Author Archives: bestgaychicago
Chicago Gay Adoptions
If you are interested in expanding your family through adoption and have questions about how to get started, we are here for you! Join us at “Growing Your Family: A Guide for Prospective LGBT Adoptive Parents,” an Equality Illinois presentation co-hosted by the Cradle on Tuesday, January 13, from 5:30-7PM. You can sign up for this event here.
At this event, we will cover an overview of adoption law and answer your legal and procedural questions about adoption in a safe and friendly environment. In addition, you will receive the new Equality Illinois adoption guide, which includes an extensive list of recommended adoption agencies.
Space is limited. Register today by clicking HERE.
New Years Eve Dining in Boystown
What are you doing
New years eve??
Do you have your reservations yet for dinner??? Don’t wait to the last minute!!
OUR TOP PICKS!
Taverna 750 750 W. Cornelia . 4 courses, specialty sides, crafted cocktail and live jazz with Sarah Marie Young! $45. Known for their unique nightlife approach to dining, Taverna 750 boasts an inspired shared-plate menu and nationally recognized drink program. Featuring classic American fare, refined by global flavors and served small-plate style, Taverna 750 delivers a meticulously curated boutique bistro menu.
773-904-7466
El Mariachi 3906 N. Broadway will offer a Pre Fixe Dinner menu for $45 ($60 with drink pairings). Dinner choices include Hibiscus glazed salmon, Marinated chicken, and Grilled rib eye. Always serving top quality, authentic dishes and margaritas. This family owned and operated restaurant has been serving the community for over 16 years.
773-549-2932
Revoluciuon Mexican Steakhouse. The sister restaurant to El Mariachi! 3443 N. Broadway will offer a Pre Fixe Dinner menu for $55. Entree choices will consist of Bone in Filet, Charcoal grilled Quail and Chilean sea bass! Plus soup and salad and amazing dessert selections! This romantic restaurant provides a great backdrop for a special new years eve.
773-661-9893
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club 3700 N. Halsted “Glitz and Glam” Gala with Diva Kinley Preston . Early dinner seating, 7 p.m
Four course prix fixe menu and bottle of champagne, $65
Late dinner seating, 9:30 p.m.
Four course prix fixe menu, bottle of champagne and one martini per person, $85
Party package: 11:30 p.m.- 2 a.m.
Martinis, cocktails, wine and beer, $45 in advance /$50 at door
(773) 525-1111
Don’t wait to the last minute!! BOOK NOW!
STAY IN THE HEART OF BOYSTOWN! (2 night stay required).
HAPPY NEW YEAR!~
Boystown Gift Cards – Last Minute Gifts
NEED A LAST MINUTE GIFT???
Shop local. And give back to your community.
Buy a Northalsted Gift Card and earn FREE MONEY with the return of HOLIDAY BUCKS! This holiday season get an extra 20% added to every Northalsted Gift Card you buy!
That’s right! For a limited time (while supplies last*), when you purchase your Northalsted Gift Card, you’ll receive an extra 20% of value applied directly to your card.
Buy Your Northalsted Gift Card!
First please select your pick up method:
1) We will mail your Gift Card to your address free of charge. Please include full name name and complete mailing address.
2) Or you can pick up your Gift Card at the Northalsted Business Alliance Office, located at 801 West Cornelia Avenue Suite 2S, directly above Hydrate Night Club. Open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Please select Gift Card value between $25.00 – $400.00
20% Bonus* added after purchase price
For every $25.00 purchased earn $5.00 bonus!
KIT KAT Lounge Christmas
Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day Dining at Kit Kat
Divas, Dining, Drinks and Donations this December
Wednesday, December 24 and
Thursday, December 25
5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will host festive and fun holiday celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. As a nod to the giving spirit of the season, Kit Kat will offer dining and drinking guests a 50-percent discount off their Christmas prix fixe menu in exchange for a canned good/nonperishable food donation. The collected items will be donated to local charity Vital Bridges, in support of their “Harvest for Hope” community food drive.
