Tuesday, November 18, 2008

November 18, 2008

Sam and I visited Harrisonburg, Virginia the first week in November and stayed at the Massanutten 4 Seasons Resort. We have become regulars at the Resort since Ali started college at James Madison University in 2006. Apparently it is very easy to get good deals on condos at Massanutten through RCI, we got a two bedroom complete with sauna for about $250, for the week. I played golf at one of Massanutten's two 18 hole golf courses, beautifully maintained, and we visited some Shenandoah Wineries. The wineries are just getting started save for Shenandoah Winery which has been going for about 10 years. We brought back a case of wine and all bottles have been good, however, they were not cheap.

The main purpose of the trip was to see Ali in another lead role in a JMU main stage production. This time "The Rover" an old English comedy written by a woman Aphra Behn and set in Naples in 1655. It is a battle of the sexes comedy and Ali played one of the two sisters at the center of the battle. As usual Ali was brilliant and beautiful even though the other sister, played by her friend Lauren Ramsey, had most of the funny lines. The costumes we elaborate and required several changes for the female leads. Ali's presence on stage continues to amaze me. She seems at home no matter the role, like she belongs right there at that time and place. She never misses a line, no wonder the keep casting her. I wonder where it will all lead? She longs for singing roles in musicals, but there is no question she is a natural born actor.