PREVIOUS PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
...while Bea was in Chicago, May 21st through May 31st, 2001

Photos from my meeting Bea can be found in the photo collection section.

From the news section ::

05.21.2001 - Today was the day I have dreamt about for years. The day that I finally met Bea Arthur. I have been 10 feet off the ground ever since. The pictures below were taken at our local gay bar here in Chicago, Sidetracks. Left, is Bea and Me, and to the right is Bea and my boyfriend Matthew. I was fortunate to be tipped off earlier that day, that Bea would be making an unannounced appearance at Sidetracks. My heart was pounding from then to when Bea pulled up in a white Lincoln Town Car outside of the bar. After talking to some people from Jam Theatricals, who were organizing the show, I was confirmed that she would be appearing and that I would be able to talk to her. I was also fortunate to be sitting just a few feet from where she was sitting and could watch her throughout the night like a hawk. After waiting patiently for the right moment, I was introduced to Ms. Bea Arthur. After talking with her for a few intense minutes, I introduced Matthew to her, where they talked for a few additional minutes. I then asked her if we could get a picture with her. At the moment she agreed the digital camera that Matthew had ready, shut off automatically, because it wasn't being used for a bit. So, Matthew had to turn it back on, which took a few moments. Bea then turned to me and said, "if he doesn't take the picture soon, I'm going to prune", then after a few more moments of Matthew frantically turning back on the camera, Bea reached her hand out and yelled, "Take the fucking picture", and at that very moment the picture took. She started laughing, because it captured her in the prime Maude moment....

Bea was so amazing, so sweet, so approachable, which surprises people, thinking that she is like Maude in real life. But, she isn't. I will be making a separate web page that will be capturing Matthew and I meeting Bea and her show while she is here in Chicago. I will write about the words exchanged between Bea and I, about the Christmas card that I re-gave her and this web site. I will be seeing the show 3 times, therefore, I will be able give a moment by moment review of her show. Also, I have been collecting anything newspaper clippings from the Chicago area for the next two weeks. I will be collaborating it all in one web site presentation. So check back in a few weeks!

05.23.2001 - Just wanted to write a quick little blurb about her opening performance here in Chicago last night. Again, I will be making a complete page wrapping up all the events while Bea was in Chicago within two weeks. I just wanted to express how wonderful she was in her show. Better then a strict autobiography of Bea, she shared all the people, performances, and songs that were dear to her throughout her life. She explained that she wanted everyone to feel like they were at her home for a visit. To sit down and have a visit with Bea! And that's how she made everyone feel.

It is a must see show... do not miss it for any thing! So, check back in a few weeks, after her show wraps up here in Chicago, for an exclusive sub-web site of 'And Then There's Bea in Chicago'!

05.26.2001 - Interesting thing happened here in Chicago on the radio! From the Chicago Sun Time: Actress Bea "The Golden Girls" Arthur just got censored? Arthur, who is in town for a few weeks for her one-woman show, ". . . And Then There's Bea," encountered an unexpected radio flap. Sneed is told that Bea recorded her own radio spots for the show, but WGN radio wouldn't air it because they think it's too lewd. Calls to WGN were not returned.

Also, thanks to my friend Jessica for pointing this out to me... Bea's show has an official website! How could I have missed this :) www.andthentheresbea.com [no longer valid] has her up-to-date tour schedule, radio spots, video clips, and much more! I was delighted to see this site listed in the links section as well!! Thanks again for letting me know Jessica!!.

Photo by Joan Marcus from the Chicago Free Press newspaper - 05.23.01

05.25.2001 - Thanks to Jam Theatrical's, Jeffrey, I was hooked up with free, front rows, seats last night. It was awesome to see Bea so up close again. This time I could really see her facial expressions and feel the songs that she sang from her heart. But, three will be a charm, when I see her again next Thursday for her closing night performance. Again, the show was unbelievable and just as entertaining. This time I took a note pad and jotted down everything, minute by minute. But during the show, I decided not to post this on my site. It wouldn't be fare to people who haven't seen the show yet, as well as Bea herself. It's a must see show, therefore... go, Go, GO, and see it for yourself. Period. If you have to fly half way around the world, it will be worth. I promise that. I will continue to work on a 'And then there's Bea in Chicago' sub-site, with more local articles, pictures, and personal experiences. But, again, will not be posting a minute by minute review.

I want to thank everyone who has emailed me. Its been overwhelming to say the least. It's been great to hear all your own personal stories, as well as, how passionately you feel towards Ms. Arthur. I try to get back to all of you, but forgive me if I'm a little slow. I also try to answer your questions as best to my knowledge, but please remember, I am not Bea, nor do I work for Bea (yet :) so please be realistic with your questions! Thanks.

06.01.2001 - 3 is a charm! Last night was Bea's last night in Chicago. It was also the 3rd time that I saw her show here... and I still haven't had enough! I felt it was the best show out of the three that I saw. The audience was extremely receptive. After the show, a few of us ran to the side of the building where Ms. Arthur's dressing trailer was. Everyone start singing the theme to Golden Girls. She opened the door and stuck her head out and thanked everyone for coming. Then she asked that everyone sing it again, which she loved. She then signed peoples show brochures and was very pleasant.

I then got a tip from a friend earlier that day that she was making another unannounced appearance at a local gay cabaret bar called Voltaire here in Chicago. So, after seeing Bea at her trailer, we hopped into a cab and bolted down to the bar. Sure enough, she came in. Though she was very tired she sat with everyone else and watched the cabaret show. After a few drinks her and Billy got up and sang one song to everyone. She sung 'Some People' that she also covers in her show. It was wonderful... absolutely wonderful.

Today I'm sad to know that Bea is no longer in Chicago. It was a wonderful 10 days. I collected many pictures and articles from the newspapers and anything else that I could find. I can't wait to see Bea and Billy soon... possibly in New York next spring, or some other city that she is touring sooner! We love you Bea...


<< Back to recent experience