Chef JoAnn Witherell’s Christmas prix fixe menu (outlined below) includes a holiday martini, Kit Kat salad, herb-marinated roasted turkey breast, traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry and pineapple relish, and pumpkin pie tart for only $25 with canned good donation ($49.95 without donation).The regular dinner menu will also be available.
Kit Kat’s entire martini menu, including their seasonal holiday ‘tinis, will be half-price ($6.75 each). Live entertainment will be provided by Diva Kinley Preston each night starting at 7:30 p.m. For table reservations, please call 773-525-1111.
Kit Kat’s Christmas Prix Fixe Menu
available on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25
$25 per guest with canned good donation ($49.95 without donation)
Choice of Holiday Martini (menu below)
Kit Kat Salad
romaine and spinach blend with pears, dried cranberries and spicy pecans, balsamic vinaigrette
Herb-Marinated Roasted Turkey Breast
served with traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, haricot verts, cranberry and pineapple relish
Pumpkin Pie Tart
with whipped cream
HOLIDAY MARTINIS
Frosty’s Going Down
Pinnacle Whipped vodka, cream and simple syrup, garnished with a marshmallow snowman
Eggnog
Brandy, amaretto and egg nog, garnished with a cinnamon stick
Apple Cider
Cinnerator Whiskey, apple cider and Apple Pucker, garnished with a cinnamon stick
Pumpkin Pie
Pinnacle Whipped vodka, pumpkin pie puree, graham cracker rim and whipped cream
Peppermint MochaTini
Pinnacle vodka, coffee liqueur, dark crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps, splash of cream, garnished with a candy cane, whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy.
Holiday Punch
Pinnacle Tropical Punch vodka, ginger ale, cranberry and orange juice, garnished with a holiday rubber ducky
Feliz Navidad
Lunazul tequila, Pama liqueur, triple sec, simple syrup, cranberry, orange juice and lime, garnished with a small, wrapped gift ornament
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
kitkatchicago.com
About Vital Bridges:
Vital Bridges’ mission is to help people throughout metropolitan Chicago impacted by HIV and AIDS to improve their health and build self-sufficiency by providing food, nutrition, housing, case management and prevention services. vitalbridges.org
Chicago House THE TEASE Event 2015
February 28, 2015
Two shows, 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm
The BOOK OF MERMAN
Sam Button-Harrison and Dan Gold join Libby Lane in
THE BOOK OF MERMAN
A World Premiere opening January 17, 2015 at Mary’s Attic
Pride Films and Plays announces that Sam Button-Harrison* and Dan Gold join Libby Lane* as the cast of The Book of Merman, a new musical comedy by Jeff Award-winning playwright Leo Schwartz. The show opens on January 17, 2015 at Mary’s Attic, 5400 North Clark Street.
When two young missionaries ring a doorbell marked E.M. in a small town, they have no idea that a certain Ethel will open the door. With some dazzling parody music and Schwartz’s original songs, laughter ensues throughout The Book of Merman catapulting you to places you didn’t know you wanted to go.
Jeff Award-winner David Zak* directs, with Jeff Award-winner Robert Ollis* music directing. Costumes are by Raquel Adorno*. Understudies are Parker Guidry and Edward Fraim*.
Details: The Book of Merman by Leo Schwartz, directed by David Zak, musical direction by Robert Ollis, and featuring Libby Lane as Ethel Merman.
- Previews January 15 and 16, 2015 at 7:30
- Regular performances Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 5:00 through February 15th.
- Tickets $15 for previews and $25 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances. Students and Seniors can save $5 per ticket. Ten Premium tickets with prime reserved seating for each performance are $30.
- Performances are at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark, Chicago.
- Purchase online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/867656 or call 1800 838 3006.
- Pride Films and Plays offers subscriptions and memberships for 2014-15 for even greater savings.
AIDS Foundation Chicago Awards $220,000!
