PAC Performance Fest...
Performing Arts Chicago (PAC) presents its Third Annual PAC/edge Performance Festival beginning Friday, March 11, and continuing through Sunday, April 10, at the newly restored Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave.
The festival is presented by both PAC and the School of The Art Institute of Chicago and includes five weeks of diverse programs: visual arts, theater, dance, film, the spoken word, workshops and panel discussions.
Many of the programs are world premieres by companies such as Curious Theatre Branch, Free Street and Hermit Arts, Live Action Cartoonists, Teatro Luna and Weather Talking.
Opening night on Friday, March 11, on the Main Stage theater will be a "Taste of" — performances by Asimina Chremos, The Girlie-O Variety Hour, Incurable Theatre, Rubber Monkey Puppet Company plus roaming guest artist performances.
Besides the entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine will be served. A ticket for opening night is $25 in advance. To reserve a ticket, call (773) PAC-LINE or (773) 772-5463. Proceeds benefit the PAC/edge Festival.
For a complete listing of performances, dates, times and ticket prices (ranging from free to $5 to $15), call the above phone number or Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1500.
Both Charities are 'Sweet'...
Christina Applegate stars in the pre-Broadway engagement of the musical comedy "Sweet Charity," now appearing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through March 13.
Applegate plays dance-hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine, the nicest, sweetest and most naive of all the dance girls, who always gives her heart and her earnings to the wrong man.
And Applegate's rendition of Charity (there have been a few before her) is sweet, funny and sassy — a great combination for an actress who learned the tools of her trade in the movies and on TV. She won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for "Friends," and was a 1999 People's Choice Award winner for her starring role in the NBC comedy "Jesse." But she's probably better known for the 10 seasons when she starred as Kelly Bundy on the FOX TV series "Married with Children," and the movie (my personal favorite) "Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead."
"Sweet Charity" has some great music with show-stopping numbers: "If My Friends Could See Me Now," "Big Spender," and "Baby, Dream Your Dreams." When Applegate sings, she belts out those lyrics; when she's directed to be sweet, she's "sugar"; and when she dances, her legs do as they are commanded, thanks to the choreography that won the late Bob Fosse a Tony Award in 1966 for the same show.
Yes, "Sweet Charity" is a revival, and a deserved one. Its history begins in 1966 with the stage musical starring the late Gwen Verdon; the 1969 movie "Sweet Charity" starred Shirley MacLaine, John McMartin, Chita Rivera, Stubby Kay, Ricardo Montalban, Sammy Davis Jr. and the unknown Ben Vereen who had a bit part as a "Frug" Dancer. The 1986 stage revival starred Bebe Neuwirth as Charity. Neuwirth took home a Tony for that role as Best Actress in a Featured Role - Musical. On stage Charity has also been played by Debbie Allen, Anne Reinking and many others.
It's an entertaining show with great music thanks to the late Cy Coleman and wonderful lyrics by Dorothy Fields. The humor comes from the book which was written by Neil Simon (based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Enno Plaiano).
And now, back to the current production that has a terrific cast with Applegate as "Charity," and Tony Award Winner Denis O'Hare as Oscar, and of course the songs by Coleman and Fields and choreography that could only have been created by Bob Fosse.
"Sweet Charity" delivers an entertaining evening for adults and for those teens who would know what a "dance hall hostess is," and for anyone who loves music and dance. This show has it all plus a cast that tries quite hard to make it work - and it does!
For information about show-times, performance dates and how to purchase a ticket ($32 to $77), call the Broadway in Chicago Ticket Line at (312) 902-1400; stop by any of the Broadway in Chicago box offices at: 22 W. Monroe St., 24 W. Randolph St., and 151 W. Randolph St.; or go on-line to broadwayinchicago.com.
"Sweet Charity's" next stop is in Boston, MA, at the Colonial Theatre where it will play March 18-27. After that it's on Broadway starting April 4 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45th St. Tickets for the New York show can be purchased from Telecharge.com. A New York ticket will range in price $56-$101.
