Some reading...

So, yesterday I bought the script to August: Osage County. It was, in a word, terrific. In both senses. I don't trust my feeble ability to string a sentence together with expressing how this play made me feel, so I'll just say that I'm looking forward tremendously to seeing it (hopefully, this fall).

Today I will be going to Avenue Q. Cabaret, unfortunately, did not work out. Someday, when I can drive, I will be able to get to these things, but for now I have to rely on public transportation, which is, in a word, unreliable. Following the show, I will attempt to write a review (my first. So be kind, when I post it), then curl up in bed with one of my other two new books, either the libretto for Grey Gardens (a show I WISH I could still see)or From Assassins to West Side Story: The Director's Guide to Musical Theatre, by Scott Miller, which I flipped through in the store and seems very interesting. Fun times!

Another Suitcase, Another Hall

Here I am in Toronto for two weeks! I'm going to be working at the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) next week, monday through friday. But this week I'm just relaxing, and I have two theatre-related goals which I think I can achieve.

1) See Cabaret at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival
Need to: Buy tickets, work out transportation and a place to stay and such (it's a two-hour drive, and we don't have a car)

2) See the national tour of Avenue Q right here in the city, at the Elgin Theatre
Need to: Walk down and buy tickets! It's like a 15 minute stroll.

So, hopefully I shall accomplish both of these. I am definitely going to do at least one. Look for review(s) later this week or early next!

Life is a Cabaret, Old Chum!

So, yesterday I bought Cabaret: The Illustrated Book and Lyrics. It's fascinating. Not because of the libretto (which is wonderful), or the pictures (which are numerous and in great quality), but because of the glimpses into the making of the show. It's got review clippings, quotes from Sam Mendes on his concept, and, perhaps most fascinatingly, excerpts from Alan Cumming's pre-show diary. The man's got a great sense of humour. Some of his anecdotes are incredibly amusing. "However, the fact that the choreography of my role consists of lots of touching the genitals of my fellow cast members (and a few twirls) I am getting to know people very quickly."