Play Review: The Boy in Black

From the Play's website:

Director Emma Peterson brings Tony Meneses's captivating script about a boy looking for color in a world of grey to life on a magically realistic, charmingly minimalist scale. Staged in the Royal George's intimate Gallery Space, CFT's trademark aesthetic and original designs embody The Boy in Black in a burst of color, warmth, humor, and familiarity. This world is one of shared moments, of characters with whom we can all identify, and ideas that ring so true to the lovesick in all of us that we can't help but laugh together.

Out tickets were free. Sometimes that is a play's only redeeming quality. However, its brevity was a plus, as well. I consider myself very open-minded when it comes to art and theatre. This play lost me because of its shallow plot.

I like the premise: looking for love and color in a life that can otherwise be gray. I get it.  Some of the characters - namely the girl in the garbage dress - were so grating, though, that it was difficult to focus on the play's message. That being said, it was a pretty simple play, simple characters and a simple story. Not very impactful. 

Verdict: glad that I did not pay $50 to see this play.

I think that Oleanna is still my favorite - seen in London in 2004. You should read it if you haven't done so!

 

Happy Halloween!

More of my husband's handiwork :)

He made our hats and my dress - it even has elastic. Since it was chilly in Chicago, the tight, long sleeves and fleece came in handy, as well.

As a rule, I don't like Halloween. At. All. I don't like what it stands for and I really prefer to pretend that it doesn't exist. In fact, I usually spend Halloween teaching at a youth retreat in Ky. However, my work schedule prevented me from getting down there, so it was fun dressing up for probably the first time since elementary school.

Maybe I'll use the fleece dress as a nightgown now . . .

While I am busy slaving away at work . . .

My husband is making roasted apple and squash soup with curry and dill.

 

Looking forward to trying it!

So much good!!

Loves:
- good news lately for my husband and also my sister
- the return of motivation
- Edith Piaf (random)
- antiquing with my husband - in an upcoming post, I'll tell you all about our newest treasure
- my Ball jar drink dispenser (thanks, mom!) which we christened with fall Jack Daniels punch at a get-together this weekend
- iOs5 lots of fun features!
- tons of quality friends with my Chicago favorites
- FaceTime with dear friends in MI!!
- almost time for Starbucks red cups

It is going to be a great fall/winter :)

The Shea Butter Experiment

On more Fridays than not, you will find me spending my lunch break (and my lunch money;) ) in Sephora on State Street. Compared to my mom and sister who always have bajillion more skin and hair products than I do, I am something of a novice when it comes to keeping up with new products.

During one of my recent drop-ins to pick up Bare Minerals Primer and a new mascara, one of my free samples was L'Occitane pure shea butter. Not really knowing what to do with the little tub, I decided to try it on my under eye area. I would normally put it on my feet but such a small amount would barely cover my size 11 toes!

The result: after a week, my eyes look brighter, my under eye area is smoother and I haven't had any skin irritation. As a recent arrival to the late-20s club, I'm glad to add this to my nightly skin routine. I'll let you know when I discover that it's really mayonnaise or something. I'm a total newb.

Fall Spiced Punch

Fall Spiced Punch

4 cups apple cider
4 cups cranberry juice
1.5 cups bourbon
1 tbs ginger
2 tbs chai
Ice
Blueberries

What I've been reading:

So over the weekend, I completely unplugged and wiped out two books.

I read, The Rogue, Joe McGinnis' book about Sarah Palin.  It was pretty interesting.  A lot of it you could have gotten from a thorough internet search -- there is lots of anti-Palin info out there.  Most of all, it kind of put a lot of information and misinformation about her together.  She's pretty wretched.  Then again, I kind of already knew that.  :)



I also read, Room, by Emma Donoghue.  I couldn't put it down for a second.
It is incredibly gripping and uncomfortable all at the same time.  There are parts of it that made me gasp out loud.  However, if I tell you about any of them, it might ruin a truly intense read.  (and I hate other people's long opinions about books, so I'd rather not torture you with my own.) This book is definitely worth it. :)