I went to New York City May 19 through May 22. I saw six Broadway
musicals in four days: "The Producers," "Hairspray," "Assassins,"
"Wicked," "Aida" and "The Boy from Oz."

I predict "Wicked" will win most of the Tony Awards it is up for on
Sunday, and Hugh Jackman ("The Boy from Oz") will win best actor in a
musical.

My father and I used to make this trip every year. It was great,
because no matter where I was (I lived in several different parts of
the country midway in my career) he and I could me for a few days in
share our love of musicals.

Dad died in 1997, and I got away from making the trip. The last few
years, when my weight climbed to 365, I was unable to walk much, and
traveling to Manhattan, where one walks or one doesn't get anywhere,
became impossible.

In May 2004, some 100 pounds lighter, I made the trip and it was a
joy. I walked often through midtown Manhattan, several times just
laughing out loud with delight because I was there and I could walk
with ease. Fortunately, a maniacally cackling woman on the streets of
midtown doesn't draw any attention.

The most touching moment came when I was in the theater waiting for
the curtain to rise on "Aida," and I struck up a conversation with the
man next to me. I told him how I used to make this trip with my father
and how much I missed him.

The man said, "Your dad is with you right now, and he's probably so
happy that you continue to enjoy the love of theater that he shared
with you."

That moved me to tears.

As always, YMMV.

Kasey
365/262/???