2019 | The Year in Review
December 30, 2019 • life
As I scrolled through Google photos scouting for potential holiday card photos, I couldn't believe all of the memories made this year. So many times I had to stop and say "wow, that was this year!?" or share with my friends, saying "remember when...?"
January
- I started Arbonne's 30 days to wellness program, losing a total of 25 lbs. I've kept them off all year!
- I saw my first two musicals of the year: The Little Mermaid (yay!) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (nay!)
February
- Sean & I celebrated 14 years together
- I visited Atlanta for the weekend to see one of my Broadway faves, Sierra Boggess, in a regional production of Ever After.
- 5 more shows: Monty Python's Spamalot, Rock of Ages, Once, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, and The King & I.
March
- My friend Katherine tied the knot!
- Two musicals: Gypsy and The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- My neighborhood was out and about enjoying occasions together including Greek Independence Day and St. Patrick's Day
April
- Two of my favorite shows (and Sean joined me for both!): The Book of Mormon and Come From Away
- Attended a live taping of American Ninja Warrior
- After successful avoidance for 30+ years, attended my first 80s party - with the neighbors, of course!
May
- Speaking of decades, went to 90's trivia and won the costume contest - as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
- Celebrated my sister-in-law's college graduation
- No theatre this month. Womp womp.
June
- Celebrated 9 years of marriage to Sean.
- On our anniversary, Trump announced that cruises to Cuba were no longer permitted - we had a booking only 10 days away! Womp womp. We instead cruised to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
- Two shows, and Sean attended both: The Play That Goes Wrong and Hamilton.
July
- Celebrated Sean's birthday and then did nothing in recovery of the first half of the year and anticipation of the second.
August
- SIX shows, including five on Broadway: Cabaret, Moulin Rouge, To Kill a Mockingbird, Mean Girls, Oklahoma!, and Frozen
- 3 of those shows were because of a trip I won to NYC, so I enjoyed playing tourist in the city for a few days.
September
- Labor Day getaway: despite living less than two hours away, I'd never been to Philly. I enjoyed exploring the city for a few days.
- 1 show: Mike Birbiglia's The New One
October
- Joined a new social choir in Baltimore and performed at my first concert in....forever
- Participated in my fifth Miles for Mothers
- Two shows: Escape to Margaritaville and Phantom of the Opera
November
- Another Caribbean cruise: since our ship was no longer sailing to Cuba, prices were slashed for the rest of 2019 and we figured...why not!? We even tried parasailing for the first time!
- Our neighborhood's third annual "stoopsgiving"
- Another quick getaway to Philly, this time with Sean
- Three shows: Rent, Aladdin, and Singin' in the Rain
December
- An extra festive neighborhood: from local lighting ceremonies to giving back in the community, we got together frequently in the holiday spirit!
- Final four shows: Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays, Once On This Island, Jersey Boys, and Jesus Christ Superstar (If you're counting, yes, I saw 30 shows this year!)
Baltimore, MD, USA
Once On This Island National Tour | Hershey, PA
December 27, 2019 • theatre
Who: My neighbors & I
What: Once on This Island, the touring production of the 2018 revival
When: December 2019
Where: Hershey Theatre, Hershey, PA
Why: Sand and stage? Sign me up!
Thoughts: If I'm counting right, I saw 30 shows in 2019. I can say with absolute certainty that Once on This Island was the most magical theatre experience of the year. I had never heard of it prior to the revival but a little bit of research and I knew I had to see it.
While not staged in the round like on Broadway, the tour provides it's own immersion most notably through onstage seating. For ~$20, I figured the view would be bad but took the gamble due to the uniqueness of the experience.
Guys.
It was the coolest thing ever! Actors arrive on stage shortly after the doors open for a pre-show experience only those sitting on stage can truly appreciate. The set is a beach littered heavily after a storm, and characters interact with each other, discussing the damage and cleaning up until it's truly time for the show to begin. The view was always phenomenal and it often felt like the performers connected with the audience.
The show itself is short and sweet (90 minutes, no intermission). That doesn't allow it to dig as deep as other shows, but it's really more about the experience. Visually, I couldn't stop noticing and admiring all the design elements of both the set and costumes - it was so creative and relevant!
I'm hoping the tour comes to Baltimore or DC next season so I can see it again. If it's coming to your town, don't miss it! The onstage seats are a steal and will be one of your coolest theatre experiences!
While not staged in the round like on Broadway, the tour provides it's own immersion most notably through onstage seating. For ~$20, I figured the view would be bad but took the gamble due to the uniqueness of the experience.
Guys.
It was the coolest thing ever! Actors arrive on stage shortly after the doors open for a pre-show experience only those sitting on stage can truly appreciate. The set is a beach littered heavily after a storm, and characters interact with each other, discussing the damage and cleaning up until it's truly time for the show to begin. The view was always phenomenal and it often felt like the performers connected with the audience.
The show itself is short and sweet (90 minutes, no intermission). That doesn't allow it to dig as deep as other shows, but it's really more about the experience. Visually, I couldn't stop noticing and admiring all the design elements of both the set and costumes - it was so creative and relevant!
I'm hoping the tour comes to Baltimore or DC next season so I can see it again. If it's coming to your town, don't miss it! The onstage seats are a steal and will be one of your coolest theatre experiences!
Hershey, PA, USA
Happy Holidays!
December 25, 2019 • holiday, life
This is the third year we took advantage of the Groupon deal for Staples - 100 cards for $25 - and they are ready within 24 hours!
I'm usually enthusiastically ready to get our cards together the first week of December, but this year was a near fail. That quick turnaround was more valuable than ever. We didn't even have a photo until a colleague snapped one at our 12/20 work party! Thankfully, cards were ready and mailed barely before Christmas.
