Myself and my dear, dear, amazingly wonderful friend Christy before we ran the Rock n Roll Madrid Marathon.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Summary: Trip of a Lifetime
I really have no words to describe the two week extravaganza I had in Europe with my sister, and as they say, a photo is worth a thousand words so, here are four thousand and then some--for now.
Myself and my dear, dear, amazingly wonderful friend Christy before we ran the Rock n Roll Madrid Marathon.
Wandering around Madrid we found these little streets that looked straight out of Siena, so, we joked and told everyone we'd hoped a train to Italia. Could pass, eh?
Pastries in a European park with my sister--absolutely a dream come true.
Sunburned goobers at my favorite place, The Tower of London.
Inside the Queen's Theater where we saw one of my friends KILL it as Brujon that night in Les Mis. To say I cried a bit would be an understatement. Might be the best night of my life in all honesty.
Much more to say, much more to tell, but, first, I must sleep....Jetlag don't lie y'all!
Myself and my dear, dear, amazingly wonderful friend Christy before we ran the Rock n Roll Madrid Marathon.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
The thing about London....
Trying to explain or understand my love affair with London is something I've been trying to figure for years, and I've finally come to a conclusion: there is no right answer, no rhyme or reason, it just is.
Perhaps it is genetic, as my well traveled mother and cousin also claim London as their own. As does the Queen, Shakespeare, the whole of the West End, Burberry and more. I am in fine company.
The understanding I have of the love Frances had for Italy in Under The Tuscan Sun encompasses my love for London. Sure, there are a zillion things to do--and I've done a good 80% of them, but, my favorite thing is to sit on a park bench with a bag of scones and a cup of tea and just sit. I could sit for hours.
This is a honed skill. The novice need not apply. I remember when I learned this skill. I was 18 and dating a beautiful Danish boy named Bruno. I know, I know, the name held me up too. But, he was tall, blonde, blue eyed, everything you'd expect of a Dane. Handsome. Charming. Endearingly sweet. Sarcastic in a way that only he has ever been. Kind. He was for me, the ultimate. (to be clear, it was a short lived affair but to this day he holds a special place in my life for the following reason)
I remember us piling into my car and just driving. Driving and listening to music. Not talking. Not singing. Just us. We ended up at a park, the only one in my small town and we bought some ice cream and sat on a park bench.
I, ever the sugar fiend greedily tore into my ice cream as he, the refined European took to it like a scared bird. I learned to slow down--even if it just involved ice cream. And there we sat. Talking. Not talking. Just being. He did this a lot at home, he said. How mature! How European! Sign me up, please!
Ever the go go go-er, this task challenged me for years. I was always in a hurry. A hurry to get out of California, a hurry to lose weight, hurrying to work, hurrying to finish school and so on. Which is always dumb because hey, guess what happens when you hurry? You're always early. That revelation still hasnt hit me. I spend a majority of my time waiting because guess who is always early to every damn thing in her life? Exactly.
But, back to London. If Bruno taught me how to be still, it was London that taught me how to master it (and Madrid that showed me I can share this with another).
I arrived in London bright eyed and bushy tailed, a young girl on her first travel assignment for work. Back when I dreamed of high powered PR jobs, corner offices and expensive suits. Ahhhh, youth. I was traveling with a colleague who had grown up in London and we were meeting in the hotel lobby at 7 for dinner. I arrived at the hotel at 11 am. Sure.
With nothing to do and nowhere to be, I took off, map in hand for a park. Green Park to be exact. I walked to Buckingham Palace, I strolled the mall and found a cup of tea at a cafe in St. James Park. Then, under the gray drizzle of a London autumn, sat with my tea and watched. And laughed. And watched. And thought. Of everything, of nothing. I just was. I was in London. Just as I had been thousands of miles and a hundred lifetimes ago on that park bench.
I imagined Bruno was next to me, that he was proud of the little European he'd created. But, he wasn't. I was alone. But I wasn't lonely. I was deliriously happy.
And every waking second I wasn't in meetings or touring the sights (because what 23 year old in her right mind wouldn't hop the tube and see EVERYTHING on her company's dime), I was nestled in a park with snacks and a camera, living life through everyone who passed me. And living my life too. It's a strange sort of practice, isn't it?
That is why, today, years later, I find nothing more enjoyable than sitting on a park bench in a city where I am totally unknown and watching life, living life and just being.
