Return of "The Producers"...
Bob Amaral and Andy Taylor take the roles of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom in the Mel Brooks musical "The Producers," which opened last week at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.
Not quite the same as having Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the lead roles, but they were good enough for me to enjoy the show. Last week's opening night performance was the fifth time I've seen the show and I must say that it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Even though Lane and Broderick won the Tony Awards, it is my belief that the show is so strong and funny and the supporting cast is so incredible that it is very easy to enjoy with the current cast. Amaral has a strong voice and he projected well on opening night. Andy Taylor has played the role of Bloom before and even though he's slightly bland, his singing and especially his dancing were over the top.
The rest of the cast were great too, making this round of performances as enjoyable as the one I saw in New York and the others in Chicago. Rich Affannato as Carmen Ghia was hysterical, Stuart Marland as Roger DeBris had me on the floor laughing , Bill Nolte as Franz Liebkind is the best Liebkind I've seen, and Ida Leigh Curtis played her role as the blonde, Swedish siren, sex kitten Ulla perfectly.
It was a pleasure to go to the theater and laugh. I really must give thanks to Broadway in Chicago for bringing "The Producers" back. After all, there aren't too many really funny shows and this one is about a trillion miles
ahead of other so-called comedies.
The show continues through Sunday, Feb. 20, at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy. Tickets ($25-$82 each) can be purchased at the Auditorium box office, and at other Broadway in Chicago theaters: 22 W. Monroe St., 24 W. Randolph St., and 151 W. Randolph St. If you haven't seen the show, don't miss the opportunity for a night of real laughter.
The Goodman presents...
The world premiere of "Mariela in the Desert" is now playing at the Goodman's Owen Theatre.
The show opened on Jan. 29 and is the story of two artists from Mexico City who once lived the "high life." Jose and Mariela are now living out their days in an isolated desert ranch. They reminisce about happier times but are plagued by unfulfilled dreams and tortuous secrets.
Written by Karen Zacarķas and directed by Goodman Resident Artistic Associate Henry Godinez, this play has already won the 2004 AT&T First Stages Award and the National Latino Playwright's Competition; it is a finalist for the 2004 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.
Sandra Marquez and Ricardo Gutierrez are featured as Mariela and Jose; other actors are Eric Lloyd Ambriz, Laura E. Crotte, Sandra Delgado and Mark Ulrich.
The play continues through Feb. 27. For additional information or to purchase a ticket ($10-$25), call (312) 443-4800, stop by the Goodman box office at 170 N. Dearborn St., or visit goodmantheatre.org.
"I Am My Own Wife," by Doug Wright, continues its performances through Feb. 20 at the Goodman's Albert Theatre. The show won two 2004 Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Actor in a play. For tickets and information, use the Goodman contacts listed above.
Not just for the dogs...
Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS) will be barking up some thanks after the second annual special benefit party on Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Hotel Burnham, One W. Washington St. (at State St.)
The Second Annual PAWS For Heart Thoughts party for canines and their human friends begins at 10 a.m.
Some of the festivities include 10-minute massages for the pets and mini-consultations from animal communicators, who will offer insight into the emotional lives of canine loved ones using mental pictures and emotions to create a dialogue. A Pranic healer will also be on hand to offer dogs a 10-minute introductory session of a "no-touch" method which helps remove negative energies. A pet photographer will also be on hand to snap photos of guests and their pets.
The cost of the party is $25 per dog and includes Valentine's refreshments for dogs and their owners plus a few services.
Interested in their super-human-pet Valentine's Day bash? Make a reservation by calling (773) 843-2500 or go on-line to pawschicago.org.
A Starry Dreamy Night...
"A Night to Dream" is the new name of the auction night that benefits Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation. It was formerly known as the Dream Date Auction. It happens this year on Friday, Feb. 11, at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave.
Expected to attend are 750 party-goers who will bid on live auction items that include shopping extravaganzas, once-in-a-lifetime vacations, and pampering packages.
