Wednesday, December 28, 2011

If you are a STOMP fan you will be a BLUE MAN GROUP fan!!!

Don't know what to do during the holidays! I have a great idea for you go see Blue Man Group at the Ottawa National Arts Centre. It is a great show!



The values of the show are incredible and great for children as well as adults.  The Ottawa Citizen's review said it quite well  ... this show illustrates today's obssession with electronics and technology.

Including the audience in this type of show in my opinion is definitely a must. Either it be inviting and audience member for diner on stage or otherwise it adds a form of entertainment that is missing in today's shows (if you are not a child).

After doing some research on Blue Man Group before the show I was surprised to find out that they have been doing this since 1991.  I guess they were way before their time!!!

I am a HUGE fan of STOMP went to see it twice and am pretty sure that I would go see it again if it came to Ottawa in the near future. The question is would I see Blue Man Group again . . . I think I would. This show I believe is one of those shows that is never the same even if you see it twice in the same time year.

Don't wait get your tickets here! Plus if you get tickets for December 31st there will be a party at the NAC following the show!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

"Technical" Review - Mamma Mia

So the show... started off 7-8 minutes late and they start off with about 3 minutes of just music, ABBA music all bits and pieces, same with the start of the 2nd act. The actors were good, Donna was great, her daughter Sophie as well. Both brunettes. The 3 men, great as well. Costumes, just so colorful and amazing. We had lots, I mean, lots of laughs. Donna’s 2 best friends, hilarious. Lots of boob grabing, crotch grabing and sexual jokes/thoughts. GREAT!

A couple of “fausse notes” when signing but nothing to be stopped by it.

After the play, they sang 3 songs all the crew (Waterloo, Dancing Queen, and I can’t remember the last one). They also got us all to sit back down and listen to their pitch talking about how they are raising money for a charity, about 2.5 million so far. You could donate and get stuff as well as a tax refund.... for 20$ you could get a picture with 2 of the dads. Great fun and great idea. When we walked by an old lady was there... biggest smile on her face. Just adorable!

What is better the second time around? Mamma Mia at the NAC!

What a great first date night! After missing out on many hours of sleep the night before I was a little worried about staying up for the entire show (I have a history of falling asleep after the intermission .  . . especially for comedians - go figure :P) but laughing made it easy to stay awake.

My brother and sister in-law also went to the show on opening night.  My brother who is not a broadway buff or even enjoys plays (I think this was his third time at the NAC, he has seen STOMP, Lion King and now Mamma Mia and come to think of it all of those are because I (or my sister in-law) made him).  He truly enjoyed the show and told me afterwards that he found the story to be unique and funny! That right there is a RAVE review! Maybe he will want to see more shows?! I know my sister in-law would love that!

Mamma Mia is also the only play that my husband requested to see twice.  I drag him to many shows as it is my passion so he has learned to love it as well.  However to see the same show twice it must have made quite an impression!

The only thing I can say is that this play is definitely a MUST see no matter what city you are in. Have already seen it? go again it gets better everytime!

You have till November 20th to see it! Hurry to the box office at the NAC or at ticketmaster to buy your tickets!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Who won the tickets . . .

Sorry for the delay in announcing the winners of the Mamma Mia contest! I was waiting to receive a response from the winners.  I am still waiting to hear from one winner but I can announce the others!

Congrats to Lucie and Karen!

Stay tuned for a guest review of the play (hint it will be from one of the contest winners)

Congrats to Julie she is the third winner!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Additional contest entry possibility!!!!

As the deadline to enter the Mamma Mia contest is almost up (October 31st) I decided to add one way to enter the contest.

What are the names of the 3 "dads"?

You get an extra entry if you add a photo of the 3 actors that played the 3 "dads"!!!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Mamma Mia Contest!!!

Interested in winning a pair of tickets to the upcoming Mamma Mia play at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa?   Keep reading :)

There are 3 pairs of tickets to the opening night (November 15th, 2011) up for grabs!

