Saturday, December 19th, A whole lotta Holiday activities

Candice is in a wedding tomorrow and had the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner tonight. So, Catie and I planned a full day of local activities. Chuck still had some shopping to do, so while we were busy, so was he.
After doing some gift wrapping here at home, Celia picked us up at 2 and we went to the Genesee theater to see "Holiday Inn". It was very corny, but it was such fun for Catie to see this fabulous restored theater. We were a bit shocked by one of the very un-PC numbers.Catie had this lovely cookie and Celia and I munched on popcorn.
Chuck then picked us up and we went out for dinner.
At 7, Catie and I participated in the "Do it Yourself" Messiah at the United Methodist Church in Waukegan. We purchased the score and sang like we actually knew what we were doing. I have wanted to do this for at least 20 years and my dream would be to do it at the Lyric in Chicago. Someday, before I die.....

Friday, November 20th, Let's all go to the movies!

Hyacynth, the new owner of Curves, is starting special outings for the members. Tonight, a group of about 20 went to the Genesee Theater in Waukegan. This theater was built in 1929 and for several years, lay in disrepair. In an attempt to revitalize downtown Waukegan to it's former glory, it has been restored in absolute magnificence! It reminds me of the theater where we saw Wicked in Chicago. I understand the attempt to boost the economy in Waukegan. It has suffered similarly to many Illinois towns whilst the malls are being built and the locals ignore the local shop owners in favor of big boxes and chain stores. See Kankakee, Peoria, and Springfield.

This is one of my favorite "oldies" and I have seen it a gazillion times. Wanted so badly to sing along, but that would have been rude!
The gorgeous chandelier in the front lobby is not original to the structure, but none the less, fantastic and of the period. Other details:
Just a few of us that attended:
The plan afterwards was to go to Rudy's next door to Curves and he agreed to stay open for us. However, when we got back, it was dark and locked, so we ended up at another Mexican restaurant in downtown Grayslake.