ANASTASIA to Make Detroit Debut

Broadway In Detroit announced today that individual tickets for the tour of the critically-acclaimed Broadway production of ANASTASIA are now on sale!  ANASTASIA will make its Detroit debut at the Fisher Theatre, June 11 – 23, 2019. Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased online at http://www.broadwayindetroit.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-982-2787.

From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime and inspired by the beloved films, ANASTASIA is the new Broadway musical that’s “one of the most gorgeous shows in years!” (New York Observer). This dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
ANASTASIA features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush, new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) and direction by Tony Award-winning director Darko Tresnjak.
 
The creative team includes Peggy Hickey (Choreography), Alexander Dodge (Set Design), Linda Cho (Costume Design), Donald Holder (Lighting Design), Peter Hylenski (Sound Design), Aaron Rhyne (Projection Design), Charles G. LaPointe (Hair/Wig Design), Joe Dulude II (Makeup Design), Tom Murray (Music Supervision), Lawrence Goldberg (Music Direction), Doug Besterman (Orchestrations), David Chase (Dance Arranger), casting by Telsey + Company/Craig Burns, CSA.
 
ANASTASIA, currently celebrating an open-ended run on Broadway, began performances on March 23, 2017 at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) with critics exclaiming “Ahrens and Flaherty have chosen the right moments to musicalize, and their score here sounds complete and full — one of the season’s strongest! (NBC)” and “Smartly adapted by Terrence McNally, Anastasia is a sweeping adventure, romance and historical epic whose fine craftsmanship will satisfy musical-theater fans (Time Out)”. The new musical has played to sold out crowds on Broadway since officially opening in April 2017, in addition to garnering multiple Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards and nominations.
 
The original Broadway cast recording is available at BroadwayRecords.com, Amazon.com and iTunes. The 75-minute album includes the Academy Award-nominated favorite “Journey to the Past” alongside new numbers from the show such as Christy Altomare’s haunting “In My Dreams,” Ramin Karimloo’s passionate “Still,” and Derek Klena’s heart-racing “My Petersburg.”
 
The National Tour of ANASTASIA is produced by Stage Entertainment, Bill Taylor (Sister Act, Rocky), Tom Kirdahy (It’s Only A Play, The Visit), Hunter Arnold (Kinky Boots, Spring Awakening), 50 Church Street Productions, The Shubert Organization, Elizabeth Dewberry & Ali Ahmet Kocabiyik, Carl Daikeler, Warner/Chappell Music, 42nd Club/Phil Kenny, Judith Ann Abrams Productions, Broadway Asia/Umeda Arts Theater, Peter May, David Mirvish, Sandi Moran, Seoul Broadcasting System, LD Entertainment/Sally Cade Holmes, Seriff Productions, Van Dean, Tamar Climan and in association with Hartford Stage.
 
For more information about ANASTASIA
Twitter: @AnastasiaBway           
Facebook: AnastasiaBway
Instagram: @AnastasiaBway

 
Performance times for ANASTASIA appearing June 11-23, 2019 at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 West Grand Blvd., in Detroit are:
·         Tuesday – Saturday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.
·         Sunday evening performances at 6:30 p.m.
·         Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
·         Sunday matinees at 1:00 p.m.
·         Special open captioned performance on Sunday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m.
 
Tickets for ANASTASIA start at $39 (includes facility and parking fees) and are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.broadwayindetroit.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-982-2787. A limited number of premium seats will be available through Ticketmaster and at the Fisher Theatre box office. For group sales (12 or more) please call 313-871-1132 or email groups@broadwayindetroit.com. Tickets for the open captioned performance may be purchased in person at the Fisher Theatre box office or by phone at 313-872-1000, ext. 0. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.
 
Broadway In Detroit uses Ticketmaster as its sole, authorized ticketing agent. Individual tickets purchased from a ticket broker or “third party” ticket reseller involves risk and may not be authentic, sold at box office prices, or with correct performance and venue information. Broadway In Detroit box offices cannot reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets sold through a third party or ticket reseller. Broadway In Detroit is also unable to contact third party purchasers with pertinent updates or changes regarding performances.
 

Confetti Popcorn

Growing up something that my great grandma, meeme and my mum drilled into my head was never let your guests go home empty-handed. Whatever you give them doesn\’t have to be expensive, but it\’s a little token of appreciation. With Easter this Sunday, and my schedule being absolutely insane I wanted to whip up something quick and easy to give to everyone. Since life is better with sprinkles I thought there is no better way to share how blessed I am to have them in my life than with a pop of color in the form of a yummy treat.  Confetti popcorn is quick and easy to make, not to mention everyone will love it. 

