Let's Stay Connected!
March 18, 2020
I won't be like the 1,472 companies who have already sent you COVID emails. No statement here. Y'all don't need that.
But let's be real. Theatres are shut down right now so I can't give away theatre tickets or see a new show and share my thoughts with all of you. And do you really want to see a Stitch Fix unboxing right now (I don't know, do you?)?
What I'm saying is, the blog will be quiet for awhile while we all adjust to new lifestyles for the time being.
But, that doesn't mean I'm going away!
If you're not connected with me on social, please do so! I'm trying to keep things fun and normal-ish with only a sly nod to the virus. I hope we can engage there for the time being and I look forward to bringing you new content here in the better days ahead.
Let's connect!
Bandstand
March 4, 2020 • theatre
Who: Sean & I
What: Bandstand, the touring Broadway musical
When: March 2020
Where: National Theatre, Washington DC
Why: Cause we deserve it ;)
Thoughts:
Bandstand caught my eye when it was on Broadway in 2017, but sadly had a short run and closed before I was able to get to NYC to see it. Fathom Events screened the show in select movie theatres in 2018. I was able to satisfy my curiosity, but screenings can never quite capture the energy of seeing a live production. I'm so glad the production is now touring and was close enough for me to see it live!
I have a few go-to theatre companions, but for Bandstand, I brought along my military-loving, musical-hating husband because I was curious how he would feel about this kind of show. The story discusses the unique issues our troops and their loved ones face, but it's also the story of forming a band to win a competition. The two sides of the story provide both upbeat and sobering moments.
At the end of Act I, I asked Sean what his thoughts were and all he had to say was "the music is uninspiring." He wasn't feeling it. I didn't even have the chance to ask him how he felt after the finale; he immediately spoke up and told me how much better it was!
His assessment is pretty fair. Bandstand is a sneaky show, sprinkling in moments of truth throughout. It makes things feel slow at times, but when they finally come and punch the audience with the truth bomb just before the finale...let's just say I think the applause after that number went on longer than the applause for curtain call! It's the piece that brings all the moments of the show together, but you have to wait for it. I promise, it's worth the wait (also, there are a few other standout numbers throughout the show IMO).
Washington, DC is the perfect city to see a show like Bandstand. The show is in town only until Sunday, but I love how show and city have embraced each other. The National Theatre has offered discounted tickets for veterans, many of whom I saw at opening night, and the actors took a moment after curtain call to thank all military and their families in the audience. It's not an experience to be missed; grab your tickets while Bandstand is still in town!
Bandstand caught my eye when it was on Broadway in 2017, but sadly had a short run and closed before I was able to get to NYC to see it. Fathom Events screened the show in select movie theatres in 2018. I was able to satisfy my curiosity, but screenings can never quite capture the energy of seeing a live production. I'm so glad the production is now touring and was close enough for me to see it live!
I have a few go-to theatre companions, but for Bandstand, I brought along my military-loving, musical-hating husband because I was curious how he would feel about this kind of show. The story discusses the unique issues our troops and their loved ones face, but it's also the story of forming a band to win a competition. The two sides of the story provide both upbeat and sobering moments.
At the end of Act I, I asked Sean what his thoughts were and all he had to say was "the music is uninspiring." He wasn't feeling it. I didn't even have the chance to ask him how he felt after the finale; he immediately spoke up and told me how much better it was!
His assessment is pretty fair. Bandstand is a sneaky show, sprinkling in moments of truth throughout. It makes things feel slow at times, but when they finally come and punch the audience with the truth bomb just before the finale...let's just say I think the applause after that number went on longer than the applause for curtain call! It's the piece that brings all the moments of the show together, but you have to wait for it. I promise, it's worth the wait (also, there are a few other standout numbers throughout the show IMO).
