Arnie The Doughnut

The Monday Nut

Do you like surprises? I do. And if you're like most people, even those who vehemently resist the surprise, secretly desiring it that much more, you probably do too. With that in mind, I hope I never stop being surprised by where I randomly find donuts. When I say "randomly find donuts" I'm not talking under the couch or in the right hand pocket of my sport coat, or even in my mouth unexpectedly; it happens more than you think. I'm speaking more in a cultural sense, though geographic locations and obscure places are welcome too.

For today's surprise let's look at Arnie The Doughnut, the new play which was performed this Spring at Chicago's Lifeline Theatre. I know what you're thinking, I'm just surprised that no one has written a play about me yet and that I'm not a donut too; to the 1st thought, no, and to the 2nd, if I keep eating them I soon will be one.

From the Lifeline site: "Arnie, a lovable chocolate-covered doughnut with sprinkles, is the happiest pastry in the bakery when he’s finally selected to be taken home by a new owner. But when mild-mannered Mr. Bing tries to eat the unsuspecting Arnie, both are in for the surprise of their lives. Embark upon a hilarious quest to redefine human/doughnut relations with a pair of true originals, in this world premiere musical adaptation by the creators of Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch."

A story brimming with coming of age themes coupled with self-discovery and exploration which only the personality of a donut can truly embody. Would anyone really care if this was a muffin? I dare say not. Each donut, like each person, has it's own individual characteristics, shapes, sizes and flavors which can easily portray the human experience if we project upon it. Couple the donuts unique sensibility with its natural proclivity towards humor and I think we can bet on finding our friends popping up in unusual places for the foreseeable future.

Let me know where you find donuts. :)