Hilary Moon Murphy

A Bean Can Begin an Adventure

Andy surprised me with my Christmas present last night. I thought that we were just going out for a grownup dinner with our friends Mike and Jeri. I should have suspected something when Andy made all the babysitting arrangements and suggested that we really dress up for the restaurant. I should have suspected something when Grandma Jackie arrived at our house prepared to stay the night if needed. I should have suspected that little smirk that started appearing on Andy's face.

I didn't suspect anything until we drove into the parking ramp for the Ordway Theater. Andy had bought us tickets to see Sondheim's wonderful musical, Into the Woods. What a wonderful gift!

Into the Woods is brilliant -- it cleverly interweaves the plots of multiple fairytales into a seamless whole. I have long been a fan of the musical from the video and audio versions, but I had never seen it live before. What a treat. Gorgeous costumes, a set that looked straight out of a children's book illustration, and a fabulous cast! Can you tell that I liked my present?

And true to form, it fulfilled all the requirements of the maddening clues Andy had given me. I could not hold it. I had asked for it (years and years ago I had said that I wanted to see the play if it ever came to Minneapolis again) and Mike & Jeri had suggested it to him.

I'm still trying to figure out where the incomprehensible math fits in, but maybe that has something to do with the budget games Andy had to play to keep me from finding out about his secret purchase. My husband is a sneaky guy.

Hmm