Yesterday was no ordinary day. Yesterday, I saw Beauty and the Beast. (The musical, I am not referring to a sighting of a ugly man with a beautiful woman. I mean, come on, that happens every day.)
Esther (a housemate) heard that the show was happening down at the Belfast Opera House and the tickets were cheap for students. At the time, a few of us made semi-excited, non-commital responses of joy at this announcement. But then the idea took root in our brains and it became so much more than a night at the Opera House.
It started with a few inquiries about what we should wear to the event. Someone made the comment of dressing up and suddenly this "casual evening" was given the dress code of "cocktail". Of course, this provided the house with another dilemma because only a few of the girls possessed dresses appropriate to the dress code. Fortunately, I came to Belfast equipped with enough exciting performance outfits to last the year. This resulted in an hour long session of trying on dresses in my room. It was very girly and filled with all the cliches you look for in a girly clothing session. There was cheesy 80's music, boy talk, chocolate, trash talk, nail painting, the only thing missing was hair braiding. By the time we were out of chocolate, it was decided that we would get all dressed up in our high heels and some of my best dresses, complete with hair and make-up; all with the intent of taking the Opera House by storm.
In the last few minutes before our taxi arrived, we strutted our stuff in the common room, much to the confusion of our male housemates.
When we arrived, in style I might add, the Opera House was in full swing. People in fancy uniforms doing god knows what, classy music playing - the works. We were, however, clearly overdressed. But I think that added to the experience. We headed to the bar and ordered some pre-show drinks. I have to say, I felt quite impressive in my dress, make-up and hair done, sipping a glass of red wine before the opera (okay, it was a musical. But it was IN an Opera House...that definitely counts). Then, as we headed to our seats, a wonderful man told us that our seats had been upgraded and we were now sitting in the balcony. Dead center. Oh, yeah. Life is pretty great.
It was an interesting show. The costumes were, well, mostly for the kids. The music was well done, I was pleasantly surprised. In truth, I enjoyed myself immensely. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Disney films and seeing it onstage was just as much fun. And who doesn't love watching adults run around pretending to be flatware? The best was the wardrobe - I forgot that she was supposed to be an opera singer.
Thanksgiving is next week and I am already starting to make preparations. It is going to be a wonderful dinner - so long as I don't screw it up!
Kelsey
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