"Next to Normal" - Arena Stage

Mr. and Mrs. Distco left the theater last night in awe. Mrs. Distco confessed to crying no fewer than three times. Mr. Distco confessed to coming as close to crying as his Japanese Danish American machismo allows. The music was fantastic, the story compelling. Performers in the roles of mother and son were particular standouts. The stage too left quite an impression. Mr. Distco once was an engineer, and tries to figure out how stuff works by second nature. "Next to Normal" had a very active set with dynamic lighting and creative use of glass, scaffolding, and stair elements that played intricately off of the developing story.

Not even a month ago, Mr. Distco made some awfully strident statements about the (perceived) (lack of) legitimacy of musical theater. Mr. Distco says such things when having late-night conversations with his brother-in-law. Now Mr. Distco is all embarassment. Apparently musical theater can be powerful without being cheap.

Pre-Theater Dinner at Jaleo Crystal City

As the house guests drifted off to the Land of Nod, the Distcos drifted off to Arena Stage to see the final performance of "Next to Normal,"  courtesy of Mrs. Distco's theater connections.

First up was dinner at Jaleo in Crystal City.  

The Distcos generally stick to the confines of their District, almost never venturing abroad for anything but Harris Teeter via Zipcar.  So only rarely do the Distcos dine out in the Commonwealth.  This time felt like a lab experiment: Jaleo Crystal City versus Jaleo DC.  The Crystal City location offers immense volume--high ceilings and high capacity.  Mr. Distco probably prefers the crowded accomodations of the District branch.  Too much elbow room and a place takes the feel of an Olive Garden.  The service was fine, and probably better than in DC, with the exception of the inexplicable refusal to serve Mr. Distco the special occasion cocktail crafted in honor of Barack Obama.  You see, the cocktail must be served as part of their special four-course sampling menu.  No exceptions.  "Fine," thought Mr. Distco.  "Don't take my money."  And they didn't.  

The food, alas, also disappointed.  Heavy dates, heavy paella.  The meal did nothing to change Mrs. Distco's negative opinion of Jaleo, which, in truth, the DC branch has certainly earned.  Mr. Distco has had good experiences at Jaleo DC in the summertime, with sangria and loud conversation.  But always, unfortunately, without Mrs. Distco.

At any rate, the Distcos were fed, if maybe a little fed-up.  So they attempted to navigate the Crystal City shopping district to get to Arena Stage.  A bit lost at first, the Distcos luckily ran into an acquaintance of Mrs. Distco's, and an associate of the Arena Stage, who escorted them to their destination.  Apparently only hours before, this associate had been toasting the end of the run of "Next to Nowhere" at Jaleo with the cast and crew.  One can only assume that they had the Sangria and the loud conversation.  

Not to ruin the suspense, but the show was a hit with the Distcos.  Unfortunately, the full account must wait until the next post.  For now, know this: if you missed "Next to Nowhere," you really missed something beautiful.

Inauguration Weekend Pt. 2

Tres magnifiques.  The mussels at Montmartre did not disappoint.  Nor did the gallettes nor --GASP-- the constant refills of coffee.  Formerly the only knock on Montmartre for the Distcos was the need to ask for coffee refills.  I don't know if the assertive refill policy is in honor of the inaugural festivities, but, at any rate, it's a change we can all believe in.

Saving stamina for  inauguration day, and taking full advantage of their ridiculous cable package, the Distcos opted to watch the Lincoln Memorial concert from the comforts of their home.  Shockingly, despite all previous indications to the contrary, so did their house guests.  Good call, that.  Everyone will need to be fully rested for the marathon Obamathon on Tuesday.  

Inauguration Weekend pt. 1

Deterred by the crowds last night, Mr. and Mrs. Distco stayed in. Dr. Granville Moore's reported waits of about 2 hours. Yikes. The Distco's house guests planned to go out after dinner, but a 2-hour wait means that there is no after dinner.

So instead Mr. and Mrs. Distco fired up the DVR to watch Jack Bauer's new female FBI counterpart briefly struggle with her decision to torture terrorists.

This morning the Distcos will satisfy their craving for moules (sans frites) at Montmartre. Bon apetit!

Utah 31, Alabama 17, BCS bogus

Impressive game from start to finish. The Distcos watched from home and screamed like maniacs the whole time for Mr. Distco's Utah compatriots. How 'bout those receivers?

Salt Lake County almost went for Obama, and now this? Crazy times in the pretty, great state.

On deck: Boomer Sooner, baby.

Rock Band New Year's Eve