Weekend Rambles

When my pal the Norwegian from the North Woods comes for a visit, it's always a cultural whirlwind.

Yesterday:

• Long wander around the Chicago Botanic Garden, including a visit to the Model Railroad Garden (wonderful for kids big and small)
• Shokran, a fabulous Moroccan restaurant in the Old Irving Park neighborhood (If you go, be sure to order the Chicken Bastilla appetizer. Most yummy!)
• The Shadow of a Gunman at the Irish American Heritage Center
• Cocktails at Jimmy's -- a local Greek-owned restaurant

Today:

• Lunch at Jimmy's
• Drive into the city and park in the West Loop
• Walk from West Wacker Drive to East Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue
• Walk down 3 flights of stairs to riverwalk level
• Attempt to take the Architectural Foundation 3 p.m. river tour
• Are informed that the next tickets available are for 9:30 a.m. tomorrow
• Walked back west along the river walk under the Michigan Avenue Bridge
• Stumble across the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
• Develop buns of steel and thighs like Tina Turner by climbing to see all six levels of the bridgehouse museum, then climbing back down again
• Cool drinks and fruit plate at O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe
• Up two flights of stairs to street level
• Back east, cross the bridge north and down two flights of stairs to the Wendella boat dock
• River and lakefront architectural tour
• More buns/thighs workout -- up two flights of stairs, through the middle of the Wrigley Building towards Trump Tower, back down three flights of stairs
• Take the Water Taxi to Chinatown (What a cool way to get there -- and cheap! $4/person to get from Michigan and the river to Chinatown. It would probably be close to $40 by taxi!)
• Dinner at Lao Shanghai (Try the most excellent... everything. There isn't a bad choice on the menu.)
• Red Line train to State & Lake
• Shorter than usual forced march to the parking lot
• Crazy GPS-directed trip home (if there was a long way to be found, it found it)

I love being a tourist in my own back yard-- especially with a good friend who is undaunted by my singular ability to drag him from pillar to post and back again.

Theatre District

I was at the Irish American Heritage Center over the last four days working box office for Seanachai's latest play, The Shadow of a Gunman, for previews Thursday and Friday and opening on Saturday. I finally got to see the show yesterday for the first (but not the last) time.

The first review is in, and I totally agree: "Director John Mossman manages both the tonal shifts and the pace of the play with ease, and elicits strong performances from the large cast led by a terrific Shane Kenyon as Donal. "

Yeah, yeah, yeah -- I admit my bias and I am on their board-- but the audience laughed through the first half and sat on the edge of their seats for the second. That's the best reaction we could have asked for.

I predict good things for this show. Have you got your ticket yet?

Tootin' The Horn

Just got the following fabulous news:

"Seanachaí just got nominated for 3 Equity Jeff Awards!!!

"Congratulations to Brad Armacost as Jack in The Weir, to Bob Groth and Jenniffer Thusing for scenic design in The Weir and to Ira Amyx as Noel in That Was Then."

I'm so proud to be associated with this wonderful group!
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P.S. -- Our 2011-2012 season starts September 15th. Subscriptions are available here.

Drive-Bys

I have another political crush -- Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford. I don't suppose we can cajole him into running in the next gubernatorial race, can we?
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Before I head out to see Gavin Coyle at the Irish American Heritage Center this Saturday evening, I'm going to spend the day at the Printer's Row Lit Fest. The line-up of workshops, authors and speakers looks fantastic.
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Knee-Slapper of the Day:

"[S]he’s a very natural girl."

Sorry. That should have come with a spit-take warning.
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Have you bought your ticket to come help Seanachai Theatre Company party with Frazier's dad yet?

No?

What are you waiting for? June 13th is right around the corner and it's not every day you get to hoist a pint with a celebrity!
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Theatre District

I'm pleased to share the news that Seanachai Theatre Company is throwing a special benefit on Monday, June 13th from 7-10 p.m. at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago.

What's so special about it? John Mahoney has agreed to do a dramatic poetry reading, and a meet and greet immediately following!

In addition, there will be dramatic readings by guest actors Brad Armacost and Steve Pickering (who will be featured in Seanachai's second play of the new season A Moon for the Misbegotten), as well as by members of the Seanachai Ensemble and live music.

Also, we will be saying good-bye to Martin Rouine, Chicago's Irish Consul General and Seanachai board member.

Tickets are $50 in advance/$60 at the door (subject to availability), which includes free parking, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment. Cash Bar.

To reserve your tickets, call 773-878-3727.

