I need to back up a bit because I left out Sunday from my journal.
On Sunday, I spoke at Chris Howard's "Ultimate Wealth Symposium" on the grounds of the Sydney Olympic Park.
I had a fantastic time sharing my story with 800 or so people. I've got to say, the Aussies are a bit difficult to get moving, but I think everyone had a good time and learned a thing or two.
I also had the opportunity to sit down and have a talk with Chris Howard.
Chris is a genuine guy with big dreams and a big heart. He does some fantastic humanitarian work and has accomplished some amazing things.
I hope to get a copy of the Interview we did at some point so I can share it with you.
The team at Univeral Events was also fantastic. Thanks to Pauline and her crew for making everything go so smooth!
I only wish I had more time with Chris, but he was tied up with the event... so perhaps another time, right?
On Tuesday, Mary and I both took in some meetings at our hotel. She had some ladies that came in to see her related to her ministry, and I entertained some visitors to discuss business propositions and to enjoy each other's company.
My friend Dave Lakhani was in town for the same conference, but we hadn't a chance to speak. He was gracious enough to pop in to my hotel and we had a very enjoyable conversation. Dave is a master of persuasion, and he has a new book now available at Amazon.com. I'll be sharing more about this soon, but you can check it out here.
After our meetings, Mary and I went out for dinner before taking in Edward Scissorhands at the Sydney Opera House.
The Opera House was very cool. The architecture has obviously inspired many designers and it was a thrill to be there.
I was not too thrilled with the seats, though. They just weren't comfortable.
As for the show, I was looking forward to it.
I like the movie version of Edward Scissorhands and believed that we were about to watch a musical production that would be in the same vein.
Was I ever wrong!
Before I get to my brief and scathing review, let me tell you what happened before the show started.
With just about five minutes to curtain, we need to stand because some other people are entering our row for their seats.
It turns out that one of those people wa Chris Howard! And his seat is right next to ours! Small world, huh?
I was hoping for an opportunity to connect with Chris once more and, bam, there he was.
So on with the show...
The curtain rises and we are treated to the opening scene with a boy being struck dead by lightning and his devastated father who refuses to let him go, thus putting together body parts of reconstruct his long-lost son.
So far there are no words or lyrics, only a Danny Elfman inspired score.
As in the movie, the scientist/mad professor dies before finishing his surrogate son, leaving scissors in place of hands that were not yet prepared to attach. The boy is alone and the fifteen-minute exposition has ended.
We figure that there will soon be dialogue, or at least singing.
Nope. It's a freakin' ballet.
The drama (if you can call it that) unfolded in the neighborhood where Edward had been found with a variety of extremely stereotypical families leaping and bounding about the stage as they proceeded with their daily lives. Jocks, freaks, nerds, religious fanatics, all portrayed to a cartoon level.
It was silly. Edward's character was not sad and rich as in the movie. Instead he was ridiculous, hopping about like a penguin and being tossed about by the whims of the other characters. It wasn't until the first act had almost ended that he begins to show feelings by being smitten with a girl.
Not only did the story unfold incredibly slow with no dialogue or lyrics, but the dancing was unremarkable in every way. It was an interpretative piece, but it was of the level you would expect from a high-school performance. Mary suggested "middle school" might be more accurate.
Not once did I catch myself thinking, "wow, nice moves," as the play grew tiresome. I was ready to leave after fifteen minutes. I had hoped that Mary was feeling the same way.
I knew that I couldn't get up until the end of the first act, so I endured the torture. It really was torture. There was no way out of this horrendous spectacle. I felt bad for the actors, but at least they were getting paid to be there. But I really wondered how Tim Burton, the Director of the film, signed off on this. Perhaps he had no say in the matter?
The most exciting part of the first act was when the curtain fell.
Chris Howard turned to me and said, "Well that was different from what I was expecting."
I agreed, turned to Mary and asked, "Had enough?"
She was relieved to find out that I was ready to go. I guess she was afraid that I was enjoying the production and we would have to stay for the rest. Or perhaps that I wasn't going to let the $260 ticket fees go to waste by departing early.
Frankly, you could not have PAID me to stay. It was that bad.
At one point I fantasized that one of the blades would fly off Edward's hands and pierce me so as to end my misery. I had to laugh at myself.
I turned to Chris and told him that we were going to leave.
