Simple Little Things

Have we ever discussed how much I adore the Broadway show 110 in the Shade? It's an obscure show, but oh, it strikes such a chord with me. Part of my adoration is from seeing Audra McDonald and Will Swenson (of the Broadway revival) star in it at the teeny Hale Center Theatre in Orem a couple summers ago - there is nothing like being 10-20 feet away from such phenomenal talents!!! (And can we talk about meeting them after, too? Audra McDonald is one of the most gracious people I've ever met in my life!!!)

But a huge part of why I love this show is that I can relate to Lizzie Currie deeply. I understand what it's like to feel plain and overlooked - and I know what it's like to grow beyond that and see yourself as you truly are. Mine wasn't thanks to a dreamer like Starbuck so much as the process of time, but still. I get Lizzie.

"Simple Little Things" popped up on my iTunes today, and I just had to share this lovely song with y'all. As much as I'm always coming up with schemes and big dreams... well... at heart, I'm like Lizzie. I want simple little things. Love my career and all the adventures I've been blessed to have in the last almost-dozen years of adulthood, but really, I can't wait to shift focus to running a household, creating a family, making a life and a difference.

Until I have someone who needs me to scratch between his shoulder blades and press his blue suit, I'll keep "doing single well," as my friend Paige puts it. But oh, how lovely a day it will be to reach my dreams of these simple little things.

2011: A Year in Review

Ringing in 2011 with the Davis clan in Provo - can't believe that was a year ago!

Hey, friends! Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all of you! 2011 has been quite an incredible year. In many ways it's been "the best of times and the worst of times," filled with amazing adventures and the realization of long-held dreams as well as some heartbreaking disappointments. I've also been a sidelines observer to some amazing triumphs and hard times friends have experienced, and the resilience of the human spirit never ceases to amaze. I'm no doubt a better, stronger, and more authentic woman than I was when the year kicked off in January, and I can't wait to see what further growth 2012 will bring.

Anyways. On to the fun stuff. Here are some highlights from the past year:

• 16,250 miles traveled on 10 trips to/through 9 states and 1 Canadian province - and that doesn't include many trips along the Wasatch Front to Layton, Logan, and the like (which, on days like today, tack on 200 miles!). This year I journeyed to San Francisco, Capitol Reef, Glacier/Waterton/Banff/Calgary, Yellowstone/Island Park, Denver, Savannah/Atlanta, and Southern California times four (but at least to varying parts - L.A., Orange County, and San Diego). For the record, I miss Savannah and/or Banff on a near-daily basis. And I LOVE that I can say that I miss places like Savannah and Banff. Jet-setting has been a blast!



• 18 plays, 20 concerts, and 4 Sundance Film Festival flicks thoroughly enjoyed. There's such a vibrant scene of local performing arts talent around here, it's awesome!!! Those concerts range from local bands in block parties, clubs, and even their parents' homes to choirs like OCMCO or the Mormon Tabernacle in concert halls to the Pacific Symphony playing the 1812 Overture in the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater while visiting Orange County; the plays range from Broadway tours and professional companies to very, very amateur local productions. Professional or amateur, I've loved them all!



Rosie and I got to meet Kevin Clash, the man behind Elmo!


Photo snagged from Justin Hackworth


Photo snagged from Hue & Hum - see my shoulder in the tan jacket on the left?
• Oh, and let's not forget taking the stage for 1 amazing, technicolor production and 2 performances at Temple Square during the Christmas season with the Lehi Chorale. Wish I had bandwidth to do more! Can't wait to start voice lessons next week and dive into next summer's show in the spring.


• 21 dates with 12 amazing men, ranging in age from 25 to 43, with 1 more date (with possibly 1 more guy) slated for the weekend... but still 0 relationships to show for it (despite getting the label of "wifeypoo" from this summer's stage hubster). All this dating's exhausting! But I'd rather be dating than not, so... it's worth it. I've really enjoyed getting to know these guys, but I'm still definitely not used to interacting with guys I know strictly in the dating sense (as opposed to my former normal of going on dates with guys who were friends first). It's a learning process, that's for sure. Better late than never!
• 3 roommates and 2 wards, despite not moving an inch (which was LOVELY, considering I moved three times from Nov. 2009 to Sept. 2010!)
• 1 royal wedding viewed with 2 lovely friends at 3:30 a.m. via streaming internet - and yes, many happy tears were shed. Love Wills and Kate!


