Monthly Archives: October 2011
30% OFF Hotel Deals in Boystown for Fall
The smell of Fall is in the air!
And the holiday season is right around the corner! And many of us have friends and family that come to Chicago for holiday shopping and fun!
Boystown, Lakeview and North Halsted areas all have lots going on, PLUS there are 3 great choices to pick for accommodations, that are conveniently located near everything!
City Suites , The Majestic and the The Willows .
The historic City Suites Hotel in Chicago offers the upscale traveler an unmatched degree of service with upgraded premier amenities to compliment its beautiful Art Deco interior. Accenting the architecture details of this 1920’s “Roaring Twenties” gem, the City Suites Hotel exudes a sleek Art Deco architecture style, great ambiance and striking visual detail.
The Majestic Hotel often leaves behind an enduring impression on many guests and visitors. Built in the style of an English Manor Estate, this breathtaking boutique hotel combines the majestic allure of a Victorian boutique hotel with a welcoming ambiance. The luxurious Majestic Hotel in Chicago is set in the picturesque and famous Chicago neighborhood of Lakeview and Wrigley Ville just minutes away from downtown and a block from the scenic Lake Michigan.
Inspired by 19th century French Victorian décor, the Willows Hotel in Chicago is the epitome of modern day elegance. Built during Chicago’s “Roaring Twenties”, a rich historical past surrounds the Willows Hotel located in Chicago’s most exclusive and famed Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhood area. In 2005, the Willows Hotel was officially recognized as a historic Chicago landmark building.
NOVEMBER a chill is in the air, the leaves are off the trees, and Chicago gears up for the upcoming holiday season. THANKSGIVING is the kick off of the holiday shopping season, but many locals and tourists start their shopping earlier, as merchants start displaying all of their offerings earlier. Who wants to wait to the last minute and get stuck with limited selections? If you are in town for Thanksgiving, make your reservations early! All the best spots fill up quickly, as many people dine out this day. Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry and the official lighting and holiday parade downtown is November 19. And of course, there is also a Thanksgiving Day Parade downtown.
DECEMBER of course, the whole month is a peak time – full of shoppers and holidays parties, and holiday walks. Christkindlmarket is in full swing downtown, Michigan Avenue bustles with shoppers, and the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights are on every evening. North Halsted and Boystown and Lakeview are full of retail sales and specials and there are lots of holiday events which will posted on Best Gay Chicago , as December gets closer. But every weekend is a busy weekend in December.
The City Inns Collection of Hotels pride themselves on their personalized care, premier service and exceeding the needs of their discriminating leisure and business travelers. The staff is passionate here and ensure an enjoyable and memorable stay – something you don’t often see in the big hotels downtown. These properties boast a welcoming “neighborhood” charm yet with all the services and amenities of a full-service hotel. Many packages are available depending on your interests.
BOOK TODAY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY IN CHICAGO
ALL 3 PROPERTIES ARE OFFERING 30% OFF FOR FALL!
City Suites , The Majestic and the The Willows .
Best Gay Chicago
Zombie REVOLUTION Oct. 29
Chicago’s biggest and best party promoter returns Saturday, October 29th!
In June of 2011, Matthew Harvat, owner of Circuit Mom Productions, Inc. launched a new 4 part series of high end, large production gay dance parties called “REVOLUTION” at Chicago’s famed House Of Blues.
ZOMBIE REVOLUTION happens this weekend!
This Halloween event will feature a spectacular laser show to accompany the amazing talents of Grammy nominated producer/DJ/remixer Tony Moran, who’s gold record roster includes some of the biggest names in music. Cher, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Sting, Luther Vandross and Deborah Cox are but a few of Tony’s masterful success stories.
Pair this DJ’s brilliance with the set design, laser show, costuming and production numbers produced by Matthew Harvat featuring dancers from Chicago’s internationally successful dancers from the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company and Gus Giordano with choreography by Todd M. Kiech, and you have a night of Halloween Zombie madness you will not soon forget.
Chicago superstar DJ Phil DaBeatz has also come on board to bring his own tribal magic to this amazing party. A jam packed event of visual and aural pleasure in true Halloween and Circuit MOM fashion.
Avoid online fees – Tickets at CRAM now.
3329 N. Broadway
Tickets online now at clubtix.com
Occupy Chicago to Occupy City Hall Today!
