Arts Craze!

Wow, I can't get enough of going to shows and concerts! 2 weeks ago, it was down to the Ford Oriental Theatre for some lovely green fun at Chicago's longest-running musical... Wicked! The Oriental Theatre itself was beautiful and had such intricate interior designing... and the set was absolutely grand. Imagine a giant dragon bordering the stage... a moving dragon that can flap its wings and have its eyes glow red! Pardon my excitement... but it was my first major musical here in the states. In case you haven't heard what Wicked's about... it tells the story of how the Wicked Witch of the West, in the Wizard of Oz, came to be evil... it takes us on a journey back in time to when she and Glinda the good were still in school together. Very well put-together, i have to say. Bought the soundtrack, which was totally worth it, and the music's been playing in my head ever since. :) Stephen Schwartz is a brilliant composer and songwriter.

And then the very next day, it was a trip down to the Chinatown Summer Festival! But not before a long, painful ride on the El! lol. Our very own Corrinne May was in town performing there and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. :) She still amazes me with how she takes the time and effort to speak to each and every one of her fans... and she remembers them too! The festival was pretty cool... lotsa little stalls set up along the street.. little bit like a Pasar malam... except that there wasn't much variety in terms of food... all mostly pot stickers and fried bee hoon... none of which looked very appetizing... so Jessie and I headed to Penang instead! hehe... had a good dose of Prata there... (still can't believe they charge $3.50 a piece!).

Ooh.. McDonalds had this really weird campaign going on too... they called it "I Am Asian". When i first saw it, i was like o_O. But it's true... they handed out freebies with that slogan... and it shows a website too... Seems like they're helping promote the Asian culture... and even offer scholarships to Asian-Americans. Hmm...

And finally over the last weekend, Sam Kastelic came down form Wisconsin to visit us... and we went to catch Cirque Du Soleil together! It was held in a giant tent next to the United Center with stripes of blue and yellow (Cedarian colours! yay!). This particular show's called Kooza and right from when you enter the fenced area the carnival atmosphere hits you. Staff members walking arond with songs and cheers about how they're selling water and ice cream... photographers to help you and your friends create memories (and to help them earn $ when you buy their souvenir photos). Basically the show was fantastic. You watch, you're entertained, you're kept at the edge of your seat. It really amazed me how elaborate a set you can put under a tent... it was transformed to a performance area as good as any theatre, really. With the moving sets and the hidden trapdoors and all... brilliant. Aye, watching it just makes you wanna run away and join the circus too. :)