As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned the art of planning. I especially like to plan trips. Oh, there’s always room for spontaneity, but there’s also a huge thrill in planning a trip down to the last minute and seeing everything happen the way you planned it. Our 29th anniversary was a planning event that evolved and evolved until the day of the event. Even so it was great fun to see it unfold.

We both adore Kristin Chenoweth, so when we learned she was coming back to Broadway to do a show, we thought that would be an excellent way to celebrate our anniversary. I bought two matinee tickets for decent prices and felt really good about it. As the time drew closer we began to consider a double header. Why not, we’re there and it seemed a waste to drive down, see a show, and then drive back. We decided to visit the TKTS outlet at South Street Seaport when it opened to avoid the lines of Times Square. Now, the day was beginning to fill up, so I needed to make lunch and dinner reservations. Not wanting to spend a fortune on a hotel, I booked a room in Stamford, CT to save a few bucks. Janet woke on our day of departure with a terrible head cold, but a determination to see the day through.

After arriving in New York, I dropped Janet off into a line that was longer than I expected. I was able to find street parking and joined her to get tickets for Something Rotten. We’d seen a number the week before on the Tony’s and thought it might be good fun. I’d booked parking near Times Square, so we headed to the garage and then on to a table the Obao Thai restaurant I’d reserved. Though sick, Janet managed to enjoy the meal and we both agreed to come back again. On the 20th Century was kind of a throwback to madcap musicals of the 40s and 50s. Kristin was wonderful and we treasured the opportunity to see her perform live. Our dinner was Italian at Mama Mia 44SW, and we both wished Janet had felt better. By that time, the sickness was starting to settle in and made eating difficult. She was able to eat enough to sustain her through another show. I was so proud of the trooper she’d become.

Something Rotten was hilarious.  The combination of the Shakespeare parody and the references to at least 50 musicals made that show one of the best I’d ever seen. It had all the big production numbers and a lighthearted script that make musical theater a treat! Though we came to see Kristin, Something Rotten was the winner of the day.

The hotel I booked in Stamford was exactly what I paid for, and probably less. Though it was a bed to sleep in, I think we can do better next time. I was certainly glad for Janet to get some much needed rest. Living the adventure with me can be straining at times, and she proved she was more than up to the task. My plans paid off and we had a wonderful day that we will remember for many years to come! Happy Anniversary darling!

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller