JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of my favorite productions.  The first time I was introduced to it was in 1973 with the film version.  I was mesmerized by the way the story was told using rock music.  It was several years before I saw it on stage, and it was just as impactful.   Over the years different versions have come and gone, some were good, and some were not.  One of the nots was the TV version starring John Legend. Sorry, but it just didn’t do it.

Now, the 50th Anniversary Tour has come to the Cadillac Palace Theatre here in Chicago.  How did it hold up to my expectations? The Choreography was amazing, interesting and new with constant movement.  The band was spot on, but sometimes so loud it was hard to hear the lyrics to the songs. The voices were beyond good, and the cast was really great.

One of the cast members is Chicago born and raised in Markham, SandyRedd. SandyRedd’s role is Ensemble, Soul Singer, and Peter’s Accusers.  She is also the understudy for the role of Judas. Yes, I said Judas. She is the first female to perform the role in a Broadway production.  I asked her how she got the nerve to even ask to audition for the role.  She responded, “So I went to a couple of different key people. I was like, “Yo, I’m Judas. This is my role. I was born for Judas.” But, of course, with us being so comfortable with the different people that we’ve been touring with, I don’t necessarily think anybody took me seriously. So I got some advice from a dear friend of mine, and he was like, “Just put it on tape. Just put it on tape and send it. Once they see it, they can’t unsee it.” I think with any role where they don’t want to change the key, they don’t want to change the dynamic of the role, it’s hard for somebody to see a female play a very strong, very dominant male role.”

So, she sent the tape, didn’t change the key, blew them away, and got one of the understudy spots.  If you are able to see the show on Saturday, July 30th at the matinee performance you will see SandyRedd perform the role of Judas.

Now my thoughts on the production as a whole. With all the great voices, choreography, set, costumes, and music, the production feels more like a concert than a musical with a meaning.  There were only a few of the main characters that I felt any emotion.

Omar Lopez Cepero (Judas) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, Murphymade

  Omar Lopez-Cepero as Judas was very good and even with the mic in hand, he showed emotion. I felt his dilemma in betraying Jesus.  Jenna Rubaii’s Mary was perfect. She was vulnerable and her voice is beautiful.  The character of Pilate is played by Tommy Sherlock. I have always loved that character in general because of the turmoil he goes through in condemning Jesus plus you see him change. 

Aaron Lavigne (Jesus) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade

I would have loved Aaron LaVigne as Jesus if he could have been allowed to be Jesus and not some rock star. His voice is superb, however, every time he picked up the guitar to play, he wasn’t Jesus anymore, he was just some guy singing a song.  The magic for me and some others I spoke with is that the role of Jesus is different for all the other characters in the play.  In the film, we seek the actors to get off the bus and prepare to shoot a film, we know it isn’t real, however, in the end, everyone gets on the bus except the person who played Jesus.  You can see that the cast had been changed.  In stage plays I have seen that affected me was when Jesus was played in a way that he was a part of the show but still separate.  The way this production is directed, I felt nothing during the crucifixion, in fact, the band and moaning were so loud you couldn’t hear the words spoken on the cross. 

I did love the ending with Jesus and Judas.  It was different and a topic for conversation.  Was Judas forgiven?  You will have to see the production for yourself. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for more information on the show. 

All in all, I give the 50th Anniversary Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 4 out of 5 winks of the EYE!

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS:

There’s a great interview with Ray Chao in the July 11 edition of Shout Out L.A. Ray talks about how he went from courtroom to comedy, and Chicago to Los Angeles where he is a comedian and actor, and creator and director of two film festivals.

Second City alum Quinta Brunson will play Oprah in Roku’s upcoming Weird Al biopic. Quinta also made history this month as the first Black woman to be nominated in three Primetime Emmy categories all in the same year and at 32, the youngest ever nominated in comedy acting. She is also nominated for writing and overall outstanding comedy series, all for Abbott Elementary which she created. Watch the 74th Emmy Awards on September 12.

Craig Robinson is safe after a scary active shooter situation during a July 16th show in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the comedian prepared to go onstage, the suspect entered the Comedy Zone, threatened the audience with a gun and fired several shots. Fortunately, no one was harmed and the club’s staff was able to get everyone to safety. More on Craig’s Instagram here.

The storied Comedy Shrine in Aurora needs your support! Please check out the GoFundMe here.

Jay Chandrasekhar directs and appears in Jo Koy’s new movie Easter Sunday, which will be released on August 5. Easter Sunday is described as “a love letter to the Filipino community.”