Victor Hugo by Cameron Mackintosh...
Mackintosh is not misspelled because I'm referring to producer Cameron Mackintosh and his legendary musical by Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schönberg of "Les Misérables" based on Victor Hugo's novel of the same name.
Yes, "Les Misérables" (pronounced Les Miz-eh-rahb) is back. The National Tour arrives here for its first performance on Tuesday, March 15, at 8 p.m. and continues through Sunday, April 24, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.
Yes, the show's been here a few times, but it's been a while, and I'm ready to see it again (5th time) with yet a new starring cast: Randal Keith as the fugitive Jean Valjean; Chicagoan Robert Hunt as Inspector Javert; and Tonya Dixon as Fantine.
I love this show and could see it a dozen times with any cast because it's a great story of a great man, Jean Valjean, who has nothing but hardship throughout the story because of one small mistake — when he was a hungry young man, he stole a loaf of bread.
Poor Valjean was sent to prison for many years by the self-righteous, unbending, relentless Inspector Javert. Even after Valjean's parole, the nightmare of Javert's pursuit continued throughout decades of 19th century France.
"Les Misérables" is now in its 18th year playing in London and has won 50 major awards including the 1987 Tony for Best Musical and deservedly so. This show has got powerful characters, memorable music, an incredible story and the spirit of Victor Hugo.
For information about show-times, performance dates and how to purchase a ticket ($32 to $77), call the Broadway in Chicago Ticket Line at (312) 902-1400; stop by any of the Broadway in Chicago box offices at: 22 W. Monroe St., 24 W. Randolph St., and 151 W. Randolph St.; or go on-line to broadwayinchicago.com.
World Premiere...
Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier presents the World Premiere of one of Shakespeare's most superbly crafted shows with a slightly different angle.
"Kabuki Lady Macbeth" will be told in Asian performance tradition and will be directed by Shozo Sato, Japanese Master of Zen Arts. It opens on Friday, March 11, in the theater Upstairs through Sunday, May 1.
This unique presentation is described as a powerful interpretation of the story focusing on Lady Macbeth and her journey, desire and destiny to become queen.
To purchase a ticket or for additional information about show dates and times, call the Chicago Shakespeare Theater Box Office at (312) 595-5600 or visit chicagoshakes.org.
Save the airfare...
You don't have to travel all the way to Brazil to dine at a Brazilian Steak House because the River North area now boasts a fine one.
Last week, Sal & Carvão churrascaria opened its doors at 739 N. Clark St. (corner of Clark and Superior streets) and it is quite a place! The two-story, 22,000 square foot restaurant serves up to 400 guests, plus it has two private dining rooms. Enjoy an incredible variety of sea salt-seasoned meats that have been slow roasted over an open fire. The meats are brought by "gauchos" to the diners' tables where each guest can choose what he or she would like from the vast assortment.
It is quite a feast. It's all-you-can-eat with a fixed price menu that includes 14 different cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken, plus grilled salmon. Also included is an amazing parmesan cheese bread, fried polenta, fried bananas and mashed potatoes.
But before the meal begins, the diner can visit the elaborate appetizer and salad buffet that includes smoked salmon, prosciutto di Parma, fresh greens and salads, imported Brazilian artichoke hearts and hearts of palm, asparagus, green beans, Portabello mushrooms, roasted peppers, imported cheeses, prepared fruit and other salads.
While you're dining, don't forget to check out the extensive art collection that brings the large restaurant to life.
Sal & Carvão offers a price fix menu for dinner at $48.50 per person or for lunch at $29.50 each. Kids (7-10 years old) are charged half-price and the under-six crowd can eat free. Only a little hungry and just want the Salad Bar? It's do-able at a cost of $25 at dinner and $18.50 at lunch. Did I forget to mention the desserts and the specialty drinks? Sorry, no more room. Just go and eat, and you'll be pleased and surprised.
For additional information and or reservations, call (312) 932-1100. |
