Plus: The grand opening of the world's largest rooftop; Botanic Garden's Summer Dinner Dance; Auditorium Theatre Devil's Ball; Friends of Conservation's Polo-palooza; Pride Weekend parties; Red Bull's Renaissance One celebration; Bixbee Imagination Station's VIP opening party; The Great Pink Run; Susan G. Komen's "All Bets on Pink"; Too many memorial tributes; Goodman's "Music Man", a delightful trip back to River City; Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is WINNING; Shedd Aquarium's BLU will be a Zero Waste event; Saving Tiny Hearts Gala with Peanut; Tasting Stars for A Silver Lining; Ryan is a little bit country; Fun videos and SO much MORE!
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The love in the room was palpable for fashion designer and hometown hero Peach Carr, three of her fellow Project Runway All Stars, and the nonprofit they came together to support, JourneyCare, the country's largest non-profit
organization providing hospice, home health, palliative and pediatric hospice care. The event at Theater on the Lake on Saturday, June 29 attracted an overflow crowd for an exciting fashion show presented by the All Stars of Project Runway designers Joshua Christensen, Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie, Korto Momolu, Christopher Palu and, of course, Peach! Joe Matty, president JourneyCare Foundation, opened the show by encouraging all of the clinical team members in the audience to stand and be recognized. He said, "Right now, we have around 1500 clinicians and care members taking
care of our more than 5000 patients. We're working in Rush Hospital, Northwestern Hospital, the University of Chicago....for all of the major medical systems,
JourneyCare is there. We're a family and we take care of each other. Our promise is to meet the patients where they are, build trust and share a journey. JourneyCare has never turned anyone away due to inability to pay. We offer programs that include integrative therapies (pet, massage, art and music), Jewish Care Services and our "We Honor Veterans" program. Despite the benefits of these special programs, they are not reimbursable through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance." Allison Rosati, of NBC-5, served as emcee. She spoke about her mom who passed away from ovarian cancer and lauded the hospice care
she received calling it a "godsend" and the hospice nurses "angels on earth." Event co-chairs Pamela Cramer (a JourneyCare Foundation trustee) and Elizabeth Foley (JourneyCare board member) were introduced onstage.
(Peach was also a co-chair). The fashion show, expertly produced by ZZAZZ Productions, began with a thrilling video of Chicago created by Eric Hines. Designer Johnathan Kayne opened the show with a dramatic shocking pink evening gown delicately embellished with a crystal neckline followed by flowing gowns in bold colors. Korto Momolu's African-inspired collection followed with short and long designs created out of
luxury fabrics and mixed prints. Joshua Christensen's designs were presented in shades of black and bright red, with a chic biker look. Christopher Palu's sexy designs featured sparkly cocktails dresses with thigh-high black
boots, gowns slit-up-to-there and plunging necklines. The show closed with a standing ovation as Peach showed her first collection following a horrible accident that left her wondering if she would ever be able to design again. Well, this show proved she could and in spades! The audience roared as every single new design made its appearance on the runway. From colorful cocktail dresses with the Chicago skyline outlined in jet black
beadwork to a chic black and white number with a big bow at the edge to a skirt with the British flag emblazoned all over it, the collection was pure Peach--whimsical, wearable, washable and on trend. When designing, Peach always asks herself, "Would Edie Sedgewick wear this?"...And the resounding answer is EVERYONE wants to wear this! For the finale, Peach sent her longtime "bestie" Camerone
Parker McCulluch down the runway wearing a form fitting sparkly, charcoal evening gown. Peach called her an "MS warrior" having been diagnosed 21 years ago with the disease. Peach describes the emotional evening, "It was such an electric night. I brought my closest friends who I knew would bring killer fashion, camaraderie and positive energy to support JourneyCare. We all love,
support and respect each other and they said yes to my appearance request on the spot. I'm recovering from an injury and this collection has been an emotional journey, bringing me new insight on my identity as a designer. The two standing ovations brought me to tears. I love
Chicago." As Peach dabbed at tears, she was escorted down the runway by her darling daughter Molly Carr, with Camerone following behind as the crowd stood and cheered. A live auction conducted by Keith Jones
brought in over $52,000 with the event raising approximately $200,000 for the nonprofit. For 40 years, JourneyCare teams have served patients and families living with advanced illnesses so that each may live with dignity and comfort. It was a night I won't soon forget and a privilege to be in the room to witness the love and support for Peach, her fellow Project Runway designers who came out on her behalf, and this most deserving nonprofit.
