I have heard the people sing

Singing the songs that I adore
It is the music of emotion
I just had to hear once more!

But before we get to that, I must apologize for failing to update my blog as usual. Let's jump back to last week...

On Wednesday, I had a lovely dinner with H and Jen at our new favorite restaurant--Cafe Pasta. After yummy--get this--pasta and a bottle of Austrailian Shiraz, we took in Les Miserables. I first saw "Les Miz" in London about a decade ago (it was on our trip with Aunt Jan and Clint, right Mom?), and it has been my favorite ever since. I'm happy to say I fell in love all over again on Wednesday.

Although the show has moved to a different (and seemingly smaller) theater, everything was as I remembered it--the rotating floor, the versatile set, the moving storyline, and, of course, the brilliant, brilliant music. The cast
was incredibly strong, especially John Owen-Jones (Jean Valjean), Cornell John (Javert), and Shonagh Daly (Eponine). (Fun fact: Owen-Jones is the longest-running Phantom in history with over 1,400 performances, and the youngest actor to play the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.) Owen-Jones's vocal range was truly amazing, and John had such presence. All three of us agreed that Daly was gorgeous (even dirtied up and in rags), and I think she could really be a star.

The only portrayal I was disappointed in was that of the "Master of the House," Thenardier. He was my favorite character the first time I saw the show, but much of his humor was lost in mumbling and slurred words. I know he's a drunk, but I'd like to be able to understand him a bit!

Almost all the songs are truly memorable, but my favorites remain "At the End of the Day," "Master of the House," "Do You Hear the People Sing?", "On My Own," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," and the song during which the "ghosts" appear. For those scoring at home, the last four brought me to tears.

* * * * *

On Thursday evening I hosted a small gathering for the women's figure skating long program (with an assist from H and Jen). I thought it was quite the success.

I had planned to make fresh cookies for the party, but they were out of mix at the store. Instead, I bought fresh cookies from the bakery, and H got a Cadbury variety pack. The cookies were quite large so I sliced them into quarters (which had the added advantage of masking jut how many one was eating). I arranged the pieces on a plate with the Cadbury bars around it on a serving platter. Once Jen arrived with the cheese and crackers, I did a cool sprial with the Dutch Edam and arranged crackers around the Brie. Voila! Everything was ready. (I'll post a picture once I get it uploaded.) H was very, very amused by my party preparations, and she now refers to the evening as the "Rachel the Suzie-Homemaker Party." What can I say? I take pride in my party-hosting.

The figure skating was a bit disappointing, but the girl from Japan deserved to win. After Sasha fell twice, we were all pulling for Slutskya, but it wasn't to be for her either. I hope Sasha sticks around for Vancouver, and I was impressed with Emily and Kimmie. As for the costumes, it is increasingly obvious to all of us that Russians and fashion just don't mix.

After the skating was over, we got to talking about the our study abroad program, certain classes, and general political topics. As I'm sure everyone who reads this blog is well aware, I have a few opinions up my sleeve so I definitely enjoyed it. And it is always nice when people who clearly have major ideological differences can have respectful, productive discussions. The lively talk and wine carried the party until around midnight, when everyone finally trickled home.

At the beginning of the evening, I had been worried we had too much food. I should've known better than to underestimate our group--the cookies and cheese were almost completely gone. H and I were so happy with the party we're hoping to host one again before the semester is up.

Kind Regards,
Suzie-Homemaker

p.s. I'm planning another update tomorrow with pictures.