REVIEW: The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© Now Playing Through December 31 at The Greenhouse Theater Center

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE BUTTCRACKER: A NUTCRACKER BURLESQUE©

CHICAGO’S FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE 

HOLIDAY SHOW, IS NOW PLAYING THROUGH DECEMBER 31 AT

THE GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER

Featuring the Best of Chicago’s Nightlife Entertainment; Highlighting the World of Burlesque, Boylesque, Magic, Sword Balancing, 

Circus, Dance and More

The cast of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE including (L to R) Lilly Rascal, Elena Avila, Anghell, Yasmyne Williams, Mandyn Mueller, Claire Francescon, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Baby Bagos Hood, Hannah Silverman and Jezzibel 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Sexy, sultry, silly... Alliteration aside, these belles slay! If you're looking for some adult holiday cheer, we highly recommend you shake a tail feather and get on over to see The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque©, now in their sixth season. We had a blast on opening night, our first time to see the show, but definitely not our last. 

Members of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE ensemble including (L to R) Hannah Silverman, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Mandyn Mueller and Yasmyne Williams

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

The two-hour experience begins with a cocktail hour which includes craft vendors from local artists (Thursday nights), special pre-show performances (Friday and Saturday nights), and brunch fare (Sunday matinees), followed by Tchaicovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite in a saucy, alternative and adult retelling of the holiday classic. 

Anghell (Chocolate) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

On opening night our cocktail hour included fabulous samples from Jeppson's & ch. Though we're not fans of their Chicago classic, Malört, we were pleased to discover Jeppson's also makes a much tastier bourbon, ch espresso martini, and more! We're all about supporting Chicago businesses and are happy to drink locally (as long as it's not Malört) and shop locally whenever possible. Check out our social media channels for more Malört Face selfies and other original photos from our adventures at the show. 

 

Bonnie's "Not Buzzed Enough To Drink Malört" Face

My handsome husband, Dug

The holiday drinks were flowing for the cocktail hour, with Greenhouse Theatre bars both in the lobby and upstairs in the theatre itself. And then there were those delicious non-Malört ch & Jeppson's jems. We'll be picking up at least a few bottles this holiday season. 

 Another Bonnie, slinging samples and making friends. 

Booze can be beneficial for hanging with friends and making those family gatherings more palatable. The celebration of drinks, both alcoholic and non, continued into the onstage shenanigans. 

Lilly Rascal (Vodka) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

We weren't sure quite what to expect of the show, given the corny title, and were pleasantly surprised at the level of talent and creativity. Of course there's a good bit of creative license and updates, but the plot and music follow the original Nutcracker more that I thought they would. I'm still geeking out on the costumes. And those Sugar Bum Fairy butt tassels were next level... 

Autumn Christensen (Sugar Bum Fairy) Photo by Daf Miller 

(L to R) Autumn Christensen (Sugar Bum Fairy); Elena Avila (Clara) and Olivia Lindsay 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

There wasn't as much in the way of circus arts as we'd hoped, but the burlesque dances were much more fun than any traditional Nutcracker I've ever seen. In edition to the eye candy, we appreciate the show's mission statement, and we're thrilled that they are gaining quite the cult following for this cheeky, nontraditional take on a holiday staple.

"The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© subverts the classic holiday ballet to promote diversity in body, gender expression, sexuality and race. The show utilizes the platform of parody to encourage audiences to imagine a more inclusive world, redefining the art of the tease through an alternative take on burlesque."

Members of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE ensemble including (L to R) Mandyn Mueller, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Yasmyne Williams and Hannah Silverman 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

If you're 18 or over, get your butts in gear and get your tickets before they disappear. A friend of mine bravely took a first date she'd only "met" on a dating app and they both ended up loving the show, and digging each other. We adored this (dare I say) tongue in cheek, body positive, rendition of this holiday classic. I will never hear Tchaikovsky quite the same way again!