The party begins at 6 p.m. with a feast of complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. The fun starts at 7:15 p.m. when Auctioneer Jeff Brown starts the bidding with some of the dreamiest packages including trips to London, New York and Breckenridge, CO.
After the auction comes the raffle drawing that features 15 prizes including trips, shopping sprees and entertainment packages. After the auction and raffles, guests can dance to live music by the band Big Fun.
The evening's goal is to raise $200,000 that will benefit the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Midwest Chapter, which helps improve the quality of life for seriously ill children and their families.
To make a reservation call (312) 251-7827 or go on-line to starlightmidwest.org. A ticket is $45 in advance or $50 at the door.
First Look...
If you want to have the first look at 1,000 different types of automobiles, then be the first to arrive when the Chicago Auto Show opens on Friday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m. This year's show features imported and domestic cars, SUVs, experimental and concept cars, and it takes over 1.2 million sq. ft. in McCormick Place.
If you really want to be the first to see the show, then attend the "First Look for Charity" on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 6:30 p.m. The black tie gala features the same wonderful cars, but a day before.
You can also expect to have flowing champagne, wine and soft drinks while nibbling on some delectable and abundant hors d'oeuvres.
"First Look" supports 19 different charities equally and they are: Advocate Hope Children's Hospital; Alzheimer's Association; American Lung Assoc. of Metro. Chicago; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Campagna Academy; Cancer Health Alliance of Metro. Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Children's Memorial Hospital; Clearbrook; The Cradle; Cure Autism Now Foundation; Franciscan Sisters of Chicago; Ray Graham Assoc. for People with Disabilities; Ill. Spina Bifida Assoc.; Little City; March of Dimes; Ronald McDonald House Charities; Misericordia and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
So if you really want to see the show, see it the right way. Dress up, put on a tux, get ready to mingle with Chicago VIPs, save your appetite and show up at McCormick Place, Lake Shore Drive at 23rd St., at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 10. Go straight to Will Call and present them with your check for $200 per person. For more details, call (630) 495-2282.
First Look and the Chicago Auto Show are presented by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association which is comprised of new-car dealers in Chicagoland and northwest Indiana.
Second Look...
If you can't make it to the Preview benefit, then by all means don't miss the Chicago Auto Show that opens to the public the very next day, Friday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It continues through Sunday, Feb. 20, until 8 p.m.
Besides the masses of cars and people, there will also be special appearances by sports, radio, TV and screen personalities.
A ticket to the show is $10 for each adult, $5 for seniors (62 plus); a kid's ticket (6 and under) is free when accompanied by an adult paying full price. For more details, call (630)-495-2282 or visit chicagoautoshow.com.
Handicapped parking is available in all McCormick Place parking garages and lots. Lot A is a parking garage with an adjacent surface lot that offers many handicapped spaces. Valet parking is available at the Hyatt Hotel lot adjacent to McCormick Place.
All outside entrances to the Chicago Auto Show have push-button doors and ramps for show patrons with wheelchairs. Inside McCormick Place, the entire show floor is accessible by elevators. There are wheelchairs and motorized scooters available to rent. Show-goers may call (847) 360-4378 to reserve a rental.
River North Dance celebrates...
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Valentine's Day, and two world premieres, River North Chicago Dance Company performs for three days from Friday, Feb. 11, to Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Dr. in Millennium Park.
The world premieres include "Grace" by Co-Artistic Director Emeritus Sherry Zunker and "Take a Seat" by Artistic Director Frank Chaves. A new work, "Redlight" by River North dancer James Gregg, will be another highlight, as will a romantic duet and other River North favorites.
The company is known for its eclectic jazz and contemporary dance repertoire.
Performances times are Friday, Feb. 11, and Saturday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 13, at 3 p.m. A ticket ranges in price from $22 to $45 and can be purchased by calling the Theater for Music and Dance at (312) 334-7777 or visiting madtchi.com. |
