A Transparent Musical is Coming Along!

 It was kind of nice to revisit these characters, even though I stopped watching the TV show a season or two before its finale. As was the problem with the series, these characters are who they are, and their flaws become tiresome. 

The songs by Faith Soloway were really good! More than one showstopper, and all hit that right balance between familiarity and dissidence to make it interesting. I also very much appreciated that I could understand most of the words most of the time. 

Still, there are areas that need work. 

While "You Must Be (Love at the JCC)" is one of the most entertaining numbers of the show, the storyline between Josh and Raquel feels forced and is the weakest subplot of the show. And that's even more evident in "Quartet" when they try to juxtapose the oldest siblings. While a very nice song, the stakes aren't high enough for Josh and Raquel to the more crucial stakes for Sarah and Len. 

"Mom in a Car" desperately needs to be moved to Act 1. Sarah Pfefferman (played by Sarah Stiles) comes across as angry for no reason until that song, and it's a little too late in the show to really care about her and what happens in her relationship. Stiles, an incredible actress and singer, deserves better. 

Also, one minute she makes a hard and important decision, and 2 songs later, changes her mind and makes the opposite decision, which makes her whole storyline seem pointless because there's no sign of change or growth, just sentimentality. 

Unfortunately, Daya Curley's Maura is lacking. This cast has many incredibly strong performers, and Curley gets swallowed by all the talent around her. 

The standout is Liz Larsen's Shelly Pfefferman. Much like Judith Light in the TV series, she's the most fun to watch. Her character (and the actor playing her) has found the right balance of flawed and funny that the audience completely lights up whenever she comes onstage.

There is cutting to be done here. The show doesn't merit the length. Tightening it up all around would be beneficial. 

These criticisms are not meant to steer any audience member away. It was an enjoyable evening, and I think we'll be able to say we saw it when. They're meant to help bring the show to a much broader audience, and with these tweaks, I think they'll get there. 

7.5/10

*These opinions are entirely my own. I paid for my ticket. 

A New Brain told in a New Way

This is a William Finn show that I've never before had the pleasure to see IRL, but have listened to both the original cast recording and the 2015 cast recording starring Jonathan Groff many times. So I was thrilled to buy a ticket to see this at The Davidson/Valentini Theatre at the Los Angeles LGBT Center (a first for me), presented by Celebration Theatre, in association with LALGBTC. 

I have not been in a theatre this small in years, and the intimacy really worked here. The energy was shared between the performers and audience in this beautiful way that can only happen in live theatre. 

This was a different presentation of the show, directed by Khanisha Foster, starting with the casting. Gordon is played by non-binary (they/them) Amanda Kruger, and Roger (Gordon's lover) by Yassi Noubahar (she/her), roles previously played by men. Kruger's Gordon is three-dimensional, and finishes the marathon seemingly with more energy than when the show started! Noubahar's voice is beautiful, which made up for a lack of nuance in character. 

The 4-piece band adds so much to this show, but I was hoping for a moment to actually see them behind their hidden curtain. For the most part, the sound design works, but there were some  moments where the lyrics were lost, particularly with Kruger and Noubahar. 

Sade Ayodele as Rhoda, on the other hand, had no such trouble with her incredible voice! I also appreciated the depth she added to a character that was only outlined on paper. 

What struck me the most is that, even though the center of the story is Gordon's brain tumor, the majority of the 95-minute show is a celebration. The characters may be queer or gender expansive, but that's not the focus of the show. It allows these humans to be just that: humans dealing with love, sickness and demanding bosses, and finding the humor and ways to sing about it. 

While the show is about 5 minutes longer than it should be, Foster keeps the show moving and uses the space inventively. Alli Miller-Fisher's choreography celebrates the body's desire to move, to dance, to be free, and Mitchell Johnson throws themselves into every move with the biggest smile ever!

Every cast member has their opportunities to shine, and they feel like a loving family when they're all on stage together. 

This production runs through June 24, and I strongly encourage you to experience this celebration of life and theatre. 

Sweeney Todd on Broadway: Annaleigh Ashford is Exceptional

I was fairly anxious when Sweeney Todd began at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. This has been a favorite of mine, and was my introduction to Sondheim when I was 9 years old and we watched it on PBS. It started late so we’d agreed that we’d watch Act 1 and then go to bed and save Act 2 for the next day. It was agony! 

I’ve seen that PBS version more times than I can count, but I’ve never seen it live! I just felt so lucky that my “first time” was in a Broadway production, directed by Thomas Kail, with Alex Lacamoire conducting, and an incredible company. 

*Disclaimers: I paid for the tickets myself. Jordan Fisher was out for our performance, and we saw the excellent understudy, Nathan Salstone.