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

More About The Buttcracker: 

A Nutcracker Burlesque© 

Members of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE ensemble including (L to R) Hannah Silverman,  Mandyn Mueller and Eilish Morse-O’Rourke

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© is proud to announce its return this holiday season with the sixth edition of Chicago’s favorite alternative holiday show, a twist on the original story and a live event not to be missed, directed by Miguel Long and choreographed by Dylan Kerr, now playing through December 31 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.  

(L to R) Elena Avila (Clara), Olivia Lindsay (Buttcracker) and Claire Francescon (Drosselmeyer) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

Each week features the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment in the roles of Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Vodka and Mother Ginger, featuring sword swallowing, belly dancing, classic burlesque and more. It’s holiday performance schedule is Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. with a special New Year’s Eve closing night performance Saturday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. 

This New Year’s Eve special event includes a party following the show with cheese and charcuterie snacks, two drink tickets for after the show, a midnight “pole dancer booty drop” countdown with balloons and prizes, a DJ and more. There are no performances Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25. Admission is available for those 18 years old and older (21+ to drink). 

Slightly Spitfire (Tea) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis

Tickets are Industry/SRO, $20; house left general admission, $30/$40 at the door, house center general admission, $40/$50 at the door and VIP, $75/$100 at the door with New Year’s Eve tickets house left general admission, $60/$70 at the door, house center general admission $80/$90 at the door and VIP $150/$200 at the door. Tickets are now on sale at greenhousetheatre.org and TheButtcrackerBurlesque.com and, based on availability,  at the door one hour before the performance.

(L to R) Olivia Lindsay (Buttcracker) and Elena Avila (Clara)

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

The cast of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE including (L to R)Yasmyne Williams, Lilly Rascal, Darling Shear, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Baby Bagos Hood, Anghell, Jezzibel, Hannah Silverman, Autumn Christensen, Mandyn Mueller and Elena Avila 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

Audiences are invited to follow Clara and her Buttcracker on a wild hallucinogenic trip from a boring-AF holiday party to the Land of Sweets where they battle rats, save the day and learn that body and sex positivity are to be celebrated. A combination of fairy tale and exotic trip down the rabbit hole with the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment. The Buttcracker highlights the world of burlesque, boylesque, magic, sword balancing, circus, dance and more.

Jezzibel (Chocolate) Photo by Daf Miller 

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© cast includes Elena Avila*/^ (Clara); Olivia Lindsay* (Buttcracker);  Claire Francescon* (Drosselmeyer); Autumn Christensen* (Sugar Bum Fairy);  Baby Bagos Hood*/^ (Boss/Rat King); Hannah Silverman* (ensemble); Mandyn Mueller+/^ (ensemble); Eilish Morse-O'Rourke* (ensemble);  Yasmyne Williams*/^  (ensemble); Savannah Sinclair*/^ (swing) and Sierra Buffum*/^ (ensemble understudy). Features soloists for the roles of Vodka, Tea, Chocolate, Coffee, and Mother Ginger rotate weekly. Every week includes a different kind of performance from the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment.

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© production team includes Miguel Long+ (director); Dylan Kerr* (choreographer); Brighid Martensen*/^ (costume designer); Gabrielle Strong* (set designer); Samuel Stephen+ (lighting designer);

Rowan Doe^ (props designer); Michael Bulaw+ (sound designer); Jake Snell+ (stage manager) and Carlie Rummel* (backstage manager); Kayla Drescher* (magic consultant). Jaq Seifert^/(sub)version productions (producer) and Caylei Hallberg* (producing assistant).

Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); * (she/her/hers); ^ (they, them, theirs). = (any with respect)

Information on tickets:

New Year’s Eve

Saturday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.

Ticket prices: HOUSE LEFT GA $60/75 at the door, HOUSE CENTER GA $80/$100 at the door, VIP $150/$200 at the door.

This special closing performance of the 2022 run includes a make-your-own cheese and charcuterie board, two drink tickets for after the show, a midnight “pole dancer booty drop” countdown with balloons and prizes, a DJ and other special guest performances. 

