Category Archives: Theater in Chicago
The Original Vampire Lesbians of Sodom…Charles Busch and Julie Halston..in Chicago December 7th
ALMOST SOLD OUT!
The original Vampire Lesbians of Sodom will be together again, if only for one night, when alt-theater mainstays Charles Busch and Julie Halston present an unpredictable evening of fun and conversation, Monday, December 7 at 7:30 pm at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.
Known for his drag star alter-egos in works like Die, Mommie, Die! and Psycho Beach Party, as well as the Tony nominated Broadway hit, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, writer-director-actor Charles Busch will take the stage with his best friend and muse, Julie Halston. She is the acclaimed actress most recognized as Bitsy Von Muffling from Sex and The City who began her career originating roles in Busch’s Vampire Lesbians of Sodom.
For one night only, the pair will recount their theatrical climb from campy cult success to critical acclaim on film, television, and Broadway. Through anecdotes, film clips and recreating scenes from Busch’s plays, the duo will share the triumphs and tribulations that made for longevity in not only their professional lives but their friendship as well.
An Evening with Charles Busch & Julie Halston is presented as part of Victory Gardens Fresh Squeezed, a series of offbeat performance-based events targeting younger and diverse audiences, featuring a special spotlight on LGBTQ-focused work in 2009/2010.
Tickets to An Evening with Charles Busch & Julie Halston are $30 in advance; $35 at the door – if available .
For tickets and information, call 773.871.3000, or purchase online at Victory Gardens .
The Best of Gay Chicago
So You Think You Want To Be In Cirque Du Soleil?
WHAT’S YOUR SHPEEL?
ONE LUCKY WINNER TO PERFORM
AT THE LEGENDARY CHICAGO THEATRE
Winning Act to be Presented in the Grand Lobby Prior to
the December 9th performance of Banana Shpeel by Cirque du Soleil.
BroadwayWorld.com is giving one lucky winner the chance to entertain the pre-show audience in the grand lobby at the historical Chicago Theatre prior to a performance of Banana Shpeel, the new Cirque du Soleil show on December 9 at 8pm.
Interested contestants have the opportunity to sing, dance, or laugh their way to the theater by submitting a 60-second video to be voted on by their peers. In keeping with the vaudeville-inspired theme of Banana Shpeel, participants are encouraged to display a madcap bit of slapstick, an over-the-top comedic routine, or singing, dancing or performing a one-of-a-kind act with original creative content. Videos will be judged on creativity, raw talent, originality, humor, spirit and total “wow-factor.” To enter, participants should upload a 60-second video to YouTube.com and fill out the entry form at Broadway World.
The lucky winner will receive two complimentary tickets to Banana Shpeel and will enjoy accommodations courtesy of Delta Airlines and theWit, Doubletree Hotel in Chicago on December 9. Complimentary airfare to Chicago will be provided only if winner is from out-of-town. 25 runners up will each receive two complimentary tickets for Banana Spheel on December 9.
The contest runs until November 30 and is open to anyone 18 or older (under 18 with parental permission) in the United States. For complete terms and conditions see Broadway World.
Written and directed by David Shiner, Banana Shpeel is a roller-coaster mix of performance styles inspired by vaudeville that blends comedy with tap, hip hop, eccentric dance and slapstick, all linked by a hilarious narrative that ignites a succession of wacky adventures.
Propelled by crazy humor and intense choreography, Banana Shpeel plunges us into the world of Schmelky, a brash, ambitious producer who is trying to put together a spectacular variety show. His world is populated with sidekicks, dancers, singers and novelty acts – and a trio of badly-behaved clowns who crash the auditions spreading chaos in all directions.
For Banana Shpeel information and tickets, please visit Cirque du Soleil or Chicago Theatreor call 1.800.745.3000. Regular ticket prices range from $23 to $98, with limited Premium and Tapis Rouge VIP Experience tickets also available.
The Best of Gay Chicago
Behind The Scenes Look at Cirque Du Soleil’s BANANA SHPEEL
Cirque du Soleil has been coming to Chicago for nearly 20 years –
but this time, with a TWIST!
Something new and different will make it’s premier in Chicago next week,
for a 8 week run, before moving on to New York City.
BANANA SHPEEL!
Is the newest creation from the Quebec company and will debut in Chicago
for a limited run (November 19-January 3),
before moving to New York’s BEACON THEATRE for an open
ended run starting February 4th, 2010.
Cirque is completing final preparations this week!
We got a sneak peak behind the scenes as costume designer extraodinar Dominique Lemieux
put finishing touches and did fittings on some of her creative clothes.
WATCH CIRQUE BEHIND THE SCENES video!
She says,” What makes the costumes unqiue is the juxtaposition of retro and modern.
The costumes recall the days of vaudeville, while the fabrics and materials are contemporary. Going from monochrome to color, and using vibrant shimmering and changing materials that will evoke the flamboyance of the world of vaudeville.”
