High and Low Culture 



In Madison, we have a wonderful arts venue that was built after a local businessman donated $200 million to build it. It was designed by Cesar Pelli and the performances are magical.

This weekend, we hit a new high point: the ballet Cinderella on Saturday.

....and a new low point: The Magic School Bus on stage on Sunday.

Cinderella was one of the best ballets I've seen. Ever. The music was phenomenal, the costumes were extraordinary and the sets were fantastic. The dancing was so beautiful.

I brought both kids. Although I did get "the look" when I walked in with my two year old boy. Any of you mothers of 2 year old boys, you know "the look." Most often, it is received on airplanes as you sit down next to a businessman. But, it seems that older, dressed-up women at the ballet also give "the look." It says, "Oh, man. Just my luck. I get to sit next to the brat."

We arrived just as the ballet started so I didn't have time to assure her that my son loves to go to the ballet. This was his third ballet, and other than his tendency to take a short nap during the second half of the performance (C'mon - admit it - we'd all like to do that, sometimes.), he is an ideal theater-goer. He claps with delight after the Pas de Deux; he is entranced by the music; he loves the whole experience.

He's a bit odd that way. He also likes to go to church and to classical music concerts. This works out well for me. My dear husband doesn't quite share my passion for ballet, classical music concerts or church. So, it's nice to have a son who does enjoy such things with such passion.

And The Magic School Bus...the kids loved it. Adored it. Thought it was the best show ever. As for me, if I ever have to see Ms. Frizzle again outside a Scholastic book or a PBS TV show, I will run screaming in the other direction. As fast as my little legs can take me.

Some things were meant to never, ever be choreographed and put to music. The Magic School Bus is one of those things.

...and the woman who gave me "the look" at the ballet? After the show, she couldn't stop exclaiming what a well behaved son I had. I assured her that he saved his best behavior for the theater. At home, he had just as many tantrums as every other 2 year old boy in the world.

Hmm...perhaps I should learn how to do an arabesque at home?
 

Posted: Sun - April 10, 2005 at 09:33 PM          

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