For those of you who received one on time, yay! For those of you who will randomly receive them by NYE...womp womp. Sorry. I'll do better next year.
For those of you whose address I don't have, think of this card as yours. It means a lot to me that you're here reading along with me. Happy Holidays!
Baltimore, MD, USA
Jersey Boys | For Everyone!
December 19, 2019 • theatre
Before I saw Jersey Boys for the first time, I would have told you that the Four Seasons was a hotel.
When the tour came to Baltimore a few years ago, I went out of curiosity. It was a Tony award winner (and Grammy, and Olivier winner), so it had to be good, right?
I went with my mother in law, fully expecting she'd appreciate a show about a band who rose to fame in the 60's more than I could. I was pleasantly surprised as I realized I was familiar with a fair amount of the catalog.
There was Bye Bye Baby, which I'd heard Liam Neeson attribute to the Bay City Rollers in Love Actually.
There was Can't Take My Eyes off You, the song that made me swoon when Patrick serenaded Kat in the teen flick 10 Things I Hate About You.
There was December, 1963, the song you hear...everywhere.
Sure, the songs were from the 60's, but they were classics so strong that they'd found new life in my generation. I had a blast that night and was thrilled for a second dose of Frankie, Tommy, Nick, and Bob when I heard the production was nearby at DC's National Theatre.
I attended opening week, Xennial friend in tow, and was pleased to see an age-diverse crowd (I frequently lament that I'm the youngest audience member when I attend theatre productions). In fact, the teenagers a few row in front of me were dancing in their seats when the opening number began. A woman to our right squealed every time a number she knew played. Three different Boomers in front of us whipped out their phones to try and record Big Girls Don't Cry (while I appreciate the enthusiasm, a friendly reminder that recording performances is a no-no).
I had a pretty sheltered upbringing, similar to my guest. When I asked if she was familiar with any of the songs post-show, she said:
"Personally I heard many of those songs but didn’t know it was The Four Seasons or even the same band until I saw the movie. They’re just popular songs I guess. For even a sheltered girl like me."
Whether born in 63, 83, or 2003, Jersey Boys is a fun crowd-pleaser that generations can enjoy together, but keep in mind that it is recommended for ages 12+ due to language and mature content.
If you're looking for some quality time with family over this holiday break, the show will be in town through Sunday, January 5. Grab your tickets and enjoy! Or, take your chances with the ticket lottery: Two hours prior to all Jersey Boys show times, individuals may submit their names in person to be drawn to purchase up to two tickets at $25 per ticket. Twenty lottery seats will be available for purchase for each of the performances. Names will be announced 30 minutes after the entry period begins (90 minutes prior to the show time). Individuals must be present, with cash, to redeem the offer.
Washington, DC, USA
GIVEAWAY | Jersey Boys at National Theatre DC
December 9, 2019 • giveaway, theatre
National Theatre DC is keeping the theatre magic alive all month long!
It's not too late to see Fiddler on the Roof this week (through 12/15), but I'm here with Allied Media to hook someone up for another favorite of mine next week: Jersey Boys!
I still remember the awe I felt the first time I saw this show and I'm so excited to revisit it. The performances are amazing!
Here's the rundown:
They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story -- a story that has made them an international sensation all over again.
Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony and Grammy Award®-winning true-life musical phenomenon, JERSEY BOYS. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s just too good to be true.
FEATURING THE LEGENDARY TOP TEN HITS:
“Sherry” • “Big Girls Don’t Cry” • “Walk Like A Man” • “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” • “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)”
Contains authentic, profane Jersey language.
Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Run time: Approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes, including one intermission
To win a pair of tickets to the opening night performance (Tuesday, December 17), Leave a comment on this post sharing your favorite Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tune! An email address MUST be included in the body of the comment so you can be contacted if your name is drawn.
Winner will be selected Friday. December 13. Good luck!
Washington, DC, USA
December Magic at National Theatre DC + GIVEAWAY!
December 4, 2019 • theatre
Guys, this is a jam packed month for awesome entertainment and I don't want you to miss a second of it - I have a discount for everyone for this week and a chance at free tickets for later in the month. Good luck!
This week: Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays (BOGO 12/4!)
I was fortunate enough to see this opening night and WOW! It made me so happy to see all ages in the audience. The kids were screaming in shock and awe while the adults were laughing at the sly humor. I loved the diversity of tricks performed - this is a true crowd pleaser!
The Illusionists are in town until December 8, but if you can get there tonight (12/4), it's family night which means BOGO tickets with code FAMBOGO! You're welcome.
The Illusionists are in town until December 8, but if you can get there tonight (12/4), it's family night which means BOGO tickets with code FAMBOGO! You're welcome.
Tuesday, Dec. 10 - Sunday, Dec. 15: Fiddler on the Roof (+GIVEAWAY!)
Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacific, The King and I, and 2017 Tony-winning Best Play Oslo, bring a fresh and authentic vision to beloved theatrical masterpiece FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. The original production won ten Tony Awards, including a special Tony for becoming the longest-running Broadway musical of all time. You’ll be there when the sun rises on this new production, with stunning movement and dance from acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter, based on the original staging by Jerome Robbins. A wonderful cast and lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. Featuring the Broadway classics “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life,” FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will introduce a new generation to this uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy! To love! To life!
ENTER TO WIN: Comment your favorite song from Fiddler on the Roof below! Your comment must include an e-mail address in the body of the comment in order to be contacted if your name is drawn!
Winner will receive 2 hard tickets to opening night tickets for Tuesday, December 10th at 7:30 pm. Recommended for ages 8+. Winner will be drawn Saturday 12/7.
Dec. 17, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020: Jersey Boys
Washington, USA
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