Oh, friends. Let me tell you about my Tuesday night just over the river in Cincinnati. 

I was invited by Broadway in Cincinnati to opening night of The Band's Visit. This is a play I was not familiar with but when I saw photos and read a little synopsis, I thought I should invite my oldest son to come as my guest and enjoy a night at the theater with him. I'm SO glad I did.

My oldest boy is in Marching Band, is very interested in music and loves being exposed to different styles. This was an incredible opportunity for him to enjoy that and be wrapped up in a charming story at the same time.

So, a brief synopsis of this story is that this story is about a Police Band that ends up in Israel instead of Egypt. They encounter locals who open their homes to the band and in doing so, they share their stories with their visitors and the audience. 

I was spellbound at the overture and was completely enchanted by each turn of the page in this play's storytelling.  

A favorite story for me was from the scene in the photograph above. Avrum, the man standing at the table, is telling his story of finding love and does so with a song. His song and expression made my face light up and put happy tears in my eyes. I found myself remembering my own version of what he was sharing and wished I could get up on stage and dance around with him. 

Yes, each story will move you in a different way and you will be completely charmed off your seat as you're wrapped up in stories, and interlude, and foreign yet familiar prose.

I felt like I was fast friends with each character and I was rooting for all of them in unique ways. Isn't that the effect of beautiful storytelling? 

And when the curtain call comes, don't rush out the door! Stay and have a seat and listen to the amazing talent of the band as they perform a piece together for the audience. At one point, I leaned over to my son and said "This is insane! They're amazing!!". And my son smiled big and said "Yah. They are. Those people who left early are missing the best part."

And since we can all agree that teenagers are usually good for telling it like it they see it, (like it or not) you should probably just take his word for it and enjoy the "best part" of the play. ;) 

In all seriousness, I want to encourage you to go see this play while it's in town. On their Instagram feed, ( @broadwaycincy ) you will find information for rush tickets should you qualify for a discount.  It is worth your time. I already want to see it again. 

*As always, thanks to Broadway in Cincinnati for the complimentary tickets in exchange for a review and social media sharing*

~Amy

The Band's Visit In Cincinnati June 19 - 24 (Review)

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Tuesday night I was in Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center for opening night of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. Oh, and how I enjoyed the beauty and pain of the story told.

I remember this story from my youth. My class read the book together and then after our book study, we watched the movie. I remember being in agony and crying at the hatred some of the characters spewed throughout the story. I was curious how that memory would hold up to this encounter with a stage performance. 

I'm happy to tell you that the adaptation for stage allows for a little more levity than I remember feeling years ago with the book study. Now, this is not a levity that takes away from the story at all. I think it's there to keep the audience with the cast as they move through the heavy and hard truths of racism. 

There were times I sat a bit squeamish in my seat. I wanted to stand up and yell at the awful words I heard.  I wanted to defend Tom Robinson and comfort Calpurnia and quite honestly, I wanted to have a parental pow-wow with Atticus. 

All of that is to say that this story is still so relevant today. And while we have made strides as a nation over the years, hate still brews in the heart of man and people still need defending. I would encourage everyone I know (and their older kiddos) to go see this play and use it as a springboard for a conversation. 

Ok. Now that I've shared my heart with you. Let me share 2 fun little bits of info with you. 

1. I grew up in the 80's and we watched a couple television shows together as a family. One of those shows was The Waltons. Look very closely at Atticus in the photo above. Do you recognize him? (Hint: "Goodnight John-boy"). Yep! Richard Thomas! He's amazing on stage. You will really enjoy his take on Atticus Finch. 

2. I mentioned earlier that we watched the movie of To Kill A Mockingbird as a class after we read the book. That movie was made in the 70's and had a girl named Mary Badham in the role of young Scout. In this play, you'll see her in the role of Mrs. Henry Dubose.  I wonder how much fun she has yelling at Scout after having filmed in that role as a girl. What a neat, full-circle moment. 

Click on any of the stock images to be taken to Broadway in Cincinnati's page where you can buy tickets. The play is running through June 12, 2022. And if you head to my Facebook page, you'll see an image posted there where you can learn how to get discounted tickets. 

