Rock of Ages - National Tour

I have been a musical theater junkie since I was little and my parents took me to see my very first show, Phantom of the Opera.  Even though I was only in elementary school at that time, it really fascinated me and to this day I have spent more time and money on theater than concerts.  Not that I don't enjoy an occasional concert every now and then, but there is something that the actors do on that stage when they reach you with both their talent and their emotions.

Rock of Ages was a show that David wanted to see since it came out.  We didn't end of seeing it during our last trip to New York, so I wanted to make sure he had a chance to see it while they were on tour.  They made it down our way and we drove down to the Pantages to see what it was all about.  Not the best idea as it turns out.

If you're there to listen to some good rock and roll music, then the performance was fairly decent.  They highlighted one of their star performers who happened to be a previous American Idol contestant.  The costumes were very appropriate and themed to that time and the sets were pretty decent.  Unfortunately that is where my praise ends.

Talk about trying to force a square peg in a round hole.  Wait a minute... that doesn't sound right.  ;)  Let's just say they took a bunch of rock songs from the 70s and 80s and tried to force a storyline around them.  It was very cheesy too, but not in the funny way... more of the I want to slap my hand on my forehead kind of cheese.  The acting (when they weren't singing) was awful.

So if you're trying to pick a show to see, don't pick this one.  Even if you can get the tickets at a discount, it's not really worth it and you'll walk out missing the few hours of your life that you'll never get back.  If you're craving some of that good rock music, you're better off listening to your music device of choice.

Paris Baguette - Cerritos, CA

The Cerritos Center (aka the Cerritos Mall) has really changed over the years.  One of its newest additions is Paris Baguette which is located close to the Macy's side of the mall.  It's very "clean" looking from the outside meaning it has a crisp feel to it with the windows all across the front and white lights everywhere.  It definitely catches your attention compared to the other stores nearby.

It's all about serve yourself!  Grab a tray and some tongs and go wild.  As I learned, this can be dangerous because you find yourself grabbing anything and everything because it all looks so good.  Picture the best Hawaiian or Portuguese sweet bread you've ever had... now put in some tasty fillings like chocolate or cream cheese and you've got Paris Baguette.  Do they even make a bad sweet bread or pastry??

Now I haven't tried the sandwiches or the cakes yet... I figured I should save something for my next visit.  There is also another location on Artesia Blvd., however I've heard if you order sandwiches there it's based on what they have already made.  No bueno.

Have you been to Paris Baguette?  A penny for your thoughts?