A little theatre

From time to time, as parents, we've tried to show our three children that there's more to the world than what's found on their iPods and cable TV.  We're fortunate to live near the Second City and it's no slouch when it comes to cool cultural offerings - the Art Institute of Chicago never ceases to amaze!  And our food scene rocks!  So we've been able to take advantage of some great things here. So, last night, we dipped our collective toes into the theater scene once again.  We attended this:

It's the 25th anniversary tour and it did not disappoint.  Say what you will about theater for the masses.  There's just something about the spirit of this musical that gets me every time.  Sure, it's a little bombastic in parts and one could argue it really sugar coats Hugo's original work.  But, come on, have you read that book all the way through?  I have.  It took me 13 years.  That is no exaggeration.  13 years.  And I typically read close to 30 books a year.  That book liked to have killed me.  So, bless those Frenchmen who created this musical.  It still doesn't make up for the French's inexplicable love and adoration of Jerry Lewis (don't even get me started on the Germans adoration of the Hoff), but it's a start.

We flew Our Lady of BYU home so all five of us could attend.  It was an early 21st birthday present for her.  It's good to have her home, if only for a couple of days.  With CAL finishing up her registration for BYU-I, we don't have too many days of all five us together left.  It was a good night.

We're still buried in snow here and I'm holed up in the basement, writing a presentation that I need to give later this week.  Took a break to update the blog and another break coming shortly in order to watch the BYU basketball game.  Gotta see what Jimmer does today.