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Browsing all posts tagged with chicago theatre.
06/13/13
The Joffrey Auxiliary Board Invites you to their first Blue Masquerade Ball on June 14
Hi, my name is Terrence Chappell and I’m the event chair for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board, and I’m writing to tell you about the board’s Blue Masquerade Ball.
Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph will open up its door after hours this Friday and transform into a blue oasis, June 14 8pm – midnight, for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board’s first ever Blue Masquerade Ball; a themed, interactive dance party. Guests are encouraged to join in on the Blue Masquerade theme with their attire and of course a blue masque to tap off the event’s blue theatrical theme.
To the backdrop of a live set by renowned Dj Madrid, guests will also enjoy custom cocktails, late night bites from some of Chicago’s famous restaurants, a cupcake bar courtesy of Magnolia Bakery, a step and repeat courtesy of Action Booth, and a special performance by local personality and drag queen Cyon Flare.
The Blue Masquerade Ball is a first for the junior arts board and will act as a fun, summer dance party to counter the board’s more established and art-infused event, Pointe of Departure, which kicks off the winter season for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board. Board chair John P. Walcher, vice chair Camille Britton, and yours truly are chairs for the auxiliary board’s premiere blue bash. While vice chair, Camille Britton, is most excited to experience the social and creative fluidity of the event’s theme, music, and the overall scene, she is also looking forward to sharing the Joffrey’s mission with guests that evening.
“The event is directly benefiting the Joffrey while engaging the younger professionals of Chicago. We are looking to shed light on dance and bring this event back to the core of what’s important,” said Britton.
One lucky guest could walk away with the event’s big-ticket raffle item, two United Airlines vouchers to anywhere in North America and the Caribbean. Other raffle items include a one-of-kind VIVO mask, a $200 gift card to eDrop-off (a luxury designer consignment shop), a stunning piece of jewelry by Cole & Young, as well as a selection of Joffrey merchandise from the Joffrey store. Raffle tickets are one for $20 or three for $50.
The ball also boasts an honorary host committee of social fixtures that have all lent their name and brand to support the evening as well as the Joffrey’s mission including: Samantha Saifer Berngard, Joan Colmar, Jeff Conway, Dj Madrid, Odele Desmuke Hawkins, Candace Jordan, Corri McFadden, Coco Meers, Helen Hall Melchior. The event committee, made of Joffrey Auxiliary Board members include: Diane Crary, Hillary Deck, Jake Downing, Lucy Dolya, Rosalyn Emerson, Stephanie Kender, David Kimball, Callie Michels, Melissa Mickey, Catherine Napier, Alan Swanke, and Betsy Sylvester.
Tickets for the Blue Masquerade Ball are still on sale now and can be purchased here. A single ticket is $95 while guests can round up six of their friends and enjoy a discount for a 6-pack of tickets for $510 ($85 each guest). Also, if guests purchase two masquerade tickets by June 13, they’ll be entered to win a pair of tickets to La Bayadere. Guests are also encouraged to sign up to become members of the Joffrey Auxiliary Board. Members enjoy discounted ballet tickets, invites to private dance rehearsals, and other perks. Hope to see you there and with your blue masque on of course; see if you can spot me!
-Terrence Chappell
Tags: Action Booth, ballet tickets, Blue Masquerade Ball, Chicago ball, chicago ballet, chicago theatre, Chicago’s famous restaurants, Cole & Young, Cyon Flare, DJ Madrid, drag queen, eDrop-Off, interactive dance party, jewelry, Joffrey Auxiliary Board, Joffrey store, Joffrey Tower, junior arts board, La Bayadere, Magnolia Bakery, Pointe of Departure, private dance rehearsals, raffle tickets, united airlines, VIVO mask
05/22/13
The Lookingglass Theatre Junior Board Welcomes you to The Madhatter Ball at Venue One
Ten years ago, I attended my first Madhatter’s Ball, and it was unlike anything I had ever experienced! Lights, music, fanfare, and hats galore! Not only is this annual event an incredible spectacle, but the people I have met over the years through Lookingglass have become lifelong friends. The theatre brings extraordinary plays to the people of Chicago, and consistently engages our diverse community through talk-backs, volunteering, and educational outreach. I hope you will join me in supporting this wonderful organization of remarkably talented and caring people who create beautiful art, educate Chicago youth, and throw awesome parties!
