Monthly Archives: September 2016
TONY & TINA’S WEDDING RETURNS
IT’S BACK! Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding returns to Chicago! Even Funnier than the first time!
Presented by the original New York producers, in conjunction with Chicago Theater Works, one of Chicago’s longest running, smash hit shows, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, returned to the Windy City last week and will run through December 30 only!
Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding played an incredible 16 years in Chicago, and, during that time, entertained more than one million audience members of all ages. Presenting a hilarious, full wedding experience from the I do’s to the buffet to the bouquet toss, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding will take place, for the first time in Chicago, at a real church – another nod to the fully immersive nature of the original Off-Broadway smash hit.
Guests will begin with the ceremony at Resurrection Church, 3309 North Seminary Ave., and afterwards, walk over with the cast for a meal and reception immediately following just one block away at Vinnie Black’s Coliseum (Chicago Theater Works), 1113 W. Belmont Ave., right in the heart of the Belmont Theatre District.
Considered one of the hottest tickets in town and an excellent theatre/dinner ticket value, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding is an all-inclusive night of entertainment presented with the 1980’s throwback feel of the original NYC production.
You laugh, you eat, you drink (cash bar) and you dance! While it’s certainly not required, guests are encouraged to attend in their finest 1980’s regalia as they speak now or forever hold their peace, toast to the happy couple at dinner and cut a rug to 80’s style hits.
Directed by Paul Stroili, a cast member in the original Chicago production, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding is a hilariously interactive production that is guaranteed to make guests feel like they are truly friends and family of the bride and groom.
From the wedding ceremony to the high-energy reception, complete with an Italian-style meal, champagne toast and wedding cake, guests will have the opportunity to celebrate alongside this larger-than-life couple and the large cast of 23 of Tony n’ Tina’s closest family and friends.
“We are so thrilled to be back in Chicago. Our unique show is a two part event in two different venues that pulls out all of the wedding stops,” said original New York Producer Joe Corcoran. “Familiar and new audiences are going to absolutely love the nostalgia in the awesome full experience that is our show, interacting with more than 20 fun and very familiar characters throughout the entire wedding celebration.”
Hailed as “Audaciously imaginative!” by The New York Times, proclaimed “It’s a Hit!” by People Magazine, and said to be “Just like a real wedding … only funnier!” by the Chicago Tribune, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding has won over the hearts of fans in more than 150 cities worldwide. Now, a new generation of theatre goers and fun lovers get to experience this national treasure.
Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding stars Mitchell Conti as “Anthony Angelo Nunzio Jr (Tony),” Hannah Aaron Brown as “Valentina Lynne Vitale (Tina),” Rob Johnson as “Barry Wheeler,” Luciana Bonifazi as “Connie Macogni,” Rory Jason Zacher as “Dominick Fabrizzi,” Robin M. Bousel as “Donna Marsala,” Nik Kmiecik as “Johnny Nunzio,” Jessica Rzucidlo as “Marina Gulino,” Ryan Milord as “Joey Vitale,” Alisha Fabbi as “Sister Albert Maria aka Terry Vitale,” Tommy Taylor as “Tony Nunzio, Sr.,” Jessica Scott as “Madeline Monroe,” Billy Minshall as “Father Mark,” Matt Bausone as “Michael Just,” Eustace Allen as “Sal Antonucci,” Brian Noonan as “Vinnie Black,” Dominic Rescigno as “Rick Demarco,” Micah Spayer as “Donny Dulce,” Mary McHale as “Josephina Vitale,” Susan Gaspar as “Aunt Rose,” Marssie Mencotti as “Grandma Nunzio,” Jan Godshaw as “Loretta Black,” Ben Schlotfet as “Mikey Black,” and Serena Pomerantz as “Nikki Black.”
Tickets for Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding are $75 for the two-part event, which includes the ceremony and reception, featuring an Italian-style buffet dinner, dancing to 80’s hits and a champagne toast. Tickets for premium seating closest to the stage and dance floor are $85. Show times vary on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Discounts are available for groups of 16 or more by visiting GroupTix.net or by calling 773.327.3778. Seating is limited so make your plans now. For more information or to purchase tickets visit http://tonylovestina.com/.
