12 Reasons Why I Love My Holey Tennis Shoes

Last May when my mother came to visit I showed her my holey tennis shoes. She was shocked of course and insisted that we go buy new shoes. "Nah" I replied, "I'd rather go see another Broadway show." And that's what we did! It occurred to me that I could see two shows for the price of new sneakers. I hate buying new shoes and I love seeing Broadway shows so why waste money on tennis shoes when I can see shows on Broadway instead! Supposedly Van Gogh, or one of the famous artists would buy paint instead of food. I love food but I think I might understand how they felt, just a little bit.

1. Celebration & Reflection, Part 2

 While walking through Lincoln Center we came across this poster advertising this concert by two famous composers/conductors, Bob Chilcott and Rene Clausen. I didn't know about them but mom did so I suggested we get tickets. That is what you do when you are on vaction in NYC, you just walk around until you find a show you like and you buy tickets for it. We went that night and she loved it. I liked it too but with her background I know she appreciated it alot more than I did!

2. Kenneth Brannagh in MACBETH- need I say more?

A new friend, Courtney Young had an extra ticket so I was able to go with her and my good friend, Malia. It was amazing! I wish I could have taken pictures during the show. We were able to sit and talk with a few cast members afterwards which was great!

3. The Cripple of Inishmaan starring Daniel Radcliffe.

This one was probably my favorite. I am realizing more and more how much I love plays. They are about people and relationships. They shed light on the human condition in a deep, entertaining way. It's like the audience doesn't even know they are being taught, enlightened; you leave the theater a different person than you were at the beginning of the play. This play was a revival, an amazing story. The best part was the end when the plot twist was revealed, there was an audible gasp in the audience. (I guess I wasn't the only one who didn't know about the story.) It was superbly acted and left me with a greater desire to do my own acting and bring such stories to audiences everywhere.

4. Newsies: The Musical

If you missed Newsies on Broadway you missed something special. It is starting a tour in North Amercian in October so you still have a chance. This show is amazing. The music, singing, and dancing are fabulous. I think I cried the first time I saw it as did my mother. I have seen it three times and would see it again in a heartbeat! At every performance the audience went wild and the cast received a standing ovation.

5. Matilda

This was the third show I saw with my mom when she came in May. Some of the songs were so funny. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and sets. I particularly enjoyed the song "When I Grow Up." The children sang it as they swung on swings on stage. The young actors were very good. I found the story very touching but of course any story where a young child yearns for a happy family will cause me to choke up.

6. IF/THEN starring Idina Menzel but thankfully we saw the understudy.

A friend had comp tickets so of course I took advantage and went. I sat with my friend Lizzie. Idina Menzel was not performing (maybe that's why we had comp tickets) so we saw the understudy. She was fabulous! Call me crazy but I am not a big fan of Menzel. However the story was interesting. It followed one womans life, showing how life would have been different had she stayed in Central Park to meet a boy instead of leaving with friends. It answers the ever present question, "What if?"

7. Les Miserables

Ten years ago I saw this show on Broadway and was sorely disappointed, the cast was not quite Broadway quality. Needless to say I was hoping this time would be different. It was fabulous, so much better than last time. The sets were great. The singing was amazing. I would definitely see it again. The story is inspired, one of my favorites. Though I must say the music is so grand and perfect I don't think I will ever see a production that lives up to the quality of the music. Does that make sense? Maybe that is just because I grew up listening to the 10th anniversary concert version where they used all of the best singers.

8. Bullets Over Broadway: The Muscial

Saw this with my roommate Jordyn. It was silly and cute, a good time minus that one inappropriate song. We did get to sit on the first row. I love being close enough to see them spit as they sing and speak.

9. Of Mice And Men starring James Franco and Chris O'Dowd

This was a fabulous show. Chris O'Dowd was amazing. I forgot how sad this story was until the end came. Brittany and I really enjoyed the show. I can't believe I get to see this quality of theater anytime!!!

10. Shakespeare in the Park's Much Ado About Nothing 

Despite being exhausted I thoroughly enjoyed this show. The two leads were amazing. It was fun to see Brian Stokes Mitchell perform too.

11. You Can't Take It With You starring many, including James Earl Jones

My friend Melody found out at the last minute she had an extra ticket. Ten minutes after I read her Facebook message I was on the train. Now that I am living on Long Island I won't be able to go to a show at the drop of a hat guess it's time to buy new sneakers.

This show was hilarious! It is also a revival, a story about a quirky family and their daughters attempt to marry. It was refreshing to see a funny, clean family type show on Broadway.

12. Phantom of the Opera starring my friend Deanna Doyle as Meg Giry

Unlike Les Miserables I felt like this show did live up to the grandeur of the music. I loved the show; it also helped that I had a friend in it. She was amazing. It was so fun to see her on stage! But really the singing was fabulous, the sets were great, and the costumes were amazing! It was an incredible show. Afterwards Deanna took me backstage for a few minutes. She showed me where she does most of her quick changes and the slippery stage she has to dance on.

It turns out my mom and I did go shopping for walking shoes. Of course they didn't have a small enough size so I didn't buy anything that day. I have yet to order the walking shoes but just last week I finally bought new sneakers. I went jogging in them this morning, my first run on Long Island. It's nice to have new tennis shoes but I sure do love attending Broadway shows too!