RAHM EMANUEL
is making no friends this week.
Peace and social justice activists upset at Chicago police harassment of Occupy Chicago and verbal threats against those planning to protest the May 2012 G8/NATO summits will launch a non-violent action dubbed “Occupy City Hall” beginning at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, October 26 at the intersection of LaSalle and Jackson. The action will include a march on City Hall.
In light of the City’s arrests of peaceful Occupy Chicago protesters exercising their 1st Amendment rights last Saturday night and the Saturday before that, activists will be demanding that the City drop all the charges against the protesters. During and after the arrests, senior CPD officers and other city officials repeatedly remarked that the City’s arrests of over 300 were a dry run for crackdowns on anti-G8/NATO protesters next May.
In addition to dropping the charges against Occupy Chicago participants, we will also be demanding that the City allow a permanent 1st Amendment encampment for the Occupy movement, just as many other major cities now do.
SOFA Chicago Art and Design Show Nov. 4-6
THE ART FAIR COMPANY PRESENTS One Ticket Admits Patrons To Both Fairs
18TH ANNUAL SOFA CHICAGO 2011
+ THE INTUIT SHOW OF FOLK & OUTSIDER ART
SIDE-BY-SIDE IN NAVY PIER’S FESTIVAL HALL NOV. 4 – 6
And Related Lecture Series,
Special Exhibits And Events
Opening Night VIP and
Public Preview Thursday, Nov. 3
SOFA CHICAGO 2011, the critically acclaimed International Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair, will share the Pier’s Festival Hall with The Intuit Show of Folk & Outsider Art. SOFA CHICAGO, now in its 18th year, enjoys the prestigious position of being the largest and longest continually running art fair in Chicago, a mainstay of the city’s cultural and social calendar.
The Chicago Sun-Times hails SOFA CHICAGO as “amazing,” and Bradley Lincoln of Chicago Home + Garden raves, “This is one of my favorite art shows in Chicago – I guarantee you will see some flashy, jaw dropping works of…genius.” The SOFA CHICAGO and Intuit Show’s joint Opening Night Preview on Thursday, Nov. 3 will be open to the public from 7 – 9 p.m. with ticket purchase.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sofaexpo.com.
THE Chicago Halloween Party NOT To Miss! Oct. 29th
In the spirit of giving back and sharing their successes, CircuitMOM Productions, Inc. has partnered with The StandUP Foundation, Inc, to stop the bullying of not only LGBT kids, but any child or person worldwide. A portion of each ticket sold goes directly to The StandUP Foundation, Inc, which in turn supports organizations that help combat this universal problem and keep kids safe, strong and builds self confidence.
Chicago’s biggest and best party promoter returns Saturday, October 29th!
In June of 2011, Matthew Harvat, owner of Circuit Mom Productions, Inc. launched a new 4 part series of high end, large production gay dance parties called “REVOLUTION” at Chicago’s famed House Of Blues.
With the audiences growing larger and stronger at each event, the fourth and final party, “ZOMBIE REVOLUTION” being held on Saturday, October 29, 2011 will not only end the eight year absence of a major Saturday night Halloween dance party for the gay community, but also cap off a spectacular first year of new events and only build excitement for the 2012 REVOLUTION series kicking off during next years Gay Pride.
This Halloween event will feature a spectacular laser show to accompany the amazing talents of Grammy nominated producer/DJ/remixer Tony Moran, who’s gold record roster includes some of the biggest names in music. Cher, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Sting, Luther Vandross and Deborah Cox are but a few of Tony’s masterful success stories.
Pair this DJ’s brilliance with the set design, laser show, costuming and production numbers produced by Matthew Harvat featuring dancers from Chicago’s internationally successful dancers from the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company and Gus Giordano with choreography by Todd M. Kiech, and you have a night of Halloween Zombie madness you will not soon forget.
Chicago superstar DJ Phil DaBeatz has also come on board to bring his own tribal magic to this amazing party. A jam packed event of visual and aural pleasure in true Halloween and Circuit MOM fashion.
We are keeping ticket prices very low in comparison to other events of this magnitude. We want to make the event more accessible to the masses, especially in the current economy.
Avoid online fees – Tickets at CRAM now.
3329 N. Broadway
Tickets online now at clubtix.com
CHECK OUT THE ZOMBIE Opera Box giveaway today on Circuitmom.com ! It’s only running for a week!
