An Astounding Review

Having now seen 1.9 Operas in their entirety, I now consider myself a well educated Opera expert.
That said, the Lyric Opera of Chicago's production of 'Die Fleidermaus' is the greatest thing to be put to stage since Shakespeare said, "Tell you what, this 'Hamlet' thing has been going on for hours, why don't we just kill them all?"

No, seriously. It's totally fantastic. Unlike during 'Cosi Fan Tutti,' I was not only awake for the entire performace (3 acts, two intermissions, 3.5 hours in length), but rapt with attention. The music is all in the style of lilting Viennese Waltzes (it is Johann Strauss) and - get this - it's actually funny. And I don't mean in a sort of 'hu hu! Snobbery Humorous!' but in a true belly-waving laughter kind of funny.
I loved every minute of it, and seeing a really top-notch production in "one of the most famous Opera houses in the world" was fantastic.

Claire and I are safe here in Evanston, and we'll be heading back to the great state of Ann Arbor on Sunday Early. Tomorrow we plan to do homework and spend some serious time ambling.

Also, I did quite a bit of driving in, around, and through some of Chicago's most convoluted road ways. I will, of course, make no claims to Gary Ratner's prestigious "City Guy" title, but I will say that Claire and I make a right good team in the navigation department. Perhaps 'City Duo?'

I'd also like to point out that this Barker woman is really moving me up the cultural ladder. During the drive over we listened to a good solid hour of P.G. Wodehouse, followed by a tour of some Anglican buildings, and then an Opera! I feel just like a character in 'Fraiser,' or something.

Holy Strauß, Batman!

In a split-second decision, Claire and I have decided to go to Chicago for the weekend. What could so distract these two 20 year olds from their lives of homework and split for a few days?
Easy: Opera! Claire and I will be attending the Lyric Opera's presentation of 'Die Fladdermaus' - 'The Bat.'
It's the story of a guy who gets drunk, and is then abandoned in the park still dressed as a bat from the fancy dress party the night before. According to Claire, revenge ensues.

We'll be back soon, and hopefully without incident.

ALSO: There is a new WILCO ALBUM in the upcoming future! According to the Tweedster himself, the album will be released on May 15 and is apparently entitled, 'sky blue sky.' I can't access my PROOF, but I do have some. More on that.