ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar
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ChiIL Live Shows on our radar
Venus Cabaret Theater, the intimate performance space at Mercury Theater Chicago, under the director of Cabaret Director Honey West, Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter and Managing Director Shane Murray-Corcoran, announces its reopening celebration this fall with The Dark Night Series.
In theater, the night off is known as a ‘dark night’ since the lights are off. At Mercury Theater Chicago, the ‘ghost light’ burns so brightly that even when we are taking a break, the doors to the Venus Cabaret Theater are open for The Dark Night Series. The schedule will include open mic nights, karaoke, comedy, bands, variety, celebrity guests, and cabaret, and so much more.
The Venus Cabaret Theater will open with The Dark Night Series on October 2. The signature programming from Sundays through Tuesdays includes cabaret performances by Luminaries on Sundays, Comedy hosted by actor, comedian and OUT Chicago Radio’s Scott Duff, and Open Mic Nights with Chuck Larkin plus artists produced Cabaret. The month concludes on Halloween with a special Murder Mystery event. The intimate venue features specialty cocktails by Beverage Director Sarah Wurz.
Cabaret Director Honey West comments, “We are thrilled to celebrate the Grand Reopening of Venus Cabaret Theater. The Venus Cabaret Theater is a gorgeous, versatile space that gives a home to musicians, actors, variety artists and comedians.”
Christopher Chase Carter adds, “There is no other cabaret venue in Chicago as special as our gorgeous gem on Southport Avenue. Honey and I are assembling a lineup of shows by Chicago’s favorite artists, along with nationally recognized visiting artists, for not-to-be-missed evenings. We look forward to welcoming audiences back to experience the music, joy, comedy and variety with us and our family of artists.”
The calendar of events for The Dark Night Series and other events is available at MercuryTheaterChicago.com. Programing includes:
Cabaret performances special guest Luminaries as well as local talented favorites
Comedy Night, hosted by Scott Duff
Open Mic featuring Chuck Larkin on piano
Karaoke with Cray from Craoke in Chicago
Variety Nights and Jam Nights
Tickets to Venus Cabaret Theater produced shows are $15 with a two-drink minimum. Tickets for all Venus Cabaret Theater and Mercury Theater Chicago performances are available at MercuryTheaterChicago.com.
The previously announced Mercury Theater Chicago season follows. Season memberships and tickets to Sister Act and Women of Soul are currently available at MercuryTheaterChicago.com.
SISTER ACT November 5, 2021 to January 9, 2022
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellne, and Douglas Carter Beane
Directed by Reneisha Jenkins
Music Direction by Diana Lawrence
Choreography by Christopher Chase Carter
Featuring Chicago Legends Alexis J. Roston (Deloris) and Hollis Resnik (Mother Superior)
This feel-good musical comedy is based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony and Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Sister Act is reason to rejoice!
WOMEN OF SOUL January 27, 2022 to March 13, 2022
Written and Directed by Daryl D. Brooks
A celebration of the most powerful women of soul to ever grace the stage. You’ll jump to your feet as we honor incredible women including Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Janis Joplin, and of course, you’ll get a little of Gladys, Dionne and Patti. Featuring powerhouse voices singing memorable music including “I Say a Little Prayer” “I Will Survive” and “Respect.” This concert recognizes the struggles and triumphs these women went through to reach the pinnacle of their success. This is a once in a lifetime musical masterpiece that you will want to experience over and over again!
PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT June 10, 2022 to August 7, 2022
Book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott
Based on the MGM Film
Directed and Choreographed by Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter
Music Direction by Executive Producer Eugene Dizon
Featuring legendary cabaret chanteuse Honey West as Bernadette
Based on the smash-hit movie, Priscilla is the heartwarming, uplifting adventure of a glamorous Sydney-based performing trio who take their show to the middle of the Australian outback. They hop aboard a battered old bus (nicknamed Priscilla) searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they ever imagined. With a hit parade of dance floor favorites including “It's Raining Men," "I Will Survive," "Hot Stuff," "Boogie Wonderland," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," and "I Love The Nightlife" this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of fabulous!
CLUE on stage August 26, 2022 to October 30, 2022
Adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and Sandy Rustin
Additional Materials by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
Directed by Executive Producer Walter Stearns
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth – the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
About Mercury Theater Chicago
The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is in the heart of the Southport Corridor at 3745 North Southport Avenue, within a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful destination, Mercury Theater Chicago is a live-theater seating 280 people, adjoining Venus Cabaret Theater (seating 80).
The building that houses the Mercury opened in 1912 as a silent film nickelodeon, named The Blaine Theatre after actor and former Senator and Secretary of State James G. Blaine. The Blaine became obsolete when talking pictures became popular nationwide in 1928. The building served a variety of uses until 1994, when it was purchased by theater producer Michael Cullen and transformed into a live theatre, named the Mercury Theatre.
In 2010 the building was sold again and reopened as Mercury Theater Chicago under the direction of Walter Stearns, a veteran theater director and producer. Mercury Theater Chicago's second performance space, Venus Cabaret Theater, offers a unique intimate theatrical experience complemented by specialty cocktails. Mercury Theater Chicago is thrilled to be part of the city's vibrant theatre community, boasting record-setting long runs, employing hundreds of artists and recognized with dozens of award nominations. Mercury Theater Chicago's team includes Christopher Chase Carter (Artistic Director), Shane Murray-Corcoran (Managing Director), Walter Stearns and Eugene Dizon (Executive Producers) and Honey West (Cabaret Director). Visit www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com.