• 3 speeding tickets - I know, I know, slooooooow doooooooown...
• 5 temples visited, including many a trip to the temples in Newport Beach and Draper, lest this list seem all vapid and ridiculous. I wish I could've actually gone in and spent time at the Cardston Temple, but it didn't work with the travel schedule. Ah, well - maybe next time. I can't wait to add the Brigham City temple to the list next year, and the Fort Collins, Colorado, temple soon as well!

• 30 lbs. lost... but let's not talk about how many came back from 7 boxes of Candy Cane Joe-Joe's, mmmmmkay? ;) Hitting the gym again tomorrow... *sigh*

• 1 promotion at work and a 2-year work-iversary celebrated - hooray for finally finding a job into which I can settle and stay put! 
  
• 3 sections of the GRE passed with flying colors, and 1 Utah State University class toward my masters completed with an A! Just 10 more classes to go...

WHEW!!! What a year! 

Just flipping through my planner to recap makes me exhausted. It's been an intense year, but wow, it's been such a blast. Being too busy has been great in some ways because it's made me evaluate how I'm spending my energy, and there are certain things that just plain aren't worth it. If it means dropping some relationships, sadly, so be it - much like Elphaba sings in"Defying Gravity,"

I'm through accepting limits 'cause someone says they're so

Some things I cannot change, but 'til I try, I'll never know.

Too long I've been afraid of losing love I guess I've lost - 

Well, if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost! 

I'd sooner buy defying gravity.

Amen and amen! My theme and goal for 2012 is to truly defy gravity - to stop imposing silly limits on myself, being hemmed in and held back by insecurities lacking in any real basis other than falsehoods that got drilled into me over the years by people who should've complimented instead of criticized, myself included. Why I let such negativity seep in over the years, I'll never know - but now that I see it, I can make the future better, and that's what really matters, right?

Anyways... that's my adventure from this year. I can't wait to see the exciting things 2012 will bring!!! 

How about you, friends? Any fun journeys taken or lessons learned in 2011?

Astonishing

When the Pantages had a fairly family-friendly season about 5-6 years ago, my dad and stepmom got season ticket for my sister +1. Lucky for me, the Broadway-obsessed one, I got to be Tessa's +1 more often than not. Annie, White Christmas, and more - it was good times.

Well, one of the more forgettable shows that season, Little Women, yielded a song that's resonated with me ever since: "Astonishing." It's a truly powerful song, one that singer friends of mine have incorporated into their audition and recital repertoires for a reason. Not only is it musically wonderful, but the lyrics are great.

I've connected with the song for years, but never more so than this past year, the year in which I finally decided that I was done with certain relationships and self-imposed limits. I respect and love myself too much to settle for lackluster - and, more so, for people who tell me I'm less than I am or treat me like I'm less than I am, particularly when they have absolutely no claim on my life or my affections other than the mere chance of birth. DNA does not a relationship make.

I can - and will - do what I need to so that I truly can be astonishing. And I'll be darned if anyone stands in my way of getting there.

(Sorry, not the best version of this clip, but Sutton Foster is astonishing!)

ASTONISHING

I thought home was all I'd ever want

My attic all I'd ever need.

Now nothing feels the way it was before

And I don't know how to proceed.

I only know I'm meant for something more

I've got to know if I can be

Astonishing

There's a life

That I am meant to lead

A life like nothing I have known

I can feel it

And it's far from here

I've got to find it on my own

Even now I feel its heat upon my skin.

A life of passion that pulls me from within,

A life that I am making to begin.

There must be somewhere I can be

Astonishing

Astonishing

I'll find my way

I'll find it far away

I'll find it in unexpected and unknown

I'll find my life in my own way

Today

Here I go

And there's no turning back

My great adventure has begun

I may be small

But I've got giant plans

To shine as greatly as the sun

I will blaze until I find my time and place

I will be fearless,

Surrendering modesty and grace

I will not disappear without a trace

I'll shout and start a riot

Be anything but quiet

Christopher Columbus

I'll be Astonishing

Astonishing

Astonishing

At Last

My "Joseph" Family

Photos courtesy Taylored View Photography

"Yeah, well, I’ve got a dream too - but it’s about singing and dancing and making people happy. That’s the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And, well, I’ve found a whole bunch of friends who have the same dream. And, well, it kind of makes us like a family.” - Kermit the Frog

When I was 16, our high school put on Bye, Bye, Birdie - and when I came home from the cast party after closing night, sobbing inconsolably, my mother freaked out and thought something tragic had happened to me. No... I was just so sad that the wondrous joy of the show had come to a close.

Bye, Bye, Birdie held the spot as my favorite show experience - until May, when we started rehearsals for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Right off the bat, it was clear that this was going to be a special show. The talent, the lack of egos, the warmth and affinity and respect everyone involved had for everyone else - it started off wonderfully, and its magic has only grown for the last three months.


Remember how I debated whether this was a good idea? Oh man. No doubt about it. This show has fed my heart and soul. I adore the people I've met and the fun I've had, singing and dancing and performing. Last night we went out as a cast, and I happily sat in the corner there at Wingers and observed. It warmed my heart, just being around these great people, watching how much we all enjoy one another's company. Our group has such a range of ages and backgrounds. Some folks joined the cast as replacements midway through rehearsals; some, like the "hairy Ishmaelites," came on board only in the final few weeks. Yet each person has been a huge component of the whole experience. Each personality has contributed to the fun, and each player brings his or her own strengths, whether it be phenomenal dancing or pulling hilarious faces that leave the audience giggling. And let's not overlook those who aren't on stage but who make the show pop with lighting, sets, costumes, music direction and choreography, and, of course, direction and vision. It's been a delight.

I love musical theater. Music, in and of itself, has a phenomenal ability to touch the heart and to convey emotions that words alone fail to reach. Music has always been an intrinsic part of my life - it was ever-present in our home growing up, and I've always had tunes playing more often than not. Combine that aural power with the visual storytelling of dance - also rife with emotional power - and then layer in lights, sets, costumes... and poof! You're transported to another world, if only for an hour or two, carried away in a story that runs a gamut of emotions. Whether it be Broadway tours of Wicked and Les Miserables or a local high school production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, musical theater brings more joy to my heart than just about anything - and that joy grows exponentially when I'm the one on stage, pouring my heart and soul into the story.

Throughout childhood, I said I'd do community theater someday - and I have. And I do. It makes me delightfully happy - so much so, in fact, that I'll continue dancing (taking ballet two days a week and tap two days a week) and singing (I'm resuming voice lessons with my college vocal coach in September). If I'm going to continue with it, I'm going to commit to it, work to refine and develop my abilities, and do it right.


Meanwhile, tonight we get a night off before launching into the final three performances of Joseph. I can't wait to get back on the stage with my Joseph family - and at the same time, I want to savor the experience and not have it end too quickly. Just the thought of it ending made me misty-eyed yesterday. It's been fun to watch in the Facebook feed as all of us castmembers have added each other, wanting to maintain a connection. The show might end, but the friendships won't.

It's so funny - my time living in Lehi wasn't the greatest, honestly. (More to do with circumstances than with the town itself - it's a wonderful community!) And while I enjoyed Singin' in the Rain, it wasn't my best experience, either. Not bad, but not great. The wonderful director of Singin' in the Rain came to the show last night, and seeing him got me thinking about all of this. I'd felt strongly that I needed to do that show, and yet it wasn't a phenomenal experience for a myriad of reasons.

However, it was because I lived in Lehi that I ended up doing Singin' - and through that, I met my dear friend Paige, the amazing assistant director for Joseph who talked me into auditioning. Those two things laid the groundwork for me to do this show - and if for nothing else, that makes those 10 months worth it, warts and all. I really admire, respect, and enjoy the folks I've met in the Lehi Arts Council, and if they'll have me, I look forward to doing many more shows with them in the years to come. Next summer they're doing Crazy for You, which is all Gershwin numbers (my fav composer!) - can't wait to dust off my tap shoes and get to work!

