Archives for March 2015

Kimmel Center Highlights: #DirtyDancing Tour in Philadelphia

ddDirty Dancing as a film was a high school classic for my siblings and I. In fact several pivotal scenes were filmed around Lake Lure, NC where I went as a kid to camp and to vacation on the lake with my family.

I have many memories around that movie which is why it was really fun for my sister and I to meet for dinner before the show and then sit in floor seats for opening night of Dirty Dancing at the Academy of Music this last Tuesday night. The touring show is in town in Philadelphia now through Sunday, April 5 and yes, tickets are still available.

The show throughout the evening never gets boring. It’s active, lively and engaging. It deals with the same touchy topics of the movie – summer love, race relations, class relations and then of course, the impact on everyone of one staff member’s back-room abortion. It’s real and raw and every bit as poignant as the movie itself.

About the show:

Dirty Dancing — the Classic Story on Stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do you Love Me?” and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” London’s Sunday Express says, “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!” Don’t miss your chance to see this record breaking live theater sensation. You’ll have the time of your life!

 

Learn more about the Kimmel Center’s Broadway series at the Academy of Music. (I see that the Lion King is coming!)

2015-2016 Broadway Philadelphia Season Is Here! 6 show packages start at just $109!
CLICK HERE for more!

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GIVEAWAY: Penguins of Madagascar DVD/Blu-Ray Set

Penguins

This week I am giving away a couple of the NEW Penguins of Madagascar DVD/Blu-Ray 2 disc sets. Please enter in the Rafflecopter below. I have also included a synopsis and trailer below in case you haven’t heard of this totally fun movie.

Synopsis: In Penguins of Madagascar, audiences will discover the secrets of the most entertainingly mysterious birds in the global espionage game. Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private now must join forces with the chic spy organization, the North Wind, led by Agent Classified (we could tell you his name, but then … you know) to stop the cunning villain Dr. Octavius Brine from taking over the world.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Angels Sing: Libera in America Concert DVD and U.S. Tour Schedule

boys A very special group of British choir boys called Libera are currently touring America and if you can’t see them in person, you can now listen to their ethereal sound on your laptop or TV at home. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the concert and listening to the lovely songs as I folded laundry. Gave a whole new perspective to a mundane task!

The new Blu-Ray/DVD and CD of the Libera: Angels Sing PBS Special concert was filmed in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C.  This concert was filmed in the Summer of 2014 and will be broadcast across the USA during 2015.  The Blu-Ray/DVD and CD are available from Amazon and iTunes. Buy DVD on Amazon: Angels Sing – Libera in America

If you are inspired to see a concert live, the U.S. schedule is as follows:

5-City Easter Season Tour

Boston, MA  –  The Wilbur Theatre  –  April 1 at 7:30pm  |  TICKETS
Washington, DC  –  Warner Theatre  –  April 2 at 8:00pm  |  TICKETS
San Antonio, TX  –  Tobin Center  –  April 4 at 7:30pm  |  TICKETS
Chicago, IL  –  Arcada Theatre  –  April 8 at 7:30pm  |  TICKETS
Atlanta, GA  –  Woodruff Center  –  April 10, 2015 at 7:30pm  |  TICKETS

TRAILER:

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#Disneyside At-Home Celebration Teen-Style

(Disclosure: I received free products in order to host a Disney Side @Home Celebration. The opinions expressed here are my own.)

I thought there would come a day when I wouldn’t be able to get my kids to dress up and host a costume party. Well, maybe or maybe not. Apparently, even teens don’t need much encouragement when it comes to getting out of the cold of winter and gathering for a Disney Side Celebration. Of course, the special emphasis on Disney villains were a clever touch in the kit we received and recipes for Ursula’s Octopus cupcakes and Maleficent’s Black Ice punch were an added bonus.

Several teens who came early enjoyed helping create and decorate a Duff Goldman tie-dye cake in a Mickey Mouse Cake Pan. And, of course, eating it was all that much more fun.

Themes make parties fun but ultimately, a party is about the people in it and through this event, I watched my teen daughter invite a nice group of kids to our home, entertain and feed them and come into her own as someone who can graciously entertain. I am proud of both of my daughters who we have raised to be independent and kind, young women who know how to have “clean” fun and gather a crowd without it getting out of control. Their friends eat, they play games, they watch movies, they go home. Sure, I loved the age when my girls could fit into girly little princess dresses but this is such a great age too – seeing them own their own entertaining style and sense of self. It is a beautiful time.

#DisneySide

Time to cut the cake and have a touch of Twinings tea!

Cake Slicedisney tea time

 

And, then there’s puzzle time – villain style!IMG_20150302_162533272_HDR

(I am also so very grateful for other sponsors who added products to our Disney celebration: all Mighty Pacs for easy laundry clean-up, HP CMYK photo paper packs, My Image Bracelet Maker and Disney Parks who sent luggage tags and lots of fun!)

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