Carter, Murray-Corcoran, Dizon, Stears
Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar
Black Ensemble Theater will cautiously open its doors again this fall for live performances starting October 1, 2021. Black Ensemble Theater will launch its pre-opening with an exciting different kind of entertainment titled Concert Cabaret. This fun, uplifting, inspiring and soothing Concert Cabaret Series will feature inspirational spoken word, comedic vignettes, and great music. The Series is designed to move audiences through the challenges and uncertainties of the time with a strong message of faith and hope.
The pre-opening is not be the beginning of the regular season. The Four Play Season of Excellence will be announced at a later time.
Black Ensemble Theater Founder, Executive Director Jackie Taylor states “Due to the challenges and uncertainties that have been brought about by the pandemic, Black Ensemble Theater is proceeding slowly, cautiously, and carefully. In an effort to keep our audiences as safe as possible, the Concert Cabarets will be 80 minutes with no intermission. Concessions will not be sold. Everyone entering the building must wear a mask and we are asking that masks remain in place the entire time until folks are outside of the building. There will also be hand sanitizers throughout the building. For social distancing purposes the audiences will be limited to 80 people. And of course, thorough cleaning will take place after every performance. We know our audiences are accustomed to large casts but, along with the safety measures that we have taken for our artists, technicians and volunteers, the Concert Cabaret cast will be small but mighty! We have the best audiences in the world – so I’m expecting that they will be amenable and adjust to the changes.”
The Concert Cabaret Series will feature a potpourri of musical styles including jazz, gospel, pop, rock, soul, and blues. Each concert will feature a variety of music, including old school, new school and in-between.
Black Ensemble Theater’s Concert Cabaret Series guarantees to lift your spirits and soothe your soul. Come join us for all three concerts and make a joyful noise – let the music move you.
Tickets are $45 and are available at www.blackensembletheater.org. or by calling the box office at 773-769-4451. No contact ticketing is available.
The schedule of events includes:
The Feel Good Musical Revue
directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks
starring Dwight Neal, Robin DeSilva and Cynthia Carter
Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 3 at 3:00 p.m.
The Joy of Life
directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder, Executive Director and CEO Jackie Taylor
starring Rhonda Preston and Cynthia Carter
Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 29 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 21 at 3:00 p.m.
A Black Ensemble Holiday Spectacular
directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks
featuring favorite Black Ensemble performers
Saturday, December 11 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec 12 at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 18 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 19 at 3:00 p.m.
Black Ensemble Theater
Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Four Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.
The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.
Opera’s most heartwarming comedy, filled with Donizetti’s delectable music, is sure to bring nonstop smiles. Nemorino, the naive waiter, pines for the flirtatious Adina, the owner of the town’s hotel and Nemorino’s boss. His only hope to win her love is Dr. Dulcamara’s “elixir” — little does he know that it’s just Bordeaux wine! As we root for Nemorino, audiences are sure to laugh, gasp, “ooo” and “ahh”.
· Classic Italian repertoire: While Donizetti and librettist Felice Romani may have hastily adapted a French comic opera to Italian in six weeks, The Elixir of Love has become one of most frequently performed Donizetti operas in the world and a classic of the bel canto repertoire.
· After launching his career as Lyric’s Music Director with Verdi’s Macbeth, Maestro Enrique Mazzola, a true master of the bel canto repertoire, returns to the podium to lead the Lyric Opera Orchestra. The Maestro will have the difficult yet impressive task of performing back-to-back Verdi and Donizetti during these runs, demonstrating his versatility and expertise in the craft.
· Exciting Lyric directorial debut: British director Daniel Slater comes to Lyric with over sixty productions in seventeen countries under his belt, including operas at Glyndebourne, Welsh National Opera, Santa Fe, Houston Grand Opera, and San Francisco. Slater started his career as acting Artistic Director of the Tricycle Theatre and Associate Director of the Nottingham Playhouse.
· Ailyn Pérez in her element: The Chicago soprano steps into the role of Adina, which she has performed to great acclaim at the Bayerische Staatsoper, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Wiener Staatsoper and Washington National Opera. You can also see Pérez in Lyric’s upcoming Pagliacci film.
· Charles Castronovo’s long-awaited Lyric return: After triumphant performances in Lyric’s The Magic Flute(2011/12) and Eugene Onegin (2016/17), the American tenor returns to Lyric as Nemorino — a role he’s known for internationally. Castronovo and Pérez are sure to bring one of the best Elixir love duos to Lyric’s stage.
· Also featuring fellow Lyric favorites: Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins, most recently seen as Guglielmo in Cosi fan tutte (2017/18), and American bass-baritone Kyle Ketlesen, who can be seen in Lyric’s Celebrating Sir Andrew Davis production, round out the Elixir cast as Belcore and Dulcamara respectively.
· Only five chances to experience the magic : September 26 (matinee), 29 (matinee) and October 2, 5, 8
· 2 hours and 30 minutes, including 1 intermission.
· Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.
· For more information and to order tickets, visit lyricopera.org/elixir or call 312-827-5600.
For updated information about Lyric’s ongoing initiatives regarding health and safety protocols, visit lyricopera.org/safety.
Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by Alice & John Butler, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, and the Robert & Penelope Steiner Family Foundation
Lyric’s presentation of Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love is generously made possible by Sonia Florian.
Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, American Airlines.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.
Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO Anthony Freud, Music Director Enrique Mazzola, and Special Projects Advisor Renée Fleming, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists—magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.
Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.
Join us @LyricOpera on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. #Lyric2122 #LongLivePassion
For more information, visit lyricopera.org.
ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar
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