Category: Lifestyle

Broadway | Aladdin

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland
Aladdin on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre

Aladdin

Playing at New Amsterdam Theatre

Musical or play? Musical

Lottery or Rush Tickets? Digital Lottery available through Broadway Direct

What I Paid: $83.00

Official Website: https://aladdinthemusical.com/

Disney’s ALADDIN is a dazzling and extravagant showcase of special effects — including a flying magic carpet during “A Whole New World” — as well as glittering-gold costumes and art deco-style sets that mirror the grandeur of a Busby Berkeley musical. One of Broadway’s most popular musical comedies, the show opened at the legendary New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20, 2014, and has since broken numerous house records (grossing over $500 million on Broadway). Eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken composed the show’s music. The lyrics are by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), as well as three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice and six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin. The book is by Beguelin and direction/choreography is by two-time Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw.   

REVIEW

Aladdin has been a Disney staple on Broadway since 2014. As a huge fan of the animated classic, I’ve always wanted to see this show. I attended for the first time in October, and overall really enjoyed this family friendly performance. I purchased tickets from TKTS the day before the show for the Sunday matinee, and got 50% off for Orchestra Left on the aisle. We had an excellent view of all the action! Unless you are going with a large group that wants to sit together, I highly recommend getting tickets last minute, as Aladdin is regularly available at TKTS.

The show itself is based on the movie Aladdin, but has some notable changes. I was disappointed that there was Abu and Rajah! were cut from the musical. Instead, Aladdin has a group of three human friends that have a substantial role in the show. Similarly, Iago is a human sidekick to Jafar rather than a parrot. The music is also a bit different. There are songs we know and love from the movie, with the addition of new songs written specifically for the stage show, and a few that were cut from the film as well. Despite these changes, the overall story remains the same, and is filled with Disney magic.

My absolute favorite character is Genie, currently being played by Michael James Scott. Genie honestly carries the show. He is hilarious, has great rapport with the audience, and his stage presence is fantastic. Scott’s performance in Friend Like Me truly stole the show! The other cast members were all talented, and had wonderful performances, but Genie really stands out amongst the performers.

Moreover, I was surprised with all of the different elements present in Aladdin. There are big dance numbers (including a tap dance!), ballads, extravagant costumes, special effects, and more. There are also funny moments where other Disney movies and television shows are referenced. Disney can use its vast intellectual property library to its advantage! I like that Aladdin can incorporate so much into one performance, making the show enjoyable to a wide audience.

I did want to touch on audience behavior for a bit in this post. I’ve heard a lot about bad behavior on Broadway since theaters re-opened after the COVID-19 closures. Luckily, while I have heard a lot of cell phones ringing during shows this year, I haven’t experienced anyone else acting too poorly. Unfortunately, the audience behavior at Aladdin was the worst I’ve encountered. I was worried about all of the children in the audience being disruptive during this Sunday matinee. However, the adults were the culprits! People sitting behind me were singing, adults ran into the aisles to pick up streamers for their kids mid-song, but the worst offenders were taking photos and videos during the show. As soon as A Whole New World began, the phones came out from multiple directions. The ushers did a fantastic job of shutting this down as soon as possible, but it was very distracting. I was disappointed that my favorite song of the show was tainted because of others. Parents, set a good example for your children and show them how to properly behave at a Broadway show!

Aladdin on Broadway Review

Now that I’m off that soapbox, I will conclude my thoughts on Aladdin by saying that I overall enjoyed it! Aladdin tends to have a mediocre reputation in the online Broadway communities, but I think that’s because the excitement surrounding the show has worn off since it’s been running for nearly a decade. That being said, I think Aladdin is a great option if you are looking for a family friendly show with a lot of classic Broadway elements. The show is fun, heartwarming, and based on a story that many of us love from our childhoods. I am glad I finally got to see it!

Broadway | Moulin Rouge!

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Moulin Rouge!

Playing at Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Musical or play? Musical

Lottery or Rush Tickets? Digital Lottery available through Lucky Seat

What I Paid: $250.45

Official Website: https://moulinrougemusical.com/

Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love. With a book by Tony Award winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.

REVIEW

After hearing great things about Moulin Rouge! The Musical, I made sure to see the show on Broadway during a recent trip to New York City. I purchased full price tickets directly through the Moulin Rouge! website, and sat Orchestra Center, Row Q. This seat was further back in the orchestra, which meant that some of the set, specifically the windmill and elephant on the sides, was not fully visible. However, all of the onstage action could be seen quite well. I would not recommend sitting in the Can Can seats towards the front, as you will miss a lot of the show even though you’ll feel like you’re a part of it. If you can splurge for premium seats or the very front of the mezzanine, you will get the best view.

