Theater thoughts

Tops on my mind today is "Equus," the current Theatre@First show. I'll admit it - I didn't think I'd like this play. I was afraid I might hate it. But I LOVE IT! I've watched it four times, and look forward to seeing it tonight and tomorrow afternoon. It's a fascinating story, sort of like a "Law & Order" episode. There's talk of a strange crime, a mystery and then flashbacks to give you little pieces to figure out what happened. And laughs. And kissing! I was enthralled by it.

The acting is incredible! I am so proud of my sister E. She is on stage the entire time and takes us through the discovery process and what it does to her in an amazing way. And the kid... I am stunned by his ability to snap back and forth between the past and now, and portray the wide range of emotions required. Each of the actors are "as they should be" - believable, powerful, complicated and interesting characters. The set is deceptively simple, but ingeniously provides a way to be here and there, and let the actors come and go seamlessly. And the sound and lights are more complicated than we've had, enhancing the action in a new way. And there are cupcakes that help fight cancer. And hugs! It makes for a good evening.

It's great to see everyone who's working on the show or in the audience. It is wonderful for me to escape work and health concerns and disappear into the theater! I encourage you to do the same.

Week #18 update - Feeling great

It's dreary in Cambridge. In typical New England weather fashion, it was bright and sunny when I got up, raining for a while, and now it's gray. Please let it go back to sunshine soon! It has been mostly cool 60's, which I appreciate and is good for not sweating in the theater.

My health

I felt great this week! My brain worked much better. As it improved, I realize how bad it's been and how clueless I was about it. Sorry if you've been affected by my lack of brain! I can see the edges now - they are getting closer to normal but not there yet. It's like pizza dough that shrinks in from the side of the pan. You have to push it back out to the edges, but not tear it. And then push some more.

I had several triumphs at work - I asked the right question in a meeting that got everyone talking and giving each other good ideas, found a creative way to track registrations for summer seminars to relieve the senior staff of that burden, and stepped in to help my boss finish two huge projects when a co-worker called in sick two days in a row. I even helped calm a senior staffer prepping for gall bladder surgery.

Next Monday I start daily radiation treatment. They'll zap me with lasers every weekday for six weeks to fry any stray cancer cells. I tried to balance figuring out the logistics with "not thinking about it - la la la." The radiation oncology staff range from not very helpful to aggravating, so that is freaking me out a bit. But I am trying to maintain my upbeat demeanor. Maybe I will glow! Or come out with a super power!

Theater

I spent five nights at the theater this week! I love the theater.

Four nights I was unexpectedly enthralled by "Equus." I sent a lot of theater emails - thanking or reminding house volunteers, and answering inquiries coming in from the web site such as how to get tickets, how long is the show, how can I get involved, or the more complicated "Can I bring my teenager to this show?"

I watched auditions for the next "Bare Bones" staged reading, "Two for The Seesaw." It was a privilege to see so many talented actors, each with a different take on the characters, any of whom could fill the roles.

The monthly steering committee meeting sailed along well, and I was elected President again.

Dining

The highlight of the week was discovering the yummy brunch at the Olde Magoun Saloon on Medford Street in Somerville.
http://www.magounssaloon.com/menu.aspx
They open at 10 am. The street parking is easy, or you can pop into the CVS lot. No line - it was empty! They make their own Bloody Mary Mix that is fiercely spicy and delicious. The bartender has a beautiful Irish accent and waits tables. The prices are low - everything under $10! I had the Irish breakfast. N. enjoyed a huge ham & cheese and egg sandwich - brought half of it home.

We picked up Lemon Thai to eat at the back of the theater on Sunday night. I adore their chicken coconut soup and satay!

On the flip side, I got to try Posto in Davis Square for the first time. They have done an amazing update of the space. But otherwise I was not impressed. We popped in at 5:15 pm for appetizers on Monday night. The service was haphazard, when it was empty. The food unspectacular. The prices are high. I will be glad to try again if others suggest it, but won't hurry back of my own volition.

We ate at home Tuesday night - another yummy chicken caesar salad.

Thursday I had lunch at Border Cafe in Harvard Square - free chips and salsa, a delicious cup of chicken and sausage gumbo followed by the crawfish etouffee appetizer. Yum. Cheap, fast and good.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!