Started off with me very restless and just unhappy for no reason. Was that way till afternoon. Then picked up. Met an American man from NYC, lawyer living in London. His kids go to school here, maybe it’s just this one son. His child does theater, which is amazing, as we don’t have enough patrons for the performing arts. He and I agreed that a school uniform is very important. For reasons beyond the obvious.
Across from us sat a lovely couple who had plans to watch Sir Paul McCartney in a live concert. Yes, the one- of the Beatles fame. The husband was into theatre and it’s so interesting to find out about new ideas in theatre. They told us about an immersive experience that is put in at The Bridge theater, where the stage moves, and other interactions with the audience. Hard to imagine, but I do know K and A would love it.
In the early days when I was living between Florida and Sydney, I remember missing the cultural vibrancy of Sydney in Orlando. K was a devout patron and bought seasons tickets to opera and ballet, for the love of the arts, but also because the value of Grants that are issued by the Australian government to the Arts societies is commensurate with the subscriptions they have. Opera in Sydney was truly spectacular and one dressed up for the shows.
At that time, we saw an announcement for Figaro- to be performed at the Dr Phillips Center of the performing arts. What a shock when we went to the ‘Theatre!’ It was a small white building at the end of Magnolia Avenue, by the railway tracks. Today that’s right next to an exit for Interstate-4. That’s not the point. We actually sat in folding chairs! Seriously. The kind that are hired out for open air functions and move around freely, where your knees are way out of the seat, and your things don’t get full support. I couldn’t believe that was the ‘theater’ where Orlando hosts Opera. However, the performance was first rate. We fortunately sat in the first or second row, so had a clear view and enjoyed the Aria, with very expressive faces, the vocals conniving with the expressive faces to captivate all our senses.
The other theater was the Mad Cow theater. We saw several plays there. It’s now moved to a better location and a nicer home. It’s a labor of love on the part of the owners - a woman at least back then.
To get back to Dr Phillips, it’s now in a grand building and I’ve been only once, maybe twice, can’t recall. Andrea Bocelli maybe? I’ve been wanting to see Shen Yum there but whenever they’re in town, I’m away.
The one time I changed my travel plans to go and see a live performance in Tampa, of my very favorite sacred secret Great, the show on July 7th of that year was cancelled, as Panditji passed away of Covid in New Jersey. I had non idea he was in the USA!
Similarly, Perry Como “For the good times,” passed away in a Florida facility and I had no idea he was living in Florida.
I did see a Kenny Rogers show in some arena in Kissimmee. Of course he’s awesome- I love so many of his songs. Especially the duets. I think he had had knee surgery, or maybe he just was bow legged? Had a young wife and son with him, small child. He’s much much older than me. Hope he’s found happiness with this wife. This was a long time ago, maybe 10-12 years.
Had the best dinner at The Laureate, at the Hyatt Regency in Manchester. They had a Manchester United game, besides Sir Paul McCartney in concert so traffic was crazy. Despite limited vegetarian options, I did well with the salad and grilled vegetables. Hiba from downstairs remembered me from last time. It’s such a lovely feeling- sometimes I feel I’m getting my spark back. We had a great conversation. This is one of the nicer hotels- over Hyatt’s too. I think I’m starting to like them much more that the Hilton properties. Except the Conrad where we stayed in Singapore twice. That’s the most awesome hotel. They have fresh juices at breakfast and the lovely staff remembered my preferences.
This Hyatt has a fabulous breakfast too. Unbelievable. Truly. Spectacular choices. Coukd elaborate, but want to call it a night.
That’s it!!
Veenu Banga
9:49 pm
December 15, 2024.
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