It's not the first time I've had a reader say "Horsefeathers!" to one of my reviews.
It's always good to hear from various voices and learn a few things along the way.
In this case, reader Lynn Orlich wrote to counter a review earlier this month in my column about "Cavalia," the big live summer show in Chicago's West Loop.
The equestrian show, which runs through Sunday, is a pricey ticket, with options ranging from $49.50 to $108.50. My review mentioned I felt it was less thrilling than the ticket price merited. And I still believe it may be more of a valued experience for the die-hard horse enthusiast, compared to the everyday ticketholder.
The show's billed as a cast of 100 performers -- and 60 horses representing 13 breeds -- all working under one 110-foot tall "White Big Top" tent. It's also described as "Cirque du Soleil with horses" with a multimedia approach, I left feeling "nagged" by a repetitive display that didn't live up to the hype and price.
Orlich, as you can see from her letter, felt very differently. And I'm glad she took the time to share her thoughts. And, in fairness, just as the producers tout, each show, every night, is a differently experience, based on these beautiful but unpredictable four-legged performers.
Here are Lynn's thoughts:
"Philip: I just got back from Cavalia and I am not sure where you went, but surely the press opening you saw was most certainly not the same show we saw. I was in amazement at all we were seeing. The work that goes into the training of the horses to do all they were doing is awesome! And, might I add, far from repetitive. From the opening, when first costumed female performer first meets up with the horse, all through the rest of the scenes, it had quite the storyline as they all bonded. Over half of the show, the horses were all free and bridle-less, which is unbelievable, with such natural horsemanship that was involved. The staging was wonderful, as the backdrop changed seasons with the music, the indoor rains and yes, even the 'Cirque du Soleil' moments were fun to watch, as it all went by extremely quick. So Philip, I disagree wholeheartedly with you on this one. And have to say 'the Cavalia' I saw DID 'hit full stride entertainment' and then some!
Sincerely,
Lynn Orlich
Again, thank you, Lynn, for your letter. Cavalia continues under the White Big Top at Racine and Jackson through this weekend, with special pricing for children and seniors. For more information, call (866) 999-8111 or visit cavalia.net.
Answering another question
Anna Mae Krajewski of Munster called me this week with a question about Chicago news anchorman Bill Kurtis and "reports of his death."
She left me the following voicemail, asking me to clarify what she had been hearing:
"I heard something very brief on the radio about newsman Bill Kurtis suddenly dying and now, I've heard nothing more. I always liked him very much when he did the news in Chicago on Channel 2. Could you please print the information about what happened in your column?"
There has been some confusion about this "breaking news" last week, and Anna Mae, you are not alone. Even my own parents were a bit confused by early reports.
It wasn't former Chicago CBS 2 anchorman Bill Kurtis who died. Rather, it was his son Scott Kurtis, age 38, who died July 20 at the family's beef cattle ranch in Sedan, Kansas.
There are not many details to share, but here's the official statement/report released from his long-time CBS Chicago Channel 2 colleagues through CBS Broadcasting and his Kurtis Productions:
"Scott Kurtis died in the early morning hours on Monday, July 20 at his father's cattle ranch in Kansas. He had suffered from schizophrenia since his teenage years, and his death was believed to have stemmed from complications from the disease, according to a release from Kurtis Productions. Scott Kurtis grew up in Chicago and attended Lincoln Park Elementary School and the Chicago Academy for the Arts. His mother, Helen, died of breast cancer when he was 6 years old. For the last 10 years, Scott Kurtis had lived at Bill Kurtis' Red Buffalo Ranch in Sedan, Kan. He loved to play guitar and drive along the open roads, his family said. "He was the sweetest child, one of the most popular children in his class," said Bill Kurtis's longtime companion, former CBS 2 producer Donna LaPietra, whom Scott thought of as a stepmother. Scott Kurtis had one sister, Mary Kristin. A private memorial service was Wednesday, July 22 and an autopsy was scheduled. Bill Kurtis was CBS 2's principal anchorman for the better part of 30 years, and fronted CBS 2's popular 'The 10 O'clock News' alongside Walter Jacobson. Kurtis served three stints at CBS 2, from 1966 to 1970, 1973 to 1982, and 1985 to 1996. Bill Kurtis has also served as a correspondent for 'CBS News,' and anchored the 'CBS Morning News,' a predecessor to the 'Early Show,' from 1982 to 1985. More recently, he has produced documentaries through his Kurtis Productions company, and also founded the Tallgrass Beef Company."
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.
Today's Celebrity Birthdays
Singer Christine McGuire of The McGuire Sisters is 83. Actor Richard Johnson is 82. Puppeteer-turned-producer Sid Krofft ("H.R. Pufnstuf") is 80. Actor Edd "Kookie" Byrnes is 76. Blues guitarist Buddy Guy is 73. Movie director Peter Bogdanovich is 70. Singer Paul Anka is 68. Jazz saxophonist David Sanborn is 64. Actor-turned-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is 62. Actor Jean Reno ("The Da Vinci Code," "Godzilla") and blues singer Otis Taylor is 61. Actor Ken Olin is 55. Actress Delta Burke and law professor Anita Hill are 53. Singer-songwriter Kate Bush and country singer Neal McCoy are 51. Actor Laurence Fishburne is 48. Actress Lisa Kudrow ("Friends") is 46. Country guitarist Dwayne O'Brien of Little Texas and actress Vivica A. Fox are 45. Actor Terry Crews ("Everybody Hates Chris") is 41. Director Christopher Nolan ("Memento," "Insomnia") is 39. Actor Tom Green and drummer Brad Hargreaves of Third Eye Blind and actress Christine Taylor ("The Brady Bunch Movie") are 38. Comedian Dean Edwards ("Saturday Night Live") is 36. Actress Hilary Swank is 35. Actress Jaime Pressly ("My Name Is Earl," "Not Another Teen Movie") is 32. Actress Yvonne Strahovski ("Chuck") is 27.
