Category Archives: Cabaret
Chicago House THE TEASE Event 2015
February 28, 2015
Two shows, 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm
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://
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.
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus Oct. 25th
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC)
starts off their 2014/2015 season with Lipstick & Lyrics, “Into the Hood: A Mary-Tale”, on October 25, 2014 at 8:00pm at the fabulous Park West. Join CGMC for the 12th edition of this live-singing drag performance, with increased production values, presented by Michael Leppen under the direction of Tony Lewis, of Mid Tangent Productions (Snow White and The Seven Drag Queens), and musical direction of Patrick Sinozich.
Hear your favorite fierce drag princesses sing live while on a quest to be the fairest at the ball, all while evading the scheming, evil villainesses. Talented fair maidens in fun costumes, sexy dancers in skimpy costumes, and amazing music highlight this see-and-be-seen event benefitting CGMC.
The evening will feature the opportunity for all to bid on the Princess-For-A-Night Drag Auction, where the winner will join the performers on stage at the end of the show. Come with a few friends or host a table at the front of the stage, there’s a price-point and fun experience for everyone this year!
TICKET & VENUE INFORMATION
Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 8:00pm
Park West – 322 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Tickets range from $35 to $100 for VIP seating. For ticket information and general information about Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, please visit www.cgmc.org or call 773-296-0541.
HYDRATE Chicago – THE place to be this Weekend!
HYDRATE – A WEEKEND OF FUN!
FRIDAY NIGHT! Drag Carnage and Neverland GLOW
SATURDAY NIGHT –
SUNDAY FUNDAY
HYDRATE CHICAGO 3458 N Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois
Coco Peru in Chicago September 26th
Storyteller/monologist Miss Coco Peru aka Clinton Leupp got his/her start as a downtown favorite in the cabaret world of NY after he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in his first show “Miss Coco Peru in My Goddamn Cabaret” 20 years ago.
Considered The Hostess with that something extra… Coco has hosted The GLAAD Awards in Los Angeles, Night of a Thousand Gowns in NYC, Chicago Takes Off, Hot and Dry in Palm Springs, The Black and White Ball in Reno and the BALIF (Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom) Dinner in San Francisco.
She has also been honored to be involved with numerous charities over the years including work for Trevor Project, Aids for Aids, and God’s Love We Deliver. In fact, the list is so long, the L.A. GLBT Center honored Coco in 2009 at their 38th Anniversary Gala with the Board of Director’s Award. The award was presented to Coco by Zachary Quinto (Star Trek, Heroes, So NoTorious).
Don’t miss this special Chicago appearance! GET TICKETS HERE.
Coco Peru in Chicago Sept. 26th
I have followed this gal’s career for about 15 years now I think. LOVE HER.
Miss Coco Peru
is the drag persona of American actor, comedian and drag performer Clinton Leupp, known for her role in the 1999 independent film Trick and for her series of live theater performances.
Storyteller/monologist Coco is most recognizable by her “trademark copper-toned flip hairdo,” Peru also starred in Richard Day’s Girls Will Be Girls (2003) and was one of six performers featured in the Logo original stand-up comedy series Wisecrack (2005).
She has also appeared in a number of other supporting and guest-starring roles in film and television.
For 20 years Peru has starred in various “one-woman shows” across the US and other countries, and hosted LGBT events. Since 2005 Peru has appeared in the “Conversations With Coco” series in which she “interviews and celebrates the lives and careers of the LGBT community’s favorite icons.” Peru’s guests have included Bea Arthur, Lesley Ann Warren, Karen Black, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.
She has traveled and appeared all over the world. Now the Chicago Cabaret Project is bringing her to Chicago as part of their Divine Decadence Series With AMY ARMSTRONG! ONE NIGHT ONLY. One show only. September 26th in Circuit Nightclub. SURE TO SELL OUT! With a hilarious and poignant blend of monologue, song and multi-media, Coco will show audiences once again why Lily Tomlin calls Coco Peru “one the last great story tellers. GET TICKETS
Need a laugh today? Coco Peru always makes me laugh!
Coco Peru braves the perils of Los Santos… WATCH NOW
Twitter @themisscocoperu
https://www.facebook.com/misscocoperu…
http://instagram.com/misscocoperu
Tumblr: therealmisscocoperu
Jess Godwin – Godwin Anthology Free Concert Aug. 27
Join Center on Halsted for an evening of vocal performance from some of Chicago’s most talented singers, songwriters, and performers.
