There are very few things (aside from my faith and time in nature) that make me come alive like seeing quality theater, especially plays that are of the musical genre.
(Good thing I live in Chicago. 😂)
This past week I saw two shows - one was new to me (and part of the Broadway in Chicago subscription), and one was an old favorite (the lyrics and lines of which I have nearly 100% memorized from so many movie viewings). Both were spectacular.
"Come From Away" is based on the events directly following the 9/11 plane crashes, when the American air space was closed down, and planes between America and other countries had to be rerouted and landed. One such landing space was in Gander, Newfoundland. The play follows the townspeople and one set of passengers over the several days following September 11, and it's a testament to the human spirit. There are parts so poignant and other parts that make you belly laugh. The music was lively - my favorite song was "You'll Be a Newfoundlander." (Maybe it helps that I actually know someone from Newfoundland.) Just brilliant.
And then there's the classic: "The Music Man."
Oh, there's nothing halfway about the Iowa way to greet you, when we greet you, which we may not do at all...
This particular production was staged in a fresh way - the sets were done with some awesome perspective choices, and the choreography was spectacular - the dancers made good use of the whole stage. Professor Harold Hill was quite charming, Mrs. Paroo was quite Irish, and Winthrop had the stutter down perfectly. The play hit all the right notes for me, and it took every ounce of will power in my body not to sing and speak right along with the actors on the stage.
So, aside from the necessities of daily living, I do spend quite a bit on the theater (though, we always try to get the cheaper tickets, even if it means sitting up in the balcony). But it's worth it because it fills my cup and brings a smile to my face. And that helps me be ready to face another day.
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