So if you care to find me, look to the western sky! As someone told me lately:
"Ev'ryone deserves a chance to fly!"
Sunday was a fulfilling day; both in excitement and satisfaction.
After church, Jimmy and I headed out to Hollywood. Reason being: We had tickets to go see the hit musical, "Wicked". And then it was onto Disneyland for dinner.
Thoughts on Wicked. And being as I'm no reviewer and claim not to be one, bear with me as I struggle through this:
The play itself was thoroughly enjoyable. The set, as designed by Eugene Lee, was a sight to behold. A very intense green sight, but one to behold nonetheless. The dragon that dominated the stage was among the many things that captured the eye. And the fact that it's eyes glowed and smoke was puffed from it's nostrils just added to the coolness factor. Storyline-wise...it was a complicated and sometimes dry run in Act I. There are many characters that are needed to be explained, so as to understand Act II. However, knowing that, doesn't make it any better when the dragging on pops up occasionally. At one point I found myself wondering, "This is it? I expected so much better!" Thankfully, the last half of Act I redeemed any negative thoughts I had, by bringing about the beginnings of the Wicked Witch of the West. Act II was pure enjoyment throughout. If The Wizard of Oz was dots in a connect-the-dots, then Wicked was the lines that finally connected them. Funny, entertaining and moments that made you made you snap your fingers and think "So THAT'S how that happened!" And...that's all I can really say without giving away anything else. Overall I highly recommend this play.
As there are many characters in the play, too many to give individual mention to, I focus only on two: Elphaba, soon to be the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda (a.k.a. Glinda), the Good Witch.
Stephanie Block as Elphaba (the wicked witch of the west) was, in my opinion, the best thing about the musical. Her voice was just amazing. Out of the many possible things that could stand out, it was her voice that stood out most of all. In numbers such as "I'm Not That Girl", a sense of longing and desire for acceptance could be heard. Personal favorites were "The Wizard and I", "Defying Gravity" and "No Good Deed". "No Good Deed" was performed with the fantastic range displayed in "The Wizard and I" and made even better by the grittiness that sometimes would underlie her voice. Above all, hers was an outstanding performance.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances which were not known (at least not to lowly, humble me) the role of Galinda (or Glinda, you make the choice) was not performed as Kendra Kassebaum. Due to the fact that my program is currently sitting in Jimmy’s jeep, I cannot give the name of the understudy who performed the role. Her performance however was enjoyable as she delved into the role of Glinda with the right amount of ignorant brattiness and self-centeredness that the character called for.
I could go on more but I want to hit upon the one element, made up a bunch of little elements, that made this theatre experience in particular THE worst experience I've ever had. Despite the fact that although we didn't purchase the best seats in the house, Jimmy and I had nonetheless paid good money for our seats. For the money we paid, I expected an enjoyable performance AND a certain level of respect from the audience. Sadly, the latter was not to be expected.
Theatre is NOT a casual night out. It's a classy event where one steps up in decorum and appearance; where everyday dress is left at home in hopes of enjoying an evening that has the class and style that a usual night out does not. Now I'm not implying that every person who attends goes out and buys an entire outfit just for that one night (although it does add to the overall enjoyment IF one can afford to), but I am stating that theatre IS NOT a jeans-and-tee-shirt event. It IS NOT a time to bring a six or seven year old child who cannot keep still for two or more hours. And it certainly IS NOT to be treated the way one would treat a trip to the movies. Forgive if I'm wrong, but I find the crinkling of a candy bag being opened and a hand dipping into it every sixty seconds to be most distracting. Never minding the fact that theatres look down upon food being brought into the actual seating area; we ARE offered an intermission during which time one has the opportunity to calm one's hunger by indulging in a quick snack. Yes folks, there ARE opportunities OUTSIDE of during the performance in which to satiate one's hunger.