I hope to see you there!

Drive-Bys

A fixture from my childhood here in Chicago has turned 90. Happy Birthday to Dr. Lester Fisher, who introduced us to The Ark in the Park at Lincoln Park Zoo!

And since my most persistent ear worm has returned due to these memories, I'm passing it on to you:


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Mark your calendars for November, when Rob Kroese's next book in the Mercury series lands! I loved the first one, and can't wait for the new one to arrive!
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Things I won't be doing this weekend? Going to WingFest (Wah! No PB&J wings!) or to the IKC Dog Show, where I'll bet you Hickory and several of the best in Group from Westminster will put in an appearance.

I will, however, be at the Irish American Heritage Center working the box office for That Was Then on Saturday and Sunday. See you there?

Late Night Ramblings

Where've I been? Busy, my friends -- very busy.

First of all, Seanachai Theatre Company's new show, "That Was Then," by Gerard Stembridge, opens this Saturday, but has preview performances available for $10/ticket this Thursday and Friday Nights.

It's a black comedy, and the early buzz is fantastic. Follow us on Twitter to get updates on meet-the-cast and dinner theatre availability. Join us at the IAHC, won't you?

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Yes, I'm now tweeting -- for Seanachai. Another "never" crossed off my list. (Tweeting, not Seanachai, that is!)

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Brian Jacques may be gone, but the world he created in Redwall lives on. My favorite characters were frequently to be found among the dibbuns. What's a dibbun? Behold:

Badger babies! How utterly adorable at this age!
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I just found this cool site where a page a day is posted from Jim Henson's "Red Book," and sometimes a good deal of historical information comes with it.

If you're a Muppets, Fraggle Rock, Dark Crystal fan like me, you'll love this!

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Via Pat Hickey, why I luuuuuuuuuuurve me some Col. Allen West:

“Over this past week I have watched and listened to members of the House of Representatives from across the aisle.

“I am appalled at their ignorance, belligerence, and dishonest rhetoric filled with empty emotional platitudes. Have they no shame in realizing that their inept, incompetent failures are the reason why we are debating this continuing resolution. They failed to pass a budget during the 111th Congress.

“Have they no honor in realizing that their fiscal irresponsibility over the past four years has resulted in our standing on the precipice of a fiscal canyon from which we may not recover.

“Also troubling are the events in the state of Wisconsin which mirror those that happened in Greece several months ago. We are witnessing the abject hostility of a unionized entitlement class that is being lauded by the liberal left, seemingly to include our President.

“It is such a critical time for our Republic, yet there seems no visionary leadership — it is as if America stopped producing adults. I have never seen a greater assembly of petulance and sophomoric behavior as what I have witnessed this week on the floor of the House of Representatives.

“To those across the aisle, please explain to the American people how your economic policies have created a better environment for long-term sustainable growth.

“This debate is about jobs and the economy.

“It begins with remedying the spending problem on Capitol Hill. It includes tackling the burdensome taxation and regulation policies strangling our country. It is the understanding that Keynesian tax and spend policies did not grow America’s economy, but the indomitable, entrepreneurial spirit of the American people.

“Government sets the conditions for job and economic growth, it does not create jobs."

I love a guy who'll call a spade a spade. Well done, sir.

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What else was I busy with? Well, I spent a good deal of the weekend up to my eyebrows in bridal photography websites.

Don't faint! It's not for me.

I now have not one, but two weddings to attend in September -- one in Houston and one in Las Vegas, and both of which make me very happy. I can't wait!

Drive-Bys

One of the benefits of being on the board of an Irish theater company is that you stumble across some interesting things on the sets. Me? I want this whole Feckin set.

(P.S. -- This weekend is your last chance to see The Weir. Go see it! You'll thank me.)
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Giggle of the Day:


see more Lolcats and funny pictures
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Actually, you could probably say this about any of the women President Tin-Ear chose to take to Washington, D.C.:

"You kind of have to drop the standard for the [insert name here], right?" the official explained late Thursday. "I mean, she's pretty well liked and probably doesn't know what she's doing."

No, we don't have to drop that standard (unless of course, she's a New Black Panther, and that's a whole 'nuther kettle of fish).

She's supposed to lead by example and follow the law like every other citizen of this fair land.

I'm with J. Christian Adams:

Is this the worst thing to afflict an election? Of course not. Armed New Black Panthers were obviously much worse. In the larger scheme of things, Michelle Obama’s lawbreaking is authentic “small potatoes.” But someone in her position has a higher obligation to the institutions our nation treasures, like the rule of law.