 You will need
• 2 bags Pop Secret Movie Theater Butter Popcorn (I recommend Pop Secret for the biggest kernels)
• 1 lb. bag of white chocolate wafers (candy melts)I bought mine at Sarah\’s in Michigan – if you have a local cake/candy decorating I am sure you can find these there. Or Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics sells Wilton Candy Melts that will work the same.
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup confetti sprinkles
• Wax Paper

Directions: 
1. Pop the popcorn in the microwave and place in a large bowl, be sure that you have removed all un-popped kernels(you don\’t want anyone breaking their teeth).
2. Melt your white chocolate wafers in a double boiler or the microwave on defrost(it burns very quickly so be sure to watch it and stir often)
3. Pour your melted chocolate over your popcorn and stir to combine.
4. Add in the confetti sprinkles, stir to combine.
5. Spread out on wax paper and allow to dry for a couple hours. Break apart so you have separated the kernels.

 {I bought these mini pails 2 for $1 in Target\’s dollar spot}
 {The popcorn was placed in cello bags, adorned with coordinating ribbon and a tag}

My Name is Alexander Hamilton

I saw Hamilton at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit, Michigan – – and yes it really is that great! The day the tickets went on sale, I wasn\’t going to miss my shot — that\’s why I impatiently sat at my work computer waiting to grab tickets and I managed to score four for the Tuesday, April 9th show.

In case you live under a rock, Hamilton is currently the most popular Broadway show in years – quite possibly even decades. Rent made it\’s Broadway debate over 20 years ago and it\’s the closest (recent) production to Hamilton in terms of cultural impact. Sure other shows have made their way onto the stage, but none have made an impact like Hamilton – which could be due to the social world we now live in. That being said, despite being able to watch clips from the show, see pictures, listen to all the songs and read plenty of reviews I went into the show blind. You guys, I didn\’t even know they rapped all the songs! I avoided everything about the show, and let me tell you that was insanely hard. I must say though (coming from the girl that LOVES Wicked) this is one of the best shows I have ever seen! The songs are so catchy, and the experience you get is unreal. My tickets cost $170 each, and let me tell you – they were worth EVERY penny. Hamilton is one show you don\’t want to miss.

Hamilton is the story of what our country is about, told through the life of one amazing man. Did I mention, they rap the songs – obsessed! At its core, Hamilton is a story about an immigrant who used his smarts to get a ticket to America, where he worked tirelessly to make our country as good as it could be. He\’s a genius, impulsive, hothead that you can\’t help but love.

How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean by Providence, impoverished, in squalor, grow up to be a hero and a scholar? –Opening lines of HamiltonThe music is beautiful and catchy and set to a hip-hop medley. However, it\’s not Kayne West hip-hop it\’s rhymes and melody with a hint of ballads and jazzy showstoppers you\’re sure to love. While I was at the show King George was played by an understudy and WOW that man rocked the part hardcore, so I can\’t even imagine what the star of the shows pipes are like.

As somone who attends plenty of Broadway shows, I must say I have never attended a show with so much enthusiam from an audience. The Hamilton audience is electrifying. Everyone is excited to be there, respectful, and always cheering.

You don\’t have to love history to love this show. I definitely can\’t wait for it to come back to town so I can see it again, or head to Chicago to see it!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Don’t let the word “vegan” scare you these chocolate chip cookies are out of this world amazing, and no one will even know they’re vegan. They’re soft and chewy with a light crisp outside, quick and easy to make and have no strange ingredients in them. Your friends won’t even know these cookies are vegan. Also, for those of you who think vegan is healthy, while in some cases yes that is true – in this case that is NOT true.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

dash of salt

1/2 cup apple sauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-1/4 cup flour*

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup vegan chocolate chips (Enjoy Life)



Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl combine brown sugar, white sugar, coconut oil and salt.

4. Stir until sugars are evenly hydrated.

5. Add apple sauce and vanilla extract.

6. Stir to combine.

7. Add flour and baking soda into the sugar and apple sauce mixture.
* I used garbanzo bean flour to make mine gluten free.

8. Stir until a thick dough forms. 

9. Fold in the chocolate chips. 

10. Scoop the dough onto the cookie sheet.

11. Bake 5-10 minutes or until cookies are lightly brown,.
* cooking time depends on the flour you use, and your oven temperature.
* you want the cookies to be slightly under baked to get the chewy texture.