Perhaps, one day, I'll see you at the theater. :)

Amy

Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird Takes The Stage In Cincinnati (Review)

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 **I was given complimentary tickets in exchange for my honest review and social media shares. Thanks, Broadway in Cincinnati!**

    

    FROZEN. As in...the play based on that one movie that was played on repeat in my house as my 2 little girls acted out every scene. The soundtrack that probably was played to death in my van's CD player because I haven't seen it in a long time and have no living idea where it went. The characters, the costumes, the one-liner's, the laughter, and the memories all live in that one title; FROZEN. 

    Those memories are years ago. That's probably true for many of you, too. Us mamas had to learn to "Let it go" and bring in all the dolls and costumes and plush Olafs and Svens. It makes me laugh with the best memories of some of the most joyous times. 

    Last night those memories warmed my heart again as my now 12 year old daughter and I headed into Cincinnati to see the story as told on the stage. This was her first experience seeing a Broadway play and it was the best introduction for her and I to share together. (And yes, she's hooked and wants to see more plays now.)

Disney does not disappoint. That probably doesn't need to be said but I need you to know how much I appreciated this production's every detail. 

Lights, sounds, vibrant hues, snow, ice out of thin air, summer, dancing, a little bit of you, hygge (it's a thing)  and...Samantha?

    Anyway, it's all there. FROZEN is a feast for your eyes and a callback to all the things you remember and love about Disney. My daughter was spotting hidden Mickeys and saying all the "Mom! Did you see...?" things. 

    We laughed hard and at one point or another I was digging through my handbag to find the Kleenex. We boo'd loudly at Hans (maybe more than once) and so badly wanted to hug Olaf.

    What's best of all is while visiting old memories, we were making new ones. That, all by itself, is the true "Magic of Disney".

    Oh, and of course, Elsa is a true queen and her costume change will absolutely slay you. (Actually, the entire "Let it go" performance and effects will make you nearly "burst from the inside out".) Every song, every dance sequence, every costume and set change...it's all perfect and amazing and so worth seeing in person. 

    Please, oh please, tell me you're going to grab tickets and see this while it's in town. Take your kiddos. (There were so many tiny Elsa's at the show last night.) Or take your best buddy. This musical is for all ages and will bring you to your feet with cheers. You can click on any of the FROZEN images in this post to be taken to the website where you can learn more and get your tickets. 

    GO!

    ~Amy

A Night With Disney's FROZEN in Cincinnati (Review)

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Last night was an extremely fun night for me. I was invited to attend the opening night of "Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations" at the Aronoff Center. 

When I tell you all this production is GOOD, I mean "I wish I had tickets to go see the play again tonight." In short, I had a blast and it's a night I wouldn't mind reliving. 

I grew up just north of Detroit and Motown music is a very big deal. I was so, so proud to hear the story of the Temptations and learn about what Detroit meant to them. Seeing the words "Fox Theater" made me smile the biggest smile. 

When I sat down to watch this play, I honestly didn't know what to expect. I didn't do any research to learn about the broadway production. I didn't even look up the soundtrack (which isn't the norm for me but I had been busy this past week). Y'all. This play...

I was dancing in my seat, trying not to sing along too loudly. I was cheering and fan-girling. I was grinning ear to ear as I watched The Temptations come to be. 

There were parts of the play when I clutched my chest and cried and times when I celebrated and laughed. This journey is well worth the taking!

The cast perfectly showcases the pure talent, dedication and captivating qualities of The Temptations. They ARE the group and they're artistry will absolutely blow you away.

Now, I'm going to need them to host a dance camp and teach me some of those moves. ;) LOL

~Amy
 

Review: Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations in Cincinnati

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I didn't know how much I missed seeing plays until last night.

And if I can be totally honest with you, (we're still on "keep it real" terms, right?) I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this musical. 

Yes, I've long been a fan of the movie Pretty Woman. Julia Roberts & Richard Gere... I mean, what's not to love about that pair? But it does leave some pretty big shoes to fill, right? (If you're Vivian, that would be a size 9.)

Walking into the theatre, I was saying "They better not miss some of the big one-liners of the movie. Like when Kit is cheering Vivian on saying 'Work it. Own it.' If that's missing, I'm just going to be disappointed."

Before the play began, we were greeted by Elizabeth from Broadway Across America. She talked about how long the theater sat empty while they waited to be allowed to open it back up. She excitedly welcomed us back and thanked the subscribers and sponsors for all their support. People cheered in response. Some even stood. If you love the theater like I do, you understand how exciting it is to actually get to sit in that velvet chair again.

