Dear Alan Gribben

Dear Alan Gribben,

If my intentions with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn were for it to be massively read, I would've made Jim a vampire.

Sincerely, Mark Twain

Valentine's Special

For all you romantic day dreaming, cheesy gift loving, chick flick watchers out there who are looking for a happy ending play, be sure to check out The Cherry Orchard. Full of compassionate characters willing to do anything for each other, this play truly brings out the best in people. As you start reading, you'll realize everyone's concerned for Varya's happiness. They all know Lopahin's deeply in love with her so they try to get them engaged. Lopahin, being the shy fellow that he is doesn't have the guts to propose. As you keep turning the pages, you find yourself anxiously waiting for Varya to marry Lopahin, Lopahin to buy the Cherry Orchard and give it to Lybov as a present, and everyone to be rich again and live together HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

I wouldn't want to spoil the ending, so to finish off, I'll promise you one thing:

You know that feeling you get when you're watching C.S.I and you suddenly realize the killer has been X guy all along? By the end of Act III, you'll feel something similar.

So sit your lonely self on the couch, pick up the play and enjoy. Happy Valentines!

The Cherry Orchard

Some wood and leaves

And flowers and dirt that cannot move.

A thick trunk with many rings of life
Has seen it all,
Survived it all,

Has never changed,

Has lived forever.

The Cherry Orchard

Provided shade for the slaves,

Made young Lyubov happy with her flowers.

Reminds old Lyubov of the past.

And now the old mother must be cut.

She who has become a history book.

Her pages never to be read.

Never to be understood.