Author Archives: bestgaychicago
World of Chocolate Chicago 2014
THE BEST EVENT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
The air is getting colder and the holidays are near! With great cheer, we invite you to World of Chocolate. This festive tasting event benefitting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is our annual commemoration of World AIDS Day.
Guests enjoy an open bar and rich chocolate delights from some of Chicago’s most creative and talented culinarians.
We are overjoyed to be hosting World of Chocolate again in the magnificent Great Hall of Union Station on Thursday, December 4.
Purchase your tickets online and savor the sweet satisfaction of making a difference!
Peace, love, sugar & spice,
-The World of Chocolate Architects
P.S. Keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter. Get exclusive insight into the making of World of Chocolate and a sneak peek at what our culinarians have to offer!
REVIVAL SOCIAL CLUB in EdgeWater
After several months of word-of-mouth buzz, Chicago residents will finally be able to dine at Edgewater’s much-anticipated Revival Social Club, which has announced a November 12 opening date.
The restaurant has moved into the space formerly occupied by M. Henrietta at 1133 W. Granville Ave., just off of Broadway. Open 7 days per week serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant features a full bar and will host Saturday and Sunday brunch as well.
“Given our unique concept and vision we wanted to create a space with a strong sense of discovery and renewal offering dishes and drinks with surprisingly refreshing flavors,” said co-owner Alan Stoll referring to the heavy influence of coffee throughout the menu and their partnership with Chicago beanery Dark Matter Coffee. “We felt that the Edgewater neighborhood and specifically Granville Ave were the right location for our endeavor. We’re so proud to open our doors in this revitalizing neighborhood.”
Stoll added, “The project has evolved so much from our early concepts – it’s taken on an amazing life of its own. Chicago is such a food city and we’re so proud to find a place among the amazing restaurants already serving visitors and residents on a daily basis.”
Stoll announced in October that Chef Matthew Brems would helm the restaurant’s kitchen. Chef Brem’s American-inspired menu showcases modern recipes as well as a contemporary spin on classics. Just a few dishes diners will find on the menu include Coffee-Crusted Beef Tacos, Curried Chicken Pot-Pie, and Ancho Coffee-Crusted Pork Tenderloin. The weekend brunch menu features the Short Rib Sandwich, Jelly Donut Pancakes, and the Standee’s Breakfast – a throwback nod to the beloved diner which occupied the address for more than 60 years. Revival also features a full cocktail bar with whimsical sips including the Chai tea and Koval Vodka mixed Chai Town, a Bacon Old Fashioned and the Kentucky Mule using Very Old Barton as it’s base.
Revival Social Club can be found online at www.RevivalSocialClub.com.
Revival Social Club features both classic and new-American cuisine designed to lift the spirits and revive the soul. The menu offers both small and large plates for an individual or to share and the full-bar features a unique craft cocktail menu. Revival seats 74 inside with a back patio area that will seat another 20 during warmer months. The restaurant is at 1133 W. Granville Ave in North Edgewater and will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week with a special brunch menu Saturday and Sunday. A coffee bar in the mornings will feature Dark Matter Coffee roasts and a full-menu of coffee drinks.
1133 W. Granville Ave • Chicago, IL 60660 • 773-293-6435 • www.
HOURS: M-Thur 8am-11pm, Fri & Sat 8am-12am, Sun 9am-10pm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/
SOFA Chicago Art Show Nov. 7-9th
SOFA comes to town every November and is one of the most SPECTACULAR art shows you will ever see!
The 21st Annual Exposition of Sculpture Objects & Functional Art + Design Fair is a gallery-presented, international art exposition dedicated to bridging the worlds of design, decorative and fine art.
Works by emerging and established artists and designers are available for sale by premier galleries and dealers.
SOFA CHICAGO opens to the public Friday, November 7 and runs through Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Navy Pier.
We got a sneak peak last night and it was one of the best SOFA shows we have ever seen, with artists from around the world!
There is just acres of art! They have have lectures going on, meet the artists, cafes with food and coffees available while you gaze at all the beauty!
Friday, November 7, 2014 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday, November 9, 2014 Noon – 6 pm
- Photography is not permitted. Cameras must be checked at coat check for a fee.
- Backpacks, large purses, bulky coats and over-sized personal items must be checked at coat check for a fee.