On with the play review. I mean, that's what you really want to hear, isn't it? 

If you love the movie Pretty Woman, you're really going to enjoy the musical. Really and truly. They handle the retelling of the story so well. The music and costumes fit the late 80's vibe perfectly. They invite you into that 1989 Lotus and drive you right back in time to where it all began.

Olivia Valli (Vivian) and Adam Pascal (Edward) have amazing chemistry (as they should) and I believe that you will find yourself falling in love with their love story all over again. Adam and Olivia both had moments on stage that were just like watching Julia and Richard in the film. While they make the characters their own, they nod to their origins. Beautifully, beautifully done!

YES! The one-liners are there and executed so perfectly. Each one made me smile so big when I heard it. Come back and tell me how many you counted when you see it and which is your favorite.

Again, I have to talk about the music. I.LOVED.IT. It was the perfect compliment to the storyline and the vocal talent of the entire cast was top notch. It has a familiar feel (for us "oldies" lol) and honestly made me wish I had bought some black over the knee boots to wear to the play. I wanted to be part of what I was watching and hearing. 

Special Callouts:

Y'all, keep your eyes on Kyle Taylor Parker (Happy Man) during the play. Actually, scratch that. You won't be able to miss him. He's a man of many hats, or dance shoes? And he is hysterical. He honestly had me laughing out loud a few different times. He moves the story along while he's best friends with the audience. I loved watching him.

Matthew Vincent Taylor plays Giulio and was another favorite of mine to watch. He puts so much energy into his role and had me looking forward to when I would get to see him again in another scene. He's just delightful. 

Amma Osei is Violetta. She was the star of the opera scene. Y'all, she had me absolutely covered in goosebumps when she sang. I won't soon forget her voice or how she absolutely stole the show. 

OK. That's enough from me. What you need to be doing is heading over to the Broadway in Cincinnati website and grabbing your tickets. DO NOT MISS this play while it's in town. Grab your bestie and get there. You won't regret it. 

**I was gifted tickets to the show in exchange for my review.

Broadway in Cincinnati is BACK with Pretty Woman (review)

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**thanks to the pr representative who sent complimentary item(s) for review. I was not compensated for this post beyond those items. This is my experience and opinion. Others may have a different experience or view. 

A classic from my childhood, and probably yours too, is A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's something I feel like I've watched every year since I was small. One of the things that makes it so great is the sound track. There is nothing like the nostalgia that hearing this music brings. 

Speaking of nostalgia, I began collecting vinyl records about a year ago after I restored an old turntable. There is something so warm about the sound of good music being played under a needle. You can imagine my excitement when I was given the opportunity to review (AND GIVE AWAY) a copy of the original sound track to A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio. 

Along with the one I restored, I also own a small, portable turntable that sits in my great room. Right now, my 9 year old daughter plays this album just about every day on there. She loves the music just as much as I do. I don't know what it is, but it just brings a smile to our faces.
...
...Maybe it's in the moments when we pretend to dance like the Peanuts characters. LOL

AND...Did you see that pretty GREEN color of the LP?  That makes this treasure of nostalgia that much sweeter.

c

Can you hear the sound of your favorite song right now? 

Head over to Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, or just about any store that sells vinyl to get your copy.

Or...

How would you like to WIN a copy of this LP for your home??? 

THE GIVEAWAY

A Charlie Brown Christmas [Green Vinyl LP!]

A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio is one of the most popular and beloved holiday albums of all-time. This remastered recording on green vinyl includes 3 bonus tracks not on the original 1965 LP plus a 20-page booklet filled with images from the program and liner notes by Vince Guaraldi historian Derrick Bang.

Artist:                   Vince Guaraldi

Title:                     A Charlie Brown Christmas

Config:                 Green Vinyl LP

Item No:             F-8431

UPC:                     025218843119

MSLP:                  21.98 

Release Date:    8/24/2009

Record Label:    Fantasy Records

Genres:                Holiday, Jazz, Soundtrack, Children’s, Nostalgia

Track Listing: 

15. O Tannenbaum  
16. What Child Is This 
17. My Little Drum 
18. Linus And Lucy  
19. Christmas Time Is Here (Instrumental)
20. Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal) 
21. Skating 
22. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing 
23. Christmas Is Coming 
24. Für Elise 
25. The Christmas Song 
26. Greensleeves 
27. Great Pumpkin Waltz 
28. Thanksgiving Theme

The Deets: Winner will receive one vinyl LP that will be shipped to him/her directly from the PR firm. Use the widget below to enter. Good luck!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack Now on Vinyl! #Review #Giveaway #ad

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**thanks to the pr representative who sent complimentary items for review. I was not compensated for this post beyond those items. This is my experience and opinion. Others may have a different experience or view. 

