Budapest
Submitted by Bridget McDonough on Wed, 11/26/2008 - 12:52pm.
This is the second of my three-part blog regarding my trip to Vienna,
Budapest and Ekatarinburg
Russia.
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Bridget McDonough's blog
Vienna, Budapest and Yekatrinburg, Russia
Submitted by Bridget McDonough on Wed, 10/29/2008 - 12:47pm.
This is the first of three blogs that will focus on my recent trip to Vienna, Budapest and Yekatrinburg, Russia.
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Discovering Classic American Musicals for the First Time
Submitted by Bridget McDonough on Fri, 06/15/2007 - 4:57pm.
It struck me this past weekend during our production of Kiss Me, Kate that even though I have seen many classic musicals in a variety of productions, I have never really seen them complete until our own productions here at Light Opera Works. We began to explore this rep a few years ago and I really am discovering them for the first time.
Productions I have seen in the past or participated in (I was a dancer in a production of Kiss Me, Kate at the Waukesha Civic Theater in Wisconsin when I was 18) were always performed with reduced casts and orchestra, and many cuts.
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A Night with a Knight
Submitted by Bridget McDonough on Mon, 04/09/2007 - 3:19pm.
Light Opera Works hosted our annual spring gala in March. 200 patrons attended a reception and dinner at the North Shore Country Club. Each year we honor an artist who has made a special contribution to Chicago. Past recipients have included Frank Galati, Dominic Missimi, Nancy Gustafson and others. This year we honored Sir Andrew Davis.
Never having met him before, I must admit a certain anxiety in interacting with a "knight". I thought the readers of this blog might be interested to know that Sir Andrew was one of the most down to earth people I have met in the music world.
He was so friendly, greeting our staff and patrons with warmth and attention. He was completely available to the donors - spending almost 5 hours at the event.
After receiving his award, he delighted the audience with a Gilbert and Sullivan parody song that saluted Light Opera Works and our repertory choices over the years. This was a wonderful surprise.
Sir Andrew may not have arrived riding a white horse but he certainly was Light Opera Works' "Knight in Shining Armour".
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The Passing of a Great Restauranteur
Submitted by Bridget McDonough on Tue, 11/28/2006 - 1:47pm.
The Passing of a Great Restauranteur
Last week I received word that Gerry Freeman, owners of Gulliver's Restaurant on Howard Street in Chicago, had died. Gerry was one of the many small businessmen that make the neighborhoods in Chicago unique. And his restaurant, on the most northern fringe of West Roger's Park, (if you cross the street you are in Evanston) was certainly unique. The place is stuffed, floor to ceiling/wall to wall, with antique chandeliers, paintings, prints, wrought iron, figurines, lamps, stained glass, building facades and many other artifacts, many rescued from demolished Chicago landmarks. Gerry was on duty night and day greeting patrons and making you feel at home.
Gulliver's, Light Opera Works and Classical Music
Gulliver's was founded in the late 60's and, in fact, was the first place that I tasted Chicago Pan Pizza in 1974 as a freshman at Northwestern University. In the 70's and 80's Evanston's liquor laws were restrictive. After student rehearsals and later, Light Opera Works rehearsals, cast members, orchestra and crew would make their way south to Gulliver's to unwind. The large menu, late night hours and well stocked bar satisfied the late night cravings of post rehearsal/performance artists. To this day, if you stop in after midnight on any given night, you will often see tuxedoed musicians relaxing in one of the many antique adorned booths.
Arts Supporters
Gerry Freeman and his wife Nancy have supported Light Opera Works since its earliest days. They have generously donated opening night parties and gift certificates for auctions. The restaurant's support continues today as a member of our "Restaurant Partners" program. We are very grateful.
If you have never been to Gulliver's, stop by late some night--you might meet one of your favorite Chicago musical artists. Though you will no longer meet Gerry, his spirit is certainly present in the place.
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