What was originally intended to be a train trip this weekend turned out to be a road trip in the car instead. Destination: Normal, Illinois to see Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey.
I’d decided against the train at the last minute because I had no idea about the area where I was being dumped out. What a mistake. And what a great town. A college town (redbird mascot on the sidewalk above) that boasts a super cute downtown.
At least super cute from what little I saw of it. I tend to plan my little adventures pretty well, but I don’t usually think to include a plan for not feeling well. What started as a dull headache in the morning turned into fever and chills by the time I got to town. So this is literally how my trip went: drove to town, found the theater (below), checked into hotel, went to bed. Got back up, went to see the movie, walked back to the hotel and got back into bed.
But oh, was it worth dragging my sorry self back out of bed. And not just because of the movie.
It was the whole experience.
The theater itself is on the National Register of Historic Places (originally opened in 1937) and it’s been completely renovated. Staffed primarily by volunteers, it’s in impeccable shape.
Here’s where it gets really fun. Ticket: $6. Candy and soda: $1 each.
Yes, I saw a movie with soda and junior mints for $8.
And not just any movie. A wonderful movie. It was everything I’d hoped it would be.
What a special film about a special man. I went in expecting to take away lessons of love from Elmo. Don’t get me wrong, love was a big theme. How could it not? But what really blew my mind was the intensity of Kevin Clash’s passion for his craft. It’s not a career, it’s a calling. He has an insatiable desire to acquire knowledge and obtain the highest level of perfection in his work. Elmo is magical — and it doesn’t happen by chance.
I will be taking my kids to see it as soon as it comes to St. Louis — and buying it when it comes out on DVD. I will also be going back to Normal — and I will be taking the train.
But now that I’m home and feeling a little better, I’ll be going to bed early tonight.
hey there, friends 
I drive past the Bloomington/Normal area every trip back to Missouri but have never stopped (aside from gas stations and the local Cracker Barrel). Had no idea you were going all the way to Normal for the movie. I hope to see it when it comes here, too. Crazy to think that it's playing in Normal but not Chicago or St. Louis? I think it was starting at Ragtag in Columbia, too maybe? Hope you feel better soon. Next time you go to Normal, maybe I will meet you there. 😉
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Still feeling rough. 😦 You would love that theater — we'll definitely have to do that.
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