My Old Flame

At the opening of The House Theatre's new show on Sunday, I spotted Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones chatting with House artistic director Nathan Allen at intermission. And judging from the look of unmitigated glee on Jones's face, I think it's safe to say that some embers remain of the four-alarm man-crush he had on Allen a few years ago. Back then, Jones would write things like, "Sup at this man's talent banquet while you can, Chicago!" (I'm paraphrasing.) "Someone this gifted, this charismatic, this handsome in a playfully boyish yet dashingly manly way, will get snatched up by one of the Coasts faster than you can doodle 'CJ + NA = TRU LUV 4-EVA' on all your various notebooks and stationery!"

At my old blog (2004-2005, RIP), I once imagined a musical number for Allen in which he comments on their relationship. It's set to the tune of "Have You Met Miss Jones?" by Rodgers and Hart (here's Bing Crosby singing it if you don't know it) but uses these lyrics:

"Have you met Chris Jones?"
Someone said as we shook hands
(His height was even with my knee).
And I said, "Chris Jones,
You're a man who understands
The many, many charms of me."
And all at once he lost his breath
And his heart raced as though on meth
And all at once he got this look in his eye.
Now I've met Chris Jones,
And I guess we're coupled 'til we die--
Chris Jones and I.

Jones has since moved on to other enthusiasms (Steep Theatre, Ellen Fairey, Wicked), but it was good to see the old ardor hasn't cooled entirely.

Comments

[Joe]

I saw the tantalizing smiles on both their faces as well. That's probably what got the show that 3rd star in his review.

I'm not familiar with the song though.