Christmas Cheer: "Finding the Light" - Music, Laughter, and Holiday Reflection

Merry Christmas 2024

Friday night, Carrie and I had the pleasure of attending "Finding the Light: Event and Reading." We went not really knowing what to expect, but it was so fun. It was a production of readings, music, and fun. The plot revolved around guests attending a Christmas party and the troubles or issues that arise in life while trying to navigate the holiday season.

The performance made us laugh, shed a tear, and feel reflective about the Christmas holiday. It was something I would see again next year if they produce it again. I would love to take my family and friends to see it too. We heard about it from Erin and Greg, as the people who wrote the original musical were, or have been, involved with the Topeka Civic Theatre located in Topeka, KS. Our friends, Jason F and Jason D, were in the band and sounded fantastic! It was a fun night, and I hope they do it again next year as we would definitely see it again.

This was truly the first Christmas celebration outside of work that Carrie or I have attended this year. A little unusual, but it was nice to hear some original songs alongside some of the familiar Christmas carols. It was a special and enjoyable evening.

Selfie in Front of Christmas Tree

We took some time to take pictures in front of the beautifully decorated Christmas tree that was set up. They offered some delightful drinks to enjoy before, during, and after the event concluded, along with some light snacks. It made for a perfect evening of entertainment and truly put me in the Christmas spirit. 

As we approach the final full week before Christmas, I can hardly believe that 2024 is coming to an end. It will soon be Christmas 2024, and the year will be over a week later. Yes, I say it every year, but the years seem to be flying by faster and faster. You blink, and suddenly the year is over. I have a lot to do this next week at work before wrapping up 2024. I am looking forward to some time off to regroup and prepare for 2025.

Have a great week, and make sure to savor the build-up to the Christmas holiday.

Romeo & Juliet Production as part of Lady Shakes Theatre Company at Jayhawk Theatre June 9, 10, and 11

Selfie Back Stage

Carrie finished up a play last weekend that she has been rehearsing for the past month or so. She did great! Carrie has been a part of Lady Shakes Theatre Company the past few years and last weekend finished the production of Romeo & Juliet. The cast was great and they did a wonderful job.

I attended the play on Friday, June 9 and had a great time. It was the second time seeing Lady Shakes Theatre Company perform at the Jayhawk Theatre. I believe it was my third or fourth time seeing a play by Lady Shakes.

Friday night had a good crowd and the theatre opened an hour early to give the audience a chance to eat at a food truck and have some drinks. I went with Eddie, Joan, Greg, and Erin. The theatre had it set up nicely with tables in the front section so that people could eat, have some drinks, and be comfortable for the performances. We had a great time!

Photos from the performance on Friday, June 9...

Carrie Performing at Jayhawk Theatre

Wide Shot of Performance

Carrie Taking a Bow

Curtain Call End of the Night

It is so fun to see Carrie performing on stage. She does such a good job. I am not sure I would be able to say my name if I were performing let alone remember my lines. Carrie seems to have no problems and did not even seem nervous as we drove to the theatre that evening. I am so proud of Carrie for doing these productions and I take great pride in seeing her on stage.

I did tell Carrie Friday night following the performance I would do the other two nights too, but I ended up only going to the one performance. The Saturday and Sunday performances had fewer people in the audience, but Carrie said they were good shows. Following the Saturday night performance, Carrie went out with the cast for a drink. Even though the rehearsals were not a lot of fun, I think she had a great time performing and being with the cast members. She told me Sunday following the last performance she almost cried on her way home thinking that was it.

Selfie Post Opening Night

Following the Friday night performance, we were able to get some food for Carrie and take a selfie. Carrie had spent most evenings rehearsing as it led up to the production and most nights she would get home around 10:30 - 11:30 and would finally eat dinner. It has been good to have Carrie back home and on a regular schedule. Plus, our dog, Oliver, likes having the routine back with both of us around. 

Congrats on a job well done and I cannot wait to see what you do next. I had fun listening to you rehearse although I do not think I helped you with your lines at all this time. You had a unique way to rehearse with the recording of all the other voices and you would use that to rehearse your lines. Worked like a charm! Great job!

Carrie Performed in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in NOTO on Saturday, May 29

Carrie on stage for Lady Shakes Theater Company production of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in NOTO on Saturday, May 29. The play was great and I hope they are able to do another production. The cast had been working since last fall with a break during the winter months when they could not rehearse. As the months started to warm, they started to rehearse every weekend for the past few months with ramped up rehearsals multiple times a week the past few weeks. It was so good to see Carrie and cast on stage and fun to see many people from the stage that I had not seen in many months in attendance. 

The weather was beautiful and so fun to see live theater after many months without. A great crowd gathered in RedBud Park of NOTO. Most people brought their own chairs and a few had blankets or sat on the rocks. I look forward to seeing other events at Redbud Park in NOTO in the future. A nice new addition to the area an already fantastic area of Topeka. If you have the chance to see a band, play, or sit in Redbud Park of NOTO, I highly recommend doing so.

Until next time, have a great day and get out to enjoy some theater.