SBL2.0: Outdoor Shakespeare and an Off-Message Top

Growing up, one of my all time favorite musicals was Kiss Me, Kate. This was partly because my babysitter was in a production of it at his high school so we watched it every Saturday night, but also because Cole Porter is a musical genius and I love almost everything he touches.

I am being Shakespearean.

Then, in high school, 10 Things I Hate About You came out. If you don't know, the connection between Kiss Me, Kate and 10 Things I Hate About You is that they are both based on The Taming of the Shrew. I am also pretty sure I have read the play before, but after watching it, I am less sure about that fact...

Because man, is The Taming of the Shrew disturbing. Apart from the overt misogyny, which is really nothing new in Shakespeare, you basically are watching a father sell his daughter into a terrible marriage, and then watching the man who bought her abuse her until she behaves "properly." And this we call a comedy?

I am sorry to say, this is the first time I remember not liking a Shakespeare in the Park production. It's partly that the play is so disturbing, but I found the decision to make it a trailer trash version to also be difficult, as it felt like there were uncomfortable comments on class being made as well. (I.e., only poor people would treat their wives this way. Which is clearly untrue.) Something about it also felt amateur-ish to me, but that might have been partly because it was only the second day of the show so they were still ironing out the kinks. I don't know, the New York Times loved it but a lot of the comments on the review agreed with my group, so do with that what you will.

The experience was still fun, as Shakespeare in the Park always is, and it certainly generated more conversation and food for thought than usual. When going to Shakespeare in the Park, it is important to cover up, as the theater is right next to a lake and so the mosquitos can get bad. I decided to wear a lightweight tunic, though, because it was hot, and then realized when I looked at the pictures that I basically look pregnant. (I'm not, just to be clear.) Oops. Will I wear it again? Probably, because the flowers are so pretty. Will I get offered a seat on the bus? Not impossible. Sometimes that's how things go.

The whole gang, before the play started and we all became extremely disturbed:

If you want to see Taming of the Shrew, you have one more week, so go get in line now! Otherwise, Troilus and Cressida is coming next month.

What I'm wearing: random tunic via Macy's (similar here), LOFT jeans, Downeast Basics cami, Bare Traps sandals (similar here)

We're Famous!

Ok, well, not really. But did I get your attention?

I know I promised you a Stitch Fix review, but my FedEx guy and I are having some issues that will hopefully be resolved soon. As soon as it comes, I'll let you know how it goes, as you are obviously all losing sleep over my lack of review. But in the meantime...

On stage and ready for our opening act!

These pictures are actually from a few days ago, when I was still in LA. We had a super fun Sunday. Or, as Simon said, "On a scale of 1-10 of funness, today was a 100!" We had a morning at the farmer's market and playground, followed by ice cream and then a trip to Newsies! Newsies is doing a national tour these days, and it happened to be in LA while I was there. I had really wanted to see it on Broadway but hadn't been able to afford tickets, so this was very exiting.

I love Newsies, as I love musicals and I love dancing and I love feel-good sort of tales. My sister Rebecca's friend Rebeka also knew someone who knew someone in the show (how's that for a close connection?), so we got to go backstage! I've never been backstage at a show before, so it was really cool to see the props up close and the way they move all the scenery around.

Posing for the paparazzi! 

Also, in addition to being crazy talented (sometimes I can barely walk without tripping--how on earth can they dance like that???), all of the actors were so nice! Simon got to take pictures with many people in the cast, who also were kind enough to answer all of our questions.

This is when I ate ice cream for breakfast.

Maddie and I wore coordinated outfits. However, I did not chew on mine.

If you're interested in my outfit, which I assume you are at least nominally because you are here-- I really love this skirt. It has elastic in the back so it's super comfortable, and it's full enough to move around in easily. It's also very lightweight and I love the striped segments. It sort of reminds me of neckties, in a way. It was perfect for a day when I was both chasing Leo around, and going to the theater with Rebecca and Simon. I did have to go down two sizes from my usual Boden size, though, so be warned if you order it-- the skirt is super full, so you might want to order smaller than your usual.

Props and set

Newsies fans selfie!

If you need me, I'll be in the corner, singing Seize the Day to myself. Now I can't wait to see my next musical. What do you recommend? See you back here soon, I hope!

What I'm wearing: Willi Smith 3/4 sleeve shirt via TJ Maxx (similar here), Boden skirt, Franco Sarto sandals via DSW