Ready to Rumble

Tonight... Tonight... Won't be just any night...

My friend Christine and I headed East this afternoon to hear (and see) the West Side Story.

Met two of her friends in Appleton for dinner at a new Mexican restaurant, then walked down the street to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. We're starting to be regulars there!

So naturally, we knew enough to have a camera for our usual photo opp by the Broadway sign of the day. We also are becoming more familiar with the seating arrangements. We've pretty much sat in all areas (and levels) of the theater.

Tonight it was row two -- yes two -- just behind these people, and that was all that was between us, the orchestra and a few hot dancers! Hello, Bernardo!

 The performance was great, wonderful, super! If you are familiar with West Side Story, you know it is not only a good story, but has some memorable songs and lots and lots of dancing. Love it! We had a good time and even made it home from the Rumble before midnight.

Of course, that rumble will turn into quite a grumble from two tired "American" girls in the morning!

Worth it, though. Always worth it.

America!

I like to be in America!
O.K. by me in America!
Ev'rything free in America
For a small fee in America! 

~ America (West Side Story)

Ironic that I am singing the lyrics to a West Side Story song called America while the teenager is doing anything but singing while studying for his American Revolution test. We obviously had two different days.

After work, my friend Christine and I went to an open house at my friend Lori's new massage business. She had done massage and wellness work for years but got away from it awhile. Now she is back in business and my back is glad is glad she's back! 

Since it was an open house, there were door prizes, of course, and guess whose luck is still running? Yes, me. I made an appointment for a massage over lunch tomorrow (since I am working from home) and I drew the prize coupon for 50% off. Nice! 

Hubby says, "Why are you wasting all our Powerball luck on baskets and massages?" I don't know. Maybe it's a good sign for tonight. Maybe?  


After the open house, Christine and I came back to my house and we watched West Side Story. We will see it next week when the Broadway touring group stops in Appleton, so we wanted to get in touch with our inner Jets and Sharks. She had actually never seen the whole musical before. Since it is one of my favorites and I have it on DVD, we took care of that tonight. Can't wait for next week!


In the meantime, long before Tony and Bernardo there were George W., Ben F., Thomas J. and some other dudes trying to make America! So I better cha-cha my way to Carter's room and see if I can help!


I like to be in America...

I Got the Music in Me...

There's only one kind of scale a fluffy girl like me appreciates.

A musical scale.

I love music. I can sing -- when no one's listening. And I can dance -- like nobody's watching. I am 100% typical girl when it comes to liking TV shows like Glee and just about any Broadway musical.

Although we are not a cultural Mecca, we are fortunate in central Wisconsin that Broadway tours its shows through Appleton (70 minutes away), Madison (90 minutes away) and Minneapolis (a 3-hour hike that is always worth it).

This "season" has been a good one at the Appleton Performing Arts Center. My friend Christine and I saw Les Miserables in November, will see Mary Poppins a month from today and, with fresh tickets in hand, we will now see West Side Story on April 24! What an exciting lineup of fun!

But wait, there's more...

I am also counting down 82 days 'til my twin sister and I see Mamma Mia! in Minneapolis! That will be exciting for 3 reasons: 1) We both love that musical (and know every word of it!). 2) I think this will be Raylene's first Broadway show. And 3) I will get to spend a whole day with my true other half! Can't wait.

With all the blues (sans rhythm) I've been experiencing in 2012, I'm glad I have these uplifting performances to look forward to! It does put a spring in my step.

Plus I know that in between all these big shows there's at least one middle school band concert on the horizon, and there's always Glee on Tuesdays (starting in 9 minutes).

I better go warm up!