What would you look like in a costume like this one?

Here are the details on how you can win one of the 3 pairs of tickets to the November 15th, 2011, Mamma Mia production:

1. Comment below on this blogpost, Broadway Accross Canada facebook page, or my facebook page with a photo of yourself, an animal etc in a costume that could be part of the play/movie.

2. Comment below on this blogpost, Broadway Accross Canada facebook page, or my facebook page with an original costume design that could be part of the play/movie.


The contest opens on September 28th and will close on October 31st. You can enter as many times as you wish, each different photo will count as an entry.

Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions :)

Monday, September 5, 2011

Broadway Accross Canada - Mamma Mia (Ottawa - November 15th - 20th)


What could this photo have in common with an upcoming contest for free Mamma Mia tickest???

Keep checking in for a chance to win :)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Broadway Accross Canada's 2011-2012 season!!!

As many of you know I am a HUGE fan of broadway plays! I love the idea that the show is different everytime . . . different actors, different stage etc.  For those of us who don't live in New York we loose out on seeing many of the amazing plays with big name actors.  But no despair Broadway Accross Canada brings us a variety of plays every season.

What is in store for Ottawa for the 2011-2012 season?



Mamma Mia (November 15-20, 2011)
*Definitely a must see! It is a family show that will bring laughter to your parents and grandparents as they will remember good times (linked to the music)

Blue Man Group (December 27, 2011 - January 1, 2012)
*I must admit I had heard of the group but I had to google them to see what they are all about. . . very interesting!  One thing is for sure my husband REALLY wants to see these guys!

West Side Story (March 13 -18, 2012)
* A classic that I am looking forward to seeing!! Definitely looking forward to adding this one to my list of plays I have seen :)

You can purchase packages either on the Broadway Accross Canada website (broadwayaccrosscanada.ca) or at the National Arts Centre (online or in person).



Monday, July 18, 2011

Perfect date night!!!

Last Saturday was the opening night for the Lion King at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa! As my due date is approaching we took this opportunity to have a date night.  We had dinner at LoneStar in the market and then enjoyed an AMAZING show.



When the play began and the jungle animals came down the isles I feel in love with the mom elephant and the little baby elephant walking behind the mom. I must say I am addicted to elephants (the theme of the baby's room is elephants).



There was one small glitch in the show but it really didn't sway my opinion about the show as I believe they recovered well.  What was the glitch near the end I believe they had problems unhooking one of the characters from the lifts and then the lift dangled and made noise while swinging ....

This is DEFINITELY a must see in your lifetime play! Even if you are not a fan of plays (like my husband) you will enjoy and appreciate the talent and work that went into the production of Disney's Lion King.

Disney's Lion King is playing at the National Arts Centre till August 7th! Check out the link below to purchase tickets
http://www.nac-cna.ca/en/broadway/event.cfm?ID=6573
and check out the link below for a clip of the play
http://disney.go.com/theatre/thelionking/#/home/

Have you seen The Lion King?!  What did you think?

Brigitte

P.S. Can't wait till Thursday! My 3 year old nephew will be experiencing theatre for the first time. He loves Lion King! Can't wait to find out is thoughts :)

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Updates

Wow it has been over 3 months since my last blog post! Lots has happenned since then :)  I am now 22 weeks pregnant :) We will be finding out if it is a boy or girl this upcoming Saturday. . . looking forward to it.

It has also been a slow time for seeing plays etc.  I did see Bon Jovi when he came to Ottawa at the Scotiabank Place. I am looking forward to Lion King at the NAC on July 14th! Don't forget to get your tickets!!!

