Do you hear the people sing?

Instead of eating during my lunch break at Steppenwolf, I used that time to journey downtown and rush Les Mis. 

Good decision, no?

I don't think I've ever deserved a sticker more

Word got around our ticketing office that I had not voted yet, so they insisted I take a long lunch break to go vote. And by that, I mean a standing in line for 3 hours and not going back to work kind of lunch break. I did get slightly nervous as my line got closer to the building and a line monitor stated that we weren't even half way (I had already been there for an hour!). I simply called the CSO to make sure it was ok that I was still there, and they insisted that I wait in that line for however long it would take, which was very sweet and unexpected!

At the end of my long ordeal (for which I was very hungry--remember this was originally supposed to be a lunch break), I finally got to vote... but they didn't give me a sticker. I've never felt like I've deserved a sticker more. I quickly ran and got some dinner before the ballet. I was so tired that I had briefly considered not going, but I'm so glad I did. See my short and sweet review below.

Moulin Rouge the Ballet

This ballet performance was everything I wanted it to be. 

Perfect, stunning, gorgeous! Beautiful beyond words! 

Need I say more?

Happy Halloween!

Being Belle

Sunday on the Pier in the Rain for Sunday in the Park with George

Today, I went and saw the production of Sunday in the Park with George at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This review is best, I think, in three parts.

How I feel about the theater: The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is beyond beautiful. It mimics traditional Shakespearean play houses with the thrust stage and a few rows of seating all around (I was in the 2nd row in the 2nd level, of which there are only 2 rows). If you are ever in Chicago at a time when they have a show, go see it. I might even say go see it regardless of the show just so you can have an experience in this theater. Yes, it's that cool.

How I feel about the show: Oh Sondheim... I've never been your biggest fan. I recognize the difficulty in singing these pieces, but that doesn't mean I ever want them to come up when my iPod is shuffling. I do want to give a shout out to  Carmen Cusack. I saw her as Elphaba in Wicked (Atlanta) and was curious to see someone tackle Sondheim after belting "Defying Gravity" for years. She was—by far— the best thing about this show. I know Bernadette Peters was originally in that role, but I'd rather watch Carmen any day.

How I feel about said show in said theater: It doesn't work. I know other people will disagree, but it just doesn't work. The show is based on creating a painting. This theater has a lot of side view seats (it is a thrust). Do they rework a show that would work perfectly in a framing proscenium? Not really. Well... I'm sure they did. But from my side seat, it certainly didn't feel that way. Most of the action was staged so that those with the front view were taken care of. We couldn't see the whole "picture"  and the whole painting in a frame scene was awkward for all those with side views.

So, to wrap that all up: beautiful theater, play I don't really care for, actress I love being brilliant  and staging that left more to be desired.

You twirl batons at work one time...

and suddenly it's what you're known for! 

(My awesome Steppenwolf birthday card)

I was never one for shoes, but...

Today is my birthday! 

Happy October 6th everyone! 

The start of my day was cheering on Steppenwolf as a Steppenstar cheerleader at the 2nd annual Steppenwolf vs. Goodman homecoming game (separate post with photos soon). After the game ended, we were shuttled to bar near the Cubs to mix and mingle. After spending the beautiful afternoon on the roof over looking Wrigleyville, I decided I wanted to try to rush a Broadway show for my birthday. Carlene decided to make the journey to the Bank of America Theatre with me. We asked the box office agent if we could get rush seats. He said absolutely. I asked what time the show was that night. He looked up at me and said, "2?" "2?" I repeated to Carlene. "What time is it? We left the bar at like 1:30!" It was 1:50. We just made it. Carlene went downstairs and faster than I have ever witnessed in my life, performed a quick change out of her football uniform into play appropriate clothes (as she had no prior knowledge of the days events, I still have no idea where the outfit came from). 

The show pretty much matched expectations. I knew it would be silly. I knew there would be a loose plot line/story focused on drag queen. And I knew Annaleigh Ashford would be fantastic. Given the genre, I can't help but compare the show to Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. I think Priscilla was overall more fun and heart warming (come one, a little kid kangaroo?). I will give Kinky Boots some leeway; I know it is in previews and currently a work in progress. There were a few things that just didn't make sense (why did he turn homophobic all of sudden in the last 15 mins in order to have a change of heart song at the end? He had the ending viewpoint originally!). I do think Annaleigh was underutilized (her one song hilariously stole the show). 

As with most musicals I drag friends to, I am always curious to how they will react to the shows. I am happy to report that my guest Carlene had a wonderful time. She had told me beforehand that she hates musicals, so I was a little nervous. After laughing and grinning throughout, she enthusiastically asked in my ear during curtain call, "When can I buy this soundtrack?!?," which I'm taking as a sign that she thoroughly enjoyed the show. 

Was it Broadway ready when I saw it? Nope. 

Do I think NYC critics will slaughter it? Yes. 

Would I send friends to go see it anyway? Yes. I don't think the show is groundbreaking, and I don't think it will win any awards. However, I do think that anyone who goes will have a fun time at the theater. You will bounce in your seat. You will grin from ear to ear. You will be basking in the glow of spotlights, sequins, and drag queens  What else could you want for an evenings entertainment?

Steppenwolf Homecoming Pep Rally