Last night, Beck and I went along with Elma and Jules to see 42nd Street at The Muny.

I’d never seen this play before, and was utterly amazed at the all the tap work in the production. I absolutely don’t understand how those folks can possibly do that kind of dancing — especially that much of it! Years of practice is, I’m sure, the right answer, but still it’s impressive.

This was only the second time that I’d been to The Muny — the other time was about seven years ago to see Bob Keeshan (Captain Kangaroo) star in The Wizard of Oz. The biggest difference between that show and this was one was the weather. It was sweltering those years ago, while last night was a sweater night.

Sweaters in August? This summer has been unusually cool, with the last week or two sporting highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s and 50s. I’m hoping that Mother Nature is tipping her hand a bit for the fall and winter, and hinting at a cold, snowy fall and winter. I just can’t get enough of that stuff!

Last night was also closing night for this season at The Muny, and, as is tradition, they closed the season with a sing-a-long of Auld Lang Syne. What a fabulous tradition to carry through their 86th season.

As I sat there under the stars, in the oldest and largest outdoor theatre in the country, I couldn’t help but feel humbled to be so blessed to live in a country where a few thousand folks could gather together on an unusually chilly August night, and enjoy a terrific production, laughing and singing together. What a tremendous reminder of why we fight so hard for our freedoms!