We also got the chance to watch handsome male dancer LUKE HAWKINS…
…rehearse his tap dance!
It is going to be an exciting show!
Banana Shpeel is a roller-coaster mix of styles that blends comedy with tap, hip hop,
eccentric dance and slapstick, all linked by a narrative that ignites a succession of wacky adventures.
This is not circus, or a musical or a variety show, or even vaudeville.
It is Banana Shpeel!
(makeup designer Eleni Uranis gives a lesson to cast member)
Writer and Director David Shine, who also directed KOOZA, is back at the helm once again this time.
He explains the world of vaudeville and his collaboration with creator Serge Roy.
How the new show has elements of vaudeville, but yet very modern,
with elements of circus as well.
Tickets range $23 to $98. at Cirquedusoleil and Chicagotheatre.
DID YOU KNOW?
Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2009. From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has more than 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 performing artists.
Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to almost 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque will present 20 shows simultaneously throughout the world. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.
The Best of Gay Chicago
The Best of Gay New York
SKYY VODKA and Chicago’s REELING Gay Lesbian Film Festival
IMPORTANT UPDATE about the FISH OUT OF WATER AFTER-PARTY – Sunday November 8th!! Due to the overwhelming demand for Fish Out of Water After-Party tickets, the party has moved to a bigger space and changed the venue to Skybar, 2242 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets previously sold out online for this event, HOWEVER, they are now releasing additional after-party tickets. Snag them while they’re still available! (Note: Film-Only Fish Out of Water tickets remain available for purchase, as well.)
Reeling will close on a high note on Sunday, November 15th at Music Box Theatre with the 7:30 pm Closing Night screening of Oy Vey! My Son is Gay!!, featuring a star-studded cast that includes, among others, Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Jai Rodriquez (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos), comedian Bruce Vilanch, and Carmen Electra!!!
Director Evgeny Afineevsky and Jai Rodriquez are scheduled to appear at the screening and after-party, which will take place at Architectural Artifacts. (4325 N. Ravenswood).
SKYY VODKA is a proud sponsor of this years REELING Gay/Lesbian Festival. And they have created a special drink which will be available at the Gala’s and you can also make it at home, of course.
Here’s the recipe –
The Reeling Passion
2 oz SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit
2 Lemon Quarters
1 oz Simple Syrup
Muddle the lemon quarters with the simple syrup until all the juice is extracted out of the fruit.
Add the SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit and top with ice.
Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
See you at the movies this week!
SKYY VODKA
REELING FESTIVAL tickets and information
BEST GAY CHICAGO
MR RIGHT – Monday, November 9th Landmark Theatres on Clark
REELING FILM FESTIVAL
and BEST GAY CHICAGO PRESENT….
Jacqui Morris’ directorial debut, ‘Mr. Right’ — an ensemble piece following the lives of several gay Londoners.
The film starts off rough with a narration from jilted fag hag, Louise. Her role is mainly to drop sassy one liners much like you’d expect from a gay character in a straight film.
And perhaps that’s the film’s strength. Morris explains she wanted to make a gay movie for the “mainstream.”
Despite the familiar gay characters (Alex is an aspiring actor/waiter, Lawrence is a soap-star, Tom is the self-deprecating artist, and Lars is the narcissistic muscle boy), ‘Mr. Right’ depicts these men with intellect and wit — minus the campiness and lisps you might expect.
Most interesting is the emergence of a new gay character archetype: the single dad, William. We watch him struggle to raise a “normal” 9-year old child, while he fights fears of being alone. William is both an ex-Rugby player and antique collector, which makes for a refreshing and unexpected combination.
The film was made on a shoe string budget, but the quality doesn’t suffer. For example, the soundtrack features The Gossip and Rufus Wainright, courtesy of a very generous Universal Music. And even more impressive is the discovery that the entire movie was shot hand held and on tape (which is cheaper than digital). All this combined with the help of the local community in London’s gay SoHo district (many shops, bars, and clubs donated locations and support) turn what might have been a low budget mess into a solid, rarely-seen portrayal of modern gay life.
I hope you can you join us!
Tickets $10
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9th,
9pm LANDMARK THEATRES.
2828 N. Clark.
Read More about MR RIGHT and Watch a Movie Clip!
Advance sales are available until the day before the show. After that, tickets must be purchased at the theater box office on the day of the screening. Online: Tickets available 24/7 through Tix.com
Walk up ticket sales in Andersonville: at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St.
Monday-Friday 10:00 am-6:00pm;
The Best of Gay Chicago
LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE / CENTER ON HALSTED – JUNE 2 – 5
LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE
FOR MAJOR 4-NIGHT ENGAGEMENT JUNE 2 – 5!
Kristopher McDowell Productions is producing a June series at The Hoover-Leppen Theatre/Center on Halsted in Chicago. The supremely talented ladies featured in this series continue to garner praise from discerning critics. Each artist presents one solo concert engagement each night at the Hoover Leppen Theatre at the Center on Halsted, 3656 Halsted Street.