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is pleased to announce 18 award recipients of its 2014 Challenge Grants — a legacy program that awards financial support to organizations that are making a difference in the HIV epidemic and the lives of people living with the virus in Illinois. A combined total of $220,000 was awarded among the receiving organizations.
This year, funding was determined based on four categories: Community Mobilization, Strengthening Communities & Reducing Health Disparities, Integration of Service Systems, and Improving Outcomes at Every Stage of HIV Care. These categories directly align with the initiatives set forth by AFC’s 2013-2015 Strategic Plan.
“After an in-depth review process by our Grant Making Committee, we are excited to announce this year’s grant recipients and look forward to supporting an array of innovative and strong HIV/AIDS programs,” said Cynthia Tucker, AFC’s director of Prevention and Community Partnerships.
AFC will be providing funding to the following organizations:
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance
Care2Prevent at the University of Chicago
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago/Lake County Stands Against Stigma Coalition Enhancement
Chicago House & Social Service Agency
FCAN
Heartland Health Outreach
Hektoen Institute for Medical Research/City-Wide Adolescent Sexual Health Roundtable
Howard Brown Health Center
LAF
McDermott Center (Haymarket)
New Age Services Corporation
Open Door Clinic
Planned Parenthood of Illinois
Puerto Rican Cultural Center — Vida/SIDA/MSM Taskforce
The CORE Foundation/Step Up Get Tested Plus
The Night Ministry
TPA Network
The 2014 Challenge Grants prioritize strategies advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS within the following populations identified in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men of all races and ethnicities, African Americans, Latinos/Latinas, transgender people and women of color.
“Given the major changes facing the HIV/AIDS service sector, including implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, new prevention strategies and the increasing need for community collaboration, our Challenge Grants give us an opportunity to fund innovative programs that address immediate and long-term priorities in an ever-changing HIV/AIDS landscape,” said John Peller, AFC president/CEO.
Chicago’s Cross Dressing Reindeer!
CHICAGO’S FAVORITE CROSS DRESSING
REINDEER IS HOTTER THEN EVER AFTER 17 YEARS.
Break out your high heels and fishnets this holiday because Hell in a Handbag Productions is bringing back Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, David Cerda’s beloved parody of the classic children’s television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Now celebrating its 17th year, Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer is the longest running holiday show featuring a transvestite reindeer in the history of Chicago, and quite possibly THE WORLD.
Santa is depressed. Nobody believes in him anymore and he doesn’t even believe in himself. Downsizing has taken its toll on the remaining elves. The North Pole morale and morals are at an all-time low and Mrs. Claus (Ed Jones) and her drinking have reached the point of no return.
When Tom and Jane Donner welcome the arrival of their new son, Rudolph, they are horrified to discover their new son’s predilection for women’s clothing and do all they can to stop him from being himself forcing Rudolph to run away from home. Can Rudolph, the North Pole’s biggest misfit elf, Herbie (Chad), and Yukon Cornelia (Lori Lee, returning for her 10th year!), the butch prospector with a deep, dark secret —accidentally save Christmas?
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice this year… you definitely want to catch the show that Chris Jones (Chicago Tribune) dubbed “an ideal holiday escape for anyone who detests the commercialism of traditional Christmas shows”. And remember… “Being Normal Isn’t Normal At All!”
Where: Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St.
Runs: Thurs. – Sun. until Jan. 2
ShowTime’s: 3:30pm (Dec. 13, 20, 21) &7:30
Add’l shows: Dec. 22, 23 No Show: Dec. 7, 25
Admission: $16- $25 VIP Tickets– $35-$110 Group Rates– $16 w/10 or more tickets
Reservations: (800) 838-3006 or go to Brown Paper tickets online
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus Holiday Events
CGMC Exclusive…Suzy Snowflake is Coming to Town for “YuleTUBE”
Join Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, the Christmas Queen, and Suzy Snowflake for “YuleTUBE”, a laugh-out-loud variety show celebrating your favorite holiday
songs from TV and the Movies! It’s the land of misfit boys in a rollicking
Rankin and Bass world gone mad!
