Nutcracker and the Kimmel

Shayna and I went with my parents to see the Nutcracker today at the Academy of Music. It was even better then the production we saw in the same place 4 years ago. I love the Academy of Music, and hope I can find venues for theater, music and ballet as majestic in South Florida.

Here is Shayna the tree in the lobby area: Shayna with her friend Nancy. Nancy was in the Nutcracker today, she is an angel. She had changed out of her costume already. Nancy goes to the Rock School of Ballet in Center City, which does the Nutcracker at the Academy of Music along with the PA Ballet.
Afterwards, we went across the street to a Nutcracker tea at the Doubletree hotel ballroom. They had some of the characters there and a small orchestra group (flutes, violins) playing music from the Nutcracker. I prefer the tea we went to a few years ago at the four Seasons. At this tea today, they gave out a wonderful gift bag at the end that had an adorable Nutcracker inside.

After the tea, we went to the Kimmel center for thier 5th anniversary event, where they were having free concerts. We listened to a band in the open area for a bit, then went into the gift shop, and then explored the Kimmel. The Kimmel is an amzing and beautiful place, and the architechture of the place is just breathtaking. We were able to see inside the Perelman but not the Verizon Hall. Its hard to describe the way the Kimmel is set up, but its like being outside inside the enormous building. the two main halls are built like seperate buildings inside the main building. They have what is called the Rooftop Garden which is at the top of the Peralman "building." Since the main rooftop is all glass and curved it feels almost as if you are outside. We arrived there just in time for a gorgeous sunset...
Shayna had fun running around the rooftop garden, saying "this is sooo cool!" here in the garden we found Ben's plant...what I call Ben's plant, because I got the same plant from his apartment after he passed away. The plant is still alive and well and is the hardiest plant in the world, even surviving Skyler picking off all its leaves more then once. Below, my dad and Shayna next to Ben's plant: Shayna and the sunset:
Shayna looking out over the wall down below, Verizon hall is across from her:
This is in another part of the Kimmel, across from both halls. Behind Shayna is the bigger venue, verizon hall. she was having fun popping in and out of the circular sofa. Down the hall from here is the restaurant, Cadence. The menu looked pretty good.

I told Shayna she can pick an upcoming concert or event at the Kimmel and I will get tickets. I also am planning to take both kids to the Mum Puppet theater...the one place in the city (ie museum or venue) I have not taken Shayna (besides the new Eagles stadium, and that is not happening with all the crazy drunks).