On Saturday, my husband and I attended Adventure Stage's brilliant, lively, engaging performance of Walk Two Moons at the Vittum Theater in Chicago. Wow!
It seemed fitting and perfect that the play was opening in Chicago, for that is where I received the Newbery Medal for this book in June, 1995.
The Adventure Stage group put on a professional, polished ensemble production that moved me greatly. Laughed. Cried. Loved the actors, director, crew, playwright. Everyone. Full house - a beautiful audience with a great mix of students, parents, teachers, librarians and general public. Wonderful, cozy theater.
The above shot is an attempt to capture the giant poster advertising the play. That's me and a mysterious red-hooded child in the reflection.
After the play, I joined the cast and playwright onstage for 'talk back' - taking questions, both serious and humorous, from the audience. Following that was a reception for all (with ice cream) and book signing.
We loved it all. The next morning, before we left for the airport, we took a walk on Michigan Avenue.
Sun, tall buildings, blue sky, people strolling and running.
And this great statue of Marilyn Monroe.
We watched as so many tourists posed beneath her . . .
and they all looked UP.
No, we didn't do it.
Too shy?
Bye, bye, Chicago.
(The play runs through December 3. More info at AdventureStage.org)
Oh, how I wish I could have been there. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a wonderful event. Glad you liked how the dramatic version of your book turned out. That must have been soul satisfying indeed.
ReplyDeleteThat must have been thrilling! Walk Two Moons is such a dramatic story that I can see why someone would be excited to adapt it for the stage!
ReplyDeleteWow! How exciting this must have been!!! I mean, to see WALK TWO MOONS up in brights lights!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the Marilyn statue is neat! Love all of your pics!
What a fabulous experience, Sharon! I love seeing WALK TWO MOONS in lights! I can only imagine how much all the participants appreciated having you there.
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful! Whenever anyone asks what books shaped me as a child, this is one of the first ones that comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
What a wonderful experience seeing that on stage. What a magical moment in life.
ReplyDeleteHad to be a great and very fulfilling experience. Good for you! Frosting on the cake.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a most marvelous experience, Sharon! I would loved to have attended. What an honor for those who did to be able to talk with you afterwards. A once in a lifetime treat.
ReplyDelete(and strolling along N. Michigan Avenue is divine.) – g
what a great city. and she treated you precisely as you deserved. wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an exciting time for you. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteps with regards to MM... I'd take a peek!
I'm so envious now! amazing opportunity!Glad that you enjoyed this special day!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Léia
Sounds like a magical night! We went to Chicago last summer and I can't believe I missed this statue.
ReplyDeleteDo you do blog interviews? I'd love to spotlight you on My Blog if you're open to that.
I wish Natalie and I could have been there! Natalie is in 7th grade now. Mrs. Creech - I think you read with Natalie a segment from your Unfinished Angel book at Eagle Pointe Elementary in Plainfield, Il. Well she is working in her own paper as we speak about Thomas Edison. I am sure Natalie would have love to be there to see you at the theater. Congratulations and hope to see you soon!
ReplyDeleteMrs. McKee and Natalie
Walked under the Marilyn Monroe statue and didn't look up? Too self-conscious, too shy?
ReplyDeleteSureley you were curious to know how the sculptor had handled the question? I know I would be.
Sorry I started with that. The event was far more important. I imagine how proud you could have been. Congratulations ! (any reservations about the way it was adapted ?)
Nathalie: haha - Yes, I was curious as to how the sculptor had handled that challenge - but since everyone else was looking up, I felt some odd necessity to offer her a little decency. As for the WTMoons adaptation - I was enlightened by their choices - and happy w/them.
ReplyDelete