The Night of The Tempest

In August we saw a production of The Tempest, in Balboa Park. It was in the same theater where I used to work summers, where Geoff started working so we could date... that was a dear, long, time ago. Twenty-nine years, a marriage, and a few children later, we finally returned. What a treat it was.

We read the play, first a translation, then the original, and finally an illustrated version.. for good measure. It's nice to have the lay of the land when approaching Shakespeare, and The Tempest was a new play for us. Now it is a favorite play. The Globe gave us an exceptional experience. Or as Suki put it, "Thank you for the Shakesperience.


Before the theater we enjoyed a dinner out. Beautiful setting.


Such a fun evening, dressed in our pretties. The play was outdoors, and the evening was cool, so we all had coats and a few wraps. Our seats were a bit far to one side, but close to the stage. After intermission we slipped down even closer, since there were empty seats. Maria was riveted. She still pours over the graphic novel, recalling the characters and events she saw unfold before her.


Balboa Park is a gem, a place that holds a lot of dear memories. It's an ideal place to visit, no matter your budget. Theater tickets are a luxury, but there is always something theatrical and entertaining going on, and much of it is free. A picnic alone, surrounded by these historic buildings and lovely gardens is worth the visit.


Maria wore the dress Caia gave her, and a necklace her Grandma BooBoo made for her.
Slowly, it is dawning on me that she is not a baby. I know. About time. And she is well beyond toddler-hood. I am not in any hurry to rush things along, but suddenly "almost seven" is seeming like a big leap forward.

Sigh


Ariel, the one who does all of Prospero's bidding, had blue hair. They noticed Suki. Toward the end, when they were taking bows, some of the characters definitely had their sights on pretty Suki and her sea-foam blue hair. I liked that moment. Live theater is like nothing else. It is dynamic. The energy carries, in both directions.


I would love to see some more productions at the Globe. A summer Shakespeare tradition would definitely be a treat. And I am reminded that we have our holiday outing to look forward to. It's probably not a bad idea to start thinking about that... Holiday Pops! And family. And brunch. This will be our fourth year.


Speaking of traditions! We had not seen this pose in quite awhile. Now I am remembering our Beanerina, all over Europe!

All of these images were sitting in my iPhone, which I sync-ed today. I love my iPhone, and all the happy memories it keeps for me.