We took the grandkids to dinner and a show last night, out later than since I can remember. Bedtime was midnight, as the big Saturday night came to a conclusion. There’s nothing like a Mel Brooks comedy to get the laughter juices flowing. The fact that it was a musical made it even funnier. Young Frankenstein, or should I say Franc-in steen, is a bit racy for a couple of pre-teens, but I had the feeling they understood more than they let on. At any rate, it’s an anatomy lesson set to music with a “happy ending.” Dinner was at Panera Bread with a driving rain as the backdrop. It was a breath-taking drive down Highway 41, dodging massive puddles and hoping that we didn’t float away. Although it did keep the speeds down as cars kept their distance, which is unusual for Highway 41. (See Post #1746). When we picked up our tickets at the box office, it was the first actual stub that I could add to my collection box in a year-and-a-half. In that pandemic timeframe, the few events we’ve attended have been digital tickets only. 

The 2021 Tour de France is coming to a dramatic conclusion, as I await the sprint through Paris and the Champs-Elysees finish near the last hotel where we stayed. It’s another major event that was delayed due to the pandemic. A Slovenian, Tadej Pogacar, won the 2020 title for the first time, and is leading through the first 20 stages this year. The other story is British comeback cyclist, Mark Cavendish, who can surpass the legendary Eddy Merckx with another stage victory. On the NBA basketball front, the Milwaukee Bucks are on the verge of claiming their first championship title in 50 years. I actually went to see them play that year in Milwaukee at Mecca Arena with some college friends – my first and only Bucks game. I saw some true legends in that game, including Kareem (then known as Lew Alcindor), Oscar, Bob Dandridge, and Hoosier star Jon McGlocklin. 

While I was enjoying the Venice Theatre performance last night, the Cubs and White Sox both pulled off victories. However, I was not focused on these games because the youth performance was great. “Walk this Way,” I urged my grandchildren as we left the building, while dragging my leg to imitate Igor. This character is always my favorite, especially the singing and dancing version. I’m sure we’ll enjoy many more performances like Young Frankenstein at our new community theater. “This Way!”