Everything is Beautiful at the Ballet...

One of the first musicals I ever saw in my life -- shockingly, as the show is a bit adult -- was Chorus Line. I loved the music, I loved the dancing... and I loved the quippiness, even though I was far too young to understand most of it at the time. And it's probably stuck with me more than any other musical (except possibly Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Music Man) -- I think I sing songs from Chorus Line on a weekly (possibly daily) basis.

(Yeah, I'm weird.) 

And - omg guess what! -- I just found out that Chorus Line is playing in Sunnyvale, CA. AND that you can book tickets for 40% off on Groupon (so they're $18 instead of $30). AND that you can apparently save an extra 15% by using the code FUNTIMES at checkout. 

So that's obviously going on my calendar for the week. Because this is seriously one of the best musicals ever written -- and also because:  

Did you know that one reason psychologists think people are so depressed and lonely in the digital age is because entertainment increasingly takes place inside the home? And that studies show deeper cognitive involvement and engagement with shows we are watching in person than ones we watch live on TV -- which we enjoy more than shows that have been pre-recorded?

In other words, it's going to be an especially happy, pro-social and deeply cognitively-involved week for me. Because in addition to seeing Chorus Line, I'll also be attending Cinderella at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. 

As per the San Francisco Opera's website:

A RARE GEM

Since it's American premiere in 1820, Rossini's variation of Cinderella has been an operatic marvel, once matching the popularity of The Barber of Seville, it has become a rare and sparkling gem in an Opera house's season. Presented by the San Francisco Opera, this wonderful production will see the vibrant Karine Deshayes making her SFO debut as the titular character.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM CINDERELLA?

For first time opera goers, it with worth noting that this version has it's roots in humanity and not magic and does not mirror the more recent Cinderella we've come to know. But that in no way is a negative! Allow Jacopo's Ferretti's libretto to introduce you to tale that is is heartfelt, touching and bitter-sweet love story, intensified by the strength of the incredible voices of the SFO.

To me, it sounds like a good time... but if you're on the fence, you can totally follow me on Twitter (@TheHappyTalent) -- I'll be live tweeting Wednesday's performance. 

And remember: Money Does Buy Happiness -- If You Know How to Spend It.