Darling Shear (Mother Ginger) Photo by Daf Miller 

Regular Performances:

VIP 

Ticket price: $75/$100 at the door

This upgraded ticket includes reserved seating at your own cafe table right on the theatre floor with early entrance to the theatre and a private VIP bar, meet and greet with cast members and official Buttcracker swag. 

General Admission

Ticket price: $40/$50 at the door

General Admission tickets include first come, first served seating in the center section of the theater.

House Left General Admission

Ticket price: $30/$40 at the door

General Admission tickets include first come, first served seating in the house left section of the theater.

Standing Room Only (SRO)

Ticket price:  $20

A limited number of standing room only tickets will be available at the door, based on availability.

ADA Accessible seating is available, email thebuttcrackerburlesque@gmail.com for more information or to make reservations.

ABOUT THE BUTTCRACKER: A NUTCRACKER BURLESQUE

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© subverts the classic holiday ballet to promote diversity in body, gender expression, sexuality and race. The show utilizes the platform of parody to encourage audiences to imagine a more inclusive world, redefining the art of the tease through an alternative take on burlesque. This performance would not be possible without the generous support of individuals and companies who understand the value of having alternative adult entertainment during the holiday season, as well as supporting our mission of subverting audience’s expectations of what live entertainment looks and feels like. 

THEATER WIT’S WHO’S HOLIDAY!, BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, NOV. 25-DEC. 30, 2022

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

  

MEET 40-YEAR-OLD CINDY LOU WHO, GUZZLING BOOZE, SMOKING CIGS IN HER TRAILER HOME, REMEMBERING THE NIGHT SHE MET THE GRINCH IN THEATER WIT’S WHO’S HOLIDAY!, BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, NOV. 25-DEC. 30, 2022 

For mature audiences only.

Veronica Garza is Jeff nominated for solo performance for her portrayal of Cindy Lou Who in Theater Wit’s 2021 Chicago premiere of Who’s Holiday! by Matthew Lombardo, directed by Christopher Pazdernik. Who’s Holiday! is back for its second season due to popular demand, Nov 25-Dec 30, 2022. 

All Photos: Charles Osgood

Christmas Day is in our grasp.

Why the vodka? Glad you asked!

Theater Wit announces the return of Who’s Holiday!, a hilarious night out with a booze-guzzling, cigarette-smoking, 40-year-old Cindy Lou Who as she recalls the fateful night she met The Grinch, and the sordid events that happened after, November 25-December 30, 2022.

Back by popular demand following its smash hit, Jeff-nominated Chicago debut last holiday season, Theater Wit’s new seasonal comedy Who’s Holiday! is written by Matthew Lombardo, directed by Christopher Pazdernik, and stars Chicago favorite Veronica Garza, now Jeff-nominated for her portrayal last holiday season as an adult Cindy Lou Who.

Veronica Garza, Jeff nominated for her portrayal last holiday season as an adult Cindy Lou Who, returns for Theater Wit's 2022 remount of Who's Holiday!

Who’s Holiday! returns to Theater Wit not without controversy. In 2017, the playwright was locked in a legal battle with Dr. Seuss Enterprises over accusations of copyright infringement, delaying the play’s New York premiere for nearly a year. Ultimately, a U.S. District Court ruled in Lombardo’s favor, citing his depiction of an adult Cindy Lou Who living in a beat-up trailer in the snowy hills of Mount Crumpit as “fair use.” 

Freed of litigious red tape, Who’s Holiday! went on to be hailed “a raunchy riff on Dr. Seuss’s yuletide tale” (New York Times) that “dares to be as tasteless as possible while replicating Seuss’s trademark rhythms” (Time Out New York).

Chicago’s critics lapped up Theater Wit’s 2021 Chicago premiere, too. “Highly Recommended” said the Chicago Reader, with the best pull quote of all, “I loved this show!” ChicagoTheatreReview.com agreed “Garza is a comic genius,” adding Who’s Holiday! is “a very funny, often poignant production guided with panache by an excellent director.”

