I was just thinking about Shadi seeing "Grease!" I can't wait for her report! I wonder when she'll get home? I'll have to patiently wait for her review!
I don't believe so. I think she's good friends with Ashley's mom.
Thanks Eris! I thought there was some connection-I'm sure she will love the show!
Eris...you are absolutely right..I am a very close friend of Ashley and her Mother. As a matter of fact, have known the whole family for 17 years. They are all the best people you could ever meet! In fact, my avatar is a picture of my son and Ashley when they were young, so you can see how long I have known them. Ashley is all grown up now!
Well, and yes , as you can imagine 'That Girl', I thoroughly enjoyed every second of the show! It's amazing to see Ashley on that stage! I had watched her so many times while she was growing up in local theatre and at dance competitions. Ashley and my daughter were on a competitive dance team when they were younger, so we traveled all over the country together. I watched as Ashley received a RISING STAR AWARD at the age of nine years old, when she danced her solo! There were about 150 dancers there, and she was tapped as the RISING STAR! Judges said they knew that someday, she would be on a Grand Stage somewhere! Well, I guess there isn't any grander stage than Broadway! She won first place, after first place, and always stole the show wherever she went! It was always so much fun to see what she would do next!
Well, as I was sitting there (as I did when I saw her in Hairspray), memories of those days came flooding back! All I could think of as I watched her in the role of Sandy was 'WOW...this is Broadway', and Ashley is SANDY! Tears welled in my eyes! I can't imagine how her mother must have felt opening night, because for me...it was amazing! I couldn't have been any prouder of her than I was at that moment. Her acting, singing and dancing was "spot on," and her portrayal of Sandy for me, couldn't have been better! You just can't take your eyes off her!
This is such a testimony for every little girl out there that has BIG dreams! It can happen! Yes, you have to have talent, but you also have to want it...and go get it! I am so proud that Ashley had the fortitude to pursue her dream, and to work at her talent, the best way she could. It is also a testament to her family, for making all the sacrifies they did, spending the money on dance, singing and acting lessons for all those years. And, always encouraging Ashley to keep practicing and rehearsing, to refine her talent! It truly paid off for Ashley! I know how proud she has made her mom and dad! Ashley was born to be on the stage!
The show was FABULOUS! The cast was amazing! I loved Derek (glad to see he is feeling better. I think he missed a performance or two from what I heard with strep throat), and Ace is quite the hunk up there! He is also a great Kiniecke! There is truly a lot of fire and great talent on that stage!
I could go on and on about each individual actor's performance....they were all so good in their roles. D&B...hope Jose is OK. Jose turned his knee I think in the Greased Lightning scene, and Joe Komara played Sonny in the second act. Jose is great by the way! Loved him! I hope Jose is OK! Please let him know how much I loved his performance.
If any of you haven't seen the show yet, please go! There isn't a better feel good show on Broadway...and we all need to have some fun in these trying economic times!
From Shadi's post: "This is such a testimony for every little girl out there that has BIG dreams! It can happen! Yes, you have to have talent, but you also have to want it...and go get it!"
What a great statement Shadi! You are absolutely correct! I wish we could all have this kind of determination. Glad you had a great time in NYC and enjoyed seeing Ashley and the cast! Thanks for your post.
Sadly, I got immune the hard way by having a really bad case of it. My fever was so high I was hearing noises and having weird dreams that repeated over and over again all night. But, I haven't had it in 21 years. So I guess it was worth it in the end.
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"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
"He took in the smell of the ballpark, he smiled. He loved the ballpark, there were smells there that couldn't be found anywhere else."
Shadi, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review!!!! I enjoyed it so much! I am so glad that you were able to go and see Ashley perform! And I loved reading about your relationship with Ashley! What a wonderful ride it must have been to watch her show her talent at such a young age and then get all the way to the top! Watching "Grease: You're the One That I Want" allowed me to see what a special person Ashley is! Not only is she beautiful and talented on the outside, but she is just as beautiful on the inside as well. Over the past year and a half, I have become an even bigger fan of hers (And I didn't even know that was possible! ) She's a great person, and I know that the fantastic people in her life have helped guide her to where she is today and helped shape her into the wonderful person that she is. That includes you! I am so happy for you, and I am so glad that you were able to see Ashley as "Sandy!"
Just makes me better able to take care of Derek. It appears someone needs to. Broken nose, broken fingers, stomach viruses, and now strep. He needs someone to watch out for him.
__________________
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
"He took in the smell of the ballpark, he smiled. He loved the ballpark, there were smells there that couldn't be found anywhere else."
Wonderful review Shadi, it's great when someone 's dreams become reality. Perseverance and hard work are the key and when the end result is success,who could ask for more. Kudos to Ashley and all of the cast for following their dreams !
Wonderful review Shadi. You can definately tell how close you are to Ashley by your description, especially how you have witnessed all of the changes from Ashley's childhood until now. I know you are a special part of her life too. Thank you!
Wonderful review Shadi. You can definately tell how close you are to Ashley by your description, especially how you have witnessed all of the changes from Ashley's childhood until now. I know you are a special part of her life too. Thank you!
Thanks for your kind words Brite Eyes! I don't know what I would do without my great friends!