After the ticket purchasing catastrophe of last year, you can bet that I was beyond thrilled that The Book of Mormon tour decided to come back around. And this time there was no messing around! I had promised @TheMattCave tickets, it took longer than expected, but I got us tickets this time gosh darn it!

You see, @TheMattCave is pretty much in love with all things Trey Parker. And while I know that all of the things he loves are a Trey Parker & Matt Stone combo, for some reason he only ever refers to Trey Parker. Maybe there's a history here that I don't know about... Regardless, there is much bro love. Much bro love. I have entered the vehicle on several occasions to find myself greeted by "America, Fuck Yeah!" blaring from the speakers. And while I can say that I would gladly have gone to see The Book of Mormon and enjoy it on my own, this one was very much for my loving husband who gets dragged to all of the shows that I want to see - I know it's "dragged" because after The Book of Mormon he went on quite the eloquent speech about how it was the perfect play, and not like the boring long ones that we usually see... and then proceeded to list the titles of these boring long ones that, though he enjoyed, had to admit that they could have told the same story in a much more succinct way... and by that I think he means less dancing...

...How did I end up marrying someone who can't appreciate a good old fashioned dance fight?

So you already have @TheMattCave's verdict on the play. "It was perfect!" And I do have to give it to The Book of Mormon, the fan-base that the creators bring in truly does make a night at the theatre more accessible (and appealing) to those who may not actively seek out the thrill of a live musical. I felt the South Park fandom in the air from our 2nd balcony seats. Normally I don't like 2nd balcony. Sat there once for Les Mis, and while I'm pretty sure that the actors on stage did in fact have faces, I will never really know for sure. Luckily this time around we weren't in THE nosebleeds within nosebleeds section. These actors did in fact have faces and I saw them for myself! Why do I mention where I sat in the theatre? Because the air shifts as you move up or down in price range. We were in the cheap seats, and thus I had the privilege of a show within a show, listening to the awe of those who needed to recite everything they saw the moment they saw it: "Dude, there's a bible in his ass! That's so funny!" Which I have to admit was better than the show taking place a few rows away from me in which one lucky audience member got to explain everything that was happening on stage: "What is that?" "It's an X-ray." "But what is it?" "It's his ass." "What's that?" "It's a bible." "I don't understand." "It's an x-ray of a bible in his ass." "But why?" *head desk*

Yes, this is the variety that you will find in The Book of Mormon audience. And while I am certain that somewhere in the front few rows (where I usually try to spend waaaayyyy too much on tickets) there were golf claps at the end of each number, this was truly a show for everyone - over 16.

In true Trey Parker (et al.) fashion, there is casual social commentary, rampant religious commentary, a song about Aids, and a trip to Hell. All led by two characters in the classic Parker/Stone style, who might as well be Stan and Cartman - only Mormon. The dynamic duo bring joy, laughter, history, and a lot of hole poking into not only Mormon culture, but a lot of "white" ways of thinking. Not for the prude at heart by any means. In fact, next time I do hope for better seats so that I might sit with the higher theatre class, just to hear the reactions of the little old couple who buy season tickets without researching what they've gotten themselves into. 

While the entire cast and crew did a fantastic job, I have to give praise to Cody Jamison Strand who owned the lovable awkwardness of Elder Arnold Cunningham. He carried the spirit of Josh Gad while still making the character his own. He'll break your heart as he yearns for the best friend he's never had, and bring you to tears with laughter as he fumbles his way around his own version of Mormon culture. You'll want to hug him, kiss him, and let him baptize you to save your soul from the fiery pits of Mordor!

Candace Quarrels was the sweet and innocent Nabulungi. And while Quarrels was ever bit as sweet as her character demanded, you can tell that this girl is a rock star! 

And finally, I have to mention Melvin Brandon Logan on my husband's behalf. It is uncanny how many varieties of ways that this man can express the maggots living inside of his scrotum. Apparently it was so awe-inspiring that @TheMattCave couldn't leave within his very own "I have maggots in my scrotum" boxer shorts. 