Come say farewell to CGMC’s retiring Artistic Director Patrick Sinozich as he goes out with a bang and gives us a little old-school CGMC holiday fun – cowritten by Bill Larkin!
3 Shows! 3 Great Venues!
Friday, Dec 5, 2014 – 8:00PM at Harris Theater
Saturday, Dec 6, 2014 – 8:00PM at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, Dec 20, 2014 – 7:30PM at Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
For ticket information please visit www.cgmc.org or call 773-296-0541.
LGBTQ Homeless Youth Chicago
The 750 Club Apartment Adoption Project is launching this week in Chicago to provide private apartments for youth moving out of transitional housing. The project was initiated at the LGBTQ Homeless Youth Summit hosted earlier in 2014 by Windy City Times newspaper.
The 750 Club aims to provide additional scattered-site housing to unstably housed youth who are in school or working at least part-time. There will be a special focus on LGBTQ youth, but the program is not exclusive.
Studies show that stable housing is a basic necessity to maintain health and safety. Without it, youth have difficulty attending school, finding and keeping jobs, eating right, staying healthy, and more.
The 750 Club will address this issue by raising funds for private “adoption” of apartments. Existing homeless youth agencies and their case manager programs will provide supportive services to the residents. The program will cover young adults ages 18 to 25, or emancipated minors.
Every $750 raised will get approximately one youth in one apartment for one month.
Team Captains who agree to recruit 10 people to each give $75 a month for two years will have adopted one apartment for one youth for two years, which is the average minimum time agencies recommend for stabilizing a formerly homeless young person.
“This is an amazing, one-on-one way our community can make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth,” said Tracy Baim, publisher of Windy City Times. Baim is overseeing the project, and is seeking help from team captains willing to recruit friends to commit to raising $75 each for two years. “A small group of just 10 people can change the world of one youth. The case managers will handle the logistics, but we also help to provide mentorship opportunities as well.”
All funds raised will be collected and administered by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) housing program, so all donations will be tax deductible. Agencies who utilize scattered-site youth housing options will then apply for the use of the funds.
“AFC has the infrastructure to pay rents on behalf of residents, and we coordinate services for over 750 supportive housing residents each month,” said John Peller, president & CEO of AFC. “The 750 Club is a cost-effective extension of our existing programs that will help youth, including LGBTQ youth, a population that is highly vulnerable to HIV. We are grateful for Tracy’s leadership to address a serious, long-standing community need.”
The donation categories are:
Bronze: $75 one time – House one youth for three days
Silver: $75 per month for 10 months – House one youth for one month
Gold: $75 per month for 24 months – Partnered with nine others, you will house one youth for two years
Platinum: $750 a month for 6 months – You will house one youth for six months
Titanium: $750 per month for 24 months – You will house one youth for two years
Online donations and monthly pledges can be done via the AFC website, http://tinyurl.com/Ap
For landlords interested in donating the use of an apartment at no or low-cost, please contact Baim to discuss options. Email: editor@windycitymediagr
Note: The average studio apartment rented through the agencies is $750 a month. The 750 Club will use this as the target goal to raise funds for two-year leases for youth who are working through agencies to find stable, long-term housing. In some cases it might be a two-bedroom apartment at average rent of $1500. Because this is an average number, in some cases the funds will help more than one youth, and in others additional money will be needed. Any extra funds will roll over into additional apartment rentals.
#We are all Clean HIV Challenge
THIS IS BRILLIANT!
Could this be the HIV equivalent to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? We think so. The concept is the brainchild of well-known HIV activist, Jack Mackenroth who has partnered with Moovz, the leading global gay social app, to launch the project. It’s genius in its simplicity. We are now a selfie-obsessed culture and Mackenroth urges everyone to take a special selfie for an important cause.
