So I've made a lot of excuses about why I've written so little here lately, but now the truth can come out. Part of it is explainable by the "recently seen" listings over there in the sidebar—seeing 11 shows in two weeks doesn't leave much spare time for blogging, and that schedule's not going to let up any time soon; I'm seeing five plays over the next seven nights, plus the Beastie Boys show tomorrow night.
More importantly, there's the fact that Christopher and I wrote a big story that's finally hit the streets today.
We've been working on TOC's fall Theater cover story for months; Christopher's introductory blog post explains how it was in the works even before I joined the staff full-time, but it was born out of the same concerns that prompted me to start this blog last spring. So when I came on board just in time for the first official planning meetings eight weeks ago, it was easy for me to jump in with both feet. This story incorporates nearly everything that I've written about here and everything I've learned from all of you along the way. If you're invested in the conversations we've had here over the past five months, you'll be invested in this story.
If you're not a subscriber [and why aren't you, it's $20 for 59 issues ferchrissakes] I urge you to pick it up on the newsstand, just so you can see the kick-ass job our art department did on the story. But if you're out of town or, y'know, cheap, you can read it online here. I'll be interested to hear what y'all think.
FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations. Marvelous. Good work! This really is something that can hopefully create some momentum.
Posted by: Rob Kozlowski | September 27, 2007 at 06:44 AM
got my copy in my mailbox last night and DEVOURED the article straight away.
Bravo, Kris - the whole feature was great (I especially enjoyed your top 5 list of things to improve).
Posted by: Dianna | September 27, 2007 at 09:49 AM
I read this yesterday and have to say I think it is excellent. Major kudos for voicing so specifically my feelings fears and concerns for the potential homogenization of chicago's theater scene.
Posted by: devilvet | September 27, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Rock on! Once again, the cats at Time Out Chicago show the rest of the city what arts journalism is supposed to look like.
Posted by: Don Hall | September 28, 2007 at 08:57 AM
Yay Kris! I'm going to find it in my neck of the woods -- looking really forward to reading it!
Posted by: Annie D. | September 28, 2007 at 11:45 PM
Those were incredible, interesting articles. I always enjoy Timeout Chicago and you guys did a great job. Excellent work!
Posted by: Rebecca Zellar | October 01, 2007 at 09:54 AM