Carrying The Banner

Last week the fam packed up and headed to NYC for an Easter extravaganza, and on Friday night, I went to the much anticipated Broadway debut of Newsies. Or, as I like to call it--"every 12 year old's dream come true".

I can't even tell you how giddy excited I was. Legit crazytown.

I saw Once the night before, which floored me--unlike anything I've ever seen and I loved every second of it. I want to live in that musical.

So, after that, I was a little nervous that Newsies wasn't going to live up to the 20 years in the making fantasies that all girls my age can appreciate.

We took my favorite grad student and my Madrid cohort, Christy to the show and she and I got to sit third row. WORD.
However, I'm here to tell you, the Newsies crew? NAILED IT.

I can't say enough wonderful things about the show. I've been following them on Twitter and YouTube and knew it would be fantastic, but, it blew me away. The set was super unique, the dancing was OUT OF CONTROL and the entire ensemble worked so well together.

It wasn't the same as the movie of course (a few new songs, not as much Spot Conlin action, a different reporter--but, still), either way, I just loved it. Everyone was so into their show and the singing? Oh the singing! It really renewed my faith in why I do theater.

The crowd was singing along, clapping, toe tapping, hoopin' and hollerin'--was just so much fun.
After the show, I forced everyone to wait at the stage door to meet the cast. The stage door was rammed y'all! My dad goes "these people aren't famous!", to which Christy and I responded "they are now!". That's what I love so much about this show--it's creating GREAT careers for all these kids. Seriously, kids.

Look at how happy they are?!
Christy and Jess LaPort who plays in the ensemble.
Andrew Keenan Bolger who plays Crutchie--darling!
Christy, myself and Capathia Jenkins who plays a fabulous Meda!
Ryan Steele who plays Specs--we love him!

The adorable Ryan Breslin who plays Races
And the man of the hour--Jack Kelly himself, Jeremy M. Jordan
Y'all, he is darling. I've followed his career for a bit and was excited to see him in Newsies. He knocked it out of the park y'all!! Loved his voice on those iconic songs.

A bunch of Texans! Yep, he's a Texas boy.
After the show, the fam, Christy and I went for dessert--wherein Christy and I literally shut down the restaurant. Nothing like long late night chats with a friend who really "gets" you.
It really was just the perfect evening and I love that I finally got to see a Broadway show with Christy! Next time I see her will be in Madrid!

If you get the chance, please, get yourselves to the Nederlander theater in NYC and see Newsies!!

I've created a monster

And here's how it happened.....

I forced my Dad to go see some shows with me in London. The conversation went something like this:

Me: "We have to see Phantom while we're in London. It's beautiful, it was one of Mom's favorites and if nothing else, you'll love the music. And it's the 25th Anniversary, so, we've got to see that too."

Dad: Grumbles. "Meh. Fine. Whatever."
Interval of Phantom
Dad: "This is AMAZING. The score is just perfect."
Me: "Told ya." Smug smile.

After the curtain call
Dad: "Here, let's go to the pit and watch the orchestra. FOR LIKE AN HOUR."
Two days later--
Me: "I think it'd be fun to see Mama Mia. I bet you'd like it--it's fun."
Dad: Eye roll.

After the show
Dad: "SO MUCH FUN! Let's stay and meet the cast at the stage door!"

SERIOUSLY.

Fast forward a few months and I tell him I'm planning a quickie weekend trip to NYC to see Newsies--which is basically every 12 year old's dream come true, am I right?--then he decides the familia should come for the Easter break.

Dad: "Well, we've got to go see Phantom. I mean, we HAVE to. We've got to have good seats. We can't NOT see Phantom."
Me: Laughs.
Dad: "It's SO GOOD. How do I get the best seats?"
Me: "Any other shows you want to take the family to?"
Dad: "OH MAMA MIA FOR SURE."
Me: Falling over laughing. "So much for that whole I don't like theater thing, huh?"
Dad: "You are your mother's child."

And that, my friends, is how my father now loves Phantom of the Opera, Mama Mia and all things Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Proud daughter, y'all. Here's to hoping I corrupt the little sister too!

(image from here)

You're Only A Day Away

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the day.

Tomorrow is the day that my baby sister gets home. Home from eighteen months away--far away. It seems like years ago I wrote the post when she left, but, it also seems like it was yesterday.
(sissies!! Me, Becca and Rachie--also, what is up with my eyebrows? It pains me to look at them)

A lot has changed, and, I've a lot to tell her (I can't wait to gush about Hugh Jackman and Bones with her), but, mostly I just want to see her. Hear her. Laugh with her. Hear her testimony. Eat pancakes with her. And y'all know I don't even like pancakes.