So I am getting busy preparing the house for the baby . . .  lots of shopping which is always fun. I now want to use up alot of the makeup I purchased a few months ago. . . I don't think I will be able to get through all of the different blushes I have. However I have gone through a few bronzers and mascaras so it is a start :)

I am going to try to do more blogposts. I might be adding baby posts to this blog so if you have any tips or if there is an item that is a must have PLEASE leave a comment :)

Thanks and see you soon :)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Cats (The Musical) Love it or Hate it



Last night was the premiere of Cats at the National Arts Centre. I spoke to some people who had seen it before the show and they say you either love it or hate it. . . sounds like a line from Pretty Woman ;)

Well I can't say I am a huge fan of the storyline.  I some point during the second act they lost me. However I must say that the costumes were AMAZING.  My sister in-law couldn't believe how realistic the actors were . . . they must of studied cat behaviour to be able to mimic it so well.  The singing was great and the dancing wow that many actors on one stage and no collisions, very impressive.

The final verdict I wouldn't say I hated it but it wouldn't be classified within my top favorites but wouldn't go in my bottom either. The singing, dancing and costumes saved the show for me. However this is definitely a must see for everyone who enjoys musicals.

Walking out of the theatre you could hear a mix of reviews "I love it! The second act was the best!" or "What was the whole thing on the boat? Not my favorite musical"

Have you seen Cats? Did you enjoy it? There is still time to purchase your tickets at the National Arts Centre (Ottawa) box office.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Continuing on with the reading topic . . . .

I just finished my first book of 2011 and I am now inspired to give myself a goal for 2011.  How many books can I read in a full year??  How about 30? Yep lets go with 30 and if I reach that I will adjust it.

I have also discovered this great website where there are reviews on EVERY book and you can track the books you have read.  You can also enter contests to win pre-released books, signed copy or simply copies of popular books.
http://www.goodreads.com/

Let me know what you think?!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Reading . . . Amazon kindle . . .

In 2008 Oprah did a lighter version of her favorite things, the only item that was of interest was the Amazon Kindle.  I jumped on my computer to check out the price and the availability on Amazon. . . the only problem at the time they did not ship to Canada :(
In November of 2009 Amazon.com decided to ship to Canada! Of course as soon as I found out I ordered mine with a leather case . . .. my total purchase $360 CND.  I know a big purchase but I thought it was worth it as I am a avid reader and the kindle books bought on amazon.com are much cheaper.



Now for my thoughts on the Amazon Kindle as of today . . .  I LOVE it!!  I read much quicker and I love the fact that I can read whatever I want on the bus and no one knows what I am reading (not that I read weird books but sometimes I want to read romance novels or young adult novels and I prefer no one be the wiser).  I love the fact that my book is always on me and does not weigh a ton . . . which is key when you are on the bus going and coming from work.

One negative thing about my kindle I have a 2nd generation version and I am a little peeved that they have come up with a newer version in BLACK.  I must admit I thought about buying a new one just because of that but I resisted :)

I do see some people with other versions of an e-reader, the Kobo one from Chapters seems to be really popular but I believe you must plug your e-reader in to download your books  . . . and my is through wireless internet (no monthly fee).

Do you have an e-reader? Do you enjoy it? Do you know of a good place to buy a protective case for your e-reader (I have been looking everywhere for a good flexible cover).

Monday, January 3, 2011

Thinking of going to see Legally Blonde (the play) ????

I hope everyone had happy and safe holidays!!  Now it is back to work :(

I was lucky enough to see Legally Blonde at the Ottawa National Centre for a second time during the holidays. It is definitely a must see if you want a happy, upbeat musical. My sister in-law joined me and she had never seen the movies, and she enjoyed the play very much.

The differences between the Toronto show and the Ottawa show. . . well one difference that was very disappointing, Bruiser was the only real dog in the play. In the Toronto play Bruiser (Elle's dog) and Bruiser (Paulette's dog) were both real dogs on stage.  

Other than that and a few microphone issues at the beginning the Ottawa show was superior than in Toronto.  It gets better with time.


Go see this play! It is hilarious and the music is very addictive . . . . omygod omygod omygod :)