Why I've Fallen in Love with Anastasia on Broadway

If you haven’t kept up with my life this past year, then let me fill you in.  I have fallen deeply in love with Anastasia on Broadway.  If you are indeed wondering, yes, Anastasia is the Broadway adaption of the 1997 Twentieth Century Fox animated film.  The show opened in April of this year in New York City, and I have never felt such love for a show.  I have personally never seen a show more than once, but Anastasia is the type of show I would love to see over and over again.

I have been keeping up with this show for about over two years now, and for very personal reasons, in which I’d like to express.  Growing up, my grandmother and I adored the movie, mainly because we loved the real story and history of the Romanov family and Russian Revolution (I am now a major history buff on both subjects!).   My grandmother was raised in Scotland her whole life, and her and my grandfather traveled the world immensely.  Even after moving to America, my grandmother had traveled to Scotland and England whenever she could.

If you are familiar with the film at all, than you know that Anastasia and her grandmother had a strong bond.  At the beginning of the film, her grandmother gives her a music box.  The lullaby with the music box goes like this; “On the wind, cross the sea, hear this song and remember, soon you’ll be home with me, once upon a December”.  This was my me and my grandmother’s same lullaby, that we took from the film.  My grandmother even bought me a replica of the music box from the film!  Needless to say, this film is very special to me.  I will always remember that about a week after she passed away over two years ago, they announced that a musical adaption of Anastasia was in the works.  This was around the time that I began talking to Christy Altomare.

Christy is the original and current Anya or Anastasia in the Broadway musical.  Christy and I became Facebook friends about two years ago, and began messaging each other quite often.  She has made such a positive impact on my life over the time I have known her, and she is someone I absolutely adore.  She has been there for me about my grandmother, and I am so thankful to know her.  I had the opportunity to see Anastasia this past June, and Christy invited me backstage afterwards.  I cried throughout the entire show, mainly because, I was able to remember my grandmother in the most special way.  She always wanted a Broadway adaptation and historically accurate depiction, and I was witnessing that very thing on that stage.  My favorite line in the whole show, is when the grandmother gives Anastasia the music box; “When you play it, think of an old woman who loves you very much”.

Anastasia is very different from the film in many ways, and it is much better.  It has moments of sadness, happiness, and mystery.   It is, in my opinion, my ideal of a perfect show.  Anastasia has been a huge comfort and shred in my life for the past year, it is just my feel good type of musical.  The cast is absolutely stellar, and I have found myself in love with everything they do.  The show does still feature the classic songs from the film, but the writers also wrote a bunch of new and different songs for the musical adaption, as well.  Some of my personal favorites from the show are listed here below:

1. Crossing a Bridge
2. Land of Yesterday
3. In a Crowd of Thousands
4. Stay I Pray You
5. Once Upon a December

There are so many more songs, so I definitely recommend you giving it a listen, especially since it is now available on Spotify!  If you’re ever in New York, I strongly encourage you to see Anastasia.  It is a beautiful show, and it is made for all ages.  Plus, Christy Altomare is stunning as Anya!

Ultimate Broadway Ticket Guide

Whenever I hear of any friends or family who are going to see a Broadway show, my immediate question is "how exactly are you buying tickets?".   Broadway is a very expensive business as a whole, and I mean it should be, it's how the actors get paid and, often times the money is worth it.  There are however, many cheap ways and tips on getting around this.  Over the years, I've seen over three or four shows a year on tour, excluding the shows I see in New York.  I've learned the best ways and websites over the years to score the best discounted tickets, and with great seats, too!  

Planning an entire trip to the city can and will be hectic, thus it is better to know the easiest ways to getting those awesome tickets to your favorite shows.  I'm glad to share my tips with you today, and feel free to send me an email or comment if you have questions about a particular show.  Here are some of my tips and sites on getting those cheapest tickets, enjoy!

01. TheaterMania
TheaterMania is both a Broadway news source and ticket source.  They usually have discounts for numerous shows, and their discounts are often great.  They also have an email list that you can sign up for, and get the latest list of show discounts. Back in August, I purchased a ticket to Waitress through TheaterMania's discount.  I got a 60% discount for front mezzanine, talk about a deal!  I would highly recommend giving their site a look!