In regards to the style of dress when attending theatre. From a lady's point of view, while it is nice to see my man dressed to the nines in slacks, button down, and tie; I understand if for one performance he wants to step it down a notch and not look like the dashing, James Bond-esque star of the old school spy movies. Likewise, he understands that there may be a time that I am unable to step up and dress like I just stepped out of a fashionable forties movie where the light is always soft when it hits me. Let's face it: times like that will occur. Couples come to the point where they've done every possible color-coordination they could make with their respective clothing and have nothing new to fall back on. Young adults have saved everything they could to purchase tickets that they now cannot afford to buy high priced fashionable clothing. It's understandable; but that doesn't mean that theatre attendees have to resort to something they would wear to a tailgate party. To use a comment made to Jimmy and myself by an usher when attending a performance of “Hairspray”: “It’s so great to see people still dress nice for theatre.”
One final point that I feel is often overlooked but important nonetheless is the notion of manners in regard to behavior before and after the show starts. Let’s face it, there’s only two end seats in a row and thus, if you have the end seats, be expected to constantly have to stand up and move back or stay seated and squeeze back while other patrons finally reach the row they’re in and have to cross in front of you in order to reach their seats. While there is nothing wrong with this, there IS a matter of making sure that before you even get to your row that you make sure that you have everything done, so as to not have to cause everyone to resituate themselves so that they can make way for you to exit the row, only to re-enter a few minutes later. Not only is this rude but it is difficult for those of the handicap or elderly age to reposition themselves just because you did not take the time to make sure all errands were done beforehand. The same applies to the exiting of the theatre seating area. Yes, at the end of a performance, we would all like to “beat the rush” as it were to get back to our vehicles and head to whatever destination awaits us with as minimal traffic (pedestrian and otherwise) as possible. But, again, I reiterate: this is a PERFORMANCE theatre NOT a MOVIE theatre. Have some class and just wait to exit from a row. Do NOT start standing up on the seats and jumping over the rows because you do not want to wait. If it’s that important to you to leave early then I have a suggestion: watch Act I and during the intermission, leave. That way you don’t have to deal with anyone blocking your way out or “taking too long” to exit a row. Heaven knows, those of us who wait to properly exit a row do not do so with the sole purpose of making you wait longer than you have to. As with any large venue, it takes time to exit. But that does not mean that one makes a spectacle of oneself and starts stepping on seats and jumping over rows to hurry and get to an exit. That is rude, destructive to property and just plain bad manners. Have some respect!
Now before anyone starts in on me for treating theatre as though it is such an awe-inspiring event that everyone must adhere to certain strict rules in order to fully enjoy it, I would like to point out that for some of us theatre IS an awe-inspiring event. We are witness to performers who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their skill. Theatre is not only a showcase of talented actors but an entire ensemble of people who have thrown themselves into their craft, to create a performance and atmosphere that leaves people breathless; excited; awestruck. From the set designers to the set crew, the main performers to the understudies, the soft harmonious song of a flute to the thundering clash of the cymbals; in theatre we, the audience, are privy to the final product of days, weeks, and months of training, blood, sweat, tears, fatigue, and every other physical, emotional, and mental exertion that these people have gone through to get to this stage and give us a performance that will be remembered. Does anyone really have the right to take away from all that?
So to the young child who felt the need to sit in the aisle, making noises trying to get comfortable; the gentleman who left his cell phone ring on high and waited until 2 or 3 rings to finally silence it; the parents who brought their too young children in who were constantly whispering “when is it over?” and “How long?”; and finally to the two teenage males who not only came in looking as though they just grabbed whatever clothes smelt semi-decent, but also believed they were watching a movie and made more noise with their food than someone unwrapping a present AND who believed the seat in front of them was an appropriate place to rest their feet on (not against but ON) mere inches from the seat holder’s head; to all of you I mention: thank you very much for ruining the entire of an enjoyable and intriguing Act II. You’ve made this performance of “Wicked” that much more…memorable. It’s so nice to know that the only performance I could afford to attend was made that much more special due in part to your rude, thoughtless, and insensitive actions. Thank you very much.
BTW: if anyone will be attending a performance of Wicked, could you buy chance pick up a shirt for me? My mind wasn’t all there that day and I missed out on a chance to purchase the “Defy Gravity Tour” shirt that was on sale. I would totally love you for it. Thanx! :D
“And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!"