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Offshore, the much buzzed about and highly anticipated new deck sitting atop the third floor of Navy Pier, began their special evening with a
recognition by The Guinness Book of World’s Records being named the “World’s Largest Rooftop Deck” boasting over 52,300 square feet! The grand opening night event on June 20 continued with a special ribbon cutting to officially open Offshore, followed by a performance by the “Queen of Soul,” Terisa Griffin. Over 1,000 attendees adorned the spectacular new space during opening night, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot; Juliana Stratton (Lt. Governor of the State of Illinois); The Honorable Paul Van Halteren, the Honor Consul General of Belgium; The Honorable Gissella Castillo Veremis, The Consul General of the Dominican Republic; The Honorable Jose David Murillo, Consul General of Costa Rica; Lamont Robinson, State
Representative of the 5th District; Bill Lowry, County Board Commissioner of the 3rd District; Kim Du Buclet , Commissioner of the Metro Water Reclamation District; Dean Ingram, The Metropolitan Board of the
Chicago Urban League; along with special appearances by actor Colin Egglesfield and rapper and Chicago native, Twista. Offshore, a stunningly chic 52,300 sq. ft. all-seasons/all-weather venue offers Chicagoans a full-service luminous bar and world-class kitchen, terraces, seven cozy fire pits, an entertainment and gaming area and multiple large social gathering spaces. Offshore is expected to be one of the city’s and the country’s hottest destinations; a sexy and sophisticated space adjacent to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, offering panoramic, unmatched views of Lake Michigan and the city’s magnificent skyline! Woot! Woot!
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The Chicago Botanic Garden hosted its signature fundraiser, the Summer Dinner Dance that attracted more than 375 guests and raised nearly $700,000. The Board of Directors of the Chicago Horticultural Society presented the event on the summer solstice with the theme of pollinators woven throughout the evening as a nod to Bees & Beyond, the Garden-wide program that inspires a genuine appreciation for the vital role pollinators play in our lives and in a healthy, diverse planet. The cocktail party began in the Crescent and
Heritage Gardens with appetizers and specialty cocktails such as “The birds and the bees” and “Everything’s coming up rosé.” Guests enjoyed colorful bands of flowers that are attractive to pollinators in the
Crescent Garden and a large coneflower feature in the center of the Heritage Garden. Dinner was catered by Food for Thought in a tent on the enchanting Esplanade. Produce grown by Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s urban agriculture education and jobs-training
initiative, was incorporated into the meal. The inside of the tent was designed by Revel Décor with tablescapes featuring summer flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Guests danced the night away to the music of Maggie Speaks. Proceeds from this event will continue to connect
people to science, conservation, and nature. The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 27 distinct gardens and four natural areas. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year and admission is free. (The Summer Dinner Dance was generously supported by Northern Trust and Boeing with additional support provided by Beam Suntory and Forbidden Root.) (Photos by ROBERT CARL)
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The Auditorium Theatre Auxiliary Board, a dedicated group of young professionals devoted to raising awareness and generating support for the Auditorium Theatre,
hosted its annual Devil’s Ball fundraiser right on the theatre’s historic stage on June 14. The event raised more than $45,000, with all proceeds benefiting the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark theatre. In keeping with the 1893 World’s Fair theme of the event, guests enjoyed internationally-themed cuisine, provided by Food for Thought and Russian Tea Time;
sipped specialty cocktails with spirits provided by CH Distillery; and danced under the golden glow of the Auditorium Theatre’s arches in this unique event hosted on stage. Mini-tours of the 130-year-old theatre gave guests an intimate look at the Auditorium’s world renowned architecture and design, which played a large role in securing the World’s Fair for
Chicago when it was unveiled in 1889. Magician Benjamin Barnes roamed the stage, performing close-up tricks for entranced attendees, and a duo of belly dancers from Safire Belly Dancers surprised the crowd with a mesmerizing performance. A silent auction was open
throughout the evening, featuring items including signed Cubs and White Sox baseballs, a trip to Memphis with tickets to Elvis Presley’s Graceland and a stay at the famed Peabody Hotel (duck alert!), a bed-and-breakfast stay and VIP wine tasting at Traverse City’s
Chateau Chantal and brewery and distillery tours. The Devil’s Ball, hosted annually by the Auxiliary Board for the past eight years, has become one of the city’s signature summer events. Click here for more information about the Auxiliary Board and its support of the Auditorium Theatre. (Presenting sponsor was the Anthony R. and Mary Ann Pasquinelli Foundation; Gold Sponsors were Dia and Ed Weil Jr.; Silver Sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. John McKinnon; Ann and Tom Nash; and Bronze Sponsors were Friends of Marijo Gordon and Steven B. Pearlman & Associates.)
