Yesterday I saw a play that I really enjoyed. The ending left something to be desired, but I liked the rest of it so much that the whole overcame the finale. I like it more today than I did yesterday, and I liked it then! The more I think about it the more strongly I react to it. I went with a dear friend who I hadn't seen in way too long and that, I'm sure, added to my overall enthusiasm about the performances.
I thought the acting was great. Well, most of it was great and some if it was good - but that's a pretty encouraging report card for off-Broadway shows here in NYC. The director, Michael Grief, did Rent and Grey Gardens. As my friend said, "I'm shocked this doesn't have a catwalk." *snicker* Another plus is that it was put on by MCC, a really great company. (insider info: the female lead is in the new Jim Carey flick Number 23 - and as my friend and I both noticed she has a Meredith Grey/Ellen Pompeo quality about her) The male lead, the husband, blew my mind he was so excellent. So excellent, in fact, that I was utterly convinced that he was a real person - that the man onstage was that actor all the time. Really amazing.

I think the reason I enjoyed the piece so much is that it was moving. It was uncomfortable, lovely, very funny, heartbreaking, shocking at points... all those things in one show. I always appreciate when something I see moves me to emotion rather than manipulates my senses. Does that make sense? I appreciate a well crafted sadness onstage, but I can do without canned depression. The emotion in this play was very real feeling. Like a good cry, you know? I had a good, hearty cry last week in the kitchen while MT was making dinner. We were having some random conversation and I got very worked up and cried for what felt like no good reason. It came out of nowhere and really took my by surprise. And then it hit me - I've actually just been so happy lately that I haven't cried. I guess my body needed to get rid of some stress hormones or something, because I had no personal emotional reason to cry. It felt great. We ended up laughing really hard while the tears were rolling down my cheeks and my mascara was staining his t-shirt. It's remarkable how little you care about snot and makeup on your shirt when you love someone. Make a card for that one, Hallmark, I dare you!

But back to the play for a minute... I was so happy to have hung out with my friend, to have seen a piece of theatre that I really liked, to have experienced a wonderful New York afternoon. This is the best place for me. Even in my dreams I live here. What a cool thing.