Moulin Rouge! is a jukebox musical that tells the story of Christian, a young American composer traveling to Paris. In an attempt to sell his music, Christian visits the cabaret club Moulin Rouge where he meets, and instantly falls in love with, the club’s star, Satine. What follows is a dramatic love story told through some of our favorite pop songs from the last few decades.

What makes Moulin Rouge! stand out from other jukebox musicals is the unique way the songs are mashed together to fit the story. As a first time viewer, part of the fun was recognizing the music as each song began. In fact, I really enjoyed it whenever there was an audible reaction from the audience whenever a song started. It’s very impressive how the pop songs we know and love get woven together in this show. While the music may not be original, the way it is presented in Moulin Rouge! is certainly very creative. I cannot even fathom how difficult it must have been to find just the right lyrics, orchestrate the mash-ups, and secure the licensing rights for this soundtrack.

That being said, the book in Moulin Rouge! was a bit weak for me. I rolled my eyes when Christian and Satine fell in love on the first night they met. It also felt like some songs didn’t really fit into the storyline, especially when you consider the 1899 timeline. I found myself absolutely loving the big production numbers with the full cast of dancers, but wanting more during the scenes that advanced the plot. There were also a few side stories that felt a bit thrown in, but overall the music and dancing made up for what was lacking in the book.

As for the cast, I was most excited to see Tituss Burgess as Harold Zidler. Burgess did an incredible job, and it really felt like he was made for this role. The audience had a great reaction to him, and he owned the stage as the energetic host of the Moulin Rouge. Courtney Reed is currently playing leading lady Satine, and she is certainly a highlight as well. Her voice is stunning, and she easily portrays the different facets of this character. Unfortunately, Casey Cott struggles as Christian. He just couldn’t hit many of his notes, especially in the higher register. Thankfully, he has good chemistry with Reed, and does capture the character of Christian well. I also wanted to give a shout out to Clay Rice-Thompson in the ensemble, who I’ve followed on Instagram for years. It was so fun to see him perform!

Moreover, one aspect I really loved about Moulin Rouge! is the atmosphere. As soon as you enter the theatre you feel as if you’ve been transported to the club in Paris. The lighting is dark with a red tone before the show beings and during intermission. The performers also slowly enter the stage before the opening number, and they are immediately in character. The set is intricate and beautifully built to capture the mood of the show. It’s really no surprise that Moulin Rouge! won the Tony awards for Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting Design. The Al Hirschfeld is truly transformed, and I love when Broadway feels immersive.

Overall, Moulin Rouge! is a fun and magical night of musical theater. Without giving anything away, the ending sequence of the show alone was worth the price of my ticket. While I wish the book and our leading man’s voice were stronger, I otherwise really enjoyed the show and understand why it has such a loyal fanbase. I only wish I saw it with Aaron Tveit, who originated the role of Christian! Nonetheless, I definitely recommend Moulin Rouge! It’s a great choice for those new to Broadway, due to the captivating ambiance and recognizeable music. As for me, I would certainly see this show again, but I will likely wait for a cast change.

Broadway | The Book of Mormon

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

The Book of Mormon

Playing at Eugene O’Neill Theatre

Musical or play? Musical

Lottery or Rush Tickets? Digital Lottery Available through Lucky Seat

What I Paid: $199.00

Official Website: https://bookofmormonbroadway.com/

Something incredible is happening 8 times a week on Broadway. It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON! Winner of 9 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this hilarious smash hit follows a mismatched pair of Mormons sent on a mission to a place that’s about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get. Entertainment Weekly calls THE BOOK OF MORMON “the funniest show ever.” The New York Times simply calls it “the best musical of this century.”

REVIEW

It took me twelve years, but I finally made it to The Book of Mormon on Broadway! This show opened the first semester that I lived in New York City, and it soon became one of hardest tickets to get. I remember entering the in-person lottery many times when that was still a thing. It was always a fun experience because hundreds of people would turn out daily! As you can guess, I was never successful in winning the lottery. Thankfully, the show is still running over a decade later, and the tickets are more affordable and attainable.

I purchased my ticket at the box office the day before the show, and got a third row seat in Orchestra Center, Row C. I did pay full price, which annoyed me a bit, since I knew if I waited one more day I could likely get a steep discount at TKTS. Nonetheless, I had an incredible seat, and I was happy to be so close to the action!

While I knew the basic premise of the show, I somehow managed to avoid major spoilers all these years. The show follows two Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, as they are sent off to Uganda to convert as many locals as possible to the church. Things go wrong for the pair as soon as they get off the plane, and they are in for a huge reality shock when it comes to what life is like in Uganda.

