Tonight, Tonight

Hello loyal readers! I know, it's been about 3 weeks since my last post, but I swear I've been legitimately busy. With my new classes I'm writing a 500-1000 word post just about every day, and on top of that I'm teaching, so I have to constantly write posts replying to my student's posts, which just leaves me not in the mood to sit down and punch out what is essentially yet another post, no matter how fun or vitally important the topic. However, there's been a lot going on so in order to avoid being totally overwhelmed later, I thought I'd pop in now for at least a few minutes.

First order of business is Patti at Ravinia tonight. Of course, after suffering through a frigid July, the night we go to Ravinia it's pushing 100 degrees with complete humidity on top of it. Fortunately we're eating at Mirabelle first so we can enjoy the air conditioning and even though it's still supposed to remain in the 80's all night, hopefully once the sun goes down the humidity will abate at least a little bit so that it's tolerable sitting in the pavilion. As long as Patti is good (and of course she will be), I can put up with just about any type of condition but my companion will get extremely cranky if it's the slightest bit uncomfortable. It sounds like it should be a good program overall, she's not the only attraction, although definitely the main one, and it sounds like they'e got a good selection put together. I really hope someone tries to take a picture, but it's not going to be me, she scares me too much!

In other news, I know we've all heard the big news about Billy Elliot by now. You know I'll be first in line for tickets when it arrives. It's truly a wonderful show and I felt bad when I was in New York last month about not seeing it there since I saw it in London, but since my time in NY is so short I have to maximize my opportunity for new shows, so this development will allow me to see it while leaving future NY trips open for new shows with no guilt. Also, in addition to Little Mermaid sinking at the end of the month, Avenue Q and 9 to 5 are both going to be right behind. Avenue Q though should feel no shame, it's had a remarkable run and they're pulling out all the stops, Rent-style, to send it out on top. I just hope that Wicked doesn't follow 3 months from now but instead continues running for years showing that not winning the Tony doesn't necessarily suck. It's sad to see 9 to 5 go, but not surprising. The critics really hated it and it's been struggling to get any positive mention in the press beyond Seth Rudetsky's column on playbill.com. Hopefully Dolly will attempt an original musical (maybe the full story of Jolene?) at some point soon. Hopefully also Joe Mantello can find another hit soon or his career's going to be going the way of Susan Stroman. Fortunately, there are a lot of good shows lining up to take their place, including a revival of Ragtime (hopefully the Best Revival category will right the wrong done in the Best Musical category 11 years ago), as well as Finian's Rainbow with Cheyenne, who's been looking FABULOUS in the publicity photos (and on top of that he's finally got an album coming out in the fall, although it's a duets album with Michael Feinstein which seriously tampers down my enthusiasm. I'm hoping for a recording of his recent solo show a la Jackie Hoffman, maybe if this one goes well that one will follow, which is reason enough to spring for this one), and an interesting sounding Off-Broadway play called The Understudy, written by Teresa Rebeck (of Mauritius) and starring Justin Kirk and Julie White. Closer to home, Light in the Piazza opened last week to rave reviews, I will find some way to see that one before it closes even if I have to drug my companion and drag him there against his will. Unfortunately, it's not looking so certain for History Boys, almost all the weekend shows are sold out at this point. Also, speaking of the Marriott, we tried but unfortunately were unsuccessful in getting a mounting of Carrie this season. However, the seed has been planted and you never know what may come of it in future seasons. They're sticking to a pretty traditional season this year; Fiddler, Chorus Line, Music Man, and Once on This Island, although it's great to get a second chance at Island after missing it at Porchlight. I may actually subscribe this season, I do want to see everything, they're all good shows and are traditional classics for a reason. Plus, the real highlight of the season is their fifth show, which will be The Drowsy Chaperone!!! I'm seriously thinking of auditioning, after all, it is based on my life, casting me should be a no-brainer!

Anyways, before I rush off, if you haven't already, head to Barbra Streisand's website and be sure to register for the drawing for tickets for her Sept. 28 show at the Village Vanguard. I'm a little apprehensive about the new album, but if anyone can pull cabaret music off, it's her (the standards she did in her 2006 concert were among the show's highlights even if they weren't her most famous songs), and in such an intimate setting, she could sing the entire score from The Color Purple and it would be a night to remember (yes, I went there!). I'm already registered, and if I win, I'm kind of stuck with the person for the other ticket, but if any of my readers win and don't have anyone in mind for the second, I'd be glad to buy the drinks once we're inside!