So what’s in store for this year?
Whisper the secret password, slink through the velvet curtain, and join hundreds of your closest conspirators at the Madhatter’s Speakeasy. The Lookingglass Theatre Junior Board welcomes you to this clandestine hideaway for a sophisticated evening of debauchery on June 1st at Venue One in the West Loop. Don your fedora, cloche, bowler, trilby or boater, and kick of summer at the most unique fundraiser of the year.
Our hosts for the evening will be Lookingglass Ensemble Member Anthony Fleming III and Wendy Mateo of Big Lake Big City, and we will rock the night away to the beats and musical talent of Dante The Don, Dr. Bombay, DJ Q, Justin Jacobson, and DJ RedLine. The Madhatter’s Speakeasy will seduce you with delectable bites from your favorite restaurants, including Sunda, Rockit Bar & Grill, Hubbard Inn, and Market to name only a few. Despite the Prohibition era theme, Chopin Vodka will be flowing in addition to Primal Roots Wine, beer from New Holland Brewery, and a host of other delicious drinks.
The criminal cocktails, live entertainment, tasty treats, and salacious silent auction are just part of the fun for the evening. The true reason for our surreptitious gathering is to support Lookingglass Theatre’s education and community programs. Annually, the Madhatter’s Ball serves as the Lookingglass Junior Board’s primary fundraiser to help advance the theatre’s commitment to creating new theatrical work and increasing its work with Chicago-area students and families. Lookingglass’ acclaimed theater education programs encourage self-esteem and creativity in thousands of students every year. And, lucky you, getting to be a part of this fantastic cause! Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to join us for one of the hottest parties of the summer that is not only a ridiculously good time, but most importantly supports extraordinary work. It’s all for the kids!
The Madhatter’s Ball: Saturday, June 1, 2013 ~ Venue One, 1040 W. Randolph Ave. ~ 7:30 pm: VIP Reception ~ 8:30 pm - 12:00 am ~ 12:00 am ~ After-Party at Lumen (839 W. Fulton) ~ Cocktail attire ~ Speakeasy-style costumes are optional, but hats are recommended ~ All attendees must be 21 years of age or older ~ To learn more about the Junior Board, Madhatter’s Ball, and to purchase tickets, visit here.
I look forward to seeing you at the Madhatter’s Speakeasy!
-Tai Duncan
Lookingglass Theatre Junior Board President
2013 Madhatter’s Ball Co-Chair
Tags: Anthony Fleming III, Art, chicago theatre, Chopin Vodka, dante the don, DJ Q, DJ RedLine, dr. bombay, educate Chicago youth, Hubbard Inn, Justin Jacobson, lookingglass, Lookingglass Ensemble Member, madhatter's ball, Madhatter’s Ball Chicago, Madhatter’s Speakeasy, market, New Holland Brewery, Primal Roots Wine, rockit bar & grill, sunda, The Lookingglass Theatre Junior Board, theatre, Venue One, Wendy Mateo, West Loop
05/08/13
A Red Orchid Theatre invites you to join actor Michael Shannon and fellow members of A Red Orchid’s Ensemble at Arlington Park for an amazing DAY AT THE RACES!
Hey Chicago! I’m Jennifer Sultz, a freelance Event Coordinator and Development Associate for A Red Orchid Theatre. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had an amazing time collaborating on many events with Billy Dec and the fantastic Rockit Ranch team! On Saturday, May 11, 2013, A Red Orchid Theatre, now celebrating its 20th year in Chicago, will host an afternoon at Arlington Park as a kick-off benefit for their upcoming show SIMPATICO by Sam Shepard.