As I expected, The Book of Mormon is absolutely hilarious. I love the mis-matched pairing of rule-following Elder Price with disheveled Elder Cunningham, and while I wish I had the opportunity to see the original cast, the current actors are fabulous. Kevin Clay is an amazing Elder Price. His voice is great, and his performance is reminiscent of the little I’ve seen of Andrew Rannells in the role. When I saw the show, Noah Marlowe went on as Elder Cunningham, and he was absolutely perfect! He was so funny and I couldn’t imagine how he was the standby and not the regular lead!

Moreover, I did want to mention how this show is even cruder than I imagined. Yes, it is written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, but it is definitely boundary pushing. There is no curse word left unspoken, and the show has very adult themes. Also keep in mind that the entire show is making fun of the Mormon church and their out-there beliefs. I noticed that some people sitting near me left at intermission, and I’ve read that is common at this show for those who don’t realize what it entails.

Similarly, I wasn’t sure what to make of how the show treats race. This was an area where the book did feel a bit dated, and not up to 2023 standards. While I understand the show is a satire, and depicting to the audience how the Mormons view the Ugandans, I did feel like the it toed the line of perpetuating negative stereotypes. Sure enough, I learned that there were changes made to the show when it re-opened after the COVID-19 closures to “sharpen the satire of Mormonism.” Was this fully successful? Honestly, I’m not sure.

All of that said, I really enjoyed the music and dancing in the show. The songs are quite catchy, and I’m always thrilled when there’s a tap dance number! I also loved how the entire cast works together and interacts throughout the show. Every ensemble member gets featured at one point or another, and it looked like they were genuinely having a great time during the performance. That’s one of the reasons I really like sitting up close – I can see the performers’ expressions really well!

In the end, I’m so glad I finally made it to The Book of Mormon! This felt like a full circle moment for me, and I’m grateful the show has remained on Broadway all of these years. If you’re looking for a musical that will have you laughing from start to finish, this is a great option. Just be sure to keep in mind the subject matter!

STAGE DOOR

I did want to quickly note that I did not stop for the stage door after this performance. I would have loved to meet the cast, but I did not see any barriers set up around the stage door, so I decided to head back to my hotel rather than wait. If you’ve had success at the stage door for The Book of Mormon in recent years, please let me know in the comments!

Tony Awards 2023 | Ranking Each Broadway Performance by How Much it Influenced Me to Buy a Ticket

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The 76th Tony Awards went forward live on June 11, 2023, thanks to a compromise made with the Writers Guild of America as their strike continues. I was very intrigued to see how the show would do without any sort of script. Plus, I love watching The Tonys to see performances from currently running musicals, as they help me (and many others!) decide whether or not to pay the big bucks for tickets. This year, I was quite surprised with how the performances ended up changing my mind on some of the Broadway musicals. I thought it would be fun to share my ranking of the performances with you, and let you know whether or not I would buy a ticket for each show based on the Tony Awards performance alone.

For this post, I’ve decided to only include performances from currently running Broadway shows, as I’m focusing mainly on whether or not the performance inspired me to purchase a ticket. Of course, all of the performers are extremely talented, and this post is all in good fun. I am basing my thoughts fully on my own likes and dislikes when it comes to musical theatre, and I’ll share more about that as we go along.

10. & Juliet

I’ve been on the fence about seeing & Juliet for a while now. This jukebox musical is a retelling of Romeo & Juliet, and features pop hits from the 1990s and 2000s. Although I enjoy the songs included, the storyline isn’t that intriguing to me. That being said, I’ve heard a lot of good things about this show recently, and was leaning towards seeing it the next time I’m in New York. Unfortunately, the Tonys performance nearly solidified that the show isn’t for me. The vocals sounded really off, and the orchestration of Katy Perry’s Roar was oddly timed. The choreography was also quite basic and repetitive. It felt very campy, but not in a good way. Based on the Tony Awards performance, I would not see & Juliet.

9. Kimberly Akimbo

Next up is Kimberly Akimbo, which won the Tony for Best Musical! Despite its success at the awards, I’m just not drawn to the storyline. The cast performed the song Anagram, which I think was the right choice. It not only introduces the plot of the musical, but explains its name as well. The song was very well performed, and if I were to describe it in one word, it would be “cute.” That being said, the performance did not have that “wow” factor that would make me run to the box office. This seems like a good musical for those who typically enjoy plays.

8. New York New York

Another show I’ve been on the fence about is New York New York. I loved the dancing in this performance, as it gives that old school Broadway feel. However, I wasn’t sure what was going on with Colton Ryan’s accent, which felt very forced and unnatural. Similarly, the show’s concept feels derivative of other Broadway classics that have come before it. I’ve already seen and loved On the Town twice, so what does New York New York offer that’s new? The Tony Awards performance left me unsure.