Upstairs Inferno September 25th
NEW ORLEANS GAY MASS MURDER DOCUMENTARY, UPSTAIRS INFERNO, REELING FILM FESTIVAL CENTERPIECE DOCUMENTARY
From award winning director, Robert L. Camina and Executive Producers behind “Back on Board: Greg Louganis”, “Kiss Me, Kill Me”, “Beautiful Something”, “Raid of the Rainbow Lounge” and “Southern Baptist Sissies”, comes UPSTAIRS INFERNO, a poignant and timely documentary chronicling the deadly 1973 New Orleans gay bar arson: an event that remained the Largest Gay Mass Murder in U.S. History for 43 years.
Camina Entertainment is honored to announce that UPSTAIRS INFERNO will have its Chicago Premiere as the CENTERPIECE DOCUMENTARY during Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, on Sunday, September 25th at 7:00pm at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60657)! For tickets and more information, please visit: http://reelingfilmfestival.org.
On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar located on the edge of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. For 43 years, it was the deadliest single event to affect the gay community in U.S. history. Despite the staggering historical significance, few people know about the tragedy. Thirty-two people were killed and some bodies were never identified. One-third of the New Orleans chapter of the Metropolitan Community Church were killed in the blaze, including two clergy. The primary suspect was never charged with the crime. The tragedy did not stop at the loss of lives. There were also the delayed injuries: lost jobs, fear, public ridicule and severed families. The devastation was compounded by the homophobic reactions and utter lack of concern by the general public, government and religious leaders. The fire permanently altered lives and was the root of many lifelong struggles.
UPSTAIRS INFERNO (96 minutes) is the most comprehensive and authoritative film about the fire and its aftermath. However, UPSTAIRS INFERNO isn’t simply a stagnant exposition of facts. UPSTAIRS INFERNO brings humanity to the headlines by shining a light on the very painful effect the tragedy had on survivors, witnesses and loved ones. Their interviews are gut wrenching, yet insightful. Some of the people interviewed in the film haven’t publicly discussed the fire until now, especially on camera. The film is narrated by New Orleans’ own New York Times Best Selling Author, CHRISTOPHER RICE.
Audiences should expect to see a balance between investigative reporting and very intimate profiles of people lost or affected by the tragedy. The victims are more than statistics, more then names in a newspaper clipping or even names on a plaque. These were unfinished lives, tragically cut short by a senseless act. The victims and their families and friends left to cope with the aftermath deserved better treatment than what they got.
This is a gruesome story, there is no way around it and in light of the recent mass shooting at the gay nightclub in Florida, the parallels strike a painful chord. Hopefully, now, more than ever, audiences walk away from the film with a renewed call for compassion: Compassion for those unlike us. Compassion for those who are hurting. Compassion for those in need. Because there definitely wasn’t a lot of compassion when the deadly arson occurred. In addition, I hope the film acts as a stark reminder that we need to seize the day. We need to make sure we tell our loved ones every day that we love them, because we don’t know what lies ahead. Life is fickle and unpredictable. Today may be our last chance.
UPSTAIRS INFERNO recently received the JURY AWARD: HONORABLE MENTION at Frameline: the San Francisco International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, citing its “Special Contribution to Queer History”, the JURY AWARD: BEST MEN’S DOCUMENTARY FEATURE and AUDIENCE AWARD: BEST MEN’S FEATURE at the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE AWARD at the Long Beach QFilm Festival, the JURY AWARD: BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM at the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, the AUDIENCE AWARD: FAVORITE DOCUMENTARY at the North Louisiana Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the JURY & AUDIENCE AWARDS: BEST DOCUMENTARY at FilmOut San Diego.
This is an incredibly important story in LGBT history and U.S. history. While we never imagined there would be another LGBT mass murder in the United States, we MUST UNITE as a community AND a country and NEVER allow this to happen again. Especially in the wake of the Orlando tragedy, we must continue to educate and enlighten people. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” UPSTAIRS INFERNO can open the door to a cathartic and constructive conversation.
