Lea, Starbucks, and Merrily We Roll...

Just a couple of things to chat about today. Went to see the Patron Saint Of Pinoy Performers, Lea Salonga. She was performing in Washington D. C. this past weekend in the same theatre that we performed Saigon in. Of course, we all must show our respect and give our props to one of our motherland's trailblazers. But in several videotaped concerts of hers that I've seen, she always come across as awkward and a tad bit on the corny side. Not to mention a tad bit too prideful of her Filipino heritage. Not so this weekend. She was absolutely charming, sounded AMAZING, and was very professional and polished. Perhaps married life has chilled her out a bit. Kudos!

This blog entry is being transmitted via my laptop computer, currently stationed at Starbucks at 47th and 9th. I find it kind of ridiculous that one can find a Starbucks at 47th and 8th as well as 47th and Broadway- 3 adjacent streets. A bit of overkill for a place that doesn't even serve great coffee (Dunkin Donuts is SO much better). But I must admit my summer drink of 2005 is their green tea frappuccino- yum!

Seeing a supposedly bad production of Merrily We Roll Along this evening. I love Sondheim so how bad can it be? And I'm not paying for it so I'll naturally be more forgiving. Isn't it funny how when things are free, things aren't so bad, but when we have to pay full price for something, we expect the world.

I Am The Greatest Singer .... In The Woooorld.

I was in Vegas this week for my friend's 30th birthday and had the privilege of seeing Celine Dion's show. It's easy to poke fun at this diva for so many things- her awkward childhood to adulthood relationship with her manager, that played out Titanic song, her freaky gazillion dollar wedding, etc... but the woman can SING!!! I am in awe of that amazing belt and range. She danced, she emoted, she looked fabulous in couture clothing. It was truly a no holds barred show. Afterward, a friend of a friend, who is in the show, took us on a tour backstage. It's always fascinating to me to get a glimpse of the inner workings of a show. Most impressive- the worlds largest LED screen and the humidifying jets built into the stage. Celine has to keep the vocal chords moist. How do I get one of those?

Cirque Du Jose

Tonight I'm headed to Jersey to see Cirque Du Soleil's Varekai. Ever since I went to see La Nouba at Pleasure Island, I've been obsessed with the "Magic" that is Cirque Du Soleil. Being an avid theatre goer, it takes quite a bit of theatre magic to overwhelm me. This Summer I went to see their new Las Vegas show, Ka. I can honestly say that this piece takes theatre to another level. The set and theatre alone left me awestruck and mesmerized. I become so inspired by the otherworldly surroundings, the grace and strengths of their performers, and the messages of hope, dreams, and passion that their productions portray. Someday I hope to run away and join THIS circus. Plus there's no elephants to poop on stage.

Music Makes The People Come Together

It certainly does! I'm here at home watching history unfold before us. Live 8 reminds us that there is power in numbers. I remember where I was 20 years earlier for the telecast of Live Aid. What an amazing day of musical performances and what a powerful message it sent to our world leaders of the time. If we as a global nation could just unite and share our resources with those less fortunate, how much better our world could be for our children. www.one.org - visit the site and show your support!