In another apparent holiday miracle, the Jeff Committee’s heart grew three sizes last year, too. The newly announced 2021-22 Equity Jeff Award Nominations included noms for Garza for Best Solo Performer, and for Short Run-Design for Angela Weber Miller’s holiday-festooned, mobile home set. 

Angela Weber Miller’s holiday-festooned, mobile home set for Theater Wit's Who's Holiday! is Jeff-nominated, too. 

Photo: Charles Osgood

Don’t miss this wildly funny, yet heartfelt adults-only romp about the twisted turn of events Cindy Lou Who’s life took after her encounter with a green furry outcast attempting to burgle Whoville of its holiday cheer. 

Tickets to Who’s Holiday! are $24-$50, and are already on sale at TheaterWit.org or by calling the Theater Wit box office, (773) 975-8150. 

Previews are Friday, November 25 at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 27 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, November 28 at 3 p.m. Press opening is Monday, November 29 at 7 p.m. 

Regular performances continue Thursday, December 1 at 7 p.m.; Friday, December 2 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 3 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 4 at 3 p.m.; Thursday, December 8 at 7 p.m.; Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 10 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 11 at 3 p.m.; Thursday, December 15 at 7 p.m.; Friday, December 16 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 17 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 18 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Tuesday, December 20 at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, December 21 at 7 p.m.; Thursday, December 22 at 7 p.m.; Friday, December 23 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; no shows Christmas Eve (December 24) or Christmas Day (December 25); Tuesday, December 27 at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, December 28 at 7 p.m;, Thursday, December 29 at 7 p.m.; and Friday, December 30 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Theater Wit is located at 1229 W. Belmont Ave., in the Belmont Theatre District in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Parking is available in a lot across the street from the theater, behind Kubo restaurant, for $8 (pay at the Theater Wit box office.) Neighborhood street parking is also available. Theater Wit is accessible via the CTA 77 Belmont bus, and just three blocks west of the CTA Belmont Red/Brown/Purple line stop. 

And what are the holidays without a bit too much eggnog?

Cindy's Little Helper

Be sure to stop by Theater Wit’s bar for something better, your pick of a Who’s Holiday!-themed seasonal speciality drink like:

Cindy’s Little Helper (Chocolate liquor, Luxardo cherry liqueur, whipped cream and a cherry) - $6

The Grinch (North Shore Gin, Chartreuse, Drambuie, lime) - $12

Whosky Sour (house-infused citrus vodka, Jameson, Plymouth Sloe Gin, lime) - $12

The Snowplow (Peppermint Rumchata, Shipwreck Coconut Rum) - $12

Krampusberry (Koval Cranberry Gin, North Shore Gin, seltzer and a cinnamon stick) - $12

Note: Everyone (including audience members) at Theater Wit is required to be vaccinated to enter the building. Each audience member must show proof of vaccination and state ID at the door for admittance. Electronic photos and copies are acceptable. Patrons with medical or religious exemptions may be admitted but must contact the box office a minimum of 48 hours before the performance for additional review and guidance. While Cook County is at Medium risk level or above, all audience members must be masked for the duration of their visit. Masks are required for medical and religious exemptions as well. Visit TheaterWit.org for more details.

Behind the Scenes of Who’s Holiday!

Veronica Garza (Cindy Lou Who, she/her/hers) was last seen at Theatre Wit in Underscore Theatre’s Tonya and Nancy: A Rock Opera. She received a Jeff Award for her role as both Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan's mothers. Other roles include the Deputy in Groundhog Day (Paramount), Roz in 9 to 5 (Firebrand), Sister Amnesia in Nunsense (Milwaukee Rep), Babs in Miracle (Royal George), Prudie in Pump Boys and Dinettes (Theatre at the Center and Timberlake Playhouse), The Homeless Lady in A New Brain (Theo Ubique), Lucy in A Charlie Brown Christmas (Broadway Playhouse) and the Fortune Teller in Sideshow (Porchlight). 