Rahm is Proposing to Do Away With LGBT Council
Though an influential group of 200 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Chicagoans stood up behind Mayor Rahm Emanuel and endorsed his candidacy earlier this year, many LGBT activists in the Windy City expressed alarmed at the new mayor’s latest move: a proposed budget that eviscerates their community’s city-sponsored advisory council. At the latest meeting of the city’s Advisory Council on LGBT Issues, the Windy City Times reports that many council members are hoping to “go down fighting” against their council being combined with the city’s Women’s Issues Advisory Council under a new name: the advisory council on Gender and Sexuality. Some council members object both that the words “lesbian,” “gay,” “bisexual” and “transgender” have been removed from the council’s title and that they were not consulted with concerning the change. In a previous story addressing the cuts, the Windy City Times reported that the council’s director, Bill Greaves, will lose his job as of January 1. The council’s chair Beth Kelly said the change “sends a message that Chicago does not care about this community.” Kit Duffy, the first-ever LGBT liaison to the mayor, added that the change “signals a lack of recognition, and I think it signals an ignorance of impact.”
READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON HUFFINGTON POST
OCCUPY CHICAGO resumes tonight 10-22-2011
At Occupy Chicago we understand this as a gross violation of our First Amendment right to peacefully assemble. Free speech and assembly is a 24 hour right. It does not magically disappear at the park’s Curfew. In a world that continues to have its public space privatized, indeed that continues to have all things public stolen from us, it is essential that we reclaim and build a public space to bulwark ourselves against the oncoming tide ofcorporate greed. We are trying erect a public space, one that is not owned or sponsored, where ideas, democracy, and the resistance against the ever increasing cuts that affect all us, can be fostered.
Saturday
Ambra Salon and European Spa Voted Best in Chicago!
Isn’t 40 the new 30?! Most gay men are vain. Admit it. You know who you are. We are obsessed with body image, good looks and a youthful appearance. Luckily my mother always preached Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! And I did. Plus I worked in Skin Care for Neiman Marcus for 2 years, so I know there are many products out there that can in fact slow down the hands of time. The attitude that skin care is a feminine pursuit has changed. More and more men are becoming concerned with good grooming and health on appearance. Straight men included. Men need to care for their skin no less than women do. They tend to work under harsher conditions and to get greater exposure to pollution. I have one word for you….PREVENTION. I am not a novice when it comes to facials and skincare. I’ve been diligent in taking care of myself for more than 10 years. I am glad when people comment on how clear, luminous and smooth my complexion is. When it comes to skincare, I don’t go for a bargain. I go for quality. I learned that in this country, bargain and quality almost never coincide. So, for me, when I pay for quality, I am making an investment that is going to translate into great value later on. When I go for a facial, I look for precision in removing all of the junk out of my face in a manner that is clean and gentle. What matters is that my skin remains clear of blemishes, luminous, well hydrated and firm. When I leave my facial, I want to be able to go about my business without being red from inflammation. A few months ago I discovered Ambra Salon and European Spa downtown. 8000 sq. ft. facility with 7 spa treatment rooms, 1 couples treatment room, 14 styling stations, 9 manicure stations, 6 pedicure stations and a spray tan room. “Thirteen years ago I had a special plan in mind—to provide clients with a refuge from stresses of everyday life.” says owner Marie Bartkova, who is originally from Prague. “We opened in 1998 on N. Rush St. with 2 manicure stations, 3 facial rooms, 2 massage rooms and 2 portable pedicure stations. In October 2008, during a tough economy, we were growing and needed to expand to accommodate Ambra’s overwhelming demand. We moved to 1 W. Superior St above Roy’s restaurant. The move allowed us to expand our service menu by incorporating a full hair salon and total spa department.” -Ambra currently offers a full service menu for salon and spa treatments including specialty treatments such as:Different types of Massages, Laser Hair Removal, Hair Extensions, Full Salon Services, Waxing, manicures, pedicures, and Facials. -Designed to naturally improve the condition of the skin and enhance its appearance. Each skin type is treated individually according to personalized needs and desires.Including 24K Gold and Caviar Facials. -Medical cosmetics such as Botox and Juvederm are available. -Ambra carries exclusive product lines such as: Biodroga, Pevonia, Rene Furterer, Prive, Schwarzkopf, Goldwell and Biosculpture. “We provide a full menu of body treatments, hair styling, nail services and basic chiropractic care. Both men and women can opt for single treatments or a daylong pampering session featuring massage, nail care, facial and a catered lunch.” says Marie. Everyone is SO friendly here. The atmosphere is very pleasant, with a very modern decor and it has a nice calm vibe. The space is immaculate, ALL OF THE TIME! Tabatha Coffey would be proud!