02. BroadwayBox
BroadwayBox is in fact a very similar site to TheaterMania, and they will often have some great deals on shows as well.  This site is a great way to also find mostly videos on shows, that way you can get a good glimpse of the show before you decide to see it!

03. TKTS
TKTS is a very famous source for purchasing tickets to shows last minute.  They are more of a "day of" system, and only have discount listings for the current week.  They usually have a 50% discount, which is an awesome deal on any shows.  

04. TodayTix
TodayTix is mainly used for Broadway Lotteries.  These are when you can enter a lottery for a show a day before or day off, and luckily win for as low as $20.  You can also purchase through them with others discount codes.

05. Rush
Rush is when you go to the Box Office when it first opens in the early morning.  You can get cheaper tickets the day of the show for usually great seats, mostly orchestra even.  This is a great way to also get Standing Room, where you can stand throughout the show, but for a cheaper price!

06. SRO
Standing-Room-Only is only offered at Broadway shows that are sold out, just throwing that in there.  They're tickets you can purchase where you get to see a show while standing in the very back on the orchestra.  You won't have a seat at all, but sometimes it's worth it!  For instance, if you can get your hands on a SRO ticket for Hamilton, that's especially worth it.

Now I won't lie to you, sometimes you may simply not be able to find discounted tickets.  You might very well have to pay full price.  I had to pay full and normal price for my orchestra seats in Anastasia recently, which weren't bad seats at all.  Sure they were pricey, but I waited literally my whole life for that Broadway show, so it was worth it.  If it's worth the better seats, go for it if you can!

11 Things Broadway Has Taught Me

If you haven't guessed it already, Broadway is my life.  Although there are lots of sappy reasons why I love Broadway there are also certain things that it has taught me.  Theatre has been a major part of my life for the past few years and there's nothing in the world that I would trade it for.  I have made so many friends and there's so many things from being in theatre and from loving Broadway.  Theatre has also had a positive impact on my life and I truly do believe that it has guided me in the right direction since I was a child.  Needless to say I would be lost without Theatre and I also know a lot of people would feel this way as well.

Today I'm going to share with you 11 things at loving Broadway and Theatre has taught me.  There's probably a ton more than I list now but these are the essential life lessons I've learned throughout my years performing.   Whether it's from the amazing people and actors I've met to simply performing onstage myself, Theatre truly is the love of my life and I'm very glad to share this with you today

1. We're All Doing The Same Thing
One time a few years ago and my very first voice class, I was extremely nervous when we were warming up our voices.   Then someone said something that I will never forget nor have I ever, "It's okay, we're all doing the same thing".  I often think about this when I'm in a nervous situation or awaiting an audition but I'm very anxious about.  You see is actors we're all doing the same thing.  We're all following our dreams and we're all willing to embarrass ourselves to achieve those dreams.  

Like the cheesy lyrics from high school musical "we're all in this together", and it's true.  

2. Being Brave
It takes an awful lot of courage to get up on that station embarrass yourself, let me tell you. this is actually one of the things I love most about performing.  For simple show you can go out on stage and be someone else, anyone else that you want.  You can create a character in an entire mindset for a completely different person than you are, and that is very special to me.  Theatre has taught me to be brave to go out and do the bold things that I would never normally do in my life

3. Strength
Performers are the most amazing people I've ever known.  Mainly because most actors have so much inner strength in themselves.  It's very painful to go to an audition and not get that audition, and often times some people may feel the need to quit performing.  But the strongest actors will keep on going and keep auditioning and auditioning again until they finally get an audition callback.  It takes an awful lot of strength not to give up.

4. You Are Special
Everyone is unique and theatre has really showed me how many people out there are so unique.  Everyone has a story, everyone has a background, and theatre really brings that all together. Theatre has also taught me that I am special and I am my own person and that I can get up on stage and be myself (along with someone else!).  

This applies to everyone, so always remember that YOU ARE SPECIAL!!

5. Be Outgoing
I have always been a very shy and timid person, and Theatre has really brought out the best of me.  Theatre has taught me to talk up more and be myself more because there is nothing more important than knowing who you are.  Sure sometimes I am a very shy person but usually when I am around my fellow theatre friends and probably the loudest person!  I'm so thankful for us Broadway and theatre making me more outgoing than I've ever been in my life.

