Red Carpet night...
Hosting this year's "Official Oscar Night Party" on Sunday, Feb. 27, is the Gene Siskel Film Center and The Chicago Academy for the Arts. The Awards party celebrates the 77th Annual Academy Awards telecast on Channel 7 at 7 p.m. But before the party starts, the guests must arrive.
At 6 p.m. the ever-so-red carpet will be rolled out and the Kleig lights will brighten the sky when guests arrive at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., where they await a night of glamour.
Benefit co-chairs Peggy Jester and Averill Leviton have planned quite a night for guests who will attend the only Academy-sanctioned Oscar Night America party in Chicago. (There are only 45 such sanctioned parties across the country.)
Guests can view the telecast in the Film Center's movie theaters and receive the same official program as guests attending the actual ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
Besides the red-carpet treatment and the luxurious style of the night, guests can savor the sumptuous buffet donated by Food For Thought, be entertained by a Joan Rivers impersonator, and bid on some great travel and Hollywood type prizes in a silent auction.
I'm sure you'd love to attend, and you probably can—if tickets are still available. To find out, call the Gene Siskel Film Center at (312) 846-2072. A general admission ticket is $100; a VIP ticket (includes reserved seating and program recognition) is $175; and a Patron Package (includes two VIP tickets, 10 raffle tickets and special program recognition) is $500. If you can get a ticket, be sure to dress in the suggested attire: Awards Glam, or Business Attire if you must!
Funds raised from the Oscar night party will benefit the educational programs of the Gene Siskel Film Center and the Scholarship Fund of The Chicago Academy for the Arts.
More on the ruby rug...
Another fabulous Oscar Night Party on Sunday, Feb. 27, is a star-studded affair at Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Chicago International Film Festival, RedEye and Metromix are throwing this bash and guests will dress as if they are receiving their own Oscars (sans speeches).
Besides having four giant screens and 24 monitors, this star-studded affair begins with a reception with hors d'oeuvres from Chicago restaurants including FlatTop Grill and Kuro Ran with complimentary wine and beer (served all night). Premium drinks will be available at the (cash) bar.
The evening will be hosted by LeeAnn Trotter, host of "Metromix: The TV Show," and features interactive Oscar games, a Ballot Contest, a Fashion Contest, raffles and more.
Want to attend? Need to attend? Must attend? Ticket prices are $35 for general admission or $50 for a VIP admission. The VIP plan includes reserved seating during the Oscar broadcast.
For additional information or to purchase a ticket, please call the Chicago Film Festival at (312) 425-9400, ext. 100; visit chicagofilmfestival.com, or e-mail info@chicagofilmfestival.com. Proceeds from the Oscar party benefit the Chicago International Film Festival.
Chicago Opera Theater presents...
The 2005 Season of Chicago Opera Theater (COT) opens with the first fully staged production of "La Resurrezione," on Wednesday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m., for only five performances at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St.
With music by George Frideric Handel and libretto by Carlo Sigismondo Capece, "La Resurrezione" was first performed in Rome in 1708. The opera tells the story of greed, redemption, romance and passion...from Lucifer's greed and ambition to the suffering of Mary Magdeline and Mary Cleophas as they mourn the death of Christ.
Conducted by Jane Glover, and directed by Lillian Groag, the opera has a cast that includes Nathalie Paulin (Maddalena), Sarah Coburn (Angelo), Eudora Brown (Cleofe), Mark Le Brocq (Giovanni), and Derrick Parker as (Lucifero).
To purchase a ticket or get additional information, call the Chicago Opera Theater Box Office at (312) 704-8414 (Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), call the Harris Theater Box Office at (312) 334-7777, visit chicagooperatheater.org, or visit the Harris Theater's web site at madtchi.com. Individual tickets range in price from $30 to $105.
Please note that "La Resurrezione" will be sung entirely in Italian with English supertitles.
Thodos Dance Concert and Gala...
In her eighth annual home engagement, Melissa Thodos and her dance company Thodos Dance Chicago (now a 14-member ensemble) will perform for two weekends. On Thursday, March 3, the company kicks off its 2005 Winter concert at 6 p.m. with a gala benefit that begins with the opening night performance at the Harold Washington Library's Cindy Pritzker Theater at 400 S. State St.
Three premiere dances are included in the 2005 Winter Concert Series; they were created by company founder Melissa Thodos, senior company member Paul Christiano and guest choreographer Amy Ernst. Other dances from the company's repertoire will also be performed.
Thodos is known for her innovative style in integrating her gymnastic skills with modern and classical dance, using balls, chairs, and other props. The dances reflect this signature style.
Following the performance, guests attending the gala will adjourn to the Library's Winter Garden for a "Taste of Chicago" reception, plus live music and dancing. A ticket to the benefit is $125-$250.
Thodos Dance Chicago also performs at the Harold Washington Library on Friday and Saturday, March 4 and 5, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 6, at 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 13, at 3 p.m.
All performances are held at the Harold Washington Library's Cindy Pritzker Theater, 400 S. State St. A ticket for the dance show is $30 for regular admission or $25 for students and seniors.
For more information about Thodos Dance Chicago, or to purchase a ticket to any of the performances or the Gala, call (312) 266-6255 or visit thodosdancechicago.org. |