- General Admission $20.00
Three-Day Pass $30.00
Groups (10 or more) $15.00 (in advance)
The Homestretch – Homeless Youth
“The Homestretch”
follows three homeless teens, one of them LGBTQ, as they fight to stay in school, graduate, and build a future.
Each of these smart, ambitious teenagers – Roque, Kasey and Anthony – will surprise, inspire, and challenge audiences to rethink stereotypes of homelessness as they work to complete their education while facing the trauma of being alone and abandoned at an early age.
As their stories unfold, the film connects us deeply with larger issues of poverty, race, juvenile justice, immigration, foster care, and LGBTQ rights.
Watch the trailer here: www.homestretchdoc.com/
A free-will offering to benefit The Night Ministries will follow the screening, which is co-sponsored by Berry United Methodist Church and the Gay Liberation Network. The film is a co-production between Spargel Productions and Kartemquin Films.
The free screening of this new film will take place at 7 PM, Thursday, November 13
at Berry United Methodist Church, 4754 N Leavitt St, Chicago.
Chicago LGBTQ Youth – FACES
FACES is Back!
November 7th, 8th, and 9th
Links Hall, 3111 N. Western Ave, ChicagoLimited seating. Wheelchair accessible.
Click here to purchase tickets online!
YEPP’s mission is to seek a safe environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer street-based youth to explore their history, investigate new ways to address their struggles and celebrate their strengths through the process of developing a theatrical performance piece.
LGBTQ Short Films in Chicago
Pride Films and Plays’ Queer Bits Fall Film Festival
Announces Short Films to Receive Chicago Premieres
Pride Films and Plays announces ten short films from the USA, Denmark, and Spain receiving their Chicago premieres during Queer Bits Fall Film Festival at the Public House Theatre (3914 N Clark) on November 10th, 2014.
Pride Films and Plays’ Queer Bits Fall Film Festival will include a sexy romp about a young man with an international taste in men, a poignant drama about an elderly woman revisiting an intense memory, two very different and festive animated films, a touching documentary about a gay couple living in the Deep South, a powerful lesbian drama about a dangerous crush, a fascinating examination of LGBT youth in America, a sweet coming-out tale set in high school, a smart look at two men trying to reconcile their dissimilar faiths, and a fun look at a relationship which one of the partners wants to make more open.
The screening commences at 7:30PM and will be followed by a brief talkback with some of the filmmakers. The Public House Theater bar will be open beginning at 6:30PM. Please come early and have a drink with us!
Warning: some of the short films contain adult themes, language, and brief nudity. You are going to love them!
Tickets are $10. VIP Tickets are available for $15 and include prime table seating. Student and Senior tickets are also available for $5. Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1.800.838.3006.
Queer Bits Fall Film Festival Program (in alphabetical order)
A Mississippi Love Story
Director: Robbie Fisher (USA, 13 minutes)
A Mississippi Love Story: a story set against the backdrop of legal battles about same-sex marriage, featuring Eddie Outlaw and Justin Outlaw of Jackson, Mississippi.
Freja and Sofie
Director/Writer: Søren Lundvall Danielsen (Denmark, 15 minutes)
Sofie plans to humiliate the lonely girl of the class Freja who is secretly in love with her.
Heavenly Peace
Director/Writer/Animator: Andreas Wessel-Therhorn (USA, 5 minutes)
An estranged gay couple is visited by a mischievously manipulative cupid just in time for Christmas – based on a comic by Ralf König.
International Male
Director/Writer: Heath Daniels (US, 7 minutes)
A financially strapped man, yearning for global adventure, invites over an international cast of men for a series of romantic escapades.
KARA FISTIK
Director/Animator: Nesli Erten (US, 4 minutes)
KARA FISTIK is a love letter to the freedom of female body parts.
The Miles Were Many
Director/Writer: Ashley “Smash” Wright (US, 5 minutes)
40% of America’s homeless youth are LGBTQ. Nancy was one of them. At
14 she came out, at which point her life became a journey, and “The miles
were many”.
Open Relationship
Director/Writer: Carlos Ocho (Spain, 14 minutes)
Oscar and Sergio have been in a relationship for 5 years and one of them has decided to ask for an open relationship.
