Art Isn't Easy

Today was the exact kind of day I needed. I've been really busy the past couple of weeks so I took today to do very little. I did do laundry (starting before dawn!), but only because I hadn't had time this past week and it was getting to a critical point. Other than that, I went for a nice walk (only 2.5 miles-- less than usual, but I need *some* sort of movement in my days) and that's about it. Once back home, I could barely keep my eyes open, so took a leisurely nap. It felt ultra-extravagant. I have a feeling it won't have a negative impact on my sleep tonight. I'm still feeling kinda' tired.

Despite being on the go as much as I have been, I did manage to carve out some time at the piano for a bit yesterday. It's the first I've done that in weeks.

I'm having more spinal injections tomorrow. It's the final one in this series. I didn't think I'd need it this soon, but I do. Within the last week, it's been feeling like the previous ones were wearing off.

I've been otherwise feeling much stronger lately, physically. Of course, I still have some of the usual aches and pains, but I've been managing my pain even better.

I haven't been taking in much theater or film. I think the only thing I've seen (at least worth mentioning) since my prior post was last night. We saw "Sunday in the Park With George" at Studio 54. They brought the London production to Broadway for a revival.

We scored front row, center seats on the cheap, which was extra nice. What a beautiful production! The artistry involved was no less than wonderful. (If they ever have tech issues, however, they're screwed.)

I adored Jenna Russel, who played Dot. Daniel Evans also did a nice George. Of course, IMO, almost anything is better than having to watch Mandy Patinkin do the role. It was fun to see Ann L. Nathan do something different from her lovable performance as the gutsy, stern secretary in "Thoroughly Modern Millie".

I've seen the show before, but wasn't particularly in love with it. As much as I love most Sondheim, he has a few pieces that have, so far, left me cold. And I find much of the OBC recording unlistenable (although, I very, very rarely listen to showtunes anyway). I was hugely impressed here. Some of the harmonies are just stunning. The score still has its flaws, but I have so much more appreciation for it and the show itself. The fact that it's about my favorite painter (and painting, for that matter) and scored by one of my favorite Broadway composers, you'd think it'd be a shoe in for something I'd like straight away, but maybe that's why I didn't so easily.

I found an interesting interview on the Roundabout's site that shows some of production and talks about the score, etc.

Prior to the theatre, we went to Cafe Un Deux Trois for dinner. The service and the food were both wonderful. This was my first time there, despite living so close (then again, I could eat at a different place for a month and not cover the amount of restaurants in close radius). I'll definitely be back.