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Friends of Conservation (FOC) returned to its roots on Sunday, June 23rd, following a longstanding tradition of raising funds with a benefit luncheon and afternoon of polo for conservation at Oak Brook Polo Club. It was the setting for FOC’s first fund raising event, held in 1983 before an international championship polo match. More than 35 years later, FOC continues to partner with the Club to host supporters for an
exciting international match. This year, the USA (Oak Brook) and Mexico vied for the prestigious Butler Challenge Cup, with the Oak Brook team
winning 8 to 6. FOC President Reute Butler, who chaired the event with Vonita Reescer and Bobbi Panter,was joined by her mother and FOC founder Jorie Butler Kent. Fascinating international travel and enthusiastic bidding highlighted the live auction, and a silent auction and raffle helped the annual event raise more than $150,000. Attendees included Melissa and Brian Babcock, Myra and John Reilly, Wendy Wood-Prince, Cookie Cohen, Kristina McGrath, Rhonda Sanderson, Dale
Stackler and Terri Strauss, Kip Helverson and Trey Gonzalez, Sherrill and John Bodine, Sheree Valukas and
Lezley and Scott Hodes. Founded in 1982, FOC partners with the fabled Maasai people in Kenya’s magnificent Masai Mara, host to the Great Migration, one of the truly epic remaining wonders of the natural world. Through the years, FOC has become the most trusted and respected stakeholder in the Mara, working to empower young Maasai girls and boys to steward
as equals the wildlife that is their natural heritage. In 2018, FOC launched YES WE CAN, the first-ever Maasai girls empowerment program, at a secondary school near their Mara base. Before it began, mid-year 22 of the 305 girls in the school had returned from their year-end break pregnant. This year, after participating in YES WE CAN for half a year, no girls returned from their year-end break pregnant. In addition, 85% of the girls eligible for female circumcision chose to bi-pass the practice, and it is the girls themselves who are educating their families and communities and inspiring girls from other schools to bypass this horrific practice.
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Pride Weekend and the entire month of June is a reason to celebrate love-is-love so we were so excited to attend taste-maker extraordinaire, Tom Keho's Pride Tea Dance at his exquisite home in
Old Town on June 30. The Pride banners were flying out front when we arrived and we could already hear the merrymaking inside. I don't know of any host who is more gracious than Tom. He opens his home and his heart for all of his friends and family and it is a pure joy to be a part of it. Lavish buffets, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails served by just the cutest
guys, a DJ in the backyard and dancing, dancing, DANCING were the hallmarks of the "Tea Dance." Rumor has it that even Governor Pritzker and his MK showed up, albeit a little early. When we walked in, friend David Murga and Gabriel Jiminez, a hunky 6’2” ballet dancer from Mexico who will be training
with The Joffrey this summer, greeted us at the door dressed in matching rompers, holding a Ken doll dressed exactly like them. And awayyyyy we went! Tom's home is spectacular, tucked away on a quiet street (although not so quiet on this night), and belongs in a high end home and garden magazine. When he moved in last year,
he had full grown trees plopped down all over the property so as not to waste a moment enjoying a fully functional garden. Tom's dreams and his heart are as big as all outdoors--from Kehoe Designs to the Geraghty to his latest ventures, Black Oak Technical Productions and FloralExhibits--he does everything with grand style, like his Pride celebrations. Thanks so much Tom for giving us the opportunity to make even more special memories with people we love.
