Women’s Health CLINIC

FEBRUARY 2014

SEASON | YEAR

A NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS AND FRIENDS OF THE FIRESIDE THEATRE A Hilarious, Heartwarming Must-See

FOR OVER THREE DECADES THE FIRESIDE HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR PRODUCING BIG, BRIGHT MUSICAL COMEDIES AND SPECTACULAR MUSICAL REVUES. MUSICAL THEATRE HAS BEEN MY SPECIALTY AND MY PASSION SINCE I SAW MY FIRST BROADWAY MUSICAL AT AGE 6. I TAKE GREAT PRIDE WHENEVER SOMEONE MARVELS AT HOW WE CAN TAKE A BIG BROADWAY MUSICAL AND PUT IT ON OUR SMALL ARENA STAGE WITHOUT LOSING ANY OF ITS WONDER. MUSICALS HAVE BEEN, WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE MAIN DISH ON THE FIRESIDE’S THEATRICAL MENU SINCE WE FIRST OPENED.

Then why is it that one of the most I am very excited about directing our popular shows in Fireside history (as well production of this unforgettable play this as in theatrical history) is a three person spring. I have directed DRIVING MISS play about an elderly white woman, her DAISY twice before – once here and aging African American chauffer, and once in a theatre in Ohio and I can her beleaguered middle aged son told honestly say that of all the wonderful simply without a song or a dance in sight. shows I have directed in my 45+ years Is it because we see ourselves and our as a professional director that no other loved ones in this heart-warming tale? Is play has touched my heart more deeply “ Millions of people rank this it because it is hilariously funny without than DAISY. And I am not alone. Millions beautiful play as their favorite ever being rude or racy? Is it because it of people rank this beautiful play as their of all time.” speaks of loyalty, friendship, and love? favorite of all time. – Ed Flesch, Artistic Director The answer is of course – all of the I like to think that all of our productions above. are wonderful and you shouldn’t miss a one of them, but seeing a live, first class, DRIVING MISS DAISY has been a smash professional production of DRIVING hit Off-Broadway play, an Academy MISS DAISY is a theatrical experience Award winning movie, and a successful that comes along only once or twice in Broadway revival. It has won just about a lifetime of theatree going. This is youyourr every award there is to win. It has been chance. Don’t miss it.it. performed in theatres all over the world to thunderous acclaim.

AWARD-WINNING THE JOY OF TRAVEL 50 YEARS OF RELAXING IN DRAMA AT ITS BEST BECOMES A SECOND MEMORIES THE GARDEN P2 P3 CAREER P4 P7 Hospitality never goes out of style!

DRIVING MISS DAISY MARKS ONLY THE TENTH TIME IN OUR 37 SEASONS OF THEATRE THAT WE HAVE PRESENTED A PLAY INSTEAD OF A MUSICAL! FIRST PRESENTED IN 2001, IT WAS A BIGGER HIT THAN WE ANTICIPATED AND IS PROVING POPULAR ONCE AGAIN AS WE PREPARE FOR THE JUNE 12TH OPENING. THE SHOW AND ITS AUTHOR, ALFRED UHRY, HAVE AN INTERESTING STORY OF THEIR OWN.

DRIVING MISS DAISY is actually the first play young Julia Roberts. He is one of a very few in Alfred Uhry’s “Atlanta Trilogy” - three plays writers to receive an Academy Award, Tony of Jewish families set during the first half of Award and the Pulitzer Prize. the 20th century and all award-winning works. DAISY opened in 1987 and won the Pulitzer The original New York run of DRIVING MISS Prize for Drama and the 1989 film version won DAISY ran for 1,195 performances in two the Academy Award for Best Picture. It was the different Off-Broadway theatres and featured only film based on an Off-Broadway production Dana Ivey as Daisy and Morgan Freeman as ever to win that award. The second play in Hoke. After the great success of both that his trilogy was commissioned for the Cultural and the film it enjoyed a revival on Broadway Olympiad which coincided with the 1996 Summer in 2010-2011 starring James Earl Jones and Olympics in Atlanta. Set in 1939 during the Vanessa Redgrave. There have been two premiere of the film Gone With The Wind, THE London productions as well and many more at LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO received the Tony professional theatres like The Fireside. Award for Best Play when later produced on A show like this is perfect for the intimacy of Broadway. The third, PARADE, The Fireside’s theatre-in-the-round. A warm- which was about the 1913 trial hearted, humorous and touching study of of a Jewish factory manager the unlikely friendship, this is a story worth earned Uhry a Tony Award for seeing again and again and is best seen live Best Book of a Musical. on stage as it was originally intended. As we Uhry also wrote the screenplay celebrate our friendship with you throughout for the film version of DRIVING this Anniversary year we felt it a fitting addition MISS DAISY and co-wrote the to our season and look forward to sharing it with screenplay for the popular 1988 you this spring. film Mystic Pizza starring a very GROUP LEADER PROFILE