“I was inspired by the use of the word ‘clean’, especially common in gay culture, to describe oneself as STI/STD free. Indirectly this implies that HIV-positive people are somehow ‘dirty'”, says Mackenroth. “I thought a PG or PG-13 shower selfie or Vine video would be a fun way that everyone could easily show their support on social media for finding a cure by using the hashtag #weareALLclean when they post their photo with the link. They then nominate 3 other people to participate and hopefully donate to the project as well.”
The goal of the campaign is to raise 1 million dollars to stop the epidemic and help find a cure and the campaign will be ongoing indefinitely. Donate here. All donations received will be donated to Housing Works, a New York-based nonprofit organization fighting on the front lines to end AIDS and homelessness, not just in New York but globally by 2030. The CDC estimates that there are currently 1.2 million people in the US living with HIV and over 35 million people around the world.
“As someone who has been living with HIV for 25 years this is very personal to me.” Mackenroth adds, “There is current urgency for funding as we have new treatments that maintain viral suppression and render HIV-positive individuals virtually non-transmissible. Those same treatments can be given to HIV-negative individuals and protect them from infection. Essentially we already have the tools to stop the epidemic from spreading. Exciting new research is bringing us closer to a real cure for AIDS every day. ”
The campaign will launch within Moovz because of the app’s high user engagement rates and it’s history of successful international LGBT social media campaigns. Mackenroth is known as a social media powerhouse in his own right but he is also enlisting many of his “social media superstar” friends to get the campaign off the ground.
Actor, model, singer and social media stud, Chris Salvatore is igniting the campaign from Los Angeles after joining forces with Moovz as well. “It’s time to erase the stigma and unite as a global community. Regardless of your gender or sexual identity—no matter what age, color, size or shape you are, you should be part of this project! Let’s all be one loud, united voice in support of awareness, education, treatment and research for a cure.” says Salvatore. “And have fun with it. Be funny, sexy or silly. Who doesn’t want to see people in the shower soaping up for a good cause?”
“I truly hope this campaign goes viral—no pun intended.” Mackenroth quips.
The campaign launches between now and World AIDS Day, December 1st and is ongoing until the goal is reached. The hope is that there will be traction in the following weeks so that people know about the campaign on World AIDS Day and change their profile photos to show support.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Take a selfie or Vine video of yourself in the shower.** NO EXPLICIT NUDITY**
2) Post your photo now on Moovz and all social media platforms with the caption “Take HIV Shower Selfie Challenge raise $$ for AIDS cure bit.ly/CUREAIDS #
3) Nominate 3 or more other people to participate!
4) (Optional) DONATE!! Please consider a small donation if you are able. Every penny counts! bit.ly/CUREAIDS
5) On World AIDS Day (or before) : Monday, December 1st, please change all your social media profile pix to your shower selfie photo and spread the word!!
Charming Gay Weddings in Chicagoland
The holidays are upon us, but if you recently proposed to your mate or got proposed to, you may be thinking about your wedding for 2015!
While some couples prefer the big city weddings, others prefer to get away and do something charming and quaint!
Relax and feel at home while you say your vows in front of the charming fireplace or in the beautiful backyard garden of historic Pine Manor, private home of Illinois Wedding Officiant Rev. Pamela.
This unique wedding venue offers an intimate, home elegance perfect for a small guest list of up to 30, or a private elopement to Chicagoland’s Northwest suburbs. A Cook County Courthouse wedding alternative for quick ceremonies and a small event venue, the home features a 1920’s flair with honeymoon suite, home cooked catering and wedding packages for every budget. Chicago Wedding Minster, Rev. Pamela will perform your ceremony in a magical way that will touch your soul and inspire your future together.
The Van Jean Sears Honor Bilt Homes: 1928
PINE MANOR
The Van Jean is an unusually well arranged Dutch Colonial house. It has many special features not generally found in houses of this price. It has a charming entrance that gives an atmosphere of welcome. It has Colonial windows with divided lights above and one light below. Add to this the white siding and contrasting red or green roof with the red brick chimney and you have a home that is sure to charm the most critical.