Washington, DC is the perfect city to see a show like Bandstand. The show is in town only until Sunday, but I love how show and city have embraced each other. The National Theatre has offered discounted tickets for veterans, many of whom I saw at opening night, and the actors took a moment after curtain call to thank all military and their families in the audience. It's not an experience to be missed; grab your tickets while Bandstand is still in town!
Washington, DC, USA
GIVEAWAY | Bandstand
February 19, 2020 • giveaway, theatre
The next show at the National Theatre is quickly approaching and it's one I couldn't be more excited for!
Bandstand caught my attention but had a short Broadway run, closing before I could make it to NYC to see it. I was able to see a screening of it at a movie theater, but we all know live shows are best seen live! The tour will be in DC Tuesday, March 3 - Sunday, March 8 and tickets are on sale now (psst: military discounts are available)!
Bandstand is a poignant and inspiring new American musical that explodes with infectious music and high-octane, heart-stopping dancing.
It’s 1945. As America’s soldiers come home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, Private First Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, struggles to rebuild the life he left behind. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, Donny sees a lifeline for himself and some fellow veterans that gives them the purpose they so desperately need. Together, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. Along the way, they discover the power of music to face the impossible, find their voice, and finally feel like they have a place to call home.
Of course, my friends at Allied Media are letting me give away one pair of tickets to the opening night show Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:30 pm.
Good luck!
Bandstand caught my attention but had a short Broadway run, closing before I could make it to NYC to see it. I was able to see a screening of it at a movie theater, but we all know live shows are best seen live! The tour will be in DC Tuesday, March 3 - Sunday, March 8 and tickets are on sale now (psst: military discounts are available)!
Bandstand is a poignant and inspiring new American musical that explodes with infectious music and high-octane, heart-stopping dancing.
It’s 1945. As America’s soldiers come home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, Private First Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, struggles to rebuild the life he left behind. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, Donny sees a lifeline for himself and some fellow veterans that gives them the purpose they so desperately need. Together, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. Along the way, they discover the power of music to face the impossible, find their voice, and finally feel like they have a place to call home.
Of course, my friends at Allied Media are letting me give away one pair of tickets to the opening night show Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:30 pm.
For your chance to win, comment on this post telling me why you want to see Bandstand! An email address must be included in the body of your comment in order for me to contact you if your name is drawn. Winner will be contacted on Thursday, February 27.
Washington, DC, USA
The King's Speech
February 13, 2020 • theatre
What: The King's Speech, the original play that inspired the 2010 film starring Colin Firth
When: February 2020
Where: National Theatre, Washington DC
Why: I love a good play as much as a good musical...even if I don't see them as often
Thoughts:
The journey taken across the pond to bring this story to us was a long one. In researching the simple question of "what really came first, the movie or the play?" I was led to an article stating that David Seidler began researching this story as early as the 1970's (he paused and later resumed work because the Queen Mother asked him not to pursue the project during her lifetime).
A script reading for the play prompted a film director to take notice, once again putting the play on hold to make way for the 2010 film. The play eventually hit stages two years later, but only now are we Americans enjoying the privilege of seeing the play stateside: the North American debut happened in late 2019 in Chicago, and the DC debut is this week at the National Theatre followed by a stop in Hartford, CT. Here's to hoping more performances are to come.
If you liked the movie, you will like the play. If you enjoy shows like The Crown, or even Downton Abbey, you will like the play. Amy and I watched and the movie 2 days ahead of coming to DC for the play and while I'd recommend allowing more space between viewings, it was fun to see the similarities (some scenes felt like they were lifted right from the screen) and differences (we loved that Lionel had more of a backstory in the play) throughout.
If you're in or near DC, The King's Speech will run through Sunday, February 16. The production is recommended for ages 13 and up. Tickets are still available online, or if you're feeling lucky, there are 20 $25 lottery seats available for each performance. Individuals must be present 2 hours before the show, with cash, to redeem the offer.
The journey taken across the pond to bring this story to us was a long one. In researching the simple question of "what really came first, the movie or the play?" I was led to an article stating that David Seidler began researching this story as early as the 1970's (he paused and later resumed work because the Queen Mother asked him not to pursue the project during her lifetime).
