Bit to Do

There is this concept known as the “American Dream.” Definitions vary, but the basic idea is that anybody living in our country has the opportunity for financial success, given you have the drive and determination to do what it takes. I, however, think that the current “American Dream” can be summed up in one word: fame. Everybody wants to be famous, and in today's world of reality television and internet culture, it's easier than ever to achieve Andy Warhol's “fifteen minutes of fame.” Interestingly, fame and celebrity no longer requires any sort of talent, just the willingness to act like an ass in front of the world (see: Rebecca Black, Antoine Dodson, the cast of “Jersey Shore”). Oh, and being a murderer helps, too. Why are we fine with O.J. Simpson walking around? He was acquitted, but who really

believes in his innocence? Or Casey Anthony? As a parent, I was eager to see the courts tear her to shreds, but she was let off – and immediately she started a video blog which got news coverage because, hey, famous!

Which brings us to tonight's Monday Night Movie at Iroquois Amphitheater: “Chicago,” set in the glitz and glamor of – where else – jazz-era Chicago. The story tells of two murderesses on death row, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly (Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, respectively) who hire celebrity lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere, in perhaps his finest performance) to overturn their sentence. His strategy? Turn Roxie and Velma into stars, knowing the public would protest the execution of two much-beloved celebrities – because apparently people have

always

been awful.

“

Chicago” plays tonight for free at the Iroquois Amphitheater at 8:30. The amphitheater is located at 1080 Amphitheater Road in Iroquois Park.

Image: Internet Movie Database