She's always been an amazing girl. I know I chose my mom and my crazy dad to be my parents, and I also know I ended up with Rachie and Rebecce in my life for a reason. I mean, if I'd actually married Hugh Jackman, I wouldn't have my baby sister, and honestly, I can't imagine my life without her (or Becca, duhhh).

I'm so excited to take her to Spain in a few weeks and explore my London with her. I can't wait to hear her sweet voice-- and it can't hurt to have a Canuck with me in England, right?

We are going to have a great time, and after a year and a half of living in small quarters and no luxury, I'm looking forward to spoiling her with first class train tickets, premier theater seats and a fancy suite in the heart of Piccadilly.

Silly thing told me that we can stay wherever is cheapest. Oh honey. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it 185%. If I say we're going to see Hugh Jackman, I'll find a way to kiss him--twice--if i take you out for a night on the town, I'll swindle VIP passes. I'm not taking my sister all the way to Europe and not going all out. Whatever she wants to do, we'll do-- as long as I get a trip to the tower bridge and an afternoon in Green Park, that's all I need.

It's a little unorthodox for a return missionary who's trying to ya know, reintegrate, but, I'm looking forward to two weeks of sister time, two weeks of our British accents, two weeks of theater, of sun and togetherness.

So, even though I'm taking her to Europe, I'm the lucky one. Me.

Perhaps This.....

Is the reason I don't sleep?

Silly pups.


They're totally keeping Advil PM in business.

Hearing The People Sing

On Friday night I went to a concert called "Do You Hear The People Sing".

It was a production of some of Alain Boubill and Claude-Michel Schonburg's musicals. Now, if you're a musical geek like me, those names mean a lot to you. They're the men who brought us Les Mis and Miss Saigon, among others.
The concert also included music from The Pirate Queen (which I love!), Martin Guerre (which I'm now in love with because it has a very Phantom of The Opera storyline) and -La Révolution Française-which was the first thing they wrote together, musicalising the entire French Revolution.

The show started The Heat is On in Saigon, which is one of my favorites!

Then, the amazing baritone Brian Stokes Mitchell graced us with Boi Dui, which of course, three minutes into the damn show and I'm crying.
Phenomenal tenor, and Broadway's Javert, Terrance Mann, became The Engineer for The American Dream.
Stephanie J Block, the Pirate Queen (and eventual Elphaba) herself performed a brand new song written for Ellen that will added when Miss Saigon goes on world tour in 2013!! It was the first time the song has been performed and it was just lovely! Can't wait to see Miss Saigon in 2013!! (lots of exclamation points, but, warranted)
And of course, Miss Saigon herself, Lea Salonga! She opened with I'd Give My Life For You. Which, naturally, was amazing.
Lea and Peter Lockyer becoming Chris and Kim for "Last Night Of The World"
"Played on a solo saxophone...."
It was so surreal to see Lea singing Miss Saigon--I mean, hello, she's the original Kim. It's her voice that I've always listened to on the soundtrack. And she's still fabulous.

They talked about how Miss Saigon came to be--about Alain Boubill wanting to modernize the opera Madame Butterfly and how Claude-Michel Schonburg saw a photo in Time magazine of a Vietnamese woman giving her half white daughter over to her G.I father to take to America to a better life. Which, as we know, is the foundation of Miss Saigon and what Kim wants for her son.

Then Stephanie talked a bit about playing Grace, The Pirate Queen and how much she loved the story. The creators of Riverdance actually approached Alain and Claude-Michel about creating the musical based on the life of this Irish cheiftan. I never did get to see The Pirate Queen on Broadway, but, naturally, I have the soundtrack (and, British Boyfriend Number Two played Tiernan, so, there's THAT).

Stephanie J Block and Peter Lockyer as The Pirate Queen and her one love, Tiernan. AMAZING.

"I wonder what you'd say, wonder what you'd do, If I said 'My love, I love you'"
"Yet steady as the sea"
Marie Zamora (the original Cossette in the first production--the French version of Les Mis) and Peter Lockyer sing Martin Guerre. Beautiful!!

I don't know anything about this play really, but, they gave a little background and I have already been singing it all weekend. It's just a lovely story and naturally, beautiful music!

