Tag: entertainment

Celebrating My Birthday and Entertainment

Published on by Kelly Deeny1 Comment

I’ll admit it; I was bummed that no one threw me a surprise party for my 30th birthday. Sound egocentric and ungrateful? Yeah, I thought so too. I decided to throw myself a birthday party the following year and themed it around my main interests: fairytales, music, musical theatre, and film/TV. I decorated the sunroom with princess tablecloths, plateware, and cups. I put music notes all around the house, hanging them from the ceiling and making them the centerpiece at the dining room table. My friend gave me a film clapboard, and I put up an entertainment-themed banner in the entryway of the TV room. We played “Kelly Trivia”, listened to musical theatre soundtracks, and enjoyed one another’s company. It remains a highlight in my life, and I look forward to throwing another one soon.

 

Birthdays are meant to celebrate YOU! You, with all your quirks, varying interests, and struggles. So many times I hear people say, “It’s just another day.” They don’t like celebrating their birthday. Want to avoid it at all costs. If the day passes without a “Happy Birthday” uttered, then it’s a good day. Even in the midst of low self-esteem and spiritual crisis, I always recognized the joy that was my day of birth. I felt special in a world that frequently promoted normalcy. You are important and deserve to be celebrated. So, next time your birthday comes around, consider throwing your own party. After all, it is a day about you and what/whom you love.

 

There are some birthdays that went by as any other – work/school, dinner at home, and watch TV at night. However, here’s just a few that stood out:

 

  • My Sweet Sixteen party was one of the most memorable birthday celebrations I can recall. I had a small-ish number of close friends over. We proceeded to watch The Mighty Ducks and my mom surprised me with a birthday cake adorned to look like a TV set. Written in icing was All My Children in the center of the cake. Boy, does she know me well! It was a perfect day because I was surrounded by people I cared about and we celebrated not only the anniversary of my birth day but mutual interests, good food, and laughter.

Sweet Sixteen cake

 

  • Last year, I celebrated my birthday in New York City (a place I consider to be a second home) with family and friends. We stood in line at the discount ticket booth in Times Square and got our tickets for Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. We walked around the area, picked up a princess crown for me to wear, and had lunch at one of my favorite NYC restaurants: Ellen’s Stardust Diner. It was a beautiful day, and I was so grateful to share an interest of mine with people I love.

 

  •  This year, I originally thought to do something different than last year. Until I heard the amazing casting news from THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA;  Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess will be on-stage together again as “The Phantom” and “Christine”. They played father and daughter in The Little Mermaid a few years ago. (Read the full news article here.)  You only need to watch the Les Misérables in Concert: 25th Anniversary to see and hear Norm’s brilliant talent. He gives me chills and makes me cry every time I watch it. He’s a perfect fit as “The Phantom”! Besides, I saw my first Broadway show around my birthday in 1994, and it was a show that Norm appeared in – The Who’s Tommy.  That show remains one of my favorites even twenty years later. The beauty in Sierra’s voice is matched with a beautiful spirit within. She’s a gifted artist who continuously promotes acceptance, self-love, and belief in one’s abilities. If you’re not already “following” Sierra on social media, you’re missing out on uplifting and insightful posts. Both Norm and Sierra excel in their craft due to a combination of exquisite vocal talent and magnificent acting skills.  Going to see these two phenomenal individuals on-stage together is a birthday treat to myself this year. And most definitely worth the expense!

 

I look forward to my birthday every year, because to be completely honest I’m very happy to be alive and sharing my life with an amazing family and tremendous group of friends. Those who know me well wouldn’t find it surprising that I decided to go to California during big award show weekends or that I planned themed parties in honor of my favorite Broadway musicals. They’d get a chuckle at the fact that the selection of music on my phone consists of animated films and vocalists known for their musical theatre talent. I’m proud to celebrate the artist within and cling tight to the empathetic spirit that guides me. I love who I am today, but am just as excited as who I’ll be five years from now. That’ll be a celebration!

 

Please click on the links listed within the post to learn more about the artists, shows, or business entities mentioned.

