Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Touching Torrington

Ah, a day off! Time to sleep in (until 7am), hang out in the apartment (cleaning, doing dishes, getting laundry done...), see friends (voice lesson at 4pm, shopping trip to Trader Joes, dry cleaner, Kinkos, dollar store) and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit (uh...). Oh, and blog. There's a lot to catch up on.

We had shows in Greenwich, CT (incredible theater in a private school), Riverhead, NY (which was so "on," apparently, that our stage manager, Alaina, was moved to call it an "absolutely amazing show") and Torrington, CT. And while there wasn't really anything remarkable about Torrington, it had a certain amount of special meaning to me. Why? Well, Torrington is my mom's hometown and the Warner Theater, our venue, is where Mom saw movies when she was little. The Warner is an old vaudeville house (circa 1931) that has been re-purposed and re-purposed again and again. Most recently, it has been restored to its original glory for use as a performing arts center, and it's beautiful:



There's something fun about finding a personal connection in a certain venue. I've rarely invited friends or family to come see me in touring shows (mostly because I've rarely had people close by), but it always makes your want to give a little more, to make that performance just a little more special. And seeing all those kids out there made me imagine what it must have been like for my mom at that age to come to this place when she was about their age. Perhaps she was as awe-struck by the architecture as they were. Maybe seeing a movie there sparked something in her, like I hope we spark something in these kids. And, while the folks probably won't get to see this show (we're nowhere near Minnesota this time around), it was very moving for me to feel their presence at this venue.

And, for the record, it was a pretty awesome show.

Call tomorrow: Good question. I eagerly await Alaina's text message.

Kid quote of the day: At one point, I ask the audience, "What is a granddad without a granddaughter? Nothing!" One precocious child responded, "a grand-nothing."

PS. Follow our tour on Twitter @MooTour2010

PPS. Shout out to Joanna and Matt! Check out their new locavore website: Spoon and Trowel. It is more than worth a visit, and certainly one of the best things on the web!

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