Motown the Musical at the Oriental Theatre Chicago

I've always wanted to visit the site where the "fire proof" Iroquois Theatre used to stand in 1903 when the deadliest theatre and single building fire in USA history ended over 600 lives during a performance of Mr. Bluebeard (I wrote a 12 page paper for my Theatre History II class...) and now I've finally been! After the Iroquois burned, it was torn down and the Colonial Theatre took it's place. In 1926 the Oriental was built on part of the land where it once stood. People around Chicago continue the rumor that the Oriental Theatre is haunted and a lobby usher also told me he once felt something whip by him late at night... almost like a light. The theatre was BEAUTIFUL and I was so happy to be seeing Motown the Musical. The show was so fabulous and I love Motown music so much and my parents do, as well! Definitely go see a show at the Oriental in Chicago if you can! XO 

love, polly

My costume designs for Little Shop of Horrors at Lincoln Hall UIUC!

 This was just dress rehearsal... we ended up putting Seymour in devil horns (via the director, Seth Valentine's request) and everyone else was wearing a halo!

I remember seeing a flyer in the hallway of the basement of Krannert for Little Shop of Horrors and getting excited to see it and I even considered joining the team for costumes. A few weeks later, my wonderful friend Liz sent me an e-mail introducing me to Aaron Kaplan, the creator of Illini Student Musicals. After meeting the wonderful cast and crew... I was hooked. There was no way I wasn't doing this production... and I am so incredibly glad I did. The ISM family was really something to experience.. and I will never forget how it felt to be a member in that family. The sense of community is so intense.... and it's wonderful in theatre, as always, to be part of the team. Everyone welcomed me with open arms into this wonderful production, and I'd specifically like to thank my assistant costume designer, Jennifer J. Jones. She taught me everything I learned about working at the warehouse, strike (ISM style), directions, etc. She is literally the best! Everyone on the cast and crew was absolutely phenomenal and I'm still raving about the experience. If you have a chance to be involved with ISM on the University of Illinois campus..... I recommend it to the highest degree! Theatre lives!

*All photos taken by the fabulous Nathan Adhikari. Please DO NOT take any of these photos to post anywhere else without linking his name and www.adhikariphotography.com. Thank you!

love, polly

battle of angels craft work

Hi, there! Here is a hat that I just so happened to snap a before and after photo of the other day. I added feathers and trim to this hat for the show I am assistant costume designer for called, "Battle of Angels." Have you read it?

I've been doing better since the death of my Great Grandma, but her funeral is one week from today and I know it will start getting bad for my family and I as the time comes near. I look forward to seeing my family again soon and hopefully it's pleasant. 

Happy Monday, lovelies!!

love, polly