Last night I had a date with Erica to go to an art opening. I was running a little late (as usual) and a block away from the opening I ran into a union demonstration. Unions - yay. Four block detour - boo. There were these clumps of cops hanging around hospital in riot gear and I wanted to snap a few pictures, but lately I'm feeling a little nervous about taking such pictures.
The show is in the City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower and is called "On With the Show!" It features protraits by Victor Skrebneski and two other photographers (Tom Maday and Michael Voltattorni) of people who work in Chicago theaters. Erica is an Assistant Ticket Office Manager at the Goodman Theater and had been photographed by Skrebneski back in February for the show. She was nervous going in, because she had no idea how her shots had come out, which one they might use, and so on.
When I finally met up with Erica she was waiting down the block from the Water Tower. "Someone's already recognized me and said 'Nice photo'," she said. As we got to the door of the Water Tower, Skrebneski grabbed Erica and manouvered her inside. "I have a surprise for you," he said.
Nine Erica Reids, filling up an archway. Erica was blown away. She was, as someone remarked to her that night, "the Queen of the exhibit."
And the photos are (as I expected) great. He really captured Erica -- serious and beautiful for about 20 seconds, and then laughing her head off (and even more beautiful).
There were many other fine photographs, including ones of people I know from other theaters -- Alison Riley, General Manager at Second City, Vivienne Dipeolu, also from the Goodman, and Nick Sandys, Fight Director for the Lyric Opera (and others).
(Click on this picture for a pop-up enlargement)
After the reception, Erica and I headed over to Aria to try the tiny tinis (on Chicagoist's recommendation). We got one round of 5 tiny martinis each and it was the perfect classy drunken end to a great evening of Erica-rock-stardom.
Comments
Fantastic. That looks awesome. I'm glad I got to meet the beautiful Erica!
Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | July 9, 2004 9:34 PM
Fuzzy! I am Erica's mother's best friend who lives across the street from the Reids here in Vicksburg. I am so excited for Erica (and you for having such a wonderfully beautiful and exciting girlfriend)! Thank you so much for sharing the photos and the story with Tricia and Davis so they could pass it on to me and all their other friends. I hope to see you in Vicksburg soon! Give Erica my best, please!
Love, Cheryl Swan
Posted by: Cheryl Swan | July 10, 2004 5:27 PM
I am Erica's very, very proud aunt in Vicksburg. I wish that I could see the show in person, but since I can't this is the next best thing. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Love ya, girl!
Linda
Posted by: Linda Antoine | July 10, 2004 8:53 PM
Wow! These photos are great! Luckily, we have some Erica Reid photos of our own! The question is, will she remember who we are, now that she's rich and famous? Ok , maybe she's not rich yet, but she will be, fer sher! And who is this Fuzzy guy? A mini-me of David Reid? We hear you and Erica make a perfect team -- a match made in Chicago. So when are you coming to Cape May? Skip Vicksburg and come here instead. We have the beach. What do they have there?
Posted by: Diana Cutshall | July 10, 2004 10:23 PM
Hey Fuzzy,
Is that your name? I was Erica' art teacher in high school. I always knew she was great and fabulous. She can even do art!! Just ask her.
She was my favorite student. Her brother was also my favorite student! They were great together! Still are!
Nancy Mitchell
Posted by: Nancy Mitchell | July 12, 2004 9:18 AM
Hello Fuzzy! I am another one of Erica's friends and am from Canton, MS. She and I were in theatre together around six years ago. Erica's photos are beautiful just as she is! I have always thought the world of her. I am coming to Chicago sometime between September and October so therefore I hope I can meet up with you guys.
Skyla Dawn Luckey
Posted by: Skyla Dawn Luckey | July 14, 2004 10:06 AM
Fuzzy, you have an absolute darling of a girlfriend! Erica and I have been friends since 2nd grade and you are so right about that laugh of hers. It absolutely makes you fall in love with her, doesn't it? Thank you so much for putting these pictures on your site- they are gorgeous! I only wish I could see them in person! Erica, you are absolutely beautiful inside and out. I miss you terribly and look forward to the day I get to see you again and hear that beautiful laugh! I love you! BBFFAAAH!
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Melton | July 20, 2004 8:54 PM