This small wedding venue Chicago is a beautiful alternative to a typical wedding venue and wedding budget. Rev. Pamela offers discount wedding packages that include everything; customized ceremony, delicious home cooked catering, flowers, cake and the honeymoon suite. Unique Wedding Venue Illinois.
You and your guests will immediately fall in love with this quaint in-home venue. Get married next to the romantic brick fireplace or outside in the garden. You will truly feel relaxed so you can be completely present to give your heart, and experience every moment of your special day together.
A wedding ceremony experience with an ole time quality found at no other. Give Rev. Pamela a call to discuss your event today! 847-873-7463 between 8am-8pm CST chicago.
LIKE Gay Weddings on Facebook for extra specials!
Gay Weddings Chicago Illinois site
2015 LGBT WEDDING EXPO!
Hard Rock Hotel Chicago (Driving Directions)
230 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601 FREE TICKETS
Need Rings?
Rated THE BEST! By BestGayChicago.com!
Men 13-24 NEEDED for Safer Sex Study
Recruiting men ages 13-24 years old
and if they complete the study they could walk away with up to $50!
DETAILS HERE
BEST Pumpkin Mousse by Chef Chris Tong
Perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners!
Light and fluffy
Pumpkin Mousse with Ginger Snaps
Serves 8-10
Ingredients:
1 (15-ounce) canned pumpkin
3 cups heavy whipping cream
3/4-cup superfine sugar
1/2-teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-tablespoon vanilla extract
Ginger snaps, for garnish
Preparation:
Combine pumpkin, 1-cup heavy whipping cream, sugar and spice in a medium saucepan.
Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cool fully.
Whip remaining heavy cream and vanilla to soft peaks and fold into cooled pumpkin mixture.
Pour into a serving dish and crumble the ginger snaps over top before serving.
Chef Chris
My Private Chef, Inc.
773.370.8131
www.myprivatechef.net
www.facebook.com/ChefChrisTong
www.yelp.com/biz/my-private-
envision• entice• enjoy
Elite Traveler Magazine – Global Black Book – Chicago’s Most Accomplished Luxury Private Chef
Chicago Magazine, “63 Ways to Pamper Yourself” – Luxury Private Chef Service
North Shore Magazine “Cooking Your Heart Out” – Luxury Private Chef for Romantic Dining
World of Chocolate Chicago Dec. 4
There are only two weeks until the BIG World of Chocolate! event – purchase your tickets to chocolate bliss today!
World of Chocolate, benefiting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, will take place on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Union Station from 6-9 PM. Enjoy sweet and savory chocolate morsels from around the city, smooth spirits and groovy beats. The best party of the holiday season, not to be missed!!
Chicago Holiday Theatre Productions
Winter Memories and
It’s A Fabulous Life
Bookend the Holiday Season
at Pride Films and Plays!
Pride Films and Plays celebrates the Holiday Season with two events that bookend this festive frenzy. Winter Memories is a cabaret slated for Monday December 1 at Twisted Vine.
And It’s a Fabulous Life is a hilarious spoof scheduled for Tuesday, December 30 at Mary’s Attic.
Winter Memories is a showcase that will feature some of the best and brightest of Chicago’s LGBT talent and allies, with musical accompaniment by Justin Harner and Robert Ollis and performers including PFP’s ensemble members Kevin Webb, Libby Lane, Sam Button-Harrison, Jude Hansen and Donterrio Johnson as well as special guest performances by the Burlesque beauty Po’ Chop and story telling by Rose Freeman. The evening begins at 7:00pm at Twisted Vine, 3530 N Halsted, an intimate cabaret in the heart of Boystown. PFP Artistic Ensemble Member Jordan Phelps is the creative director for the evening. Tickets are $25 for reserved seats and $20 for general admission. Food is available from the Twisted Vine menu, and there is cash bar available. Each ticket holder gets entered in a drawing for holiday door prizes and will be warmed with a cup of cocoa. Tickets are available at Brownpapertickets.com, or by calling 1 800 838 3006.
