a night of London theater

As classes come to an end this week, I have been dreading writing my two serious papers due this Friday. Classes here have been a big change-although I am not doing nearly as much work as compared to Wake, I feel like I am absorbing more information from my lectures. This is probably because I finally have found actual public relations and broadcasting classes!

I spent the majority of the week working on my public relations report on the Cadbury organization. Eight pages later, I feel like I have a better idea of how PR is situated in corporations and its behind the scenes influence. Everywhere I go, I am reminded by material covered in class. Something as simple as a Stella ad makes me think of CSR and corporate branding. I am taking that as a good sign.

Luckily, amidst all the work, I had something to look forward to this week.The Corrigans gave me the most amazing going-away present ...BILLY ELLIOTT tickets! A night out at a musical is my idea of a perfect evening, and I was so glad I could invite my roomie Devon to come with me after our night at the Globe. After arriving two hours early to make sure we got our tickets (I told you I would, George!), we went to dinner at an Italian restaurant. As we walked into the theater, I literally got a chill realizing how amazing my life is in this city. I am finally experiencing a city on my own terms, and it.is.incredible.

The inside of the theater was stunning...with beautiful intricate molding and mahogany seats, it felt like a trip back in time. Just when Devon and I thought it couldn't get any better, we found our seats. 4th row, two in, so close to to the stage I could see the wires and the feet of the actors under the curtain. There are no words to describe the moment...we spent the minutes before the show speechless.

 The inside of the Victoria Palace Theater

                                                                                                                Devon and I

And then then the lights dimmed and I remembered that comforting, exhilarating feeling of being in the theater. Sitting in the Victoria Palace Theater sent me back to high school nights spent in the dark of Wiegand, practicing endless amounts of lines and yet incredibly content. How lucky I am to be able to experience such a feeling every time I walk into a theater. Theater=as good as it gets for me.

I wish I was more eloquent to describe the show itself. The moving, thought-provoking and entrancing story and choreography stunned me into silence. I teared up- watching Billy reading the letter from his mother. During the opening notes of "Solidarity." His final audition piece. Watching this boy perform ballet, gymnastics, tap, all while acting and singing for three hours made me realize how many talented people there are that want to give their talent to an audience. It was incredibly humbling.

This is what I cannot possibly explain via email, skype, or even in person when I get home. That indescribable feeling of satisfaction and amazement that continues to grow every chance I get to experience this city. Thank you, Jane and George, for an evening full of excitement and pure happiness. :)