taking in a broadway show

on friday night, i was lucky enough to be treated to a broadway show. it was my mom's birthday, so the whole family -- plus a couple of significant others now that we're all getting to that point in our lives -- gathered in times square for what is becoming an annual ritual. first, we met at chevy's, the mexican restaurant chain, then we headed to guys and dolls.

the show was fantastic and our seats were amazing. i was a little worried because lauren graham, best known for her work as the mom on gilmore girls, was starring as stripper adelaide and i had read some mixed reviews. for the record, i love, love, love lauren graham and i just so happen to be watching a lot of gilmore girls recently, because i received the series' complete box set for christmas. i wanted her to be great and i was not disappointed. lauren graham undoubtedly stole the show. i could not take my eyes off her, to the point that other dancers had stripped down to their skivvies while she sand "a bushel and a peck" and i didn't even notice. her bronx accent was sometimes uneven, but i found it just the right amount of over the top ridiculousness required for her character. and after her first song, i heard people all around me say, "wow, she's really good." in fact, i turned to rob and said the same thing!

beyond adelaide's scenes, the best musical number by far was the showstopper "sit down you're rocking the boat." nicely nicely's amazing voice came out of nowhere and a rent-esque vamp by the mission's general made everyone in the audience crack up and then stare in awe at her power and range.

the only low point was oliver platt. his parts felt forced, like he didn't really belong in the nathan detroit role. he also looked like he had no idea what to do with his hands. very distracting. and, i kept waiting for some chemistry between him and adelaide...and there was nothing.

regardless, i definitely recommend guys and dolls as a fun broadway musical to see if you have friends or family in town or want something fun and different to do one night. definitely see it before lauren graham leaves. i'm not sure how long she'll be there, but i recently read that she's in a new fall show, so i'm sure she'll be gone soon. also, for any sex and the city fans, sky is played by carrie's jazz musician boyfriend. you'll know who i mean as soon as you seen him!

after guys and dolls, we headed back home to stamford for presents and a chocolate cake made by my dad. it was a very sweet family night. i think my mom had a great birthday!