And in the meantime, if you're around Utah, come to Joseph!!! You won't regret it. Check out the great reviews we're getting - and come see what all the buzz is about. The play runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m. at Lehi High School. Hope to see you there!

Something's Coming

Oh, West Side Story. How I love you so. The musical genius of Leonard Bernstein AND Stephen Sondheim in one great show, coupled with delightfully kinetic choreography by Jerome Robbins? Count me in!

This morning I felt like bursting out in "I Feel Pretty" ('cause I do. LOVE the outfit I pieced together of a bunch of stuff I already have. Don't you love when that happens? It's rare. Let me revel in it!). Well, as much as I wish life were a musical, I doubt the rest of my department would appreciate the song-and-dance routine, so I've been listening to the soundtrack all morning instead. More cubicle-friendly and all.

And, wow! I forget how great this show is. Hoping to catch the national tour in Costa Mesa next fall. (The tour starts this October, but it's not coming to Salt Lake. Oh, gee. Guess I gotta take another trip to California. Twist my arm...)

Meanwhile, enjoy this video for one of my all-time favorite songs. Wouldn't it be great if we could all have such enthusiasm for the future and what life holds for us?

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

Honey, I'm home!

Vacation was fabulous. FABULOUS. Seriously, I had such a blast! The trip definitely merits some more in-depth chronicling (complete with some pics), but seeing as I'm terrible about blogging these days, here's a teaser list of what I did on my summer vacation:

* Star-gazed with a dear old friend in Cache Valley (near Logan)

* Went four-wheeling - and discovered that makes your back all tight and sore for a few days, lol. Who knew?

* Ate Cafe Rio. Twice.

* Went through the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house in flipflops - it was a spur-of-the-moment decision (and a wonderful one at that - thanks, Melissa!)

* Marveled at an awesome summer storm with my little cousins in the cabin loft

* Saw three black bears in Yellowstone (including one who hopped up on his hind legs and scratched his back against a tree - awesome!!!)

* Caught a fish - and watched in disbelief as my uncle and grandma released aforementioned fish back into the lake. And then watched as they managed to catch a dozen-plus fish between them while I didn't get a single other bite all day. Lame, lame, lame - I so wanted to eat a fish I caught!

* Took in a fabulous production of Guys and Dolls at the Playmill Theatre - my favorite tradition for 20 years now!!! 

* Ate way too many of my grandma's homemade chocolate-covered peanut butter balls. Soooo worth it, though!

* Slept in five beds in nine days. (Alone, of course - not a hussy! That could soooo be taken the wrong way...)

* Loved the "biggest fireworks show west of the Mississippi" on the banks of the Snake River in Idaho Falls - it was amazing! And hearing my friend Elise sing the national anthem at the swanky party across the creek wasn't too shabby, either.

* Marveled at the bizarre hairstyles so prevalent in Idaho. Note to the men: mullets are not attractive. Get over it. Note to the women: lay off the hairspray, ladies! And teasing should be done to children, not your hair.

And that, my friends, pretty much encapsulates the last week and a half of my life. So delightful! More tales to come soon, I'm sure...

Love and the Weather

"Unpredictable. Irresponsible. Unbelievable. Unreliable."

Way back in 1947, Irving Berlin brilliantly tied together the whimsy of two serious forces of nature: love and the weather.

I was pondering over this on my drive to work this morning - the weather has been so wacky this week! Rainy, then summery hot, then foggy and humid... it just can't make up its mind!

I'm making a guess here that most of you aren't familiar with this Irving Berlin classic (which has found new life in the wonderful stage musical version of "White Christmas"), so I thought I'd share the lyrics here.

Do you find love to be as fickle and unpredictable as the weather?

"Love and the Weather"

By Irving Berlin

Unpredictable, irresponsible

Unbelievable, unreliable

Ever since the world began

Are Cupid and the weather man

Love and the weather, birds of a feather

Can't be depended upon

One day it's sunny, next day the sunshine has gone

Love and the weather, always together

Planning another surprise

Bringing the raindrops just like the tears to your eyes

There was I with love close by

So cozy and warm

Love walked out and so did I

Right out of the warm

Into a storm

Moonlight romances have to take chances

That's what I learned with the dawn

Love and the weather can't be depended upon

Moonlight advances, love's golden chances

Rain comes along and they're gone

Love and the weather can't be depended upon

A "Wicked" Way to Spend a Saturday

Sheer bliss.