The stand-up response from the first lady, and the White House press shop, would be to admit a mistake, affirm they believe in respect of the rules that protect election integrity. But this isn’t a stand-up administration. Like the stonewall that followed the New Black Panther dismissal, we have learned that this is an administration incapable of admitting they screwed up.

But they're only allowed to find fault with others -- never with themselves.
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As the National Football League investigates whether quarterback Brett Favre sent lewd photos of himself to a female employee of the New York Jets in 2008, many women -- and men -- are asking the question: Why would any grown man send photos like that in the first place?

I have my own theories about that, including that for a lot of men, sex is affection and he's showing you just how much he likes you. In fact, he's probably showing you who he thinks he is.

But since I'm not a guy, I'm throwing this out to my male readers. I'm not saying you would do this, but help a girl out and give me the hows and whys of some guys thinking this is a good idea.
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Okay, it's not just me -- the number of suicides in this area has been much higher than normal:

[T]he number of people who have taken their own lives so far this year already is approaching or has overtaken 2009's overall tally.

Boy, I hope we can get our arms around recognition and prevention very soon.

If you know something, speak out. Don't think someone's kidding if they talk about ending it all.

A 2010 study by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that adults ages 18 to 25 were far more likely to have seriously considered suicide in the last year than those ages 26 to 49, and nearly three times more likely than those 50 or older.

If they're talking about it at all, find help fast.
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Who knew the Reb Smuley was this smart and open minded?

Homosexuality is a religious, not a moral, sin. A moral sin involves injury to an innocent party. Who is harmed when two unattached, consenting adults are in a relationship? Homosexuality is akin to the prohibition against lighting fire on the Sabbath or eating bread during Passover; there is nothing immoral about it, but it violates the divine will.

I am in favor of gay civil unions rather than marriage because I am against redefining marriage. But gay marriage doesn't represent the end of Western civilization. The real killer is the tsunami of divorce and the untold disruption to children who become yo-yos going from house to house on weekends.

Just so.

(A tip of the cap to the Advice Goddess.)
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I'm off to an architectural pub crawl in Bridgeport tonight -- four Irish pubs! Thus, my Ear Worm of the Day is distinctly Irish:


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P.S. -- Jihad Gene says, "It's Friday! Let's Dance!"

I'll be doing a jig. How about you?

Pub Crawl

So what are the critics saying about Seanachai Theatre Company's production of The Weir?

"The Weir" always owes part of its success to a set designer's vision. The atmospheric touches have to be just right to move the audience into the total picture. Here the worn pub set by Robert Groth and Jenniffer J. Thusing is perfect in every detail, from the massive bar to the family pictures on the wall and the iron stove around which the storytellers gather.

Director Miller found the perfect actor in Armacost, who gives a standout performance as the likable Jack, a man who has never married and claims he has no regrets. But as his tale unfolds, he clearly does have problems with his solitary life.

Theis is suitably manic as always as Finbar, a man whose mission is to succeed above everyone else. And Wellington carefully etches a woman filled with pain and loss who is trying her best to recover some semblance of happiness.

-- Mary Houlihan, Chicago Sun-Times

Perhaps you saw the play at the Steppenwolf about 10 years ago. I thought that version was quite good, but the current effort from Seanachai Theatre Company is far more effective in capturing a type of campfire intimacy, and director Matt Miller uses the small-ish confines of Seanachai's space to the show's advantage (even if the theater's air conditioning isn't quite up to the task). The set from Robert Groth and Jenniffer J. Thusing, with its dark wood tones and old photos on the wall, is evocative enough that you may want to climb in there for a drink yourself....

What is a belief in the supernatural, after all, if not an explanation for things that go bump in the night? McPherson's script takes it a step further, to include all the things that go bump in our minds. Certainly those assembled in the pub have plenty of baggage to go around, and Miller's cast embodies a believable, lived-in chemistry as longtime neighbors who have forged friendships out of circumstance — their nightly pub stops a brief reprieve from self-imposed isolation.

-- Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune

Jeff Christian's mama's-boy handyman aches with incipient loss and confusion.