 

Christopher Pazdernik (director, any pronouns) made his Theater Wit debut with Who’s Holiday! In Chicago he is best known for three seasons as Artistic Director of Refuge Theatre Project (Jeff Awards, Best Director and Best Production of a Musical, High Fidelity) and a long association with Porchlight Music Theatre, including directing eight Porchlight Revisits productions and three years working in producing, casting and company management. Currently, he is the Managing and Casting Director for Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, where he directed Godspell earlier this season. Also an openly HIV+ artist, Pazdernik is the founder and producer of Belting for Life, an annual benefit concert for Howard Brown Health, and co-captain of Team Option Up! for AIDS Run/Walk Chicago. 

Theater Wit’s Who’s Holiday! design team remains Angela Weber MIller, set; Shelley Strasser, lights; Uriel Gomez, costumes; and Lonnae Hickman, props. Jeremy Wechsler is Artistic Director at Theater Wit.

Matthew Lombardo (playwright, he/him/his) Broadway: High with Kathleen Turner at the Booth Theatre and Looped starring Valerie Harper in a Tony-nominated performance at The Lyceum Theatre. Off-Broadway: Who’s Holiday! (with Lesli Margherita) at the Westside Theatre; Tea at Five (with Kate Mulgrew) at the Promenade Theatre; Mother and Child (with Ann Wedgeworth) at Second Stage; End of the World Party at the 47th Street Theatre (director) and Guilty Innocence at The Actors’ Playhouse. His work has been produced at such prestigious theaters as Hartford Stage, Cleveland Playhouse, American Repertory Theatre, Seattle Rep, Arena Stage, Pasadena Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and others. Television credits include Another World (WGA Award Nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Writing). As a producer, he has presented concerts throughout the country for Broadway legends such as Carol Channing, Patti LuPone, Tommy Tune, Bernadette Peters, Barbara Cook, Billy Porter, Betty Buckley, Andrea McArdle and Faith Prince.

About Theater Wit

Theater Wit, Chicago’s “smart art” theater, is located at 1229 N. Belmont Ave., in the Belmont Theatre District in Chicago’s Lakeview community. Theater Wit is a major hub of Chicago’s neighborhood theater scene, where audiences enjoy a smorgasbord of excellent productions in its three, 99-seat spaces, see a parade of talented artists and mingle with audiences from all over Chicago.

To purchase tickets, a Theater Wit Membership or to inquire about Flex Pass options, visit TheaterWit.org, send email to info@theaterwit.org, or call the Theater Wit box office, 773.975.8150.

The Second City’s Holiday Revue Returns to Paramount Theatre November 25-December 23

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

PARAMOUNT READY TO UNWRAP ITS HILARIOUS  HOLIDAY GAG GIFT  THE SECOND CITY'S HOLIDAY REVUE NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 23

The Second City's Holiday Revue. Photo courtesy The Second City.  Paramount Theatre is ready to unwrap its annual end-of-year tradition - bringing The Second City’s famous brand of seasonal hilarity to downtown Aurora for the holidays. And this year, Paramount’s gag gift is titled The Second City’s Holiday Revue: I Saw Mommy Kissing The Second City. Have a holly jolly holiday season with Chicago’s famed improv and sketch comedy troupe. I Saw Mommy Kissing The Second City is a new revue starring Second City’s freshest young talent, presented in Paramount’s beautiful, newly-remodeled Copley Theatre, where you’re never more than 70 feet away from this side-splitting, song filled holiday spectacular. Whether you are on the nice list or the naughty list, this show will have you laughing so hard you’ll shoot eggnog out your nose.  So skip the long lines and shipping delays, and give the gift of laughter to everyone you meet this holiday season. Performances are November 25-December 23: Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $38 and are on sale now. Buy early, as these shows will sell out.  The Copley Theatre is located at 8 E. Galena Blvd. in the North Island Center, right across the street from Paramount Theatre, in downtown Aurora. For tickets and information, visit ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount box office, 23 E. Galena Blvd., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This production is for audiences 18 years and older due to strong adult language and content. Children under 12 are not allowed.