6. Find Your Talent
You really find what you're talented out when you're performing.  Maybe you discover you're actually not a great singer after all, but rather a great actor.  You can also find out what you're comfortable doing and what you're not.  If theatre isn't your thing, it just isn't your thing there's nothing you can really do about it.  But it should encourage you to go venture out and find what you are talented at and what you are extremely passionate about, and that is the dream you should follow.

7. You Can Handle it All
Rehearsals can be long and exhausting, and theatre has really boosted my tolerance up.  You can also learn to withstand more drama and more tough situations.  Broadway in Theatre really builds you to be a stronger person than used to be.

8. Be Yourself
There's not a better place for you to truly be yourself, than when you are performing.  You really cannot be the best you can be unless you are being truly yourself.  If you aren't who you really are, then who are you?  

9. Not Everything Lasts
Whether it's post show depression, or you're really sad that your favorite show just closed, nothing ever really lasts!!  Broadway has made me really more tolerant to knowing things are more short lasting than they are long-lasting.  Although it's always wonderful to live in the moment and enjoy every second you have with what you love. One of my favorite shows on Broadway is closing next month, and boy am I going to be depressed!!

10. Stars Are People, Too
Broadway stars are honestly the most sincere and kind hearted people I know.  Sure there is rude ones now and then, but most of them are just absolutely down to earth and grateful for where they are.  I'm actually friends with a few of them and they really taught me how to not be "starstruck" so to say.  If you are ever stagedooring a show, don't be nervous to go up and talk to your favorite actor they love hearing the kind words you have to say to them!

11. It's Another Day of Sun
As a song from La La Land says, it's just another day of sun.  At the end of the day, you just have to keep doing the same thing until you get good results.  You'll wake up in the morning, try your best and follow your dreams, and that will lead you to the life that you want to live.  And when they let you down, you'll get up off the ground, the morning rolls around and it's another day of sun.

Backstage Chats: Grace McLean

Grace McLean has recently made her Broadway debut as Marya in the critically acclaimed Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812.  Based off of an about seventy page section of War and Peace, the story follows young Natasha as she moves to Moscow, and eventually becomes seduced by Anatole, although engaged to another.  Grace plays Marya, Natasha's strict godmother whom her and her cousin, Sonya, move in with.

Grace has been with the show for quite sometime, and it's been wonderful to see the show finally on Broadway.  She also has a band, Grace McLean and Them Apples, which she works with on the side of this Broadway show. Sadly, Comet has recently announced that it will be closing on Broadway on September 3rd of this year.  In honor of the show closing, I   I got the chance to talk with Grace about The Great Comet, Marya, and her band.

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a performer?

Well the story I like to tell is about when I was in A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory when I was 11, and my bloomers fell off while I was dancing with Fred at his party. My "underwear" was literally around my ankles and yet the show went on. And I thought, well this is a great place to face your fears and get a laugh while doing it!

2. What was the first Broadway show you ever saw?

I saw Kiss Me Kate with my mom when I came to New York for a summer high school program at NYU when I was 17.

3. How did you first come across The Great Comet?

I saw the original production at Ars Nova in the fall of 2012 - I had been reading about it everywhere and I love Russian literature so I knew it was going to be right up my alley. I went on the very last night, it had been sold out for weeks, and I just barely got in off the wait list line, and then had one of the most memorable and moving theatrical experiences of my life.

4. Have you ever actually read War and Peace?

I have, twice! Once when I was traveling abroad in college, I wanted some morning reading, so I read War and Peace before class at this little cafe in Amsterdam, and over the course of the 2 months I was there became one of the regulars there. I loved having a "white coffee" and a warm croissant while I read. And then I read it again while we were doing the show off-Broadway in 2013, and so much faster this time! I think because I already had such a strong relationship with many of the characters already, by spending all my time with them in the show.

5. Do you think that The Great Comet is harder to perform than other Broadway shows?

Well, I've never done another Broadway show, but...it's pretty strenuous. It's all stairs all the time, in a corset, in a carpet (my costume is quite heavy), all while singing! All the time!! But, I really do love it.

6. How would you describe your character, Marya?

In the book Marya is described as a dragon woman, and I like to take that and run with it.

7. You truly are one of the real power voices of the show, is the role challenging? 

I love my track because I get to experience a real range. I get to be silly and huge and serious and small and devastated and regal and full of rage and always always full of love.

