Beyond the Pale

There has been a spike in discussion herein regarding the popular portrayal of Italian-Americans (generally) and organized criminals (specifically), and the ways in which unthinking people equivocate between the two. It's good to see that folks posting here "get it" and even though there may be an unintentional slip now and then, all or most of this little society don't fall into the stereotypers' camp. That said, let's not forget for a minute that there are many who continue to propogate this stereotype, and for a profit, which makes me inclined to consider them more as cynical than ignorant (although probably some of each), to wit:

Soprano's Last Supper

Most dinner theater is of questionable taste; this one takes the cake. And apparently it's a national franchise. There is an ad in this week's Reader (Section 2, p. 28 ); they're performing this little wonder in Elmhurst and Bridgeview over the next couple of months.

But that's just ONE production, and again, it's dinner theater, so...eh. But on page 27 of Section 2 in this week's Reader we find the ultimate: an ad for the following, "legitimate" theatrical production: The Way of the Wiseguy. Yes, folks, its "Murder, armed robbery and more laughs than you can count!" Big Hollywood Names are involved in the production, which (sweetly) opens on Valentine's Day. It's "the first BIG HIT of the year" (get it? Badda-Bing!). Wonder if it's opening in a garage on North Clark Street? Sheesh.

Apparently, a lot of work remains to be done.

I have a philosophy toward many food and entertainment options in the city targeted to suburbanites and tourists, which is, anything that takes them away in bulk from where I want to be is a good thing.

This phenomenon, however, may be pushing it.

Isn't there a revival of Beatlemania or Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamgirls Who Have Considered Suicide When Rainbow Brite Is Not Enuf Z'Nuff or something they could be going to?

Gosh...

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