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I saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang last night. I had problems with it, but I'm sure the kids will like it. The singing and dancing are better in the movie. The sets are good, except for the town scene in Vulgaria. I didn't really like many of the new songs. They cut out my favorite part when the baron tries to kill the baroness during Chuchi Face. And the kids are caught offstage, inexplicably. Oh well, it's fun. And the car does fly, as do several people.

I got tickets to see Phantom of the Opera for my birthday, which didn't actually come to town until last week. My tickets were for last night. Not excellent seats (I was in like, row K of the mezz, though it was in the center section) but still. Beautiful view of the stage. I went with one of my best friends in the world, my treat, as sort of a going away present, since he's leaving for college in a few days.

I don't think I breathed once the whole overture. When the lights in the chandelier burst on, I jumped out of my seat and gasped. I almost started crying right there. As the chandelier rose, I felt like this was supposed to be happening, like theatre was a natural occurance and I wasn't just along for the ride, but I was a big part of it.

The Mame Giry was amazing. She took command of the part so well and everyone was jolted whenever she pounded her cane on the ground.

The understudies did a fairly good job, though they seemed underrehearsed, especially the understudy for Piangi.

I found that as the Phantom and Christine were singing, their vibrato was in thirds, which is a bit wider than normal. I've also found that when someone does that, it makes them sound angry, which is fine for the grand majority of the time with Erik, but Christine, not so much. She would have made an excellent Carlotta, I think, not that the Carlotta already cast wasn't excellent. They both calmed down a lot in act 2 though. Which was good. Erik was very emotional and you really could feel his pain.

Kicker: Anyone who has seen me around the Phantom Phan boards knows that I'm not so into Raoul. He's not a winner. But I was very VERY charmed by his talent and his stage presence. He actually made me like him.

The costumes, lighting and special effects were dazzling. I wish I could make costumes like that, even think of costumes like that. The lighting was flawless and set the mood perfectly. I especially loved the way they depicted the descent into the Phantom's lair, I can't even explain it. It was just amazing.

I wasn't this amazed by The Producers. I was probably just as amazed by Rent if not more. But seeing Phantom live for the first time was an experience I will never forget.

That's an awesome play, just thought I'd say it. The version I saw was pretty bland, but I can imagine how good it could be if done well. I love how the Picasso character describes pulling creation out from hiding in his canvas, rather than just creating things.

And then there was Elvis. lol