Jonny is pleased to report that several current shows highly regarded by Windy City Times critics have been extended. You now have through April 17 to see Lookingglass Alice down at the Water Works Pumping Station, and through April 24 to see Humble Boy, staged by Remy Bumppo at Victory Gardens. Also, the side project—that dinky little studio under the El tracks on Jarvis—has extended its program of female-monologues, When Women Wore Wings, on Sundays through April 24. The program offers six monologues exploring the mythic, poetic, historic and heroic nature of women from Eve to Amelia Earhart and beyond. Finally, gifted pianist, writer and performer Hershey Felder continues his George Gershwin Alone at the Royal George Theatre, now in an open run.
The month of April holds a number of cabaret treats, not the least of which is a series called An Evening At …, which will recreate the music and style of some of Chicago’s most famous nightspots, all long gone but not forgotten. The programs are at Davenport’s every Sunday in April at 5 p.m.; $15 per show (or $50 for all four) plus two drinks. You’ll get a lot of bang for your bucks, with 7-10 musicians featured in each program, among them some of Chicago’s best, including veterans of the clubs being celebrated.
The series kicks off April 3 with An Evening At the Acorn on Oak at which Buddy Charles will recount the eclectic jams at the old Rush Street eatery recreated by seven other performers. April 10 will honor music and comedy with An Evening at the Gate of Horn, the once-famous folk club, with nine performers among them community faves Steven Rader, Scott Montgomery and Suszanne Petri. April 17 is An Evening at the London House, for which the Judy Roberts Trio was the house band along with star players such as George Shearing and Julie London. Ms. Roberts will head a bill of 10 suitably suave performers. Legendary Audrey Morris will guide a company of 10 for the final show, An Evening at Mr. Kelly’s, once Chicago’s premiere intimate club and home to Shelly Berman, Barbra Streisand, Woody Allen, Bette Midler, etc.
All performers in the series are members of Chicago Cabaret Professionals. Call (773) 278-1830 for reservations and info.
That sometimes in pink, sometimes-devil Edward Thomas-Herrera is partnering with the Field Museum in conjunction with the Museum’s current special exhibit, Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years. You know, of course, that Mr. Thomas-Herrera and Lyndon Johnson both came from Texas, but you probably are wondering what Mr. Thomas-Herrera has in common with Jackie, other than—perhaps—their hat size. The answer is Letitia Baldridge, who was Mrs. JFK’s social secretary and protocol expert, and who wrote a book about it all, Of Diamonds and Diplomats, which Mr. Thomas-Herrera adapted for the stage in 1995 at Live Bait Theater. And a wonderful adaptation it was, recounting JFK’s cocktail habits and Rudolph Nureyev’s tour of the White House. Now, Live Bait is reviving the piece for a brief May 5-15 run. But first, Of Diamonds and Diplomats will be performed at the Field Museum for weekend matinees, April 23-May 1 in conjunction with the Jackie show.
For fans of Richard Wagner, the brilliant composer and male sexist pig who broke the heart of poor, mad, gay Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, Lyric Opera of Chicago reports a handful of remaining tickets for their second complete Ring Cycle now underway at the Civic Opera House. And what a cast! Placido Domingo, Jane Eaglen, James Morris and John Treleavan star under the baton of Sir Andrew Davis. They may be hefty, but heavens-to-Betsy, can they sing! There’s still time to catch the complete Ring Cycle twice, April 4-9 and 11-16. For remaining tickets, call (312) 332-2244, ext. 5600 or go online at www.lyricopera.org. For all his faults, Richard Wagner could be charming. Especially if the conversation was about him. Can there be an opera queen anywhere who doesn’t understand that?