Growing up, my parents took us regularly to hear live music and to see shows and plays. In addition to shows on the big stages, we saw a lot of community theater productions that my dad’s friends were in. As an adult, my dad and I had a tradition to go see the musical at the end of the season at Wolf Trap.  I feel very fortunate to have had those experiences and I wanted to pass that along to my kids.

My first effort was with my older three step kids. We took them to see a shorten version of The Nutcracker by a local ballet company. I enjoyed every bit of it while they felt it was the longest event in history. Our niece, who’d gone with us reported it was long and her cousin Matthew picked his nose during the show. Not exactly the experience I was hoping for us all but a typical Motley one.

I’ve taken Kathryn to see The Nutcracker as well. We’ve seen the normal ballet and then one time saw a puppet show of it. The puppets were practically life-size and it was creepy. Despite that misfire, Kathryn is more open to going to see things. She and I have gone to a number of high school productions in the area as well as shows at the Olney Theater.  She and I have gone to see her musical favorites from when she was little and it was The Wiggles to more currently New Direction and Ed Sheeran. Tuesday we are headed downtown to see the musical How the Grinch Stole Christmas thanks to tickets my sister gave us. We are both looking forward to it.

The Nutcracker is really a great ballet with wonderful music. I just love the whole thing. I’ve seen friends perform in it and my childhood babysitter was a ballerina who studied at the Washington School of Ballet. After we went to bed, she would put on her pointe shoes and practice on the hard wood floor in our living room. I can remember lying in bed listening to her dance. We attended a few of her performances, including The Nutcracker.

Today I was home alone for a while and took advantage of the opportunity to play The Nutcracker soundtrack. If you ever have the chance to see it, go. Even if ballet isn’t your thing – it is a magical show. All the music and dancing is great, but this is a favorite of mine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOARfu8modE