Broadway is Back at National Theatre DC!

May 18, 2021 •

It's been frustrating to see businesses open, travel and live sports resume, all while Broadway and live theatre remain dark. I'm thrilled to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel with recent announcements of Broadway's September reopening, and now locally, DC's National Theatre has announced it's upcoming season beginning this December - and it's a good one! It includes the returning favorite, RENT, and my personal favorite, Come From Away! Here's the full season:




TOOTSIE

DECEMBER 7-12, 2021

Call it “musical comedy heaven” (Rolling Stone). Call it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter). Call it TOOTSIE! This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Featuring a hilarious Tony®-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony®-winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), this New York Times Critic’s Pick is “a joyful delight” (The Washington Post) that’s “so packed with punchlines, it should be called a jokebox musical!” (Bloomberg). “In these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll,” raves Rolling Stone. “TOOTSIE is it!”

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL

DECEMBER 28, 2021 - JANUARY 2, 2022

After an incredible run on Broadway, Audience Choice Award-winner PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is now on tour! One of Hollywood’s most beloved stories of all time, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood, and Broadway. Featuring direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift your spirits and light up your heart. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News). Are you ready to fall in love all over again?

COME FROM AWAY

APRIL 12-17, 2022

Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by Tony®-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!” On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.




HAIRSPRAY

MAY 10-15, 2022

You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon that inspired the blockbuster film and live television event, is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” “It Takes Two,” and incorporating “Ladies Choice” from the musical film adaption, HAIRSPRAY is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times). This all-new touring production will reunite Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring HAIRSPRAY to a new generation of theater audiences. Don’t miss this “exhilaratingly funny and warm-hearted musical comedy” (The New Yorker).

Season ticket buyers (subscribers) may add any of the following seasons specials to their subscription package as desired:

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 5, 2021

DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. Don’t miss what The New York Times calls “An extraordinary performance! 100 times better than any bedtime story.”

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

JANUARY 29-30, 2022

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY is touring North America again this year! Using state of the art video projection, photos and original film footage, the show also features a full live band performing all of their hits, including ‘Mrs. Robinson’ (featured in the 1967 film The Graduate), ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more. THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY is an immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60’s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance.

ALTON BROWN: BEYOND THE EATS

FEBRUARY 20, 2022

Alton Brown is hitting the road with a new culinary variety show. Audiences can expect more comedy, more music, more highly unusual cooking demos, and more potentially dangerous sciencey stuff. Prepare for an evening unlike any other and if Brown calls for volunteers… think twice.

RENT – THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY FAREWELL TOUR

MARCH 25-27, 2022

For a quarter of a century, Jonathan Larson’s RENT has inspired us to choose love over fear and to live without regret. This Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon follows a year in the lives of a diverse group of artists and friends struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. It has become more than a musical – it’s a cultural touchstone, a rite of passage and a source of joy and strength for millions. RENT has become a part of us forever. Whether you’ve never seen RENT or have completely lost count, you can’t miss it this time around – the 25th Anniversary “Farewell Season of Love” is your final chance to experience this celebrated touring production.





Keep updated before you go via the theatre's COVID-19 info center.

 


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Washington, DC, USA
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Year in Review: 2020

December 29, 2020


When I took a break from the blog in March, I had no idea I'd still have little of my usual content to share by the end of the year. I held onto some optimism when I heard Broadway would open by summer, by Labor Day, then eventually, by...sometime next year. My season tickets for touring productions all hang in limbo and the new seasons that local theatres announced with certainty have become wishful thinking.

The good, the bad, and the crazy have all happened this year. On occasion, I've had to ask myself "did that really happen this year?" Some things feel like a lifetime ago.

While not the theatre-packed summary of years past, here's my breakdown of the year:

January



I marked the first day of the year the best way I knew how: in the audience! I enjoyed a production of Murder on the Orient Express at Baltimore's Everyman Theatre. Sean even joined me! 

To keep up the theatre momentum I saw one of my top least favorite shows on tour: Cats. I'm grateful now as it's one of only six live shows I attended this year.

My friend Amy and I were selected for "Pitch a Friend," an event where I told a room full of strangers via PowerPoint why they should date Amy. While fun in theory, the attendees were 99% female which did not work out in her favor.


February



I fit in three shows: Wicked on tour in Baltimore, The King's Speech on tour in Washington, DC, and Miss You Like Hell at Olney Theatre. It was exciting to have both classic favorites and new-to-me stories.

We celebrated a neighbor's birthday at his house with more than a dozen people present. Can you believe it!?

I went to lunch with some of my favorite work ladies where we discussed the virus and how we thought it would come and go quickly enough. We even scheduled our next lunch for May. Whoops!

March



I hoped and hoped that the virus would hold off long enough for me to see the two touring shows of the season I'd been most looking forward to: The Band's Visit and The Last Ship. I fought to resist the temptation of going to New York to see shows when prices plummeted. Thankfully, the authorities saved me from myself and things shut down quickly. Ultimately, the last show I saw was Bandstand in Washington, DC on March 3.