TICKET ALERTS

Every Tuesday in August: Bobcat Goldthwait works out new material at Lincoln Lodge

August 4: Gwen La Roka premieres her one-woman show Mi Casa Es Tu Casa at Aguijon Theater

August 19-20: Gianmarco Soresi at The Comedy Bar

August 19-20:  Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi at Blues Brothers Convention at Old Joliet Prison

August 21: Susan Messing with Jimmy and Johnnie at Bughouse Theater

August 25: Rudy Ruiz album recording Alopecian American at Two Brothers Roundhouse, Aurora

September 23: JB Smoove at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie

October 6: Steven Wright at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie

October 21-22: Michael Ian Black at The Den Theatre

November 10-12: Jon Lovitz at The Improv, Schaumburg

December 8: Nigel Ng at Thalia Hall

THIS WEEK:

Zanies Rosemont: New Material Night, Carolanne Milijavac, Jamie Lissow

Zanies Chicago: Casey Frey, Super 6 Showcase, Nathan MacIntosh, Sean Patton, Calvin Evans, Anthony Bonazzo

Riddles: Open Mic with Will Hill, Stephan the Christian Comedian, Dave J, Howie Bell, Mike Samp Birthday Weekend, Sean Larkins, Robert Kane

The Improv: Guy Torry

FOLLOWING is just a fraction of all the original comedy happening only in Chicago this week. Since we’re still in a plandemic, please confirm all details before leaving home!

MONDAY, JULY 25

The Late Nite Mic at the Comedy Bar, 8:00 p.m. DJ Rybski hosts the Comedy Bar’ favorite comedians followed by a one-on-one interview.

Laughs in Lakeview at Shaker’s On Clark, 8:00 p.m. “Where great jokes get developed.” Hosted by Derrick J.

Discount Therapy at Pearl’s Southern Comfort, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Joe Medoff, Sara Snyder and Tori Kilkenny.

TUESDAY, JULY 26

Freshly Squeezed at Bughouse Theater, 7:30 p.m. Pulp and friends present a juicy night of improv.

Ronnie Ray & the Underdogs of Comedy at Brauer House, Lombard, 8:00 p.m. Starring Ronnie Ray and featuring Eric “Mitch” Mitchell, Kim KB Marion, Alex Tsakanikas, Big Country.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27

OnlyFans Presents LMAOF at The Den Theatre, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by OnlyFans creator Lyssa Laird. Featuring Chris Higgins, Sarah Perry, Calvin Evans and Just Nesh.

Tornado Presents: Loppalapooza Official Pre-After Party Show, Presented by TORNADO at The Hideout, 9:30 p.m. A Lollapalooza-themed comedy variety show featuring Heet Deth, Mr. and Mrs. Wednesday Night, Masked Animals, The III, Jamie Shriner, Jolly Bean, Mount Rushmore and more TBA.

THURSDAY, JULY 28

My Best Friend is Black at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. “A live comedy variety show that focuses on providing a platform for Black performers. Of course, we encourage people of all backgrounds to come out and laugh with us!”

FRIDAY, JULY 29

Kristen Toomey at The Comedy Bar, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Kristen Toomey is a nationally touring headliner and Chicago favorite. In New City Stage, Zach Freeman wrote, “Toomey’s hilarious 2019 album Mother. Fucker. provides ample examples of how she seamlessly blends crowd work with written material, roasting audience members relentlessly while always ultimately turning herself into the butt of the joke. Read the interview here.

Daphnique Springs at The Den Theatre, 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Daphnique Springs appeared at Just For Laughs New Face comedy festival in Montreal and stars on Amazon’s Inside Jokes. She has been featured on late night and won New York’s She-Devil Festival and the American Black Film Festival “Comedy Wings Competition” sponsored by HBO.

Celeste Barber at The Chicago Theatre, 7:00 p.m. The Australian Queen of Comedy.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

Paper Machete at Green Mill, 3:00 p.m. Lineup TBA, but it’s always excellent, filled with Chicago and visiting talent.

Ghost Baby at Bughouse Theater, 7:30 p.m. A comedy variety show.

Baby Wants Candy at Second City, 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The internationally celebrated ensemble is at Second City for a limited engagement.

SUNDAY, JULY 31

Anthony Bonazzo at Zanies Chicago, 7:00 p.m. “Recording his Debut Special Northside/Southside where one set will be a set refined from working on the Northside of Chicago, and one will be a set refined on the Southside.” Mike Sampson hosts with a guest appearance by Steven Springer and featuring Prateek Srivastava. I’m sure these tickets will sell out very quickly. Advance purchase recommended.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of my favorite productions.  The first time I was introduced to it was in 1973 with the film version.  I was mesmerized by the way the story was told using rock music.  It was several years before I saw it on stage, and it was just as impactful.   Over the years different versions have come and gone, some were good, and some were not.  One of the nots was the TV version starring John Legend. Sorry, but it just didn’t do it.

Now, the 50th Anniversary Tour has come to the Cadillac Palace Theatre here in Chicago.  How did it hold up to my expectations? The Choreography was amazing, interesting and new with constant movement.  The band was spot on, but sometimes so loud it was hard to hear the lyrics to the songs. The voices were beyond good, and the cast was really great.

