I left my ATM card at Harry Carey’s on Navy Pier last night. Navy Pier is *the* Midwest attraction. It is a plethora of chain restaurants, kiosks selling chatkeys and hordes of tourists. The only reasons I go to Navy Pier is for the Imax movie experience or -and more importantly- the world renowned Chicago ...
In gratitude…
I'm practicing living life more mindfully. I am using the book “How to Train a Wild Elephant” as a guide. This week's challenge was to write down 5 things daily that I was thankful for... *creative minds *solid leadership *dynamic team *laughter *Joel *coffee *UPS *mind broadening theatre *cabs...especially a clean smelling one *a dryer that works *Trixie *that I didn’t/don’t own a restaurant *the feeling of completion *potstickers *family *my parents *fresh air *physical ...
You know you’re old when…
In the past week, I’ve had three incidents of significance reminding me that I’m old. First, I used my AARP card. Although I joined AARP right after I turned 50 (December), I hadn’t used the card yet. When I rented a car this past weekend, I realized AARP gives me 10% off at Budget. Same car ...
“The Killing of Michael X” (Jackalope Theatre): Unforgettable Innovation
Jackalope Theatre Company presents the World Premiere of THE KILLING OF MICHAEL X: A NEW FILM BY CELIA WALLACE. Jackalope takes full advantage of their new home at the Broadway Armory. They impressively utilize the huge, loft space to present this play about the making of a movie. From the start, the word ‘stylish’ resonated in my ...
March Madness… I’m out!
This is the last day of March. And it’s the eve of my Serenity April. This winter has clobbered me. There’s the weather. (enough said) Then, there’s my extra-curricular activities. The plethora of theatre openings from mid January to now has been lunacy. I’ve seen about 50 plays, reviewed 47 of them. Good stuff but ...
Mrs. Chris Scalise
If life had gone according to plan, I would be married to the guy directly above me in this kindergarten picture. I announced to his parents my intentions back in 1969. He was the full package. He was cute with an easy laugh. And even though he wasn't the boy-next-door, he was the boy across ...
Review “Depraved New World” (Second City): Don’t be deprived of depraved!
The Second City presents its 102nd Revue DEPRAVED NEW WORLD. The new Mainstage show at Second City is tight! The scenes flow. The laughs roll. The cast soars. Chelsea Devantez, John Hartman, Mike Kosinski, Tawny Newsome, Emily Walker and Steve Waltien are terrific. They are the writers, the performers but first and foremost they are ‘the ensemble.’ There ...
Right to life… Yes!
This picture was taken in January 1977. The trio in the center are my sister Cindy, me and my dad. We were headed to Washington DC for “March for Life.” It was an anti-abortion rally. It was a cause I was passionately committed to. My parents were leaders in the Right to Life movement. Our ...
Review “Road Show” (Chicago Shakes): Dark Musical, Sobering Comedy
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents ROAD SHOW. Composer Stephen Sondheim has immortalized the real life shenanigans of the Mizner brothers in this musical tribute. Sondheim tells the tales of the ambitious brothers chasing fame and fortune from the Alaskan gold rush to Florida’s real estate boom. ROAD SHOW chronicles their colorful escapades. The show starts at the death of one of ...
An Upright Life
My posture was last week’s challenge in my “How to Train a Wild Elephant.” I was aware of how my posture is a mood changer. It affects my mood. And my mood affects it. When I’m at my most alert, I’m sitting up straight and ready to listen. Sometimes I lean in, my interest is ...