It's not just for the holidays, this gifting thing :), and the nice thing about theater-themed gifts is that they are generally suited for any gift-giving time.  

I know what you're thinking, but I pinkie swear that this is not an elf-serving gift grab.  It just occurred to me that my own love of all things theater  might be helpful for those of you attempting to choose gifts for other theater-lovers.  Many gifts that I think would greatly please a theater-lover are easy to order, easy to wrap and sure to earn you a place in someone's heart.  If you're having trouble finding just the right present, here are some things you might consider (and even if your giftee is only a fan of a particular show, you can find targeted treasures by show as well!):

• For the holidays, theater-themed ornaments from Playbillstore.com: (gift certificates are also available):

Personally, I've received, and given, many of the above and been very happy with the results on both sides.  There are some that are more difficult to give than others if you're not completely certain of your giftee's personal taste (memberships, donations), but if you can ask a few pertinent, discrete questions, you may be able to narrow down your options.  Here's hoping you get standing ovations from anyone lucky enough to receive a gift from you!!

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!