12. Remove cookies from the oven.

13. Tap the cookie sheet on the counter to flatten slightly.

14. Allow to cool on a cooling rack

Pro Tip: Freeze some dough balls to have in the freezer, so when you are having a chocolate craving you can make some hot cookies.

Refresh Your Spring Workout Routine

My mum told me the other day that she spotted a red wing blackbird. Here in Michigan, this sighting means spring has sprung (finally, I thought winter would never end). When it comes to fitness routines, I find that I need to switch mine up every few months to keep myself motivated and excited. Not to mention, there is something refreshing about revamping a routine. With the weather getting nicer, I thought I would share with you five ways I am refreshing my spring workout routine.

1. Try a New Class

With a new season here, it\’s the perfect opportunity for you to break out of your comfort zone and try something completely new to you. I know this can seem scary (check out my post on gym intimidation for tips), but it can actually be a lot of fun. This weekend, I tried Aerial Yoga – and for me, it was frustrating because I literally could not do anything. However, this presented the perfect opportunity for me to work on strength and flexibility. I am going to sign up for yoga classes and start taking them on a weekly basis to help build upper body and core strength. I will also watch YouTube videos, and do them at home to help me reach my goals quicker. Whether you’re a cardio queen or all about that strength, don’t let your usual workout ways define you. Step outside of that comfort zone, the new workout will challenge your body in new ways – this allows you to beat boredom and get closer to your goals.

2. Revamp your Workout Wardrobe

You’ve Marie Kondo’ed your closet, now move that workout gear front and center so you’re more likely to use it. Maybe even splurge on a new outfit to add some motivation to crush your workouts! Something about new athleisure wear always brings me so much joy. Not only can new workout attire bring fresh motivation, but it’s a great way to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve been putting in! If you’re a bold pattern babe, stores are packed with plenty of pretty prints for spring. Personally, I am not a bold print babe – – I prefer black pants and top so sweat doesn’t show. Don’t think that your workout clothes need to be expensive. Target, Old Navy, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Five Below are great places to buy super cute activewear without breaking the bank.



3. Take Your Workout Outside

The easiest way to shake things up is to get out of the studio or gym, and hit the pavement for a walk or run. I love going for long walks on the beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline. During the winter months, I spend so much time cooped up inside, I try to take as many workouts as I can outside. Outdoor works are so much fun, I love getting creative and doing body weight HITT, stair climbs, bike rides and more. I really want to do yoga on the beach this year. There’s nothing like breathing in fresh air while sweating it out and detoxing your body from the winter blues. Whenever I workout outside I feel renewed and refreshed after which it immediately puts me into a happier mood. Do you have a booty band? If not I highly recommend getting one! These mini resistance bands are the perfect portable way to take your workout outside. One of my favorite outdoor workouts with a booty band is side shuffles. To do side shuffles: place the booty band just above your ankles, and step your feet hip-width apart. Lower into a squat, engage your core and take a big step to your right with your right foot – bring your left foot to meet it. Next, take a big step to your left with your left foot, and bring the right foot to meet it. 
*Please note I am NOT a trainer, this is just what works for me and what I like.



4. Find a Workout BFF

Two is always better than one! Enlist a bestie to join you once a week for a class for a sweat date. Having a workout buddy means you’ll be more likely to stick to your workout schedule when you know your babe is waiting for you. I am part of the Tone It Up (TIU) community, which has helped me meet like-minded babes who I can workout with. Also, if you can’t make it to the gym or a class together watch YouTube videos and FaceTime! One of my friends lives in North Carolina and I am in Michigan – we used to do this all the time. Not only is it a great way to stay accountable, but working out with someone else is definitely more fun than solo. Now we send each other workouts that we find on Pinterest and Instagram and then go do them on the gym and circle back how we felt during the workout.


5. Set a Spring Fitness Intention


If you’re like me, you do better with little mini goals or intentions. Typically I like to split my goals or intentions up seasonally and monthly so they seem more attainable. Big or small, there are so many fitness goals you can choose from. Sign up for a 5K, do HIIT two days per week, take a yoga class, actually stretch after a sweat session…etc. Pick your goals or intentions for spring, and share them in order to keep yourself accountable! 


I hope these five tips helped to motivate you to keep working at your goals and gave you some ideas of simple ways you can mix up your routine. Please feel free to share your fitness intentions for spring with me – I would absolutely love to hear about what you want to achieve, try, accomplish…etc this spring. Stay tuned to my Instagram to see what goals I am crushing this spring. Also, here is your friendly reminder to hydrate, dehydration only sets you back and makes your skin look awful.