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A Confession, dear Chicago

by Lindsay Verstegen, cast member (Julia) of 1985

Bless me, Chicago, for I have sinned. It has been a looong time since my last confession.

I love the Lombardi legacy.

There, I said it. I said it out loud. I rarely advertise these sorts of ideas in the Windy City. I know better.

Let me explain…
Doing 1985, a play that is very Bear-centric, has it’s challenges.

Is it a challenge to hang out with some damn funny people in rehearsal night after night? Nah, there’s no challenge there. The whole cast of this show is funny and smart and makes me giggle nearly every night. I think I may finally have figured out how to resist laughing while onstage with Scott Oken.

Is it hard to adapt to this totalitarian state Chas Vrba has invented through writing this play? Nah, that’s okay too. The characters are dynamic and the lovely dynamic between Orwell’s concept for 1984 and this play are something to marvel at.

Is it a challenge to hear the words “I Love the Lombardi legacy!” shouted at full-voice by another character onstage and suppress the urge to jump up and down and holler along in joy, in blissful agreement?

YES, INDEED. NOW THAT IS A CHALLENGE.

I am from Wisconsin. Born and raised in Northeast Wisconsin where Packer attire WAS legitimate church attire and my Grandma’s collection of Packer earrings (and matching sweatshirts) was a sight to behold. Growing up, I have to be honest...I resented how much pride was put in our local team though, admittedly, I would never miss a game. I’ve been living in Chicago for over 6 years and now my Packer pride has reached unprecedented levels. The Packers are my local tribe, my home team and are now a lovely way for me to feel a connection to home for 3 hours a week, during football season. I call my dad during half-time to discuss the team’s performance and face my Chicago friends’ attacks on my team on a regular basis.

So to be in a play that is about the Bears, I employ my usual acting tactics...exploring objectives, looking at what the strongest choices to be made onstage might be, etc. etc. But despite the fact that I’m trained and studied in many schools of acting, there is something that I can never fully suspend my own onstage disbelief enough for....

jeering the Packers. cheering for the Bears.

This performance in 1985 may be my most challenging role yet.  I know you’re disappointed, Chicago, but my blood runs green and gold.