Neptune Theatre Halifax - Into The Woods, October 5 2014

I had seen posters around for "Into The Woods", one of my favourite musicals. How can you say no to Sondheim? When I realised it would be closing last weekend, I finally decided to go and see it!

Image Source: Neptune Theatre

The Neptune Theatre offers discounted tickets when you purchase them at the box office half an hour before showtime. Unfortunately, I managed to fall victim to the Halifax bus system, and ended up having to power walk from Dal to the theatre (located on Argyle St, near Barrington St). It was a bit of a walk, but thankful, I made it.

I arrived at about ten to two, and lined up to get my tickets; I think I paid about $39.50 for an 'Orchestra' seat (ground level). Of course being late, the show had already started without me. Thankfully, I could basically perform the musical as a one-woman show, so I didn't really miss anything.

I have to say, it was one of the best renditions of "Into The Woods" I have seen - and I've seen quite a few. The cast were all superb in their roles, the humour was effortless and the music gave me goosebumps. The set design was spectacular; they managed to transform a (relatively) small stage into a variety of homes, or a large wooded area depending on the scene. They even had some pyrotechnics, which I think surprised everyone in the audience!

On the walk home, I was absolutely drenched. Trust me to leave my umbrella at home the one day I actually need it! All in all, this was a fantastic day out and if it were still open, I would highly recommend that you go and see it. Since it is closed, I will instead recommend that you go and see a show at the Neptune Theatre - I hope your experience is as fantastic as mine! I know "A Christmas Story" opens on November 25, 2014. I'm definitely intending to get tickets for that one.

If you want to have a look at some of the stage and costume elements, this is promotional video for Into The Woods from Neptune Theatre.

Thanks for reading! 

B x

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Clay Cafe, Quinpool Road, Halifax NS

Okay, okay. I know I haven't actually done a real post about anything in Halifax yet, but I had to share this!

Let me preface this by saying that I am not an artist. In Grade 8, my teacher actually laughed at my scientific diagram; coincidentally, it was around the same time that I accepted the fact that art probably wasn't my calling in life. Nevertheless, when a group of my friends decided to go on an outing to the the Clay Cafe, I figured I would join them.

Clay Cafe is located on Quinpool Road (which is easily walkable from Dalhousie University, however you can take a bus), making it a very convenient location. On a related note, they do give a student discount, so be sure to show your ID when you make any payments.

A huge wall of pottery shapes greet you as you enter, and you simply choose the type you want to paint. I chose a square mug, which I believe cost around $22.50. The prices, however, are all inclusive (the item itself, all paints, glazing and firing in the kiln, et cetera). Once you've chosen an item, you simply choose your paints from the wide variety available and start a design. They also have stencils, stamps and patterns to help you out.

Being artistically-challenged, I decided to do something that would require as little precision painting as possible. I used a photo one of my friends found on Pinterest as my design inspiration - a mug with  the face of Olaf from Frozen on it. I can't remember the exact link, but I'm sure you'll be able to find something similar if you Google 'olaf mug' or something similar. 

I painted the mug on Saturday night, and was able to pick it up the following Thursday. I spent far too long perfecting the design, but I think it turned out better than I expected it to.

Without further ado, here is my creation! It isn't perfect, but I like it.

If you're in Halifax, I would definitely recommend a visit to the Clay Cafe. It

Thanks for reading!

B

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