Category Archives: Benefits
Wonka Ball 2015 WARHOL
In the future everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.In 2015, About Face Theatre proclaims:
It is the future and everyone can be Andy Warhol
For one night only, Moonlight Studios will be transformed into today’s version of Warhol’s Factory. Immerse yourself in a world of 21st century pop art, cinema and camp while enjoying music, dancing, delicious drinks and fantastic food. And get ready for an amazing, art-filled silent and live auction that will blow your mind!
Just 2 weeks left! What are you waiting for, sugar?
Take a walk on the wild side…
Friday, April 10th @ Moonlight StudiosVIP Superstar Lounge @ 7pm
General Admission @ 8pm
GLAAD Hatter Brunch Chicago April 4th 2015
IT’S BACK! The festive and fun 2015 GLAAD Hatter Brunch Benefit!
GLAAD Hatter, presented by Ketel One Vodka and MillerCoors, is a celebration of national and local leaders advancing LGBT equality.
At GLAAD it’s personal and we want your hat to be a personal expression of yourself while enjoying a sumptuous brunch with specialty brunch cocktails.
Whether impressive or understated, bridal or funeral, edible, perishable, sporty, floral, or with live birds in a cage — whatever hat you wear, you’ll fit right in. Prizes will be given away for “Best Hat” as well as “People’s Choice” for favorite hat. Enter to win raffle prizes from great companies throughout the Chicago area.
Tickets:
$150 for Two Tickets or $85 Individual Ticket Purchase Tickets
A significant portion of your ticket supports GLAAD. GLAAD rewrites the script on LGBT equality. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialog that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. GLAAD.org
Chicago House THE TEASE Feb 28th
Nadine DuBois is a commanding addition to this year’s production of The Tease. Renowned for her masterful ability to transform shows into a “more cohesive and pure slice of burlesque,” DuBois will provide a “glamorous framework for The Tease‘s incredible cast of artists.”
Hailing from Minneapolis, DuBois laces a glimmer of sexuality into her Minnesota-nice demeanor. She brings experience performing throughout the Twin Cities in large theatrical productions such as Grown and Sexy PRIDE, which every year features a special guest from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and in big-stage shows that have toured across New Zealand and Australia with Chicago burlesque artists Jett Adore, Bazuka Joe and Ray Gunn. DuBois has also made appearances in venues such as Chicago’s Subterranean and Music Box Theatre.
For DuBois, burlesque is truly an innocent, fun and freeing experience. “When I’m on stage, it’s the most present I ever am.”
This love affair started one hot summer night in Minneapolis when DuBois walked past an unnamed bar. Inside, she saw mystic artists who looked like they truly belonged. Trained as a singer, DuBois sought the perfect platform from which to share her talent, but she had yet to find the right fit. On this warm night in 2003, Nadine DuBois fell in love.
From there grew the persona that DuBois describes as “comedic in a real way.” Opening shows with the question, Have you ever been to a burlesque show before?, DuBois channels the audience’s nervous energy into her comedy. She responds suggestively to those new to the art form, eager to pop the cherries of burlesque virgins around the world.
This month, DuBois will host The Tease. Tying together performances by aerialists, dancers, jugglers and contortionists, DuBois will provide the scaffolding for The Tease’s portrayal of the turmoil of love. As a fierce ally to the communities Chicago House serves, Nadine DuBois intends for her performance to “highlight and encourage the powerful compassion and immense resources that Chicago House provides for its clients.”
Two shows 7:30 and 10:30!!! Saturday Feb. 28th!
Buy tickets to this year’s production of The Tease on our website or by calling 773.248.5200 x 304.
Amy Landecker in Chicago for AFC Gala in May
30 Years of Action: 30th Year Gala Marks AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Milestone Fighting HIV/AIDS
Actress Amy Landecker to be master of ceremonies at AFC’s 30th Year Gala on May 16!
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) commemorates 30 years of action with the HIV/AIDS community during its 30th Year Gala, taking place at the Hilton Chicago on May 16.
The event marks a historic milestone for the organization, which has led the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Chicago metropolitan area since the early years of the epidemic. Thirty years later, AFC commemorates the work its community of supporters, advocates, service providers, and community organizations have done to reduce new HIV infections and provide support for the estimated 43,000 people living with HIV and AIDS in Illinois today.
Renowned actress Amy Landecker will be master of ceremonies, highlighting AFC’s impact on HIV/AIDS in Chicago, Illinois and across the U.S. Landecker is known for her role in the Academy Award-nominated film A Serious Man and currently stars in Amazon’s Golden Globe winning comedy series Transparent, which chronicles the lives of a Los Angeles family whose patriarch is transgender.
Guests at the 30th Year Gala will also enjoy live entertainment from a special performer (to be announced next year), specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing and a raffle. Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 6 p.m. to Midnight
WHERE: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave.
TICKETS: $500 per person. $5,000 per table. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935
Wonka Ball 2015 WARHOL
In 1968, Andy Warhol proclaimed:
“In the future everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.“
In 2015, About Face Theatre proclaims:
“It is the future and everyone can be Andy Warhol” at…
WONKA BALL: WARHOL
Named as one of Chicago’s top theatre, dance, and music events for the 5th year in a row, WONKA BALL: WARHOL will celebrate the Pop Art icon and his cadre of superstars, celebrities and subjects.
Guests will experience live, Warhol-inspired art-making and performances, plus fantastic food, delicious drinks, music and a stellar silent and live auction for which Wonka Ball itself has become famous.