A Red Orchid Founding Ensemble Member Michael Shannon & Kirsten Fitzgerald, Artistic Director of A Red Orchid Theatre at the 20th Anniversary Gala – Photo by Chris Zoubris
The production will feature Ensemble Members Guy Van Swearingen, Jennifer Engstrom, Mierka Girten, Doug Vickers and Academy Award Nominee Michael Shannon (of HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE and General Zod in this summer’s blockbuster MAN OF STEEL). The afternoon will feature a scene from the show, a buffet lunch and bar (wine & beer), a silent auction, and a panoramic view of Thoroughbred racing action!
Michael Shannon & Billy Dec, Co-Hosts of A Red Orchid Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Gala – Photo by Chris Zoubris
Reservations are required and tickets are $150 with limited capacity. Tickets can be reserved at here or by calling (312) 943-8722. Come join us at the races for this spectacular benefit event, sponsored by Arlington Park!
-Jennifer Sultz
Tags: A Red Orchid Theatre, Academy Award Nominee Michael Shannon, arlington park, Arlington Park theatre, chicago theatre, development associate chicago, Doug Vickers, Ensemble Members, freelance event coordinator, General Zod, Guy Van Swearingen, HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE, Jennifer Engstrom, kick-off benefit, Man of Steel, Mierka Girten, racing, Sam Shepard, SIMPATICO, theatre in Chicago, Thoroughbred
09/14/12
George Lopez and Rob Schneider To Share Chicago For Some Funny Business on September 22nd
September 22nd should be a great night for comedy as The Chicago Theatre welcomes comedian George Lopez. The comedian is scheduled to entertain what is sure to be a full house during the second night of his 2012 stand-up tour. Following the cancellation of his TBS talk show “Lopez Tonight,” George Lopez has decided to bring his presence to the stage for a second tour entitled “That’s The America I Live In”. The tour kicks off on September 21st in Milwaukee with Chicago on the following night.
Lopez could very well face some competition from fellow comedian and actor Rob Schneider who is performing at Improv Chicago in Schaumburg, IL throughout the weekend of September 21-23. The entertainer has had a pretty consistent career in comedy since his start on “Saturday Night Live” and has spent the years starring in hit comedies. He had a cameo in the film “Jack and Jill” which received extremely negative reviews and scored a staggeringly low 3% on Rotten Tomatoes but has had impressive success with his CBS sitcom “¡Rob!” in which he plays himself and marries into a Mexican-American family.
Good luck to both guys on their tours! I’m sure we will be nothing but impressed. So if you are looking for something to do you should definitely check out either one of these great Chicago venues during the weekend of September 21-23. In 2010 when Schneider visited “Lopez Tonight”, the two discussed the prospects of returning to stand up comedy after having spent a large chunk of their careers focusing on film and television.
In time of political polarity and Chicago teacher’s strikes, it’s nice to have something to laugh about.
“With everything goin’ on in the country, it’s always a good time for stand-up.” – George Lopez
Tags: cbs, chicago, chicago theatre, Comedy, george lopez, Jack and Jill, Lopez Tonight, Rob Schneider, Rotten Tomatoes, Saturday night live, Schaumburg, Stand Up, Teachers Strike
11/09/11
25 seats, 35 minutes: An Interrogation Primer is Intimate, Intense Chicago Theater
An Interrogation Primer has its world premiere this week at the Side Project. It’s a short, intense one-actor play based on the writings of a former US military interrogator. The writer, Mike Nowacki, is from Chicago, an Iraq War veteran, and currently a member of the Chicago Police Department. He originally wrote An Interrogation Primer for Warrior Writers, a not-for-profit writing program that works with US military veterans. Actor Sean Bolger has performed at Lookingglass, Goodman Theater, and elsewhere. Don’t miss this harrowing account reminiscent of the raw early writings from the Vietnam War.
The Side Project, with only 25 seats, combines the elements that makes Chicago theater world-famous: intimate, gripping, intense, smart. The theater is located in Rogers Park, steps from the Jarvis red line station, and there are some great options for a bite or a drink before or after the show: Italian (Gruppo di Amici); Indian (the mom-and-pop Luzzat); Coffeehouse casual (Charmers Cafe); and Irish pub (Poitin Stil).
