As soon as I returned from Paris after the premiere of Les Miserable in Concert I began building our booth from my design on paper for the Chicago Art & Design Show at Navy Pier's exhibit hall. A very busy month and a half to say the least. Really loved being in Paris to see my little Cosette being used for this European touring musical production. Was very humbled and it meant a lot to me when the producers Philippe, Magda and the entire cast applauded me for in providing them my image of Cosette for the use in their production. The performance was spectacular and will never forget that moment. Nor will I forget all that I and Mari Jo did in such a short amount of time even with it being cold and rainy 99% of the time. We were able to hit The Palais Garnier (The Paris Opera House) where many of my Phantom of the Opera pieces took place. We could not leave without visiting the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and of course the Louvre where many of my hero's works are displayed. They had two marble sculptures by Michelangelo there and stood for a very long time absorbing the one artist/sculptor that was my greatest inspiration growing up. l stood there looking at every chisel mark by this the greatest sculptor of all time. I followed that which was not finished next to that which was and could see what he was seeing beneath the stone. Another moment I will never forget.
Thank you to everyone in Paris for all your kindness and generosity especially Philippe Barreau and Magda Hadnagy of CITYPROD in Paris in making me and Mari Jo feel so welcome. We enjoyed meeting you and can't wait to do it all again sometime soon.
Brad
Outside the Palais des congrès de Paris on the day we arrived.
The Palais des congrès de Paris lit up at night. Taken an hour before the show started.
Inside the Palais des congrès de Paris an hour before the show started.
Found my little Cosette everywhere including on this women's tote bag.
Ahhhh... How sweet it is!
Mari Jo & I share a very powerful weakness ... Macaroons!!
The one artist I admired more than any other growing up was Michelangelo. This is one of two marble sculptures they have in their collection at the Louvre.
Some hot chocolate on a cold and rainy day at a pastry shop across from Notre Dame.