I happened to leave with a "Fuck you, God" t-shirt, because I always get a show shirt and this was one just so darn cute. Of course I had to wear it almost right away - just in time to answer the door for girl scouts. Luckily I don't think they've seen the show or read Luganda (or Swahili, I didn't actually research which language they use in the show). 

Yes, this there is no doubt that The Book of Mormon  is crude, but it's got a sweet side that Russel Peters just doesn't, so don't fear what you will see and hear on stage. This is no collection of cheap laughs. The Book of Mormon has researched it's inspiration source, it makes smart observations, and it tells a story filled with heart, that just so happens to be surprising well-balanced with the politically incorrect humour that Team America did in film. No, there is no puppet sex in this one, but I don't think you'll be disappointed by the Fuck Frog and sexualized baptism!

If you haven't yet, find yourself a ticket and enjoy this unique theatre experience! You'll be sure to sing "Hello!" to everyone as you dance your way back home after!

Broadway Across Canada has delighted us again! The moment the lights went down, that powerful thunderous overture latched onto my heart, causing me to brace myself in anticipation for "Look Down." It did not disappoint. Les Misérables is spectacular in story, music, lyrics, and this production blew me away with the whole bundle! If I can only gush about one thing, I have to single out the set design. The set pieces, the lighting, and above all, the seamless, ever-changing backdrops that brought us into a dark and magical world that was both so real and out-of-this-world all at once. From the very start I was in awe of the visual feast laid out in front of me, and at each scene the meal got richer and richer! The barricade, the sewers, the fall of Javert! Delicious!

The whole company was brilliant, synchronized like beautiful clockwork. Jean Valjean and Eponine had the voices that stuck to your insides and lifted you up, even when breaking your heart. I wish I could have said the same thing for Javert - I would have liked to see a stronger presence in him, but the actor still did far more than I could ever hope to dream of so I can't knock him down too much for it. Given the whole, I can't criticize any part of the performance. It was perfect. I am so glad that we got tickets to this event, I'm so glad that the troop came despite the flood issues in Calgary, and I'm so glad that Calgarians flocked to the theatre, full house, to give these amazing artists the standing ovation they deserve! 

Another show shirt for my collection. I'm starting to like this new tradition.

Matt and I enjoyed our theatre night out - the final production of our season tickets. Anne of Green Gables the Musical. Matt and I both read the book and were looking forward to this production, but neither of us could have dreamed how sweet, beautiful, fun, heart-breaking, and overall magical it would be. The cast was lively and vibrant. Anne was the perfect picture of the spirit of that little red-headed girl with a voice that tugged on heart-strings in a way that reminded me of Jo from Little Women. The musical numbers were fun, joyful - and anything that can pull off an entire number dedicated to ice cream is just fine by me! Matthew and Marila were straight from the books, with Matthew bringing me to tears every time he sang, leaving me completely bawling by Act Two knowing what was to come. Diana was sweet and perky. Gilbert playful and charming. But it was the whole company and the dynamic of the ensemble that made it larger than life. The dance numbers, the quiet exchanges among them, and the distinct personalities that shone out to make the whole community of Avonlea real in the heart of Calgary. I felt proud to be in that audience tonight. I feel humbled by the immense talent that was before my eyes. And, as always, proud to be a Canadian from an old gold rush town that preserves it's pioneer heritage - Anne of Green Gables,  though set in a province I've never been to in a time long before my own, makes me feel at home; Anne of Green Gables the Musical made all of that come alive; it made me feel at home in Avonlea!

Anne of Green Gables, I hope you never change!

PS. I wanted to put up a picture of the program, but apparently "Can you hold this for a second" was interpreted as "Throw this out for me, now!" I could go to the Theatre Calgary website and find an image to use, but it's already after midnight, so I'll let you search for your own images and make you go see this play! Seriously, see it! Bring the whole family! Really! I feel like I was an inadequate audience member because it was only just Matt and I; we should have brought our parents and quickly had some children to bring with us too! It deserves to be shared with the whole family! 

I can't believe that I'm putting this here - actually, I can't believe that this even still exists. Several years ago, maybe back in 2005-ish, I auditioned for a short film done by a group in the local Society of Independent Filmmakers. It was a small roll, and my first on film, but I got the title role and it led to another film shortly after, and then to Hollywood independent movie called Fido where I got to walk a zombie around a park in Vernon, BC. My short-lived film acting career. 

