Friday, February 26, 2010

SMITTEN { A Little Night Music } on Broadway



Can you believe that I once said, "I don't really get the big deal. . . why does everyone worship Stephen Sondheim?"
Can you believe I used to hate the song, "Send in the Clowns"?
Can you believe I was ever so dumb?
Wait. . . don't answer that!

Well, I have learned the error of my ways, and my teacher is none other than the marvelous and sparkling production of A Little Night Music currently starring on Broadway.
I, literally, just walked in the door and could not wait to write down my thoughts.
In the midst of yet another apocolyptical winter storm here in New York, I was lucky enough to get two tickets to the perenially sold out performance tonight.
Smitten, mesmerized, enamored . . .

From the first note of the cello, the glide of the voices, the simplicity of the set and the stunning performances, I could not have been more in love with this production!
I loved everything, but I must say that the stand out moments include:

These three had me hanging on every word. The chemis
try was palpable and real, and though I was in the back of the theatre, I felt like I was in on their every secret.
Alexander Hanson, I think I have a crush. Angela Lansbury, a legend I adore, was the ultimate voice of wisdom and sass. And Catherine surprised me with her strength and ease, along with her gorgeous voice. I used to despise the song "Send in the Clown," and now I realize it is because I never really heard it before.

Aaron Lazar is brilliantly hate-worthy, and no one is complaining when he takes his shirt of in the last 20 minutes, either.

The five lieder singers are each in their own right spectacularly talented, but beautifully subtle as they move from scene to scene.

The lighting is almost ghostly, and it makes you feel as if you are peering into someone's dream throughout the show.

And the music is somehow familiar and part of you. When I was younger, I truly didn't understand the way Sondheim's music works. I'm so grateful I get it now!

And did I mention that I laughed non-stop throughout the show? I don't know why I wasn't really expecting that.

I am in love with the costume design. . . I think I'd look pretty fabulous in Catherine's act one silver and black traveling dress!

And the ultimate honor (read artistic jealousy and respect) is to the ridiculous Leigh Ann Larkin who simply put, made me want to be her. I knew I would love her from the start of the show, and she surpassed even my expectations. She has such complete control over all that she is doing, yet lets go and makes you believe she truly lives without anyone watching. In the Miller's Son, she oozes sensuality without making you queasy. Overall, she is my favorite thing in a show of amazing things!

So, in conclusion, if you are in New York anytime in the near future (and yes, I'm talking to you family who is arriving in 3 weeks) this is a MUST SEE! Let me now what day works best for you :)



Thursday, February 25, 2010

Salumi | Seattle Deliciousness with the Family

So, my brother-in-law Kenneth is somewhat of a foodie! And as such, he knows all the great places to dine all over the place (thanks in part to the very educational Food Network.)
While home in January, he told me all about this little tiny shop in Seattle owned by the family of Mario Batalli.
It's called Salumi.
Well, it's really called Armandino Batali's Salumi Artisan Cured Meats, but besides the meats, everyone goes for the sandwiches. They are only open for a few hours each day, have a very limited menu, and have virtually zero space to eat. They also have a line that wraps halfway down the block.
But, oh, is it worth it!
After sufficient enticing (which took all of 30 seconds) I begged to be shown this precious magical place he spoke of. So on my last day in Seattle, Mom, Sisters, Kiddos and I ventured there to enjoy this little piece of Heaven in the Emerald City!
Seriously, try the Mole Mozzarella Sandwich!

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Along for the ride are:
My Not-Quite-Twin Sister : Erin
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Darling Sister Mary and baby Jay
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Mia Madre
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And of course, Lady-killer Luke!
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Jayson in his momma-snuggie! He's killin' me with the eye contact!
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Luke and I had fun while waiting in the gigantic line!
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muah!
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Small spaces = shoulder rides!
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Gorgeous mama and her boy. Now those are some hazel eyes!
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And the special of the day: Gnocchi!
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Erin demonstrates the proper way to handle a meatball sandwich!
(I know, she's gonna kill me for posting this one, but sis, you look so cute, and everyone will just assume it's me, anyway!)
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Flying Pigs are Everywhere!
(It's the Salumi trademark, and a path of flying pigs point the way through the downtown area to the storefront shop!)
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After our hearty meal, Momma went to work while the rest of us pressed on to Pike's Place Market, and the the infamous Gum Wall in Post Alley.
This was my idea. And I loved it!

Jay and that eye contact, again!
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Pretty sister #1
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Pretty Sister #2
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Little old me :)
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"It's a PIG!"
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Luke donated some coins to the pig!
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The Fish Market!
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Attached to this friendly fish is a fishing line, which, when unsuspecting tourists pass, a man behind the counter tugs. . . making the monkfish jump at said tourists. So funny!
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Sisters outside of Sisters, the restaurant!
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Okay, kids, brace yourselves for
Post Alley!!
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Yummy!
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Erin contemplates why she got talked into doing this. . .
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But then is the first to get into the action!
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Then Mary gets a little close for comfort!
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My turn to SQUISH it in there!
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It. Just. Looked. So. So. Yummy!!!
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Yeah, right!! Ew!! I can't believe I put my face that close to it!!
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Luke wants in on the action!!
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"Mommy, pleeeeeease, can I have some gum?"
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See what I mean about the "Lady Killer"?
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Hennessey sisters showin' you how to make an exit!
"Work that booty, work that booty, make sure you don't hurt no-boody!"
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Sampling one of the candies I picked up. . . reminding me of my childhood in Santa Ana.
Tamarind with chile!
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Luke had so much fun, he didn't want to leave!
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He makes for his escape!
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But I got him!
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Buh-bye Seattle! Thanks for the fabulous day!
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PS- Props go out to my sisters for snapping some of these fabulous pics (especially the ones of me! I am so rarely in the photos, cause no one knows how to work my big machine!)