A Theatre Birthday

It's first thing Sunday morning, and I am already heading north on the earliest possible train to begin an epic birthday week of theatre...the actual day is December 7, but a true Sagittarian never waits to begin celebrating! Eight days, 2 cities, 11 shows, 8 happy hours...heaven!

I'm looking forward to seeing theatre friends, and my wonderful friends at my home away from home (The Muse Hotel) in NYC; but this time I get to hang out with my fantastic cousin in Boston too...and see two shows there!

Off Broadway shows are taking "center stage"...7 of the 11 to be precise. And I'm excited to be going to two theaters I've never been to before: 59E59 in NYC and the Huntington in Boston.

The shows I'm seeing include two new musicals ("Giant," "A Christmas Story");, two revivals of Stephen Schwartz musicals ("Working," "Pippin"); a new David Mamet play ("The Anarchist"); and a special one-night only benefit presentation of a Sondheim musical ("Assassins," reuniting the original cast). It will be a "starry" time too, with several big names on stage: Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, Debra Winger, Michael Learned, Katie Holmes among others!

So many stories to be told in so many different ways...an apt way of considering my life at this milestone-a life created by weaving together many wonderful stories of wonder, comedy, tragedy, romance, family, dear friends and countless adventures! Some of my stories did in fact involve much singing and dancing too, so I guess there are tales that would count as musicals, but some were merely "readings," and some were definitely "out of town tryouts" with mixed reviews :).

If I were a critic though, I'd say the best part of the "shows" that make up my life these past many years, is that they have all had incredibly talented casts :). Thanks to all of you hard-working, gifted human beings who have played, and will play, such important parts in making my life a true hit! Happy Birthday to me indeed!