40. There!
I said it.
I turned 40, so what?!
“My staff and I are dedicated to bringing you back to balance with our expertise in hair care and spa services. So whether you’re looking for a quick “pick me up” over lunch or a full day of self indulgence, I invite you to experience Ambra Salon & European Spa.”
“There are moments when the mind surrenders to the soul, when time stands still and the body travels into a state of relaxation and well being. In today’s fast-paced world these moments are difficult to discover.”
At Ambra Salon and European Spa, these moments happen every day. Come see why their clients say they are the best in Chicago!
VOTED 5 PINK CROWNS!
Chicago Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary Upon receipt of a major gift from philanthropist Ruth Lilly, the Poetry Foundation was established in 2003, evolving from the Modern Poetry Association, which was founded in 1941. The Poetry Foundation is one of the largest literary foundations in the world. The Poetry Foundation works to raise poetry to a more visible and influential position in American culture. Rather than celebrating the status quo, the Foundation seeks to be a leader in shaping a receptive climate for poetry by developing new audiences, creating new avenues for delivery, and encouraging new kinds of poetry. In the long term, the Foundation aspires to alter the perception that poetry is a marginal art, and to make it directly relevant to the American public. Building Hours: 11AM – 4PM Garden Hours: 9AM – 5PM Library Hours: See library information for details
organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience.
Celebrating nearly 100 YEARS!! When Harriet Monroe founded Poetry magazine in 1912, she wrote that her publication was “a modest effort to give to poetry her own place.” Now, nearly one hundred years later, poetry quite literally has that place. Opened to the public in June 2011, the building houses a public garden, a 30,000-volume library, an exhibition gallery, the Poetry Foundation’s programming offices—including the offices of Poetry magazine—and provides new space for the Foundation’s extensive roster of public programs and events. – Their building on Superior is a MUST SEE.
61 West Superior Street Chicago, IL 60654
$20 Champagne Brunch at El Mariachi Tequila Bar and Restaurant
BRUNCH at El Mariachi just got even better! This week they introduce the $20 Champagne Brunch with free flowing Mimosas.
Saturdays & Sundays are great for brunch at EL Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill. Their superb Champagne Mimosa Brunch has an extensive Brunch menu which includes chilaquiles, skillets, omelettes, tortas and lots of Mexican favorites. The food here is always EXCELLENT!
All Breakfast items are made to order and freshly prepared.
Adrian, one of the two brothers who helps run the restaurant has been working with his father since the age of 11! He prides himself on quality management. “We pride ourselves on selecting quality ingredients and not skimping to save a few pennies, like some restaurants might do. Everything is fresh and made to order. “
If you love guacamole, you have to get it here and they make it to order tableside. It’s ALWAYS good. Never thinned down like some restaurants will blend in sour cream. Just fresh, pure, quality ingredients. Just recently a new chef came onboard and suggested they add just a few drops of avocado oil to the guacamole which gives it a nice smooth texture and finish.
The $20 Champagne Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
EL Mariachi’s custom roasted coffee and an entree from our brunch menu are included. And unlimited Mimosas.
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill’s is simply perfect for any occasion. It’s the perfect setting for big get togethers or a casual afternoon between friends!
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill 3906 N Broadway Ph. 773.549.2932
Night of 100 Drag Queens Oct 25-26
VIP Reception & Show Includes early admission for a VIP Reception beginning at 7:00p.m. Doors open for General Admission at 8:00pm Door tickets: $25.00 per person General Admission Show Doors open for General Admission at 8:00pm Door tickets: $15.00 per person (IF AVAILABLE)
Advance tickets as low as $10! This event is sure to sell out.
GraveYard Glamour Ball Oct. 28
Civil Rights Agenda
Halloween Fundraiser
Graveyard Glamour Ball and will be held on Friday, October 28 in the Industrial Ballroom of the Ravenswood Event Center.
4011 N Ravenswood Ave
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love Halloween and I cannot wait to join other LGBT civil rights supporters and dance as DJ Bern and DJ Curley spin all night.