 

 

*DISCLAIMER:  No endorsement by any of the above-mentioned companies/artists is intended or implied.*

 

TV insights: The “Shipping” Industry

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That ship has sailed! Fans of TV romantic pairings are quite familiar with the term “ship” for reasons that differ greatly from what may be your understanding of the word.  They champion a certain pairing, send letters, start campaigns, and write post after post after post in “support” of the fictional coupling that moved them more than others.

California coast

While I acknowledge there are certain fictional couples that I root for more than others, I don’t get as passionately involved (pun intended) as my fellow “shippers.”  I sit back, watch the show, read the fan postings and either roll my eyes or chuckle at some of the absurd remarks.  I’ve spent many years observing, and sometimes partaking in, the entertainment “shipping” industry. From all my years of observation, I’ve come to the conclusion that “shippers” fall into three categories:  Smooth Sailing, Bumpy Ride, or Lost at Sea.

  • SMOOTH SAILING:  You know they’re going to pair up one character with another.  You know it’s coming!  It makes perfect sense from a story purpose and character development.  It’ll add intrigue, conflict, and perhaps set the pairing on a journey all their own.  You enjoy the characters on an individual level but when they are in a scene together, the chemistry is palpable.  You may follow a website dedicated to the pairing or comment to a blog when the writer is blatantly disrespectful, but you wouldn’t take the time or effort to bombard head writers or actors with postcards, gifts, or letters.
  • BUMPY RIDE:  Hold on tight now, because you’re in for quite a ride when your favorite TV pairing hits a story pothole.  “They broke them up?!  Noooooo!!!!!”  Okay, I’ll admit it; I’ve uttered those very words a few times.  But that’s only because the Powers-That-Be were wrong.  Sarcasm aside, passengers on the “Bumpy Ride” ship hold on for dear life while forging friendships with others dealing with the same ups and downs of the journey.  They are passionate, determined, but never prone to cruelty just to make their point.
  • LOST AT SEA:  Some “shippers” have left port and are so far out to sea that they’re on their own deserted island.  They’ve lost the know-how of communicating with others.  They are always right.  Their wants and needs supersede anyone else’s.  So, if they believe that the TV couple they “love” is getting the shaft, they come out claws sharpened and tongues wagging.  They slash at you, pounce on you, and couldn’t care less if they stepped over you just to achieve the goal they deem to be of more value than yours.  They use insults, hurl accusations, and misquote everyone associated with the show if that will prove their point.  They twist words and write with tunnel vision.  They are so far out to sea that they wouldn’t see the buoy if it was floating right in front of them.

Whether you are, or know someone who is, part of the 3 “shipping” groups, don’t worry…there’s plenty of others out there who are on the same boat!

General-ly Speaking: Why Claire Labine and Wendy Riche Inspire Me

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Writers, executive producers, directors.  Individuals whose skills, talents, and artistry are frequently overlooked by the general public, yet without them our favorite films and television programs would never exist for us to adore.  Actors and actresses graced my screen, big and small, mesmerizing me with their talent.  Most of the time, I didn’t care one bit about who directed the episode or what an executive producer did.  I was only concerned with what was on my screen.  Twenty years ago, I started caring about those who worked behind the scenes.  My mind opened and my creativity flourished thanks to two exceptionally gifted women who helped bring my favorite daytime drama series to excellence.

In the early 1990’s, General Hospital excelled in not only the daytime drama medium but throughout all of television.  The writing was superb, the acting brilliant and the storylines heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time.  During this time, the teenage me was intrigued to learn more about those who worked behind the scenes.  Who wrote the storylines and dialogue?  Who was making the decisions that created such excellent television programming?

As head writer, Claire Labine took GH and its characters to emotional levels that left the viewers exploring their own lives.  If we didn’t care about the characters, then why should we care about what happened to them?  With Claire and her writing team, GH viewers knew that we’d be in for a combination of beautiful everyday moments between friends (“Lois” and “Brenda” or “Brenda” and “Robin”) or in-depth serious issues (“Maxie” gets “B.J.’s” heart / “Stone’s” death and “Robin’s” H.I.V. diagnosis).  When these characters cried, I cried.  When they examined their own prejudices, I re-examined by perspective on important issues.

