Experiencing theater

I've been thinking a lot about the theater lately.

The River Campus released its 2011-2012 season of events last week, describing touring musicals, student plays and symphony dates.

Early this week, Twitter chirped with links to news outlets with talk about the Tony Awards and its winners, Neil Patrick Harris's performance and, of course, "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark."

Wednesday, Cape West 14 Cine showed a recording of Stephen Sondheim's "Company" -- it'll be broadcast again at 1 p.m. Sunday, if you're interested. Wehrenberg Theatres added the programming as a way for America to see what's happening on Broadway.

I appreciate the opportunity to catch a show I might not see otherwise, but I still can't wait for the River Campus season to raise the curtain and give us the warmth and depth of live performances.

I updated my iCal with the season Wednesday -- I gave special alerts to "Into the Woods" on Sept. 28, "Blast!" on Oct. 19 and the "Golden Dragon Acrobats" in 2012.

I love the theater experience. Dinner beforehand. Enjoying the show. Drinks afterward.

I take it all in.

The little girls prancing in ballet slippers after the dance performances. The young boys raving about the drums after percussion concerts. The odd snacks people sneak in -- at "Spamalot" last season, the woman next to me unwrapped saltwater taffy during the second act.

There's an energy and a conversation after the final bow that just doesn't happen at most other places. The house lights come on and people turn to each other and talk about the performance they just experienced.

That's what theater is: an experience.

One I impatiently wait to enjoy again.