That pretty much sums up my day yesterday, when eight of my friends and I ventured beyond the Orange Curtain into L.A. to see Wicked, followed by dinner at the delightful Farmer's Market at Third and Fairfax.

At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, I really would not be exaggerating to say it was one of the best days of my year! Anyone who knows me knows I'm in love with musical theater - seeing a show enlivens my soul in an intangible way I just can't describe. It's my favorite, favorite thing in the world - and Wicked is my favorite play, to boot! And I have delightful friends. Really. They're wonderful. So combining so many favorites into one day, I was in a state of rapture and joy. A few in our group were first-timers, and I'm happy to report that they loved the play, too.

Plus, as a native Los Angelena, my pulse always races a little faster in my City of Angels. I looooove it!!! I've grown a little OC'ified and agree that it's dirty and crowded... but, still, it's where I was raised, where my parents were raised. It's home, and a piece of my heart will always reside up there. Being in L.A. always brings a grin to my face - especially when it involves doing something related to arts, culture and anything uniquely L.A. I love that city!

And guess whose star we passed on our way in?

The LOVE of my LIFE!!! *sigh*


Yesterday was my third time seeing Wicked at the Pantages. I've loved it both other times, but this cast was especially amazing! They added such emotional depth to everything. It was the same actor playing Fiyero as when I saw the national tour in 2005 - Derrick Williams - and I really enjoy how he plays the role. The Elphaba - who, oddly enough, is named Teal! - had an amazing voice. I would give up my first-born to sing like that! Okay, probably not... but, wow, to sing like that! I can't even imagine. If I had a voice like that, I would sing all the time, just to listen to myself. Well... more than I already do that. :)

A few in our group were first-timers, and I'm happy to report that they loved the play, too. During intermission we all needed a stretch break, so we congregated for a little photo shoot in the stair landing above the lobby.

Here are some of my favorites:

Isn't the Pantages gorgeous?! We were more than happy to lend it some of our beauty. :)

I'm trying to help Cort smile for the camera, since apparently he doesn't know how to do so on his own - he's always making a face! It reminds me of Brandon, for you La Crescentans. So annoying!I love the art-deco styling - it's like stepping into the 1920s!

So... you're not supposed to take pictures inside the theater, but I couldn't resist. Check out the amazing ceiling!

And here are a couple of shots of the stage - my flash went off for the picture below, and yes, I got busted by an usher. Whatever. It was so worth it!


After the play we shot over to the Farmer's Market, a little L.A. gem to which my stepmom introduced me a few years ago - and I've been back many a time since! I love it.

I did learn, however, that I've always been smart to park in the structure at The Grove next door - parking for the Farmer's Market is a mess! Aubrey hopped out to direct traffic so we could finally get a spot. Classic.

Here's another great Aubrey moment - a little exchange during dinner:

ME: I am so content, I could die a happy woman, here and now!
LAURA: You'd better not - how would we get home?
AUBREY: No worries, I know where her keys are.

Yup. I love my friends.

Anyways, Farmer's Market - there's just about every kind of food imagineable in the little restaurant booths. People in our group ordered Korean BBQ, Brazilian BBQ (a la Tucanos or Rodizio Grill), middle-eastern cuisine, Mexican food and good ol' Southern Cajun cooking (I highly recommend the blackened catfish - yum-o!). And, of course, we had to stop at Littlejohn's for toffee - best in the world!

Aubrey and Laura dig into their Brazilian grub - although I think Aubs really just wanted to dig into the Brazilian at the restaurant...

Dawn and Cort - see what I mean about his inability to smile for the camera? Oh well, at least Dawn looks hot. That roommate of mine sure knows how to work the camera!

I swear, food always tastes better with awesome friends!

Jason and Heather - yeeeeeah... don't mess with Heather when she's eating! ;)

The blonde brigade - Heather and Elizabeth


We noticed these wavy people on the restroom signs - did they have a little too much to drink or what?!

So, that's the dish on our delightful day. If you ever get the opportunity to see Wicked, GO! You won't regret it! (Tabitha tells me it's headed to Utah in April, FYI...)

