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Last Saturday at the spacious Historic Genesee Theater, before the cheery “Boeing Boeing” intermission, the light bulb went on: It’s time for suburbanites to boycott Chicago.
In this 1960’s rom-com masterfully presented by members of the Waukegan-based Three Brothers Theater Troupe, when we had fine productions in Lake County, the idea that we needed to head to Chicago’s theater district for entertainment was like on stage The doors slammed as often as they walked through a set of “Boing Boings.”
If you’re not familiar with the farce, maybe you’ve seen the 1965 film version, starring Tony Curtis and Jerry Lewis, two Americans who play love in Paris and who happen to be international flight attendants. Maybe you went for it, despite the “condemnation” rating this movie received from certain blue noses.
Waukegan’s Parisian flair is well worth the $20 ticket price. As a bonus, one doesn’t have to drive two hours or pay the inflated Chicago rates for parking, drinks, dinner and the high entertainment tax that comes with it.
As a culture fanatic, I’ll soon be doing the same, attending another local show, “Damn the Yankees,” which opens next week at the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire. Equity Theater presentations are always top-notch in the circular venue.
Who needs to stroll Navy Pier, shop on Michigan Avenue or visit Lincoln Park with its many entertainment, dining and other options in Lake County and nearby suburbs? Love game action? All of the suburban counties and northwestern Indiana have casinos, including the state’s newest casino, The Temporary at Fountain Square in Waukegan.
Meanwhile, for suburbanites in the North and Northwest, a three-year reconstruction of the southbound lanes and bridges on the Kennedy Freeway awaits commuters. Warnings came the other day that the Loop would turn into a month-long traffic maze as course maps for NASCAR Chicago street racing began to close over the Fourth of July weekend, necessitating moving Taste of Chicago to the fall.
It was clear to some of us that Chicagoans and their political leaders looked north, west and south to see swarms of cash cows grazing pastoral lawns in the suburbs. Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson is one of them.
His campaign promised millions of dollars in new social programs, including a poll tax on workers, an increase in hotel room taxes and the addition of new public housing in areas frequented by commuters, suburbanites, tourists and business travelers. income. He initially proposed a $40 million surcharge on Metra riders entering the city from suburban transit stations.
The Chicago Bears haven’t felt the love of city officials in a while, which is why the team has one paw eyeing a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights. For decades, the organization has used Lake Forest as its headquarters and training ground.
If people could boycott Bud Light for their transgender stance (or shred a case or two with an AR-15), or stop buying products made in Tennessee (like Jack Daniels) for not taking a stand on gun violence, then suburbanites Can follow suit. It’s easy to board the boycott bus and the snobby air of the city.
In particular, Lake County Restaurant Week (actually 10 days) runs from April 14th to April 30th. More than 60 restaurants will offer gourmet specials and set menus. Dare I say there are plenty of suburban eateries that complement the Windy City’s culinary experience.
From theater productions to music venues, the suburbs may not match Chicago’s star power or arena-scale entertainment (except for the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Tinley Park on the southern outskirts), but they can compete with niche acts close to home.
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Historic Genesee hosts a variety of performances, Lake County College’s James Timber Center, Joliette’s Rialto, Aurora’s Paramount, St. Metropolis, Drury Lane at Oakbrook, and Mac at College of DuPage.
Just look at the upcoming Genesee roster for the story: A slew of touring comedians, including Tim Allen, who sold out in one night; Cher tribute; Selena tribute; Brit Floyd is sending Pink Floyd Groundbreaking album “Dark Side of the Moon,” which turns 50 this year; Beatles tribute band Rain covers “Abbey Road” and “Let it Be.”
The enthusiastic Genesee also ushered in a star effect. The Beach Boys, Steve Miller Band, America, Stewart Copeland from The Police, John Oates, half of the ’80s singers Hall and Oates are on call.
On April 14, even the Second City troupe will be putting on an impromptu show at the Genesee. That alone suggests it’s time to leave the big city.
Charles Selle is a former News-Sun reporter, political editor and editor.
Twitter: @sellenews
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