During my Media and Society class in college, I had to pick someone or something that made a substantial impact on media.  I chose Ms. Wendy Riche, the Executive Producer of General Hospital at the time.  “How many of you know who {insert well-known primetime series mogul} is?”  All hands went up.  “Now, how many of you have heard of Wendy Riche.”  The latter question prompted only a few raised hands.  I proceeded to discuss the impact that GH had at the time, the ground-breaking issues and critical praise it received.  An excellent television program is deemed so, in my opinion, only if each part blends to create an exquisite piece of entertainment.  Each and every aspect of General Hospital excelled, allowing none to supersede another.  Writing, acting, editing, music selection, cinematography, etc…all played a part to bring about a finished work that deserved the critical and viewer appreciation it received.  Without an Executive Producer who values the medium and seeks to help it flourish, General Hospital would not have been the brilliant drama series it came to be.  And I attribute its brilliance to Wendy Riche – a woman I still hold a great deal of admiration and respect for twenty years later.

Both of these women showed me through their craft that high quality and artistic passion are not mutually exclusive.  I respect them for not only the work they created but the evident love of industry.  As a fan of all things entertainment and a writer of various genres, my artistic career would be one step closer to fulfillment with an opportunity to work with either Claire Labine or Wendy Riche.  Perhaps once my novel is complete, Claire will write the screenplay and Wendy will produce the film.  A girl can dream!!

*SIDENOTE:  I wrote one of my first fan letters to Ms. Riche in the mid-90’s and was elated to receive a postcard back.  I kept that card tacked upon on my inspiration board and thankfully it was part of the collection of items that were spared in my apartment fire earlier this year.*

Still Golden

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Okay, I’ll admit it – last year, while visiting family in Los Angeles, I had an ulterior motive.  In addition to spending time with my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews, I held out hope that I’d find a way to attend the Golden Globes.  I’m a dreamer and positive thinker with a tendency to raise my hopes too high sometimes.  I hoped, prayed, and pleaded for my Golden Globe request to be answered. Despite my positive attitude and hopeful outlook, nothing magical occurred.

My wonderful trip involved going to the beach nearly every day, drinking coffee and looking out at the Pacific Ocean from the Starbucks by the Sea (that’s what we call it anyway), and playing chess with my eldest nephew.  The weather was perfect, the days filled with laughter and love, and my heart overwhelmed with peace and joy.

Pacific Coffee Time
Pacific Coffee Time

The California coast radiates with a low-key atmosphere.  Despite the congested highways and busy tourist attractions, there’s an appreciation for life’s little moments.  Just when I get a taste of it, my vacation ends and I’m back to the hustle and bustle of suburbia.  Upon returning to work after my week in L.A. last year, I struggled to keep that laissez-faire atmosphere in cubicle city.  It wasn’t always easy until I realized that I needed to change my perspective.  When I did so, the world around me smiled and I found joy in the smallest of details.

I am a writer.  I make my living based on my love of the written word.  There are so many other artistic individuals who can not say the same.  They are existing from day-to-day, waiting for a big break that will take them out of their current situation.  I write because doing so matters, not only to me but to others.  To know that the words I choose make a difference in even the smallest of capacities, reminds me that I am a part of something more profound than sitting at a desk.  I am part of a community.  I am proud of the work I accomplish and the outlook I strive to maintain, even in the midst of challenges.

As I make plans for my next Los Angeles vacation, I do so with the understanding that life is what you make of it.  I look forward to going back to the beach, laughing with my nephews, shopping at Hollywood & Highland, and having my picture taken with the TV Guide logo in the background.  Instead of putting my effort into the unlikelihood of getting tickets to an award show that doesn’t sell tickets, I’m planning to spend the day in the company of family.  Maybe we’ll even do a themed dinner again in honor of the award show.

The Envious Queen V

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One week from today, Revenge returns to my television line-up…thank goodness!  Last week I posted two blog entries, one for “Emily/Amanda” and one for “Charlotte.”  Who better to round out this creative writing venture with than the matriarch herself – “Victoria”.