We're Off to See the Wizard...

I'm off to Wicked tomorrow for my third go-around at the Pantages Theater with eight friends - plus dinner at the wonderful Farmer's Market afterward.

Seeing my favorite play in my favorite theater with some of my absolute favorite people in the world - does life get any better?

Cinema Studies Lesson #2: So Bad It's Good

Kenny Ortega, you've come a long way.

Ortega, the choreographer/director dynamo behind the High School Musical powerhouse, has quite the list of talent with whom he's worked. Zac Efron, Miley Cyrus et. al. are great and all, but before the tween scene, Ortega set the footwork for a pre-Batman Christian Bale (Newsies, anyone?) and headed choreography for essential '80s flicks like Pretty in Pink, Dirty Dancing and, yes, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. That dance scene in the street parade? Classic!
And to think, all of Ortega's choreographic goodness may not have happened without the film that started his Hollywood career: Xanadu.


Ah, yes, Xanadu. Who can forget this infamous 1980 roller disco extravaganza starring Olivia Newton John, coming off of her Grease success, and the incomparable Gene Kelly?

With such talent, you'd think the film would be a hit, right?

Wrong!


Xanadu is one of two films that were so awful, they sparked the creation of the Golden Raspberry Awards, or "Razzies," honoring the worst films of the year. (Trivia: the other film was You Can't Stop the Music, a film starring the Village People, of "YMCA" and "Macho Men" fame.)
Xanadu tells the tale of Sonny Malone, a frustrated artist who falls in love with the muse sent to inspire him - the same muse who had visited retired musician-turned-real-estate-tycoon Danny McGuire in his heyday. McGuire has dreamed of opening a nightclub since his closed in the 1950s, and he teams with Malone to make it a reality.

On a recent Costco trip, one of my roomies spotted the newly released, "magic musical" edition of Xanadu for a mere $10 - and that included a CD of the film's hit soundtrack plus a free ticket to Mamma Mia!, a $10.50 value itself (and worth every penny!!!). A steal, right? And, after all, I had fond memories of the film. We'd watched it in the 8th grade drama class I loooooved, and so, feeling a little nostalgic, I forked over the $10 for the film, eagerly listening to the delightful Electric Light Orchestra-filled soundtrack.


We finally sat down to watch Xanadu last night, and... well... now I understand Esquire Magazine's famous review of the film: "In a word: Xana-don't."


The film was supposed to launch Michael Beck's film career - "Michael who," right? Olivia Newton-John returned to her music career, Gene Kelly never made another musical... but, on the bright side, he took a liking to 20-something Kenny Ortega and taught him the art of choreographing for the camera. Considering the amazing body of work that's come out of Ortega's career (like it or not, HSM helped revived the movie musical), I'd say that's a good thing!


Xanadu was on a list of the top 10 best bad movies ever, and I have to agree - it's so bad, it's good.

The film had serious potential, but apparently two roller disco films were released around the same time, so the filmmakers scrambled to revise the plot into more of a timeless love story. Apparently shooting with an incomplete script is a bad idea - the acting is painfully bad (except for Newton-John and Kelly, who shine despite the milquetoast material) and the film requires such a suspension of disbelief, it's like watching a live-action Salvador Dali painting! It's so surreal... but, on the other hand, that gives the film a bit of an ephemeral quality.

It's kitschy, the music's catchy, the effects are ridiculous (mostly due to putting all of this magic in the "real world" of 1980s Santa Monica and Venice Beach) - and I can totally see why it's become a cult classic (and is now a hit off-Broadway stage musical!).


For your viewing pleasure - drum roll, please! - here's the film's finale:



Apparently they kept coming up with different genres for the nine muses to dance until they ran out of time and money, hence the bizarre amalgam of styles there at the end. The finale set alone cost $1,000,000 - crazy, huh?

If nothing else, Xanadu is a fun time capsule into the trends of the early '80s - I didn't realize zoot suit pants were all the rage around then, in addition to the stereotypical legwarmers and spandex. It's weird to see how some of the hairstyles are quite de la mode today, too. I looooove Olivia Newton-John's hair at the end (which is also the same 'do from the film's beginning), ribbon barrettes and all!