I heart it. Me and food, we're close.
Nile, Mike and I ventured to 10th and Willow yesterday for brunch. The menu was short but looked amazing! Clearly we needed to start with the spicy cheesey ranch fries (shoestring fries dusted with ranch seasoning, doused with hot sauce and topped with melted american cheese. Sounds like it could be a disaster but it was DELISH!) I was torn between the cream cheese and strawberry stuffed french toast and the Willow Ave. breakfast (your basic eggs, choice of meat and pancakes combo) Nile was between the breakfast and the blueberry pancakes. So when the waiter came to take our order we had a few questions. The first being "What are our choices of breakfast meats?" to which he said "We have ham, bacon, turkey bacon..." Stop right there my friend-turkey bacon, SOLD! (I think we actually cut him off and said that... yeah we're the "fun" table.) He laughed and went on to say, "Oh and just so you know that comes with blueberry pancakes or french toast."
Oh
My
GAH!
Done and DONE!!!
While we waited for our food, mimosa's in hand our waiter came out with our complimentary
I meant to get pictures of our over-flowing main plates but alas, I was too distracted by the eating.
Steve and Bryan, when you come to visit we are SO there!
Ctrl-V (PCs) or Command-V (Macs) Time! Paste whatever text you copied last.
http://www.bigapplebarbecue.com/
I found about this in Everyday with Rachel Ray! Mike and I are SO THERE!!!
Unless there is singing and dancing in Before the Devil Knows You're Dead that I missed...
Well, I thought it was funny!
It is time for an update! Here's what's going on in the Boken:
I have a job! Well... an internship that pays me a very small stipend, but that's ok cause two days a week I have meaning and purpose. I'm working at KSA- Kazarian Spencer and Associates. They represent a bunch of people who are currently working on broadway. I'm learning a fair amount and hopefully it will open some doors for me- I am absolutly awful at the whole networking thing, a vital part of my chosen carreer path...
We had a family-filled week/weekend recently. Mike's grandfather died which was a bummer. But he lived a long life and he had been sick for a little while so it wasn't super sudden- people always say this, it doesn't really make it any better or less sad, but there it is. The funeral was lovely- Pop-pop had a great turn out, they had to stop the line to get the services started in time! I didn't know him for as long as a lot of the people in attendance did, but he was a great man and will of course be missed.
The funeral was on Wednesday, and then on Friday we all headed down to Stanardsville Virgina for Elsa and Joe's wedding! The family stayed at this pretty bed and breakfast in the middle of the mountains where the ceremony and reception were held- The Rosebrook Inn (the pictures really don't do it justice, the grounds are beautiful) It was a good time, with no cell phone service, secret booze, and delicious spanakopita. The drive back to Hobo on Sunday was a bitch- it took us almost 8 hours. But everytime I wanted to complain I just told myself that my day was never going to be as long as Steve and Bryan's who flew in from LA and were flying out of DC at about 5PM...
So it was a bit of a crazy week, but there was fun to be had and it's always really nice to see Steve and Bryan. (GHURRRL!)
That brings us to yesterday! Amanda P was in town and I met her in the city. We got student rush tickets for Sunday in the Park with George- another abstracty Sondheim show. The show was great and the cast was fine- no one really blew me away or anything but they were all good. The technical stuff in the show was really impressive though! Lots of computer projections onto a white washed set and a track in the stage that moved back and forth.
I now return you to regularly scheduled Thursday!
::insert angry face here::
You may or may not have heard about my fabulous Hoboken debut as a Who in Seussical the Musical with the Theatre Company at Debaun Auditorium. It's been going really well! The director is amazing, the show is super fun, and I'm a little obsessed with my fellow cast members. This is the last weekend of the show and because of the STUPID SNOW, tonight's show might get canceled!
It's amazing how sad this makes me. I guess when you don't have a job, and Seussical is all you have in your life... well you get it.
If you're in town you should totally come see the show!!
What do you think is your best physical attribute?
Submitted by Nacwolin.
And only 7...10...21...31 days later, she returns! I know that you were on the edge of your seats.
Opened at the Golden Theatre on July 31, 2003
Music and Lyrics: Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx Book: Jeff Whitty
Avenue Q is the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. He soon discovers that the only neighborhood in his price range is Avenue Q; still, the neighbors seem nice. There's Brian the out-of-work comedian and his therapist fianceé Christmas Eve; Nicky the good-hearted slacker and his roommate Rod -- a Republican investment banker who seems to have some sort of secret; an Internet addict called Trekkie Monster; and a very cute kindergarten teaching assistant named Kate. And would you believe the building's superintendent is Gary Coleman?!? (Yes, that Gary Coleman.) Together, Princeton and his newfound friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.
I first heard this show in college. The music is funny, catchy, creatively sung, and just so much fun! Now that I have graduated from college and moved to NYC (sort of...) It's funny all over again and means just a little bit more. I Wish I Could Go Back To College is a song that I usually skipped over 4 years ago, but now I listen to it every time ("I wish I had taken more pictures..." truer words were never spoken!) But seriously, great show!
