THEATRE Something Wicked This Way Comes OR Off To See The Wizard
This weekend was Miss Chelsey's birthday weekend, which was spent, lovingly (aww) here in Chicago. And this Saturday afternoon marked the culmination of months of planning (and one kidney sale later) which was my purchase of tickets to see Wicked. Wicked, which I have long-since known is Chelsey's favorite musical (at least her favorite musical that she's never seen), is the "untold" story of Oz. It's what happens before the maple syrup. Whoops... wrong Oz. I mean it's what happens before Dorthy steals the Wicked Witch of the East's shoes. Elphaba (aka the Wicked Witch of the West) is played fabulously by former SNL cast-member Ana Gasteyer. To me, that was a real thrill... to be able to see someone who was on SNL performing on stage. Wicked--the musical--'s story is taken from Wicked the novel. As with all story-lines that exist as only because of an already existing story, Wicked is allowed to be clever and can foreshadow. But, unlike the other "prequal" I can think of (the Star Wars series), Wicked does it right. Taking the "bad guy" from an existing storyline and making them the hero is tough... but Wicked's Elphaba is believable and likeable (unlike SW's Anakin). Her motivations are clear, understandable, and don't involve midi-chlorians. Wicked (music aside) is a smart, funny, interesting story. And, here's where I am, one of the things I hate (HATE) about musicals is the fact that the story comes second (or not at all), preferring just to string together songs. I find nothing more annoying and a bigger waste of time than a music album which pretends to be theatre. But I found that Wicked (like Cabaret) is an interesting piece of theatre that just happens to have music in it. These type of plays I consider plays, and not musicals (allowing me to blindly hate all musicals indiscriminately).
WORLD Top 100 Hunks From The UK and Ireland
Yahoo UK and Ireland has complied a list of the top 100 Hunks in Movies, Music, Sports, and on TV. The reason you know it's from the UK? Robbie Williams is #3. The reason you know the list is not quite right? Benicio Del Toro is #9. So, with those two bits of information, I asked myself "Where would I fall on this list? Surely I could squeak into the 80s or 90s, right?" Well... Angel's David Boreanaz is #82 and Antonio Banderas is #90... but I might be able to The Office's Ricky Gervais at #97. That's right... your old pal Crazy makes the list at #97.
NATIONAL NEWS A Phillies Game: Where Politics Abound
Here's a story about a Philadelphia Phillies game this past week. It was the third annual Gay-Day in Philadelphia, which was by the Gay Men's Chorus singing the National Anthem before the game. Oddly enough, it was also the third annual visit by someone from Repent America. Hiding behind both the first amendment and a sign that said "Homosexuality is a Sin, Christ can save you" the Repent America representatives were allowed to protest until the sixth inning when the growing anger of the people around them lead the police to escort them to leave. The most interesting part of the story? The Phillies had okayed this protest... telling the Repent America's attorneys in advance that they could protest. The most surprising part of this whole story? People were at a Phillies game.