One of the cast members is Chicago born and raised in Markham, SandyRedd. SandyRedd’s role is Ensemble, Soul Singer, and Peter’s Accusers.  She is also the understudy for the role of Judas. Yes, I said Judas. She is the first female to perform the role in a Broadway production.  I asked her how she got the nerve to even ask to audition for the role.  She responded, “So I went to a couple of different key people. I was like, “Yo, I’m Judas. This is my role. I was born for Judas.” But, of course, with us being so comfortable with the different people that we’ve been touring with, I don’t necessarily think anybody took me seriously. So I got some advice from a dear friend of mine, and he was like, “Just put it on tape. Just put it on tape and send it. Once they see it, they can’t unsee it.” I think with any role where they don’t want to change the key, they don’t want to change the dynamic of the role, it’s hard for somebody to see a female play a very strong, very dominant male role.”

So, she sent the tape, didn’t change the key, blew them away, and got one of the understudy spots.  If you are able to see the show on Saturday, July 30th at the matinee performance you will see SandyRedd perform the role of Judas.

Now my thoughts on the production as a whole. With all the great voices, choreography, set, costumes, and music, the production feels more like a concert than a musical with a meaning.  There were only a few of the main characters that I felt any emotion.

Omar Lopez Cepero (Judas) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, Murphymade

  Omar Lopez-Cepero as Judas was very good and even with the mic in hand, he showed emotion. I felt his dilemma in betraying Jesus.  Jenna Rubaii’s Mary was perfect. She was vulnerable and her voice is beautiful.  The character of Pilate is played by Tommy Sherlock. I have always loved that character in general because of the turmoil he goes through in condemning Jesus plus you see him change. 

Aaron Lavigne (Jesus) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade

I would have loved Aaron LaVigne as Jesus if he could have been allowed to be Jesus and not some rock star. His voice is superb, however, every time he picked up the guitar to play, he wasn’t Jesus anymore, he was just some guy singing a song.  The magic for me and some others I spoke with is that the role of Jesus is different for all the other characters in the play.  In the film, we seek the actors to get off the bus and prepare to shoot a film, we know it isn’t real, however, in the end, everyone gets on the bus except the person who played Jesus.  You can see that the cast had been changed.  In stage plays I have seen that affected me was when Jesus was played in a way that he was a part of the show but still separate.  The way this production is directed, I felt nothing during the crucifixion, in fact, the band and moaning were so loud you couldn’t hear the words spoken on the cross. 

I did love the ending with Jesus and Judas.  It was different and a topic for conversation.  Was Judas forgiven?  You will have to see the production for yourself. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for more information on the show. 

All in all, I give the 50th Anniversary Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 4 out of 5 winks of the EYE!

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of my favorite productions.  The first time I was introduced to it was in 1973 with the film version.  I was mesmerized by the way the story was told using rock music.  It was several years before I saw it on stage, and it was just as impactful.   Over the years different versions have come and gone, some were good, and some were not.  One of the nots was the TV version starring John Legend. Sorry, but it just didn’t do it.

Now, the 50th Anniversary Tour has come to the Cadillac Palace Theatre here in Chicago.  How did it hold up to my expectations? The Choreography was amazing, interesting and new with constant movement.  The band was spot on, but sometimes so loud it was hard to hear the lyrics to the songs. The voices were beyond good, and the cast was really great.

One of the cast members is Chicago born and raised in Markham, SandyRedd. SandyRedd’s role is Ensemble, Soul Singer, and Peter’s Accusers.  She is also the understudy for the role of Judas. Yes, I said Judas. She is the first female to perform the role in a Broadway production.  I asked her how she got the nerve to even ask to audition for the role.  She responded, “So I went to a couple of different key people. I was like, “Yo, I’m Judas. This is my role. I was born for Judas.” But, of course, with us being so comfortable with the different people that we’ve been touring with, I don’t necessarily think anybody took me seriously. So I got some advice from a dear friend of mine, and he was like, “Just put it on tape. Just put it on tape and send it. Once they see it, they can’t unsee it.” I think with any role where they don’t want to change the key, they don’t want to change the dynamic of the role, it’s hard for somebody to see a female play a very strong, very dominant male role.”

So, she sent the tape, didn’t change the key, blew them away, and got one of the understudy spots.  If you are able to see the show on Saturday, July 30th at the matinee performance you will see SandyRedd perform the role of Judas.

Now my thoughts on the production as a whole. With all the great voices, choreography, set, costumes, and music, the production feels more like a concert than a musical with a meaning.  There were only a few of the main characters that I felt any emotion.

Omar Lopez Cepero (Judas) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, Murphymade

  Omar Lopez-Cepero as Judas was very good and even with the mic in hand, he showed emotion. I felt his dilemma in betraying Jesus.  Jenna Rubaii’s Mary was perfect. She was vulnerable and her voice is beautiful.  The character of Pilate is played by Tommy Sherlock. I have always loved that character in general because of the turmoil he goes through in condemning Jesus plus you see him change. 

