Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
January 30, 2018 • theatre, travel
Who: My high school bestie and I
What: Cinderella, the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical fairy tale
When: November 2016
Where: The Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD
Why: Girls' night!
Thoughts: A little history lesson: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella roots go back to 1957 when they first presented their made-for-TV musical starring Julie Andrews. It was so popular, it was remade in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren, and again in 1997 starring Brandy (the version most of you likely remember). This is the version that made it to the Broadway stage in 2013 before beginning a national tour, not the 1950 animated Disney film. I couldn't believe how many people left bad reviews of this production because of factors like "there was no Gus the mouse" or "her dress wasn't blue" (yes, those are real and plentiful, and head's up, if this were a Disney show, Disney would be sure to let you know. It's all about expectations)
This particular production kept the classic Rogers and Hammerstein score, but took the risk of modernizing the book which is where I think opinions differ so wildly. I felt that in this case, writers looked at several popular adaptations of the Cinderella story and wrapped them into the package ultimately presented to the audience. I could see bits of the original R&H show as well as details taken from other films like Ever After, Into the Woods, and even Disney's recent live action Cinderella film. This Cinderella was intelligent, kind, and even politically proactive. It's easy to see why audiences could be split: some people welcome a "feminist" heroine while others value the traditional story. Because the story in other ways was still a fluffy fairy tale requiring suspension of disbelief, I found the new aspects of the book brought balance to the show. I found the political aspect wasn't too preachy or heavy-handed as to be off-putting, so I was able to appreciate this new take on the story.
Overall, I found the show enjoyable, but perhaps not one I'd return to again and again. It's suitable for all ages (save a "scary" scene early on that might scare younger children) and I encourage viewers to go in with an open mind and no expectations—it's much more enjoyable when you're not expecting a carbon copy of a film it wasn't even based off of!
Have you seen Cinderella on the stage? Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments, and enjoy the cast album here.
Read about other shows I've seen here.
Read about other shows I've seen here.
Baltimore, MD, USA
PRK: 1 Year Update
January 22, 2018 • health and beauty, PRK
I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I fulfilled a years-long dream of laser vision correction.
Last January, my horrid eyes (-10 in the worst eye) underwent PRK surgery. I chronicled the day of the procedure and immediate months following. Now that I've had my first eye exam (you want to keep these up annually to be in compliance with the warranty for the procedure), I think it's a great time to share how I'm feeling and my overall thoughts.
Last January, my horrid eyes (-10 in the worst eye) underwent PRK surgery. I chronicled the day of the procedure and immediate months following. Now that I've had my first eye exam (you want to keep these up annually to be in compliance with the warranty for the procedure), I think it's a great time to share how I'm feeling and my overall thoughts.
- Vision: Awesome. It's so nice to wake up and not fuss with glasses or contacts. Reading is a breeze and for the most part, I can function without trouble. I have noticed things seem blurrier when accompanied by lighting (i.e., back lit signs on the highway or projector screens). The doctor did note the need for a prescription, but it is very small and I am not currently seeking any correction for it. I still experience "halos" at night which is the most frustrating side effect.
- Comfort: Most of the time, things feel pretty normal. On occasion, I have a sensation of a lash or other "foreign body" being in an eye, or I might feel some discomfort when removing eye makeup. I discussed this with the doctor at my eye exam. After looking and listening, she determined my eyes are very dry (a common side effect of laser surgery) and recommended some over the counter drops different from the ones I currently use. There are also prescription options if needed, but she was kind enough to note that they are very expensive brand name drops that we can hopefully avoid with this OTC switch first.
- The bottom line: I'll be honest enough to say that I'm a little frustrated about still experiencing halos and I was very disappointed to hear my vision had regressed, albeit minimally. Even with these in mind, I will say I am glad I had the procedure and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I think because of how nearsighted I was before, the side effects (which we are working on) are still worth the fact that I can now see unassisted where for years I could not. The overall opinion might differ for someone with a more mild prescription, but I feel PRK was a great choice for me. Hopefully these new drops help bring my eyes back to a healthier state!
Have you experienced PRK or LASIK? Share your thoughts about it with me in the comments!
Baltimore, MD, USA
The Book of Mormon
January 17, 2018 • theatre, travel
Who: Me, Myself, and I
What: The Book of Mormon, the Tony Award-winning musical comedy | tickets
When: November 2015
Where: The Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD
Why: It's one of those shows that you hear lots about, but you just don't know until you go.
Thoughts: I approached this show with caution. I was raised very conservatively and went in hearing just the following about the show: it's written by the writers of South Park, so don't expect it to be appropriate, and it's downright hilarious.
Despite my upbringing, I found the show smart and hilarious. Yes, there's some language, but overall the show is not only entertaining (the energy, especially in the ensemble numbers, is amazing!) but insightful. The issues presented in the story are ones the challenge people of many different faiths, and if you can take the criticism lightheartedly (I don't by any means consider this show malicious), I think you'll have no problem enjoying the show. Sean hates musicals, but Mormon is funny enough that I'm hoping it comes back to town again soon so I can take him to experience it.