Paramount Theatre’s Covid-19 commitment to and safety and protocol Paramount Theatre has followed, and will continue to follow, the requirements of the State of Illinois and the Kane County Health Department. Therefore, Paramount is following the guidance of the State of Illinois and recommends, but no longer requires, masks, proof of vaccination or negative COVID test for patrons. Mask wearing is strongly encouraged, but will be optional. For complete details, please read Paramount’s full Covid Policy.

About Paramount Theater Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., is the center for performing arts in Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois. The beautiful, 1,843-seat theater, graced with a strong 1930s Art Deco influence and original Venetian décor, nationally known for its high-quality productions, superb acoustics and historic grandeur, has been downtown Aurora’s anchor attraction since 1931. After launching its own Broadway Series in 2011, Paramount Theatre grew to be the second largest subscription house in the U.S. Before Covid, more than 41,000 subscribers from all over Chicagoland and the Midwest were enjoying Paramount’s critically acclaimed, 2019-20 Broadway-caliber productions. In addition, Paramount also presents an array of internationally known comedians, musicians, dance troupes and family shows annually. Paramount Theatre is one of four live performance venues programmed and managed by the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA), along with Aurora’s newly renovated 165-seat Copley Theatre, RiverEdge Park, the city’s 6,000-seat outdoor summer concert venue, and Stolp Island Theatre, an immersive space opening in summer 2023. ACCA also oversees Paramount School of the Arts. Paramount Theatre continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Tim Rater, President and CEO, Aurora Civic Center Authority; Jim Corti, Artistic Director, Paramount Theatre; a dedicated Board of Trustees and a devoted staff of live theater and music professionals. For the latest news from Paramount Theatre, please visit ParamountAurora.com or follow @ParamountAurora on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, @paramountarts on Tik Tok, and on LinkedIn.

Put a Little Magic In Your Holidays With Chicago Magic Lounge

Chicago Magic Lounge celebrates the holidays with

additional performances, specialty cocktails, New Year’s Eve shows, and more!

Ring in the New Year with The New Year’s Eve Show

a special evening of magic and music with mind reader Mark Toland,

Trent James, Ryan Plunkett and band The DOT

Monday, December 31, 9pm - 2am

Child-friendly NYE Eve Family Show to be held Sunday, December 30 at 3:30pm

Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago’s new home for close-up magic, celebrates the holidays with magical performances, specialty cocktails and more. Featured performers in December include Signature Show appearances by TC Tahoe, Francis Menotti feat. Lindsey Noel, Anna DeGuzman, and Nick Diffatte, and a late-night bar set by Frank Everhart Jr. Ring in the new year with The New Year’s Eve Show, a special night of music and magic featuring mind reader Mark Toland, Trent James, Ryan Plunkett and band, The DOT, Monday, December 31, 9pm-2am. A special, child-friendly, The NYE Eve Family Show will be held on Sunday afternoon, December 31 at 3:30pm.

This holiday season Chicago Magic Lounge will add more Signature Shows between Christmas and New Year’s. In addition to the regular schedule (Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm & 10pm) extra performances will be held Wednesday, December 26 at 7pm; Thursday, December 27 at 10pm; Sunday, December 30 at 7pm.

In December and January, Chicago Magic Lounge will offer two specialty cocktails to get guests in the holiday spirit: Gift of the Magi (December) and The Levitation (January). Crisp and clean, just like the first snow, the Gift of the Magi is a gin-based cocktail with light citrus notes. The Levitation is Chicago Magic Lounge’s take on a classic champagne cocktail and the perfect way to start the new year.

Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge performances are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com. Chicago Magic Lounge is a 21+ venue. Ages 16+ allowed to ticketed shows with a legal guardian. Ages 5+ allowed for The Family Show only.