7. The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise

I’ve already posted a full review of A Beautiful Noise on the blog, which I recently saw and enjoyed. The cast performed Neil Diamond’s hit Sweet Caroline at The Tonys, and it was a fun moment. I especially liked how the ensemble was dancing in the aisles and interacting with the audience. I’m definitely a bit biased because I love Will Swenson, but this performance did make me think I could become a repeat attender at this show. Would I pay full price for a ticket? No, but I’d certainly enter the lottery on a regular basis if I lived in the city.

6. Camelot

Camelot is a show that I feel like is flying under the radar this season. I don’t see many people talking about it online, so I didn’t know what to expect. The Tonys performance actually surprised me in a good way! I liked the costumes, and thought the songs were quite catchy. I was most impressed with Jordan Donica’s performance, though. He sounded absolutely incredible, and his voice alone makes me want to see the show! The performance did make me wish that we had a Broadway show for Galavant… maybe one day that will happen!

5. Parade

I tend to go for upbeat and sparkly Broadway shows, so Parade wasn’t on the top of my list for my last NYC trip since it tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man who was wrongfully accused of a serious crime. That being said, I was blown away by Ben Platt and Michaela Diamond’s performance. They sounded beautiful, and I felt a bit disappointed knowing I’d probably lost my chance to see Parade with them in it since the show is slated to close on August 6th.

4. Some Like It Hot

Moreover, Some Like It Hot is one of those musicals that I just know I would enjoy! It has amazing dancing (including tap!), beautiful costumes, and a cast full of stars. J. Harison Ghee especially owns the stage, and I would love to see them perform live! The cast performed the title number for The Tonys, and it definitely made me excited to see what else the show has in store for audiences.

3. Funny Girl

I’ll be the first to admit that I had no desire to see Funny Girl because I’m not a Lea Michele fan. However, her Tonys performance changed my mind! Her voice sounds incredible, and I now understand why so many are flocking to NYC to see her perform. Her rendition of Don’t Rain on my Parade was so powerful that it made me want to buy a ticket to the show. Although, I think I’m out of luck because the show closes on September 3rd.

2. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

I did just see Sweeney Todd, and I posted a full review on the blog. Nonetheless, the Tony Awards performance made me want to buy another ticket immediately! Everything about The Ballad of Sweeney Todd is carefully crafted, from the lighting, choreography, and staging. Don’t even get me started on how chilling and powerful the vocals are! While it’s a shame Annaleigh Ashford did not get to show off her talents as Mrs. Lovett, this performance left the audience wanting more for sure.

1. Shucked

Last but not least is the biggest surprise of the night for me, Shucked! I honestly didn’t think this show was for me at all. I don’t like country music, and I’ve heard the show is non-stop dad jokes. Yet this performance was so much fun! I actually really liked the medley they performed, and the corn dancing (if that’s what you call it) was so well done. Shucked went from a probable “no” to an “I need to see that.” Major props to the entire company for changing my mind with one TV spot!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, I really enjoyed watching the Tony Awards this year. I actually liked the unscripted version of the show, as it cut down on awkward teleprompter reading and things got to the point quickly. I’m excited to plan another trip to New York City and add some of these shows to my list of things to see!

Share your favorite Tonys performance with me in the comments!

Broadway | Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

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Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Playing at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

Musical or play? Musical

Lottery or Rush Tickets? Digital Lottery Available through Broadway Direct

What I Paid: $266.70

Official Website: https://sweeneytoddbroadway.com/

For the first time since 1980, Broadway audiences can experience Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award®–winning score as it was performed in the original production—with Jonathan Tunick’s classic 26-player orchestration on an epic scale. Tony Award–winning director Thomas Kail (Hamilton) helms the return of this musical thriller starring Tony and Grammy® nominee Josh Groban (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) as Sweeney Todd and Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford (Sunday in the Park With George, Kinky Boots) as Mrs. Lovett. Tony winner Alex Lacamoire (Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen) reunites with Kail as Music Supervisor, and Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) choreographs this new production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

REVIEW

I’m usually the type of person who enjoys seeing fun, upbeat, and glitzy Broadway shows, but when I found out Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford are starring in the new revival of Sweeney Todd, I knew it was an absolute must attend on my recent trip to New York City. I purchased a full price ticket directly through the show’s website a couple months in advance. Since I’m familiar with the show and didn’t feel the need to be that close to the bloody action, I picked a seat in the Center Orchestra, Row R. While the mezzanine does overhang just slightly, I did not feel like my view was obstructed at all, and highly recommend sitting here if you would like a slightly more affordable price.

If you’re new to Sweeney Todd, the show follows the title character as he returns to London after being sent away to prison on false charges by the evil Judge Turpin. He plots to get revenge against the judge, and re-opens his barber shop above Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop. What follows is a dramatic and death-filled story about a man trying to seek justice whilst descending into madness.

