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Two Decades of Kids and Counting

By Sally Torbey

About this blog: About this blog: I have enjoyed parenting five children in Palo Alto for the past two decades and have opinions about everything to do with parenting kids (and dogs). The goal of my blog is to share the good times and discuss the ...  (More)

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Family theater at its best!

Uploaded: Dec 22, 2014
From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, life is a fog of airline bookings, tree decorating, card writing, menu planning, gift wrapping, grocery shopping, table setting, cookie baking, vegetable peeling and list making, but for a few hours last weekend, I forgot about my lists as we enjoyed the TheatreWorks production of the musical "Peter and the Starcatcher." Along with my family, I laughed for 2 1/4 hours (with one 15-minute intermission).

The annual TheatreWorks holiday show is a favorite tradition of our holiday season. Many Decembers ago, we became subscribers when a neighbor (and then TheatreWorks board member) gifted us tickets to "The Shop Around the Corner." We were so entertained and ecstatic to discover that theater of such high quality was just a short walk from our home.

Last year our family was charmed by the production of "Little Women", so we had high hopes for the critically-acclaimed "Peter and the Star Catcher", and the production last weekend exceeded even our high expectations. The intimacy of the Lucie Stern Theatre and immersion in the action is great for all ages. The musical has a relentless pace and it was a roller coaster ride anticipating what zany plot twists were coming.

"Peter and the Starcatcher" is a prequel to the much beloved story of Peter Pan. Among other tantalizing facts, we learn how Peter acquired his name, how he came to know Wendy, how Captain Hook became one-handed, how the mermaids came to be, and why the crocodile ticks. The play starts out funny but the second half becomes so over-the-top silly that even the talented professional cast seemed to find it a challenge to stay in character. Some of the actors were barely able to suppress their laughter at the antics of the other characters, which made it all the more hilarious. Our twelve-year-old daughter was so enthralled with "Peter and the Starcatcher" that, when invited by a friend, she jumped at the chance to see the show again this week!

An article in last week's Wall Street Journal gives advice on how to keep up one's spirits at a time of year that, with all its expectations of joy, can be surprisingly difficult. One of the recommendations is to "Do something awesome?that is vast and overwhelming? that challenge(s) your sense of what's possible." Experiencing this energetic performance of a clever and creatively kooky musical that stretches the imagination is not only fun, but an "awesome" mood booster as well!
Democracy.
What is it worth to you?

Comments

Posted by Timothy, a resident of Old Palo Alto,
on Dec 22, 2014 at 7:23 pm

Wonderful blog and very uplifting!!


Posted by Sally Torbey, a Palo Alto Online blogger,
on Dec 22, 2014 at 7:40 pm

Sally Torbey is a registered user.

Thanks, Timothy, for reading and commenting!


Posted by LJ, a resident of another community,
on Dec 23, 2014 at 6:21 am

Nothing better than theater for a happy distraction! Not having to drive and park makes it even better especially this time of year. Thanks for the post!


Posted by Sally Torbey, a Palo Alto Online blogger,
on Dec 23, 2014 at 8:33 am

Sally Torbey is a registered user.

Thanks, LJ, for reading and commenting!


Posted by Bethlehemite, a resident of another community,
on Dec 23, 2014 at 9:31 am

If you love Christmas theater, then you will love this opportunity to travel back in time to the first Christmas. Over 300 costumed characters plus animals take part in Bethlehem AD. Just up the Peninsula in Redwood City, Bethlehem AD has its last night tonight of the re-enactment of the first Christmas in a Hebrew village scene from 6.00pm - 9.30 pm at 1300 Middlefield Road, Redwood City. Admission Free. Suitable for all the family, from the youngest to most senior. Golf Cart available for anyone who has mobility difficulties bethlehemad.com Follow the lights in the sky.


Posted by Sally Torbey, a Palo Alto Online blogger,
on Dec 23, 2014 at 2:29 pm

Sally Torbey is a registered user.

Thanks Bethlehemite for the suggestion!


Posted by GC, a resident of Community Center,
on Jan 3, 2015 at 4:27 pm

Thank you Sally for sharing your experience. Theatreworks has never, ever disappointed... your blog was a timely reminder to go and enjoy... of which we did last night. The LOL character for me is "Hook" and the first post intermission activity had us along with the entire audience in stitches...

Happy New Year Sally and family! and again thank you for sharing you and your family with us all.


Posted by Sally Torbey, a Palo Alto Online blogger,
on Jan 3, 2015 at 4:31 pm

Sally Torbey is a registered user.

Thanks, GC, for reading and commenting. So glad your family enjoyed the show. Happy New Year, too!


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