While this production doesn’t start with a whistle, the prologue still features the fantastic ensemble, setting the mood. While Sweeney will never be a toe-tapper, the addition of movement, as choreographed by Steven Hogget, enhanced the effect. 

There’s no doubt that Groban can sing this role as good, if not better, than the giants who have previously played the role. What was questionable was whether he had the acting chops. Given that Kail cast him, however, I was hopeful. They’ve clearly collaborated beautifully to create Groban’s Sweeney. He’s almost scarier because his demeanor is less hunched, not a constant frown. More like a sadness that eventually erupts into anger. And his energy and laughter in “A Little Priest,” which is immediately after his beautifully eerie “Epiphany” is impressive. 

Gaten Mattaranzo is pitch perfect as Toby. Not only did he sound great, there was depth in the character’s transition from a naïve boy to his puppy love crush on Mrs. Lovett to the devastated young man in the final moments. 

Let me be clear. Everyone is great. Ruthie Ann Miles (a haunting Beggar Woman), Maria Bilbao as Joanna, and a completely surprising new side to Nicholas Christopher as Pirelli, there's a ridiculous amount of talent on that stage.

And yet, Annaleigh Ashford absolutely steals the show! This was the first time I’ve seen her live, and she’s exquisite. It’s not just her comedic timing, great voice, and electric chemistry she has with each and every scene partner, she includes the audience like no one I’ve ever seen. She’s not pandering, she’s not hammy, she’s just completely there with you and for you. She recognizes the beauty of that one moment in live theatre. I simply could not take my eyes off of her. 

While I’m forever grateful that the PBS version exists, and I will watch it again, this production is what makes revivals worthwhile. There’s no dismissal of what was, but there’s a clear forward progression. I’m thrilled that we’re getting a cast recording of this beautiful production. 

The SVMoms Blog event products (Part 1)

So I was walking up from the laundry room at my apartment building, and a neighbor stopped me to say "don't you love those?" She was referring to my new Shape-Up Skechers, which were given to me at the event. I'm still getting used to them, but she could've written her own blog about how much she loved them, how much difference she was seeing in her shape and her posture. So far, my only complaint is that as a corporate mom, I don't have a lot of opportunity to wear them! I love the idea, and hope that Skechers comes up with technology that can actually be worn in an office.

As I write this, my daughter is charging her iPod (my old one) on the new iGo Green, a product also given to me at the event. In this world of devices, it's great to have another way to charge our devices. Even better, this charger also charges itself so that when there's no plug in sight, you can still get more juice into your device.

Ju-Ju-Be personalized a version of this bag to memorialize the event for us. It will replace my old cosmetics travel bag. (They mostly make diaper bags, but have other types as well.)

I am coveting the Bosch Tassimo brewer. This is the only single-serve coffee maker I would want, since the others I have tried are simply awful in comparison. Sadly, they didn't give us our own brewer, only a cup of coffee to try!

I also think I would really get a lot of use out of the Litl webbook, as I often now wish for a laptop just so I can do some browsing/tweeting from the comfort of my couch (I just have a desktop). Having said that, I would need the price to come down about $400 before I could consider it. And I didn't get one of these, either. Just saw them at the event.

More to come as I delve into some of the products not yet mentioned a little more.

DISCLOSURE: I was not paid to write this post, nor were any promises made to write this.

The Pacific Waters Spa in HB is worth the trip to OC

More check-ins at Hyatt Spa trip

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This is how I spent my Sunday! The Pacific Waters Spa at the Hyatt Resort & Spa in Huntington Beach invited LA Moms bloggers (and a few others) to spend an afternoon indulging so that we could tell you all about it!

The Spa is 20,000 square feet of luxury, indulgence, and - oh, yeah - there's a fitness center, too. But admittedly, we were perfectly content to simply look at the equipment while we noshed on some of the lavish treats from the Spa menu. They had my favorite kind of sandwich: mozzarella, tomato, and basil with pesto. I had two. (There were other kinds of sandwiches, but why anyone would care when there's mozzarella to be had, I just don't know.)

But I'm getting ahead of myself. After going to the relax room, I was taken for a massage by Maren. We concentrated on the neck and shoulders, and it didn't take long for those tense muscles to forget all about the drive down!

Then I went for a manicure with Jacquie (who cracked me up when she heard my girls were 9 and 12, and asked "and you're still allowed to blog?"). She treated my hands to a scrub, masque, and moisturizer that left my hands still smelling sweet for hours!

