Mary Poppins was PHENOMINAL!!!!

Most anyone who knows me understands that I am somewhat of a Broadway person. I went to a fine arts elementary school where I spent more time singing and dancing than I did sitting at a desk practicing Arithmetic or learning Grammar. I participated in my first “broadway” show when I was only 11 years old. It was Fiddler on the Roof. In 6th grade I was in Crazy for You. My love for musical theatre began there and progressed throughout my years. When I was in High School at Grossmont I was part of the Red Robe Choir and was privileged to travel throughout Europe singing in cathedrals and other grandeurs in a wide variety of languages. In college I was in the University Choir and Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Gary Bonner, a world renowned conductor. So you see, music has always been a part of my life and it seems to make my heart beat just a little bit faster. I have been to numerous Broadway shows now…the very first was Hairspray which was followed by Wicked (3 times) which was followed by the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee after which I saw We Will Rock You (in London) which was followed by Avenue Q bringing us to the latest and greatest : Mary Poppins.

Kenz and I left for the show immediately following work on Friday evening. We seemed to avoid most of the interstate traffic but getting to the 5 on Imperial Highway took FOREVER. Alas we arrived at California Pizza Kitchen with plenty of time to eat before the show. When we walked into the restaurant we were pleasantly surprised to see Jamie White and her sister Jackie, mom, and sister-in-law already seated. They were all headed to the show as well! What a WONDERFUL coincidence! The waitress realized that we were friends and seated us together (sorry – we really didn’t mean to crash your party Jamie!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!) Jamie’s clan was more than gracious and allowed us to impede on their party. After dinner we walked the distance to the theatre (about 3 blocks) and stopped for several photos! We got to the theatre about 10 minutes before the show was to begin {perfect considering I was more than excited and VERY READY for the show to begin at this point} and what seemed like only seconds later the lights were out and the singing had started. I was encapsulated literally from start to finish…. I laughed, I cried, I got goosebumps and chills…it was a PHENOMINAL show!! SUCH FUN! The story line was better than the movie and the fact that it was a production made it absolutely breathtaking! I am SO GLAD we went and can’t wait for the next show on the list…I think it is Lion King in the spring of 2010….YAY!!! I LOVE BROADWAY!