Out Again
Directors: Emma McKittrick, Greg Chu, Tai Payne (US, 5 minutes)
Sixteen-year-old Sam attempts coming out to his crush Jordan. He travels through time to fix his mistakes until he can get the “perfect” coming out.
Scotty and Josh Get Enlightened
Director/Writer: Dan Pal (US, 14 minutes)
After a passionate night, Scotty and Josh discover they are on opposite ends of the believer/non-believer spectrum. Can their relationship survive?
Violet
Directors/Writers: Daniel Mena and Carlos Farró (Spain, 15 minutes)
An elderly woman is fighting against Alzheimer’s. Before the disease kills her memories, she decides to look back at a buried memory.
About Queer Bits Film Festival
Queer Bits Film Festival is Pride Films and Plays’ recently re-titled Film Festival is now in its third year and prides itself in providing the best LGBT short films with their Chicago premieres.
The first screening and incarnation of Queer Bits occurred in November 2012 in Center on Halsted’s Hoover-Leppen Theatre. In November 2013, five short films received their Chicago-premieres in the same venue during Pride Films and Plays’ annual Gay Film Weekend. In June 2014, Pride Films and Plays presented Queer Bits Film Festival, a sold-out 90 minute program of short films and webisodes, which was followed in September 2014 by the Women’s Words Film Festival, a very successful program of short films and webisodes with lesbian characters and themes which were written and/or directed by women.
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. Under A Rainbow Flag won Jeff Awards in 2013 for Best New Work 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 The Submission by Jeff Talbott.
The season continues with the highly anticipated world premiere of The Book of Merman by Leo Schwartz – Jeff Award Winner for Under A Rainbow Flag – opening in January at Mary’s Attic. It will be a followed by Topher Payne’s comedy Angry Fags which is included in the spring Garage Rep at Steppenwolf.
For more information visit www.pridefilmsandplays.com.
Chicago Gay Comedy Festival
CHICAGO’S FIRST AND ONLY LGBTQ COMEDY FESTIVAL
“Laugh Out Proud Chicago combines local LGBTQ comedic talent to raise money for LGBTQ charity, “Season of Concern”
In its inaugural year, Laugh Out Proud Chicago showcases the local talents of the Stand-up, Improvisation, Sketch, Burlesque, Story Tellings and LGBTQ communities.
Hosted by Stage773 and Artistic Director Jacob Welch “Laugh Out Proud Chicago” features over ten hours of performances by LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly comedy troupes over the span of two days.
All proceeds are directly donated to “Season of Concern,” an LGBTQ charitable organization that focuses on helping LGBTQ actors in Chicago struggling with HIV/AIDS and other catastrophic illnesses.
WHEN: November 7th 7PM-Midnight and November 8th 7PM-Midnight, 2014
6:30 p.m. – Press briefing and Photo Opportunity
7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. “Laugh Out Proud Chicago”
Cost: $10.00-$75.00
WHERE: Stage 773
1225 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
www.stage773.com
Gay Comedy Benefit
Join us at R Public House restaurant and bar in Roger’s Park for a night of laughs, hosted by Chicagoan Gwen La Roka. This show will be raising funds to keep supporting the radical work that Youth Empowerment Performance Project (YEPP) is doing in the city.
YEPP’s mission is to seek a safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth experiencing homelessness to explore their history, investigate new ways to address their struggles and celebrate their strengths throughout the process of developing a theatrical performance piece.
The funding raised will be covering different operational expenses such as food, a monthly transportation card, space rental, stipend for the youth, among many others. To purchase your ticket you can go to: http://
The evening will feature five comedians, a raffle, and much more! You can bring your after Halloween Costume and laughed it out.
Jennifer Pritzker’s Year of Change
JENNIFER PRITZKER talks to CRAINS this week about her year of change. Coming out as transgender and her restoration and opening of her STONE PORCH BY THE LAKE, luxury B & B in Evanston. Read it and see the video on Crains.
Stone Porch by the Lake is Evanston’s first beachfront luxury B&B.
The property is an exquisitely restored Tudor mansion, built in 1889.
MY PRIVATE CHEF FALL MENU AT BLOOMINGDALE’S
In special anticipation of Autumn, Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store welcomes
Chef Christopher Tong from My Private Chef to demonstrate the preparation of an exciting menu
based on Fall favorite flavors.
