Once Upon a December (or May): Countdown to Anastasia on Stage!

I grew up in the late 90s/early 00s, in an era of childhood culture largely dominated by the Disney Renaissance- and another movie, so closely tied to the Disney-princess-musical style that it was often mistaken for a Disney film, one that has retained its popularity and has the unique situation of being based on history, rather than a classical fairy tale. I'm talking, of course, about Anastasia, the 1997 animated classic that got an entire generation interested in Russian history (and stopped any of us from being afraid of bats). And, to the delight of fans everywhere, the beloved musical is finally coming to the stage- destined for Broadway next season, but beginning with a run at Hartford Stage this spring.

In honor of the show's May 12 opening performance, here's a week-long countdown, with something every day to take you on a journey to the past (and present, and future):

Artistry and Athleticism: The Best Storytelling of the 2015-2016 Figure Skating Season

I'm guessing most of you didn't expect to see anything about sports on this blog, did you? Not on a blog about storytelling and artistry. Not on a blog written by someone who is about as far from sporty as you can get. But here's something you might or might not know: I'm a big fan of figure skating. Love it. Always loved watching it. Even trying to learn it- finally found myself an athletic activity that 1) I don't loathe on sight and 2) I'm not completely terrible at.

I've grown to love the feel of blades on ice

A Year Of Theater, Part 2: Changed For Good

Part 2 of my year-end review of a particularly outstanding year for this theater-loving girl. The second half of 2015 was marked by three ongoing experiences: two long runs at my local touring venue, and the beginning of my graduate writing program.

A Year Of Theater, Part 1: It's Possible

2015 has been an extraordinary year. And for me, a lot of that has had to do with the remarkable and unique experiences of theater that I have been privileged to have. I thought I'd take a look back on some of the highlights of the year, but, wouldn't you know it, there was too much for one post. So let's start with the first half of the year, one filled with new beginnings, a dream come true, and just a little bit of magic.

Whose Right? Who's Right?

I know this blog often tends to discuss fiction, and my opinions on fiction, while still maintaining some sort of personal distance. Even though my name and my Twitter handle are on every page, I think I still often keep some degree of the impersonal in many of my articles.

This is not one of those articles. This is my story.

The Human Kind: The Humanity of Print Books

It was a fairly ordinary morning in early spring, in the middle of a 9 AM lecture hall on the works of Jane Austen. Persuasion was the topic of the day, and our professors were discussing the significance of the Baronetcy, the book of nobility with which the ridiculous Sir Walter Elliot was obsessed. And then, it was time for a bit of show-and-tell.

Photo courtesy Devoney Looser
Our professor brought out this book, a real copy of a Peerage from 1836, and then allowed us to pass it around and actually leaf through the pages. Some students barely glanced at the book as it passed by- it was 9:30 AM, after all, I suppose. But this little beauty got me thinking. 

Review: 'Wicked' National Tour Soars

We all have our favorite shows: the movies we own on DVD but still watch every time they're on TV, the books worn with rereadings. There's always a danger, though, that after so many repeats, these favorites might lose just a little of that spark and magic. Fortunately for me, that couldn't be further from the truth when it comes to the touring production of Wicked, a gleaming tour that more than lives up to the hype and its predecessors of years past. Thanks to magical production values, a gorgeous score, and a top-notch cast, the show impresses as much as ever.

Alyssa Fox and Carrie St. Louis as Elphaba and Glinda
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