If you asked my friends and family about me, one of the first things they'd tell you would be something like this: "Danae, huh? She's a nice girl... But - don't tell anyone - she's absolutely obsessed with musicals! In fact, I'm worried about her; nowadays, she only talks in Stephen Sondheim lyrics!"
Okay, looks like you asked some overdramatic aunt; but, essentially, it's true - I live for musicals. Every time I hear that someone is producing a musical in my hometown, I book tickets immediately.
In fact, our mutual love for musical theater was the original reason why my best friend and I planned our trip to London; Imelda Staunton was doing Follies in the National Theatre. Now, you might not recognize this name, so I'll give you some hints. She was in Into The Woods, Sweeney Todd, Gypsy... No? She has four Olivier awards... Still no? Okay then... *sigh* she... played Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Yeah, she's that lady we all hated passionately. But! She's also had an illustrious career in the theater, and I was blown away when I saw the international broadcast of her 2015 performance as Mama Rose in Gypsy.
Seeing her and the rest of the cast - which basically consisted of West End royalty - in one of my favorite musicals was an incredible experience. I already knew the show and loved a lot of the songs. However, seeing it come alive before my eyes opened a window for me into a whole new world. I rediscovered the story, I felt so many things, I was thrilled by the incredible performances that I was lucky enough to witness…
We also saw a West End show! 42nd Street at the Royal Drury Lane theatre (the biggest West End theatre, with four floors!) My wonderful friend surprised me with the tickets; "I figured that, since we're going to London, you should see a West End show," she told me. The spectacle was breathtaking; the set, the costumes, the singing and, most importantly, the magnificent tap-dancing numbers! It was an experience I’ll never forget.
So if you're going to London, do yourself a favor and book a show! "But, Danae, I don't like musicals!" So what? Book a play instead! I promise you, it'll be one of the highlights of your trip!
(photo: www.thestage.co.uk)