The event begins at 8pm and ends at midnight, and for $55 you receive a hosted bar for all four hours, as well as light food.
We will be raffling off amazing prizes and Jayson and I will also be judging a costume contest with prizes, so get your Graveyard Glamour on and join us on the red carpet!
Tickets are $65 at the door, so make sure you purchase your tickets online. See you there!!
FREE Film Screening -CUT: Slicing Through the Myths of Circumcison Oct. 13th
The Whole Network
is proud to present independent film maker Eliyahu Ungar-Sargon and his film “Cut: Slicing Through the Myths of Circumcision.”
The 70 minute film takes a critical look at the usually unquestioned practice of infant circumcision from the director’s Jewish perspective. Mr. Ungar-Sargon will host a discussion after the screening.
CUT is a documentary which discusses male circumcision from a religious, scientific, and ethical standpoint. Using cutting-edge research, in addition to interview footage of rabbis, philosophers and scientists, CUT challenges the viewer to confront their biases by asking difficult questions about this long-standing practice.
The screening is free to the public. To cover room rental snacks and drinks will available for sale. Children are welcome to attend the event with an adult, but please note that the film does contain footage of a circumcision.
For more information visit the film’s website at
Thursday October 13th, 2011
7:00pm Introductions and screening
8:30pm Discussion
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington (enter at 625 Church St)
Evanston, IL 60201
New Gay Parties Set To Rock Chicago! Oct. 13
A new party concept is about to take Chicago by storm! Think you’re fearless? Think again. There are an infinite number of phobias (multiplying daily) with over 500 medical related phobias listed online. Some phobias have never been appropriately labeled. There are phobias with tongue-twisting pronunciations that might have been too difficult and fearful for even Einstein to attempt to pronounce. – Hippopotomnstrosesquipedaliophobia – fear of long words. What scares YOU? What do YOU fear? Producer and phobia visionary, Experience the incredible fun and fear of EVENT-A-PHOBIA! Do you dare come to our sneak preview? Be brave — take a deep breath and get ready to be AFRAID.
EVENT-A-PHOBIA™ is a new and exciting concept, which cleverly and uniquely allows people to finally address that serious, and unspoken subject — FEAR via entertainment and merriment.
clowns – coulrophobia
snakes – snakephobia
spiders – aracnophobia
bogeyman – bogyphobia
heights – acrophobia
confined spaces – claustrophobia
Will Harrison aka visuwil® of visuwil LLC.
is known for his creative, whimsical, and edgy theme settings.
To express and bring to life his phobia theme, he incorporates extraordinary costumed artists, extravagantly masked models, 3D props, eye-popping decor, stimulating live music, and, of course, your favorite flow of libations all staged within a selected nightlife or social environment.
Do you dare enter this unusual realm of phobias?
Do you dare attempt to face your own personal fears?
Come experience the EVENT of all EVENTS!!!
DJ Phil DaBeatz
EVENT-A-PHOBIA™ parties make it FUN to play with your fears — “visualize your innermost fear … and play with it”
Thursday, Oct, 13th HYDRATE 11pm-4am 3458 N. Halsted
Rosie O’Donnell NOW PLAYING in Chicago on OWN Gives Interviews Today
The out, proud mom of four is ever funny, packed with high-energy and AUTHENTIC – a talk show with a heart – no two days of THE ROSIE SHOW will be alike. Rosie will cover current events, spotlight hometown heroes and newsmakers, showcase the arts, celebrate kids and families, as well as feature well-known and upcoming talent. All done here in Chicago at Harpo Studios. The other day in Chicago, I went to Millennium Park, to a Broadway concert. I’m acting as if I’m allowed to live like this, and the people in the city are allowing me. It feels good to be here. I even had to wait for a table at Gino’s East. I walked in, and they said, “Name?” I said, “Rosie.” They said, “Hi, Rosie. Welcome to Chicago. Sit down, it’ll be 20 minutes.” It wasn’t like there was a line outside—and there were empty tables, too! I thought, Well, this is going to take some getting used to, but it’s a good lesson!”
AS YOU MUST KNOW BY NOW,
Rosie O’Donnell is bringing her wisdom, talent and brilliant sense of humor (and don’t forget NICE!) to THE ROSIE SHOW. Airing begins October 10th on OWN.
