Priscilla

Last night my friend Joe P and I went to see our local regional theatre's production of "Priscilla: Queen of the Dessert".  What started as an indie film later became a Broadway musical, but we learned that last night was the 1st time "Priscilla" was put on by a regional theatre, so that was exciting.

Who doesn't love the story, the music, the snark, and the overriding theme that happiness comes from true self-acceptance?  Fortunately this production did not disappoint.  Two of the 3 leads (playing Mitzi and Felicia) were young, handsome, and extremely talented men who danced, sang, and spoke (with a believable Australian accent) their way into our hearts.  The actor playing Bernadette had far less singing and dancing, and had trouble maintaining any kind of consistent accent, but this did not damped our enjoyment at all.  The ensemble was energetic and competent and the sets were in keeping with the minimalism of the theatre's name: Clear Space.

We really enjoyed the performance and I was sorry Spouse and other friends didn't join us.

I took this photo of the cover of the program

Weekend fun

I started my weekend by going with Joe P to see "A Christmas Story" at our local community theatre.  It was a musical based on the movie, and we both enjoyed it a lot.  (Spouse doesn't care for community theatre or musicals so I always go with Joe P.) 

Spouse heard that his mom was having some health issues, so he decided to leave Fri evening and go visit her.  He stayed overnight and spent some time with his sister too.  Fortunately his mom's follow-up on Sat went very well.  I had Sat off work so I went to breakfast with Steven & Thad, took Marvin & Walter for 2 nice walks since it was in the mid-60s, and then put on some Christmas CDs and began writing/addressing my holiday cards.  This is an activity I enjoy every year.  That evening I had a light dinner and then performed as Elton John in the Christmas Legends show. When I got home, Spouse was back.

Sun morning we met up with Steven & Thad and drove to Philly, about 2 hours from here.  Our 1st stop was the mid-century furniture sale.  We weren't planning to buy anything, but still enjoy looking at cool furniture and home accessories.  While there I saw this coffee table that is identical to the coffee table we had growing up.  Its by Lane and the style name is 'Acclaim'.  I think it was a wedding gift to my parents from my grandparents.  Seeing it brought back nice memories.  I wonder if my parents still have it?

Next we stopped at Joe's Pizza where you can get gourmet pizza by the slice.  It was really good!!  Then we went to see the huge video display at the Comcast Center, followed by meandering through not 1 but 2 Christmas markets.  It seemed strange to see people ice skating outdoors while it was 68 degrees.

Next we drove down Pine St and the Gayborhood but didn't get out since many places close early on Sundays.  Next we stopped in at Trader Joe's, and then had dinner at the famous Penrose Diner, a Philly institution.

Finally, we drove through a small south Philly neighborhood known for the excessive, over-the-top Christmas lights and decorating before hitting the highway.  We got home at 8:30, watched a little TV and went to bed early.

What a weekend!

To say it was a "full weekend" or "busy weekend" would be incomplete.  Instead, I'm going to say it was a "GREAT weekend"!

I started my Sat with meeting brand new clients at 9:30 and showing them a number of homes that matched their criteria.  They were very nice and I enjoyed spending time with them.  After lunch they decided to write a very good offer on their favorite home, so I got that all put together for them, went over all the details, and supervised their initialing and signing on the various pages to be sure none were overlooked.  The next day the offer was signed as-is by the seller!

After work I had a quick dinner at home and then met Joe P at the theatre for a 7pm performance of "Lips Together, Teeth Apart", written by Terrence McNally.  

The play features only 4 characters; 2 straight couples who are visiting the Fire Island beach house of one of the woman's deceased gay bother, in 1991.  They are forced to confront questions of tolerance versus acceptance, fears of infidelity, and what happiness really means.  To me this play was a mash-up of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf" and "Steel Magnolias".  There were harsh words and tense situations, but always peppered with humorous one-liners and sharp wit.  Joe P and I not only loved the play itself, but also the 4 actors who never 'over-acted' any of the scenes.  We both agreed that this was our favorite of all the plays and musicals we've seen at this local theatre.  Thoroughly enjoyable!

Sun morning Spouse & I met Steven & Thad for breakfast at the Crystal.  A little later I headed to the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party where I was to perform "Philadelphia Freedom" as Elton John, courtesy of the Blue Moon where I have performed as Elton John in the LEGENDS show.  My song went great and the audience was very receptive.  Shortly thereafter I performed a finale song with 2 other singers, 1 of whom was recording artist and 'friend' of the Blue Moon Pamala Stanley.

(Pamala and I will be performing together again this coming Fri & Sat nights during Jazz Fest.)  Then I spent a little 'meet-n-greet' time with the public where I talked with people and posed for photos with them.  

It was a lot of fun!  Back in my 'civilian' clothes, I was about to head home when I ran into Joe P and several of his neighbors/friends, so I decided to hang out at the Block Party a while longer.  In doing so I saw/greeted/talked to so many people I knew, both personally and professionally.  And while I didn't see him, MSNBC host Thomas Roberts and his husband stopped in for a drink at the Blue Moon.  

Joe P met him and had a lovely conversation, which totally made Joe P's day.  It was really fun!  The weather was ideal so there was a great turn-out for the event. That evening I met up with Spouse and Steven & Thad for pizza.  I'm not sure I could have squeezed much more into the weekend.

Grease

Last night Joe P and I went to the theatre.  Community theatre, that is. We went to see one of my favorite musicals: Grease!

I remember seeing it at the movie theatre when Grease came out in 1978.  I loved all the songs and bought the movie soundtrack album.  Yes, that's right - a 33 1/3 RMP vinyl record album.  I still have it.

Joe P and I met for dinner first and then walked next door to the theatre which is located in what used to be the sanctuary of an old church.  Rather than a traditional flat stage, this venue has a wide 'ramp' which extends the performance space out into the room, giving it a 'theatre in the round' affect.

The singers/actors were fine.  No one really stood out as exceptional, but all were certainly on par with what one would expect from local community theatre.  I did find the choreography and blocking to be better than I expected.  Joe P and I both enjoy supporting the local arts scene.

But the real 'star' of the show is the music.  With favorites like "Summer Nights", "Beauty School Drop-out", "There Are Worse Things I Could Do", "Hopelessly Devoted", "Sandy", and "You're The One That I Want" its hard to NOT have a good time.