-- Kerry Reid, Chicago Reader

Under the direction of Matt Miller and dialect coaching of Barbara Zahora, THE WEIR ensemble is authentic in pub talk, walk and gawk. To impress the feminine stranger, the conversations between Brad Armacost (Jack) and Kevin Theis (Finnbar) is a healthy pour of boast with a shot of swagger. Armacost is outstanding as the charismatic Irish drunk that hold courts with his nightly tavern rehashing of the past. Theis is hilarious as he competes with Jack's overshadowing presence. By bragging, he continually sets himself up as the arse of Jack's joke. Meanwhile, the gawkers, Brad Smith (Brendan) and Jeff Christian (Jim) are delightful as the awkwardly entranced barflies with the lady company. Smith's bashful bartender, debating over joining in a libation, is understated charming. Christian is a perfect social misfit that bumbles into the limelight with a graveyard remembrance. The chemistry between the guys is like good Irish whiskey. It goes down smooth with a bit of a bite and lingering giddy affects. Holding her own with the tavern buddies, Sarah Wellington (Valerie) is equal parts frivolous and poignant. She flirts with tease expertise and then halts the playful banter with a haunting narrative.

-- Katy Walsh, The Fourth Walsh

This is a movingly powerful drama that is a tribute to the depth of the human spirit. Seanchai Theatre Company’s production i[s] filled with terrific performances led by the brilliant work from Brad Armacost. This is marvelous Irish storytelling.

--Tom Williams, Chicago Critic

The ensemble is on top of a tough script filled with demanding monologues. The actors goose the humor with nice, natural touches; Christian’s awkward pauses and over-long eye contact are genius. But the jewel of the evening is Armacost; his mundane tale of love and life squandered is heartbreaking; his pain is very much of this realm.

-- Lisa Buscani, New City Stage

I've seen it, and I can tell you it's a marvelous production. Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a Guinness or a Harp from Seanachai's concessions before you enter the theater, because it'll make you feel even more a part this lovely story.

One more thing -- yes, there are tales of faeries and ghosties and other chilling fair... but there's also a ton of humor in this play, too.

This only plays through October 3rd. What are you waiting for? Go buy a ticket!

(Photos by Eileen Molony.)
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Update: To prove it's not just me, I received this email from my friend Paul: "Saw it Sunday; it was fantastic."

Culture Club

It's been a cultural whirlwind for me in the last week, to go along with the craziness at work. Behold --

Friday night: Karaoke at the Blue Frog.

Saturday night: "Shush Patrol" declared a futile effort in the face of the enormous (and really noisy) fundraiser down the hall, so I actually got to see opening night of The Weir, instead.

Sunday afternoon/night: Worked concessions before and did set up and tended bar for the VIP reception after The Weir, followed by an evening at Grafton's with the ensemble.

Monday night: Sleep, and lots of it.

Tuesday night: Therapy Night with Walt (discussion covered books, theater, travel)

Wednesday night: Jazzin' at the Shedd and dinner at Ma & I (Can you say "Wasabi Shumai"? Faaaaaaaaabulous!)






Tonight I rest, because... tomorrow, I'm off to the Cubs/Mets game in the afternoon (hopefully with Beloved Baby Brother), and then going to The Art Institute of Chicago for the Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibit.

Whew! That's more culture in one week than I've experienced since back in the day when Culture Club was all the rage:

Theater District

Seanachai Theatre Company's production of The Weir opened to a sold out house last night! I'm hearing that it's a really a fabulous show, and can't wait to see it myself. (I'll be there tonight, but working "shush patrol" in the hallways. Tomorrow I'll actually get to see the show.)

Now homed at the Irish American Heritage Center, we're easy to find, and the parking is free, and the IAHC is also easily accessible via the Blue Line or bus.

Want more reasons to join us?

Stop by The Fifth Province, an authentic Irish Pub, located on the first floor of the IAHC, for all the best in Irish entertainment.

The pub is open every Friday and Saturday night and friends can gather to grab a pint and sit by the fireplace. Pub food, like fish and chips, onion rings, corned beef sandwiches and Irish sausage are available for those wishing to grab a bite to eat. The building is wheelchair accessible.

The pub is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights and live music begins at 9pm. There's plenty of free parking and rarely a cover charge, making this one of Chicago's hidden gems.

Fifth Province hours are Friday, 4pm-1am and Saturday 5pm-1am and pub food is served from 6pm to 10pm.

Grab a bite to eat, see the play, go back down and indulge in a pint or two, a bit of craic and some wonderful music, too.

Who could ask for a better evening of entertainment?

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Update: Whoohoo! We're Jeff recommended! (The buzz was correct. Nice.)

Drive-Bys

Jihad Gene is, once more, late to the party...

"It's Friday! Let's Dance!"

How 'bout a little Watusi Boogaloo?



