Morgan Halaska

Getting a ticket to review The Book of Mormon at the Orpheum Theatre on Wednesday, February 6 was like getting a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. "We bought our tickets a year ago," an acquaintance of my friend told us. People filled the halls before the doors opened at 7 p.m., anxious to get to their seats. The half hour before the show started, people had their phones out, taking pictures of their tickets and selfies in front of the cloud backdrop (probably sharing it on Facebook to make friends who couldn't get a ticket jealous). There's a lot of hype surrounding the show by the creators of South Park, and judging by the reception of the bathroom humor, Star Wars and Star Trek references, irreverent religious commentary, the show didn't disappoint Wednesday night's crowd.

Wrapping up my year with TC Daily Planet (like a present!) seems a bit like what I would imagine writing a holiday newsletter is like. Because I am a Google search fiend, I searched for "writing holiday letter tips." The sites I looked at suggest to keep it short, maybe write a top ten list or timeline. "When bragging a bit about accomplishments, use a bit of self-effacing humor to balance ego with humility." "Write in your own voice and insert some humor." OKAY! Thanks, Internet!

While waiting for a ride in the lobby outside Rock Bottom after opening night of Catch Me If You Can, Frank Abagnale Jr. walked in and headed towards the escalator to go to the after party at Crave. He was stopped by theatergoers to snap a few pictures and sign playbills. After some delay, and as he was moving closer and closer to the escalator, my friend told me she was going to go get his autograph too. I said after her, "Okay, if you can catch him." The pun was completely (and disappointingly) unintended.

The prospect of going to a sold-out show at First Avenue doesn't normally appeal to me; all that means is a violation of personal space for three hours. But it was two good friends (who now live in the suburbs instead of the apartment building next to mine) violating my personal space and The Head and the Heart and Blitzen Trapper filling those hours. I really had nothing to complain about.