Aaron Lavigne (Jesus) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade

I would have loved Aaron LaVigne as Jesus if he could have been allowed to be Jesus and not some rock star. His voice is superb, however, every time he picked up the guitar to play, he wasn’t Jesus anymore, he was just some guy singing a song.  The magic for me and some others I spoke with is that the role of Jesus is different for all the other characters in the play.  In the film, we seek the actors to get off the bus and prepare to shoot a film, we know it isn’t real, however, in the end, everyone gets on the bus except the person who played Jesus.  You can see that the cast had been changed.  In stage plays I have seen that affected me was when Jesus was played in a way that he was a part of the show but still separate.  The way this production is directed, I felt nothing during the crucifixion, in fact, the band and moaning were so loud you couldn’t hear the words spoken on the cross. 

I did love the ending with Jesus and Judas.  It was different and a topic for conversation.  Was Judas forgiven?  You will have to see the production for yourself. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for more information on the show. 

All in all, I give the 50th Anniversary Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 4 out of 5 winks of the EYE!

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of my favorite productions.  The first time I was introduced to it was in 1973 with the film version.  I was mesmerized by the way the story was told using rock music.  It was several years before I saw it on stage, and it was just as impactful.   Over the years different versions have come and gone, some were good, and some were not.  One of the nots was the TV version starring John Legend. Sorry, but it just didn’t do it.

Now, the 50th Anniversary Tour has come to the Cadillac Palace Theatre here in Chicago.  How did it hold up to my expectations? The Choreography was amazing, interesting and new with constant movement.  The band was spot on, but sometimes so loud it was hard to hear the lyrics to the songs. The voices were beyond good, and the cast was really great.

One of the cast members is Chicago born and raised in Markham, SandyRedd. SandyRedd’s role is Ensemble, Soul Singer, and Peter’s Accusers.  She is also the understudy for the role of Judas. Yes, I said Judas. She is the first female to perform the role in a Broadway production.  I asked her how she got the nerve to even ask to audition for the role.  She responded, “So I went to a couple of different key people. I was like, “Yo, I’m Judas. This is my role. I was born for Judas.” But, of course, with us being so comfortable with the different people that we’ve been touring with, I don’t necessarily think anybody took me seriously. So I got some advice from a dear friend of mine, and he was like, “Just put it on tape. Just put it on tape and send it. Once they see it, they can’t unsee it.” I think with any role where they don’t want to change the key, they don’t want to change the dynamic of the role, it’s hard for somebody to see a female play a very strong, very dominant male role.”

So, she sent the tape, didn’t change the key, blew them away, and got one of the understudy spots.  If you are able to see the show on Saturday, July 30th at the matinee performance you will see SandyRedd perform the role of Judas.

Now my thoughts on the production as a whole. With all the great voices, choreography, set, costumes, and music, the production feels more like a concert than a musical with a meaning.  There were only a few of the main characters that I felt any emotion.

Omar Lopez Cepero (Judas) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, Murphymade

  Omar Lopez-Cepero as Judas was very good and even with the mic in hand, he showed emotion. I felt his dilemma in betraying Jesus.  Jenna Rubaii’s Mary was perfect. She was vulnerable and her voice is beautiful.  The character of Pilate is played by Tommy Sherlock. I have always loved that character in general because of the turmoil he goes through in condemning Jesus plus you see him change. 

Aaron Lavigne (Jesus) and the company of the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade

I would have loved Aaron LaVigne as Jesus if he could have been allowed to be Jesus and not some rock star. His voice is superb, however, every time he picked up the guitar to play, he wasn’t Jesus anymore, he was just some guy singing a song.  The magic for me and some others I spoke with is that the role of Jesus is different for all the other characters in the play.  In the film, we seek the actors to get off the bus and prepare to shoot a film, we know it isn’t real, however, in the end, everyone gets on the bus except the person who played Jesus.  You can see that the cast had been changed.  In stage plays I have seen that affected me was when Jesus was played in a way that he was a part of the show but still separate.  The way this production is directed, I felt nothing during the crucifixion, in fact, the band and moaning were so loud you couldn’t hear the words spoken on the cross. 

I did love the ending with Jesus and Judas.  It was different and a topic for conversation.  Was Judas forgiven?  You will have to see the production for yourself. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for more information on the show. 

All in all, I give the 50th Anniversary Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 4 out of 5 winks of the EYE!

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

It’s time to let the creative juices flow once more!

