Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., will host the next program in its Out at CHM series, ” Standing Up: From Punch Line to Spotlight,” on Thursday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m. (In addition, a reception with refreshments and appetizers will start at 5:30 p.m.)
While views have progressed, LGBTQ people still serve as the punch line for jokes across the comedic spectrum. Writer Jason Heidemann moderates a panel that includes Andy Eninger, head of the writing program at Second City; comedy club owner Mary Lindsey; and performer, scholar and author E. Patrick Johnson for a discussion on the history and struggle of queerness in Chicago’s comedy scene, as well who has been at the forefront of humorous performances and roles.
This program also will showcase the comedic talents of the panelists and gay sketch-comedy troupe GayCo.
Admission is $20 ($15 for members and students); visit chicagohistory.org/planavisit/upcomingevents/out-at-chm.
Windy City Times full callendar of community events at the link: windycitytimes.com/gay/chicago/events/upcoming.php.
Group to honor Sutton Foster, Brian D’Arcy James
Chicago’s Sarah Siddons Society recently announced that Sutton Foster and Brian D’Arcy James will receive the group’s annual Actor of the Year Award Monday, May 16, at Northwestern University’s Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston.
Foster (TV’s Younger) has starred in many Broadway hits, including Thoroughly Modern Millie, Little Women, Young Frankenstein, Shrek and The Drowsy Chaperone. James is currently in Broadway’s Something Rotten, and has been in Titanic, Sweet Smell Of Success, The Apple Tree and Shrek (opposite Foster as Fiona).
The Sarah Siddons Society has honored actors such as Bette Davis, Patti LuPone, Julie Andrews and E. Faye Butler.
Benefit tickets are $100 (with student tickets $25); visit www.sarahsiddonssociety.org, or call 847-467-4000 or stop by the ticket office at the southeast entrance of Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.