Why the first thing I do when I get to London is go to Green Park. Why Green Park will always be my favorite place on earth--the place where I mastered a great art, the place where I could be alone and happy for the first time, the place where I grew up in an instant and yet was still just a child, the place that changed me forever.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves--I still go approximately 300 miles a minute, but, when I do sit still, I really am me. And sometimes, my heart aches for that bench and that drizzly October day. For London. The city that taught me so much. The city I love most of all.
While Bruno may lay claim to my ability to be, it is London who is my Jedi Master. The city I love so.
Perhaps that is why my heart, soul and body feel a connection to that city. Perhaps it is my love of literature that draws me there. Or my innate need to be friends with Kate Middleton damn it. The love of accents (although that doesn't make sense considering I've never been to Australia and y'all know I love me an Aussie). Maybe it is my mother, drawing me nearer to her via her city. Or the fact that I can see musicals, opera, and Shakespeare all in a day.
At the end of the day (you're another day older) (and that's all you can say for the life of the poor) (it's a struggle--) can't it be all of those things? Or, just that maybe, maybe, we all have cities. Places that for us are exotic and comforting all the same. Maybe for you it is New York, or for my best friend it is Paris. My sister, she would say San Diego. My young cousins would say Siena.
There is a big huge world out there and I hope to see a great lot of it in my lifetime, but, for now, I'm content to know London.
Perhaps it is genetic, as my well traveled mother and cousin also claim London as their own. As does the Queen, Shakespeare, the whole of the West End, Burberry and more. I am in fine company.
The understanding I have of the love Frances had for Italy in Under The Tuscan Sun encompasses my love for London. Sure, there are a zillion things to do--and I've done a good 80% of them, but, my favorite thing is to sit on a park bench with a bag of scones and a cup of tea and just sit. I could sit for hours.
This is a honed skill. The novice need not apply. I remember when I learned this skill. I was 18 and dating a beautiful Danish boy named Bruno. I know, I know, the name held me up too. But, he was tall, blonde, blue eyed, everything you'd expect of a Dane. Handsome. Charming. Endearingly sweet. Sarcastic in a way that only he has ever been. Kind. He was for me, the ultimate. (to be clear, it was a short lived affair but to this day he holds a special place in my life for the following reason)
I remember us piling into my car and just driving. Driving and listening to music. Not talking. Not singing. Just us. We ended up at a park, the only one in my small town and we bought some ice cream and sat on a park bench.
I, ever the sugar fiend greedily tore into my ice cream as he, the refined European took to it like a scared bird. I learned to slow down--even if it just involved ice cream. And there we sat. Talking. Not talking. Just being. He did this a lot at home, he said. How mature! How European! Sign me up, please!
Ever the go go go-er, this task challenged me for years. I was always in a hurry. A hurry to get out of California, a hurry to lose weight, hurrying to work, hurrying to finish school and so on. Which is always dumb because hey, guess what happens when you hurry? You're always early. That revelation still hasnt hit me. I spend a majority of my time waiting because guess who is always early to every damn thing in her life? Exactly.
But, back to London. If Bruno taught me how to be still, it was London that taught me how to master it (and Madrid that showed me I can share this with another).
I arrived in London bright eyed and bushy tailed, a young girl on her first travel assignment for work. Back when I dreamed of high powered PR jobs, corner offices and expensive suits. Ahhhh, youth. I was traveling with a colleague who had grown up in London and we were meeting in the hotel lobby at 7 for dinner. I arrived at the hotel at 11 am. Sure.
With nothing to do and nowhere to be, I took off, map in hand for a park. Green Park to be exact. I walked to Buckingham Palace, I strolled the mall and found a cup of tea at a cafe in St. James Park. Then, under the gray drizzle of a London autumn, sat with my tea and watched. And laughed. And watched. And thought. Of everything, of nothing. I just was. I was in London. Just as I had been thousands of miles and a hundred lifetimes ago on that park bench.
I imagined Bruno was next to me, that he was proud of the little European he'd created. But, he wasn't. I was alone. But I wasn't lonely. I was deliriously happy.
And every waking second I wasn't in meetings or touring the sights (because what 23 year old in her right mind wouldn't hop the tube and see EVERYTHING on her company's dime), I was nestled in a park with snacks and a camera, living life through everyone who passed me. And living my life too. It's a strange sort of practice, isn't it?