“You have to like people, have some patience, and know how to go with the fl ow a little bit, too.” – John R. Smith

Learning JOHN R. SMITH HAS MANAGED THE TRAVEL PROGRAM FOR THE FRISBIE DES PLAINES COMMUNITY SENIOR from each other CENTER FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS.

John R. Smith’s first career was in the be anything from a few days to several About five years ago, due in part to a pharmaceutical industry where he trained weeks like the big train trip to Hawaii they generous donation from one of their new sales representatives and later have coming up. Train trip to Hawaii? members, the Des Plaines Community monitored human research studies for the Yes. They take the train from Chicago to Senior Center was able to purchase part of medical division in the northern U.S. and San Diego then a Holland America Cruise a strip mall to expand their programs even Canada. He had to travel a fair amount ship to Hawaii and back again. It’s a further. They now operate as the Frisbie for his job and even planned some travel premium trip, but it’s worth it! One of their Senior Center and run a part time cafe and for training events and activities. He and other most popular was a “train on the have several meeting and activity rooms his wife, Ruth have been married 56 years Mississippi” which took them to St. Louis that are available for various organizations and have been on 38 cruises together by train and then up the Mississippi on the to rent. They share the mall with a beauty including a honeymoon in Europe. His American Queen to St. Paul, then back shop, a dry cleaner, a Chinese restaurant children have learned to share his love through Wisconsin on the Empire Builder and their newest venture, the Once and of travel and several grandchildren spent to Chicago. Again Boutique. This resale shop takes some time studying abroad. So when he only gently used merchandise and turns retired, and subsequently realized that One of the things John has learned along a nice profit to benefit the center and their he actually “couldn’t stand retirement,” the way is that it pays to test a place before activities. It’s become very popular with a second career in travel seemed like a taking a group there. You need to sell a trip the community as well. perfect fit! with complete confidence in the travel as well as the venue and the meal or activity. John loves to travel, and he loves people Fortunately, around this time in 1999, the We’re thrilled to report that he’s never had ---the two most important ingredients in Des Plaines Community Senior Center to worry about the quality with a Fireside the recipe for a successful travel program. was looking for someone to manage and trip but it’s not the same every place you go. He’s a joy to work with and it’s evident that expand their travel program. They already You also have to build your own reputation his travelers trust him and enjoy traveling did some travel, including The Fireside’s with vendors so that they can trust your with him. Sounds like a win, win, win! Christmas show, but wanted to do more. integrity and reliability. Being honest Operating from a wing they rented from the with your travelers about the product parks department, John steadily grew their and how it’s priced is the third leg program over the years which now runs of the triangle. Cost is certainly a three or four day trips and one extended factor in today’s travel decisions, yet trip each month. He goes along whenever customers understand quality and he can plus his assistant takes one casino value and will pay more for a better trip each month. The extended trips can product. JOIN THE CELEBRATION

The evolution of The Fireside Experience from 1964 to 2014

Our new promotional DVD is nearly ready and we’ll be happy to send you a copy as soon as they’re available. Working on this project over the last six months has stirred up a lot of memories. used the hydraulic lift which Old photos have been dusted off and gave a whole new dimension with them a lot of opportunities to to what we could accomplish reminisce about “the old days” and see on stage? Were you here how much has changed. Depending on for the first Christmas show when you started visiting The Fireside, in 1993 or the first live band you may have seen a few different revue in 2005? versions of our most popular shows like