At the heart of the show is Rosie’s genuine desire to entertain, inspire and connect with America. As a down-to-earth mother, passionate advocate for children and all-around inquisitive individual, Rosie will relate to her audience in meaningful ways-touching their hearts, sparking their minds and making them laugh.
I caught up Rosie today in between press meetings. Shows will be taped and aired the same day to be relevant.
“I am very excited to be here in Chicago. I really didn’t know much about Chicago. I had only been here a few times. BUT WOW! Chicago is EPICALLY BEAUTIFUL! I got a Segway tour last week and we covered about 10 miles.
I was stuck in a hotel downtown for my first couple months here, but now have purchased a condo in Lakeview. One of the producers had owned the condo, it was totally redone and I told him I wanted it. Furnished. Leave me a couple night shirts and even some toilet paper. Everything! So I bought it!”
“It’s in a cool neighborhood, I can walk everywhere, walk to restaurants…I love it. Eveveryone keeps warning me about the WINTER. The COLD. My new place has a heated garage and even the roof deck has this melting device – so I think I am ready! I am just very excited to be here. The outpouring of love and support has been truly wonderful!”
Lucky for Chicago, Oprah grabbed Rosie when she did. Rosie had an offer on the table from NBC for a show. “Something kept me from signing on the dotted line. I had the contract on my desk for over week. But network TV didn’t feel right. And then, Oprah and I had a 4 hour meeting, and that was it.”
The Rosie Show is destined for greatness. This is just what OWN needed. The network has gotten off to slow start but the Rosie Show is just the shot in the arm, the network needs. O’Donnell isn’t worried about her new home on OWN. “I have tremendous faith in Oprah’s ability to do almost anything,” she says. “When she puts her mind to anything, it gets down. People ask if I feel pressure. I feel nothing but privilege, really.” She lated added, “If you look at the launch of any cable channel, it takes three years. The people are just waiting for us to fill up the programming. Its going to be a huge hit like everything else Oprah touches.”
OPRAH SAID, “In 25 years of doing my show, only one competitor ever seriously challenged me in the ratings: Rosie O’Donnell. From the day Rosie took her place among the crowded field of talk show hosts, I knew she had that “It” thing: She was as sharp as she was authentic, as forthright as she was funny. During six seasons of NBC’s The Rosie O’Donnell Show, she not only won 11 Emmys—she knew how to use her screen time to truly connect.”
One thing that sounds really great about the new show, is its not about quantity, but quality of guests. Rather than trying to cram in 3 guests a day for 5 minute spots, the show will feature one guest on for several segments.
“Since I’ve been off the air, television has become saturated with celebrities. In America we’re addicted in a way that’s embarrassing. So it’s not going to be all about celebrity. It’ll be a celebration of humanity, of connection, of authenticity and love.
Because it’s on at 7, we’re going to do a hybrid between a late-night show and a daytime show. We’ll incorporate the audience. We’ll use Twitter. We’ll use Facebook. We’ve come up with a new kind of talk show that mixes the old single-topic format with fun and social media. So it will have a reality feel. We’ll have to get the kinks out, but the same way I knew the first one would work, I know this will work.“
Watch for a star studded opening week including a who’s who list of stars! Appearances by Salma Hyek, Lisa Kudrow, Gloria Estefan, Roseanne Barr, Sharon and Kelly Osborne, Ricky Lake, Gloria Steinem, Wanda Sykes, the cast of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Kevin Bacon, Fran Drescher , but she still has a wish list of other stars. “Adele has throat issues but as soon as she’s up and healthy she’ll be on,” she says. “I want to have Melissa McCarthy on. Never seen anyone as funny their first time as host of ‘Saturday Night Live.’ Emma Stone… Ryan Gosling I think is an amazing actor. I have a huge wish list.”
“I’m going to come out and do stand-up with a mic. I don’t really tell jokes and my stand-up was always more about stories, so I need a mic and a stand. I felt like Henny Youngman [without it]. I’ll do about ten minutes of stand up, then take questions from the audience like Carol Burnett did. So we’re gonna have a real lengthy sit down interview, not always a celebrity with something to promote. Then we have a human interest segment and we play a game at the end of every show…. This will be more fun than anyone imagined. I cheat, but it’s still fun.”