In It’s a Fabulous Life we meet Bobby, a gay man who feels like he doesn’t fit into any of the ‘The Twelve Gays of Christmas’ stereotypes. After he wishes on the memory of Judy Garland to be straight, the Ghost of Christmas Sass visits him and grants his wish. In a series of sketches, we journey with him through an evening which concludes with hilarious mayhem. PFP Artistic Associates Kris Hyland and Alexa Ray Meyer are the creative team behind this project. Tickets are $25 for reserved seats (which includes one drink ticket) and $15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at BrownPaperTickets.com or by calling 1 800 838 3006. This show is free to PFP subscribers. The show is at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N Clark, Chicago.
About Pride Films and Plays
Founded in 2010, Pride Films and Plays is a leading player in the development of GLBT plays and musicals, screenplays and films, and has been nominated for 10 Jeff Awards in out first two years. Under A Rainbow Flag won Jeff Awards in 2013 for Best New Work (for Leo Schwartz) and Best Musical, and The Children’s Hour won for Best Supporting Actor (Nora Lise Ulrey) in 2014. Our current season began with the Jeff Recommended Chicago premieres of Some Men by Terrence McNally and Jeff Talbott’s The Submission which runs through November 25 at Apollo Studio Theater.
Other activities this month include the Queer Bits Fall Film Fest on November 10 at Public House Theater in Chicago, and Gay Film Weekend November 14 to 16 at Center On Halsted.
The season will continue with the highly anticipated world premiere of The Book of Merman by Leo Schwartz opening on January 17 at Mary’s Attic. It will be a followed by Topher Payne’s comedy Angry Fags opens March 8 as part of Steppenwolf Theatre’s Garage Rep.
For more information visit www.pridefilmsandplays.com.
Follow PFP on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram
See the PFP events calendar here.
Make a donation in support of our Pride Films and Plays here.
Sign up for the Pride Films and Plays email list here.
The Submission October 12 to November 25 at Apollo Studio, 2540 N Lincoln
Queer Bits Fall Film Fest November 10 at Public House Theater, 3914 N Clark
Gay Film Weekend November 14 to 16 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted
Winter Memories, December 1 at Twisted Vine
It’s A Fabulous Life, December 30 at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N Clark
The Book of Merman January 15 to February 15 at Marys’ Attic, 5400 N Clark
Angry Fags at Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Garage Rep, Spring 2015
HEATWAVE CHICAGO IS HERE!
THE TEMPERATURES
ARE PLUNGING!
There is a polar invasion in the Midwest…..
but don’t fret…HEATWAVE IS ALMOST HERE! After more than 1 year of planning, the party, like no other, is arriving this weekend. BUT IT’S ALMOST SOLD OUT!
24 hours at Key Lime Cove. We bought out the ENTIRE COMPLEX and portions of rooms booked will go the benefit the Chicago Gay Mens Chorus!
400 rooms.
12 hours of music with 4 DJ’s and CAZWELL!
Don’t want a room?
Can’t stay the night?
Get a party ticket for $85.
Room packages start at $200 for 2 people for 24 hours!
Yesterday EVERYONE wis trying to call and book rooms for Heatwave. Is that a Midwest thing…waiting to the last minute?? LOL – Because this is a special private event, each reservation can take time to process and answer everyone’s questions – hence, phone hold times may be annoying.
SO, WEDNESDAY NIGHT (Nov. 12th) 8pm-10pm the Key Lime Cove folks are coming to Scarlet Bar (3320 N. Halsted) to do reservations live one-on-one in person. And we only have about 50 -55 room packages left – where you get a room and party admission! So if you have not booked a room yet – come on out and book your room and we’ll celebrate with some Fireball shots on me!!
An event like Heatwave HAS NEVER BEEN DONE. You do not want to miss this!
Friday night we’ll be at Scarlet bar for another event – Heatwave Kick Off Party!