The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, October 25, from 2-4 pm,
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare a Fall menu featuring:
Butternut Squash, Ricotta, and Sage Crostini; Pan-Seared Duckbreast with Pumpkin Risotto; and Pumpkin Mousse with Ginger Snaps.
Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive cuisine at fine restaurants and hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles and Florida for more than 25 years. Now, as the owner of My Private Chef,
a unique private chef and gourmet dining service, he’s getting rave reviews for offering that same world-class cuisine for special occasions from your own kitchen or chosen location.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact at 312-324-7678
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit : www.myprivatechef.net
HEATWAVE Chicago Austin Armacost Party Oct 16th
THURSDAY OCTOBER 16th – Come party with Austin Armacost and his husband Jake Lees at SCARLET BAR (3320 N. Halsted) as we kick off the countdown to
HEATWAVE!
We are about 70% sold out for Heatwave packages! $200 gets 2 people a room for 24 hours, waterpark fun indoors and dance party 12 hours of music and partying!
Don’t want a room or can not stay the night? Buy a wristband for just the 9 hour water park party for $85.
RESERVATIONS for room packages or tickets 1-877-360-0403 MUST SAY “HEATWAVE” to have access to the ROOM and event. You are booking a room which comes with tickets and access to the entire complex! or Buy just the wristband for the waterpark party 6pm – 3am.
If you don’t say HEATWAVE EVENT they will tell you November 15th is sold out. Must say HEATWAVE!
Halloween Chicago 2014
HALLOWEEN in Chicago’s Boystown is officially celebrated Friday October 31st.
THE FREAKSHOW
Live Acts, Curiosities, Costume Contest, Parade, and More!
Location
Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison
Registration
Halsted Street just north of Belmont near The Playground Theater from 5pm to 7pm
Costume Contest
Enter one of five categories:
Pet, Scariest, Drag, Group and Original
The top winners in each category will be featured in the parade and win an assortment of cash and prizes
Parade
Kicks off at 8PM on Halsted Street starting at Belmont traveling north to Addison
Afterwards all the bars will also be hosting events.
SATURDAY November 1st Get an extra hour to celebrate!
Saturday, November 1st will be our official HALLOWEEN event so get ready for the biggest costume dance party Chicago has seen a very long time. ( “FALL BACK TIME CHANGE” AND STAY OPEN THAT EXTRA HOUR!!!)
“Hollywood” should BLAST the costume department wide open for everyone, so lets see whatcha got!. There will be a red carpet and photographers, so come dressed for the paparazzi.
We are creating an amazing night with all new lasers, our signature massive set designs, spectacular shows featuring the incomparable Aurora Sexton, internationally spectacular Jett Adore and an all new show from Circuit MOM. Grammy nominated producer, DJ Tony Moran is at the helm bringing his legendary sound sure to fill all 5 stories of House Of Blues with the best beats.
$40 Early Bird tickets are available now at Cram Fashion! We will post an online link here in the coming days.
Halloween Event and Contest Oct. 30th
Have a prize winning costume?
Get a jump on Halloween October 30th at EL MARIACHI!
$50 to enter but it gets you a 2 hour hosted bar and passed appetizers! eat Drink and Have Fun!
773-549-2932 SPACE IS LIMITED! reserve today! 3906 N. Broadway.
Neverland Halloween Oct. 24th
Start you Halloween celebrations off October 24th as NEVERLAND presents “Dia de los Muertos”, a Day of the Dead Halloween party at Hydrate Nightclub Chicago.
NEVERLAND returns to Hydrate for Halloween with “Dia de los Muertos”, a journey into the Day of the Dead. The famous Mexican holiday will be celebrated in our costumes and decor, but since it’s Halloween, feel free to dress as anything! Resident of the NYC’s popular ViVa Saturdays parties, DJ Alexander, headlines his very first Neverland party.
Looking for costume inspiration? Check out our Instagram @NeverlandParties, as we’ll be posting photos from our Mauricio Zapata photoshoot all month long leading up to the dance party.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES by Kandy Ho (Puerto Rico) and Kim Chi
HOSTED by Kim Chi & Eddie Couture
DRAG CARNAGE: “Day of the Dead” kicks off the night at 9:30pm starring Gia Gunn, The Princess (from RuPaul’s Drag Race), Kandy Ho (Puerto Rico), Eddie Couture, Shea Coulee, and Trixie Mattel. The dance party follows at 11:30pm.
