Even More Ella

I will actually do some writing on here shortly. As it is, I can't get enough of this little girl!

A Whole Lotta Ella

Ella Grace Dale

I'm an aunt again!!!!!! My sister, Rachel, has given birth to a beautiful, miraculous, precious, perfect baby girl! Can you tell I love being an aunt? :) Ella Grace was born at 11:58pm on August 6, 2008. She was 7 lb 13 oz and 21 inches long. She has dark hair like her mommy did when she was born. She's got a very determined cry, and a healthy appetite. Welcome to the world, little Ella.

I Wish to Go to the Festival (56)!

I took a three day vacation this week. Some theatre friends of mine asked me months ago about going to a theatre festival in Illinois. I thought it sounded like a good idea at the time. Turns out I was right. Festival 56 is a wonderful event that takes place in Princeton, IL which is about 100 miles west (and slightly south) of Chicago. The website tells me that it is "Illinois' Largest Summer Theatre Festival". We saw the three shows featured above, although Jesus Christ Superstar, Vanities, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, and A Doll's House were all part of the festival, as well. We saw truly talented actors perform, some of them in all 3 shows. The Odd Couple was phenomenal, but I particularly enjoyed Hamlet, which was performed in the park. I truly enjoy seeing Shakespeare done well, and the Hamlet of this performance was quite good. City of Angels, which I was unfamiliar with, was quite entertaining. It's a "film noir" type of show and also a musical, which makes it interesting. I knew some of the songs without knowing what they were from. Jason Simon, who played in all three shows (most notably as Oscar in The Odd Couple) played Bialystock in The Producers when I saw it at the Honeywell Center*. I didn't put two and two together until I got home, although I had multiple opportunities to speak with him. We could've discussed how awkward it is to sit between your mother and your grandmother during the "Hold Me-Touch Me" scene. Ah, well. Side bar: John Cormier, who played Felix and Laertes, was an exceptionally talented man, and I enjoyed visiting with him after the show, as well.
The girls and I had a fantastic time. In addition to the shows, we spent some time bonding over Project Runway, antiquing, and enjoying some good eats. I found some marvelous pieces of jewelry (as seen to the right), and a juicer for my brother.
I would highly recommend Festival 56 as a destination for theatre-lovers. If you go, be sure to visit the 28 East Tea Room, which serves a full tea service by reservation. Otherwise, you have a choice from 4 entrees from an ever changing menu. I had the Hummus Platter and the White Chocolate Lime Cheesecake with a pot of peppermint tea. Yum! Have some complimentary sherry in the lobby while you wait.

*Update, March 2009: As it turns out, I didn't put two and two together because it actually WASN'T Jason Simon I saw, although it was the same company he had been in. Saw J.S. in the Wizard of Oz and met with him after the show, which is where I learned all this info.