If you follow me on Instagram you already know that the other night I had the opportunity to take Emma up to the opening night of the Broadway musical Cinderella at the Keller Auditorium in Portland. I had told Emma a couple of weeks ago that we were going to have a ‘date night’ to go see Cinderella – although I’m sure she didn’t know exactly what that entailed – but she was very excited and began counting down the days.
On our way up to the show she was giddy with the anticipation of the unknown and was even more excited when I let her know that this would be the first Broadway performance I had ever saw as well – she was just that more excited to have a “first” with me.
When I was offered media tickets I immediately thought of taking Emma with me. Anika has been to many different events with me in the past, and as a family we’ve gone to many things together, but Emma – we haven’t been able to do one on one stuff as much…but now she’s seven and getting old enough that she can enjoy things like this with me.
I was a little hesitant because I wasn’t sure if she would be entertained for the entire duration of the performance or not, but I figured that if she were to go with me to any performance – Cinderella would be the perfect one to attend.
I was right.
The performance began promptly at 7:30 and lasted 2 hours, with a 15 minute intermission at about 8:45. The storyline was a bit different than the version we all grew up knowing, sticking with the original Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s version which made the familiar story slightly different, and it captivated both of our attentions. The ever changing sets and costumes were mesmerizing, and the audience all gasped and clapped when Cinderella’s dress was magically transformed.
I’m so glad that I took Emma along with me on a special night out, and she’s at the perfect age that she will be able to remember the time “Mom” took her to see Cinderella. If you’re still hesitant whether or not you should take your daughter, here are 5 reasons why I think you should just do it:
1. It’s an amazing opportunity – everyone can go to the movies or out to dinner, but how often does a musical like this come around? Your daughter will always remember this magical night where she’s captivated by a story that allows her imagination to flow.
2. It’s a story she already knows – She will get amped up because she is familiar with the story and will have a little understanding on what to expect. She’ll be able to watch the performance with anticipation to see how they will perform the story.
3. It’s a Broadway musical – only the best of the best! It will captivate even the younger ones with the ever changing backgrounds and dancing.
4. It will build a better bond between you two – having an amazing evening where you are able to dress up with you daughter, spend a few hours alone to together, and take her on an adventure will just help build the relationship that you have with your daughter and let it grow.
5; It’s only coming around once. Cinderalla is only playing through the 22nd in Portland, then will be heading off to Seattle next for its tour. To find out more information check out my previous post HERE.
~Melissa