Come hang with Trannika Rex, designer Traver Rains and the fabulous Jasen Kaplan!
See YOU at HEATWAVE!
BEST $10 Lunch in Lakeview
THE BEST deal in Lakeview!
Mariachi Hospitality Group welcomes you to a great addition to East Lakeview. Come and experience refinement & individuality at Chicago’s first Mexican Steakhouse Steaks, Chops, Seafood with a Mexican flare. Offering a Full Service bar with an extensive wine selection, craft beers, and hand crafted cocktails.
Halsted’s to Showcase Live Bands
You don’t have to wait for street fairs to hear bands on Halsted anymore- HALSTED’S LIVE!
Previews this coming Saturday.
WHAT: Every Friday and Saturday night, Halsted’s will feature the sounds of a live band starting at 10.30 pm!
OPENING FIRST BAND – Crush On Radio: Samuel Cerniglia’s expansive vocal range and impressive swing era timbre are unmistakably unique. During Season 5 of NBC’s The Voice, Grammy-winners Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton both picked Sam for their teams with Blake finally closing the deal. Since stunning the coaches and viewers of The Voice, Sam Cerniglia has begun singing with former members of “A THOUSAND JULYS” and is hitting the scene with momentum. We are excited to welcome this phenomenal band that plays a great set list including current hits, R&B classics, and more to kick off Live Music on Halsted at Halsted’s Bar Grill!
3441 N. Halsted, Chicago
Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer Returns
Break out your high heels and fishnets
this holiday because Hell in a Handbag Productions is bringing back Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, David Cerda’s beloved parody of the classic children’s television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Now celebrating its 17th year, Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer is the longest running holiday show featuring a transvestite reindeer in the history of Chicago, and quite possibly THE WORLD.
Santa (Michael Hampton) is depressed. Nobody believes in him anymore and he doesn’t even believe in himself. Downsizing has taken its toll on the remaining elves. The North Pole morale and morals are at an all-time low and Mrs. Claus (Ed Jones) and her drinking have reached the point of no return.
When Tom and Jane Donner welcome the arrival of their new son, Rudolph, they are horrified to discover their new son’s predilection for women’s clothing and do all they can to stop him from being himself forcing Rudolph to run away from home. Can Rudolph, the North Pole’s biggest misfit elf, Herbie (Chad), and Yukon Cornelia (Lori Lee, returning for her 10th year!), the butch prospector with a deep, dark secret -accidentally save Christmas?
“For me, Rudolph is first kid’s story that encourages you to “just be yourself,” says Artistic Director and playwright David Cerda. “It’s a tale about MISFITS, and I could totally relate to Rudolph and his pain” says Cerda. “There were no anti bullying- campaigns when I was growing up. In my day, if you were picked on in your parents usually told you to stop whining and fight. I’m glad things are finally changing for kids.”
This year brings Handbag a new Rudolph, Grant Drager along with puppets by Lolly Extract and Amber Marsh plus additional new cast members, Caitlin Jackson, Kirk Jackson, Shiv Mann, Lizzie Schwarzrock as Clarice, Rudolph’s love interest and Jamie Smith as Sam the Snowman.
Also returning to the show are Barbara Figgins, Terry McCarthy, David Cerda,and of course Ed Jones as the Dragbeast.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice this year… you definitely want to catch the show that Chris Jones (Chicago Tribune) dubbed “an ideal holiday escape for anyone who detests the commercialism of traditional Christmas shows”. And remember… “Being Normal Isn’t Normal At All!”
Previews: Thursday and Friday, Nov. 29, 30 Dec. 4
Runs: Thurs. – Sun. until Jan. 2
Showtimes: 3:30pm (Dec. 13, 20, 21) &7:30
Add’l shows: Dec. 22, 23 No Show: Dec. 7, 25
Admission: $16- $25 VIP Tickets- $35-$110 Group Rates- $16 w/10 or more tickets
Reservations: (800) 838-3006 or go to Brown Paper tickets online http://
