Local Celebrity Swag-ger

I often joke with one of my coworkers that I am a "Local Personality." I've been writing this blog for a year and a half and on Twitter just about as long.  I blog and tweet about inanity, but often tweet to and about businesses and restaurants that I like.  My favorite food truck, @DCEmpanadas often gives me a little something extra when I get my lunch, sometimes I'll get free drinks at a bar, and I one time I even won a $50 Friendly's gift card.  These are the perks of local celebrity, I suppose [please note the sarcasm].  And besides, who doesn't like free stuff?

Speaking of free stuff, last night I was invited to opening night at Arena Stage's production of Oklahoma! by their publicist.  I was so flattered to be asked (as media -- imagine, me, a lowly flack by day invited as media*!), and happily accepted.  Normally WH would come along with me, but I know musicals are not his thing so my mom came with me instead.  The evening started off a little rocky.  As we sat outside eating a pre-theater dinner at Cafe du Parc (one of my favorites, btw), a bird pooped in my lap.  Only me, right?  Fortunately our waiter was quick with the club soda and an extra napkin and I was able to (mostly) de-poop-ify myself.  Hey, at least he didn't poop in my wine.

After dinner, we were off to the theater!  I hadn't been to the Stage's new location, which was huge and gorgeous!  There was not a bad seat in the house.  I met the fantastic publicity team (thanks to Kirstin, Julia, and Alexa!) from Arena Stage, and collected my tickets. 

I hadn't seen Oklahoma! in years, and had forgotten just how innocently cute it is.  If you haven't seen it, it's the story of coy Laurey and her not-so-coy cowboy paramour, Curly in the turn of the (last) century territory that would be come Oklahoma.  They were great, but the supporting cast of Aunt Eller, Will, Ado Annie, and my favorite, Ali Hakim, really made the show.  The songs were familiar and fun, but seeing the show in the round was a special treat!  I especially enjoyed Nehal Joshi's hilariously fraught Ali, the Persian peddler, who kept getting himself into trouble with the ladies.



Ali Hakim (Nehal Joshi) and Ado Annie (June Schreiner)
courtesy of Arena Stage

As with all Rodgers and Hammerstein stories, there's a little drama -- in the form of creepy fieldhand Jud -- which is resolved lickety-split, just in time for the happy ending!  If you're around this summer and need a little innocent sweetness, take a vacation in Oklahoma! (playing now through Oct. 2) -- you won't be sorry!

*Note: I am not media.  I'm not a theater, restaurant, or fashion critic--though I do love offering my opinions, solicited or not.  However, if you would like to promote your business by giving me free stuff (I'd be more than happy to weigh in on Wicked or Citronelle, for instance), I'll happily indulge.  It will go a long way to proving to my friends and family that I actually am a Local Personality, which really is the most important thing.  I promise, I won't let it go to my head.