If you see An Interrogation Primer, we would love to hear your thoughts–tweet me at @ericzieg, or leave a comment on the show’s Facebook page.
Details:
An Interrogation Primer
written by Mike Nowacki
adapted for the stage and directed by Eric Ziegenhagen
performed by Sean Bolger
At The Side Project, 1439 W. Jarvis
Performances:
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 4 p.m.
Special Veterans Day performance this Friday at 10:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$15
Advance tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/206173
Tags: chicago police department, chicago theatre, Eric Ziegenhagen, Interrogation primer, iraq, Mike Nowacki, The Side Project, war
06/22/11
Jeremy Piven & Billy Dec host 2011 Piven Theatre Workshop Benefit AfterParty at Rockit!
This video of Jeremy Piven & I on set of HBO’s “Entourage” is not only funny, but explains what kind of work we have been doing to raise money for children’s art & theatre scholarships for about 10 years now- check it out (its from last season, so event info for this year is updated below!). Actors out of Chicago like John & Joan Cusack, Kate Walsh, Aidan Quinn… Have all benefited from the same classes (I’m giving away a classes below!) and have hosted the same events with us over the years (giving away some afterparty tix below!) and I look forward to seeing who will make it big out of there next!
I also want to give a shoutout to Jeremy’s mom Joyce Piven who has been running their acting school for 40 years! I have had a chance to study under her this last year at Piven Theatre Workshop, and can say first hand that I am truly impressed, thankful & supportive of everything she has done and is doing to keep talent evolving at its best in our city instead of making them have to flee to the coasts for the best in acting classes & training! I also want to thank her for honoring me with the Byrne Piven (her late husband and PTW co-founder) Community Leadership Award along with Kate Walsh who won the the Joyce Piven Artistic Excellence Award. Click here for info on us that day!
Most important, I’d really like to invite you all to get involved with us now and join the Piven’s this Saturday, June 25th for the 40th Anniversary of Piven Theatre Benefit at the MCA Loft (5p VIP, 6p for all)!!!!! Here is all the info & tix: http://bit.ly/izeMKd. Afterward, join Jeremy Piven and I as we host the AfterParty at Rockit from 9p-11p… For tix click the button below!
HEADS UP- GIVE AWAY! I am buying 100 tix to treat 100 ppl to join Jeremy & I at our after party at Rockit! I am also giving away an 8wk children’s/teen acting course at Piven Theatre Workshop that was hugely buzzed about when I did it last year…. I will announce the giveaway tomorrow/Thursday 6/23 on either my twitter or facebook just before noon so make sure you click them and get connected with me! Enjoy and spread the word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tags: 40 Years, aidan quinn, billy dec, Byrne Piven, chicago, chicago theatre, jeremy piven, Joan Cusak, john cusack, joyce piven, kate walsh, piven, piven theatre workshop
06/17/10
Ellen Live TBS Show at Chicago Theatre!
I love to share awesome prizes, tickets, vip passes…to all the experiences I get invited to w/ all my friends and followers on facebook and twitter (click on them to get in on it!). Yesterday I made up a fun lil contest to take a couple fans to Ellen’s amazing live show at The Chicago Theatre…you got to see these pics & read this review that one of the winners wrote, it’s awesome!
Tags: billy dec, blackhawks, chicago, chicago blackhawks, chicago theatre, Comedy, comedy tour, concert, ellen, ellen degeneres, facebook, hawks, hokey, lady antebellum, Music, stanley cup, state st, summer, tbs, the ellen show, tickets, twitter, winner
05/20/10
Kisses from Conan in Chicago!
If follow me on twitter you saw all my pics last night from the chicago theatre “pit” where I was just feet from the stage where conan o’brien was performing live! This pic of him licking labamba’s face is my fav… just shows the love he had to be back with the gang & his fans, and how ridiculously funny it all was!
Got a lot of feedback from friends asking me not to blow tonight’s 2nd sold out show they had tickets too, so let me cut it short saying I loved the opening where showed him 4 mos ago all washed up at his house with no work, loved that he referenced his days living in chicago/wrigleyville, surprised to see him play the guitar & sing so much, loved all his old characters again, fun to see new local surprise guests, and I’m psyched to see him on tbs soon!
