The Phantom of the Opera!!!

My absolute favorite, FAVORITE (!), show is here! Tonight is opening night of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera at The Paramount, and it's playing through October 5. The story is passionate, the sets and costumes are stunning but it's the music that seals the deal. Seattle Metblogs said it best: "The very best part of Phantom...are the songs: haunting, stirring, tender and triumphant at various turns".

And I, of course, have got my tickets already. Closing night, baby!! I'm taking my sister as she's never seen the show but has grown up listening to me enthuse about it right and left. Hurrah!

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Project Runway, Rick Schroder and Top Design Season 2 Premieres Tonight! (And Good Grief is Rachel Zoe Unattractive!)

I hate reality television, but then Bravo came out with Project Runway. Huuuuge hit! I instantly fell in love with it. The colors, the textures, the designs, the drama! Designers are such queens, so there's bound to be drama. (Everyone remember the model walk-off in Season 2?! Draaaamaaaa~~!)

And I can honestly say I'm only a little bit bitter still that Daniel V didn't win Season 2, not because Chloe didn't deserve to win but because, in my opinion, his designs had more interest and variety and vision. Santino's collection also had excitement to them, but Chloe? Her dresses are absolutely gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but it felt like a one-trick pony. Okay, maybe I'm still a bit bitter. At least Christian won Season 4. Anyway...

Did anyone watch NYPD Blue whilst growing up? Well, I did and I loved it! When Detective Bobby Simone (played by Jimmy Smits) died, ohmygod did I cry!! I remember that day so clearly: I was sitting cross-legged on the couch, crying, no, sobbing, uncontrollably with tissue wadded up all around me and a box running dangerously low. When my mom walked in the door, she thought I was hurt or injured, I was crying so hard. (Think trembling lips, shaking hands, sniffles galore and a bottomless well of tears.) But I digress. When Bobby died, how could anyone replace him?? Enter Detective Danny Sorenson, played by Rick Schroder. Instant. High school. Crush. Oh, fickle affections! Of course, I still didn't take kindly to him trying to take Bobby's place, but I still found him attractive.

Now I just watched the premiere of Top Design Season 2 and discovered that Rick Schroder's wife, Andrea Bernard, is one of the contestants! Not only that, India Hicks is the new host! I love, love, LOVE her collection with Crabtree & Evelyn, as well as her personal style and aesthetics. (If you get a chance, do definitely check out her line at C&E; it's beautiful, relaxing and laid-back, yet have an understated sophistication to them. I should get paid for all this plugging...) Todd Oldham is now the Tim Gunn of show.

Next week? Old favorites return to Project Runway - YAY! And did I just hear/see that more old PR favs will also be appearing on Top Design?? Oh, be still my beating heart!

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