As I expected, the show is amazingly performed. I can’t tell you how exciting and surreal it was to see this cast in person. Josh Groban’s voice is incredible, and he does a fantastic job at going from a quiet Sweeney to a downright scary one as the show progresses. Annaleigh Ashford is the perfect Mrs. Lovett. Her comedic timing is spot on, and she had the audience in the palm of her hand for the entire show. The rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Jordan Fisher sounds beautiful as Anthony, and while Gaten Matarazzo was out for the performance I attended, his understudy Nathan Salstone did a flawless job. The other stand-out performance for me is Ruthie Ann Miles as Beggar Woman. Every time she was onstage, my heart went out to her!

Moreover, the theatre itself is transformed to capture the eerie feel of the show. The use of fog when the show opens helps to evoke that unsettled feeling. Similarly, the lighting is very well done. The ensemble is often shrouded in shadow, and many of the scenes have a very dark feel to mimic the story’s themes. If it weren’t for the ambulance sirens going by the theatre (that’s NYC for you), it would be easy to imagine that I’d been transported to dreary London.

I do want to quickly mention the bloody scenes for those of you who may be nervous about attending a gory show. Without giving away too many spoilers, I’ll mention that the anticipation of the bloody moments is actually much worse than the moments themselves. The orchestra and actors work together to create so much tension, that I was actually a bit relieved when the first “shave” takes place and not much blood is seen. In fact, each death is pretty quick, and I feel like the show does a great job at not glorifying them. If you’re still a bit uneasy, do as I did and sit a bit farther back!

Overall, I am thrilled I had the privilege of attending this Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd. Not only was it an amazing opportunity to see so many incredible performers on one stage, but the entire experience was amplified by the audience. From the moment the lights went down until the final bow, I felt like I was part of a wonderful group of theatre-goers experiencing greatness together. Everyone applauded with gusto when appropriate, and was enraptured throughout the rest of the performance. If you are able to see this show, I highly recommend it!

STAGE DOOR

I attended a Saturday matinee performance of Sweeney Todd. While barricades were set up around the stage door, security was very quick to inform everyone that, “There is no Stage Door.” This was disappointing, since I’ve seen many others on social media get their Playbills signed by the entire cast, but I do understand the need to rest between matinee and evening performances. The only off-putting thing was that if you even stood 10-15 feet away from the stage door itself, security yelled at you to move. I tried standing about 15 feet away to order food, and some others were slightly closer trying to look up directions on their phone. I would cross the street or move father down the block to avoid getting scolded, even if you think you are out of the way! If you do want to get your Playbills signed, you may have better luck at evening performances.

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Broadway | The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise

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The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise

Playing at Broadhurst Theatre

Musical or play? Musical

Lottery or Rush Tickets? Digital Lottery Available through Telecharge

What I Paid: $45.00 – Digital Lottery Win!

Official Website: https://abeautifulnoisethemusical.com/

The story of the legendary Neil Diamond comes to life on stage in an uplifting new musical featuring all his hit songs, including “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” From those exhilarating early days in New York to the sold-out spectacles that defined his career, A Beautiful Noise explores the life of a rock icon through the music that made him “a national treasure” (Los Angeles Times).

Directed by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), choreographed by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and written by four-time Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Two Popes), A Beautiful Noise is a thrilling look at an artist’s search for himself and a celebration of the enduring power of his music.

REVIEW

I recently visited New York City for a long weekend with the goal to see as many Broadway shows as possible in just two and a half days. While I booked a few tickets in advance, I also wanted to enter some lotteries and go to a couple shows spontaneously. Luckily, I won the lottery for The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise on the first try! For $45.00, I sat in Orchestra Center, Row O. This was a great seat, and I had the perfect view of the stage.

This is a jukebox musical featuring Neil Diamond’s songs, while also telling his life story. The show begins with present day Neil visiting his therapist. At first, he is reluctant to talk about his life, but she finally gets him to open up by going through his songbook. The audience then gets to follow Neil from the start of his music career as a songwriter, through his international stardom, and ending with where is he today.

I think it is clever to have two actors play Neil Diamond – the “Now” Neil is played by Mark Jacoby and the “Then” Neil is Will Swenson. I was so excited to see Will in this show (I loved him in Priscilla Queen of the Desert!). He does a wonderful job at showing the juxtaposition of how great Neil feels on stage as a performer with how depressed he feels in his daily life.

Moreover, I learned so much about Neil Diamond in this show. While I was familiar with many of the songs, I truly knew nothing about his life. I was impressed that that show is very honest and does not hold back when it comes to Neil’s infidelity and mental health struggles. Because the show isn’t sugar-coated, it feels very genuine, and I appreciate that real-life Neil allows so much to be shared with the audience.