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Pride parties were happening all over Chicago including the underground South Side pride festival that took place on June 27 at the Promontory in Hyde Park. Red Bull Music hosted
Red Bull Presents: Renaissance One – an amazing pride event that featured exciting DJ sets and performances BbyMutha, TT the Artist, Kidd Kenn, Blu Bone, DJ Hijo Pródigo, Professor-Wrecks and DJ Rae Chardonnay. Renaissance One's mission was to elevate these progressive artists while paying tribute to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ pioneers before the city’s 2019 Pride celebrations on June 30th. In 1970, following the Stonewall riots, a gay liberation
organization formed at the University of Chicago and
sponsored a dance at the South Side’s Coliseum Annex which would become the first-ever public lesbian and gay dance event (aside from Halloween drag balls that were already happening). Following the dance, these energized organizers led a campaign to make the Normandy on Rush Street Chicago’s first gay bar to secure a license and permit same-sex dancing. Flash forward to 2019 and, thanks to these early activists, Chicago’s
LGBTQ+ scene is more vibrant than ever- bustling with a new generation of artists, activists and voices carrying on the
legacy of those South Side pioneers. Red Bull Presents is a collection of shows that celebrates diverse music scenes in cities across the globe. In the U.S., the series is focused on supporting local creative communities and unearthing inspiring stories across New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Oakland, San Francisco, Miami, Nashville, Denver, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Portland, and Austin. (Photos by ALLY ALMORE)
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If you haven't been to the Bixbee Imagination Station at 915 W. North Avenue, be sure to put it on your to-do list! This fun-filled pop-up, created by Kehoe Designs and Black Oak Technical Productions, is a fun-tastical
party with a purpose providing backpacks and school supplies for underprivileged kids all the while providing fun for US! The opening night VIP party took place on June 19 with catering provided by Boka
Catering Group. Lucky guests got a chance to experience the interactive fun for the first time, enjoying magical unicorns, trekking through bamboo forests, lighting up whimsical trees, riding on imaginary oceans, being enveloped by gentle octopuses, playing musical drums and flying into space! There is something for everyone, but it's only there for a limited time! Party-goers seen on the scene were David Murga, Oswaldo Garmo, Gabriel Jiminez, Ramsey Prince, 900 Shops' Stacy Kolios and Alicia Skruba, Samantha Thomas, Mal Marcus, Matthew Lahey, Tara Hoffman, Hannah May, Ashely Arnold-Sedgwick, The Mix's Lisa Allen, Kirsten Abrahamson, Maggie Glasser, CHE's Tom Carto and Trevor Heffernan, Adam McCarthy and many others. (For tickets, more info, click here!)
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Happy to see all of the support for breast cancer awareness happening around town. Mark your calendars for these two big "pink" events coming up! First up, lace up your shoes for the inaugural The Great Pink Run coming to Chicago’s Diversey Harbor on Saturday, Oct. 5. This family-friendly event offers a 5k run, jog or walk and a 10k challenge that will bring together
walkers and runners, men, women and children, of all ages and levels in support of collaborative breast cancer programs between leading U.S. and Irish centers of excellence. Supported
by Glanbia, a global nutrition group which has deep roots in the greater Chicago area, the event's proceeds will benefit Research A Cure, a nonprofit established to support international breast cancer research. This year, funds raised will support Chicago’s Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research at the University of Chicago, directed by Professor Geoffrey Greene, Ph.D. Irish Olympian and sporting legend, Sonia O’Sullivan, will lead the CARA-certified event. Participants are encouraged to dress in their most outrageous pink outfits and all will receive a fab pink T shirt, a finishers’ medal, some goodies but, most of all, will enjoy the “pinktastic” festival of fun. (Registration is available HERE!) There are over 11,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed annually in
Illinois. “We are very excited to bring the Great Pink Run to Chicago this year to support the amazing work U.S. and Irish scientists and researchers are doing
to help find a cure and provide less invasive treatment options for women – and men – diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Aisling Hurley, President of Research A Cure, an Illinois-based nonprofit dedicated to raising funding to support collaborative breast cancer research between the leading scientific minds in the U.S. and Ireland. Since 2011, funding from the Great Pink Run in Ireland has made a massive difference in changing the landscape of breast cancer treatment.
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And then, on Saturday, October 26, Susan G. Komen Chicago will hold its annual gala, this year themed "All Bets on Pink," at the Palmer House Hilton. This celebration of life will support Komen's commitment to combating breast cancer through advocacy, policy, funding breast health services and global research. The gala will recognize individuals in the field who are working to fight breast cancer and honor survivors and inspirational Chicagoans who have shown commitment and leadership in this fight. At the gala, guests will enjoy the glamour of Old Chicago while trying their hand at casino games and entertainment from the MoeFitz Project. For tickets, more info, click here!
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A life well lived was the loving takeaway at the funeral of Tracey Tarantino DiBuono's dear mom, Angela "Angie" Tarantino on June 24. She passed away at age 92 and ran Tracey's ZZAZZ Productions office for over 25 years as well as being a force in the community. The service at The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii was a testimony to her popularity. It was filled to the brim with friends, family and loved ones. In lieu of flowers, donations in Angie's memory can be made to the Service Club of Chicago.
