Hats By Katrinka: What a year...

What a theatrical year it has been! I finished my run as Lotta in Waiting in the Wings with Providence Players in October then went to see Hair at the Kennedy Center - only 42 years late! Think we oldsters enjoyed it more than the youngsters did. It was all so revolutionary all those years ago. Fortunately, we were in the balcony so weren’t expected to rush the stage and dance at the end. Lots of conservatively dressed Washingtonians did tho’. Hilarious! Did I notice my nephews’ eyes rolling?

Then I auditioned for The Shadow Box at Providence but wasn’t cast. Was told I’m "too classy" for the part I was after (Beverly). Well, that’s the nicest letdown I’ve had in awhile tho’ my plan was to break my typecasting as elegant dame. No problem. The show has a great cast and it will be great fun to watch how the play develops. I’ve lots of other projects in the works and more shows to see.

This week we went down to the Maine Avenue waterfront to the newly renovated Arena Stage to see a fabulous production of Oklahoma! Somehow, I’ve never seen this show and it’s about time I did. We had a great time and Arena’s gorgeous renovation is likely to transform that neglected DC neighborhood. This production is such a hot ticket that it’s been extended so hurry before you miss it.

This weekend I’ve a couple of Christmas parties to attend (one a sing-a-long) and I will also see Providence’s Christmas show, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Will also be driving down to Norfolk soon to see my long-time friend Peter Moore play Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. It’s been far too long since we had a visit as he lives in Minnesota.

Next up? My tix list for Santa is Sunset Blvd. at Signature in Shirlington, Wicked at the Kennedy Center and - Oh la la la la! - Sondheim’s Follies with Bernadette Peters in the spring. Will have to jump fast to get tickets for that one when they go on sale at the end of January. Can’t wait!

Am I glad to be home in the Washington area? Duh!! Now, gotta go buy my Christmas tree from the Lions Club - soon as the cookies are out of the oven.

K Q;-)