Kerrcarto is ready for some Friday Jammin'!
Patti assures us, "This, Too, Shall Pass"
Meanwhile, Billy Sweetfeets Gingersnap Norton is doing the Chicken Monkey Duck.
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Tomorrow, I'm going to Lit Fest with my Author Blog Son and this Hairy Norwegian from the Frozen North, along with another good friend of mine who doesn't blog. None of them have met before, but I have every confidence it'll be a fantastic day!
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Quote of the Day:

This is a lovey set of Nipple Rings. They are delicate, yet full of your Firery Desires. Your lover will be inflamed by your engoreged Nipples. Just imagein swimming in the surf with these on. It will bring out the Mermaid in You, and the Lust in Him. But remember, these Shiny Little Nuggets are Capable of Fire !

Maybe El Cap could use a set to go along with his new counting machine?
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Giggle of the Day:


see more Lolcats and funny pictures
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And I'm outta here to get ready for this event. Hope to see you there!

Drive-Bys

Finally a sunny day!


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Everything that's wrong with America today can be summed up in one simple post.
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Don't have the pickup truck that's just begging for a pair of bumper nuts to shout your masculinity to the entire world? Fear not! Just think a bit smaller... and you, too, can display your studliness to the masses. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Sexy.

(A tip of the cap to Calvin's Mom for the giggle.)
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Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! George has more distractions keeping him from finishing Dance. (Horndog!)

He'd better get cracking (and quit flaunting all the damned fun he's having while he's keeping us waiting), or my fiance and I are going after him together... and it won't be pretty.
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Now I'm off to meet Mr. Bill and also to rustle up a little more swag for the silent auction Friday night....

Picture This

Just spent three hours with the good folks at The Great Frame Up on Elm Street in Chicago framing up photos for the silent auction at the ceili for Seanachai Theatre Company this Friday.*

Three hours and 11 photos framed and matted later, I'm pooped... but happy with how they turned out. Here's a sneak peak (but keep in mind that they in no way, shape or form show just how beautifully these turned out):

(Ross Castle in Killarney National Park, Dingle Bay and Slea Head)

(Gorgeous pink posies. The colors just leap out of the photos.)

(L'Heure Bean. This one practically glows golden.)

(Ring of Kerry Madonna and Christ Church, Dublin)

I've been a busy bee in other areas, too. We'll have gift cards from restaurants in the theater district, passes for architectural tours, a gift certificate from The Great Frame Up and a complete set of the Agnes Brown books by Brendan O'Carroll, including the newest that's only available through his website, signed by the author (and even though I'm donating them, you might have to Indian Leg Wrestle with me to win them)... and much, much more!

Anyway, I crossed the bridge here...

... and I'll be heading for the train soon. Make one tired chiquita happy and come to the ceili, will you?

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*Here's the scoop:

Friday, June 11th
6:30-10:30pm
Holby Gallery
225 W. Huron
Chicago, IL

Join us for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, entertainment provided by the Seanachaí ensemble, pub quiz, personally crafted limericks, tarot readings, music by Lynne Jordan & the Shivers, our fantastic silent auction, and much more!

Don't miss your chance to mingle with our expanded ensemble & board, take a sneak peek at scenes from our upcoming season, get a personalized limerick written for you, or visit our tarot card reader!

Support Seanachaí as we enter our 2010-2011 season!

$75 per guest.
To reserve your tickets, call: (773) 878.3727 or email info@seanachai.org

(Or email me for the secret password to get a discount on admission)

Theater District

Last night I got to see one of my absolute favorite actors in not one, but two incredible plays! Brian Dennehy was at the Goodman Theatre doing "Hughie" by Eugene O'Neill and "Krapp's Last Tape" by Samuel Beckett. He was excellent in the first and outstanding in the second. (Yeah, he may be aging... but he still blows my skirt up.)

If this particular one-two punch ever comes your way, run, don't walk, to get yourself tickets!

Sunday night, I'm off to the Irish American Heritage Center to see Seanachai Theatre Company's production of "Dancing at Lughnasa." If you've never seen a show by Seanachai, you're missing a real treat.

Finally, I just saw that Mandy Patinkin and Patti Lupone will be playing at the Cadillac Palace from the second through the seventh of March. I may just have to go see them, too.

You know, I had forgotten how much I love theater, and it's a crying shame, seeing that I work within walking distance of the Cadillac Palace, the Goodman, the Shubert, the Blackstone and the Chicago theaters.

I'm working on less talk and more action when it comes to buying tickets to coming attractions.