Sometimes I Even Surprise Myself

Although I would like to be, I am not a true fan of the theatre. My wife, however, is more appreciative of the belles artes than I am even though it's more as interested spectator than patron.

About a month ago, we watched a PBS documentary entitled Broadway: The Golden Age. While I enjoyed the historical aspect, it was the narrator's closing social criticism that stuck with me. He commented that the Broadway of the past was less egalitarian than today. Ticket and concession prices were considerably lower; the theatre was a gathering place for the bourgeois, much like a movie place for today. Now, Broadway is an off-campus extension of the country club. For two people to attend a play, it requires a pretty deep dive into the bank account.

I think I mildly stunned Melissa last night when, after seeing a promo for the Tonys, asked if it aired live and, if so, could we watch it? She's said many times that she has a hard time differentiating my serious inquiries from the sarcastic mocks. She thought it was the latter despite my continued asking.

I know what you're thinking. First, I completely forgot it was the same time as Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Second, my masculinity did not take a beating.

Generally, I don't like awards shows. Most are so contrived and disingenuous. Besides, if I want to watch an anti-Bush rally, I don't need to see people arrive to it in limousines and designer formals.

Over the next twelve months, Melissa and I have planned a couple of outings to see some musicals as they pass through Dallas. Next month, we're seeing Mamma Mia!; next May, we're seeing Wicked. It's a genre I enjoy so I wanted to familiarize myself with the current Broadway offerings.

Additionally, I've read several articles over the past few months about Rabbit Hole, starring Cynthia Nixon. I genuinely respect her as a person and as an actress; while I may disagree with her social agenda from time to time, I respect her commitment to speak and not just be seen. It's just her taste in women that needs upgrading.

While many of last night's recipients were unfamiliar to me, I enjoyed watching their acceptance speeches and the extended vignettes from the selected shows.

I don't see many movies in the course of a year of my own choosing. I am becoming less and less impressed with the quality of writing and acting each summer. Movie blockbusters require a stulty lead actor, eye candy for a lead actress, and sufficient car chases, blood, and explosions. Theatre blockbusters require more honed skills - singing, acting, and the dance. Less subtle means of communication are used to convey a message to the audience that can't be used on screen.

It's what I enjoy. So be it.