The King and I

I saw the King and I this past Sunday at Playhouse Square.   Gorgeous costumes and nice use of the set.  The cast was actually mostly Asians.   All excellent in execution.  I guess I'm just not a Rogers and Hammerstein fan.  I loved Cinderella because of the new book and modernity injected into it.  This was classic.   And I definitely prefer newer shows with more up tempo plots.   I didn't hate it.  It was just not my style.

Bring it On the Musical

We went to the Beck Center to see Bring it On the Musical this past Sunday.  I cringed when it started because all of the sportsball.   I was afraid of it being vapid.   Honestly, it's a wonderful musical with music and lyrics by Lin Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame.   It bears only a superficial resemblance to the movie in uniform colors and title.  With only one plot point I find objectionable, I give it an B+.  

Ken Ludwig's Baskerville

We were at Playhouse Square last night and saw Ken Ludwig's Baskerville.  That was amazingly fun!  5 actors who play over 40 parts with various costumes, hairpieces, and quick changes.  Only Holmes and Watson do not have other roles.   Quick changes happen so far, in seconds.  And the clothing isn't cheap looking either.  Everything looks convincingly Victorian!   There are 4 dressers to assist with the changes.  This was funny and smart, as well as a delight to watch.  Go see it!

Try the World: Greece

Another box from Try The World: Greece!   We are nearly caught up.  Just a little bit of the Italian box to go and then the Holiday Box.   Thank goodness most of these products are shelf stable!

 We have breadsticks with olives.

 This one is a sheep milk pasta.

 Almond cookies.  We've gotten at least two types from other countries.

 Tzatziki spices.

 A dessert sesame seed bar.

 Those grape leave wraps.

 Pasta sauce.

And finally, our first bottle of olive oil in a while.  This one is rosemary infused.

Into the Woods

I had the pleasure of seeing Into the Woods yesterday as performed by Fiasco Theater on tour.   Let me first say, that I adore the work of Stephen Sondheim.  Since I first saw the show back in college, I have been a big fan.  My high school did it the following year.  And of course I needed to own the original production on video starring Bernadette Peters.   This is the first time I've seen the show on tour by a professional company, and what they did was amazing!  

They managed to take a huge show with a large cast and orchestra, and scale it down to only about a dozen or so actors on stage.  It was accomplished by having all actors play various musical instruments and quite a few actors play multiple parts.  I know you think it's crazy, but it really works to showcase the brilliance of Sondheim's lyrics and music.  The singer is not fighting against a massive orchestra and the sheer genius of the words are laid bare.   I wasn't sure if I was going to be into it, but it totally worked!

Also, the set was minimal with everyday props such as hats and cloaks to distinguish the characters from on another.  This is a picture of Rapunzel and her cleverly knitted hair cap.  The actress was also Little Red Riding Hood.   It even worked when characters died.  You saw the actors really transform from one part to another.  The simplicity of the set and props made you fully get drawn in by the story and music.   It was magical.

Notice the bright pink hats.  These gentlemen portrayed Cinderella's stepsisters as well as the Princes.   Also, the one guy was Milky White.  This show features the best acting of a humanoid cow I have ever seen!  The cow was probably my favorite character.    Please go see this!   It's in town until the end of this month.

Try the World: Michelin Starred Holiday Box

 Hello everyone!   I realize it's been a while, but I have my latest Try the World box.   We're actually still finishing the Brazil box and have the Italy to start yet.  This holiday box features items from different countries and is Michelin rated.

 This is hot cocoa tablets.

Date spread.

 Lemon curd.

 Pineapple cookies.  I love these.

 Maple cookies.

 Bread mix.

Toffee!

Lastly, truffle sauce.

Disney's The Little Mermaid

We got back from a seafood dinner after seeing the Little Mermaid at the Beck Center.  Ok, I admit that dinner was slightly morbid.  But they were singing about delicious fish!

Seriously though, I had low expectations for the show and was happily surprised.   It wasn't all kiddie stuff, which was nice.  They brought back the concept of Ursula as Ariel's aunt (which was cut from the movie) and of course the ending was changed for staging purposes.   The actress who plays Ariel gets to sing her thoughts in the second act though her character is mute.  Also, watching her expression as the fish is served at dinner is hilarious!