Top Ten Tuesday: Live Theatre

You probably know by now that I can not sit through a movie. I could certainly come up with 10 that I love (some other Tuesday), but it is pretty rare to find me sitting still and quiet in front of a screen for 2 hours.

One thing I will be totally still and quiet for is live theatre. I am captivated by real people playing out their stories in front of me. No teleprompter, no second takes. You have to really be able to act to get on stage and make everyone believe you, just you. I don't think Hollywood effects can touch what a real live flesh and blood person can do on stage. I love it.

I have seen lots and lots of plays and here are my the top 10 live theatre experiences.


10- The Unsinkable Molly Brown
Let's just start where it started. The first time I ever went to a play was with my Nonnie and Papa to see The Unsinkable Molly Brown. We got dressed up, went to a nice dinner and headed to the theatre. I loved every minute of it. I thought, "I could live in this world." It brought out my inner (way inner) socialite.

9- WHS Drama Department
It often surprises people to learn that I was very involved in the drama department in High School. My senior year I even won Highest Achievement in Drama for my four years of work. No lie! I was not an actress. Oh no, no, no, I didn't act. Okay, I did a little bit. I starred in a One Act play Freshmen year and again Sophomore year. Can you even picture that in your wildest dreams? I only went through it because it was required to get to Advanced Drama. Junior and Senior year I went behind the scenes as a student director in Drama 3/4, and a teacher's assistant for the Drama 1 class. I spent lots of time in the drama room and that is where my love for theatre really took flight. Because Warren High School made me a drama geek I will include the three plays I student directed on this list. Rumors, Dear Ruth and Murder at the Howard Johnsons. All three are awesome and I would love to see them done professionally, although I think my classmates rocked.

8- Shakespeare Festival, Cedar City Utah
One thing I loved about my Cedar City years was the Shakespeare Festival that was held every summer. I saw too many plays to even remember them all. I was listed as a theatre major somehow. My stepdad applied for me so I am guessing he declared my major for me as well. Even though I had never intended to major in theatre it was a bonus because I got free tickets to every single play. What a treat.


7- Night of the Iguana
My favorite playwright is Tennessee Williams. I could just eat his plays. Even his stage directions are beautifully written. Night of the Iguana is not my favorite Williams play but it is the only one I have seen live. I have read them all several times but I was so excited to finally see one live and thank goodness I did because I would feel a void if I had to make this list without including Tennessee Williams .

6- Wicked
This is the only play I have seen here. Isn't that tragic? We have Chicago just down the road and I never go to the theatre. My inner socialite has been busy with babies and my fancy dress is being used as a tissue right now. Oh wait, that's my hoodie, I don't have a fancy dress. It was so fun to get out for a night and get back to the theatre. Seth sent me for my birthday and Heather's husband sent her along to keep me company. Translation: Our husbands didn't want to go so they sent us as a "gift". I didn't go berserk over Wicked like everyone else I know but it was fun and the music was pretty powerful.

5- Reduced Shakespeare
I saw this in London and sat in the front row. I quickly realized they were going to be interacting with the audience and even though my heart nearly emerged from my throat every time the actors came anywhere near me, I loved this play. It is hysterical. I wanted to go back and see it the next day. I wish I had. Definite must see. One actor did sit on me and Kelly, and went through the souvenir bag under her seat but we did not have to get up on stage. Huge relief, although I would risk the front row again for that show.

4- Phantom of the Opera
My mom took me to see this in Los Angeles in 1993, the day before it ended its lengthy run. The news had been talking extensively about the final shows which just added to the excitement. Doesn't Phantom just define the word theatrical? I felt like I had to see Phantom to even claim to be a theatre lover.

3- Les Miserables
When I was about 12 I first heard the Les Miserables soundtrack and its corresponding story. It was haunting and I was intrigued. I vowed right then that I would read that book and I would see that play. I finally read it about 10 years ago. Then, in London me and my sister thought about skipping one of the other plays on our itinerary to see it, but we already had the tickets to Art, which shall hereafter be known as Crap. We kicked ourselves later for not paying the extra to go see Les Mis instead. (Advice: Don't see Art) Finally, a few years ago me and Kelly got to go see Les Mis when it was in LA. I was almost pinching myself thinking, I can't believe I am watching this, at last! Loved it!

2- My Fair Lady
This was part of our London line-up. I was not excited about it. Pygmalion is one of my favorite plays and I had always snobbishly sworn off the musical adaptation that is My Fair Lady. I did not want anyone tampering with my play. I arrogantly slunk down into my chair, and 5 minutes later I was eating my pride and falling in love. This was my favorite play in London. It is on my must see again list.

1- Miss Saigon
I have seen this in New York, LA and Salt Lake City and I was still so disappointed that it ended its run before I made it to London. This is on my must see again and again and again list. The music is the best, the story is tragically beautiful and the production is unbelievable. Clear and easy favorite this week.

Feel free to play along if you like plays...or musicals since LeShel's comment reminded me that half of my selections are technically musicals.