Phantom of the Opera

Caitlin has had the Phantom of the Opera DVD for quite a while and watches it often. She just loves the movie!

For her Christmas present, I (John) gave her two tickets to see the touring Broadway production of Phantom while it was in Des Moines. The show was here for 3 weeks in January/February and has been a huge hit.

So, last Friday night the 9th, Caitlin and I drove to Des Moines. We had dinner at the Olive Garden in West Des Moines (her choice!), then went downtown to the Civic Center. It was fun getting all dolled up and going on a "date" with my little girl! We had good seats, about halfway back and in the middle.

10 years ago Mary and I went to see Phantom, also at the DM Civic Center. Our tickets that night were in the 3rd or 4th row from the back of the auditorium and it was very hard to see. The seats this time were much better.

The production was great. We had a very good time. Afterward though, Caitlin seemed a bit disappointed. I think she was so used to the movie that the stage production was a bit of a letdown for her. A stage production will never be as crisp as the movie, so I think it just wasn't exactly what she was expecting.

All in all, we had a great night. The drive each way was about 2 hours, so we had a chance to visit with each other for 4 hours in the car and another hour or so at dinner. Quality time that is very important!