Door: $20 general admission
THE BIRDS by Hell In a Handbag
Looking for some good inexpensive fun this Fall? Back by POPULAR demand! Hell in a Handbag Productions is proud to present a re-imagined remount of one of their most popular shows, their adaptation of The Birds.
A wonderfully entertaining cast! Comedy, drag, excitement and more!
The Birds is both a ridiculous parody of the classic Hitchcock film and a look inside the mind of lead actress, Tippi Hedren. Camille Paglia, author and American social critic, serves as your guide in this odyssey and there’s a touch of David Lynch thrown in for good measure.
The space, The Coach House at Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd. (Sheridan and Granville), is so charming and perfect! From the moment you walk in, the fun begins. Mr. Hitchcocks assistants meet you in the main house and walk you back to the coach house, which is the set of The Birds. You get to witness the “filming” of the Birds movie, but also get a sneak peak into what being on set, might have been like.
Meet newcomer, Tippi Hedren. Famed director, Alfred Hitchcock, has hand-picked her to star in the much anticipated follow-up to his smash hit film, Psycho. This film was to be called The Birds and it seemed like it would be a dream come true for any up and coming actress. And for a while it was…until it wasn’t.
Catherine McCafferty returns as fledgling actress, Tippi Hedren, whose journey begins her first day playing blonde socialite, Melanie Daniels. Melanie pursues the very dashing bachelor/lawyer, Mitchell Brenner, after a chance meeting in a pet shop. She secretly follows Mitch to Bodega Bay, a sleepy Oceanside town in Northern California. Melanie’s arrival marks the beginning of a series of bird attacks on the town. Movie history is about to be made.
Off camera, Alfred Hitchcock’s seemingly innocent interest in Ms. Hedren grew daily and he began teaching her film making. Unfortunately, what started as a brilliant director taking a novice under his wing suddenly turned into a harrowing experience for the naïve actress. Ms. Hedren experienced a terror far greater than any bird attack. We learn Alfred Hitchcock had a ravenous appetite for blondes and really sort of sexually harassed Hedren! In fact in 2012, HBO made THE GIRL which focused on Hitchcocks obsession with Hedrin!
While The Birds receives the full parody/homage treatment audiences have come to expect from Hell in a Handbag, the story takes a dark turn going inside the mind of Tippi Hedren who, as filming progresses, has trouble distinguishing the movie’s reality from her own.
Handbag ensemble members Ed Jones, Alex Grelle, Michael Hampton, Michael S. Miller, Lori Lee, Steve Love, Lolly Extract, Amber Marsh, and David Cerda are part of the large cast of characters. Also returning to the cast from 2013 are Steve Kimbrough (POSEIDON!) and Jamie Smith (Christmas Dearest). All the guys who perform as ladies, are just a riot of laughs!
Newcomers include Chazie Bly taking on the role of Mitchell Brenner/Rod Taylor, Lauren Miller as Peggy Robertson, the steely assistant to Mr. Hitchcock, Caitlin Coleman, and Christea Parent (Caged Dames) as Camille Paglia.
Handbag ensemble member, Cheryl Snodgrass (HAYWIRE!, Die! Mommie, Die!, The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular, SCARRIE -The Musical, Límitation of Life) directs this year. “The Birds was my favorite film growing up so it feels like kismet to direct The Birds, my favorite Handbag script” says Snodgrass. “There are some big surprises in this year’s production, too While we’re still using Lake Michigan as Bodega Bay and Berger Park for the bird attacks, the newly renovated Coach House has inspired brilliant new concepts from the design team. More birds. More fun. Even if you’ve seen Handbag’s The Birds before – you have never seen anything like this one.”
Endorsed by none other than Ms. Tippi Hedren herself, The Birds stands out as one of Handbag’s most critically acclaimed and memorable shows. The environmental staging at the Coach House in Berger Park on Lake Michigan makes it a unique experience you won’t soon forget.
All Show times: 7:30 Admission: $17-$37
Matinee performances Oct. 18 and 25, 3pm
| Reservations: (800) 838-3006 or go to Brown Paper tickets online http://thebirds2014.bpt.me |
Hell in a Handbag Mission Statement
HIAH is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music, and homage.
Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit Corporation.
All photos by Rick Aguilar Studios.
Chicago House Celebrity Luncheon Oct. 15th
JUST A WEEK AWAY!
Chicago House is elated to announce its 6th Annual Speaker Series Luncheon, a conversation about Gender, Race, and Economic Disparity under the LGBTQ umbrella on October 15th, 2014 at the Hilton Grand Ballroom on 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. The Panel Discussion and Moderated Q&A will begin at 12:30 PM with our esteemed speakers, Laverne Cox, an Emmy nominated transgender actress and LGBT activist, Jason Collins, a 13-year basketball veteran and the first openly gay NBA player, and Dustin Lance Black, social activist and Academy Award winning screenwriter for MILK. This year’s moderator is Gautam Raghavan, former LGBTQ advisor to President Obama and Vice President of Policy at the Gill Foundation. These three icons follow in the footsteps of previous speakers Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, President Bill Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Whoopi Goldberg and Kenneth Cole, who have all shed light on the work of Chicago House relative to their efforts around the world.
The 6th Annual Speaker Series Luncheon marks a critical fundraising event for Chicago House’s desperately-needed services, and is an opportunity for a larger conversation on our nation’s growing inequality and disparity of wealth. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ are significantly more likely of being disadvantaged socio-economically. LGBTQ persons, despite having more education than the national average, make less money than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts, particularly if they are African American. Chicago House seeks to respond to these alarming statistics by highlighting not only the great need, but also the moral imperative that the LGBTQ community has to care for its own members living in poverty.
As we approach our 30th anniversary, Chicago House looks to its origins focusing on HIV/AIDS, poverty, and LGBTQ persons. With the nation’s first and largest employment program for those with HIV/AIDS and our recently opened Translife Center, Chicago House continues its commitment to engage in action and conversations building towards a movement of inclusivity and economic advancement for those marginalized in the LGBTQ community. This is a conversation the entire community should be having; this is the next big issue we face.
Together, we stand at crossroads of progress in HIV/AIDS stigma, civil equality, and economic disparity. With your continued support, we may celebrate our victories and the lives of individuals and families that Chicago House serves.
We encourage you to be present for what we are sure will be a revolutionary event. To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor, contact Lori Byars at 773-248-5200 x209. Additional information is also available at www.chicagohouse.org.
Donna McKechnie in Chicago Oct. 20
Pride Films and Plays annual fall benefit Simply Sensational: Legends will reach new heights this year when Tony Award Winner Donna McKechnie headlines the event on October 20. WGN’s Dean Richards serves again as the emcee, which features a preshow reception at 6 pm, the performance at 7, and a post show champagne toast with Ms. McKechnie.
McKechnie created the role of Cassie in the original production of A Chorus Line, and her breathtaking song and dance number “The Music and the Mirror” are part of American musical theater lore.
A full line up of talent – including performances from many of Chicago’s esteemed musical theaters, along with Spoken Word performer C.C. Carter and Performance Artist Kimberly Dark. There will be a dance from The Chicago Academy for the Arts Repertory Dance Company, Randy Duncan, Artistic Director. You will see excerpts from PFP’s upcoming productions of The Submission by Jeff Talbott and Angry Fags by Topher Payne. And we will be introduced to the first number from the world premiere of Jeff Award winning composer Leo Schwartz’ new musical The Book of Merman, featuring Libby Lane as Ethel Merman, with musical director Robert Ollis on the piano.
VIP Tickets for Simply Sensational are $100 for the center section of Stage 773’s Thrust Stage. For VIP ticket holders, the evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a pre-show cabaret reception featuring an appetizer buffet and cash bar at Cooper’s, 1232 West Belmont. Members of Pride Films and Plays Artistic Ensemble will perform cabaret style songs to provide entertainment during the pre-show.
General Admission side seating is $75. Admission at either the VIP or General Admission level includes one free cocktail from Stage 773’s bar.
The program will be performed at 7 pm in the thrust space of Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont, on Monday, October 20, 2014.
And tickets to a post performance reception with Ms. McKechnie, including post show chocolates and champagne, can be purchase for an additional $25.