Some of the images in UPSTAIRS INFERNO are graphic in nature and may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
OFFICIAL TRAILER: https://vimeo.com/94900386 or www.UpstairsInferno.com
Best New Restaurant – The Lark
Located at 3441 N. Halsted, in the former Halsted’s Bar + Grill space, Lark offers an ideal environment for drinks seven nights a week, where guests can listen to music from the 80s and 90s until 2 am Sunday through Friday and 3 am Saturdays, as well as watch music videos from those eras playing on the 13 large screen TVs.
“We’re excited to bring this new addition to the bar scene in Lake View, which features the beautiful original wooden bar from the former Cullen’s Bar & Grill on Southport,” said Mark Liberson, LKH president. “Our weekend guests will enjoy having the chance to select albums from our collection of LPs, play retro board games and dine on our artisanal pizzas with their drinks.”
Lark will also offer authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, as well as pasta, sandwiches, entrées, salads, appetizers and weekend brunch. Lark plans to be among a handful of officially certified Neapolitan pizza establishments in Chicago. In order to obtain certification from The Associazione Verace Pizza Napolitana (VPN), Lark must adhere to strict guidelines, including what ingredients are used, how the dough is made and how long the pizzas are cooked.
We recently dined at the Lark and tried a sampling of foods. Everything was great! They offer an assortment of “Moscow Mule cocktails” in copper cups and Thursday’s you can enjoy them for half off!
Not many places offer Grilled Calamari. It takes more effort to prepare (and prepare correctly) than fried Calamari. Here it was great! Tossed with fresh green beans, some baby kale and served with a delicious homemade marinara.
I had never had Arancini. It’s a risotto ball that is fried. Very good option! Meatballs were a nice appetizer as well.
For pizza we tried the Chicken Alfredo and the Ducktrap River Smoked Salmon and Pesto Pizza. Usually not a fan of smoked salmon myself, but this was unique and delicious!
Our waiter raved about the burgers and I love a good Cubano sandwich. So we tried the Mushroom and Blue Jack Cheeseburger and the Cubano. (Needless to say, we had a lot of to-go boxes, with all that food!) Both were excellent. The burger used grilled trumpet mushrooms and this amazing marbled blue jack cheese and was topped with balsamic roasted tomatoes.
The Cubano was piled high with braised pork shoulder, smoked ham, applewood smoked bacon and topped with jack cheese. Pretty much perfection!
All of the food was fresh, tasty and cooked to perfection. Lark proved itself to be a bar AND a restaurant, serving very good quality eats. With prices that won’t break the bank. Pizza’s run $11-$15, Burgers $12, Sandwiches $11-$13, and Homemade Pasta $15.
Chefs Bernardo Ibarra (Girl and the Goat) and Kaz Medhat (Magnolia Café), recently leading the culinary team at Replay and Elixir in Andersonville, leads the Lark kitchen. Creating a menu rich in flavors, the chefs incorporate inspirations from Italy and beyond while Lark’s beverage director, Vlad Novikov, curate’s drink offerings consisting of craft cocktails, extensive wine by the glass options and 16 tap beers.
The 2,400 square foot venue will accommodate approximately 90 people, and open onto one of Lake View’s largest existing patios, doubling the venue’s capacity with nearly 100 additional seats. In addition to bar and table seating, guests can choose to sit and watch the chefs prepare and cook the pizzas around the Mugnaini pizza oven, dine and drink at the historic handcrafted wooden bar, or lounge in comfortable seating surrounding Lark’s working fireplace.
Lark is open Monday through Friday 5 pm – 2 am, Saturday from 10 am – 3 am, Sunday 10 am – 2 am. Dinner will be served every night from 5-10 pm. Brunch will be available 10 am – 3 pm Saturday and Sunday. Late-night pizza and limited menu options will also be available nightly until close.
Please visit http://www.larkchicago.