8. What's your personal favorite number in the show?

Honestly I love In My House, because the momentum of the entire show changes course in that moment, and it's really fun to be steering the ship in that moment.

9. What do you think is the most unique part of the show?

There's so much! I could say that it's all sung through, or that it makes use of all the space in the theater, or that the many styles of the music reflect the many styles of writing in the book.

10. If you could play any other role in The Great Comet, who would you play?

Dolokhov would be fun - Preparations is such a funky jam!

11. How much do you think the show has evolved since it first opened off Broadway? 

It just keeps getting bigger even while it strives to maintain its intimacy.

12. Finally, will your band, Grace McLean and Them Apples, be making any new music in the near future?

Yes! We're still working on a full length album, I'm going to be releasing at least 1 new music video this year, and I'm working on a musical myself about the early life of 12th century mystic Hildegard von Bingen.

Huge thanks to Grace McLean for doing the interview!
Buy tickets to see her in The Great Comet on Broadway before it closes here.

One Year of Blogging

BIG NEWS TODAY!  Today is the one year anniversary of my Blog!  Candidly Darling has officially turned 1!  I've worked hard on my Blog in this past year, and I also began working on myself as well.  Thank you so much for following along on my journey, I absolutely love sharing some of my life with you lovely readers.  It's been a crazy and love filled year, and having this Blog has been a great part of my life thus far.   To celebrate my Blog's birthday, I've written 11 of my favorite moments and memories this past year.  Once again, thanks for reading.

1. New York City - August 2016

In August, around the time I created my Blog, I visited the Big Apple for a year big weekend.  I went to see my favorite singer Barbra Streisand in concert (which was absolutely incredible, by the way) and I also met up with some of my best friends.   My one best friend came in from Sweden to see Barbra, and we ended up seeing Waitress on Broadway together.  It was such a fun and memorable trip that I won't forget anytime soon!

2. Hamilton

During the course of my New York adventure, I ended up getting lucky, and I scored a ticket to see Hamilton on Broadway!  I've loved this show since before it opened, and finally getting to see it was such a surreal experience. 

 

3. Makeup

I only started applying makeup to myself last year, and I must say, I'm so glad I started.  Makeup has become a great passion of mine, and I love making myself up to go out.   It really makes me feel a lot better about myself, and my looks.  

4. Cutting My Hair

I've had long hair my whole life, and last year before my New York trip, I decided to take the leap and change that.  I cut off most of my hair, and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I still now have short hair, and it's so efficient that I might never go back to long!  It's also helped me teach myself how to do different hairstyles on myself, too!

5. Twitter Blogger Chats

One of my favorite things about being a Blogger has been getting to know other Blogger's.  What better way, than through Twitter Chats?  I've hosted a few myself, and had fun joining in on some.  They helped boost my traffic, and even better, get some engagement!

6. Broadway Interviews

One of my favorite things I've done on this Blog, is Interview Broadway personnel as a fun little snippet for my readers.  I interviewed Amber Ardolino from Hamilton in Chicago, and Grace McLean from Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812. 

 

7. Memphis - April

My family and I decided to go visit some family members down in Memphis, Tennessee.   It was such a fun trip, and I gotta admit, I was in love with the jumper I wore.  I really hope I can go back sometime soon!

8. Vocal Improvement

Being in musical theatre, my voice is very important to me.  Over the past year, I've realized my vocal range has gotten higher over time.  I used to be an Alto, but now I register as a Mezo-Soprano!

9. New York City - June

My recent trip to New York was only two days, but it sure was wonder filled.  I got to visit my favorite spots in the city, and saw some of my favorite people.  Getting to visit the city is always an amazing trip.  

10. Backstage at Wicked on Broadway

I visited my friend Teale Dvornik backstage at Wicked on Broadway, where she works as a Dresser.  She ended up taking me backstage, and it was my first time backstage ever! It was such a wonderful experience, and I'm so grateful she took me.

11. Backstage at Anastasia on Broadway

Last but not least, I got to visit my dear friend Christy Altomare, who stars as Anastasia herself.  I've been friends with Christy for over a year, and it was so great to finally see her shine on stage.   Afterwards she had invited me backstage, and I finally got to meet her! It was an incredible moment that I will never forget.  

