Writers Week

This year's Writers Week was thoroughly enjoyable - I enjoyed every performer I saw. I love the concept of Writers Week because as a high school student in the suburbs, I rarely get an opportunity to see performances of this caliber. Really, the only exposure I get to the writing world is when I attend the Palatine Poetry Slams. For this reason, Marc Smith was my favorite performance. His is the epitome of the Writers Week spirit, so it was fitting that he ended the festivities. I had never seen him before this year but had heard great things, and my expectations were exceeded. Not only did he walk on the banisters, but his act was fantastic. His poems were unlike many I've heard before because they were unpretentious, funny, and honest without sounding whiny. I particularly like his Socialist poem. Even though I myself am a Democrat, I was surprised he could formulate such an engaging poem out of his Socialist views. (the "money makes the world go 'round" song was especially funny). I was most impressed by Smith because of his huge reservoir of poems. To memorize that many lines and rhymes and be able to recite them in a manner that makes it seem as if he is making the poems up on the spot is an incredible talent. My favorite poem of his was the menagerie poem because he involved the audience and really make the poem into a show.

Another funny guest at Writers Week was Scott Woldman. Although I don't think I heard him say more than a sentence, his actors spoke volumes for his sense of humor. "Speed Dating: The Musical" was a highly enjoyable and hysterical play. The "sleep with me" song, the line about having a "fat condition," and the title "Dr. Nasty Pants M.D." were a few of my favorite quotes from the play. My favorite character was definitely the older female sexual predator; her song to Mr. Schaeffer was one of the funnier things I had seen in a while. All of the actors were very talented, and I liked seeing the play in its rehearsal stages. I was shocked at how good they were, considering how little time they had had with the script. I also liked learning about the casting and practice process.

The third comical performer I saw was Regie Gibson. A talented poet, Regie used satire to poke fun at his wife, George Bush, and his former neighbor. While some of his more serious poems were really insightful, my favorites were the satirical poems. I love his mock State of the Union address, and his George Bush impersonation was harsh but still funny. He also involved the audience by asking us to repeat "amen, hallelujah, boom-shaka-laka-laka-laka-laka-BOOM" after his "dedication prayers." He ended the hour with a great musical poem sccompinied by a solo on the bongo drums.

I also loved the student performances I saw at Writers Week. Although I didn't submit an application this year, I'm definitely going to find something to read next year. I don't want to miss the opportunity to be a part of something like Writers Week, and I have only one more year to present!