Cameo pendant with accent beads
Cameo pendant with accent beads

Representative of the Grayson matriarch’s spitfire personality and protective yet manipulative inclinations, I created a necklace design that’s a blend of royal violets and emerald-green crystals.  Dubbed “Queen Victoria” by the show’s writers and fans, I choose a cameo pendant symbolizing elegance, class, and high-society.  Plus, using a Victorian-style pendant was too perfect to pass up.

“Victoria Grayson” rules her world with fervor, determination, and ultimately a belief that she’s protecting her children.  Her intentions may be good, but her methods cause mayhem and tragedy.  Deep down, despite her faults, I am of the opinion that “Victoria’s” motives stem from envy.  Jealousy of those who the love she lost and reflective of the choices she made to get her where she is now.

The Revenge writers created a character that you love to hate while also feeling sympathetic to her situation, though self-inflicted.  “Victoria’s” portrayer, Madeleine Stowe, excels at bringing forth the complexities of her character.  As such, this necklace represents not only “Queen V” but the elegance and talent that Ms. Stowe shares each week.

WICKED Cool: Why This Musical “Defied” the Critics

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“The Wizard of Oz” was never one of my favorite films growing up.  I enjoyed it, don’t get me wrong, but I just couldn’t connect with it on an emotional level.  Many years later, the Broadway musical WICKED ended up becoming my all-time favorite show – topping even LES MISERABLES.  Trust me, that is quite a feat.

I consider myself a musical know-it-all, but in actuality I’m more of a know-it-most.  I’m well versed (hee hee) in shows of the past 15 years or so.  Beyond that, my range is minimal.  I listened mainly to the “classics”: Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Miss Saigon.  I only saw Les Mis on stage twice, but I had the entire album memorized.  To this day it is not uncommon for me to break out in song.  Just say Papa and I’ll start with “Papa, Papa, I do not understand…” and sing the rest of the Epilogue.  Not only does the story take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions but the music matches in intensity.  I never expected another show to affect me as much as LES MISERABLES has, yet WICKED achieved that and more!

In 2003, I heard about a new Broadway musical that starred Idina Menzel (RENT) and Kristin Chenoweth (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown).  It is a story about the witches of Oz, told from a very different perspective than popular culture is familiar with.  I knew instantly that I wanted to see this show…HAD to see this show.  I started reading the novel it is based on, more on that later, and was 3/4 through by the time I saw the show in the spring of 2004.  I sat next to my mother in the orchestra level of the theater, the smile plastered on my face even before the lights in the house dimmed.  From the first swell of the music and mesmerizing visuals, I knew this would be an adventure of a lifetime.

Every single moment of WICKED affected me on not only an artistic level but a spiritual and emotional one as well.  This is not only a story about friendship and standing up for what you believe, though both play a significant role in the overall success of the piece.  More importantly, in my opinion, WICKED soars due to its ability to knock down walls and expectations, especially those we define ourselves by.  It’s up to us to define ourselves and the choices we make; to soar to new heights, overcome unreasonable and sometimes cruel restrictions, and defy that which holds us down.

If you have yet to see this brilliant musical, put it on your must-see list!  Regardless of whether people singing on stage is not your “thing”, keep an open mind.  You might just gain appreciation for not only the power of musical theater but of your own capability too.

*To learn more about the incredible novel of which the musical is based, click here to read more about Gregory Maguire or buy any, or all, of the WICKED series.*

Little Lotte: Steering Through Choppy Waters

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**WARNING:  THIS POST IS NOT SPOILER FREE**

While those of us who call ourselves Revengers wait for the show’s return on December 8th, I took to my jewelry-making venture and made necklaces inspired by three of the female characters on ABC’s Revenge.  To see the “Emily/Amanda”-inspired piece, click here.  But, first…give “Charlotte” her turn in the spotlight.

Nautical pendant with accents of silver, dark red, and blue pearl beads.
Nautical pendant with accents of silver, dark red, and blue pearl beads.

“Charlotte Grayson Clarke” is a young woman torn apart by family.  Raised in an affluent household, she lived a carefree life until her world crumbled around her.  The revelation of her true parentage rattled her and had her searching for a place to call home and an identity that was all her own.  She found the unconditional love she never got from the Graysons (her brother, Daniel, notwithstanding) through the love of “Declan Porter” and her half-sister, “Amanda”.  She even found a friend in “Emily”, not knowing that “Emily” is actually “Amanda”.  Confused, watch the show!