My favorite moments of the show are, of course, the big musical numbers where “Then” Neil (Will) is adorned in a sparkly outfit. There is an interesting experience where Will breaks the fourth wall, addresses the “Broadway” crowd, and even encourages a bit of audience participation, which is usually a huge no-no on Broadway. I found these moments so much fun, especially the curtain call!

I also have to shout out Robyn Hurder, who plays Neil’s second wife Marcia Murphy. Robyn is an incredible performer! Her solo numbers are amazing, and her vocals and dance abilities are top notch. She truly owns the stage when she’s on it, and I’m so glad I got to see her perform. Speaking of dancing, the ensemble in this show is wonderful as well. I loved watching all of the dance numbers throughout the show.

Overall, I am so glad I won the lottery and got to see A Beautiful Noise on Broadway. If you are a Neil Diamond fan, this show is an absolute must see. That being said, even if you are not familiar with Neil’s work, I still think this show can be enjoyed by anyone. It’s a great mix of entertaining, show-stopping performances with more emotional real-life moments. If you want to have a night out that is so good, so good, so good, look no further than A Beautiful Noise!

STAGE DOOR

The Stage Door is directly to your right when you exit the theater. I saw a Friday evening performance, and very few audience members were waiting to get signed playbills. I think this is partly because the crowd at A Beautiful Noise is generally older in age, and it’s often the younger audience members who go to the Stage Door.

Security let us know right away that Will Swenson does not come out to sign Playbills. That was a bit disappointing, but I appreciated that we were told in advance.

Most of the cast rushed out the door quite quickly, but I was very thankful that Jess Leprotto (who I saw twice in Newsies and loved!), Linda Powell, and Robyn Hurder stopped to sign our Playbills. They were all very nice, and it was great to chat with them for a moment. All in all, I had a wonderful experience at A Beautiful Noise!

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Ceaco Thomas Kinkade Disney The Little Mermaid Falling in Love Jigsaw Puzzle Review

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I recently took a little break from working on jigsaw puzzles to begin my adventures in diamond painting. When I found the Ceaco Thomas Kinkade Disney – The Little Mermaid Falling in Love puzzle at the thrift store, I knew it would be the perfect project for when I needed a diamond painting break. This beautiful puzzle is based on a Thomas Kinkade painting, and features our favorite characters from the Disney animated classic The Little Mermaid. Let me tell you why this jigsaw puzzle was so much fun to put together!

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This puzzle is one of many designs in the Ceaco Thomas Kinkade Disney collection. It has 750 pieces, and measures 24″ x 18″ when completed. It comes in a square box that is easy to stack and store. As mentioned, I found this at my local thrift store. It was brand new and just $2.99! The puzzle retails for $14.99 on the Ceaco website, or $12.99 on Amazon. Ceaco puzzles are Made in the USA. Unlike the Peggy’s Garden puzzle I reviewed recently, this one does not say it is made with recycled materials, so I must assume it’s not.

The first thing I noticed when working on this puzzle is that the individual pieces feel a lot sturdier than the previous Ceaco puzzle I completed. I also did not have a problem with the image peeling away from the cardboard. However, several of the pieces were not fully cut when I opened the box, and I had to separate them myself. These pieces also do not lock together, so it’s very challenging to move sections around while working because they just fall apart.

Despite the pieces falling apart easily, it was an absolute joy to put together this puzzle! I began with sorting the pieces, and was able to put together Flounder, Eric, and Ariel right from the start. I then moved onto the edge, and worked my way around the border with the castle, ship, and coral sections. The sky was my favorite section to complete! I felt like pieces were going in so easily as I reached for them!

The most challenging part of this puzzle is the blue water. That being said, the art has many hints in the water that help guide the puzzling along. For example, King Triton and his castle can be seen in the water, as well as different schools of fish. The water also has different shades of blue that I used to help me sort through the pieces. I ended up putting small sections of light blue together before adding them to the main puzzle.

I also love how this puzzle features so many different elements from The Little Mermaid. While Ariel and Eric are the main focus of the image, you can see that Ursula is spotted in the scene along with Sebastian’s crustacean band. I really enjoyed finding all of the different details in the image as I worked on the puzzle!

Just like the last Ceaco puzzle I completed, this one comes with a high quality print of the puzzle image. This allowed me to use both boxes for sorting. I definitely referred to the picture a lot while working on the blue water area in particular.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Beautiful artwork
  • Sturdy pieces
  • Quick and fun to complete
  • Included print out of image
  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Pieces do not lock together
  • False fits (happened twice)
  • Some pieces not fully cut through during manufacturing

Final Thoughts

I am so glad I found this puzzle at the thrift store! I completed it in one weekend, and had such fun doing so. Even though the water was a bit difficult, I never felt frustrated or stuck. Plus, there were a lot of unique elements in the artwork that I enjoyed discovering. I think this is a great puzzle for beginners and Disney fans alike! Ceaco is continuing to be a budget-friendly (even at retail price!) puzzle company.

