Whether it is to see the latest Broadway (or off-Broadway) musical, an opera or the ballet, there is something magical about going to the theater. Growing up near NYC afforded me the ability to see quite a few shows. Some of the notable ones included:
- Kinky Boots with Jami during our first ever sister’s weekend
- Madame Butterfly (opera) when I was in grade school – I don’t think I truly appreciated it as much as I would today but remember the experience of walking to Lincoln Center, the grandeur of the theater, and the lively buzz.
- Wicked – I tried to read the book, I really did, but there’s no need to when you can go to the show!
- Avenue Q – It has since closed (a shame because I would recommend it hands-down), but one of my favorites
- Lion King – We brought the boys and they were pretty into it, thankfully. They were young-ish so it was a gamble taking them, but the characters and the music kept them very interested.
- The Book of Mormon – If you’re a fan of South Park and desensitized to hearing some crazy sh*t, go to see the The Book of Mormon.
- Hairspray
- Blue Man Group – this show was memorable because we sat in the third row from the stage, where we didn’t need to wear the rain ponchos to protect us from the Blue Men spitting their Captain Crunch on us, but were close enough to really get the full experience.
- Stomp
- De La Guarda – an off-broadway show that we saw, where we stood the whole time – it was amazing (not that we stood for an hour and forty five minutes, but the show it self was interactive and I didn’t even realize we were standing for as long as we did – it was that great!)
I feel like there were more I’m missing…
Miami City Ballet Romeo and Juliet
This past weekend we took an impromptu visit to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to watch the Miami City Ballet’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. I’d never been to a ballet before so this was a special treat!
Our seats were in the Mezzanine (left) and had a great view of the entire stage. In three acts, totaling a bit over two and a half hours (with two intermissions), we experienced a beautiful rendition of the unrequited love of the two infamous Italian teenagers.
Over the years I feel as though the charm of dressing up for the theater/ballet fizzled away, so to see people dressed up was refreshing! Also, I was impressed to see a decent showing of the younger generations in attendance.
I used to go to shows somewhat regularly and being at the Broward Center this weekend brought back that itch to look into more shows this coming season!
Tips for a Fun Theater Experience
WHAT TO WEAR
I highly recommend dressing for the occasion. Back in the day it was a special treat to go to the theater so we’d get dressed up. No jeans, no shorts. I think wearing a dress or dressy pant outfit would be perfect, and a nice change from the usual super casual and/or business attire. Definitely bring a wrap or sweater if you tend to get cold easily because 9 out of 10 times the air conditioning is working overtime.
PARKING
You can park offsite at the pay-to-park lots sprinkled around the Broward Center or you can valet. I recommend getting there a bit early and scout out a parking lot as the line to valet as well as the line to retrieve your car will have you waiting quite a bit. Most theaters’ websites will pinpoint offsite parking as well as pricing for valet (if available).
FOOD & DRINK
Check the individual theater’s rules when it comes to outside food and drink. You cannot bring in outside food or drink into the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, but the Center offers a full bar equipped with the usual wine, beer, and spirits along with a variety of snacks to choose from. I feel like this is the case for most places.
Food and drinks are customarily on the expensive side inside the theaters too. I recommend either eating beforehand or plan a fun dinner out nearby the theater afterward.
There’s something so special about going to the theater – from the pre-event excitement, to dressing up for the special day ahead, walking into the theater, to watching the actors and actresses create magic on the stage.
What shows have you seen and which ones are on your list to check out? I’d love to know!
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