In the Heights

I missed the Broadway tour of In the Heights when it was touring a few years back.   Fortunately for me, the Beck Center is playing it right now!  Tickets are sold out and it's amazing!  

It's about a Spanish speaking neighborhood in Washington Heights.  It combines wonderful dancing, the story of a community, and rap/hip hop.   You should go see it!

If/Then

We saw If/Then yesterday.   It's about a woman, Elizabeth, and the choices she makes in her life.   The unique thing about this musical is two parallel realities are shown in alternating turn.  The stories break off at a single choice at the beginning of the show.  It's really fascinating the way it is performed.  In one path, Beth pursues career and her dream of becoming a city planner.   In the other path, Liz chases love and family.   The lead actress is Liz when she wears glasses and Beth without them.  It works incredibly well.

The part was written for Idina Menzel.  The actress who is on tour was Idina's understudy for Wicked and for If/Then.   I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this show.   In fact, once I got there, it reminded me of how I play visual novels.   I usually alternate save files between different choices.   I liked it more than I thought I would.

My one criticism of the plot is when Beth mentions that she didn't have a real marriage because she didn't have children.  That line really devalues the marriages of people who choose to not have kids or can't have kids.  I really disagree with it.

Try the World: Thailand

It's been a while since we received out Thailand box, but we've been so busy!   I think it arrived over 3 weeks ago and we haven't yet had any of the delicious treats inside.

It seems they have permanently switched to this rectangular box instead of the original square.   

Here is the lovely patterned brochure of all the foods.

Tom Yum soup.   It has multiple packets inside.  I hope it's good.

Try the World always sends some sort of tea.   Tea is probably up there with milk as my favorite beverage.

We usually get our dried mangos from the Philippines.   Hopefully these are good.   I can be very particular about dried mangos.  

I'll try this cocunut flower syrup on ice cream.

I'm looking forward to these spicy rice crackers.   I like savory snacks.  If they are too spicy, I can add cheese to tone down the flavor.

I have never seen rice packaged like this before.   I have seen black rice at the store though.

I may try using the curry paste to make something eventually.   I just need to figure out what.

Lastly, coconut crispy rolls.   I know these will be good.