The Lion King

Last night was the third show in my Broadway series season.  We saw "Rock of Ages" in September and we missed "Billy Elliott" in December due to illness.  Michele was out of town, so since my sister Sarah was here visiting, she was able to step in and go with me.

I've never seen "The Lion King," but has always wanted to.  I had heard so many great things about it and I can tell you that is did NOT disappoint.  The music was amazing - I almost bought the soundtrack right there at the theatre.  The costumes were amazing - how they were able to represent all of the animals of Pride Rock.  Scar had a costume malfunction in the Second Act, but other than that, it was wonderful.

I've always loved the movie and I loved how the musical was able to capture the essence of the movie.  Sarah hadn't ever seen the movie, so it was neat to see her reaction.  Now she doesn't want to see the movie because she enjoyed the musical so.

This was my first trip to Bass Concert Hall at UT.  It was easy to get to and we were able to park right outside the door.  So it was a very quick and easy experience - I was a little nervous because I'm not that familiar with the UT campus.  Since we got there so early, we were able to go sit out on the patio off of the sixth floor and watch the sunset over the UT campus.  The weather was gorgeous!

After the show, we had dinner at Hyde Park Bar & Grill on Duval (thanks Jennifer, for the recommendation!).  It was a great meal with some great wine.  I had this incredible fried chicken breast with the queso sauce and spaetzle - coupled with a nice glass of Malbec - mmmmmm..... heaven on earth!!

What a perfect evening!!

Wicked was Wicked Awesome!!

I was so excited to see Wicked, I could barely contain myself. I've always heard about what a great show it is and I felt like I was really missing out on something. Boy, was I!!!!!

Sarah and Mike met me for a quick dinner at Champps before we headed down. It was so packed, we had to park in the far lot (I've NEVER done that for a musical except during the State Fair). It was packed - which was interesting because it was only a Tuesday night and the show will be here for almost a month.

We get in and get seated. Again, no more Roland and Sylvia. I'm guessing that they ditched me and the season tickets or traded nights. Oh, well. I won't be back next year, so no worries on that. I sat next to a mother and daughter who were very unusual people.

The musical was spectacular - phenomenal - incredible!! The music was so good and seeing "Defying Gravity" at the close of the first act was mind blowing. The women who played Glinda and Elphaba had incredible voices.

I'm not sure where the two and a half hours went, but suddenly the lights came up and it was over. By the end, I was crying. I think the song "For Good" got me - made me think of friends and life and about how mine is going to be changing.

If you have not seen Wicked, get thee to the Dallas Summer Musicals before June 27. It truly was an incredible experience. And if you need someone to go with, call me!! I'd go see it again in a heartbeat!!

Little House on the Prairie - The Musical

May is a fast and crazy month - lots going on with the end of school and for me, also there has been alot going on with my health. But my Dallas Summer Musical season tickets are always a respite from the crazy chaos!!

Tonight, it was Little House on the Prairie - The Musical. I was going by myself, but I did stop and meet sister Sarah for a quick dinner at Snookies - love their fries!! I headed down, got a great park and went in. It wasn't very crowded.

I got my seat, but again, Roland and Sylvia are no where to be found. I'm beginning to think they may have changed their tickets - I hope it wasn't me!! I miss talking to them! Because it's so not crowded, I actually move down to some nicer seats with a better view.

The musical was okay. The cast that played Laura and Almanzo were great. If you like Little House on the Prairie (which I do), then you liked the show. It wasn't the best musical so far this season (I think that may be yet to come with both Wicked and Dreamgirls still on the docket). It made me feel old that Melissa Gilbert is now Ma. (Ed.'s Note: She doesn't have a great singing voice.) Her son was also in the ensemble cast as well.

I'm really excited about what is coming up next - Wicked!! June 1 will be here before we know it!

Xanadu, Part Deux

I love Xanadu so much on Tuesday that I went back today with friends. I loved it even more today. The crowd today was a little more subdued - on Tuesday, during the song "Xanadu," everyone was up on their feet, singing and clapping. Today, not so much.

After Tuesday, I had ordered the movie, the movie soundtrack, and the musical soundtrack. I'm patiently awaiting their arrival.

I love the 80's and I love Xanadu!!

Xanadu

Last night, I got to go see Xanadu at the Dallas Summer Musicals. I truly loved it!! I loved it so much, that I bought tickets and I'm going again to see it on Sunday!!

Three years ago, I went to NYC in the summer and wanted to see Xanadu on Broadway. Unfortunately, the lead actor Sonny fell and broke his femur during rehearsals and had to leave the show. They went with a new actor, so they pushed back the opening date, so it didn't coincide with my trip. I was crushed.

(A little Rock of Ages trivia for you: The original Sonny was James Carpinello, who plays Stacee Jaxx in ROA. The original Clio/Kira was Kerry Butler, who just finished a run as Sherrie on ROA. I can't wait to see Rock of Ages - two months and five days until I am on the third row!!)

Anyways... Xanadu was awesome!! The cast was great, the show was laugh out loud funny, the music was fun (I kept catching myself singing along). As soon as I left, I called D (my theatre buddy) and notified her that we would be going to this show. I've also ordered the original movie and soundtrack as well as the Broadway soundtrack from Amazon. Can't wait!!

I think one of the neatest things about this show is that part of the audience sits on the stage. You actually become part of the show. It looks so fun!! I tried to get our tickets to be on the stage, but it wasn't available.

On a side note, no Roland and Sylvia at this show either. I hope they will be there for Little House on the Prairie or Wicked. I miss them. As a matter of fact, Tuesday was not crowded at all!! Lots of empty seats - lots of people that missed out on that 80's goodness!!

Next up: Little House on the Prairie on May 18th (Melissa Gilbert is now Ma.... everyone is getting older!!)

Phantom of the Opera

I'm so excited - my Dallas Summer Musicals season has begun. Granted, it was a little funny that it began in February... on a day where it snowed in the DFW metroplex, but my season has begun nonetheless.

I started off by meetins Sarah at PF Changs for dinner - yummo!! You know what irritates me? It's cold as all get out, so PF Changs has complimentary valet (which isn't really complimentary because you have to tip), but they take the 8-10 spots right in front of the restaurant. So the valet is only going like 15-20 feet with the car. Leave the spots closest to the restaurant for people who are parking their own cars!! But the Beef Lo Mein and Kung Pao Chicken made up for my frustration.

I headed down to Fair Park. Last season, I had someone to go with, but this season, I'm going at it alone. Again. I get to Fair Park, park and go in. I was sad to see Roland and Sylvia weren't there, but they often trade tickets, so maybe they weren't able to go last night.

This is the last time Phantom will be touring in Dallas, so it was great to get the opportunity to see it. It was a fabulous show - the set and special effects were awesome. The actors were fabulous - the Phantom had the best voice. I really, really enjoyed it and was so glad that I got to see it!!

I can't wait... next up is Xanadu in April!! Let the Dallas Summer Musicals season begin!!