New Years Eve 1948
For several years my father, Norman W. Forgue, took mother and me to the theater in downtown Chicago on New Years Eve. Afterward, we would have a late dinner, one year at The Pump Room. The light blue net ‘gown’ with satin ribbon is long gone, and the white rabbit cape that was to DIE for, gone too, but not the memories. Who can forget Annie Get Your Gun, or Brigadoon, which played once again in August 2014 at the Goodman Theatre at 170 N. Dearborn Street.
Do you know the story? Two American tourists get lost on vacation in Scotland and stumble into Brigadoon, a mythical village that appears for only one day every 100 years. No outsider can stay in Brigadoon unless they fall in love, and no resident can ever leave or the village will vanish forever. Big, beautiful and beguiling, Brigadoon is a “ravishing” (The New Yorker) musical delight. A story a young girl, sitting between her parents feeling all grown up, could never forget. (Wonder what my father paid for the tickets? These days, top price $97.00.)
Many a New Years Eve has come and gone since those days. The celebration has changed over the years. Once upon a time, as a child, I tried to stay awake until midnight, which gave way to the years of negotiating with my parents how late I could stay out. There have been wonderful years attending parties with adult friends, to finally staying at home, having a steak and baked potato with the one I love. Coming full circle, I hope to stay awake to see this New Year in, but with a terrible cold, I doubt it.
Wishing all of you a Blessed New Year. Thank you for joining me here on this blog. Looking forward to spending time with you in 2015.
Loving remembrance. Brigadoon was the first musical I ever saw…a traveling troupe that came to Danville in about 1948! I’ve always loved that play, the music, and the story. Happy New Year, Stepheny, to you and Bob. Let’s have a few more together.
I think you have the date just right. That’s the age I guess this picture was taken. Yes to more New Year’s together in years to come.
Stepheny, this was a wonderful memory you shared. Take care of that cold and have a happy new year.
Wonderful memory, Stepheny, and I loved the picture. You were a princess! My parents also took me to Broadway shows (in Boston) – my first was How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Afterward they took me to my first Chinese restaurant. Thank you for tweaking me to remember! Happy New Year and many more!
Happy New Year to you, Stepheny! I love that picture of you and your father and I LOVE Brigadoon too. I saw it when I was a young teen with a dear mentor woman friend. Allie was my choir director at church and I babysat for their children for many years. She was kind enough to include me in many wondrous events. We saw Brigadoon in Washington DC and afterward had decadent desserts in Georgetown. The music still resonates in my ears. One of my 2014 blessings has been to get to know YOU. I am so grateful for that! Blessings dear friend.
Happy New Year, Stevie! I love reading your blog and posts. Keep it up! Thanks for the memories. Love, Linda and Max
Happy New Year!