There will also be a raffle for terrific fabulous door prizes, including airline tickets, theater tickets, hotel stays, dinners and more.
About Donna McKechnie
Donna McKechnie, the Tony Award winning star of A CHORUS LINE, is regarded internationally as one of Broadway’s foremost dancing and singing leading ladies. Most recently she created the musical staging for a production of Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks starring Leslie Caron at the Laguna Playhouse which has received a rave review from the Los Angeles Times. Donna is also co-starring in a new production called 4 Girls 4 with Maureen McGovern, Andrea McCardle and Faith Prince produced by Wayne Gmitter and John McDaniel.
PUSH Physical Theatre
Seeing award winning PUSH Physical Theatre is like watching a live action-movie. This talented group of performers inspires awe with physical illusions and gravity-defying, dance-infused, acrobatic high-jinx.
A cross between fine art sculpture and “The Matrix,” PUSH Physical Theatre will express the power of the human body at Moraine Valley Community College on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
PUSH Physical Theatre is cool, athletic, entertaining, and impossible to resist. This theater of the body features performers who appear to manipulate time and space in a live environment. The performance is all about stories, the narratives of life played out with hope, strength and optimism. Experience PUSH to know the strength of the human soul.
“Our Physical Theatre is an art form created from borrowing,” said Darren Stevenson, founding director of PUSH Physical Theatre. “We have been inspired by the concepts and ideas of corporeal mime, modern dance, non-traditional partnering, and the areas of acting technique that relate to the use of the body as a tool of discovery; even gymnastics play a part. We attempt to create a true synergy between these theater forms.”
SNEAK PEAK
PUSH’s unique form has transformed it into a national company that has performed all over England, the United States and Mexico, and has appeared on PBS and NPR.
The performers will defy gravity in the Fine and Performing Arts Center’s Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for students and seniors.
BUY TICKETS
More info at PUSH
Roundtable Salon with Top Authors
Join Melissa G Wilson and Four Great Authors for an Invigorating Evening with the Written Word!
When: Wednesday, October 15th, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Space (a most unique connection space!) 444 N Wabash, Chicago, IL, 5th floor
Have you been longing for a fun, more connective way of meeting new people?
Do you like to learn new things in a warm, inviting social setting?
Are you ready for a very unique, interactive experience?
Then you will want attend this first of its kind authors roundtable adventure.
What to Expect
- You will start by arriving at 5:30 where you will meet me as one of your hosts as well as other hosts who will introduce you around the room to others attending as well as the authors.
- At 6:00 p.m. We will have a brief introduction to the authors and their tables of conversation around each of their books.
- At 6:30 you will choose your first table to sit down at. Note that once a table is full you will have to go to one that has openings. At your table you will get the chance to not only listen to the author’s overview of his or her subject but also get to meet the other participants at your table and exchange ideas and ask questions to create great, stimulating conversation.
- At 7:00 you will again switch to another table of your choice and, once again, meet new people and have create a great exchange of ideas.
- At 7:30 you will have your third and final opportunity to sit down and converse with an author.
- From 7:30 – 8:00 we will have an open room conversation sharing the insights and highlights from the authors and you and the other participants.
Craig S Wilson, Author of Dating for Life (www.datingforlife.com)
Andersonville Dessert Crawl October 26th
MY PRIVATE CHEF PRESENTS A GOURMET TRICK OR TREAT EXPERIENCE AT THE
ANDERSONVILLE DESSERT CRAWL
On October 26, from 2-5 p.m.
Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through this delightful neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.
This neighborhood event celebrates the festive spirit of fall. It’s a gourmet Trick or Treat experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.
Chef Chris Tong of My Private Chef, an upscale private chef and gourmet dining service, will be serving a delicious Blood Orange Mousse with Ginger and Pirouette Wafer.
Look for him on the Caramel Apple Route at one of his favorite wine shops, In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.
This year you can choose between TWO great routes. Tickets for one route are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event.
Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location.
For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit Andersonville.org
Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive cuisine at fine restaurants and hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles and Florida for more than 25 years.
Now, as the owner of My Private Chef, a unique private chef and gourmet dining service, he’s getting rave reviews for offering that same world-class cuisine for special occasions from your own kitchen or chosen location.
My Private Chef continues it’s tradition of supporting Andersonville culture and special events.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: Myprivatechef.net
