Exciting times in the world of the West End!

As you all have seen, a typical week for me involves a lot of musical theatre.
And while I love this type of art more than my little heart can hold,
it's great to branch out and experience the other types of performance that is offer.
And experience that in London? Absolutely the best of the best.

That's why when the English National Opera offered the chance to see one of their shows,
there was no hesitation in my "YES! I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR PRODUCTION!"
Sometimes my enthusiasm gets the best of me...

I'll be seeing their current running production La traviata.

The show tells the story of a young woman forced to sacrifice her own happiness for the reputation of her lover.
I have heard of this show before, as it is one of the most reproduced operas out there,
but definitely underestimated the intensity of it before watching the ENO's trailer.

A nice little post with a nice little song.

This one comes from the movie Help!
If you haven't watched it, I'll put all judgements aside (no I won't),
and just say - WATCH IT.
They are way too cute in this to not watch it.

FUN FACTS:

- Ringo falls through a hole during this song in the film. Like, it's just so great.
Just another reason why you should watch it.

- The majority of this song was completely recorded in a day.
ONE DAY.

- And I'm obsessed with the backing vocals on this. Just thought that was a fun fact too..

SORRY!

Travel Tuesday is a little dim on this page today.
I am currently working on my dissertation proposal that is due on Thursday.

Let's all say a quick prayer for me...

So while I am trying not to gauge my eyes out to keep from reading,

why don't you check out my favorite post from last weeks linkup?

Kaelene lives in Iceland - ICELAND!!

Jealousy: begin.

 She moved there to be with her hunky Icelandic viking of a boyfriend.

Jealousy: continue.

She talks about why you should visit Iceland in the winter

- as if we needed any convincing to visit. Hellooooo GORGEOUS -

and if for some unknown reason you are skeptical, just check out her pictures.

Find the post here.

Also - link up this week below!

Happy travels!

1. I was placed at #16 for the IX15 Top 100 International Blogs - pretty exciting to get a little recognition for this thing.

Thank you to everyone who sent a vote my way!

2. I am seeing the Carole King musical, Beautiful, on Tuesday.

This is ABSOLUTELY important enough to be on this list because I really cannot even explain my excitement.

Carole King AND musical theatre - in one night?

Say a prayer for me. I'm not sure I'll be able to handle this.

3. Sticking to musical theatre, I saw Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory (again) this past week.

This was a bit different from the past time I've seen it,
because the household favorite, Aaron Tveit, has departed.

A big part of this show's audience were superfans -
so you can imagine the negativity when he announced he was leaving early.

Michael Xavier stepped into the role for the remaining month, and if you don't know him, you should.

This guy's been nominated for TWO Olivier Awards.

(Basically the British Tony Awards)

He was born in Liverpool - and you know my feelings towards Liverpool.

And if that's not enough. Just Google the man. You'll see what I mean.

He's about 12 feet taller than Aaron, but plays the role just as beautifully...if not better.
Yea. I said it.
But that's just one reason why you should see the show.

I'm not kidding when I explain how phenomenal this cast is.
I've seen great actors connect together so well to create an amaizng show,
but acting-wise, I have never seen such a talented.
There is not a single person who outshines the other.
Literally - I can't even explain one that I was so impressed by,
because I'd just go on until I had talked about the entire cast.
Everyone is so god-damn incredible I really just can't get over it.

Anyways - the show is sold out, but they've got a returns-queue that basically always gets you tickets.
And people are throwing theirs on social media when they can't make it.
So if you want to see it,
and believe me - you want to see it -
you will be able to.


4. We're still sticking to musical theatre.
I saw The Scottsboro Boys this afternoon, which was also their final day before closing.
I'll have a review up here, but I figured I should add it in here because I am absolutely loving it.


5. Spent yesterday wandering all over London again
and just want to say again how in love I am with this place.
It's pretty much the greatest city in the world. That's about it, really.