Follow me on Instagram @PolishlandReads to see more of my puzzle adventures!

The Woobles Rainbow Billy the Unicorn Crochet Kit Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

I’ve never purchased from an Instagram ad before, but after seeing The Woobles pop up in my feed for several months, I decided to take the plunge. The Woobles is a company that sells beginner friendly crochet kits specializing in amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed animals. I’ve crocheted for nearly 20 years, but I’ve never mastered amigurmi. In fact, I find working on these small projects quite frustrating! That being said, when I saw the cute Rainbow Billy the Unicorn design, I knew I had to make it as a gift for my unicorn-loving niece. In this post I will share my experience with The Woobles, and whether or not I think it’s worth the price tag.

First, let’s talk about what comes in The Woobles crochet kits. I appreciate that the kits contain all of the tools you need to make your project:

  • Yarn
  • Stuffing
  • Crochet Hook
  • Eyes
  • Weaving Needle
  • Stitch Markers
  • PDF pattern and video tutorials

This kit is a beginner level, and recommended for ages 12+. It comes in a really cute and resealable holographic bag. I have a full unboxing video on Instagram if you want to see the materials up close.

The materials themselves were good quality. The yarn is advertised as “Easy Peasy yarn, custom-made for beginners.” I actually found that it separated quite easily, and was a bit too large for the crochet hook provided at 4mm. I also had a huge clump in my white yarn. It is common to see a small knot in yarn skeins due to the manufacturing process, but this knot was tricky to get around on such a small project. That being said, I actually really liked the crochet hook. The rubbery handle was very comfortable to hold compared to the metal hooks I typically use.

When it comes to the crochet process, I appreciate that we get both the PDF of the pattern and the step-by-step tutorial videos. Because I already know how to crochet, I used the pattern and would only use the videos when needed. The videos were very helpful, and I did refer to them quite a bit. However, it was surprising that in most of the videos the instructor was using a very different texture of yarn, and working on a separate project. It would be more helpful if the instructor was working on the same project in the kit.

The crocheting itself went relatively smoothly for me. What I do not like about amigurumi, however, are all the tiny parts that have to get sewn onto the project. For Rainbow Billy, the arms, ears, horn, mane, bangs, and cheeks are all separate parts that have to be sewn onto the main section (here, the head). I find it super frustrating to make these little bits and connect them together. The sewing aspect is challenging, and it never looks quite right for me (as seen in this top-down view of Billy’s head). My poor little Billy looks a little wonky!

I completed my Rainbow Billy in about 5 hours. The packaging states that this project will take 3-8 hours. I honestly think if you’ve never crocheted before, this will take you even longer as you try to learn all the stitches through the videos.

Additionally, I am surprised with how many supplies were left over when the project was completed. I have a good amount of yarn and stuffing, as seen in the above photo. While it’s great that The Woobles gives you sufficient materials, I think they could easily reduce what is provided so we do not end up with any waste. This would also save the company money.

Speaking of price, this kit costs $30.00. At first, I suffered a bit of sticker shock when I saw the website listing. However, I do think this is a fair price. If I were to buy all of the included materials from Joann Fabrics, it would cost me $25.00 before shipping. Of course, that price does not include the pattern and tutorial videos included with The Woobles. Thus, if you are looking to try crocheting without accumulating a lot of materials, this is a great way to do it.

Overall, I think The Woobles Rainbow Billy the Unicorn crochet kit is a fun crafting project. That being said, I do not plan on purchasing from this company again. I just don’t enjoy the amigurumi process, and prefer to work on other projects like scarves and blankets. However, if you would like to dip your toes into the crochet world, this is a great way to do that! The Woobles offers a variety of amigurumi kits on their website. I am very glad I gave this company a try, and my niece really loves her little stuffed unicorn made by her aunty!

Visit my Etsy Shop to purchase scarves, blankets, and other items crocheted by me!

Ceaco Peggy’s Garden Fanciful Jigsaw Puzzle Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

My jigsaw puzzle craze continues with another review of a puzzle I completed! I found the Ceaco Peggy’s Garden Fanciful puzzle at the thrift store for $3.00. I was excited to discover that it was still brand new when I got it home! I love flowers, and the bright colors on the box are such a cheery image. It may be snowing outside right now, but I can at least imagine a sunny, floral atmosphere with my puzzle!

This post includes an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Ceaco makes a few different versions of Peggy’s Garden, with this one being the Fanciful edition. This is a 1000 piece puzzle that measures 26.6″ x 19″ when completed. It comes in a square box that is small and easy to store. Just as with the White Mountain puzzle I completed recently, this puzzle is Made in the USA in my native New England – this time in Massachusetts! I once again love that the brand uses recycled materials to make their puzzles. This puzzle typically retails for $12.99, but it’s currently on sale on Ceaco’s website for $4.99! It is also available on Amazon.