"But by heaven they're sure to see there's more to Martin Guerre than a name!"
Stephanie J Block as Fantine for a duet with Lea in I Dreamed A Dream. I've never seen a standing ovation so forceful as the one given at the end of that song. And it was beyond well deserved! Lea and Stephanie smashed it!
The entire company welcomed us to the second act with At The End Of The Day from Les Mis.

"And there's trouble for all when there's trouble for one!"
"Oh yes, the virtuous Fantine...."
Then Peter Lockyer, who played Valjean in the 25th Tour in Europe busted out some heart breakingly gorgeous Bring Him Home action.

"God on high, hear my prayer"
"He is young, he's afraid, let him rest, heaven blessed....."
And of course, to bring us back from tears, it was time to laugh with Master of The House.

"Welcome monsieur, sit yourself down and meet the best innkeeper in town!"
Terrance Mann and Stephanie J Block were HANDS DOWN the best Thernardier's I have EVER seen. And mind you I've seen Les Mis eleventy billion times. I have not laughed so hard in the Master of The House scene as I did on Friday. Cameron Mack, let's get these two cast in those roles PRONTO. I'd pay good money to see that again.
Seriously, hilarious.
Lea, Peter and Marie did "In My Life"

"If he asked, I'd be his"

"Dear Eponine, you're the friend that has brought me here"
"The trees are bare and everywhere the streets are full of strangers". Lea sang On My Own--which is the song that launched her career. She's insanely amazing. And don't we all love that song?
On My Own was the first song written for Les Mis, as Eponine was the character that jumped off the page of Victor Hugo's novel to them. And let's be honest, who doesn't love Eponine? She's such a rich and complex character and to properly fill that role, the voice must follow. Lea has that voice (I'm looking at you Taylor Swift), and it was surreal to hear her sing it once more.

Could she be more stunningly beautiful?! Ahem, she's 41. Forty freaking one. I know, she still looks like young 17 year old Kim. COME ON.
The finale was of course, the encore of Do You Hear The People Sing, which, my heck, always makes me cry (seriously, ask TPG, I was BAWLING when we saw it over Christmas). The Dallas Children's Choir lent their sweet voices to that song and I think everyone in the stadium was singing along.

Terrance Man and Stephanie J Block at the finale.

"They will live again in freedom in the garden of the Lord. They will walk behind the ploughshare, they will put away the sword. The chain will be broken and all men will have their reward."

HOLY EFFING TEARS.

Then. Then. THEN. As if that wasn't amazing enough. Guess who was there?

(no, not Hugh Jackman. I know, I hoped too. Apparently he's busy filming Les Mis or something. Rude. Whatever)

The legends themselves: Alan Boubill and Claude-Michel Schonburg. I DIE. I mean, these men are insane legends and just oh my gahhhh. I lost it here. For real. It was worse than when I saw ALW at Phantom 25. I know, who'd have ever thought someone would top Lloyd Webber?!

I absolutely love this shot--everyone signing those iconic words.

"Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Somewhere beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see? Do you hear the people sing? Say, do you hear the distant drums? It is the future that they bring when tomorrow comes!"
I'm so not even sorry that y'all just had picture overload.

It was such a FUN night and I feel so lucky to have gotten to be there to see these people who I look up to and admire.

If this show ends up touring or if you have the chance to see any of these performers, please do so! You will not be sorry!

Tweet of The Week

Goes to....

Christy, my Madrid Marathon partner in crime. Mega props to her for getting a Les Mis and Hugh Jackman reference into 140 characters or less. Well done, Christy, well done. (seriously made my night)

She was referring of course to my suddenly single date night to go see a concert of "Do You Hear The People Sing", featuring this amazing soul:

Lea Salonga, ladies and gentlemen!!!! Lea Salonga! An amazing night to be sure--even, on my own ;)

Lots more on Lea to come, don't worry! I just have to get my photos to my computer. Ahhh! So many amazing pictures--y'all will DIE.

That was my weekend--what did y'all do??

Midweek Randoms

I'm currently living in a Clomid induced "must eat everything in sight and then stab everyone" haze, so, I'm out of blog fodder--even after a trip to Sephora (I KNOW!).

Luckily for us, the darling Melissa at The View From Five Two tagged me in a few questions--so, let us get started!

1. If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, with all of your expenses paid, where would you live?: Let's all act surprised when I say London, HANDS DOWN. London is where my heart resides. It seems to be genetic, my cousin--who has literally traveled the world--loves London the most too. As did my momma.

