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INSIDE TALK

Original, functional art to help charities Six charities will benefit from the Chicago Celebrity Chair Auction which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. Now in its 16th year, the Chair Auction began with chairs that celebrities "had sat on" and has now evolved into chairs that artists and designers have created for the celebrities which are autographed by the celebrity/star. The six charities are: Chicago Abused Women Coalition, Chicago Communities In Schools, The Day School, Holiday Home Camp, Little City Foundation and Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago. Pictured at a reception to announce the Auction at One Fine Art Gallery, 209 W. Huron St., are, from left, Karen and Jeff Parkhill with Mary McCall, founder of the Chair Auction.

photo by Bob Carl High Tea for 3Arts 3Arts recently served High Tea to celebrate the legacies of its founding board members in its historic Chicago landmark building. The focus of the team was the launching of "The Legacy Project," a new capital campaign for 3Arts' upcoming $24 million restoration and renovation. The traditional tea service included finger sandwiches, scones, sweets and an assortment of teas. The afternoon was hosted by Sophie Shaw Siskel and Suzette Bross Bulley, descendants of Rue Winterbotham Carpenter and Josphine Knowland Laflin who helped found the 3Arts group in 1912; plus John Holabird, Jr. son of John Holabird, original architect of the 3Arts Building. Pictured at the tea, from left, is Sophie Shaw Siskel, Barbara Leland and Beth Kies. (Siskel and Kies are co-chairs of the 3Arts Legacy Project capital campaign and Leland is a Legacy Project campaign committee member.)

'Made in Chicago'... River North Chicago Dance Company is hosting its annual gala, "Made in Chicago." The two-part benefit on Thursday, Nov. 17, commences at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance where guests will gather at 6 p.m. for a one-hour performance featuring an exclusive preview of "Habaneras, the Music of Cuba" choreographed by Artistic Director Frank Chaves. The piece is set to the sounds of popular composers Ernesto Lecuona, Carlos Puebla and Silvio Rodriguez in Chaves' tribute to his native country. The company will also perform the 2005 Premier of "Take a Seat" danced by the company's male dancers. "Temporal Trance" will be danced to the music of Peter Gabriel, Vangelis and Gabrielle Roth and the Mirrors. The third and final dance is "Love Will Follow," a romantic and elegant ballroom-style piece for six couples who will dance to the music of Kenny Loggins and more. All dances have been choreographed by Artistic Director Frank Chaves. After the performance, the gala continues as guests depart the Harris Theater for the Fairmont Hotel, at 200 N. Columbus Dr., for cocktails, dinner, dessert, dancing and a silent auction. But before the after-dinner festivities begin, two special guests will be honored and they will each receive the "Friends of River North Chicago" Award. Star soloist Pam Crutchfield is honored for her love and promotion of the art form which makes her an invaluable asset to River North Chicago and the dance community. The other recipient is Corporate Partner Siegle's Inc. which will be honored for its help in building and supporting many Chicago Institutions including River North Chicago. When all the talking is over, the gala continues with an incredible silent auction that includes: a week stay at a Paris private apartment; domestic and European airline tickets from American Airlines; a Fourth of July Yacht Party at the Chicago Yacht Club; a Bulgari silk evening bag; a weekend stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Miami; a 10-night Caribbean cruise for two from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines; and many more exciting items. Hosting the evening are its Board Members and Co-Chairs Julie Silverstein and Philip Lumpkin. "Made in Chicago" might be sold out, but you can always try. Individual tickets are $300. For guests under 35 an individual ticket is only $150. To make a reservation or for additional information, call River North Chicago Dance at (312) 944-2888. Awesome '80s Prom... It's here and will continue to be here through Nov. 27th. I am referring to the new show in town, "The Awesome '80s Prom," which opened on Nov. 3. The question remains. Was it Awesome? From my perspective, it was a great night, lots of fun, great '80s music, and lots of dancing. And even though I didn't grow up in the '80s, I loved the music of Journey, Cyndi Lauper, Rick Springfield and lots more. I'm glad I went. It was a blast from the past! Best Musical Revival... Have you seen the musical "Chicago," winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival? If not, now's the chance to see the show with terrific music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, opening on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. Starring Paige Davis as Roxie Hart, Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, and Tom Wopat as Billy Flynn, it's the story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery. (It sounds Shakespearean, but it is far from.) The show originally choreographed by Bob Fosse (born on Chicago's North side) was recreated by Ann Reinking in Fosse's style—and she received a Tony for her work. It is now recreated again by Gary Chryst. "Chicago" is noted for its many great songs including "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle," and "Mr. Cellophane." The show continues through Sunday, Dec. 4, with a ticket ranging in price from $25 to $78. To purchase a ticket stop by either of the Broadway in Chicago Box offices at 24 W. Randolph St. or 151 W. Randolph St. Tickets are also available through TicketMaster. 2 8th Season... The Goodman Theatre's annual production of "A Christmas Carol" opens in the Goodman's Albert Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., beginning Saturday, Nov. 19, and continues through Monday, Dec. 26. If you've never seen the Goodman's production of Charles Dickens' masterpiece, you must. If you have seen it, I' m sure you'll want to see it again and again and again. The cast includes veteran Chicago actor William Brown as the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge; Jonathan Weir as Bob Cratchit; Lisa Dodson as Mrs. Cratchit, Bradley Mott as Mr. Fezziwig and the Ghost of Christmas Present, Christine Bunuan as Martha and the Ghost of Christmas Past, and many others. To purchase a ticket ($20-$65), stop by the Goodman Box Office inside the Theatre at 170 N . Dearborn St., visit www.goodmantheatre.org. or call (312) 443-3800. Military tickets are $12 if you have a valid military ID. A sign-interpreted performance will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m. For TTY/TDD information call (312) 443-3800. Discounted parking is available at the new Government Center Self Park for $13 after 5 p.m. (The parking rate is always subject to increase.) Patrick Cassidy is Joseph... "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" starring Broadway's Patrick Cassidy and Amy Adams from "American Idol" opens at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., on Tuesday, Nov. 22, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 4. The musical, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, was based on the Bible story of Jacob's son Joseph and his 11 brothers who live in Egypt. The music is just terrific blending rock 'n roll, R & B and country. Star Patrick Cassidy has several Broadway credits as well as film and television roles. Cassidy is the brother of David and Shaun Cassidy and all three are the sons of Shirley Jones and the late Jack Cassidy. Amy Adams is best known for being one of the top 10 finalists on the hit TV show "American Idol." The show also includes the children of the Highlands Middle School Show Choir of LaGrange. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy.; Broadway in Chicago box offices at 24 W. Randolph St. and 151 W. Randolph St.; and through TicketMaster.