Living the life of Riley

As long as Riley is a Theatre Critic of course...  doesn't Riley sound like an appropriate critic name?

I have spent a LOT of time over the course of my life in a theatre.  I am related to a few actors (no, you probably wouldn't know them... unless you watch a lot of films put out by the LDS church), and grew up watching these guys in their high school, then college, and finally their professional plays.  I loved acting - did a little myself back in the day...  but was probably more well suited to costume and set design.  I was a theatre education major in college even (the education part stuck more than the theatre part I guess?). 

It shouldn't surprise you then that in the last week I have seen THREE live productions (and two movies... but those don't count today).  Last week I may have mentioned seeing CATS - and I just may have mentioned how painful it was for me to watch.  The good news is that my 8 year old loved it.  Every bit.  Okay, not true - she did admit to wanting to scream every time the "Bwah-ha-ha McCavity" thing happened.  It was loud.  and obnoxious.  and it cut off the songs that I was trying to enjoy.

she also mentioned that she hated the costumes... not the way they looked - the way they smelled.  Apparently doing outdoor theatre in a disgustingly hot climate and DANCING all night... doesn't leave such a pleasant odor behind.  Go Figure.

I got to entertain myself with the fact that the cast of Tarzan was sitting a few seats in front of us... which reminds me.

Tarzan I saw twice - the things you'll do to impress your husband's work friends.  Oh, and to enjoy ogling an amazingly buff guy walking around in a loin cloth.  When I saw it with my family I was focused more on whether or not the kids were paying attention, getting their money's worth... understanding the story... not being scared out of their minds by the Leopard... you know.  No worries, they loved it (although I'm sure the Ape costumes probably stunk as well). 

The second time we saw it I just got to enjoy the eye candy... hey - the actor who played Radames in Aida last year was even seated near us and nearly as shirtless as he had been in that show!  Was it THAT hot?  (yes) or is he just over-proud of those pectorals? (probably)  Let's not forget (for the sake of my happy marriage) that I was sitting right next to the hunkiest of them all (you're welcome ManOfTheHouse).

And then the Neil Simon Festival...  that was last night's adventure.  We saw Steel Magnolias.

obviously this is NOT a picture from Steel Magnolias because as ANY huge theatre buff will tell you Steel Magnolias is a completely female cast.  Perhaps this is why ManOfTheHouse suggested that I go with friends instead of him?  I've been to a number of Shows at the Neil Simon Festival over the years (one of those acting uncles I mentioned earlier began the whole thing) and have enjoyed them all.  (They've NEVER done CATS thank goodness!)  This show...  the best.  Okay - maybe equal to I Do, I Do and God's Favorite... but still...  quite well done.  I'm not just saying that because my BYU teacher (pictured above) was playing M'Lynn - or because my uncle directed the show - or even because my friend of a friend was playing Shelby...  I truly enjoyed it.  Yes, I cried.  Like a baby. 

Too much theatre for one week?  Hmmm... maybe - so tonight we're taking a break.  ManOfTheHouse got tickets to Styx.  PLEASE let this turn out better than Kansas!!!


Images courtesy of The Neil Simon Festival Website, The Tuacahn Website - and of course my pathetic cellphone camera...