That is why, today, years later, I find nothing more enjoyable than sitting on a park bench in a city where I am totally unknown and watching life, living life and just being.
Why the first thing I do when I get to London is go to Green Park. Why Green Park will always be my favorite place on earth--the place where I mastered a great art, the place where I could be alone and happy for the first time, the place where I grew up in an instant and yet was still just a child, the place that changed me forever.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves--I still go approximately 300 miles a minute, but, when I do sit still, I really am me. And sometimes, my heart aches for that bench and that drizzly October day. For London. The city that taught me so much. The city I love most of all.
While Bruno may lay claim to my ability to be, it is London who is my Jedi Master. The city I love so.
Perhaps that is why my heart, soul and body feel a connection to that city. Perhaps it is my love of literature that draws me there. Or my innate need to be friends with Kate Middleton damn it. The love of accents (although that doesn't make sense considering I've never been to Australia and y'all know I love me an Aussie). Maybe it is my mother, drawing me nearer to her via her city. Or the fact that I can see musicals, opera, and Shakespeare all in a day.
At the end of the day (you're another day older) (and that's all you can say for the life of the poor) (it's a struggle--) can't it be all of those things? Or, just that maybe, maybe, we all have cities. Places that for us are exotic and comforting all the same. Maybe for you it is New York, or for my best friend it is Paris. My sister, she would say San Diego. My young cousins would say Siena.
There is a big huge world out there and I hope to see a great lot of it in my lifetime, but, for now, I'm content to know London.
Friday, April 27, 2012
26.2 mile confession
It's not that running has become a huge part of my life these last years, and I'm eternally grateful for it. Some of my greatest friends and best memories involve running.
But, I need a break.
I finished my seventh marathon in three years in Madrid a few days ago and it was wonderful and great but I've promised myself no fall marathon this year. Which, was not entirely self imposed as I was sick the day Marine Corps opened and slept right through registration but took that as a sign. Honestly, I have no desire to run through the Texas heat, I am sick of feeling guilty for missing a run, missing opportunities with friends and really, being tired and sore all the damn time.
So, I'll spend some time getting back to why I run, working on my speed and hopefully continuing my mid week runs with TPG. Because really, who wouldn't want a hour of calorie burning girl chat with one of their very best friends? My point exactly.
Madrid was an experience to say the least. I'm a bit ashamed of my time, but not surprised. I'm not going to make excuses, I'm just going to say I was undertrained and not prepared, and that's the truth. It showed but I'm okay with it.
I went out, ran my race, ran a solid first half where I felt good and was on track to smash my goal time.
Then, after a mile 18 puke and rally and seeing my sister at mile 20, it kind of all fell apart. It was steep uphill after uphill and try as I might, my legs would not go. I was depressed to see my miles slow way down, but, I was insanely proud at the same time. I was running totally alone, unable to ask for Tums or Aleeve from the volunteers as I can't speak Spanish. There was no one to make bad jokes with and surprisingly I never got my standard mile 23 Sailor Mouth. Tear filled about the uphills and my time, but overjoyed that I was even here considering I had major abdominal surgery just a few months ago. My body remembered how to run a marathon and did it.
Christy caught me in the final lap and ran me in. I've never been so happy to see her in my life. We crossed together and hugged and I lost it. I was so happy to be there with her and to finish the race when I really wasn't sure that I could. Really, ask her about how I was nearly in tears about it the night before. HOT MESS.
It's a great point to take a break from 26.2 at least for a season.
Fall 2012, no. Spring 2013, yes!
But, I need a break.
I finished my seventh marathon in three years in Madrid a few days ago and it was wonderful and great but I've promised myself no fall marathon this year. Which, was not entirely self imposed as I was sick the day Marine Corps opened and slept right through registration but took that as a sign. Honestly, I have no desire to run through the Texas heat, I am sick of feeling guilty for missing a run, missing opportunities with friends and really, being tired and sore all the damn time.
So, I'll spend some time getting back to why I run, working on my speed and hopefully continuing my mid week runs with TPG. Because really, who wouldn't want a hour of calorie burning girl chat with one of their very best friends? My point exactly.
Madrid was an experience to say the least. I'm a bit ashamed of my time, but not surprised. I'm not going to make excuses, I'm just going to say I was undertrained and not prepared, and that's the truth. It showed but I'm okay with it.
