The Wicked, I mean Windy City. Oh! What a Trip!

Being a teacher has one definite perk...field trips!

Last year I helped chaperone a Theater Arts trip to New York City, meaning that I got to go free! We got to see Spamalot and Curtains (David Hyde Pierce won a Tony for this performance!) and the kids had workshops with some cast members. Pretty cool! I loved this city and would totally run away and try to be a chorus girl if my life had been different.


This year we went to Chicago and had yet another spectacular trip. The first day was beautiful so we toured Navy Pier and Millennium Park before taking in Jersey Boys. I am an architecture kinda gal so I loved the new park. The new outdoor concert hall and "The Bean" were gorgeous that day, the sun reflected beautifully off the steel. I'd love to catch a summer show there.




Now on to Jersey Boys...that show was INSANE! It says a lot when there is a group of 40 high school kids standing up and going crazy singing and all the words and dancing to Frankie Valli songs like "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man" and "Oh What a Night." Definitely a must see musical! It is in Cincy this May and June...I smell a road trip!



Here is a Youtube link to a performance that I love from the Emmy's. Ignore the Soprano's tribute.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hxbpyAx7CWA

Day two had us braving a snowstorm to catch the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum. It was fun to watch the dolphin show but I was pooped by the time we were done with the Field.



After a fun dinner we headed to Wicked. I was so excited to see this show because I love The Wizard of Oz. For the past 12 years I have tried to read the Gregory Maguire book several times but was never able to get into his style of writing, such a disappointment. It was supposed to be made into a movie about 10 years ago but never happened. I was giddy with excitement when Amy told me we were seeing Wicked in Chicago. LOVED IT! "Defying Gravity" is my new theme song: never be afraid to soar higher than those around you think you can. Only one downside to this musical: the flying monkeys were nightmare inducing! Another "gotta see" musical and it is coming to Louisville in January. I sure hope Santa reads this blog because I'd love a ticket in my stocking.



Here is a Youtube link to "Defying Gravity" with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the most formidable Broadway names today.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TNv6cFUvU9s

Our third an final day lent itself to the Art Museum and lots of shopping. We saw an improv show at Second City, which was hilarious! It made me have a greater appreciation for those who do live comedy. I could never hold a straight face like they do!

A jam packed three days and three great evening shows!