It’s been a while since I have done it.
Put words to the page and then I’ve spun it.
Sending to readers a timely missive.
Hoping my followers aren’t too dismissive.
I’m not sure of precise causation
That caused two weeks of blog cessation.
What was it kept my fingers napping
Instead of on the keyboard tapping.
It started when two lines appeared
On the COVID test I’d commandeered.
The first line meant the test was working.
The second confirmed the virus’s lurking.
Two Moderna shots then double boosted.
Yet still in my nose the microbe roosted.
With coughs and sneezes and feeling sickly.
Into quarnatine I disappeared quickly.
So empty moments were now my friend.
Hours of leisure I thought I’d spend.
Writing blogs ’bout things that were popping.
I might have been sick but the world was not stopping.
My mind was all foggy, could not concentrate at
The things going on that I’d want to debate at.
But now it’s much better and I’m seeing clearly
Here are some things I missed most severly.
There were hearings in DC that were causing a ruckus
They told how Trump and his friends were trying to f*ck us.
Thanks to Adam, Elaine and of course Ms Liz Cheney.
We were sure mesmerized learning about how insane he.
The planet is hotter, it’s like a fire pit glowing
Who knows just what to our kids we’re bestowing.
Heat waves, deadly storms, and still the President’s action
Was blocked by refrains from coal’s friend Hot Joe Manchin.
But up in the cosmos there was such delight
As the Webb telescope provided a sight.
Of the universe edges as they were at formation
I say it’s Big Bang, some say God’s creation.
Those topics I missed while my brain it was snoozing
So my silence for weeks I hope your excusing.
I’ll do what I can to get back up to snuff.
For reading this verse, I can’t thank you enough.

_________________________________

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This week’s “Public Affairs”TV show features Mark Curran, the GOP nominee for the IL Supreme Court 2nd District seat in this November’s General Election. This show is Part 1 of show host Jeff Berkowitz’s two-part interview with S CT candidate Mark Curran (R-Libertyville).

You can watch 24/7 part 1 of Berkowitz’s interview with Curran, the former Lake County Sheriff (12 years) and Assistant State’s Attorney (8 years) by clicking here. 

Part 1 of the interview with GOP S CT 2nd Dist Nominee Curran, who was an Assistant IL Attorney General for 4 years, can also be seen this coming week on cable in most, if not all, of the towns, villages and cities comprising the 2nd District (see cable listings, below).    

The Dems now have a 4-3 majority on the Supreme Court, but if the GOP wins the two open seats (2nd and 3rd Districts, both purple) in November, the GOP will have the majority on the IL Supreme Court for the 1st time in 60 years.

Although Curran could not, due to the Canons of legal ethics, say or discuss how he would rule on any matters that might come before him as a Justice, he did discuss in Part 1 of the interview general issues relating to the law and abortion, his “Calling to run” for the IL Supreme Court & impartiality.

The half-hour show with Mark Curran airs this Tuesday night at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable CH 17 in much of the IL Supreme Court’s 2nd District (Lake, Kane, Kendall, McHenry & DeKalb counties) in the following towns, villages and suburbs:

Beach Park, Del Mar Woods, Grayslake, Great Lakes Naval, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Lake Bluff, Lake Eleanor, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mundelein, North Chicago, Park City, Third Lake, Wadsworth, Wauconda, Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor and Zion;

Algonquin, Barrington Hills, Carpentersville, Cary, Crystal Lake (ch.74) East Dundee, Fox River Grove, Fox River Valley Gardens, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood, Oakwood Hills, Pingree Grove, Sleepy Hollow, South Barrington, Trout Valley and West Dundee;

Hainesville, Holiday Hills, Island Lake, Johnsburg, Lakemoor, McCollum Lake, McHenry, Prairie Grove, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park, Spring Grove, Sunnyside, Volo, Wonder Lake and Woodstock.

Part 1 of the Berkowitz’s interview featuring Mark Curran also airs:

–This coming Tuesday night in 25 Chicago Metro north and northwest suburbs at 8:30 pm, on Comcast Cable:

–Ch. 19 in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, parts of Inverness, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Wilmette and on–Ch. 35 in Arlington Heights, Bartlett (2nd Dist.), Glenview, Golf, Des Plaines, Hanover Park, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Streamwood and Wheeling.

The show also airs in:

In Highland Park (all in the S CT 2nd District), 8:30 pm, Cable Ch 19, this Monday and Wednesday.

Alexander Canario (photo by Todd Johnson)

AAA

Iowa 7, Omaha 0

Game Recap

A day after Caleb Kilian and Sean Newcomb combined to shutout the Storm Chasers, Matt Dermody and Anderson Espinoza followed suit. The 32-year old Iowa native Dermody has been a nice run of late. He’s gone at least four innings in each of his last seven appearances, and not allowed more than two runs in any of them. It’s been a great rebound (4-0, 1.35 ERA, 33.1 IP, 26 H, 5 R, 9 BB, 32 K) from after he was rocked during a six-start stretch from mid-May to Mid-June.

May be time to start talking about @IowaCubs LHP Matt Dermody as another arm to get called up to the big leagues once the trade deadline dust settles.

Today: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K, 0 BB Last 7 outings: 33.1 IP, 26 H, 5 ER, 32 K, 68% strikes, 1.35 ERA.