He was all-too-pleased to depart the Opera House and join us for a drink.
I know, some of you will say that I am just an uncultured swine. Well, here's a news flash. MANY people were leaving the theatre at the end of the first act. We were certainly not alone.
What started as an utter disaster turned into an incredibly enjoyable evening getting to know each other, having a few laughs and enjoying a bottle of fine Australian Shiraz.
Chris was quite personable. I consider it a highlight of our trip have enjoyed that time with him.
On Wednesday, Mary and I took in some time at the Sydney Museum, did some shopping and went to see the new Indiana Jones film.
It cost $32 for two tickets to the movies! Wow, this place is expensive.
I won't go into a review of Indy, but we both enjoyed the film. It wasn't classic by any stretch, but it was fun. And considerably better than Mr. Scissorhands could ever aspire to be.
Our week has come to an end and we'll be heading to the airport to catch the first leg of our return journey Thursday. We miss the kids and the dog and are ready to be back in Colorado.
I'll have more comments about Sydney and our hotel later. For now, it's late and I'm tired. Time to get some rest before we pack up and head out.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
June 11, 2008 08:09 AM
Just curious... what is your wife's ministry?
June 11, 2008 08:56 AM
Joel,
I hope you are enjoying Australia, I lived there for 18 years, with 11 years in Sydney and had season passes to the Opera House.
And I agree itThe Opera House was very cool. And The architecture has obviously inspired many designers and it was a thrill to be there.
I miss running around the harbour, it is inspirational to do a run around the park and Opera House area.
To add some clarification to your comment. Yes!!!!!
"I was not too thrilled with the seats, though. They just weren't comfortable."
However the seats were designed that way so that it would have the same Acoustical effect, where the seat was empty or if it had a person sitting in the seat.
I have never seen a ballet there, but I have seen great performances, and opera's... The only place I have found with better acoustics although smaller was La Scala in Milano... other than that... I have not found anything to match it....
Enjoy your experience in the Land of Oz.... Living there has had a positive lasting effect on me....
June 11, 2008 09:29 AM
I have never been to Sydney. I hope to, one day.
What is your wife's ministry? My ministry is to help people who have been through terrible troubles.
http://www.deceptiontothenthdegree.com
June 11, 2008 09:59 AM
Funny review but what is with the "Content Links"? I have no issue with ads in blogs but content links? That's tacky! Blogs are supposed to be for information as a supplement to your web sites in my opinion and as I said widgets, Google ads are cool but content links? Come on Joel give us a break ;)
June 11, 2008 08:50 PM
Joel, I believe I feel the same way after watching your video as you did during your experience of watching Edward Scissorhands. 7.29 minutes of my life wasted by pointless viewing and dire boredom. Oh well, you live and learn...
June 12, 2008 02:24 AM
Oh Alex, I know that you really enjoyed my video and are just afraid to admit it. You do realize that we were CAPTIVE in the theater... very rude to get up and leave. You could have left my site at any time. Keep watching, Alex... keep watching. :-)
June 12, 2008 09:52 AM
Hi Joel,
I agree... it's expensive to go to the movies here in down under. In Germany the prices are about a third of those here.
Too bad we could meet, I myself just returned from Bali on the 10th. Maybe next time. :)
Or maybe at the Big Seminar in October? I plan to go there.
Best regards,
Frank Bauer
June 24, 2008 03:09 AM
Hi joel,
next time you visit Australia , I hope you'll make it to melbourne
cuz I'd love to meet you .
Warm regards
Andre
July 18, 2008 01:10 AM
An International Youth Days has just been celebrated by Catholic Youth in a harbour of Sydney. It is a beautiful city. Around 140,000 people attended the celebration. I hope one day I could go to Sydney.
Also I want to thank you for your book entitled Google Adsense Secrets. It helps me alot in designing better website.
Charles
http://englishland.or.id/stories
April 19, 2009 09:36 PM
I watched Edward Scissorshands a couple of times and I really enjoyed the show. When I heard about the musical, I didn't even bother looking for sources online to get a peek of it as I was afraid that it might be disappointing.
And I am glad I didn't.
October 24, 2009 04:55 AM
Oh!!! Thanks for this informative and creative post. I have read the entire article, It is simply awesome. I have never been to Sydney. I hope to, one day.
What is your wife's ministry? My ministry is to help people who have been through terrible troubles.