The Godwin Anthology consists of the following acts:
GODWIN has released five EPs. Her singles and voice have been featured on both television and radio and she has been the featured performer for a number of sports franchises, galas, funerals, masses, and weddings throughout the Chicago area and nationally.
JC BROOKS is an actor, musician, and poet whose main pastime is writing love letters to the Chicago arts scene. You can check him out this summer with his post-punk soul band JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound with his new musical project the K.i.D.
DANIEL WADE is a singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music sounds like a burst of rock ‘n’ roll sunshine that is both fresh and familiar. He has four EPs and performs with Ryan Powers and The Secret Weapons, Treaty of Paris, and Michael Chorvat. He has opened for both Butch Walker and Jack’s Mannequin.
RYAN POWERS and The Secret Weapons nod to the sunshine pop music of the past with their debut album The Goodnight, Goodbye Hour. They have garnered airplay on 93.1 FM WXRT, performed live on WGN Television, and have shared the stage with national acts such as: Gavin DeGraw, Collective Soul, Styx, Diane Birch, and REO Speedwagon. Ryan and the band set out to perform their summertime pop that sings of romance and escapes.
Cabaret Project Divine Decadence Series at Circuit
CABARET PROJECT launches a new series which will happen at Circuit Nightclub!
Friday June 20th. Amy and Freddy and The Cabaret Project present two cabaret shows comprising the official launch party of pride!
Gay Cabaret Night at Davenports March 16th
TOMMY HENSEL will be performing on Sunday, March 16 at Davenports Piano Bar.
“This time around, I am working with Ann McGregor and Beckie Menzie on a great show titled, “Fancy Meeting You Here: A Tribute to the Great Songs of Yesteryear.”
The show at Davenports is at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 16.
Tickets are $15 plus a two drink minimum. You can make reservations at http://davenportspianobar.
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus Feb. 25th and March 8th
Choral, Cabaret and Musical Theater all Rolled into One
With more than 150 singing members backed by a small army of volunteers, the CGMC family covers a diverse cross-section of the Chicago metropolitan area. Under the visionary guidance and inspired direction of Artistic Director, Patrick Sinozich, CGMC delivers a distinctive brand of entertainment that keeps our audience coming back again and again. Our members log thousands of hours annually to accomplish an ambitious schedule of performances, fund-raisers and charitable appearances.
We invite you to learn more about:
- Our Artistic Director & Staff>>
- Our Board of Directors & Committees>>
- Our History>>
We 3 Liza’s – A New Holiday Classic
Even if you don’t like Liza (with a Z!) You will LOVE WE 3 LIZA’S!
Ticklebottom’s life has hit a block. Once, Conrad and his purple box
ignited an entire movement in art and design, but now he finds himself
alone, forgotten and teetering on ruin.
Candi Cayne Midnight Cabaret at Taverna 750 November 9th
Join Taverna 750 and Nolet’s Gin on November 9th for a Midnight Cabaret Show with Candis Cayne benefiting the Gibbs Family Foundation.
Candis Cayne is one of the United States’ most popular and sought-after
transgender actresses being seen in shows like Dirty Sexy Money,
Nip/tuck, and Million Dollar Listing.. Candis first made a name for
herself at the famed NYC gay hot-spot “Boy Bar”, where her performances
drew rave reviews. A classically trained dancer, Candis has thrilled
audiences from coast-to-coast with her amazing gift for dance, choreography and glamour.
With Specials Guest Traver Rains, famed fashion designer, co-creator of the haute couture line Heatherette, and current owner of the T-Rains fashion line.
The Gibbs Family Foundation promotes healthy living and prevention
strategies for complex illnesses and rare diseases. The Gibbs Family
Foundation provides funding opportunities to organizations committed to
promoting health awareness, lifestyle modifications, and prevention
programs to improve health.
$10 Cover at the Door or reserve a private bottle service table with Timothy Rocklewitz at tim@taverna750.com for details.
Kit Kat Thanksgiving and Giving Back
Give
and Get This Thanksgiving at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Discounted
Dinner and Drinks with Canned Good Donation
Wednesday, November 27 and Thursday, November 28
5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
On
Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day, Lakeview’s Kit Kat Lounge and
Supper
Club will extend a dining discount to those who donate a canned good or
nonperishable food item. The donations will benefit Vital Bridges’
annual “Harvest for
Hope” community food drive.
