The Chicago skyline is seen along Chicago River Nov. 28, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File) (Kiichiro Sato/AP)
A bit before intermission of the enjoyable “Boeing Boeing” last Saturday at the spacious Historic Genesee Theatre, the light bulb went on: It’s time for suburbanites to boycott Chicago.
During the 1960 rom-com presented ably by members of the Waukegan-based Three Brothers Theatre troupe, thoughts that we need to travel to Chicago’s Theatre District for entertainment when we have fine productions in Lake County crossed as often as onstage doors were slamming on the set of “Boeing Boeing.”
Advertisement
If unfamiliar with the farce, maybe you caught the 1965 film version starring Tony Curtis and Jerry Lewis, two Americans in Paris juggling love interests who happen to be international flight attendants. Perhaps you went to it in spite of the “condemned” rating the movie received from certain blue noses.
The Parisian romp in Waukegan was well worth the $20 ticket price. As a bonus, one didn’t have to drive two hours or pay for inflated Chicago parking, drinks, dinner and the attendant high entertainment taxes.
Advertisement
Being a culture vulture, I’ll soon be doing the same, attending another local production, “Damn Yankees,” which opens next week at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. The equity theater presentations are always top notch at the in-the-round venue.
Who needs to stroll Navy Pier, shop Michigan Avenue or cruise Lincoln Park with entertainment, dining and other options galore in Lake County and nearby suburbs? Like gaming action? All suburban counties and northwest Indiana host casinos, including the state’s latest, The Temporary at Waukegan’s Fountain Square.
Meanwhile for north and northwest suburbanites, a three-year rebuild of the southbound lanes and bridges of the Kennedy Expressway await commuters. Warnings were issued the other day that the Loop will be turned into a traffic maze for a month as closures begin for mapping the course for NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race over the Fourth of July weekend, which necessitated moving Taste of Chicago to the fall.
For some of us, it’s obvious Chicagoans and their political leaders look north, west and south and see herds of cash cows grazing on the pastoral lawns of suburbia. Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson is one of them.
His promises on the campaign trail to fund millions in new social programs included an employee head tax, increased taxes on hotel rooms and new revenue enhancements in areas where commuters, suburbanites, tourists and business travelers hang out. He originally had proposed a $40 million surcharge on Metra riders coming from suburban transit stations into the city.
The Chicago Bears haven’t felt the love from city officials for some time, which is why the team has one paw in Arlington Heights eyeing a new domed stadium. The organization has used Lake Forest as its headquarters and training ground for decades.
If folks can boycott Bud Light (or shred a case or two with an AR-15) for its transgender stance, or quit buying products made in Tennessee (Jack Daniels, for instance) for not taking a stand on gun violence, then suburbanites can follow suit. Boarding the boycott bus and the city’s snobby airs is easy.
Especially since Lake County Restaurant Week (actually 10 days) begins April 14 and runs through April 30. More than 60 restaurants will offer foodies special offers and prix fixe menus. Dare say there are plenty of suburban eateries which match the Windy City’s fine dining experiences.
Advertisement
From theater offerings to musical venues, the suburbs may not equal Chicago’s star power or arena-sized entertainment (except for the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in south suburban Tinley Park), but can compete with niche acts close to home.
Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >
The Historic Genesee hosts various shows, as does the James Lumber Center at the College of Lake County, Rialto in Joliet, the Paramount in Aurora, the Arcada Theatre in west suburban St. Charles, the Metropolis in Arlington Heights, Drury Lane in Oak Brook and The Mac at College of DuPage.
A gander at the upcoming Genesee roster tells the tale: A slew of touring comedians, including Tim Allen who already has sold out one night; a Cher tribute; a Selena tribute; Brit Floyd doing a sendup of the groundbreaking Pink Floyd album “Dark Side of the Moon,” which turns 50 this year; Beatles tribute band Rain covering “Abbey Road” and “Let it Be.”
Star power, too, is coming to the welcoming Genesee. The Beach Boys, Steve Miller Band, America, Stewart Copeland of The Police, John Oates, one half of ‘80s crooners Hall and Oates are on tap.
Even a Second City troupe is presenting an improv revue at the Genesee on April 14. That alone says it’s time to leave the big city behind.
Charles Selle is a former News-Sun reporter, political editor and editor.
Advertisement
sellenews@gmail.com.
Twitter: @sellenews
Column: Residents of Lake County and other suburbs in search of entertainment would be wise to boycott Chicago
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer