Red Tape Theatre, in association with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, presents MNEMONIC. My initial text thought last night to a friend, “No clue what I’ll say about that show. Yikes.” Undoubtedly, Red Tape is one of the more avant-garde theatre companies in Chicago. Their shows are an ‘experience.‘ This current production showcases some ...
Body awareness 101
Yesterday in yoga, Mindy had us close our practice with a mantra: ‘my body is sensational and it does amazing things.’ I think that was it?! We chanted it three times. That was at least the essences of the sentiment and I completely concur. This vessel takes care of me and I, in turn, am ...
Review “The Whaleship Essex” (Shattered Globe): See-Worthy!
Shattered Globe Theatre presents the Midwest Premiere of THE WHALESHIP ESSEX. Founding member of Shattered Globe Joe Forbrich melded his theatrical and nautical experiences to pen this whale tale. In 2008, Forbrich was an apprentice shipbuilder by day and an actor by night. During this East Coast stint, he became versed in the shipwreck of the ...
I was booked last weekend
For the last few years, I’ve been concentrating on my writing. And that has resulted in me neglecting my reading. I like to write in the morning. The day breaking over the water as I’m sipping a cup of coffee is my favorite time to write. The words come in a rhythmic flow. I ease into ...
Happy Labor Day!
I kneed it! My knee is getting better and better. Stairs are still tricky aka painful but for the most part I’m in remission. I served at Wood on Saturday night and Sunday brunch. The guys let me have the back section for less steps. I was asked to do a double on Sunday. I ...
Review “Ecstasy” (Cole Theatre): Inaugural COLE!
Cole Theatre presents its inaugural production, ECSTASY. It’s 1979. Do you know where your life is? Jean doesn’t. Playwright Mike Leigh drops us into her flat. Her dismal efficiency is decorated in Mid-Century spinsterhood by Scenic Designer Grant Sabin. The room is cluttered with empty beer bottles, mismatched furniture and gin-soaked novels. A singular drip of ...
“My Name is Asher Lev” (Timeline Theatre): Thought-Provoking Tribute
Timeline Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of MY NAME IS ASHER LEV. Art?! At what cost to the artist?! Award-winning novelist Chaim Potok explored a painter’s obsessive turmoil. A conservative Jewish boy must express his artistry despite its opposition to his religion, community, and parents. Playwright Aaron Posner boils down the essences of Potok’s novel into ...
Shake it off! Shake it off!
Well, it finally happened! My mom always warned me that ‘if you’re horsing around, someone is bound to get hurt.’ Of course, her prediction technically took a few decades to actualize. On Tuesday night, we were enjoying “Wizard of Oz” at movies in the park. What happens when you’re enjoying a childhood classic? You start to act ...
Review “The Arsonists” (Strawdog Theatre): Ignites and Sizzles
Strawdog Theatre presents Max Frisch’s THE ARSONISTS. Why would anyone knowingly invite trouble into their life? Playwright Max Frisch answers that question in absurdity. Frisch sets his tale in a city plagued by arsonists. His protagonist, Biedermann (played with deft by Robert Kauzlaric) gets goaded into defending his morality by the charismatic Scott Danielson (Schmitz). Kauzlaric represents ...
Gratitude with Grace X 3
A thank you note is the perfect way to let someone know that they did something extra special. Grace sent me THREE thank you notes. I received the stuffed envelop yesterday. Nothing says appreciation for two weeks at camp than the independently and thoughtfully chosen words of a 7 1/2 year old. The actual card.... Der Aunt ...