For Good

Happy August loves!  In honor of the entire principle cast members who left Wicked on Broadway this past weekend, I thought I'd write something up to honor them.   Wicked first opened on Broadway on October 30, 2003 at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City.   The show famously starred Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who would become stars throughout Broadway (and even Hollywood).   In actuality, Stephanie J. Block was the first Elphaba ever chosen.  She would go on to be the first Elphaba in the national touring production, and then join the Broadway company later on.

The original concept for the show was a prequel-like story to The Wizard of Oz.   In this story, it is about the unlikely friendship between Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of The West) and Glinda.   We actually see why Elphaba became "wicked" and trust me, you'll never watch The Wizard of Oz the same again.  Wicked is currently the 9th longest running Broadway show in history, but it will most likely someday become closer to that number one slot.  The show also celebrated its 10th Anniversary on Broadway in 2013.

The sensational Broadway musical is based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, "Wicked: The Life and Times of The Wicked Witch of The West".   In 2004, Wicked held a total of 10 nominations at the Tony Awards, and won surprisingly 3 out of its 10 nominations, losing to Avenue Q.   Although today, Wicked stands as one of the most classic Broadway shows that attracts millions of tourists and fans every year.   Wicked also currently has productions touring America, and a production on West End.  

Wicked is a very unique and special show, an certainly is a magical trip to Oz.  I will never forget seeing the show for my 12th Birthday, my parents had gotten me fourth row tickets.  It was an amazing experience that if you have the chance to see it, you most definitely should.  I intend on seeing the current Broadway cast, now starring my friend Jackie Burns.   Wicked is for sure one of the most successful Broadway shows of all time, and it is not to be missed!  💚

Reasons Why You Are Awesome

Hello lovelies!  I hope you are having a fantastic week so far, because you deserve it!  Today's post is dedicated to you, because you are extremely important.  Have your insecurities, but I mean it, you are very important.  This is a positive post, and it's all about you.  You are awesome!  And here's why...

 You Are Loved

I am sure to have a family.  Even if you don't, you probably have someone in your life that you consider as family.  These people love you.  They love you, more than you could ever know.  If something were to happen to you, it would break their hearts.  You are very important to them.  Why?  Because they are your family, and they will love you no matter what.  Remember that.  If they do not love you through thick and thin, then they are not worthy of you.  Get all of the negative people out of your life if possible. 

One of my favorite quotes is from the Disney film, "Lilo and Stitch", and you might know it too.  "Ohana means Family.  Family means no one gets left behind."  It's true, and it is important.  Your family will love you, and they will always be there for you, no matter what you do.  That by itself is a very special thing to have, and be very grateful that you have a family, when there are also lots of people who sadly do not.

You are Special

No I do not mean you are "special" as in odd or weird, but that can apply to!  You are one of a kind, you have a mind of your own, and you are very special.  You matter to someone, whether you like it or not.  Maybe someone is even dependent on you.  Whatever it is, you are special.  You should even be special to yourself, because you have to learn to love yourself even when you cannot find the courage to.  Just know that you are very special, and that matters.

You are Imperfect

No one is perfect.  As cliché as it may sound, it's true.  Not one person you will ever meet is perfect.  No one knows everything, no one is always right, no one is perfect.  We are all in fact, imperfect.  That is a beautiful thing, because we make mistakes all the time.  I believe everything is meant to happen, and it happens for a reason.  You learn from your mistakes as you go on, everyone does, or at least they should!

Don't try to be better than anyone, because the truth is, you aren't.  We are all the same, imperfect people.  But what you can do is be more mature and kind than others.  Having maturity is an essential to growing up and to life itself.  Even though you won't always be perfect, you will always be your kind self.

You Are Perfectly Yourself

The last thing that makes you awesome, is you are yourself!  Whatever you do, you will always be your unique self.  You like the certain things you like, even though others may not.  You should love that about yourself.  Unlike the people around me, I love theatre, and I sure do love that about myself.  Why?  Because theatre makes me very happy, and it has introduced me to so many amazing people and things.  Whatever it is you love, should make you feel this way!

You are loved, you are special, you are absolutely imperfect, and you are perfectly yourself!  That's why you're awesome, and that's why you are an incredible, unique human being.

What are some things that you think makes you awesome?  Let me know in the comments!