Where’s my camera when I need it?

Friday night I took Connor and my nephew Austin to the MSU Riley Center for Performing Arts to see Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters. The story is a Cinderella story set in Africa. Originally, I didn’t think the two boys would enjoy it, but after volunteering to help seat area school children Friday morning and seeing part of the play, I knew they would like it and they both did.

After the show the actors all were in the lobby signing the playbill. Connor was so excited to meet the actors, and told me later, “Mimi, I want to be in a play.” I usually have my camera handy, but didn’t this time-and I missed some great pictures of Connor with the actors!

From the website:

When a great African king desires a wife, the best maidens in the land are invited to meet him. Dallas Children’s Theater proudly presents John Steptoe’s Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters, a gorgeous, Caldecott Award-winning Cinderella tale adapted for the stage by Karen Abbott. Mufaro’s pride and joy, his two daughters of very different dispositions, travel across a river and half a day’s journey to go before the king. As they encounter the forest, each experiences a rite of passage.

The play was excellent, and even though the actors from the Dallas Children’s Theatre were doing their third performance of the day, they gave it their all.

You can read more about this play and their tour by clicking here.

Thanks for stopping by,

Diane

Greater Tuna

Saturday night I volunteered at the MSU Riley center and had the chance to see part of Greater Tuna. I wish I had bought tickets for my husband and I. I had not heard of this show before, but found out through researching it that it is one of the most produced plays in the US. As the old saying goes, “Laughter is the best Medicine” and after tonight's show, I can see why. To learn more about Greater Tuna, click here.

From their website:
Greater Tuna is the hilarious comedy about Texas' third smallest town, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. The eclectic band of citizens that make up this town are portrayed by only two performers, making this satire on life in rural America even more delightful as they depict all of the inhabitants of Tuna -- men, women, children and animals.

The show has been so popular that 2 new ones have been added: A Tuna Christmas and Red, White and Tuna. I hope I get a chance to see these too!

Thanks for stopping by!

Diane

Magic Tree House the Musical

Friday night I took Connor and my nephew Austin to the MSU Riley Center for Performing Arts to see the Magic Tree House the Musical. It was awesome! Click on the picture for more photos and a schedule of performances.

Connor and Austin during the intermission. Please excuse Connor's shirt...we had been to a new pizza place!

You can see just a little bit of the beauty of the theater in the background of this picture.

I often do volunteer work at the Riley Center, usually as an usher or in the box office. Since I had tickets for this production, I volunteered the night before to help set up the dressing room and work with the costumes. I have to say that it gave me a whole new appreciation for the work that goes into these productions!

I am so glad that our small town has a venue that supports the arts for all ages!

Thanks for stopping by today, and hope you have a restful Sunday!

Nighttime in New York

We spent 4 wonderful nights in New York. The first night, we visited Jonathan's apartment and met his landlord. We rode the subway to the Upper West Side and were able to find our way back without him as our guide!

The second night we went to see Altar Boyz, an off Broadway play. The third night we saw Jersey Boys, a musical about Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons. The last night my sister and I went to see Mama Mia.

Usually, I would be so exhausted before we went from all the walking we did, but after we seeing the play, I would be re-energized and wide awake.

One night after we went to a play, my nephew Austin and I walked around near Times Square and decided to take a carriage ride. Here are some of the pics I took of New York at night.

Here's Austin in the carriage. We had zebra print throws to keep us warm, although it wasn't really that cold.

Here's our escort....sorry I didn't get his name. He was a sweetheart....took us right back to our hotel about midnight!
A night time pic of Times Square
This is Saint Patrick's Cathedral near the Rockefeller Center. It was beautiful at night!
We passed Radio City Music Hall.
Some ice skaters at the Rockefeller Center
We planned to go to the Top of the Rock to view the city that night, but didn't make it there in time to get our ticket. They stop selling them at 10:30! We were hungry when we left the shows, and usually stopped in a deli for a quick bite to eat.

I really enjoyed all three of the Broadway plays. If you ever go, you don't have to buy your tickets ahead of time unless you have a certain show that you just must see. At 3 pm each day, the Theatre Development Fund sells tickets for that night-and many of them are 1/2 price! They have a ticket booth near Times Square and in two other locations.

We bought 1/2 price tickets for Mama Mia and they were on the front row! I have to say Mama Mia was my favorite-I certainly had enough background knowledge about it since I saw the movie 3 times!

Have you been to a Broadway Play? I would love to know which ones you have seen and your reactions!

Thanks for stopping by!

A Dynamic Perfomance by Drumline Live!

These performers with the yellow and blue costumes were part of Drumline which performed in our town yesterday at the MSU Riley Center.

From the Riley Center website:
The show-stopping new attraction marching band DRUMLine Live brings the black tradition to the theatrical stage for the very first time. Featuring a large cast of colorful and flamboyant performers from America’s top historically black colleges and universities, the production presents the rousing and rhythmic sounds of the great brass past including Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power side by side with the hottest contemporary hip-hop and R&B. A glimpse into an American experience that many have never seen before, DRUMLine Live showcases a historic tradition that is alive with intensity.

