Last night, I saw “The Homestretch.” The documentary follows three homeless Chicago youth in their fight to overcome obstacles. Roque, Kasey and Anthony’s stories are powerful, inspirational and heart-wrenching. I had multiple personal reactions within the tight 90 minute film. I recently returned from Vegas, the city of excessive indulgence! Watching the movie, I initially felt ...
Review “Fail/Safe” (Strawdog Theatre): Timeless, disturbing eye opener
Strawdog Theatre presents the World Premiere of FAIL/SAFE. FAIL/SAFE, the 1962 best selling novel was made into movies in 1964 and 2000. The story is about a mechanical error that triggers missiles to attack Russia. The incident threatens to initiate WWIII. Director and co-adaptor Anderson Lawfer stages the action in three rooms: the flight control room, ...
“Ernest Bloch’s Macbeth” (Chicago Opera Theater): Modern Marvel
Reviewed by Sara Eisenbaum Chicago Opera Theater presents Ernest Bloch’s Macbeth Ernest Bloch’s rendition of Macbeth was a modern marvel. Far and away one of the best scores I’ve heard from a play, and no less stunning with the addition of a choir at poignant places throughout the text. I was able to attend the opera without ...
Instead of my palms, I had my body read
Bellagio poolside pre-massage Whenever I stay at the Bellagio, I have a massage with Jeff. Okay, this has only happened once because I’ve only stayed at the Bellagio once. Yet, once is enough when it’s an amazingly memorable experience. Before I headed to Vegas and I imagine to shut down my whining, my personal trainer suggested I ...
Vegas Day 3: The Old and The New
Today, we visited old Las Vegas aka Freemont Street. This is where the Rat Pack was born. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammie Davis Jr. would roll into town, put on a show and then hit the tables. The vintage look has been preserved and semi-enclosed. Freemont Street is covered by a canopy of lights. The ...
Vegas Day 2: Getting taken for a ride
Yesterday, I walked 24,055 steps which is a personal triumph. But it’s a bit of a surprise too because yesterday was our ‘ride’ theme day. We tried to do as many transportation vehicles as possible. We took a limousine ride to our helicopter. -That really is a statement that I never thought I’d make! - Skye ...
Vegas Day 1: Gambling 101
I left 52 degrees in Chicago in the afternoon. I arrived in Las Vegas to 97 degrees in the evening. We flew Spirit Airlines out of O’Hare. It’s a no frills airlines. I don’t mind it. The ticket is cheap but then everything else is a charge. Picking a seat. Checking a bag. Or carrying on ...
Hating your personal trainer
Everyone must have a love-hate relationship with their personal trainer. His sole purpose is to force you to get stronger and healthier. And those lifestyle changes -that you are paying for- are painful. Literally and philosophically. Well, when your trainer is one of your besties, you already loved him before the workout sessions began. So, ...
Review “Women Beware Women” (Two Pence Theatre): Lusty, Ambitious and Sometimes Ruthless
Two Pence Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN. Penned by Playwright Thomas Middleton in 1621, WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN has waited almost 400 years to make its Chicago debut. Middleton wrote this tale from the perspective of the ladies. Although mired in a male dominated world by their gender happenstance, his female characters coerce ...
I’m betting on a triple
I’m working a triple this weekend. Saturday dinner, Sunday brunch, Sunday dinner. I’m going to Vegas on Thursday for a long weekend. And mama needs cash. So, I’m all in. Actually, it doesn’t matter where the destination is. The week before I go on a trip, I like to serve as many shifts as possible. It’s ...