Joseph

..and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

When Eric and I were dating, Mike and Eileen invited me to watch this play with them...and only them. It was like our "first date" because Eric couldn't join us. So this was the true test, if I could chill with my in-laws without the comfort of Eric's company, then we were alright. You'd think it would've been awkward, but it wasn't. My in-laws are pretty awesome like that and we get along so well. After all, you marry the family so they (or I) passed the test.

I really liked the play and was entertained but to be honest, it was a little shy from amazing - for me anyway. I hadn't heard of the play and didn't really grow up watching musicals...so it would've helped if I knew the story (which I should since it's in the Bible) and songs.

Since it was playing at the Hale Center Theater in Salt Lake, Eileen bought tickets so we could "rekindle" our first date and so I could give it a second chance - apparently it had rave reviews. The men were nice enough to watch the kiddos while we had a girls night out.

Well, I eat my words because this show knocked my socks off! Dare I say it was better than The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins (my two most favorite movies on the planet that hold a special place in my heart)?Yup, it's a close tie...or maybe beats it by a hair, I dunno but the show was pretty amazing.

This version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was off the hook - it was so lively and upbeat. The costumes, dancing, and music were phenomenal. We couldn't stop raving about how wonderful it was on the way home.

If I would have seen this particular play as a kid, I know I would've told my mom to put me in acting classes. If that would've happened, I'd totally be a thespian instead of a "social worker" (I say that in quotes because I only have my bachelors). Now, if I only had the voice. Too bad I can't carry a tune like my mother.  So much for that dream...but like Joseph says, any dream will do. Just love the message of the whole play.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

...Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious

If you say it loud enough you'll always sound precocious 

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

As part of my birthday gift, last night Eric took me to see Mary Poppins. The show was absolutely amazing and we had the best seats in the house! We were on the balcony in the first row and were able to see the orchestra below, I've never had this great of a view so this was a real treat.

I was expecting a stage version of the film and though the show wasn't much like the movie at all, I was pleasantly surprised and loved it. I enjoyed the new songs, characters, and performances. Are most Broadway shows like this, in that they aren't exactly like the book/movie? It wasn't as different as night and day but I was really confused in the beginning and thought to myself, "wait, that didn't happen, where did this scene come from?" I understand they need to change things around for theater, especially since the movie had animated parts, but once I told myself not to compare it to the movie it was much more enjoyable...it was even spectacular!

Marry Poppins was "perfect in every way" and the actress who played her looked and sounded like Julie Andrews. I mean hair and make up could only do so much, she was great. If I had the right hair and make up could I look like Mary Poppins? Hmm... Halloween costume this year maybe? Eric would make a great Bert.

Speaking of Bert, he too was perfect and had the accent right on. I just wish the kids weren't as annoying and bratty because they were sweet and innocent in the movie, okay only slightly mischievous.  

Side note: this plastic/rubber pole art combobulaiton is right next to Capital Theater. Before the show began we played in the "pole jungle"...as I like to call it. Random, but pretty cool. It seems Salt Lake is upping their game in the art world.

The dancing, effects, backdrops, and performances were all impeccable. The "big numbers" were sensational and better than I'd imagined them to be. Mary Poppins flying through the air and the chimney sweep performance were by far the highlights for us.

We left Marry Poppins humming the tunes and I woke up singing to Supercalifrailistickexpialidocious! Is it in your head now?

This was an unforgettable experience and the perfect 25th birthday gift. Thanks babe, you rock and I had the best time...we always have a blast together and that's why you're my best friend and my lover! I can't wait to take Leila to the theater when she's older so she can enjoy it too. Thanks grandma and grandpa for playing with the princess while we had some "us" time.