Another fun tidbit (mostly for those who haven't seen the show): take a look at your Playbill when you see the show: the Mormon church often purchases ad space in prime locations. I have infinite respect for this response to the show and would love to see more religious institutions respond in such a fashion instead of pushing back when something that challenges their faith comes along.
Have you seen The Book of Mormon yet? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments, and pep up your day with a listen to the cast recording here.
You can check out other Broadway shows I've seen here.
Baltimore, MD, USA
7 New Year's Resolutions & How to Keep Them
January 8, 2018 • health and beauty
Once upon a time, this blog began as re•solve, a nod to it's January beginnings. While I don't believe in resolutions, per se (I didn't set one this year), I do believe in putting your mind and efforts to anything you want to achieve at any time.
Of course, I know plenty of people have resolutions, and we're about a week in now. How's it going? I found 7 of the most common resolutions courtesy of NBC, and I've got some recommendations to help you stick to them!
1. Get Healthy
I believe the best way to accomplish your goals is to make them specific, manageable ones. In this case, I have recommendations for both nutrition and exercise.
- Stay hydrated with this Glasstic bottle that is essential-oil friendly. Or, for a bigger gulp, try this larger Tervis tumbler.
- Make bringing your own food to the office a breeze with these bento containers, or keep tabs on your portion sizes with this 21-day fix inspired set.
- Get moving by tracking your activity with a fitbit alta (bonus, sync your fitbit or certain other apps to Achievementto turn your steps into cash), or tone up from the comfort of your own home with these resistance bands.
- Diffuse some essential oils in your home; they are a safe alternative to synthetic fragrance and have countless benefits!
2. Get Organized
- Tackle paper waste: keep what you need together in this expanding file, and securely eliminate what you don't with this shredder.
- Navigate your dresser drawers more easily with some organizing bins.
- Pro tip: use those leftover Amazon boxes to declutter and donate anything you don't need to a local Goodwill via Give Back Box. It's tax-deductible!
3. Live Life to the Fullest
- Keep a record of your goals and adventures in this bucket list journal.
- Invest in your personal relationships with one of my favorite reads, the Five Love Languages.
- Dedicate some outdoors time to your pet, and be sure you're stocked up on essentials like waste bags and a water bowl for your excursions.
2. Get Organized
- Tackle paper waste: keep what you need together in this expanding file, and securely eliminate what you don't with this shredder.
- Navigate your dresser drawers more easily with some organizing bins.
- Pro tip: use those leftover Amazon boxes to declutter and donate anything you don't need to a local Goodwill via Give Back Box. It's tax-deductible!
3. Live Life to the Fullest
- Keep a record of your goals and adventures in this bucket list journal.
- Invest in your personal relationships with one of my favorite reads, the Five Love Languages.
- Dedicate some outdoors time to your pet, and be sure you're stocked up on essentials like waste bags and a water bowl for your excursions.
4. Learn New Hobbies
5. Spend Less/Save More
- Consider reusable goods instead of disposables in your house: you can save tons and reduce waste with sandwich bags, Swiffer refills, and even paper towels!
- Budget in cash with this adorable savings bank set.
6. Travel
- Pack like a pro with these cubes.
- Keep your passport and pertinent documents/cards together and secure with this RFID travel wallet.
7. Read More
4. Learn New Hobbies
5. Spend Less/Save More
- Consider reusable goods instead of disposables in your house: you can save tons and reduce waste with sandwich bags, Swiffer refills, and even paper towels!
- Budget in cash with this adorable savings bank set.
6. Travel
- Pack like a pro with these cubes.
- Keep your passport and pertinent documents/cards together and secure with this RFID travel wallet.
7. Read More
What have you resolved to accomplish in 2018? I'd love to hear about your progress in the comments!
Baltimore, MD, USA
Wicked
January 2, 2018 • theatre, travel
Who: My sister and I
When: April 2015
Where: Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD
Why: It was a classic I'd yet to see, and someone spilled the beans on limited view seating.
Thoughts: What's not to like? Wicked will always have a special place in my heart as the first touring Broadway show I ever saw, but even if this weren't so, it's a spectacular story with the great kind of score that stays in your head days after you leave the theatre.
If you're late to the party like me, Wicked is the story of Galinda (Glinda) and Elphaba (the wicked witch). While it overlaps with the events of The Wizard of Oz, it is in fact it's own story of how the two met, their relationship, and an exploration of whether the label "wicked" is a true fit for Elphaba...or any of the other characters we meet. I'd jump...or fly at the chance to see this again, and if you're skeptical of my opinion, just consider that Wicked has been going strong on Broadway for nearly 15 years now. That's no small feat!
Have you seen Wicked? Share your thoughts about the show in the comments below, or check out other shows I've seen here!
Baltimore, MD, USA
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