Holiday season highlights include:

The Signature Show: TC Tahoe (headliner), Francis Menotti feat. Lindsey Noel (Featured Act), & Anna DeGuzman (654 Club)

 
       

December 6 - 8, 2018
Thursdays at 7pm; Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm & 10pm
Tickets: $39.50 (Main Floor), $44.50 (Premium Main Floor), $49.50 (Front Row), $54.50 (Mezzanine Experience)
Guests who purchase Mezzanine, Front Row and Premium Main Floor tickets are invited to an exclusive performance of close-up magic directly after the show in The 654 Club with Anna Deguzman.



Late Night Bar: Frank Everhart Jr.
December 7 - 8, 2018
Friday & Saturday: 10pm – 2am
No tickets required
Frank Everhart Jr. is Chicago-style magic royalty. His father, Frank Everhart Sr, was the magic bartender at the Black Knight Bar, later renamed ‘Frank’s Magic Bar,’ in Chicago’s Ivanhoe Restaurant and Theater for a record-setting, 21-years. He popularized the ‘Chicago Opener’ and the story-telling card trick, ‘Sam the Bellhop’ (our 654 Club was named for this routine). Everhart Sr. made appearances on Bozo’s Circus, as well as performing for Lyndon B. Johnson at his ranch.

Frank Everhart Jr. continues the family tradition performing classic, Chicago-style magic. A master bar magician in his own right, Frank Jr. broke his father’s record this year, having performed over 21 years at the iconic Schooner Wharf in Key West, Florida. Though Frank is most acclaimed for his magic bar, he has performed shows in Atlantic City, The Magic Castle, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and countless shows for both public and private affairs. 

The Signature Show: Nick Diffatte
December 20 - 22, 2018
Thursdays at 7pm; Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm & 10pm
Tickets: $39.50 (Main Floor), $44.50 (Premium Main Floor), $49.50 (Front Row), $54.50 (Mezzanine Experience)

Nick Diffatte returns to the Chicago Magic Lounge with his full one-man show! Nick is quickly becoming one of the most talked about and in-demand young magicians working today. He currently performs on luxury cruise ships for Disney, headlines at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, comedy clubs, multiple casinos across Las Vegas including Planet Hollywood, Harrah’s, and has even been seen on The Late Late Show with James Corden on CBS all at the age of 22.

Guests who purchase Mezzanine, Front Row and Premium Main Floor tickets are invited to an exclusive performance of close-up magic directly after the show in The 654 Club with Chicago Magic Lounge favorites Luis Carreon (Thursday) and Ryan Plunkett (Friday and Saturday) pictured below.

ADDITIONAL DATES!
The Signature Show
December 26 - 30, 2018
Wednesday, December 26 at 7pm; Thursday, December 27 at 7pm & 10pm; Friday, December 28 and Saturday, December 29 at 7pm & 10pm; and Sunday, December 30 at 7pm
Tickets: $39.50 (Main Floor), $44.50 (Premium Main Floor), $49.50 (Front Row), $54.50 (Mezzanine Experience)
The Signature Show was conceived in 2015 as an homage to the historic, Chicago magic bar scene. Experience close-up magic right at your table during the cocktail hour, followed by an hour of stage magic featuring two masters of their craft performing feats of prestidigitation and sleight of hand. Guests who purchase Mezzanine, Front Row and Premium Main Floor tickets are invited to an exclusive performance of close-up magic directly after the show in our 43-seat close-up gallery, The 654 Club.

The NYE Eve Family Show
Sunday, December 30 at 3:30pm
Tickets: $15 (children 5-16), $25
The NYE Eve Family Show will feature fun and family-friendly magic that will delight children and adults alike. Guests will be treated to a glass of sparkling grape juice to toast the end of the year and greet the new one.