Best Song: For Now and Mix Tape
Worst Song: Fantasies Come True
Role I want to play: Kate Monster or Gary Coleman
Notable Actor: John Tartaglia (of Queer Eye fame) as Rod. He's currently on a kids show called Johnny and the Sprites. I heard about this show on a podcast about kids shows that were hiring musical theatre folk to write the music for children's shows. People like Stephen Schwarts are writing this really cool music and just putting simple lyrics to it for the kiddies. I think that's really cool.
Opened off-Broadway in March 2002
Music, Lyrics, and Book: Jason Robert Brown
Opening a show with a ballad is not something that I have seen before, but it's totally genius. Most opening numbers are flashy and upbeat- designed to get your attention. Still Hurting gets your attention in another way. Right off the bat you feel her pain and are on her side but at the same time you're like, "what is going on?" It's fabulous.
Best Song: I Can Do Better Than That
Worst Song: Moving Too Fast- this song isn't actually bad, I just can't remember how it goes, so I guess it wins...
Part I want to play: Kathy (duh)
Notable Actors: Norbert Leo Butz as Jamie and Sherie Renee Scott as Kathy. She has an amazingly effortless voice... they both do really.
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics:Tim Rice
Jesus Christ Superstar is a fabulous rock-opera from the 70's about the last days of Jesus Christ. This show will always hold a special little place in my heart. It's the show that introduced me to the Penn State Thespians my sophomore year of college. My roommate was on her way to audition and asked me if I wanted to come along. At the time I knew absolutely nothing about the show and hadn't auditioned for anything since high school. I sang "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas and actually got a call back and part in the ensemble. The director is this crazy, amazing guy who managed to make the show accessible to everyone (religious or not.) "This is a show, about a guy..." We actually had people scalping tickets for twice the selling price. It was the best cast/crew experience EVER and it was talked about for years after.
New Zealand revived JCS in 1994- revived and revamped. Basically they took out all of the porno 70's guitar and replaced it with a "modern" feel. It's hilarious.
All of my knowledge of Christianity and the Bible comes from Superstar and Children of Eden (I mean, a snake and a chorus of girls dancing and singing-how could she resist eating the apple?) I am totally ok with that...
Best Song: King Herod's Song
Worst Song: Everythings All Right
Part I want to play: Judas
Notable Actors: Marcus P. James in the PSU Thespians 2002 production. Love that kids- he's crazy talented.
2 "So I hope that you will tell this tale tomorrow!"
Book and Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens Music: Stephen Flaherty
I first saw this show in high school and dubbed it "the cutest musical ever!" It's kid friendly and fun with pretty music and a sweet message. I'm a sucker for a fairy tale with a happy ending and Island delivers on all aspects.
Best Song: Why We Tell the Story
Worst Song: Some Girls
Part I want to play: Asaka! (Mother of the Earth)
Music: Stephen Flaherty Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens Book: Terrence McNally
By the time I saw Ragtime, I had seem several other shows. I knew that I loved to sing and people told me that I was ok at it. When I saw Ragtime on a class trip I was so into what was going on on stage. I was moved, I laughed I cried, I got angry and then it all clicked- this is what I want to do! I love music, I love to sing, I want to make people love me and I want to make people hate me. I want to make people fall in love with music and stories and the stage.
Best Song: Wheels of a Dream
Worst Song: I really don't know...
Part I want to play: Sarah
Notable actors: Brian Stokes Mitchell as Coalhouse, Audra McDonald as Sarah, and Marin Mazzie as Mother. Still three of my faves in the Broadway world.
Well there you have it!
I've decided to sit down and make a couple of "Top Ten" lists. People ask me- What's your favorite musical? Favorite song? Favorite singer? Favorite movie? Favorite play? etc...
Let's start with musicals! (yay!)
10 "Let's all stroke together, like the Princeton crew..."-Mama
Music: John Kander Lyrics: Fred Ebb Book: Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
The one exception was Rob Bartlett as Amos Hart. Amos is one of those great parts- you get to have one big song, make the crowd love you and get a standing ovation at the end. Rob did a fantastic job of not only being funny, but making it seem like he was really enjoying himself in the role and it was great! Even Mama Morton- the role made famous in the movie by Queen Latifah- fell really short of being funny or even impressive.
Best Song: Cell Block Tango
Worst Song: Roxie- this song isn't inherently "bad" but it happens too far into the show. It's all about how Roxie wants everyone to know her name which we know from the second that she steps on stage.
Role I want to play: Matron "Mama" Morton
Notable Actor: Jerry Orbach as Billy Flynn- I have a performance of him doing All I Care About is Love from the original cast and it's so good. I heart Jerry Orbach.
9 "It is wonderful to see me, isn't it?"-Glinda
Music and Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz Book: Winnie Holzman
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is sold as the untold story of the witches of Oz. I don't want to reveal too much for anyone who hasn't seen it, but we follow Glinda the "good" witch and Elphaba the "wicked" witch of the east as they meet in school and go out into the world.