July 24, 2022

As for Espinoza, he seems to be pitching with greater confidence since making his MLB debut. There’s no question he took a long road to get there after multiple surgeries and years away from the mound, so maybe it’s freed the former top prospect of the doubt of never making it. I think he ultimately settles into a long relief role, but he’s got MLB talent if he can gain greater consistency.

Matt Mervis blasted one home run and was just inches away from a second.

Mervis just missed his second HR of the day. Settles for a 3B (off a lefty). Has hit the ball hard 3 times today. pic.twitter.com/ySTyqoDWrn

July 25, 2022

Some @MiLB single-season RBI leaders since Y2K.

131 RBI: Marquez Smith (2014)131 RBI: Ryan Howard (2004)127 RBI: AJ Reed (2015)125 RBI: Dylan Cozens (2016)

Again, Matt Mervis on pace for 135 RBI.

July 25, 2022

Top Performers

Matt Dermody: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K (W, 6-3, 3.94)Anderson Espinoza: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K (S, 1, 0.00)Matt Mervis: 2-4, 3B, HR (1), 2 R, 3 RBI (.231)Zach Davis: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB (.205)John Hicks: 1-3, BB, SB (5) (.255)Nick Madrigal: 2-4, R (.300)Nelson Maldonado: 1-4, R, RBI, BB (.224)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

A good sign: In two games since restarting his rehab Nick Madrigal (.300/.391/.300 in 7 total games at Iowa) has reached first base twice in each.

Cam Sanders has been transferred to the Developmental List. He failed to get out of the 1st in his last start and has struggled overall since getting to Iowa. It is likely the Cubs spotted a mechanical issue they want to work through with him away from game action.

AA

Tennessee 7, Chattanooga 1

Game Recap

I’m not even sure what to say about what Alexander Canario has been doing of late other than WOW. Yes, he’s hitting homers, but we always knew he could do that. What’s impressing me is he is showing greater patience and plate coverage, so he’s drawing walks and making hard contact more consistently even when pitches are at the edges of the zone. Those were the next step he needed to take in his development, and over this latest stretch he is doing it.

Alexander Canario enjoyed a perfect day at the ballpark.

The No. 18 @Cubs prospect belted his system-best 24th homer on a 4-for-4 afternoon for @smokiesbaseball: https://t.co/oU6ivefQd2 pic.twitter.com/9rncFSVbns

July 25, 2022

Chattanooga is not going to be sad to see Canario leave town. This weekend, he’s gone 7-for-12 with 2 HRs and 6 RBI. In addition, he has walked 6 times. That’s an OBP of .722

July 24, 2022

Riley Thompson returned from a stint on the Developmental List to fire three shutout innings. It was a trying first half, coming off a missed 2021 (and obviously 2020) seasons. Hopefully he’s knocked the rust off and yesterday indicates he is ready to take off in the second half. He’s one of the more talented arms in the system, and Rule 5 eligible in the offseason, so the Cubs need to gather a lot of information before the end of the year in order to make an educated roster decision on him.

Walker Powell shined in his four innings of relief as well. He’s been served well by the BABIP dragon since arriving in Tennessee, but he always pitches with better command than most AA pitchers. Not sure the stuff ever gets to be MLB caliber, but he is a big guy and has increased his velo since turning pro, so maybe there’s a little more left in the tank.

Top Performers

Alexander Canario: 4-4, 2B, HR (17), 3 R, 2 RBI, BB (.254)Bryce Ball: 3-5, 2B, R (.282)Jake Slaughter: 1-2, 2B, R, 2 RBI, SB (18) (.320)Bradlee Beesley: 2-5, R, 2 RBI (.212)Yonathan Perlaza: 0-2, 3 BB (.248)Chase Strumpf: 1-2, HBP (.250)Riley Thompson: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K (6.48)Walker Powell: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (W, 2-2, 1.59)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Chase Strumpf exited after being hit by a pitch.

Ben Hecht has recovered from 2021 TJS and has rejoined the Smokies. He was pitching very well prior to going down with the elbow issues, so hopefully he can pick up where he left off.

High-A

South Bend 13, Quad Cities 12

Game Recap

An unexpected power outburst from the South Bend lineup led the way to 13 runs, and every one of them proved necessary. Jake Washer, the most unexpected HR hitter in the system this season, posted his second two-homer game of the season:

Speaking of Jake Washer @OutOfTheVines pic.twitter.com/9LF5x4Gg0R

July 24, 2022

Washer, Rinse and repeat pic.twitter.com/CANmMeFaix

July 24, 2022

As @MaxThoma points out, Jake Washer has the second highest fly ball rate in the system (min. 180 PA). This swing shows exactly why. pic.twitter.com/PBqPNnwSwj

July 24, 2022

But, he wasn’t the only one to go deep. Jordan Nwogu hit his 7th of tghe season, and then South Bend also received two more from unexpected sources: Yeison Santana hit his first of the year, and Casey Optiz hit the first of his career.