2. What is your favorite musical? Or do you not like musicals?: Again, let's all act surprised: LES FREAKING MISERABLES. It's just so good. I'm going to be so cheesy, but, honestly, that musical has paid a huge part in my life and seeing in London with my dad and seeing Alfie Boe (who is the best Valjean since Colm Wilkinson) was seriously a high point of my life.

And in case you weren't sure, Phantom is number two. And Sweeney Todd is number three. I have an unhealthy love of Sweeney Todd. Don't know what that says about me...?

3. Are you better at singing or dancing?: Probably singing. I grew up singing and just got back into it recently--and surprisingly, my voice has gotten higher! Who knew! I do dance and love it, but, it's not my forte anymore. It used to be--getting older sucks! I'm not as flexible anymore, nor am I as daring as I once was--I think dance takes a lot of that "just do it!" mentality. Which I've never had.

4. If you had the choice of getting dressed up and going out on the town or staying home in your PJ's on the couch, which would you choose?: Well it depends on what I'm doing I guess. I love getting dressed up and going out to concerts and shows and stuff, but, I also adore sitting at home in my jams.

5. If you could win an Olympic gold medal in any sport, what would it be?: Crew/rowing. I rowed in college and loved it. I miss it so much. I was also a gymnast until I shattered my elbow when I was 18, but, to be an Olympic gymnast you live a super crazy life. Rowing isn't so dramatic, but, it's amazing!

6. What is your weirdest or most annoying habit?: I'm a finger drummer and foot twitcher.

7. Tell us about your first best friend.: My first best friend was my next door neighbor, Sara. She was four years older than me and we lived at each others houses until she moved when I was 13. We stayed best friends after that too of course! She was born four months premature in the early 1980s and was lucky to be alive, but, because of that she had health problems her whole life. She died in August 2005. I miss her every single day.

8. What is your favorite show on TV right now?: Justified or Pysch. Total polar opposites, huh? But I'm counting down till Sons of Anarchy comes back!

9. What is your favorite show from the "old school" TGIF or Nick at Nite days?: Boy Meets World, DUH.

10. What is your favorite season of the year, and why?: Spring--everything is so fresh and clean (you're welcome for getting that song stuck in your head now). Although we do know that fall in London is my favorite. I'll get to experience spring there so soon!! Eek!

11. Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names and what kind of animal(s) are they?: I do! I have a 300 year old cat, named Lizzie. No, really, she's ancient. I've had her since I was 7.
And, two pups--Butch and Ella Mae. My babies.
Aren't they cute?

So, there you have it! Eleven more things you may or may not have known about me!

Happy Wednesday y'all!!

xox

Monday Mish Mash

Whew. Lemme tell ya, the last week has been a wee bit draining! Because of that, I don't have any real coherent thoughts, so, everything is a mess and I apologize for that now.

I ran 13.5 crappy miles on Saturday--was supposed to do 18, but, I honestly couldn't make it. Major depressing and I got a blister the size of Rhode Island (which popped on Sunday), so, that wasn't exactly the pick me up I needed.
However, the PBS gods were on my side and Idina Menzel is concert was on last night, followed by the Les Mis 25th Anniversary.

Which, I've seen a zillion times, but, will never get old. I mean, hello, RAMIN KARIMLOO.
We do not talk about Nick Jonas there on the right, no, no we don't. I'm so super excited to see Ramin in concert next month with my baby sis. I saw Ramin in Phantom 25 and he's just the best. He's even doing a free concert tonight for his fans in London--how cool is that? Methinks he's the British Hugh Jackman.

Better picture of Ramin, with, ya know Colm Wilkinson aka THE GOD.
Then of course I started crying due to "Goddddd on highhhh" (that's Bring Him Home for those of you who don't know my drama).

Alfie Boe. The end. Saw him in Les Mis with my dad and he was phenomenal. Like, I bawled in the prologue with him. Fact.
Yup, tears.
Yes, that is my "I've cried buckets now give me my Diet Coke" face. In my defense, I'm in the midst of a really not fun game of hormone changes and emotional hell. (just got a call from my doc that I've to go pick up even MORE drugs today. FML)

Eventually, I got my booty in gear and finalized everything for Baby Sis Euro-Stravaganza 2012 (official title). Whether I want to believe it or not, I'm going to Spain to run a marathon in a month. (cue freak out)

I booked our final hotels for Spain and tickets from Madrid to Barcelona--I got us first class train tickets (ha!)--I figured it'd be fun to pretend to be James Bond for a few hours. And since we're also flying coach and not Virgin or British (rage), we needed some fancy!