It really is a great story with amazing characters, beautiful music, crazy costumes, and impressive lighting and sets. I saw it for the first time on my 23rd birthday with two of my friends. I remember siting in my balcony seat waiting for it start and having trouble catching my breath because I was so excited! The cast didn't let me down. It was a great performance, though seriously lacking in Idina Menzel (her understudy, Shoshanna Bean was excellent, just not Idina.) I did go back to see Idina and Kristin work it out and it was just as fabulous as I thought it was going to be!
I listened to the show over and over and over again and never got sick of it. Good News always made me sing and For Good always made me cry and though other shows have pushed it out of everyday rotation, it will always hold a special, magical place in my musical heart.
Best Song: The Wizard and I
Worst Song: (If I have to pick one) A Sentimental Man
Role I want to play: Elphaba
Notable Actor: I have 2 for this show
Joel Grey as the Wizard- I never got to see him, so I can only imagine how amazing he must have been.
Taye Diggs as Fiero- Apparently he played Elphaba's love interest opposite his wife for a few performances, it must have been so fun to see them together.
Music: Alan Menken Lyrics and Book: Howard Ashman
The Penn State Thespians did this show in the barn theatre- a very small space located about 5 minutes off of the Penn State campus. I was not a part of the show, but my roommate was and so I was still involved with the show. We obviously did not have the budget for a gigantic puppet to play the plant (as it has been done on Broadway) so instead, they cast a girl in the role.
Best Song: Feed Me (Git it)
Worst Song: Suddenly, Seymour
Role I want to play: Audrey II
Music: Richard Rogers Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II Book: Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
The Sound of Music is about a young wannabe nun, Maria, who is ordered to play governess to the 7 children of an Austrian naval officer. He has been "hardened" by the death of his wife, but Maria manages to bring music back into his life and the lives of the children. Maria and Captain Von Trapp find love, but their honeymoon is cut short by the German invasion of Austria.
This movie brings back fond childhood memories of my family gathering 'round to watch our recorded from TV version on VHS. To this day when I watch my DVD I can tell you where all of the commercials were. I watched this movie constantly as a child and pretty much have it memorized. I can't wait for Nia to be old enough to enjoy it.
Best Song: Edelweiss- I recently found out that Christopher Plummer doesn't sing in the movie. This song is beautiful.
Worst Song: Climb Ev'ry Mountain- I know that this song is supposed to be all powerful and what have you, but I find my mind wandering ev'ry time I get to this part in the movie.
Role I want to play: Leisel
Notable Actor: Julie Andrews as Maria- It seems that she was the go-to girl of the 50/60's movie-musical (Cinderella, Mary Poppins, Throughly Modern Millie) I've seen them all and she shines the most in Music.
6 "Into the woods without regret, the choice is made, the task is set. Into the woods, but not forgetting why I'm on the journey."
Music and Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim Book: James Lapine
Stephen Sondheims clever lyrics and unpredictable music are what draw me to this show. I've seen the show and listened to music probably as much as I've listened to Wicked and I still don't have all of the songs memorized. I've liked the "twisted fairy tale" genre and this is just that put to music and it's fabulous.
Best Song: Into the Woods (Prologue)
Worst Song: ...I honestly can't think of one. I'll get back to you on that one.
Role I want to play: The Bakers Wife
Notable Actors: Bernadette Peters as the Witch- She's just so perfect for this role. Phylicia Rashad comes in at a close second. Who wouldn't want to see Mrs. Huxtable being all mean and nasty?
*Phew*
That took a good 3 hours. Blogging is hard. And so I leave you with the first half of my Top Ten Musicals list.
Stay tuned for numbers 5-1!
What's your alma mater?
Submitted by Lies.
WE ARE....
This summer I was at a baseball game, sitting in the cheap-ish seats with lots of people my age. Someone yelled out "We are!" A handful of people responded "Penn State!" including me! However, my response was under my breath and very quiet. I didn't want to, but it just came out! How weird is that?
That being said, I heart PSU and I'm not ashamed to have it as my alma. It was just creepy how I wanted to laugh at the people who blurted out the response like an automaton, and instead I was an automaton.
"When I say JoePa, you say Terno, JOEPA...."
When exactly is your movie going to happen?
I feel like I've been watching previews for Across the Universe for years (note: this may have something to do with the fact that I've seen Hairspray, host to the preview, 4 times...)
When Mike first showed me the teaser for this movie I was confused. Is it a musical? They kind of sing... What is going on?!
Confused, but intrigued. That is until I saw the preview millions of times. Coming soon- when is soon? Sick. of. waiting.
The newest preview has me intrigued again though. Evan Rachel Wood sounds pretty... I dunno.
This post was about nothing.
Apologies.
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Michael Edward said:
[this is good]Who new Rachael Ray was actually worth anything? read more
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Lizy Po said:
But you will notice that Once on this Island is in the number two spot. Right now Ragtime is #1,... read more
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Um, hells yes. read more
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