Sunday was a fulfilling day; both in excitement and satisfaction.
After church, Jimmy and I headed out to Hollywood. Reason being: We had tickets to go see the hit musical, "Wicked". And then it was onto Disneyland for dinner.
Thoughts on Wicked. And being as I'm no reviewer and claim not to be one, bear with me as I struggle through this:
The play itself was thoroughly enjoyable. The set, as designed by Eugene Lee, was a sight to behold. A very intense green sight, but one to behold nonetheless. The dragon that dominated the stage was among the many things that captured the eye. And the fact that it's eyes glowed and smoke was puffed from it's nostrils just added to the coolness factor. Storyline-wise...it was a complicated and sometimes dry run in Act I. There are many characters that are needed to be explained, so as to understand Act II. However, knowing that, doesn't make it any better when the dragging on pops up occasionally. At one point I found myself wondering, "This is it? I expected so much better!" Thankfully, the last half of Act I redeemed any negative thoughts I had, by bringing about the beginnings of the Wicked Witch of the West. Act II was pure enjoyment throughout. If The Wizard of Oz was dots in a connect-the-dots, then Wicked was the lines that finally connected them. Funny, entertaining and moments that made you made you snap your fingers and think "So THAT'S how that happened!" And...that's all I can really say without giving away anything else. Overall I highly recommend this play.
As there are many characters in the play, too many to give individual mention to, I focus only on two: Elphaba, soon to be the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda (a.k.a. Glinda), the Good Witch.
Stephanie Block as Elphaba (the wicked witch of the west) was, in my opinion, the best thing about the musical. Her voice was just amazing. Out of the many possible things that could stand out, it was her voice that stood out most of all. In numbers such as "I'm Not That Girl", a sense of longing and desire for acceptance could be heard. Personal favorites were "The Wizard and I", "Defying Gravity" and "No Good Deed". "No Good Deed" was performed with the fantastic range displayed in "The Wizard and I" and made even better by the grittiness that sometimes would underlie her voice. Above all, hers was an outstanding performance.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances which were not known (at least not to lowly, humble me) the role of Galinda (or Glinda, you make the choice) was not performed as Kendra Kassebaum. Due to the fact that my program is currently sitting in Jimmy’s jeep, I cannot give the name of the understudy who performed the role. Her performance however was enjoyable as she delved into the role of Glinda with the right amount of ignorant brattiness and self-centeredness that the character called for.
I could go on more but I want to hit upon the one element, made up a bunch of little elements, that made this theatre experience in particular THE worst experience I've ever had. Despite the fact that although we didn't purchase the best seats in the house, Jimmy and I had nonetheless paid good money for our seats. For the money we paid, I expected an enjoyable performance AND a certain level of respect from the audience. Sadly, the latter was not to be expected.
Theatre is NOT a casual night out. It's a classy event where one steps up in decorum and appearance; where everyday dress is left at home in hopes of enjoying an evening that has the class and style that a usual night out does not. Now I'm not implying that every person who attends goes out and buys an entire outfit just for that one night (although it does add to the overall enjoyment IF one can afford to), but I am stating that theatre IS NOT a jeans-and-tee-shirt event. It IS NOT a time to bring a six or seven year old child who cannot keep still for two or more hours. And it certainly IS NOT to be treated the way one would treat a trip to the movies. Forgive if I'm wrong, but I find the crinkling of a candy bag being opened and a hand dipping into it every sixty seconds to be most distracting. Never minding the fact that theatres look down upon food being brought into the actual seating area; we ARE offered an intermission during which time one has the opportunity to calm one's hunger by indulging in a quick snack. Yes folks, there ARE opportunities OUTSIDE of during the performance in which to satiate one's hunger.