Finding Prince Charming
Chicago Native to Star in Logo TV’s “Finding Prince Charming”
The cast for Logo TV’s “Finding Prince Charming” includes men selected to compete for interior designer Robert Sepúlveda Jr’s affections is more gorgeous than the next. Surprisingly, Chicago is only being represented by one eligible bachelor, 32-year-old Chicago Entrepreneur, Sam Provenzano.
Hosted by Lance Bass, “Finding Prince Charming” includes 13 charming and gorgeous suitors, all housed together, who compete to win the heart of one of the nation’s most eligible gay heartthrob. The sexy suitors grapple to stand out from the crowd all hoping for a moment of intimate connection, romance and, perhaps, true love. One by one, the suitors are eliminated until the heartthrob chooses one ideal man to sweep him off of his feet and commit to an exclusive relationship.
Provenzano may look familiar to some people, as from 2007-2009 he was a popular television news anchor in Kentucky and is heavily involved within the LGBT community in the Windy City. Provenzano now works in Higher Education and is President/Founder of Right Fit for You (www.rightfitforyou.com), an LGBT-Friendly Personal Trainer & Fitness Network in Chicago with plans to expand to other markets later this year. A middle child, Sam’s interests include working and supporting different charities, spending time with his family and of course, fitness.
Italian Cooking Chef Tong Sept. 24
CHEF TONG OF MY PRIVATE CHEF SHARES A DELICIOUS ITALIAN MENU
AT BLOOMINGDALE’S HOME & FURNITURE STORE, MEDINAH TEMPLE
Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef,is enthusiastic about European flavors and cuisine. He has been invited back to present anItalian-themed menu inspired by his travels.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare:
Lemon Cannellini Bean Bruschetta
Rigatoni with Tuscan-Style Cauliflower, Mint and Pecorino
Tiramisu Mousse
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation,and come away with fabulous recipes that you can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on shopping, ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, September 24, from 2-4 pm, at theBloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago.Demo Kitchen on 1.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact at 312-324-7678
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my work worthwhile. I also love doing cooking demonstrations where I get the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
Some recent appearances include cooking classes and demonstrations on local television,at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Stores, Whole Foods Market, Gilda’s Club Chicago,Taste of Chicago and the Garden Chef Series at Chicago Botanic Garden
For more information about My Private Chef, call Event Services at 773-370-8131 or visit www.myprivatechef.net.
Flamingo Run Club
While not a LGBT establishment – I thought this was noteworthy….
Chicago’s newest Cuban-inspired restaurant and cabaret, FLAMINGO RUM CLUB will be opening in the fall of 2015 at 601 N. Wells St. in River North. Two very passionate men in hospitality, Phil Stefani and Adolfo Garcia, are joining forces on the project.
The property at 601 N. Wells St. is owned by Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants. Stefani and his team had been looking for the right concept – a boutique style restaurant and intimate experience. Having looked up to Mr. Stefani for many years, Adolfo was thrilled to be given the opportunity to bring his latest concept to life in the vacant space.
The meeting happened not long ago while the two were catching up over a drink. News surrounding the Cuban embargo being lifted sparked a conversation about its rich history and culture, the music and the cuisine.
Lustful thoughts of Cuban cigars, rum cocktails and the Caribbean led to a promise that they would soon take a trip together to Cuba.While talking about how the embargo lift would affect the hospitality industry and culinary trends it was agreed that rum is already becoming the next big thing. Cuba and its people have brought so much to this world: music, art, culture and delicious flavors. The traditional Spanish recipes made distinct by African influence and local tropical flavor make Cuban cuisine unlike any other.
At Rum Club guests can expect nothing less than the largest rum selection in the country, bartenders in pink tuxedos, waitresses in floral dresses, simple and true ingredients, Cuban cuisine and the feeling of an intimate speakeasy cabaret with a small center stage to host Cuban bands and Afro-Cuban jazz.
The décor will be 1940s and 50s island chic with palm tree wall paper, gold leaf oval ceilings, a brass bar, 8-foot mounted marlin, and cement tiles imported from the Dominican Republic.
Can’t Wait!