Get your discounted Early Bird tickets now and support About Face Theatre, Chicago’s premiere center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and ally arts (LGBTQIA) as we celebrate our 19th year and party like superstars!
Love is Love EQIL Gala Feb. 14th
We can hardly believe it – Gala week is here and this is one of your last chances to attend the largest LGBT event of its kind in the Midwest.
It will be a night of celebration and dancing that you won’t want to miss. We’ll be honoring the TransLife Center of Chicago House, performer Lea DeLaria, and business leader Michael Sacks and GCM Grosvenor.
To kick off the night we have remarkable silent auction items for you to bid on, from travel packages to locales like Las Vegas and Maui to glamorous hotel stays, dining, and entertainment in Chicago. You will be able to bid on flights around the world, Picasso lithographs, or even baskets filled with your favorite cocktail ingredients!
Only standard tables and tickets are left, and they’re going fast – get your tickets today!
Lea DeLaria Honored at EQIL Gala
Illinois native Lea DeLaria, widely known as Boo in “Orange is the New Black,” will be honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award at this year’s Gala.
Beyond her role on the hit show, she was the first out comedian to appear on a late-night talk show and is a prominent jazz musician. Be sure you get your tickets to the Gala today to see Lea on the big stage.
Additionally, Equality Illinois is proud to honor The TransLife Center of Chicago House with the Freedom Award for their work providing critical, life-changing services to transgender Illinoisans. Our 2015 Business Leadership Awardee is Grosvenor Capital Management and CEO Michael Sacks for spearheading business support in the fight for marriage equality. All of our awardees are helping further our movement toward full equality.
As the largest LGBT event of its kind in the Midwest, the Gala draws more than 1,400 participants and is nearly sold out. We still have a limited number of Premier tickets and Standard tickets and tables available. Don’t miss out on seeing all of our awardees at the Equality Illinois Gala – get your tickets today!
Center on Halsted & About Face Theatre
Center on Halsted & About Face Theatre
STANDING UNDERNEATH NIGHT AND DAY
Many in the LGBTQ community are or have at one point experienced loneliness or isolation because of how they identify. As a community-based organization, Center on Halsted tackles this need through providing programs, services, and space for individuals to commune and live powerfully in supportive inclusive environments.
In a new collaboration with About Face Theatre, Center on Halsted is hosting an OUT FRONT Series performance entitled STANDING UNDERNEATH NIGHT AND DAY, a narrative, theatrical work in progress about youth, seniors and the gaps in between that explores the intergenerational sense of isolation in the LGBTQ community. The piece, led by About Face Theatre Artistic Associate, Kelli Simpkins, uses a collection of 50 interviews conducted over a five month period with intergenerational members of the Chicago LGBTQIA community and those advocating for youth and seniors.
Bruce is one of the dozens interviewed for the project and weighed in on the problem of loneliness in the LGBTQ community.
“As a psychotherapist and social service professional,” he said, “I hear the lament of loneliness almost as much from today’s LGBTQ young people as I did from my own generation. In spite of all the progress we’ve made toward securing our rights, the truth is that many LGBTQ youth continue to experience rejection, ostracism, harassment and violence that is fueled by homophobia.”
Kyla, another interviewee, believes this piece is poised to be inspirational and an agent for change.
“I want this [project] to turn apathetic people outside of the community into spokespeople for what the new idea of normal really is,” she said. “To be normal is to be true to yourself. [This project has the potential to] strengthen the existing community and provide common ground for youth and elders despite differences.”
Eric, who was also interviewed, agrees and sees conversation as integral to bridging community. In his experience, “life continues on, love always has a way to find you, and community will always back you up in times of strain.”
Center on Halsted and About Face Theatre invite you to join us in community, learn from our collective experiences, and combat loneliness in OUT FRONT: STANDING UNDERNEATH NIGHT AND DAY.\
$10 suggested donation
| January 24th @ 7:00 p.m. |
| January 25th @3:00 p.m. |
| Center on Halsted |
| Reserve your seats today |
LOVE IS LOVE Valentines Gala
THE MIDWEST’S LARGEST LGBT GALA and FUNDRAISER
SUPPORTS THE WORK OF EQUALITY ILLINOIS
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Hilton Chicago Hotel, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
6 PM – Cocktails and Silent Auction
8 PM – Dinner and Program
10 PM – Dancing till Midnight
TICKETS
Get your ticket to join us at the Equality Illinois 2015 Gala.
TABLE COMMITMENTS
Purchase or captain a table; host a platinum, premier, or standard table of 10.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
Learn how your business can reach over 50,000 LGBT and LGBT-friendly households through supporting the Gala.
DONATIONS FOR LUXURY SILENT AUCTION
Travel, entertainment, sports and fitness, dining and artwork donations welcomed.
PROGRAM BOOK ADVERTISING
Seen by 1,400 gala attendees, including leading political figures.
GALA CO-CHAIRS ARE MARITERESE AND PATRICK BALTHROP
The Balthrops are major supporters of organizations such as Equality Illinois that fight for the LGBT community.
TRANSLIFE CENTER OF CHICAGO HOUSE TO BE HONORED AT GALA
The TransLife Center demonstrates remarkable vision, courage, and leadership.
Chicago House THE TEASE Event 2015
February 28, 2015
Two shows, 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm
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 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.
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!!
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!
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!
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.
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.
