Who: My neighbor(s) and I

What: School of Rock, Andrew Lloyd Weber's most recent musical based on the 2003 film of the same name

When: March 2018

Where: Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD

Why: I wanted to see it initially because Sierra Boggess was in the original cast, but it never worked out, so I'll rock out with it on tour.

Thoughts: My neighbor and I had tickets to see this earlier, but thanks to a spring snowstorm, the show was canceled and we had to scramble to get one of the few seats left in a later performance. On the bright side, it was the same performance another neighbor was attending. The more the merrier!

If you're a fan of the movie (and don't hate musicals), you'll be a fan of the show: the story and dialogue are nearly identical, the key difference being the expanded score which was a hit; I heard countless audience members singing one of the songs during intermission, my #1 sign that any musical is successful!

My neighbor and I both had a great time:this is such a fun production with so much energy, due mostly to the real stars: the kids. I thought to myself countless times "oh, to have that kind of energy" as they jumped and sang and played instruments all night long. Like many Broadway shows, small tweaks have been made to keep things modern and funny (a jab was made at fidget spinners early on) which is a natural and appropriate fit for this show. Overall, School of Rock makes for a fun night for all ages. If I wasn't laughing, I was smiling proudly at the kids performing.



You can listen to the Broadway soundtrack here (let's see if you can guess which song the audience was singing) and check out other shows I've seen here.

Have you seen School of Rock on screen or stage? Share your thoughts in the comments!

I'll never forget my first Broadway experience. In 2007, I was finally visiting New York City for the first time. From waiting in the endless line outside of the theatre to the rush of getting in and getting seated and to the "crash" of the chandelier as I saw Phantom of the Opera live for the first time, I knew it was something I'd never forget and could hopefully repeat in the future. 

Since then, opportunities have increased and I've been able to take additional trips to the Big Apple for exploring, food, and most importantly, shows.

While I wish I could see every show on the Big White Way, I am grateful for the ones I have been able to enjoy and have started thinking towards other Broadway-related items I'd like to experience:

1. See two shows in one day - achieved 4/2018

2. Take advantage of a Broadway 2-for-1 week

3. See a Broadway performer's 54 Below show

4. See a Broadway in Bryant Park performance

5. See the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade (and associated Broadway performances) live

6. Score a last-minute deal from the TKTS line

7. See an off-Broadway show

Any other Broadway lovers out there? What's on your bucket list?

I haven't done much reading since last summer, but Sean and I recently celebrated 13 years together, and he gifted me with two books based on the events of my favorite Broadway show, Come From Away! He's also gifted me other CFA related items in the past year including the soundtrack and a bottle of screech, but today, we're talking books! I gobbled both of these up in no time. The first took time between two days only because the recent Nor'easter shut our power off. The second I finished in under two hours.

Journalist Jim DeFede compiled this account not long after the original events took place: the book was published in 2002. Story after story of the "come from aways" and the Newfoundland locals who cared for them when their transatlantic flights were diverted to Gander will make you smile, laugh, and cry. I loved that some of the stories accounted for in this book went on to become storylines in CFA while others were new—at least to me! There were so many new and interesting details that I was constantly stopping to say "huh" and share what I'd learned with Sean. At 244 pages, DeFede could have doubled the length of the book and I'd still enthusiastically absorb every word.

Originally published in 2017, author Kevin Tuerff recently expanded and republished his book this year for good reason. He is one of the "plane people" who received kindness in Newfoundland and is also a featured character in CFA. Channel of Peace is Tuerff's personal account of his experience in 2001 and everything that is happened since from his Pay it Forward 9/11 initiative to his many return visits to Newfoundland and the success of CFA. 

While both books deal with the same subject matter, they couldn't be more different. These are two unique accounts that, like CFA, I hesitate to call a "9/11" story. What both books are really addressing are the good in humanity that happened as a reaction to one of America's worst days. Both are so relevant and worth the time to read.