Featuring …
SHARON McNIGHT performs
SONGS TO OFFEND ALMOST EVERYONE
on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:30 PM
SHARON McNIGHT returns to Chicago after having performed at Chicago Pride in 2007 and at the Chicago Gay Games the same year. Brassy, sassy and full of life McNight will perform her hit show SONGS TO OFFEND ALMOST EVERYONE which recently played in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs, California. SF Chronicle said, “McNight gets saucy in (her) new show – Songs To Offend delights (the) crowd!” In this hysterical show, Sharon performs songs that will have the audience rolling in the aisles. Sharon was nominated for a Tony Award for her starring role in STARMITES and has appeared on SEINFELD.
Chicago Jazz Vocalist
SPIDER SALOFF performs
ENTERTAINING GUESTS “World Premiere”
on Wednesday, June 3 at 7:30 PM
SPIDER SALOFF is a celebrated Award-Winning jazz vocalist and Chicago-based artist who will debut her all-new one woman show ENTERTAINING GUESTS. Spider has been called “one of the finest jazz vocalists in this or any other city” by the Chicago Tribune. This Sneak Preview will feature mostly original material written by SPIDER SALOFF. She has seven solo albums including her most recent CD Cole Porter Live at Maxim’s which recently enjoyed performances at Maxim’s in Chicago and at The Metropolitan Room in New York City.
Ferociously Entertaining
MELISSA YOUNG performs
LUCKY STAR: A Madonna Tribute
on Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 PM
MELISSA YOUNG is a name that is catching on. Another Chicago-based actress, vocalist and comedienne has performed LUCKY STAR: A MADONNA TRIBUTE to sold-out crowds at Davenport’s Show Room in Wicker Park and has wowed audiences at the Drury Lane Theatre and other well-known Chicago venues.
“Young’s show is open, inviting and an awful lot of fun!”
says Chicago Reader.
Broadway Star and Brazilian Jazz Artist
LUBA MASON performs KRAZY LOVE on Friday, June 5 at 7:30 PM
“A voice as big and rich as a star-filled sky.” Jazz Times
Jazz vocalist, Broadway Star and wife of Latin superstar Ruben Blades, Luba Mason explores the arc of modern day relationships and infuses them with the music of Brazil in her newly released CD KRAZY LOVE on Sunnyside Records. Classically trained in voice and piano, Luba’s writing talents are premiered in 8 original songs alongside some Brazilian classics. A Broadway veteran of 8 shows including starring roles in CHICAGO opposite Brooke Shield’s, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS… opposite Matthew Broderick and JEKYLL & HYDE as well as TV guest star appearances in LAW & ORDER, NYPD BLUE and RAINES. Luba has recently performed at both the 2009 PANAMA and COSTA RICAN JAZZ FESTIVALS and is happy to include Chicago on her current national tour of KRAZY LOVE.
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN or call etix at 1-800-514-3849.
LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE performs 4 times with a different show each night: Tuesday through Friday June 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. All shows are at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $30 per person per event. All tickets on sale NOW!
The Best of Gay Chicago
Best Broadway Theatre in Chicago
Over the last two years Broadway In Chicago, a leading Chicago-based presenter of live theatre and a joint entertainment venture between Live Nation and the Nederlander Organization, has seen breakthrough results, with vitality and prosperity of Chicago’s Downtown Theatre District.
A significant finding is Broadway In Chicago’s position as a premiere destination for the city’s many tourists and visitors. With an annual attendance figure of 1.5 million theater patrons, over 42% of audiences are traveling to Chicago from out-of-state to see long-running shows like Wicked. Theatre patrons occupy over 500,000 hotel room nights per year, more than the top ten city conventions combined and theatre patrons spend more than $75 million at local restaurants while visiting the area.
“The record-breaking success of Wicked combined with the growth of the Downtown Theatre District has changed the way Broadway producers view Chicago. It is no longer simply a stop on the touring road. It has become, instead, a place where long running success can be sustained with the support of the City of Chicago and Mayor Daley. The future for Chicago as a national center for theatre looks very bright and everyone with Wicked is proud to be a part of the impressive results of this study,” explains Wicked producer David Stone.
And gay theatre blossoms as well. Since 1995, Bailiwick Repertory has made its home in the Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont. The 150-seat Mainstage, 90-seat studio, and 40-seat loft contained in the Bailiwick building have allowed Bailiwick to further explore its art with staged readings, performance pieces, and workshops of new work.
And right next door is theTheatre Building Chicago. Celebrating 30 years in Chicago, they are an incubator to develop original musical works and emerging theatre companies and artists.
For more “Off-Broadway” shows, visit Theatre in Chicago, the most comprehensive listings, news, reviews, and pre-theatre dining suggestions for the shows that are currently playing in the Chicago area as well as future productions of shows.
