A few things have happened in 2014!

HI!

I just had two cups of coffee and I'm ready to blog on this Sunday morning!

2014 has started off with a magnificent bang! I've seen some amazing performances, made some great friends, started work on an opera, and I've made it a goal to work hard and have fun--Okay maybe that's my resolution for 2014--and so far it been great!

When the semester started, I started work on my first opera (No I'm not writing an opera, I'm performing in one) Trial By Jury which is a one act opera by Gilbert and Sullivan. The opera will be apart of a Night Of Opera presented by the K-State School of Music, Theatre and Dance. Why a Night Of Opera? Because there will be two operas performed that night. The first opera will be Old Maid and the Thief, then there will be an intermission, then Trial by Jury. (When you buy a ticket, it is for the whole night, and you're expected (out of courtesy for the performers) to be at both operas). A Night of Opera-Old Maid and the Thief & Trial By Jury runs March 6th-8th at 7:30pm and March 9th at 2:30pm in Chapman Theatre in Nichols Hall on the KSU Campus. Get your tickets here!

Trial by Jury is a satirical opera that makes fun of the British judicial system and it also breaks that fourth wall, letting the audience in. When you see the show, make sure to laugh, and clap, gasp and sigh, and listen--Because it is written in British English and uses a lot of British humor.

So, let's talk about Bernadette Peters. On January 31st I was able to see the legend that is Bernadette Peters grace the stage at McCain Auditorium, which is where I work and volunteer and live. A few of the employees around McCain affectionately called this day Bernie P. Day! Therefore January 31st will always be Bernie P. Day to me. Now on to the performance. Bernadette Peters commanded that stage like it was no big deal. Her concert fulfilled something in me that hasn't been fulfilled. At the end I left the auditorium with a full and content heart and soul. Did I want more, yes, but i didn't need more. It was the most perfect evening I've had so far!

So far that is all that has happened that I wish to divulge at this moment in time. If you want to know more about the Opera or Bernie P. just ask. I'll be more than happy to geek out and fan-girl(boy) for you.

With much love,
Jonathan D. Strom
(Jon)

P.S.-I also saw The Addams Family the Musical on Friday (Valentines day) and it was the most appropriate show to see, especially for the single person, such as myself. Here is a little taste of what I saw and heard (start at 2:23 for the song).