I went out, ran my race, ran a solid first half where I felt good and was on track to smash my goal time.
Then, after a mile 18 puke and rally and seeing my sister at mile 20, it kind of all fell apart. It was steep uphill after uphill and try as I might, my legs would not go. I was depressed to see my miles slow way down, but, I was insanely proud at the same time. I was running totally alone, unable to ask for Tums or Aleeve from the volunteers as I can't speak Spanish. There was no one to make bad jokes with and surprisingly I never got my standard mile 23 Sailor Mouth. Tear filled about the uphills and my time, but overjoyed that I was even here considering I had major abdominal surgery just a few months ago. My body remembered how to run a marathon and did it.
Christy caught me in the final lap and ran me in. I've never been so happy to see her in my life. We crossed together and hugged and I lost it. I was so happy to be there with her and to finish the race when I really wasn't sure that I could. Really, ask her about how I was nearly in tears about it the night before. HOT MESS.
It's a great point to take a break from 26.2 at least for a season.
Fall 2012, no. Spring 2013, yes!
Friday, April 13, 2012
My closet vs. one suitcase
As requested by le bestie Sara (aka the selfish wench who had to go and get knocked up so she can't go to Spain with me) (and we had to cancel our spring trip to Austria where we were going to run around singing The hilllllls are alivvvveee) (whatever) (she knows I'm joking and that I love her and am beyond thrilled for her) (I really am)
ANYWAYS. Since she isn't going with to watch me bomb a marathon and attempt to find my way around Spain, she requested a play by play of my outfits. And I'm currently sitting with a 60 pound boxer in a cone of shame, so, holiday outfits sound pretty appealing to me right now.
Pretend to be interested. I've had a long couple of days.
My transatlantic outfit--I have to look cute going through customs after a 10 hour flight, yes?
Casual Barcelona to LHR (LONDON! MY SWEET LOVE) outfit.
Strolling through Spain....
Strolling along the Mediterranean in Barcelona.
My "if it's sunny and nice in London, but I will be wearing a trench coat anyways so I'll probably end up wearing this when we go to Green Park and The Tower" outfit. Official title.
Stripes and turquoise. Always!
Basics--can't go wrong.
Love this color combination.
For strolling around Oxford street with the sis. In love with stripes!
Right?! Now, could someone please tell me how to cram all this into one suitcase? Because I've no idea.
The only thing I'm missing is a fabulous dress to wear to the theatre--which, is the most important thing after all--remember Broadway Birthday Extravaganza? My point exactly.
ANYWAYS. Since she isn't going with to watch me bomb a marathon and attempt to find my way around Spain, she requested a play by play of my outfits. And I'm currently sitting with a 60 pound boxer in a cone of shame, so, holiday outfits sound pretty appealing to me right now.
Pretend to be interested. I've had a long couple of days.
My transatlantic outfit--I have to look cute going through customs after a 10 hour flight, yes?
Source: polyvore.com via Shabby on Pinterest
Casual Barcelona to LHR (LONDON! MY SWEET LOVE) outfit.
Source: polyvore.com via Shabby on Pinterest
Strolling through Spain....
Source: polyvore.com via Shabby on Pinterest
Strolling along the Mediterranean in Barcelona.
Source: polyvore.com via Shabby on Pinterest
My "if it's sunny and nice in London, but I will be wearing a trench coat anyways so I'll probably end up wearing this when we go to Green Park and The Tower" outfit. Official title.
Source: juliedmonds.blogspot.com via Shabby on Pinterest
Stripes and turquoise. Always!
Source: polyvore.com via Shabby on Pinterest
Basics--can't go wrong.
Source: polyvore.com via Shabby on Pinterest
Love this color combination.
Source: polyvore.com via Shabby on Pinterest
For strolling around Oxford street with the sis. In love with stripes!
Source: polyvore.com via Shabby on Pinterest
Right?! Now, could someone please tell me how to cram all this into one suitcase? Because I've no idea.
The only thing I'm missing is a fabulous dress to wear to the theatre--which, is the most important thing after all--remember Broadway Birthday Extravaganza? My point exactly.
Monday, April 9, 2012
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!!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
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)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Perhaps This.....
Is the reason I don't sleep?
Silly pups.
They're totally keeping Advil PM in business.
Silly pups.
They're totally keeping Advil PM in business.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
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!
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!
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