I was thrilled to be working from home, even if only for two weeks (ha!). I avoided hoarding toilet paper. I had enough for two weeks and surely it would be back in stock by then. Whoops!

As it became clear that we would be at home longer than two weeks, I took advantage of instacart, online jackbox game nights, and outdoor training via C25K for the relay I was supposed to run with work in October. 

April 



How many playbills do I have in my collection? Enough for two months of selfies on Instagram, as it turns out. I posted a show a day until the first restrictions were lifted...in Mid-May.

After a brief furlough, Sean was officially back at work.

We celebrated Easter at home together. The adult Easter Bunny used our mailboxes as baskets, leaving minis for all!

DoubleTree released their famous cookie recipe and I baked it...a lot. I justified it by sharing the wealth and dropping off wrapped cookies in my neighbors' mailboxes. 



May



As the temperatures warmed up, we cautiously resumed some outdoor social activities including our traditional stoop nights (we formed a pod with some neighbors) and bringing lunch to my mom to enjoy al fresco.

Our living room received a quarantine makeover: new couch, rug, and a fresh coat of paint!


June




We had planned for a vacation to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. but it clearly wasn't a good time. Instead, we took some photos to *remember* the occasion and enjoyed a steak dinner at home.

July



As if the year wasn't wild enough, things really started to shake up in July.

We took a short road trip to Connecticut to celebrate Sean's birthday. We were able to stay outside and  enjoy the beautiful scenery, but were in a car accident on our way home...in New Jersey. Sean's car was totaled and we both had pain that we went to a chiropractor for for several weeks. We are grateful it wasn't worse, and for friends who didn't hesitate to pick us up when our insurance left us stranded.

Our company announced layoffs were coming and I was surprised to learn I was the only person on my immediate team not affected. It was another sad stressor to add to the year, and the moment that confirmed it was time to walk away from what I had once considered my dream job. I opted to pack up my office on their last day to say goodbye.

Thank you, Disney+ for giving us permanent access to Hamilton! 

Taking advantage of still being at home and not knowing if things would shut back down, I went for it: the COVID chop.


August



We snuck in a drive to Pittsburgh before I started my new job. It was easy to stay outside/socially distant, and it was nice to see some bucket list items on the drive: Fallingwater and the Flight 93 memorial.

One of my 2020 "resolutions" was to attend another wedding in our friend group. One neighbor jumped at the chance to seal the deal at the courthouse while things were still open. Definitely not what I had in mind back in January, but congrats to the new happy family!

September



I celebrated turning 35 with cocktails and an outdoor viewing of Mulan on Disney+.

We visited my mom one last time while it was still nice enough to gather outside.'

My niece was born! I can't wait until it's safe to meet her in person.

October

We enjoyed our last few "pod" gatherings outdoors: a friend's birthday. then Halloween. Much different from the celebrations earlier in the year.

I accidentally won a gift card to a local tattoo shop. A tattoo was always on my "one day" list, and it finally happened! Inspired by my favorite show, Come From Away!


November



With cases rapidly increasing, we halted further in-person social activities and went back to virtual game and Netflix nights. Lots of time at home, including Thanksgiving.

December



Thank you Netflix, for that speedy adaptation of The Prom!

People are starting to get vaccinated. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

We dropped off birthday and Christmas gifts for my family ahead of time and again opted to stay home to celebrate.

New Year's Eve won't look anything like 2019, but New Year's Day will still commence with a musical: Ratatouille, the TikTok Musical, online!

2020 year in review




Happy 2021 to all! 
My wish is that everyone can return to the things they love and leave those no longer needed.


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This Weekend is PACKED WEEKEND+ Giveaway

November 18, 2020


One of my favorite things about quarantine has been hearing all the stories of shelters being emptied for the first time as people have the availability to bring new pets into their homes. Staying at home is much nicer when I have Anise and McHenry at home...I think they return the sentiment!




As it gets colder and darker outside, I'm excited for this weekend's launch of The Pack on Prime Video. Hosted by gold medalist Lindsey Vonn and her canine co-host Lucy, the series features twelve teams of dogs and their humans on an epic adventure across multiple continents. The Amazon Original series The Pack will premiere on November 20th in more than 240 countries and territories. 

The Pack is being described as a celebration of the unrivaled bond between dogs and their human
companions. I can certainly relate!