After numerous tragic events within a short period of time, Charlotte underwent a reinvention of sorts.  She’s tougher, independent, and even a mini version of her mother.  She’s taken the helm of her own life and in doing so, has distanced herself from “Emily”.  Where not long ago she found a confidante and mentor in her brother’s fiancée, now she questions, distrusts, and even seeks to end the relationship.  Princess Lotte remains in the dark as to her familial connection with “Emily”.  So as she sets out to push “Daniel” towards happiness, she’s also destroying the plan her half-sister has put in motion.

Torn between two lives and ultimately two strong women, “Charlotte’s” necklace reflects a young woman attempting to take control of her life.  I added ruby-red accent beads to tie in her relationship to “Emily/Amanda”.  Plus, if my prediction is correct, the nautical theme will be quite apropos when Revenge takes it winter break.

 

DISCLAIMER:  No endorsement intended or implied

A Thorne in Their Sides

Published on by Kelly Deeny1 Comment

To fill the void until ABC’s Revenge returns on Sunday, December 8th, I’ve merged my love of writing and entertainment with a new-found artistic venture…jewelry-making.  Life inspires art, or in this case one artistic interest inspired another.

I have created necklaces inspired by three of the female characters on Revenge.  First up…”Emily Thorne/Amanda Clarke”.

Rose pendant with ruby-colored crystals and silver accents
Rose pendant with ruby-colored crystals and silver accents

Snatched from her father and the innocent life she led, a young “Amanda Clark” was forever changed in an instant.  Driven by fury towards those who wrongly accused her father, a now grown “Emily Thorne” is a shadow of her childhood self.  The young woman who returned to the Hamptons has tried desperately to maintain the persona she created so many years prior.

Very few know her true identity and fewer still know her true self.  As our protagonist fights for justice, she strengthens the walls around her heart.  Love in its truest and purest sense is difficult to maintain in the life that “Emily” has chosen.  At least, so far that’s been the case.  The romantic entanglements intertwine with lies, misunderstandings, and pain.  Pain of what was lost and what could never be.

Focused in her mission to destroy the Graysons, her actions are purposeful and clever.  Both the guilty and innocent have fallen prey to the path “Emily” willingly walks down.  With blood on her hands and pain in her heart, she does battle with the scared little girl she left behind in seek of revenge.

*Visit the website to learn more about this complex character and the talented young woman, Emily Van Camp, who portrays her with grace and care.*

DISCLAIMER:  No endorsement intended or implied!

Is it Once Upon a Time Yet?

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*Up until the Primetime Emmy Awards show telecast, this blog focused on the returning TV shows I’m most excited are coming back.  The first entry…ONCE UPON A TIME.*

Necklace I designed, inspired by one of my favorite fairy tale princesses.
Necklace I designed, inspired by one of my favorite fairy tale princesses.

If you’ve read some of my prior blog posts, then you’re familiar with my affinity for fairy tales.  When I first heard about Once Upon a Time, I was thrilled and quite intrigued at the premise.  I love when artists/novelists/TV showrunners take a concept that everyone thinks they know then create a product that has us second guessing our preconceived ideas.  This was the case with OUAT, and they threw in a bonus!  Even though they ingeniously came up with backstories and re-imagined some of the fairy tale characters, they ALWAYS respected the stories that made the characters so beloved in the first place.  This show doesn’t make fun of, or belittle, fairy tale princesses; it recognizes their strengths and enhances them.  Led by the creative minds of Adam Horowitz & Edward Kitsis, the talented cast weaves their characters through two different worlds and does so effortlessly.  In doing so, they have given us a television program that I find utterly enchanting to watch each and every week!

SPOILER ALERT:  If you haven’t watched all of Season Two’s episodes, you may not want to read on!

