before heading to the city i connected with my uncle in the hopes of seeing him and the rest of my ny family. it was then that i learned that my cousin sonja had done the aerial choreography for daniel radcliffe's new (revival) broadway play 'how to succeed in business without really trying,' and i couldn't have been more excited for her.
sonja is six years older than me, and for many years, she and dylan and i were the only cousins on my dad's side. i am sure that there were many times she wished for cousins closer to her age, but dylan and i never once felt unwanted or excluded from any activities at our annual family gatherings. in fact, when i think back on it now, i simply do not know how such patience is possible...after all, what 15 year old wants an 8 year old tag along.
as a result of her unceasing graciousness, and also because she was just so fun to be with, i absolutely idolized her. as an adult, that idolatry has evolved into great respect. she always had a passion for the theater, and while i shared a similar love, i was not willing to make the sacrifices so often required to pursue that particular passion and chose a safer path, while she made those sacrifices and dedicated herself to the exploration of that art, in many of it's facets. and while to some it may seem that the journey (so far) has taken an unusual path, she has found a way to live her dream, and i couldn't be more proud of or happy for her.
so, you can imagine why i was so thrilled when my uncle kim suggested that she might be able to get tickets for us to see the show, which was still in previews.
now, full disclosure time: this is a show that i did in high school, and, well...i'm not such a fan. in fact, it may have been the least favorite production from my entire theater experience. but, i was truly excited to see her work, and hey, who doesn't like harry potter!?
she was able to get two tickets, and she and kim, and 8 year old sam and i met for dinner before the show. it's been a couple of years since we had seen each other (more for sonja and i) and we enjoyed yummy italian and more importantly, each other's company.
i have said it so many times before, and i cannot say it enough: i am so fortunate in my family, and even more fortunate to have so many opportunities to be reminded of that.
as we were wrapping up dinner, my aunt mary arrived, and she and i headed off to the show to catch up in between the musical action. it was so great to have some dedicated time with her, and to hear first hand about some of the recent health issues she has faced, while feeling more comforted that she is on the mend.
and the show itself, was, against all odds, TREMENDOUS! that sounds like a broadway word, doesn't it? :)
truly, i absolutely loved the show. i spent the whole evening laughing and wondering why i had ever disliked it! daniel radcliffe was so darling and perfect for the role, and i was impressed by his musical chops. narration by anderson cooper and john larroquette as co-star didn't hurt none either. i cannot recommend this show highly enough - just go in with a sense of humor about 1950s stereotypes and you will not be able to help but have a good time.
at the conclusion of the play, i walked mary to the subway station and we made our bittersweet farewells. it was the perfect way to bid adieu to the city of lights.
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