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

Metamorphoses Opening Night

Someone at Lookingglass Theatre Company called someone at Steppenwolf and asked if they could borrow Steppenwolf's apprenti to be stand-bys for opening night. When asked if willing to be a volunteer for this adventure, I responded with a resounding "Yes!" Upon arriving at Lookingglass, they warn us that we may not be needed at all while inviting us to join in the pre-show reception. No worries though! The few apprenti who came along all got seated. I was along the rail in the upstairs of the theatre with a perfect view of pool and no chance of being splashed on!

After the show, they invited us to join their opening night party across the street at... wait for it.. the Ritz Carlton! A few of the apprenti were ready to call it a night, but I was way to curious to see what a party at the Ritz would look like. We go inside, ride up to the penthouse, and immediately feel out of place. The room is cavernous (but a fancy cave, if caves could be fancy) and in the center sits a fountain that would look perfect in the center of New York City park. They hand us champagne, invite us to join in the toast, and show us a wonderful glimpse of a fancier life.

Who said I would never use my crafting skills?

In Good People, Steppenwolf's first show of the season, one of the characters makes and sells craft bunnies. At our Season Kick-off last night, we had a craft table where our guests could make their very own bunnies to take home with them. I, of course, snuck away from my marketing table for a few brief moments to make a bunny. (I mean come on, who wouldn't want to make a bunny?).

Meet the newest member of the Marketing/Publicity apprenti cube: Benny the Bunny!

Good People Opening Night

Tonight I stood-by for the opening night of Good People. Luckily, I was given a seat on the main floor. This marks my first Steppenwolf production and opening night party. I did see the production a few nights beforehand when I volunteered at Vets Night (Steppenwolf lets local vets/homeless people come to the final dress rehearsal), but I was still thrilled to be able to attend the opening night festivities!

Please note: Because I do work for Steppenwolf, I will not be reviewing the production. I will say that it is top notch acting with fantastic production values, as Steppenwolf always is.

And then there were two...

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra joins Steppenwolf to make up my work life.

Work life? Just kidding—they are my life!

Chilling at the Shedd