Tuesday, May 5, 2009

A very special theatrical event

You didn't hear Cynthia Nixon or Lin-Manuel Miranda announce this Tony nomination but if it were up to me the award for Best Special Theatrical Event of 2009 would go my surprise birthday party weekend!

Produced, directed and costarring the very talented Steve on Broadway, it also starred Chris, Kari, Sarah and Roxie. They were all wonderful! Plus, there were cameos from Angela Lansbury, Renee Fleming, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter and Dame Judi Dench.

And what magnificent sets - from the marble corridors of power to the glitz of a 1930s movie palace, from the gritty streets of an urban neighborhood that drew Italian immigrants seeking the American Dream to the opulent mansions of the Gilded Age where millionaire industrialists and their families whiled away the summer.

Really, it had everything I love about live theatre - it took me to places I'd never been before, there were plot twists I never imagined, moments of laughter and tears (of joy), an abundance of witty banter and an absolutely perfect ending. I wish it could have run forever.

To everyone who made the weekend possible, "Bravo!" Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for the best birthday celebration I've ever had. Please come back soon. It's never too early for a revival!

7 comments:

Pam said...

Happy Birthday Esther! I just finished checking out the other party goers blogs about your weekend! What a fantastic group of friends you have. What a wonderful celebration. I can't wipe the smile off my face just thinking about it. All the pictures are wonderful! I'm so happy for you!

Vance said...

Happy Birthday!!! I loved that pic of you and Steve out in the Breakers (thats what its called right?)

Steve On Broadway (SOB) said...

Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, dear Esther.
Happy birthday to you!!!!

Anonymous said...

OMG. now I know who you are. I just put two and two together!

Happy Birthday. It looked WONDERFUL.

Sarah B. Roberts said...

Don't forget that Sondheim was there too! It was a thrill to be a part of the production. Happy Birthday, dear Esther!

Dale said...

I read about your excellent birthday adventures on SOB's site. Sounds like a wonderful time was had by all! Happy Bday again!

Esther said...

Awww, thanks for the birthday wishes everyone! It certainly was the best birthday celebration I've ever had. You're right, Pam, I do have a pretty fantastic group of friends and I feel so fortunate.

Sorry, Sarah! I added Sondheim!