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF or HELLO We’d love to have you share your DOLLY, or been an on-stage participant memories of The Fireside’s first 50 in a hula lesson during the many years of years. What has The Fireside meant Hawaiian shows. Do you remember the to you? Send us your thoughts, your fabulous Luau buffets? What about the stories, your favorite shows, or even Ballet Folklorico groups from Mexico? where you’d like to see us go from here. Do you remember the first show that Thank you for joining the celebration! Inside the ENTERTAINMENT TIPS & NEWS Kitchen with Chef Mike

As I write this issue of Jackie’s Journal I am preparing to start my 2014 travels for The Fireside. My first trip is to the ABA Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. I am looking forward to meeting with some of you during my appointments and to also connect with you to catch up on life. I treasure the relationships that I have built throughout the years in the tourism industry - both with you the buyers and the suppliers. I am so grateful that I have made some very good friends throughout the years.

For the run of DRIVING MISS DAISY I am We all know that relationships in the tourism industry are excited to be presenting you with not one, the key to success for all of us but they also extend into not two, but three different Crème Brulee our personal lives as well. We like to do business and Jackie Brisko taste sensations! Crème Brulee, a French have friends that we like and trust. That sometimes takes Director of Audience dessert, is also known as “burnt cream” time to build, but we know it is well worth it in the long Development and consists of a light custard topped with run. That kind of relationship is what the fourth show of a caramelized crust. The name “burnt our 2014 season is all about. DRIVING MISS DAISY is cream” comes from the topping. After MEET WITH JACKIE! a captivating story that will make you smile, laugh and the custards are baked and cooled, a reflect on building your own relationships. The story thin layer of sugar is sprinkled on top of spans 20 years between the relationship of two people, the creme and then each one is torched Miss Daisy and her long-time chauffeur and loyal friend, until the sugar is carmelized and develops Hoke. They go through life facing triumphs along with a crust-like texture which also changes the taste. We have served the traditional life’s trials and it’s done in a compassionate, humorous Vanilla Crème Brulee in the past, but have and loving way. This play won the coveted Pulitzer Prize created three new flavors for you - Banana, for drama and the film version won the Oscar for Best Chocolate, and Grand Marnier. Picture. It is truly a show that you and your travelers will want to see as all of our lives are built on relationships. This new creation will be served in a special We all can relate! clover leaf dish with three compartments. It’s going to be a time-consuming process As you know, The Fireside philosophy is that people will as we will prepare all three custards and come where they have been invited and will return to fill the dishes with one of each flavor where they have been made welcome. For 50 years that for baking. Then when you’re ready for philosophy is the reason the Klopcic family hospitality has dessert, a team of cooks will sprinkle the become so well known for our warm and friendly service. sugar and burn the tops while another Because of this philosophy, we have had the privilege of team is ready to garnish them for serving. The Banana custard will be garnished with building strong relationships through the years with our a Banana Coin in a Myers Rum Sauce, groups, season ticket holders and individuals, and look the Grand Marnier with a Fresh Raspberry, toward another 50 years of your friendship and loyalty. and the Chocolate will be crowned with We thank you for that loyalty, support and your friendship. a Chocolate Truffle, which will also have been hand made in our Bakery. A special treat for you, our special guest -- Yummm! Here are a few of the shows I’ll be attending this year. I’d love to visit with you about working The Fireside into Executive Chef your Midwest travel plans! GROUP TRAVEL TIPS & NEWS

Jean’s Corner of the World

DID YOU RECEIVE OUR MARKETING CATALOG? If you have a 2014 booking you should be in receipt of our new marketing piece offering different logos, sign-up sheets and flyers to help you promote your tours. This is a FREE service we are providing. Fill out the form then mail, fax or scan/email it to us … Simple! You can also find the form on the groups page of our web site (www.firesidetheatre. com) if you prefer to order online. If you have not booked for 2014 yet you will receive a copy with your contract. If For personal help with you did not receive a copy, please let me know! any of your bookings, call me at 800-477- ICE IS NOT NICE. Group Sales is sending you our 9505 or email jean@ personal plea to BE CAREFUL on the ice and snow. We firesidetheatre.com. are running out of get well cards, with three of our special group leaders in casts or worse just this week! Put some super glue on your boots or something so you stay healthy! OK? Rest assured that when you come to The Fireside our parking lot will be cleared, salted and safe!

