like Old Home Week, and the stars really shone. I still wouldn't go to a theater, and I feel bad about that. Until kids are vaxxed or the numbers go down, we're staying at our current level. And people are stocking up on toilet paper again. I do plan to buy tickets for the Idina/V show at the ART. Seeing Idina in person would be worth it.

Monday was nice too. I walked the Reservoir twice, the second time walking quickly, listening to music. The exterminator came in and was very happy to have open walls to caulk up. Hopefully we'll get an electrician to visit today. It's going to rain all day. I'm thinking about getting a SAD light to help with my moods. I'm not sure it's the dark so much as the humidity/barometric pressure.

Current Mood: calm
Current Location: Saint Paul
Current Music: Bowie, Station to Station

Gloomy weekend. The highlight was theater for both kids. Honey in Improv and Violet at Student Directed. I actually went into the auditorium for live theater, seeing BETCo. There was magic when the house lights went down. Very weird to be sitting indoors with other people but good to feel the energy. We watched The Prince and the Showgirl which was strangely delightful. Also Clue. But it rained and rained and we were swamped. It was really cold in the apartment without heat. Yesterday we went out to Natick for a walk and ice cream. Such a relief to break the bounds of Bline.

The First of June. Three more weeks of Honey, then the place will seem bigger but sadder. Going back on track means departures. Distance. Bittersweet.

Current Mood: grateful
Current Location: Saint Paul
Current Music: Reasons to be Cheerful

Rough day yesterday. A big departure from the firm, I think. Also, it's too crowded in here.

I remembered to bring my earbuds this morning on my walk, so I was able to dwell in the Toni Morrison story Recitatif and not think about where I am so much.

I attended a webinar about a new ART musical. the Circle of Becoming, with Diane Paulus, V, Idina Menzel and Justin Tranter. Interesting concept, an environment-focused show. Climate catastrophe. V is a hoot. Idina is very focused. The music guy? I'm not so sure. Using folk music for this seems like tripling down on its whiteness. We shall see. I signed up for it as something to look forward to but I couldn't access the expected delight.

I'm going to cut down on the social again. I can't handle the load of negativity right now. Fragile. Can I go down to twitter twice a day? It's hard here because I have to sit in my corner and be quiet. I should remember my former practice of grabbing a book rather than the phone.

I went to bed early. No TV. Read half of Remote Control by Nnedi Okeafor and started The Awakening by Kate Chopin. The latter reading inspired by Treme.

And so it goes.

Current Mood: drained
Current Location: Saint Paul
Current Music: Rhiannon Giddens

This is my end of the year round up of live performances I have seen. Always more than I remember right away. Some great stuff this year!

ExtraOrdinary at AmRep (2x)
Something Strange at Oberon
The Play that Goes Wrong Bway touring
Cirque de Soleil
Moulin Rouge at Colonial Bway preview
Gooney Bird Greene at Wheelock
Leftovers from Company One
Beauty and the Beast at Wheelock
Jagged Little Pill at ART
Raging Skillet at WHAT
1776 at New Rep

Looking back at the shows I saw this year and it's an impressive list. Sunday in the Park with George was my favorite. Pure magic. I got goosebumps and cried. This year, I won't be seeing any shows except Hedwig and Hamilton in June, and the kids' performances, as I am in a year of mourning. The 2017 list will be short but intense.

Labyrinth Burlesque - Oberon with Army of Toys
An Octoroon - Company One
Mary Poppins - Wheelock
HMS Pinafore - Oberon
Baltimore - Brookline High
Donkey Show - Oberon
Guys & Dolls - Emerson
We're Gonna Die - Company One at Oberon
Twelfth Night - Boston Children's Theater
Love's Labors Lost - Shakespeare on the Common
The T Party - Company One
Matilda - Broadway tour
Sunday in the Park with George - Huntington
American in Paris - Broadway tour
A Year with Frog and Toad - Wheelock
Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again - Company One
Into the Woods - Kaleidoscope camp
Hairspray - Kaleidoscope camp
The Phantom Tollboth - Brookline High

Current Mood: impressed
Current Location: Brookline

I saw a wonderful play today at the American Reperatory Theater and It inspired me to list all the shows I saw this year. Despite not having my steady date, I managed to have a good time. I enjoyed all of these performances, but what really made the year special was seeing star performers - Many Pantinkin, Taylor Mac, Courtney Love and Meow Meow. Shout out to puppets in Pirate Princess and Shock Headed Peter. So proud of my daughter and the cast of the Giver. Looking forward to more in the coming year!

The Last Two People on Earth - American Rep
Shock Headed Peter - Company One
An Audience with Meow Meow - Cutler Majestic
Kansas City Choir Boy - ART at Oberon
Who Would Be King - Liars & Believers at Oberon
The Trumpet of the Swan - Wheelock
The Giver - Brookline High School
The Pirate Princess - American Rep

The show that I didn't see that changed my life: HAMILTON!

Current Mood: satisfied
Current Location: Muddy River
Current Music: Star Trek theme

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