Today, due to Rhode Island blister poppage (hurty hurt) I rode my bike today instead of my 8 miles I was supposed to run. Whomp whomp. Better than nothing, right??

So. Well. This is the most incoherent and stupid post ever. I'm sorry.

I'll have something better tomorrow, hopefully. I'll sacrifice for the greater good and go to Sephora or something so we can talk about THAT.

(Colm and Ramin photo from here) (Idina from here)

The Big Questions

When I lose my eyeliner pencil sharpener (which is monthly if not weekly), where do they go? I assume the same place the socks go. (I have no idea where that is)

How come you can buy bright green bananas, yet the second you get them home, they turn into a black mushy mess?

Why hasn't there been a Friends movie? Or, at least a reunion special? At least Saved By The Bell gave me Zack and Kelly's wedding. Sheesh.

Why hasn't someone come up with calorie free cookies, cake or Twizzlers? Cause I'd singlehandedly make them a millionaire.

Why can't dogs talk (a la Up)? For the record, I think that Ella Mae would sound like Dug from Up and Butch would sound like King Julian from Madagascar. (Yes, my dogs names sound totally hillbilly) (My next dog will be named Patti LuPone or Princess Consuela Banana Hammock, so, there's THAT.)

And, most importantly why doesn't Colin Firth narrate my life in a psuedo backwards Bridget Jones way? (Andrew Lloyd Webber would provide the soundtrack, natch) (Cameron Mackintosh would produce) (Brits for the win)


What are some of your big questions?

Last minute SLC

Apologies that I've been MIA! I had a cold from hell and then had to make a last minute trip to Utah for my cousin's art gallery re-grand opening in downtown Salt Lake which was so much fun!

Here's the shake down:

Sigh. Love those mountains. That view almost makes up for the cousin moving to Sandy. I judge suburbs, you know this.
Made my standard trek to Temple Square where I wanted to hug each and every missionary because I just see the baby sister in all of them. (less than ONE MONTH!)
This statue always makes me cry. Reminds me of the sacrifices my great great whatever grandparents made for their future. And then I walk around humming Come, Come Ye Saints all day. "No toil nor labor fear, but with joy, wend your way".

A little modeling in Park City. It was HOT. I really wouldn't have wanted to be skiing--mid 50s!
I wore my favorite black heels to the cousin's gallery opening, but, apparently they are not cut out for standing in for hours. Sprinting down West 44th to see Harry and Hugh x2? SUUUUURE. Didn't hurt at all (no, really). So, I had to do a last minute flats purchase.

J. Crew outlet--love. They're actually more of a coral than straight orange. They also had a bronze, which, I want too! And they are super comfy. I know they aren't Tory Burch and all, but, those dang flats hurt. Utah outlets FTW!
Painting in the cousin's gallery that I need--for obvious reasons!
And, because karma or Murphy's Law or whatever seems to be my constant companion, the last few days have been draining. But, luckily, my copy of Love Never Dies got here today (early!). Thank you British BluRay Gods!
So, that's where I've been, what I've been doing and clearly, what I will be doing for the next, ya know, week.

What have y'all been up to?

Cheap Thrills

I had this whole post worked out about what pregnant women should or shouldn't do around us non-pregnants/infertile folk (like me! Team Infertility!), but, I'm sick and abnormally stabby towards pregnant bishes right now, soooo, I thought maybe I should keep the crazy locked up until I'm a touch more stable. (which, let's be honest, when am I ever stable?)

Instead, we talk about makeup!

That's more fun anyway, huh?

A few months ago, I got eyelash extensions. Because I am vain. They were super fun and I loved them, but, had to let them go because I am cheap. And lazy.

Welp, what they don't tell you is that when they fall out, your actual eyelashes are even teensy tinier than they were before the extensions. I suspect this is their master plan.

I was stuck with little short, baldy lashes and my standby Dior mascara wasn't cutting so I tried this L'Oreal stuff that I had randomly purchased to use on my lower lashes. L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in waterproof to be exact.

AND I LOVE IT. It made my sad little fuzzy butts look fuller and longer.

And cheap! Win.

Another cheapie love? This NYC Color Wheel Blush! I like my blush bright and it seriously rivals my standby NARS giving a nice pop of pink and peach without too much shimmer-- 'tis perfection.

We all know I'm a slave to Trish products and anything from Sephora, but, I'm totally in love with both of these products!

Have you found any cheapie makeup loves?