Just a few minutes ago, I got a notification that I had been "tagged" in a post. What should I find but the last-minute film I didn't even audition for, live on YouTube. Funny story about the very first time I ever saw this film. I walked into class and was told by my teacher that she saw me on the internet... I had no idea what she was talking about, but eventually she explained, I got less weirded out, and she gave me the link. Sure enough there I was. I think that the film went to enter a few contests but I have no idea where it went from there. It wasn't up for long and I figured it was gone forever. Not gone. Still very much alive. 

Interesting to note, this film features my mother and my soon-to-be-husband. All-star cast if you ask me ;)

So I think I'm missing everything since Friday...
Friday was grand! Went to Theatre Calgary's production of God of Carnage. I knew nothing about this play going in, but Matt and I loved it. Real world comedy about love, life, marriage, and the facades we put up. It was quick and witty. Wonderful date-night for us!

As for NaNoing. I did what I could on Friday night but, alas, did not meet my word goal. I wrote as much as I could, submitted at midnight, and then went to bed.

Saturday. 
Exciting dress fitting! Sorry no pictures.
Then Matt brought a friend over and we had a game night (surprise, surprise). Arkham Horror, Miskatonic School For Girls, King of Tokyo. 
I am hoping to break open some of our new(er) games soon. 

As you can probably guess, no writing was done this day either.

It is now 5:30 on Sunday. I keep thinking that I will start writing... We'll see if this actually happens...

Oh, and totally just realized that I didn't bring this up at all!
My proof copy of Freakhouse arrived on Friday! Thus far I have already found 3 typos on the back
cover alone. Matt will read it and find the billion of others sometime soon.

Back in 2010 I had the wonderful opportunity of running away and living in the UK. Some of the best days of my life were spent there, and to this day I sometimes forget that it actually happened, that it wasn't all just some fantastic dream. Since coming back to Canada, I have two strong memories that I carry with me, one being a crazy adventure in trying to see my first  Harry Potter film and having to run around London because we had actually bought our tickets for the wrong city (really, Leicester / Leicester Square, this isn't Canadian proof), and the second is my grand UK farewell. My last trip into London my friends and I bought theatre tickets. We split off into different directions, and I went to Billy Elliot. It was a show I had always hoped to see, and being in London it felt like the best time to go. So I did, and it was more than everything I had ever hoped that it would be, maybe not simply for the show itself (which was still amazing), but for what it meant for me. When that curtain fell, that was my chapter coming to an end, but boy, what a chapter it was! 

A few months ago I found out that the American Broadway of Billy Elliot was coming to Calgary. I didn't think twice about getting tickets (and I spent about the same amount on them as I did in London, too). It was important for me to go, and it was important for me to bring Matt along with me. That time I spent in the UK, that adventure I had, he wasn't a part of it, so for me to re-live this memory, this small piece of my London adventures, and be able to share that with him, it may not be the same as turning back the clock and dragging him along, but for these few hours I hope that he got a small glimpse of my world, of what it felt like for me to be back in a time and place that seems forever ago now. 
And the show? Well I suppose you're waiting for a review. It was well done. But, to be honest, it didn't replace my London experience, though I suspect that nothing ever could. I sat there singing all of the songs, because of course I have them all memorized, and it threw me off when parts were cut out or words were replaced; I have to say, I miss the free use of F-bombs and the children did not throw the W-word out nearly enough. I'm sorry, but there was no room for "shag[ging]" in this play, the line goes "we went and fucked your Mrs.; all of us at once!" I felt a bit like a tool for belting that one out when no one on stage was doing it right. Nonetheless, it was  magical night. I laughed, I cried, I sang, and for a moment I felt like I was right back there, in worse seats with one hell of a long train ride to get me back home and loving every moment of it because I knew that it would be my last. Well, Billy Elliot in Calgary isn't my last of anything, and looking at the way this year has been going thus far, maybe my new chapter begins with it. 

Well done cast and crew. This is not my final Billy Elliot. I will always come back!