Mark Toland

The New Year’s Eve Show
Featuring Mark Toland (Headliner), Trent James (Featured Act), Ryan Plunkett (654 Club) and Band, The DOT
Featured Act:
Monday, December 31 at 9pm (Doors at 8:30pm)
Tickets: $65 (Main Floor), $70 (Premium Main Floor), $75 (Front Row), $80 (Mezzanine Experience)
Say goodbye to 2018 and hello to 2019 with a night of magic! This one-of-a-kind event will feature bar, close-up and stage magic, live jazz and a champagne toast at midnight. The show begins with close-up magic right at your table, followed by an hour of stage magic, starring two masters of their craft performing feats of mentalism, prestidigitation and sleight of hand. Immediately after the main show, the night will transform into a music-and-magic-filled, cocktail party, as guests are invited to move around the space and enjoy walk-around magic and live jazz as we swing into the New Year.

Headliner Mark Toland is an award-winning mind reader and TEDx Speaker. He was recently named the "Top Booked Mind Reader in the US & Canada" and "Audience Choice" at the NYC Fringe Festival. Currently, he performs 150+ shows each year for corporate and private events around the world.

Featured act Trent James brings a fresh new feel to the “classic magic show”. Trent combines mindboggling magic and offbeat comedy for a new generation. He is the winner of over twenty awards, including The Society of American Magicians International Stage Contest- People’s Choice Winner, International Brotherhood of Magicians Stage Contest-Silver Medal, and was named The Most Promising Young Magician by the Milbourne Christopher Foundation. Trent’s performances have left audiences raving from Las Vegas to New York. His unique sleight of hand magic and hip vibe come together to form an unforgettable thrill ride!



Guests will also enjoy music from The DOT (Dillard Organ Trio). Justin Dillard was born and raised on the west side of Chicago and attending both Vandercook College of Music and The Velvet Lounge. His studies at both institutions gave him the honorable privilege to work with innovators locally and globally performing/recording with and/or receiving tutelage from the likes of: Branford Marsalis, Robert Irving III, Ornette Coleman, the late jazz master Von Freeman and Roscoe Mitchell to name a few. Justin has performed on national television (ABC) and has played in various genres spanning Avant Garde with the late tenor master Fred Anderson to a Dave Matthews tribute band (Crash).

Guests who purchase Mezzanine, Front Row and Premium Main Floor tickets are invited to an exclusive performance of close-up magic directly after the main stage show, and prior the New Year’s countdown, in our 43-seat close-up gallery, the 654 Club with Ryan Plunkett. Ryan is a Chicago-based, close-up magician who has been performing for the past two decades. Ryan is also a highly sought-after magic consultant and magic creator. He is a published author, a regular performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood California, as well as a resident magician & Founding Ensemble Member of the Chicago Magic Lounge.

Doors open at 8:30pm, with seating and table-side magic starting at 9pm. Guests are welcome to stay until closing at 2am. Cocktail attire is encouraged.

For a complete schedule of performances and more information about Chicago Magic Lounge, as well as resident and guest performers, Chicago Magic College classes, the Chicago Magic Round Table, and more, please visit chicagomagiclounge.com.

About Chicago Magic Lounge
Chicago Magic Lounge reinvents the classic "magic bar" that once dotted Chicago's nightlife landscape, bringing cocktails and card tricks back together again. Shows include magic performance at the bar, on the stage and in true Chicago-style Magic form, at the tables of the guests, providing the classic "Close-Up" tradition Chicago-style Magic is known for. Chicago Magic Lounge is also the home of the Chicagoland magic community, showcasing over 30 local professionals, and serving as a networking hub for working magicians from all over the world. 

The newly constructed theater at 5050 N. Clark St., designed by Morris Architects Planners, has ushered in a new wave of entertainment, bringing back “Chicago-style Magic” under the leadership of Donald C Clark, Jr. and Joseph (Joey) Cranford. Converted from a 1940s-era, commercial laundry building, the Chicago Magic Lounge is a 7,200 square-foot, Art Deco, state-of-the-art theater and lounge complete with secret doors, elegant performance areas and a magic bar – all dedicated to the art of sleight of hand, prestidigitation and Chicago's contribution to the magical arts. From magicians to mind readers, Chicago Magic Lounge provides guests the unique, one-of-a-kind experience of seeing wonders up-close and personal in a venue unlike anything else offered throughout the country.