Jordan Nwogu ties the game with his 7th HR of the year. pic.twitter.com/URHyDvVLb9

July 24, 2022

He knew it too. pic.twitter.com/sLseuhSOht

July 24, 2022

First professional HR for Casey Opitz! pic.twitter.com/BESBgTXiHY

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Jake Washer: 4-5, 2B, 2 HR (12, 13), 4 R, RBI (.301)Yeison Santana: 1-2, HR (1), 2 R, RBI, 2 BB (.255)Jordan Nwogu: 2-5, HR (7), R, RBI (.237)Casey Opitz: 1-4, HR (1), R, 2 RBI, BB (.192)Kevin Made: 3-5, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI (.250)Pete Crow-Armstrong: 1-5, 2B, R, RBI, SB (7) (.258)Eduarniel Nunez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K (3.47)

Low-A

Charleston 2, Myrtle Beach 0

Top Performers

Tyler Santana: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, BB, 5 K (L, 7-1, 2.31)Frankie Scalzo Jr: 1.2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (4.50)Juan Mora: 1-3, BB, SB (4) (.287)Jacob Wetzel: 1-3 (.209)Felix Stevens: 1-3 (.213)

Alexander Canario (photo by Todd Johnson)

AAA

Iowa 7, Omaha 0

Game Recap

A day after Caleb Kilian and Sean Newcomb combined to shutout the Storm Chasers, Matt Dermody and Anderson Espinoza followed suit. The 32-year old Iowa native Dermody has been a nice run of late. He’s gone at least four innings in each of his last seven appearances, and not allowed more than two runs in any of them. It’s been a great rebound (4-0, 1.35 ERA, 33.1 IP, 26 H, 5 R, 9 BB, 32 K) from after he was rocked during a six-start stretch from mid-May to Mid-June.

May be time to start talking about @IowaCubs LHP Matt Dermody as another arm to get called up to the big leagues once the trade deadline dust settles.

Today: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K, 0 BB Last 7 outings: 33.1 IP, 26 H, 5 ER, 32 K, 68% strikes, 1.35 ERA.

July 24, 2022

As for Espinoza, he seems to be pitching with greater confidence since making his MLB debut. There’s no question he took a long road to get there after multiple surgeries and years away from the mound, so maybe it’s freed the former top prospect of the doubt of never making it. I think he ultimately settles into a long relief role, but he’s got MLB talent if he can gain greater consistency.

Matt Mervis blasted one home run and was just inches away from a second.

Mervis just missed his second HR of the day. Settles for a 3B (off a lefty). Has hit the ball hard 3 times today. pic.twitter.com/ySTyqoDWrn

July 25, 2022

Some @MiLB single-season RBI leaders since Y2K.

131 RBI: Marquez Smith (2014)131 RBI: Ryan Howard (2004)127 RBI: AJ Reed (2015)125 RBI: Dylan Cozens (2016)

Again, Matt Mervis on pace for 135 RBI.

July 25, 2022

Top Performers

Matt Dermody: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K (W, 6-3, 3.94)Anderson Espinoza: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K (S, 1, 0.00)Matt Mervis: 2-4, 3B, HR (1), 2 R, 3 RBI (.231)Zach Davis: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB (.205)John Hicks: 1-3, BB, SB (5) (.255)Nick Madrigal: 2-4, R (.300)Nelson Maldonado: 1-4, R, RBI, BB (.224)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

A good sign: In two games since restarting his rehab Nick Madrigal (.300/.391/.300 in 7 total games at Iowa) has reached first base twice in each.

Cam Sanders has been transferred to the Developmental List. He failed to get out of the 1st in his last start and has struggled overall since getting to Iowa. It is likely the Cubs spotted a mechanical issue they want to work through with him away from game action.

AA

Tennessee 7, Chattanooga 1

Game Recap

I’m not even sure what to say about what Alexander Canario has been doing of late other than WOW. Yes, he’s hitting homers, but we always knew he could do that. What’s impressing me is he is showing greater patience and plate coverage, so he’s drawing walks and making hard contact more consistently even when pitches are at the edges of the zone. Those were the next step he needed to take in his development, and over this latest stretch he is doing it.

Alexander Canario enjoyed a perfect day at the ballpark.

The No. 18 @Cubs prospect belted his system-best 24th homer on a 4-for-4 afternoon for @smokiesbaseball: https://t.co/oU6ivefQd2 pic.twitter.com/9rncFSVbns

July 25, 2022

Chattanooga is not going to be sad to see Canario leave town. This weekend, he’s gone 7-for-12 with 2 HRs and 6 RBI. In addition, he has walked 6 times. That’s an OBP of .722

July 24, 2022

Riley Thompson returned from a stint on the Developmental List to fire three shutout innings. It was a trying first half, coming off a missed 2021 (and obviously 2020) seasons. Hopefully he’s knocked the rust off and yesterday indicates he is ready to take off in the second half. He’s one of the more talented arms in the system, and Rule 5 eligible in the offseason, so the Cubs need to gather a lot of information before the end of the year in order to make an educated roster decision on him.

