Getting away from it all without going too far away

When winter seems endless, most of us have something we can turn to as a sure-fire good-spirits rejuvenator.

For me, it is an afternoon spent at a museum or attending a theatrical performance. Either of these venues will transport me away from the hum-drum of the ordinary to the fantasy worlds of history or make-believe.

Since dealing with more cold and rain this past week had me in the dumps, my rejuvenation medicine was a trip with the Guilford Seniors to view the amazing and delightful Shen Yun Dance Troupe; one of five Shen Yun companies that present authentic Chinese “spiritual artistic story-dances” which are no longer performed in China. Employing a troupe of about 30 dancers in exquisitely beautiful costumes, their uniquely graceful routines were highlighted by animated images and magnificent scenes of China. The entire performance is spellbinding.

As if that weren’t enough, the Palace Theater itself is worth a trip to see and explore. Built in Waterbury in the early 1920s, it was once considered the premiere performance venue in the Northeast, but the lights went dim in 1987 and remained dark for 18 years.

It reopened after a $30 million renovation and expansion and today is an amazing state-of-the art facility, combining modern technology with irreplaceable heirlooms in an eclectic mix of Greek, Roman, Arabic and Federal motifs with ornate domed ceilings and crystal chandeliers. For a schedule of shows, monthly guided tours or tickets, call the box office at 203-346-2000.

Warm weather or not, the 100-plus-year-old and better-than-ever Ivoryton Theater opened its season with a musical tribute to one of my all-time favorite entertainers, the incomparable Frank Sinatra.

“My Way” is performed by two men and two women and stars Rick Faguno, who, with his wife Joyce Chittick, also directed and choreographed the show. The creators of the production were wise to forego even attempting to imitate the inimitable Sinatra and instead present a delightful accolade to the man and his music. While all the performances are delightful, the dancing of Faguno is flawless and a rare treat to watch. Admirers of Sinatra, especially seniors in my age group, will find this production a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

“All of Me” and “One for My Baby” took me back many years to when I was one of that large group of “Bobby Soxers” outside the Paramount Theatre in New York, waiting to see our newly christened idol, a skinny young singer with a bow tie, known as “The Voice,” and later as “The Chairman of the Board.”

Tickets for seniors are a remarkable value at $45 and the show runs through April 9 with Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30 and Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m.

Two very different musical productions both sent my spirits soaring and gave me a much needed lift. We are very fortunate to live in an area that offers so much. From local high school productions to free events at our libraries, there is something for all ages and tastes. So treat yourself to a special day or evening out; you’ll be glad you did.