Whether it’s hilarious comedy and game segments, (Rosie LOVES The Price is Right) a live performance by a major recording artist, a celebrity visit, or a discussion of an issue important to Americans, THE ROSIE SHOW’s candid exploration of a wide variety of subjects will encourage all of us to laugh, love and live our best lives.
JERRY NUNN, freelance writer in Chicago, asked Rosie if we would see her at Sidetrack for Sunday ShowTunes anytime soon. “OH MY GOSH, WHEN? I didn’t know about it!! Will they play THE RINK with Chita Rivera and Liza Minnelli?? Very few people know the words to that. I could have a solo. I know all of the words! I could perform it!” – so keep an eye out for Rosie at Sidetracks!
* I have RCN and OWN is part of a news and information package I had to buy, for an additional $5.95 a month. But hey, it’ll be worth it!
BestGayChicago.com
Whoopi Goldberg to Speak at Chicago House Luncheon
That surprising remark was made by Whoopi Goldberg to the audience at the Absolutely Fabulous 2002 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Pride Awards in 2002. Given Whoopi’s history of public support for gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues, and the multiple lesbian and bisexual characters she has played on film, the announcement that Whoopi is bisexual probably shouldn’t come as a big surprise.
“There was a time I played on
both sides of the street.
Now I just go straight down
the middle of the street.”
Goldberg will be in Chicago Friday, November 4, 2011
for The 3rd Annual Speaker Series Luncheon
to benefit Chicago House.
Time: 11:30am-2:00pm
Where: Palmer House Hilton, Grand Ballroom
17 East Monroe Street, Chicago, IL
GET TICKETS ONLINE
Love Sucks Comes to Chicago November
Pride Films and Plays
presents the award-winning play
LOVE SUCKS, the company’s first fully staged production
Love Sucks by Rob Mersola, a not-so-romantic comedy of bad manners, opening November 3. In Love Sucks, we follow six romantically challenged philanderers through a 48-hour maze of the bars, back seats, and bathroom stalls of New York’s Lower East Side.
Love Sucks was recently named Best Production of a Comedy by the L.A. Scenie Awards, and Backstage Magazine hailed it as “90 minutes of down and dirty fun!”
PFP Artistic Associate John Nasca directs the comedy, which features PFP Artistic Ensemble members Valerie Heckman, Cyra K. Polizzi, Chad Ryan, Kevin Webb, and guest artists Edward Fraim and Adam Habben.
Executive Director David Zak says, “We are excited to take the next step in the growth of Pride Films and Plays. With scene study classes running at Center on Halsted beginning October 6 and the Screenplay Finale Weekend at COH October 20-23, this is an exciting time of growth for us.”
Love Sucks will be performed at Hydrate, 3458 North Halsted, with press opening Thursday, November 3 at 8 pm. Show times thereafter are Friday and Saturday at 8 pm through November 26. All tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets, or by calling 1 800 838 3006.
Director John Nasca is an Artistic Associate of PFP and co-founder and Artistic Director of Glitterati Productions. His directing credits include Gypsy, Mr. Shaw Goes to Hollywood, Beautiful Thing, The Ritz, and Moon Over Buffalo. He is also a 3-time Jeff-recommended costumer and the proud recipient of an After Dark Award. His costume work includes Vampire Lesbians of Sodom (Hartzell Productions), Anyone Can Whistle (Pegasus Players), Noises Off for producer/director Michael Leavitt, the Midwest premiere of Metropolis for Academy Award-winner Joseph Brooks, and Phantom (Porchlight). For Hell in a Handbag Productions, he designed Pussy on the House, Die! Mommie, Die!, Poseidon: An Upside-Down Musical, and Lady Ex. Other favorites include Follies, The Miracle Worker, Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Me and My Gal, The Little Foxes, Rigoletto, Annie, The Great White Hope, Tintypes, The Women, On the Waterfront, and at Drury Lane, Something’s Afoot.
About Pride Films and Plays
Pride Films and Plays, based in Chicago, links an international network of writers with professionals working in film and theater. PFP fosters excellent writing for the stage and screen that speaks not only to the LGBT community, but is essential viewing for our friends, family, and co-workers. Using stories with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters or themes, Pride Films and Plays develops human stories that become a cultural bridge to understanding. Through readings, contests, classes, screenings, and full theater productions, PFP engages artists and audiences in the full developmental process needed to make great artistic experiences. For more information, visit Pridefilmsandplays.com.
