I left my hometown of Philadelphia in 2007. With my ex-husband and 18 cats in an RV with me, I made my way west for more sunshine, a lower cost of living and to take the next step in my animal welfare career. Plus, I was burned out. After spending my entire life in and around Philadelphia, I was just plain done. I was so done in fact that I had become cranky and bitter – about the weather, about the litter and about everyone’s “attytoods.” It was 15 months before I finally decided to go home. And on that Memorial Day weekend in 2008, the heat and humidity nearly knocked me over even though I had lived in it for 35 years. Since then, I’ve been back many times – mostly when Duran Duran or Bon Jovi is in town. But, every once in a while, there’s a special occasion such as a wedding, a high school reunion or an improv festival.
This month I returned for Philly Improv Theater’s Duofest – a celebration of improv duos representing three countries. My duo, It’s All About Amy (yes, it’s really called that) was invited to play and although it was crazy fun, it was actually a little weird, too. Weird in that the improv community has exploded since I left. Weird because I was showing my improv partner, the lovely and talented Jared McBain, Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore for the first time. And really weird because I, like many of the other improvisers attending the festival, was a visitor. Even though I lived in Philadelphia four times as long as I’ve lived in Denver, I’m still a visitor when I … well … visit.
It’s odd to drive by all the places I lived in South Philadelphia, but not actually go into any of them. It’s odd to discover businesses that were once staples are now closed. And it’s really odd to have people tell me that Center City Philadelphia is like New York now. Looking around, I actually agree with them. Besides the improv community, the restaurant scene has exploded too. So has bike culture, and beer culture, and the urban park culture. While some classics still remain (hello, Villa de Roma), much of the city has become a playground for Millennials, hipsters and deep pockets who can afford the new construction in Northern Liberties – a once artist outpost.
Jared’s first visit to The Shore
So what’s a once Philly girl to do? Go down the shore. Here, time stands still. Generations of families have been walking up and down the Ocean City, New Jersey Boardwalk for more than 100 years. For almost the same amount of time, the family-oriented seaside resort has prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages. The Travel Channel even named Ocean City as the Best Family Beach in 2005. I name it that every year (even though I have no magazine) because it doesn’t matter if it’s 1981 or 2011, little changes – and that’s a good thing. Part of its charm is being able to return again and again and have a similar experience whether it’s during pre-teen years, or, whether it’s decades later when you’re just pretending to be that pre-teen for a day.
And maybe that’s the key to going home again. Perhaps it’s the ability to embrace Philly’s evolution while knowing that only a short drive down the Atlantic City Expressway sits Ocean City where nothing ever changes. I’ll drink a Yuengling Lager to that in South Philly – but only after I’ve gorged on crab fries and frozen custard on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
Getting some sun on the Ocean City Boardwalk
Upcoming Events:
SHOW: 3 Blind Dates
Denver’s only unscripted romantic comedy, and, YOU get to choose the couples!
Saturday, June 13th, 7 p.m.
Voodoo Comedy Playhouse (Denver, CO)
PLAYSHOP: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life: Improv for Everybody!
Check your inhibitions at the door and discover how to feel more confident – and more fun – in your everyday life.
Wednesday, June 24th, 6 – 9 p.m.
Colorado Free University (Denver, CO)
It’s All About Amy at Duofest 2015
PLAYSHOP: Laughter Yoga
Enjoy a mind-body combination of laughter exercises, deep breathing and relaxation techniques to enhance your health — and happiness.
Monday, June 29th, 8 – 9 p.m.
Voodoo Comedy Playhouse (Denver, CO)
PLAYSHOP: Loosen the %*&@ Up
Experience the art of cooperative, immersive play and how it can lead to self-discovery, meaningful connections … and relaxation!
Saturday, July 18th, 10 a.m. – noon
Voodoo Comedy Playhouse (Denver, CO)
DAY RETREAT: Recess for Grown-Ups
Experience a hybrid of summer camp, a weekend retreat and a mini vacation.
Saturday, August 1st, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Loretto Center (Littleton, CO)