This was one of the best shows I've seen. The performers were very enthusiastic and there was lots of audience interaction. If you are interested in seeing if they will be performing near you, click here. I highly recommend this group of performers!


For more Blue Monday posts, visit Sally at Smiling Sally

Thanks for stopping by!

Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Hope everyone had a safe and fun New Year's Eve.

Last night, my husband and I decided to go to the movie to see the Curious Case of Benjamin Button with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.
The movie is based on a story by F Scott Fitzgerald, and was about a man that was born old and aged backwards. His mother died in childbirth, and his father was so shocked by his appearance that he left him on the steps of an old folks home.

This was a really different role for Brad Pitt, and I think he did an excellent job. The movie was filmed largely in New Orleans, and the scenes are very familiar to those who have visited there before.
I really enjoyed the movie, and would recommend it. It did get off to a slow start, but it didn't take me long to really get into it.

One thing about it, it will certainly make you think differently about aging!

Happy New Year,
Diane

Christmas activities and awards!

Edited this morning to add: We have a snow day today...they are predicting 5 inches. Connor will be with me! :)

First, I just want to thank all of you who visit my blog and leave me comments. I know I haven't been visiting some of you as much as I would like to and I would like to apologize for that!

I only have 5 more days to work, and after the holidays, I'll have much more time to be a good blogging buddy!

You may wonder what I've been up to (besides working).

Here are a few Christmas events that I've been to just in the past week.

First, last Thursday I went with my friend Karen to see 'A Christmas Carol' at our local community theater. It was a great performance starring our mayor as Scrooge. Here is a picture of the Crachit family from our local newspaper.

Friday night, I volunteered at the Riley Center for the Symphony Orchestra's Peppermint Pops concert. It was an awesome concert! I felt like I was in a big city! This photo is also 'borrowed' from the newspaper.
Saturday we all went to my Aunt Gloria's house in Mt. Sterling, Alabama for a belated Thanksgiving. This is my husband and I along with Kelli's family. Jonathan was in New Orleans and not able to come. The food was delicious as always and I always love getting together with my family! This photo was taken by Amber.
And Sunday, it was back to the Riley Center for two Mel Tillis family Christmas shows. The first show was at 4 in the afternoon, and my mother went with me. The second show was at 8, and I volunteered to work that show while my husband came as a patron. Both shows were wonderful. Here is the front of the new Mel Tillis album with his dog Snowflake. He did several songs from this album-my favorite was 'God's Presents.' I highly recommend this if you're looking for a new Christmas CD.

He performed with three of his children including daughter Pam. Here's her new Christmas CD. My favorite song from her album is 'Beautiful Night.' I wanted to buy the cd's but didn't have enough cash with me that night, so guess I'll have to order them.

Then Monday night, I went to a Christmas party with my friend Karen at our renovated train station-Union Station.

So....is it any wonder that I'm TIRED??? LOL I know I've overextended myself because I've been really tired, but there is not one of the things I've done that I would have left off!
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Here are three awards from some of the best blogging friends anyone could have. This first one is from Sally at Smiling Sally. Sally's blog is one of my favorites...she hosts Blue Monday and frequently posts cute cartoons that are sure to make you smile! Thanks so much Sally for this beautiful award!

And this one is from Dawn of Dawn's Daybreak. Dawn is a kindergarten teacher and was one of the first blogging friends I made. I love keeping up with her and seeing all the wonderful things she does with her class and family. I wish she lived close by so she could teach me to knit! Thank you so much Dawn.
And from Connie at Connie's Turning 50!
Thanks so much Connie! I'm so glad you posted a comment so I can visit your blog too!

I'm going to beg off once again in passing these on to specific blogs. I'm not sure who has one and who doesn't-so if you don't have one of these PLEASE take it...really!
Thanks for dropping by and have a great day!

Need a good laugh?

If you want to see a light hearted funny movie this holiday season go to see Four Christmases with Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon.

This movie is really silly in parts and hilarious in others. One thing about it...it will make you appreciate your own family! LOL
Thanks for stopping by!

A Movie with a Pink House

Do you know which movie this pink house is in?

The Pepto Bismol pink house was in the movie The Secret Life of Bees.

I went this week with a friend after work and really enjoyed the film. I always enjoy going to a movie which is based on a book I've read.

If you are not familiar with Sue Monk Kidd and her best selling novel, click on the link and watch the movie trailers.

Have any of you seen the movie or read the book?

For more posts featuring the color pink visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound! Hope you have a happy pink Saturday!

Tony and Tina's Wedding

Tonight I went to the Riley Center with Regina, a new friend from aerobics, to the off Broadway production Tony and Tina's Wedding.We had a great time! The dinner theatre was different from anything I have ever experienced. We were 'guests' at the wedding, and the characters interacted with us throughout the evening. The wedding was funny, and it was just like being at a real wedding. There was dancing, and a toast to the bride and groom along with an Italian buffet and wedding cake. Here are some pics that highlight the evening:

Tina, the Italian bride, posing for a pic while conversing with guests

Tony the Italian groom (notice his muscles!)

Diane and Regina starred as wedding guests!