Chicago Posts: Why Chicago Still Thrills

I figured out why Chicago thrills me so.  I wish the answer was more nuanced or complex, but the fact is, I love tall buildings.  I always have. 

Skyscrapers have always stirred me, since before I can remember.  I always knew I would live in New York City some day, not because I wanted to be an actor (I did) but because of the skyscrapers.  I wanted to live among them, in them.  I wanted to look out from the tops of them.  As fate would have it, I got to work as a window cleaner for a few years in New York and later a few months in Seattle.  I got to hang from these amazing human constructions by thin lines.  The job ultimately carved scars on my face, head, back and arms but if that was the price of getting to see Manhattan and Seattle in ways only a handful of people can claim, I say I got a bargain.

Perhaps more crucial to Chicago’s thrill, over, say, Seattle or Baltimore or L.A., is how these buildings I love are all jammed together to form the canyons that turn far off sirens and car horns into the most comforting music.  Yesterday, Heather and I meditated with that song as background before heading out to drinks and dinner.  I fell asleep to it last night.

The song of aspiration.

Comments

[Maggie]

I did not realize that you were a tall buildings guy. Makes sense now that I know. You and I could not be more opposite in that respect. I enjoy them, but I do not love them. Cool, glad you had a wonderful time. Have not been there in a very long time - I may need to take a trip.

[Paul Mullin]

Well, Maggie, we love it so much there that I'm going to push hard to sell Chicago on some more of my plays. If I do, you should join us on our next adventure.

[John Sylvain]

I like the fact that there's a friendly bar on every corner and a theater on every block. If it wasn't for the fact that I live in Los Angeles and love Seattle I'd totally be in Chicago.

[Paul Mullin]

Well, you know John, you were instrumental in the founding of two crucial theatres in Seattle and Los Angeles. I think you owe it to yourself, me and Chicago to do the same there.

You can have TUESDAY for free as your opening show. (Right after you pay me the $200 you owe me for the LA production ;-0)