Most kiddos have their favorite subject(s) in school. For my boy, it's history. He loves jumping into history books, visiting historical sites, and watching historical documentaries to learn more and more and more about what came before him. 

He's also going to start Middle School. (Someone hold me.) And would you know, the thing that made him excited about his class schedule was that his first hour is spent in history. My friends over at Workman Publishing heard about his love of history and sent us some books for him to enjoy.

Maybe you've seen the Big Fat Notebook series of books for Middle School students? They have books that cover history, science, math, and English. These books are crammed with facts and are also very captivating for the reader.

The style of the book is like one, big notebook. The font is large and the pages are colorful while also descriptive. It makes it a bit of an "easy read" but is also teaching a lot of information at the same time. These are wonderful references for Middle School students!

And if you're a parent who worries about bias, be it from a religious, political, or other world view, you can set those worries aside. The stories told in this book are strictly the facts of what happened. It's actually really refreshing. My son has enjoyed looking over World History and American History topics and sharing with us the things he's learning.

Now, let's chat a bit about Spy On History. My boy was also sent this book to enjoy. This got him excited in a different kind of way. This story invites him to participate and help crack the code to solve the mystery.

But he doesn't do this just by reading. No. He's armed with maps, tools, and hints along the way to help him out. And because he loves history, he takes this very seriously.

I love his love for history but I love finding helpful tools for him even more. Being able to get him books that will stimulate that love for all things history and add to his learning is a wonderful gift. And I'm picky, y'all. I want him to have books that are really geared toward his age and reading level without dumbing down the information or sharing it in a boring way. 

I guess my point is, there are A LOT of choices out there but I choose to stick with something I know will meet my kiddos where they are and encourage further learning. You'll find, like I did, Workman Publishing offers loads of books like this for all ages. 

Now to find a few things for my girls from Workman Publishing. What do you think you're kiddo(s) will enjoy? 

~Amy

A Few Book Picks For Middleschoolers From Workman Publishing (review)

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**thanks to the pr representative who sent complimentary items for review. I was not compensated for this post beyond those items. This is my experience and opinion. Others may have a different experience or view. 

I'm pretty sure it's fair to say that the least exciting part of "back to school" for the kiddos is homework.  Seriously. Sometimes I wish I could snap my fingers and have "homework hour" be over, already. But since I can't take it away (and I know it's beneficial for my kiddos' learning), I may as well add something to their working spaces that they will enjoy. 

Enter some adorable and fun pencil sharpeners. 

I have a boy and 2 girls. All 3 of my kiddos were so happy to see these Amazeko items show up on our doorstep. My girlies share a room and keep their ice cream truck sharpener on their desk and my son was really stoked to add the S.W.A.T. truck sharpener to his. 

These pencil sharpeners also feature lights and sounds. This makes pencil sharpening fun and makes the task of sitting down to get homework done a little less unpleasant. Check out the little clips below to see what I'm talking about. (PS: After we tried these out for the first time, my kiddos took to sharpening all their colored pencils and then sat down to color. Yep. I'll take in the sounds of sirens and ice cream trucks in exchange for having all 3 (not so) littles sitting down to color for an extended period of time. This is such a win!

The boxes come loaded with an Amazeko pencil and batteries for the sharpeners. You don't have to worry about any assembly. Just add batteries and send the kiddos on their way. 

There is a window on the back of each truck to make it easy to see when the sharpener should be emptied. Then when it's time to empty it, simply pull that back part off the truck and dump out the shavings.

My boy and 2 girls have been enjoying these sharpeners for a couple weeks now. They've since taken to doing more coloring and even writing out cards for friends and family. It's amazing how a small detail can inspire a lot more creativity, huh? We love these sharpeners and I'm sure your kiddos will too. 

Check out the link at the top of this post to go shopping and grab one for your back to school kiddo(s). 

~Amy

Amazeko Pencil Sharpeners Bring FUN To Homework Time (review)

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