Walker Powell shined in his four innings of relief as well. He’s been served well by the BABIP dragon since arriving in Tennessee, but he always pitches with better command than most AA pitchers. Not sure the stuff ever gets to be MLB caliber, but he is a big guy and has increased his velo since turning pro, so maybe there’s a little more left in the tank.

Top Performers

Alexander Canario: 4-4, 2B, HR (17), 3 R, 2 RBI, BB (.254)Bryce Ball: 3-5, 2B, R (.282)Jake Slaughter: 1-2, 2B, R, 2 RBI, SB (18) (.320)Bradlee Beesley: 2-5, R, 2 RBI (.212)Yonathan Perlaza: 0-2, 3 BB (.248)Chase Strumpf: 1-2, HBP (.250)Riley Thompson: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K (6.48)Walker Powell: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (W, 2-2, 1.59)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Chase Strumpf exited after being hit by a pitch.

Ben Hecht has recovered from 2021 TJS and has rejoined the Smokies. He was pitching very well prior to going down with the elbow issues, so hopefully he can pick up where he left off.

High-A

South Bend 13, Quad Cities 12

Game Recap

An unexpected power outburst from the South Bend lineup led the way to 13 runs, and every one of them proved necessary. Jake Washer, the most unexpected HR hitter in the system this season, posted his second two-homer game of the season:

Speaking of Jake Washer @OutOfTheVines pic.twitter.com/9LF5x4Gg0R

July 24, 2022

Washer, Rinse and repeat pic.twitter.com/CANmMeFaix

July 24, 2022

As @MaxThoma points out, Jake Washer has the second highest fly ball rate in the system (min. 180 PA). This swing shows exactly why. pic.twitter.com/PBqPNnwSwj

July 24, 2022

But, he wasn’t the only one to go deep. Jordan Nwogu hit his 7th of tghe season, and then South Bend also received two more from unexpected sources: Yeison Santana hit his first of the year, and Casey Optiz hit the first of his career.

Jordan Nwogu ties the game with his 7th HR of the year. pic.twitter.com/URHyDvVLb9

July 24, 2022

He knew it too. pic.twitter.com/sLseuhSOht

July 24, 2022

First professional HR for Casey Opitz! pic.twitter.com/BESBgTXiHY

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Jake Washer: 4-5, 2B, 2 HR (12, 13), 4 R, RBI (.301)Yeison Santana: 1-2, HR (1), 2 R, RBI, 2 BB (.255)Jordan Nwogu: 2-5, HR (7), R, RBI (.237)Casey Opitz: 1-4, HR (1), R, 2 RBI, BB (.192)Kevin Made: 3-5, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI (.250)Pete Crow-Armstrong: 1-5, 2B, R, RBI, SB (7) (.258)Eduarniel Nunez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K (3.47)

Low-A

Charleston 2, Myrtle Beach 0

Top Performers

Tyler Santana: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, BB, 5 K (L, 7-1, 2.31)Frankie Scalzo Jr: 1.2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (4.50)Juan Mora: 1-3, BB, SB (4) (.287)Jacob Wetzel: 1-3 (.209)Felix Stevens: 1-3 (.213)

It’s time to let the creative juices flow once more!

It’s been a while since I have done it.
Put words to the page and then I’ve spun it.
Sending to readers a timely missive.
Hoping my followers aren’t too dismissive.
I’m not sure of precise causation
That caused two weeks of blog cessation.
What was it kept my fingers napping
Instead of on the keyboard tapping.
It started when two lines appeared
On the COVID test I’d commandeered.
The first line meant the test was working.
The second confirmed the virus’s lurking.
Two Moderna shots then double boosted.
Yet still in my nose the microbe roosted.
With coughs and sneezes and feeling sickly.
Into quarnatine I disappeared quickly.
So empty moments were now my friend.
Hours of leisure I thought I’d spend.
Writing blogs ’bout things that were popping.
I might have been sick but the world was not stopping.
My mind was all foggy, could not concentrate at
The things going on that I’d want to debate at.
But now it’s much better and I’m seeing clearly
Here are some things I missed most severly.
There were hearings in DC that were causing a ruckus
They told how Trump and his friends were trying to f*ck us.
Thanks to Adam, Elaine and of course Ms Liz Cheney.
We were sure mesmerized learning about how insane he.
The planet is hotter, it’s like a fire pit glowing
Who knows just what to our kids we’re bestowing.
Heat waves, deadly storms, and still the President’s action
Was blocked by refrains from coal’s friend Hot Joe Manchin.
But up in the cosmos there was such delight
As the Webb telescope provided a sight.
Of the universe edges as they were at formation
I say it’s Big Bang, some say God’s creation.
Those topics I missed while my brain it was snoozing
So my silence for weeks I hope your excusing.
I’ll do what I can to get back up to snuff.
For reading this verse, I can’t thank you enough.

_________________________________

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