Didn’t think I’d have any time to post but the show sounded great in the bigger venue, therefore, no rehearsal this afternoon. Yesterday I was up at 5:30 am and didn’t get to bed last night until 1:00 am Chicago time, which is 2:00 am New York time. I was up for just about 23 hours. Not good. I made myself get out of bed at 8:00 so I could spend some time with my very best friend in the world, Laural.
I cropped this since my 17 year old leather coat (bought before I was a vegetarian) was falling off my shoulder making me look rather hulk-like.
I’ve known Laural since I was 12 and she was 13. We met doing summer theater in our hometown and I’m proud to say we are both still working in theater. Laural just lost her brother, Sandy, last week. So I was especially happy to have this visit scheduled. We needed to talk, to remember Sandy and, in turn, remember my brother. Laural’s parents are also gone. Her dad was a State Representative in our home state of Michigan and I used to help on his campaigns. Her mom was like a second mom to me. We’ve been through so much together, Laural and I. I’m very grateful we were able to see each other today.
I’m staying at the Palmer House. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years. When I was teaching in San Diego and we went on our yearly audition tour, we always stayed here. It’s been 11 years since I last visited and the rooms are looking very trendy.
The lighting in my bathroom is so dim that I had to do my eyebrows over 4 times. I looked like Joan Crawford.
The Palmer House is a huge, grand, lavishly decorated hotel. I love the ceiling in the lobby:
They don’t make them like this anymore.
A little tour in the area around my hotel:
This incredible sphere is in Grant Park – a giant gazing ball, if you will – and it reflects the skyline. Love it.
Also in Grant Park. (I thought it looked sort of like Steve Carell.) It changes to this:
The wonderful Art Institute of Chicago. I remember spending a long time in line many, many years ago to see the King Tut exhibition.
Home of the famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra – conducted by Riccardo Muti. He was the conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra when I lived in Philadelphia.
I made a little trip to Marshall Field and Company – which is now, unfortunately, a Macy’s. In yet another blow to individuality, what once was a store with a distinctly Chicago identity has become just another building in the Macy’s arsenal. Part of what I call the Homogenization of America. Everything is now part of a chain; so no matter where you go, you will find exactly the same store in any city. Yuck.
The building is still beautiful – many memories of lunches in the Walnut room, of gasps at the beauty of the architecture. And of these:
Used to be you could only get these at Marshall Field. Now, of course, you can find them other places. But not, I think, where I live. So, for old times sake, I bought some. Frangos are great, especially if you like the combination of mint and chocolate as I do. Note to Don: the caramels are all gone. How did that happen??
My niece and nephew and their families live in the Chicago area. Unfortunately, not enough time this visit to see them. So I will have to come back.
Oh, and here’s the marquee:
Gorgeous theater, by the way. Very ornate with lots of gold and 3 balconies.
Talk to you soon.
