VWrite Goes Theatrical

If you read our post from last month, you know that I'm part of the Open Books VWrite mentoring program this year, and I'm mentoring a fantube-ular girl named Angelica, who's a junior at Gage Park High School.

On Friday night, Angelica and I went on an adventure to see the play Black Watch, which was brought here as part of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's World's Stage program. I still have some connections at CST from when I worked there 1,000 years ago, and there was a secret discount (not really secret, but I'm trying to feel special) for the Black Watch shows last week. I snagged some half-price tickets and Angelica and I played it fancy for the night.

Well, not too fancy. This is where we ate dinner.

And no, it wasn't fancy. But it was deeeelicous.

The show wasn't at the CST main stage on Navy Pier, but at the Broadway Armory in Uptown. It was the perfect place for such a militaristic play.

Angelica outside of the house (gymnasium)

Our seats

The view from our seats, before the play began

Obviously we couldn't take pictures during the show, and thank goodness. We needed all of our attention focused on the ninety-five minute action and emotion-packed drama that was unfolding on the floor. The ten-man cast was excellent, and the scenery, music, and special effects were heart poundingly fantastic. If you want to see a very mild taste of what we saw, check out this video of the cast rehearsing.

And what was even more exciting than watching the actors march as the Black Watch soldiers do, was Angelica's commentary on their skills after the play. She was in the ROTC for a year and knows her marching stuff, so her critique was informative and expert.

Angelia, outside of the Armory

Mentor and Mentee, on the town

After the play, we needed to debrief, so we went to get some refreshments at Margie's Candies. I'd never been there before (which is insane. absolutely insane), so I was thrilled she'd suggested it.

And it was the perfect after-play treat.

Um, that's a lot of ice cream.

So we both finished the night full of culture, new ideas about the weeks ahead, and sugar. Lots and lots of sugar.

This upcoming Saturday we're going on a campus tour of Columbia College, so there will be more pictures. Until then, get tickets to Black Watch and then get some ice cream. It won't be with me and Angelica, but it will still be pretty good.

Why Our Nieces and Nephew Are the Cutest

Why are our two nieces and nephew the cutest?

Please. You don't even need to ask.

Hi, I'm adorable.

Now hold on there. I'm pretty cute, too.

Well, I can drive a car and vote for the next president of these United States. And I got an "A" on my English paper. So I win. For realz.

(And thanks to Paula and Sean for the fantastic pictures of Bo and Sadie. I will thank myself for the picture of Destiny. "Thank you, Laura." "Well, Laura, that's so nice of you to say. You're welcome.")