After that, we learned how to make a couple of spa treatments at home created by Pacific Water Spa's manager, Carol McIntire. These are made from items either already on our grocery list, or easy enough to add to the list. I admit, I'm a little adverse to the idea of using coffee for a treatment (because it smells heavenly, and just made me want to drink it), and will instead share the foot treatment with you. You will need:

-3/4 cup Aloe gel (this might be tougher to find in your regular supermarket, so try a specialty store if you have trouble)
-1 cup organic sugar crystals (like the brown In the Raw packets you see at Starbucks)
-1/2 crushed fresh mint leaves (or another natural herb to your liking, like rose petals or lavender)

Mix all ingredients, apply to feet in light circular motion to exfoliate. You can also wrap the feet in plastic wrap and warm towels for 3-4 minutes, then unwrap, and rinse.

After learning about those and getting a tour of the entire spa facility (and stuffing my face with mozzarella sandwiches), it was time for our facial. When I arrived at my parents' house to pick up the girls, my mom immediately noticed the difference in my face! It felt heavenly and was just as soothing as the massage.

The entire staff was so friendly and easy-going. There wasn't a hint of air about them and they were very knowledgeable.

The chain of Hyatt spas (known as Hyatt Pure) is very conscientious about using natural products as much as possible, and incorporating local products as appropriate.

I was also surprised how family-friendly the Resort and even the Spa are! The salon offers services for kids ages 4 and up, and the Resort has two pool areas, one with 3 different slides for the kids (and cabanas with TVs for the parents). The Resort also offers Camp Hyatt, which would keep the kids plenty busy while parents relax in the sauna or have a couples massage.

The bad news? I could never afford this place! I could barely afford to tip all the wonderful staff who took such great care of us!

Still, I would have no trouble recommending it to anyone who can. And I can even help you with the price. Become a fan of Pacific Waters Spa on Facebook, and/or follow them on Twitter, tell them April McCaffery referred you, and you'll receive 20% off any 60 minute treatment.

Even if you're not a SoCal resident, what the heck, do it anyway! Maybe you can plan your next getaway around it, and we can meet up!

Simple, but better (SimpleHuman review)

There are some products we use everyday that we've stopped thinking about as innovations. A trash can is just a trash can. The only thought I usually have about hand soap is whether or not we need to buy more. Most innovation on some household products has pretty much petered out.

simplehuman is changing that perception.

simplehuman has taken common kitchen and bath essentials, and thought, how can we do this better?

simplehuman allowed us to sample a few products.


This two-in-one is perfect for our small apartment kitchen. It could also be used nicely in other rooms of the house - the bedrooms or office, for example. There's the obvious convenience of having both a trash can and a recycling bin in one receptacle, but there are other conveniences as well.

The receptacle's finish is fingerprint-resistant. I also like the fact that the lids don't slam shut, but instead, close silently. But my favorite part is the tuck tool in the back of each bin to gather the excess of the liner bags. (While the company offers can liners of each type, this feature allows you to use the bags from anywhere.) And a 5-year-warranty is always a nice touch!

I'm obsessed with the cotton swab holder (not yet available online). I know that sounds silly, but I've never liked the packaging that most cotton swabs come in. This product allows me to keep them nicely on the bathroom counter, and buy the cheapest cotton swabs, regardless of their packaging.

The most exciting product we've tried is the sensor soap dispenser.

This was incredibly easy to put together with the use of one screwdriver and 4 AA batteries. There are 4 different levels of dispension, including one for hand lotion. The girls think it's the coolest thing ever, and it also saves me money because I can buy hand soap in bulk packages and simply re-load instead of paying for a new pump dispenser every time. And it comes with a 2-year warranty.

I'm now coveting the bathtub caddy, which comes with a wine glass holder. I'd also like to get the shampoo and soap dispenser for the girls' bathroom.

Riley has fun cleaning with the microfiber mitt kit and since they only use water, I don't have to worry about her using too much cleaning product!

My complaint would be that, as well as they design products that can be used for apartment-dwellers, their prices are a bit out of reach for too many of us that live in them. I'd never heard of this company before they approached me for a review because they sell at Bed, Bath and Beyond - a store that is beyond my usual shopping! They now have their own stand-alone retail shop in Los Angeles, but I'd still prefer to shop online at their site instead, as long as they continue to offer free shipping on most products.

Since I've learned of them, I've started developing a wish list for things simplehuman should create: children's bedroom organization is at the top of that list! And while they've started offering some laundry products, they still haven't hit upon the perfect answer for my trips down to the laundry room.

simplehuman is keeping in mind what's important to me as a consumer: long-lasting products that have just that much more thought put into them to make my life just a little bit easier.

Photos courtesy of simplehuman. I have not been paid for this review, but I did receive the products to sample free of charge.

Previous Reviews

FaceChipz

LA Sparks

Ringling Bros/Barnum & Bailey Zing Zang Zoom


Disney on Ice


Legally Blonde the Musical