A script reading for the play prompted a film director to take notice, once again putting the play on hold to make way for the 2010 film. The play eventually hit stages two years later, but only now are we Americans enjoying the privilege of seeing the play stateside: the North American debut happened in late 2019 in Chicago, and the DC debut is this week at the National Theatre followed by a stop in Hartford, CT. Here's to hoping more performances are to come.
If you liked the movie, you will like the play. If you enjoy shows like The Crown, or even Downton Abbey, you will like the play. Amy and I watched and the movie 2 days ahead of coming to DC for the play and while I'd recommend allowing more space between viewings, it was fun to see the similarities (some scenes felt like they were lifted right from the screen) and differences (we loved that Lionel had more of a backstory in the play) throughout.
If you're in or near DC, The King's Speech will run through Sunday, February 16. The production is recommended for ages 13 and up. Tickets are still available online, or if you're feeling lucky, there are 20 $25 lottery seats available for each performance. Individuals must be present 2 hours before the show, with cash, to redeem the offer.
Washington, DC, USA
I Got PRK: 3 Year Update
February 7, 2020 • health and beauty, PRK
In January 2017, I maxed out my FSA and gleefully dropped it all in one big, quick transaction: PRK surgery.
PRK is a laser vision correction surgery similar to Lasik with one key difference: the corneas are "sanded away" prior to correction vs. having a flap cut, resulting in a longer healing time. I couldn't see at all for a week post-op.
Sounds great, right? You can read in more detail about that journey starting here, but know that PRK was the right option for me vs. Lasik because my prescription was strong. I was so nearsighted that the first provider I consulted with wouldn't even guarantee me a full correction. There are other reasons to consider when deciding between Lasik and PRK, but the decision was made for me because of that factor.
I now get an eye exam annually for two main reasons:
- It's important to stay on top of your eye needs and health. Don't neglect it!
- I qualify for future corrective surgeries if needed if I do this
Onto the good stuff. 3 years post-op, how do I feel about the whole thing? How is my vision? Was it worth it?
The short answer: I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Read on for the details...
How's your vision?
I've had a slight prescription that I only need on occasion. It's so low (under -1.00) that correction so far isn't warranted, and in general, I see just fine without help.
With correction, my vision is currently 20/15.
I have invested in prescription glasses and sunglasses that I wear only as needed which is generally driving or watching a show (the glare from the stage lights is real!).
The bottom line for me is this: when I wake up in the morning, I can see! I can roll out of bed and walk to the bathroom without worrying about tripping over something or walking into a wall. I can swim without worrying about losing glasses or contacts. As someone who grew up without being unable to enjoy these things, this is everything to me.
Do you have any side effects?
The biggest thing I noticed is that the "halos" at night did not go away like they usually do after several months for many patients. I can't say with certainty, but I think this is partially connected to my only other complaint: dry eyes.
A common side effect, especially for people with higher prescriptions like me, is dry eye. I've used every over the counter drop you can think of, tried other OTC/homeopathic remedies as recommended by my eye doctor, and even tried prescription Restasis last year. All of these provide some relief but haven't improved the overall problem.
At this year's checkup, we discussed the next step which would be trying punctal plugs. If we go down that road, I'll be sure to include all you need to know in my next update.
Was it worth it?
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!
I encourage everyone considering corrective vision surgery to consider their own needs and circumstances, but for me, the side effects are a small price to pay for both the convenience and safety. I have worn glasses or contacts almost my entire life (since before school), and not only had they become a nuisance, but I was beginning to feel unsafe driving - my contacts were drying out faster as I got older and I didn't have the peripheral vision I would have preferred with glasses on. Making sure I always have eye drops on me is no big deal in comparison to worrying about breaking my glasses or losing a contact and being stranded while blind.
Baltimore, MD, USA
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