After a two-year, COVID-19-related hiatus, Irish Theatre of Chicago recently returned to the stage with Brian Friel’s Molly Sweeney. The drama runs now through May 8 at the Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park. Mounting a show in what are sort-of post-pandemic times has been amazing and terrifying, said the show’s director, Siiri Scott. “We test… Continue Reading
Best Fest Buddy Tom and I recently headed out to the Rosemont Theatre to see the latest incarnation of Celtic Woman. With the pandemic apparently sort of over (or whatever the hell this phase might be), the act is once again on tour. This time it’s to support their most recent album, Postcards from Ireland.… Continue Reading
We hit the 40th MKE Irish Fest this past Friday. It was a kilt-less journey as to not scare children or frighten farm animals. As is our custom, my friends and I traveled from the northwest Chicago suburbs to MKE Irish Fest via Route 31 and through the tiny Illinois-Wisconsin border town of Richmond, IL.… Continue Reading
Good Lord, I can be lazy. It’s been almost three months since I posted here on Free Craic. So I’m using Advent as a good excuse as any to get back on track. I’m even wearing a purple shirt while I write it. I washed the top in soap that smells like a votive candle,… Continue Reading
Illinois Gov. J.B. “Jelly Belly” Pritzker last week came up with a face mask mandate. Come May 1, people must cover their faces in public places where they probably will wind up close to others. I’ll be using mine on trips to the bathroom. That’s a different story. According to Pritzker’s edict, you need to… Continue Reading
Party planner during a pandemic isn’t something I ever thought I’d add to my resume. But Best Fest Buddy Tom’s granddaughter turned 5 on Saturday (April 4). Her parents had planned a birthday bash at a Chuck E Cheese. (To protect the innocent, I’ve given the kids in this tale names that they can use… Continue Reading
Welcome to my not-so-novel coronavirus chronicle. It’s just like Narnia, sans the lion, the witch and the wardrobe. How are things in your little corner of the quarantine, your safe space shelter-in-place? I’m fortunate enough to have a 5-year-old serving as my life coach through all this. She’s way better than the dimwits you find on… Continue Reading