Tags: billy dec, chicago theatre, comedy show, conan, conan o'brien, late night with conan o'brien, team coco, team coco tour, tickets, wrigleyville
02/05/10
Grammy Red Carpet, My Bday & The Chicago Recording Academy!
Untitled from A Chicago Thing on Vimeo.
If follow me on twitter you got to join me on the red carpet at the grammys last weekend! Every year I find it exciting, but this year with twitter I was surprised to see how many were loving the tweet pics (kr, Can you link the word tweetpic to the actual page/images maybe that has all of them ?) I sent in real time- couldn’t believe the numbers of hits from you all! Thank you! Anyway, w/the responses from you all I got a ton of requests for video of the chaos so cut and pasted some together here! Pretty crazy huh… so random…
(for links to celebs below- thinking you link to the tweetpic link of me and them when can????)
Shout out to buddies common, Giuliana rancic, black eye peas,.. who were super fun to hang out with on the carpet… as well as nick cannon who you will see as well in the video who is actually coming out to chicago next week for his wife mariah carey’s performances at the chicago theatre and to dj my “twitter/blog one year birthday party” that you all requested! Amazing timing I know- His wife is performing down the street, he was my blog launch dj a year ago,.. it all just makes sense!
And omg I can’t believe its been one year, I learned a ton and have enjoyed blogging here and tweeting w/ all of you so much- thank you for the opportunity and I promise way more fun to come! So speaking of fun, my twitter/blog bday party is Saturday February 13th at the underground! Trust me, this will be one party you do no want to miss!!! (comment below for big requests for tables, vip list,… will do our best)
Oh, and one last huge shout out, the recording academy that is responsible for the grammys has a tremendously respected and all around amazing chicago chapter right here in our own backyard that anyone remotely interested in the music industry needs to check out and be a part of- I have enjoyed it for years and highly suggest it! For more info go to… web= (KR)))
If follow me on twitter you got to join me on the red carpet at the grammys last weekend! Every year I find it exciting, but this year with twitter I was surprised to see how many were loving the tweet pics I sent in real time- couldn’t believe the numbers of hits from you all! Thank you! Anyway, w/the responses from you all I got a ton of requests for video of the chaos so cut and pasted some together here! Pretty crazy huh… so random…
Shout out to buddies common, Giuliana rancic, black eyed peas,.. who were super fun to hang out with on the carpet… as well as nick cannon who you will see as well in the video who is actually coming out to chicago next week for his wife mariah carey’s performances at the chicago theatre and to dj my “twitter/blog one year birthday party” that you all requested! Amazing timing I know- His wife is performing down the street, he was my blog launch dj a year ago,.. it all just makes sense!
And omg I can’t believe its been one year, I learned a ton and have enjoyed blogging here and tweeting w/ all of you so much- thank you for the opportunity and I promise way more fun to come! So speaking of fun, my twitter/blog bday party is Saturday February 13th at the underground! Trust me, this will be one party you do no want to miss!!! (comment below for big requests for tables, vip list,… will do our best)
Oh, and one last huge shout out, the recording academy that is responsible for the grammys has a tremendously respected and all around amazing chicago chapter right here in our own backyard that anyone remotely interested in the music industry needs to check out and be a part of- I have enjoyed it for years and highly suggest it! For more info go to http://www2.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Chicago/
Tags: black eyed peas, Blog, chicago chapter, chicago theatre, common, facebook, giuliana rancic, grammys, mariah carey, Nick Cannon, recording academy, red carpet, the underground, twitter
10/20/09
jeff awards for chicago theatre talent announced!
I don’t think the world really realizes just how talented our theatre scene is in Chicago, nor gives it the credit it deserves, which is probably why in 1968 the Midwest Advisory Committee of Actors formed the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee to honor local Chicago theatre talent themselves, which I would love to help do right now by sharing the results of last night’s 2008-2009 award ceremony!
Tags: acting, chicago theatre, joseph jefferson awards, midwest advisory committee of actors, theatre