In regards to the style of dress when attending theatre. From a lady's point of view, while it is nice to see my man dressed to the nines in slacks, button down, and tie; I understand if for one performance he wants to step it down a notch and not look like the dashing, James Bond-esque star of the old school spy movies. Likewise, he understands that there may be a time that I am unable to step up and dress like I just stepped out of a fashionable forties movie where the light is always soft when it hits me. Let's face it: times like that will occur. Couples come to the point where they've done every possible color-coordination they could make with their respective clothing and have nothing new to fall back on. Young adults have saved everything they could to purchase tickets that they now cannot afford to buy high priced fashionable clothing. It's understandable; but that doesn't mean that theatre attendees have to resort to something they would wear to a tailgate party. To use a comment made to Jimmy and myself by an usher when attending a performance of “Hairspray”: “It’s so great to see people still dress nice for theatre.”
One final point that I feel is often overlooked but important nonetheless is the notion of manners in regard to behavior before and after the show starts. Let’s face it, there’s only two end seats in a row and thus, if you have the end seats, be expected to constantly have to stand up and move back or stay seated and squeeze back while other patrons finally reach the row they’re in and have to cross in front of you in order to reach their seats. While there is nothing wrong with this, there IS a matter of making sure that before you even get to your row that you make sure that you have everything done, so as to not have to cause everyone to resituate themselves so that they can make way for you to exit the row, only to re-enter a few minutes later. Not only is this rude but it is difficult for those of the handicap or elderly age to reposition themselves just because you did not take the time to make sure all errands were done beforehand. The same applies to the exiting of the theatre seating area. Yes, at the end of a performance, we would all like to “beat the rush” as it were to get back to our vehicles and head to whatever destination awaits us with as minimal traffic (pedestrian and otherwise) as possible. But, again, I reiterate: this is a PERFORMANCE theatre NOT a MOVIE theatre. Have some class and just wait to exit from a row. Do NOT start standing up on the seats and jumping over the rows because you do not want to wait. If it’s that important to you to leave early then I have a suggestion: watch Act I and during the intermission, leave. That way you don’t have to deal with anyone blocking your way out or “taking too long” to exit a row. Heaven knows, those of us who wait to properly exit a row do not do so with the sole purpose of making you wait longer than you have to. As with any large venue, it takes time to exit. But that does not mean that one makes a spectacle of oneself and starts stepping on seats and jumping over rows to hurry and get to an exit. That is rude, destructive to property and just plain bad manners. Have some respect!
Now before anyone starts in on me for treating theatre as though it is such an awe-inspiring event that everyone must adhere to certain strict rules in order to fully enjoy it, I would like to point out that for some of us theatre IS an awe-inspiring event. We are witness to performers who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their skill. Theatre is not only a showcase of talented actors but an entire ensemble of people who have thrown themselves into their craft, to create a performance and atmosphere that leaves people breathless; excited; awestruck. From the set designers to the set crew, the main performers to the understudies, the soft harmonious song of a flute to the thundering clash of the cymbals; in theatre we, the audience, are privy to the final product of days, weeks, and months of training, blood, sweat, tears, fatigue, and every other physical, emotional, and mental exertion that these people have gone through to get to this stage and give us a performance that will be remembered. Does anyone really have the right to take away from all that?
So to the young child who felt the need to sit in the aisle, making noises trying to get comfortable; the gentleman who left his cell phone ring on high and waited until 2 or 3 rings to finally silence it; the parents who brought their too young children in who were constantly whispering “when is it over?” and “How long?”; and finally to the two teenage males who not only came in looking as though they just grabbed whatever clothes smelt semi-decent, but also believed they were watching a movie and made more noise with their food than someone unwrapping a present AND who believed the seat in front of them was an appropriate place to rest their feet on (not against but ON) mere inches from the seat holder’s head; to all of you I mention: thank you very much for ruining the entire of an enjoyable and intriguing Act II. You’ve made this performance of “Wicked” that much more…memorable. It’s so nice to know that the only performance I could afford to attend was made that much more special due in part to your rude, thoughtless, and insensitive actions. Thank you very much.
BTW: if anyone will be attending a performance of Wicked, could you buy chance pick up a shirt for me? My mind wasn’t all there that day and I missed out on a chance to purchase the “Defy Gravity Tour” shirt that was on sale. I would totally love you for it. Thanx! :D
“And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!"