Guests
will receive a 50-percent discount off martinis and cocktails, as well
as a 33-percent discount
off their dinner tab with canned good donation. Consulting Chef JoAnn
Witherell has crafted a special Thanksgiving prix fixe menu that will be
offered in addition to Kit Kat’s regular dinner menu. The classic
Thanksgiving
feast (outlined below) includes a pumpkin pie 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 $20
with
canned good donation ($40 without donation).
Diva Kinley Preston will entertain guests on
Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day starting at 7:30 p.m. For table reservations, please call 773-525-1111.
Kit Kat’s Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu
available on 11/27 and 11/28
$20 per guest with canned good donation ($40 without donation)
Pumpkin Pie Martini
Kit Kat Salad
romaine and spinach blend with pears, dried cranberries and
spicy pecans, balsamic vinaigrette
Herb-marinated Roasted Turkey Breast
traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, haricot verts,
cranberry and pineapple relish
Pumpkin Pie Tart with whipped cream
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 www.vitalbridges.org
Kit
Kat Lounge and Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
KitKatChicago.com
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’s Lipstick & Lyrics: Sex is in the Heel
pop music.
Chicago
Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) starts off their 2013/2014 season with “Lipstick & Lyrics: Sex is in the
Heel” featuring chorus member divas in drag as they sing live to some of
the greatest hits in pop music. Under the direction of Brandon Vejseli and
Patrick Sinozich, the show enters its 11th year and performs again at the Mayne
Stage in Rogers Park.
In
addition, this year includes a brand new “Like a Virgin” Auction
where they are auctioning off the chance for one audience member backstage for
a complete drag makeover. This lucky audience member will then shine in a
featured role in the show’s finale.
·
Saturday, November 2, 2013 – 7:30pm AND 10:30pm
Mayne Stage – 1329 W. Morse Ave.; Chicago, IL 60626
More info at CGMC
GET A SNEAK PEAK ON YouTUBE
Coco Peru Comes to Center on Halsted September 20-21
Award-winning
comedy/cabaret performance artist, storyteller and monologist, Miss
Coco Peru, aka Clinton Leupp, got his/her start as a downtown favorite
in the cabaret world of New York after he wrote, produced, directed, and
starred in his first show “Miss Coco Peru in My Goddamn Cabaret” 20
years ago.
on TV and in theater and movies. On screen, Miss Coco is best known for
her roles in Jim Fall’s Fineline feature film, trick (Sundance 1999) and
Richard Day’s IFC feature length comedy Girls Will Be Girls.
September 20 and September 21 | 6 PM
Center on Halsted, Hoover Leppen Theatre
Includes Seated Dinner and Open Bar
VIP: $250 | General Admission: $150
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus SOME LIKE IT HOT July 29th
.
CHICAGO GAY MEN’S CHORUS
QUENCHES THE SUMMER WITH A COOL CABARET SHOW
WHAT:
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) is extending their 30th season into the summer with a new cabaret show: “Some Like It Hot.”
CGMC provides two show times under the direction of Jimmy Morehead and
L. T. Johnson at Lakeview’s newest comedy club, the Laugh Factory.
Song selections include swingin’ standards like Night and Day and Another Hot Day in Harlem, showtune favorites like Too Darn Hot, and current hits from Adele and Esperanza Spalding.
Tickets are on sale for $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP seating (7:15 show only) – both with a two drink minimum. VIP ticket holder’s reception will be hosted from 6:00 p.m.- 7:15 p.m. with drinks – plus hors d’oeuvres from LM Restaurant Group. For tickets and more information, visit www.laughfactory.com/
WHEN/WHERE:
- Monday, July 29, 2013 – 7:15 p.m. AND 9:30 p.m. Laugh Factory- 3175 North Broadway; Chicago, IL 60657
Chicago Cabaret Project May 3rd
When the sun sets and you need a place where you can escape—
come to the cabaret!
A place where fantasy, music and comedy collide; life in the cabaret is something you have to experience!
Provocative
and beautiful, the Project strives to revitalize the art of cabaret by
attracting and captivating audiences with stellar voices, handsome
presentations and raw sexual appeal!
stimulating audiences at various venues throughout the city of Chicago.
In each of the company’s first two years they produced only one show
each year. In 2009 the company expanded to extended, regular runs, and
produced nine shows from June to December of that year. This momentum
marked a significant presence for the ensemble among the theatre and
entertainment professionals of Chicago, garnering praise and admiration
for their beautiful vocal styling and provocative, sexy presentations.
In 2012, The Chicago Cabaret Project was granted not-for-profit status
and was reincorporated as The Cabaret Project.
