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Chicago Takes Off for Charity March 5th
Chicago Takes Off
is the annual burlesque revue-style show where talented male and female dancers donate their time and energy to strut their stuff in support of TPAN . Colorful and energetic choreographed performances and entertainment engage audiences in this sexy celebration of life.
LOADED with entertainment this year, it’s going to be a great show! Murray Hill, dubbed as “the hardest working middle-aged man in show business,” will be making his second appearance as emcee on March 5 for the Test Positive Aware Network’s fundraising event Chicago Takes Off: Lido des Boyz, presented by Macy’s.
“Mr. Showbiz” will share his return appearance with famed burlesque performers Michelle L’Amour, Frenchie Kiss and Stage Door Johnnies.
In addition to the 130 volunteer performers and dancers, the show will also feature eclectic and magical stunts and acrobatics by The Midnight Circus, vocals by Black Betty’s lead singer Molly Callinan, modern dance by Fabrice Camels of Joffrey Ballet Chicago, and a special appearance by NBC Chicago’s LeeAnn Trotter and Alex Perez.
“We’re excited to bring such a wide variety of entertainment to one stage to benefit TPAN,” said Todd Kiech, co-producer of the event. “Our performers, crew members and technicians are providing a lot of talent (and some tiny costumes) to benefit this valuable community organization.”
In its fifth year, Chicago Takes Off has developed into a first-class variety show with classic burlesque elements, according to Keith Elliott, co-producer.
Glamorous costumes for the men will be eye-popping this year! “When TPAN first approached me about the show Todd said they were looking for big over the top Las Vegas Glamour but interpreted for the Male lead, and that he thought I might be the right man for the job,” says designer Ramsey J. Prince . “I smiled and said I am the ONLY man for that job!”
The theme for the 2011 Chicago Takes Off is modeled after the famed Lido cabaret in Paris. Performances are Saturday, March 5, with shows at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage.
“This event has grown in popularity—and notoriety—in just a few years,” said Rhett Lindsay, TPAN’s associate director of special events. “We sell out each show every year with more than 1,400 attendees.” To date, Lindsay said that more two-thirds of the tickets have been sold for the 2011 performances.
In addition to the volunteer cast and production crew, the benefit committee comprises more than 20 volunteers, 27 executive producers, and 15 host committee members/table captains.
Tickets range from $50 to $300 and can be purchased online at chicagotakesoff.org . If you’re unable to attend the event, but wish to support TPAN’s mission of providing HIV/AIDS services and programs in Chicago, raffle tickets can also be purchased and donations can be made online.
Macy’s has joined the event as the 2011 presenting sponsor; other sponsors include: Amalfi Hotel Chicago, Broadway Costumes, CoCo’s Heirloom Treasures, Frost, HMS Media, Orbitz, Park West, Paterno Group, Ramsey J. Prince Designs , Steamworks, and Visceral Dance Center.
Media sponsors are: BOI magazine, BestGayChicago.com , Chicago Reader, ChicagoPride.com, Comcast, Fusion Radio Chicago, GRAB magazine, MTMChicago.com, NBC Chicago, Nightspots magazine, Positively Aware magazine, Time Out Chicago, and
Windy City Media Group.
DON’T MISS THIS EVENT!
Chicago Takes Off