WHO LIKES PRIZES? For all of 2014, your group will get green slips to fill out as an entry blank for one of our weekly prizes as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary! We are drawing one winner from our group and individual guests every week as a winner. Our first winner received a $50 Fireside Gift Card. Who knows what you or your guests might win. Be sure to have all your guests fill out their entry forms and leave them at the front desk or with their server to enter the weekly drawing.

Lenten Bookings? If your group is visiting us during Lent and wishes to PREORDER a fish entrée we are happy to accommodate this request. We need to know in advance so please provide these changes with your final count. Any changes made that day may result in your guests waiting for service and we certainly don’t want to take time away from shopping!

Be sure to return your order form to As Jackie mentioned, keep MAY 17 open for our Special Anniversary Group Leader Party request artwork, Recognition Event! More details will follow (as soon as I know them)! flyers and sign-up sheets for your bookings or find the form on the Group Sales Manager “Groups” page of our web site. VISIT OUR GIFT SHOPS

A garden is a place of thoughts and dreams! GARDENS HAVE A WAY OF BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER, DRAWING THEM FROM THEIR HOMES AND GIVING THEM A PLACE TO THINK, RELAX, AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF OUR WORLD. CONTEMPORARY TURKISH PLAYWRIGHT MEHMET MURAT ILDAN WENT SO FAR AS TO SAY, “AN ORDINARY VISIT TO A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN ALWAYS CREATES AN EXTRAORDINARY TIME.” WE’D LIKE TO HELP MAKE YOUR YARD AND GARDEN A PLACE FOR EXTRAORDINARY TIMES!

Be sure to check out warmth and charm in a colorful way to Whether you’ve got a large yard with an the new Succulent brighten up your garden. elaborate garden, a small patio or entry, or Garden designs just want to bring a bit of the outdoors in, that utilize the look Solar products for you’ll find a wealth of creative ideas in our of Hen & Chicks the outdoors have Garden Shop. Styles range from elegant ground cover on really taken off in glass to the more whimsical looks to suit natural stone. You’ll both popularity a variety of decors. Most importantly, we find it on statuary, and reliability. hope you enjoy your garden and take time birdbaths, wall You can find many to decor, planters, unique pieces at wind chimes and The Fireside including bird baths, stakes, more. It adds lanterns, mobiles, and gazing balls like the beautiful one shown above. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID THE FIRESIDE THE FIRESIDE, INC. 1131 JANESVIJANESVILLELLE AVENUAVENUEE P.OP.O.. BBOXOX 7 FORFORTT AATKINSON,TKIINSONSSOSONN,, WWI 535535535383 3838 FEBRUARY 2014

SAVE NOW! CALL 800-477-9505 WWW.FIRESIDETHEATRE.COM

Visit early to get DRIVING MISS DAISY the best discount! Featured Menu June 12 - July 20, 2014 • In addition to the Featured Menu, Served Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday Matinees, Saturday Evening and Sunday Midday try our Sunday Brunch, Thursday Signature Salad Evening Signature Buffet or five Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Kiwi, Strawberries, Blueberries and Orange Segment over course dinner on Saturday nights. Fresh Garden Greens sprinkled with Sesame Croutons and glazed with our famous • Groups of 18 or more are $65.95 Papaya Chutney Dressing.

(Sat. Evening $69.95) plus tax. Freshly Baked Breads from The Fireside Ovens • Save an additional $3.00 per person Roast Boneless Pork Chop when you book a performance from Herbed Crouton Dressing with Sauerkraut and Jones Original Recipe Sausage. Served June 12 - July 6, 2014. with Whipped Potatoes glazed with a rich Pork Gravy, Carrots, Green Beans, and a • Ask about our New Incentives for ramekin of our specially crafted Pink Cinnamon Apple Sauce. Wednesday & Thursday matinees. • Arrive at 10:30 a.m. for Matinees, Crème Brulee 2:30 p.m. for Sunday Midday Three individual flavors of Custard under the classic Carmelized Sugar Crust; Banana and 5:00 p.m. for Thursday and garnished with a Banana Coin in a Myers Rum Sauce, Grand Marnier topped with a Saturday Evenings. Fresh Raspberry, and Chocolate crowned with a Chocolate Truffle. • See complete show listings online. Coffee, Tea and Milk