Revisiting America

The last few times I've tried to blog, it has blown up in my face, because of our computer problems. So this is a test run.

Going back to New York, one of the highlights of the trip was, of course, seeing plays on Broadway. Lou and I were able to see five, the last two when we went with Shirley and Marge during their short stay in New York. The first was Billy Elliot and it was absolutely wonderful. An 11-year-old boy carried a 2-hour, 45-minute play. He was incredibly talented and very cute as well.

Then we saw Jersey Boys. Loved it because the four guys brought back to life all the songs from Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons that I danced to and sang along with years and years ago. Most people tend to remember the words to songs they grew up with, and it certainly was the same for me. Again, lots of talent onstage. One of the Jersey Boys reminded me of Patrick Swayze and another of a younger Alec Baldwin. Loved the show.

The third show was the remake of That Championship Season starring Chris Noth, Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Brian Cox, and Jim Gaffigan. Perfect casting. Jason Patric, whose father (Jason Miller) wrote the play, was excellent as the drunkard of the group. He went from tipsy to falling down drunk, believably. Kiefer Sutherland played the timid, go- along-with-everybody-until-threatened guy. And the gorgeous Chris Noth played the part of the successful but sleazy guy who slept with his friend's wife. A great remake.

With Shirley and Marge, we saw Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. My personal favorite. It was incredible. Again, most of the music was completely familiar. The costume design was off the charts - approximately 500 costume changes. The show was worth seeing for that alone. The acting, music, costumes, and set design (especially the bus) were incredible (there's that word again). Loved every second of it. Please, if you have the chance, do your yourself a favor and see it.

Then we saw Memphis. Frankly, I was a little disappointed. The female lead had a wonderful voice but, other than that, I had a hard time finding anything to love. Unusual for me, because I'm generally an easy grader.

This turned out to be kind of a long test blog, but it feels good to be blogging again.

Janie