I'm excited to stay warm inside and enjoy the cutness on my screen, but for people in the DMV who need to (safely) get out, there are deals all over the area (and online!) celebrating PACKED WEEKEND:

PACKED WEEKEND will take over the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area with can’t miss experiences and delights from these dog-loving brands:

  • Bark Social – Offering 15% off discount on their online shop at www.barksocial.com, and offering free Sweet Potato Treats and The Pack prize pack items with any purchase over $40 at their pop-up shop, while supplies last.
  • Silver and Silver Diner (19 Locations) – Social media contest at all locations for a chance to win a “Family Feast” and a prize pack from The Pack. In addition, enjoy a Special Pups on the Patio “Yappy Hour” from 3-7pm over PACKED WEEKEND at seven locations. All dogs will receive a free frozen treat and prize pack while supplies last. A portion of the “Yappy Hour” sales will benefit a local dog rescue. Yappy Hour Locations: Alexandria, Bethesda, Elkridge, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Waldorf, Washington, D.C.
  • Dacha Beer Garden (2 Locations – Shaw and Navy Yard) – Free puppuccinos on Saturday to all dogs while supplies last.
  • Animal Welfare League of Arlington – All dog adoption fees receive a 50% off discount for the weekend.
  • Pawtiques – Complimentary nail trims on Friday and Saturday, and five free washes to the first five dogs up to 50 lbs. that make a reservation. 
  • Tabandeh – Free pair of winter gloves with a purchase of any pair of boots or shoes purchased while supplies last.
  • Cana Vineyards and Winery – Complimentary prize packs from The Pack to all dog families while supplies last.
  •   The Muddy Mutt – Offering free prize packs from The Pack for the first 150 washes over PACKED WEEKEND while supplies last. Additionally, they will host a social media contest to give away 10 free washes.
  •  Good Luck Cellars – Give away free prize packs from The Pack to everyone that comes with a dog over the weekend while supplies last. Free "Good Luck" Wine glass with the purchase of a bottle of wine while supplies last.
  •  Texas Jack’s Barbecue – Offering a dog menu for a free treat and receive a prize pack from The Pack while supplies last, plus a social media contest for a free meal for two.
  • The Manor at Silo Falls – Complimentary prize packs from The Pack to everyone that comes with a dog over the weekend while supplies last, and “Yappy Hour” pricing all weekend.
  •   Westin Hotel National Harbor Lobby Bar – Will host “Yappy Hour” each day over PACKED WEEKEND from 1-3pm, offering a specialty cocktail, free puppuccinos, and prize pack distribution while supplies last.
  •  The Esplanade at National Harbor – Free prize packs to people that tour the apartments over PACKED WEEKEND. Anyone that signs a lease over Packed Weekend will receive three months of pet fees waived.
  •   Cole Haan at The Shops at Wisconsin Place – Offering 10% off to those who sign up for emails/membership this weekend.
  •  J. Jill at The Shops at Wisconsin Place – Offering 10% off purchases over the weekend and an additional $5 off for first time email subscribers.
  •  Nina McLemore at The Shops at Wisconsin Place – Offering 20% off purchases over the weekend.
  •  Le Pain Quotidien at The Shops at Wisconsin Place – Offering 10% off and a free dog treat to all customers with dogs while supplies last.
  •  The Pet Spa at Barkley Square – Give away prize packs to all dogs that come in for grooming over the weekend. Also hosting a social media contest to give away five free month passes for dog washes.
  •   Anne Arundel SPCA – Receive a free prize pack with all dog adoptions over the weekend while supplies last.
  • Carhartt – Raffling off a free dog jacket during intermission of The Pack screening at National Harbor.
  • The Shoppes at Art District – Free promo items from The Pack on Friday and Saturday at select times while supplies last.
  • From Head to Tail Spa – Hosting a social media contest for a free pup couch and free doggie spa day!
  •  Camp Bow Wow (2 locations – Frederick and Columbia) – will offer pet parents everywhere the chance to win a free year of doggy day care and boarding Camp services for their dog at one of their 180+ locations.
  • Whiskey Charlie – Custom drink menu offered all weekend at their location in the District Wharf while supplies last.
  • Diament Jewelry and Gifts – Offering 25% off discount on all dog items on Sunday, November 22nd while supplies last.
  • Shake Shack at District Wharf – Offering free Poochinis on Sunday, November 22nd while supplies last.
  • Magnolia’s on King – Offering $8 Doggie & Human Snack Bowl Duos - Chicken & Brown Rice for pups / Smoked Gouda Grit & Red Gravy Bowls for humans while supplies last. Proceeds benefiting Project Second Chance Animal Rescue.
  • The National Harbor – Hosting a viewing party of the first two episodes of The Pack on Saturday, November 21st at 1pm. Various businesses will be handing out dog treats, while supplies last, including: ZAAF, Alex and Ani, and Carhartt.
  • The District Wharf – Hosting a viewing party of the first two episodes of The Pack on Sunday, November 22nd at 2pm. Various businesses will be handing out dog treats, while supplies last, including: The Big Bad Woof, Woofbowl, Metro Mutts, Fur-Get Me Not, Cordial at the Wharf Craft Wine & Spirits, The Brighton, Cantina Bambina, Martha Spak Gallery at the Wharf, and Praline Bakery.
If you're staying in, I've got you! One winner will receive a doggie prize pack! Just leave a comment telling me a fun fact about your favorite dog!

Washington, DC, USA
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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!

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Bandstand tour at National Theatre DC

March 4, 2020 •



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!
Washington, DC, USA
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