Hmmm...I meant to have these pictures at the bottom but I can't make them get down there. So...these are just some shots taken from the Guthrie's windows. The building itself is incredible - like this massive puzzle with wierd unexpected twists and turns. And the views - as you can see are beautiful. Now if only I had Molly's camera to take the pictures with :)
Last night I ventured over to Minneapolis to see '1776' at The Guthrie.
I'm not a very eloquent writer. Not great at explaining the reasons why whenever (for the most part) I see a play - the beginning curtain lifts gives me goosebumps and makes my eyes smart. Why for hours afterwards I just feel so good....
The play was fantastic! It dealt with the Continental Congress in the days leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It seems like a pretty straightforward topic - but it wasn't - at least not for me.
You think you know the whole story - and the play didn't really diviate from any facts. It was extremely funny and witty. But two points had my eyes watering - something I hadn't really expecting seeing a play about our countries independence - something we celebrate with cookouts and fireworks.
The first time came when my friend Brian (my whole reason for going) closed the first act with his solo 'Mama Look Sharp' - a song that brought not only the gravity of that war but all wars to your heart. It was extremely poignant since the previous 2 hours of the play were filled with so much wit and humor. And I'd be saying this even if Brian wasn't a good friend - he was amazing! The boy can sing! I've only had the chance to hear him a few times and it always blows my mind! And to see him sing at the Guthrie - WOW. It was very cool.
The second time came at the end of the play (and I don't think I'm ruining anything by writing about it - at least I should hope not....). They had just passed the Declaration - and they were all heading up to sign it. Instead of it being a joyous celebration it was incredibly somber. You felt the weight of what they had just done - it was incredible. You saw these historical figures as actual human beings. It sounds silly to say - of course they were human - but history books have a way of glossing things up - making it all rosey. They don't give you any of the grit. It just brought the whole event into a new light - I can't really explain it. But it really stuck with me.
If you ever get a chance to see this play - GO!
Oh - and just in case you don't believe me - here are some reviews I found that do it much more justice than I.....
City Pages & How Was The Show
