A few weeks back, I went to see the national tour of Parade at the Kennedy Center. It's music that I've been familiar with for a long time and that is one of my favorite scores, but I was steeling myself to physically sit through the show. The subject matter is a brutal murder of a young girl and the ensuing deliberate miscarriage of justice that ends in tragedy. I knew going in that I was essentially agreeing to watch a train wreck with no way to stop it, and throughout the show I increasing felt like something was pressing down on my sternum, almost literally breathless with heartbreak and dread. The cast was perfect - every performance so strong and nuanced and gripping. I felt really lucky to have been able to see this production, and I haven't stopped thinking about it.
Just last weekend, I saw Play On, a musical reimagining of Twelfth Night set in a Harlem jazz club in the 40s set to Duke Ellington music. Such a fun show! The dancing was spectacular and there was a fair amount of audience interaction that was very clever. The performers were amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I've been listening to jazz for the last few days and it's been a delight.
It's not a secret that I love to go to shows, but I'm feeling especially grateful for it recently.
To get to witness incredible talent, to marvel at the storytelling, to feel things deeply.
I'm always happier when I'm at the theatre.
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