Dirty Rotten Musical

Tuesday night I had the excitement of going to see the musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels playing at the Paramount. One of the differences I've found between having season tickets and buying tickets for select shows is that with season tickets you're much more likely to go to a show not having the slightest idea what the show is about. This was the case with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The one advantage is that usually the touring musicals that come to Seattle never cease to disappoint. This was definitely no exception.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was probably the most thoroughly entertaining musical I've seen. The audience laughed almost non-stop throughout the over 2-hour musical. One indication of this should have been that in the original Broadway production the lead role was played by John Lithgow. Unlike most musicals which may mix some comedy along with dramatic scenes... this had no drama of the sort. Sure, some suspense I guess, but pretty much just non-stop comedy for the sake of comedy.

Hard for me to talk about a musical without actually discussing the music... the music was adequate. I didn't run out and buy the soundtrack when I left the theatre... but that's not to say it wasn't entertaining. There were a few memorable numbers, and one showstopper, but this musical isn't about the music. It's about the hilarious script and outstanding character acting.


In other less-exciting news, today I cleaned the bathtub, with a little help from my friends... the scrubbing bubbles. After at least an hour with a scrubbing sponge, I managed to make the thing sparkle. I didn't realize how nasty it was until I started cleaning it and found the clean white below. In fact, there were some marks on the floor of the bathtub that have been there since I moved in several years ago, and I had just assumed that they were part of the tub itself. Not so! They are gone now too! Now we'll just see how long it stays that way.

You're only as old as you feel

It's been quite a while since my last blogging adventure... no real reason, it's not like I've been doing much of anything exciting lately, just haven't been blogging much. We'll see if I can get back into a regular routine.

I receive a lot of interesting (read: junk) mail, but I usually don't mind too much. There's nothing more unsatisfying than going to check your mailbox only to find there's absolutely nothing there. I thrive on getting bills, advertisements, and the occasional actually interesting letter or postcard from a friend.

A few days ago I received a piece of junk mail unlike any I have ever received before. I'll include a few excerpts:

Dear Mr. Roberts,

Our records show that you haven't yet registered for the benefits of AARP
membership, even though you are fully eligible.

You need only return the form above. Please remove and keep the card
below as a record of enrollment. [card included with letter]

As a member, you'll have the resources and information you need to get the
most out of life over 50.

I look forward to you joining us. I think you'll agree withour other
members: AARP is one of America's very best values.

Sincerely,

William D. Novelli
Executive Director

I've always wondered how these people get their data on who turns 50 and is eligible to be a member of AARP. Now I know the answer... dumb luck. While I'm honored to be invited, I think I'll do the world a favor and wait another 24 years until I'm eligible. I'm always a fan of discounts though, and they were kind enough to include a membership card with the letter clearly embossed with my name on it. Perhaps I can get some cheap eats at the IHOP, since I know very well from my parents that it's THE PLACE for the retired people to eat. :)

Or maybe not. And I thought it was only me who felt old sometimes...