The pieces themselves are made of cardboard, and they measure on the smaller side. I did have issues with the image peeling a bit off of the backing whenever I would try a piece in the wrong spot. It’s almost like the pieces would get stuck together! The image is high quality, but it is a bit glossy, which reflected the sunlight when I worked on the puzzle during the day. I needed to get right over the pieces to avoid glare.

All of that being said, the pieces fit together really well, and it was obvious whenever I put a piece in the wrong spot. It can be tricky to move sections of the puzzle around, though, as the pieces do not lock together strongly. I carefully slid sections around, and only moved small groupings at a time.

In terms of difficulty, I found this puzzle to be quite the challenge! I began with the edge, and then moved onto the middle of the flowers that have the small dots at the center. I then built out the flowers from there, and kept working outwards. The leaves in various shades of green came last! Once I got the flowers done, the rest moved pretty quickly, and it was satisfying to see everything come together so nicely.

One thing I absolutely loved about this puzzle is the included poster of the puzzle image. This allowed me to use both sides of the box for sorting. I definitely used the image to help me lay out many of the pieces, specifically the colored circles in the background. I appreciate that the colors in the print match the puzzle exactly!

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Beautiful artwork with vibrant colors
  • High quality image
  • Included print out of image
  • Made in USA of recycled materials

Cons:

  • Pieces do not lock together well
  • Image peels off easily
  • Glare due to glossy finish
  • Puzzle dust

Final Thoughts

Overall, I really enjoyed putting together the Ceaco Peggy’s Garden Fanciful puzzle. It was a nice challenge for me, and the issues I did have with the pieces did not detract from the puzzling experience too much. Instead, it just felt more like a “budget” puzzle, which makes sense since the original price is $12.99. I will definitely keep my eye out for more Ceaco puzzles!

Follow me on Instagram @PolishlandReads to see more of my puzzle adventures!

White Mountain Puzzles Tapestry Cat Jigsaw Puzzle Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

After YouTube recommended the channel Karen Puzzles to me, I’ve rediscovered how much I enjoy jigsaw puzzles. I’ve decided that 2023 is going to be the year that I allow myself to spend time doing cozy and crafty hobbies. I thought it would be fun to document the different puzzles and projects I complete here on the blog. That way, I can look back and see all of the fun creations I put together, all while sharing my thoughts on the products with you. Let’s jump right into the first jigsaw puzzle I completed this year from White Mountain Puzzles called Tapestry Cat!

This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

I purchased the White Mountain Puzzles Tapestry Cat by Lewis T. Johnson on Poshmark, but it is available on the brand’s website and Amazon for $19.99. This is a 1000 piece puzzle that measures 24″ x 30″ when completed. I absolutely love that the puzzle is Made in the USA in my native New England! The box also reads that the puzzle is made with recycled materials, which is awesome as well.

The pieces are made of a nice, sturdy cardboard. I did have a few issues with false fits, or pieces fitting in places where they don’t belong. Thankfully, the colors on the puzzle are very clear and rich, so when I took a closer look I was able to see my mistakes and rectify them. I appreciated that the pieces lock together well, so I could easily move around sections as I worked on them.

I started the puzzle by working on the tapestry section on the outside border. I found this quite challenging! I think I struggled a bit because the pattern repeats itself multiple times. Once I got this section completed, though, the rest went more smoothly for me.

Once I finished the tapestry, I moved onto the cat. I put together the cat’s face and paws, but then quickly moved onto the flowers. The flowers were the most fun for me! I matched up the pieces by color and texture, and used the photo on the box to arrange them on the board. It was so satisfying when all my sections began locking together!

Lastly, I filled in the darker areas around the cat to complete the puzzle. This was a bit tricky, but at this point I didn’t have many pieces left, so it went together quite quickly. The end result is just stunning! I love the beautiful colors, and the cat is darling. I left the puzzle out for a few days because I loved looking at my feline friend. I definitely see myself doing this puzzle again, and perhaps framing it if I ever have a library room.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Sturdy cardboard
  • High quality image
  • Beautiful artwork
  • Large box size (great for sorting!)
  • Pieces lock together well
  • Made in USA of recycled materials

Cons:

  • False fits
  • A bit of puzzle dust (I kept blowing it away)
  • Image on the box is obstructed with writing (I would love a separate poster/print inside!)

Final Thoughts

Overall, I really enjoyed putting together the Tapestry Cat from White Mountain Puzzles! The few cons that I encountered are nit-picky on my end. I will definitely keep my eye out for other designs from this brand. Plus, they have a store in Jackson, NH that I would love to visit one day!

Follow me on Instagram @PolishlandReads to see more of my puzzle adventures!