When we last left Storybrooke, Maine, the curse was lifted but danger was imminent.  Our brave heroes and heroines joined forces with their adversaries in order to save the most innocent among them; Henry.  Will they find him before Peter Pan does?  What sorts of hurdles will they encounter along the way?  Will Mary Margaret/Snow and Regina/The Evil Queen be able to heal some wounds through their shared grief for Henry?  As Emma mourns the “loss” of Neal/Baelfire will she continue to butt heads with Hook or soften her distrust when, or if, she learns of his connection to Henry’s father?

Plus, now that we’re headed back to the fairy tale world, will Mulan and Aurora be able to bring Philip back?  What does Pan want with Henry?  What other beloved fairy tale characters will we meet this season and how do they tie in to the interconnected storylines? How will Bae deal with being back “home”? And who is this dreaded group that’s pulling all the strings? (No pun intended!)  I have my guess on who they are, but I’ll wait and see if I’m right.

I can’t wait to find out what will happen next to these complexly written characters, performed with subtlety and humanity by each of the cast members.

By the way, how in the world did Bailee Madison NOT get a Guest Actress in a Drama Series nomination for her flawless performance as “Young Snow”?  This is one talented young lady, who had me in tears on more than one occasion this season.

Saved by Entertainment

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My father and I have a routine every Saturday evening – after dinner, the two of us watch a movie.  We have very different interests but there are some films we can agree on, and they’ve become are our go-to movies.  I enjoy this habitual activity, not only because I love movies but because I love spending time with my dad.  On July 26th, 2013 this routine ended up saving my life.

Well, sort of!  That Friday evening, the apartment building I lived in caught fire.  Friday night is pizza night in our family.  From work I went straight to my sister’s house for dinner and before my dad left to return home he said, “If you feel up to it, stop over and we’ll watch a movie.”  It was a Friday, not a Saturday – out of our routine, but my mom was out-of-town so the two of us had to stick together.  So, when I left my sister’s around 8:30pm I headed directly for my parents’ house.  I felt like watching one of those “classics”, a film that we’ve seen time and again and is always entertaining.  Shortly into the film, we heard a plethora of sirens and said to one another, “That sounds bad.”  Little did we know just how right we were.

Halfway through the movie, my sister called the house line, frantic to reach me.  “Ohmigod!  You nearly gave me a heart attack.  You didn’t answer your cell,” she cried.  “Dad didn’t answer his cell.”  Then she proceeded to inform me that my apartment complex was on fire.  We paused the film and spent the next hour searching the local news websites for details and trying to verify which particular building(s) were up in flames.  By the time it was confirmed to be the building I lived in, my nerves were shot and my head spinning.

There was nothing I could do that night.  I was safe.  I had a place to stay.  I had food, shelter and company.  I thought about my laptop, about the novel I’ve been working on for the past 3 years.  I gasped when I recalled that my grandmother’s stereo/record player was at my place.  My mind raced thinking about all the CDs, DVDs and musical theatre programs I’d collected over the years.  I am an entertainment girl through and through.  It’s key to my identity.  To know that so much was likely destroyed…I couldn’t fathom it.

“Come on,” my dad instructed.  “Let’s finish the movie.  It’ll distract you.”  And that it did.  I got wrapped up in the action of the film, one that I’ve seen and enjoyed many times already.  By the time the movie ended, I was exhausted.  Dad gave me a great, big hug and made me smile.  I cried myself to sleep that night, overwhelmed with what was lost.  With each realization of another piece of memorabilia gone, I felt embarrassed and ungrateful – they were just things and could be replaced.  I was alive and well.  I had a roof over my head, food to eat and a safe place to stay.

I woke up ready to face the day.  I needed to know what the reality of the situation was and handle what I could control.  I’ve always been inspired by characters who, when faced with adversity, look inside and find strength.  This was my life, my story to write.  And if I needed to start from a blank slate…so be it.  My dad told me that day, “Keep moving.  Keep busy.  If you stop to think, it will eat you up inside.”  He went with me to see the damage, kept me company and was the one to call my other relatives so that I didn’t have to.  While my father didn’t physically save my life, he did provide comfort, companionship, and enough space to pick myself up and dust myself off.  And for that I’m eternally grateful!

P.S.  Now that I have to rebuild my collection of theatre programs, I’ve decided that dad will be the first one I take with me back to Broadway!!!!