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We saw the Nutcracker Suite performed by a local ballet school. I really enjoyed it. I had never seen a ballet before and had only seen pieces of the nutcracker on tv. The dancers were beautiful. There were a few professionals doing some of the harder parts, but the majority of the cast were children, some younger than Rachel. I wish I had continued with dance when I was younger. Of course, everytime I see a show, I get all wistful and think, “I could be doing that.”

My mother took Tristan and I to see Man of La Mancha at the Orpheum for Christmas. It was really nice. The actor playing Don Quixote was very good. He really played up the difference between Don Quixote and Miguel Cervantes. The only bummer was Aldonza. She was way too gentle for the part. She had a soft soprano voice and just missed the point of Aldonza becoming Dulcinea. Tristan really loved it though. We’re hoping we can go to the little community theater production of Alice in Wonderland next month. I think the kids would love it. Who knows, maybe Rachel will take an interest in acting.

I saw my first small production ever on Sunday. A local theater did West Side story and my mom got us all tickets. The stage was a rectangular block in the center of a small room with seats along all 4 sides. We were in the front seats and actually had to move our feet a few times to avoid tripping an actor. I’ve seen many Broadway productions but I think this was my favorite theater experience ever! We were close enough to see every expression on the actors faces and I was completely swept up in the story. It was the first live play Tris had ever seen and he loved it. He even got teary-eyed at all the right parts. I can’t wait to find out what they are doing next!