I had the most wonderful experience at The Pasadena Playhouse for opening night of Tiny Beautiful Things on Wine Wednesday. The festivities started at 7pm with complimentary wine on the courtyard of the playhouse which was beautifully lit with string lights.
Guests filled the courtyard as we socialized, took pictures, drank wine and enjoyed the beautiful Southern California weather. The bells rang and we went in to the historic playhouse, which is over 100 years old to watch the show.
The production is based on the book, Tiny Beautiful Things, which is a compilation of real letters that were sent to an online columnist, Cheryl Strayed, who remained anonymous on her column and signed the letters “Sugar”. Award winning actress and writer, Nia Vardalos, whom I have loved since My Big Fat Greek Wedding adapted the book into a play, which has had huge success in New York. She took us on an emotional rollercoaster listening to the letters and answers given by “Sugar”. As soon as the show starts it engages you with laughter. The raw and relatable moments created by real letters from real people touch you in such a meaningful way. I brought my sister with me and during the show we kept nudging each other and giving each other looks and holding one other when we knew we related to the stories. We were trying to hold our tears and sniffles back to avoid missing any of the powerful words spoken by the actors. As much as we cried, we also laughed! There was a point where I was still crying, and I started busting up laughing. By the end of the show I knew one thing, I must go out and buy this book!
After the show, our group of mom bloggers were escorted to a beautiful library located above the theatre, where they hold members only special events. We were offered more wine and had the privilege to meet and interview the actors and director of the play in a Q&A session. We were also told that Nia Vardalos only performed the night shows and not the matinee showings, so that she can focus on being a mother. I know that balancing work and motherhood has always been a challenge for me, which led me to ask her how she had the courage to make clear that her mother responsibilities are her priority when it comes to work.
“No is golden,” said Vardalos. Watch the video to hear her full answer and how she thanks the book for guidance and her director for being so supportive with her decision to prioritize her most important role, her role as a mother. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiQV9jdq5Lc&feature=youtu.be
If you would like to watch this amazing show you can purchase tickets https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/
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