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More sad news with the passing of Lynda Silverman after her longtime battle with cancer. She was a dedicated member of the Service Club of Chicago and, during her 30 years with the nonprofit, she served in almost every officer's position. In recent years, she was the loving caretaker for her husband Howard who struggled with his own health challenges. She is survived by Howard and her daughter Mimi. She was a pillar in the Service Club and for all the other nonprofits she came in contact with. RIP dear Lynda.
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And at the age of 45, PR whiz and friend, Jada Russell passed away from breast cancer. She represented high powered clients like Dwayne Wade, Common, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rhymefest, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush and even adoring husband, Chef Julius Russell (A Tale of Two Chefs). She used her talent to not only promote celebrity talent but also helped push for economic development in under-served communities. In addition to her husband, Jada is survived by her sister Sybil Goodlett Smith and father Bill Goodlett. (Read complete obit here)
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We've lost a giant in the world of business and philanthropy with the passing of Phil Geier, loving husband of Julie Geier and brother-in-law to Chicago's own, Gayle Anthony, on June 19. I was so sorry to hear this sad news as Chuck and I got a chance to get to know him during our time together in Palm Beach. He and Julie were inseparable with him passing in her loving arms. They were a striking couple, handsome and beautiful with an encyclopedic knowledge of the world around them. Phil was the former chairman/CEO of The Interpublic Group of Companies and an avid art collector who served briefly on President George W. Bush's National Economic Council, in addition to a number of other affiliations and achievements. (Read his complete obit here). In Phil's memory, donations can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
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Our Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas just keeps hitting 'em out of the ballpark! Lately, she partnered with Reverend Jesse Jackson and Operation Push to help Chicago seniors save their homes. Maria discovered that more than 7,600 suburban Cook County property owners are in line for property tax refunds! She is the hardest working public servant I know and we're so lucky to have her! Recently, Maria was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Operation Push. Congrats Maria! So deserving!
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The Shedd Aquarium Auxiliary Board will host its 13th annual fundraiser, BLU, a party with a porpoise (cute, huh?) for wildlife enthusiasts who want to make a difference for the aquatic animals everywhere, on Saturday, July 27. Out of the BLU will be a Zero Waste
event that aims to keep litter out of our waterways and help protect the planet. The night will feature special animal encounters, top Chicago restaurants and dancing on the beautiful outdoor terrace. Waddle down the blue carpet with Magellanic penguins, sip cocktails alongside sea lions and get up close to some of your favorite animals at the Shedd. Take photos with 10-foot octopus tentacles, walk heel to heel with drag queens, and marvel at “trashion” models wearing clothes made from plastic bottles and bags! For tickets and more info for BLU, co-chaired by Caroline Conese, Ronak Danak, and Dana Waud Floberg, click here!
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On Saturday, September 14, Saving tiny Hearts Society is going Back to the Future with its 14th annual Saving tiny Hearts Gala. Held at the Fairmont Hotel, over 500 guests will attend the classic movie-themed event including dinner, entertainment and an Enchantment Under the Sea Dance! Francie and Brian Paul founded the "Saving tiny Hearts Society" in 2006 after their son Joshua was born and diagnosed with severe complex congenital heart disease. The couple immediately went to work after Joshua’s diagnosis to make a difference. They created a charity focused on supporting research to prolong, improve, and save the lives of children born with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD’s) like Joshua’s. Charles Tillman, former Chicago Bears cornerback, will return as event emcee. Tillman’s daughter Tiana, like Joshua Paul, has CHD, which makes Tillman a passionate supporter of Saving tiny Hearts Society and its overall mission.
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The 17th annual Tasting Stars event, in support of A Silver Lining Foundation, was held on June 22 at DIRTT Environmental Solutions Showroom with over 120 supporters in attendance. Sponsored by the Washington Square Health Foundation, the French themed evening included multiple
tasting stations, raffles and silent and live auctions. Emcee Marley Kayden (of WGN) led a spirited live auction and an emotional fund-a- need with the event raising over $75,000. A Silver Lining Foundation’s co-founder, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, shared the story of the nonprofit which, from humble beginnings at their kitchen table, has grown to include 5 programs – the heart of which is Buy A Mom A
Mammogram® which funds all breast health testing for uninsured and under-insured women and men at 15 partner hospitals in the greater Chicagoland, Elgin and Rockford areas. After thanking her husband and ASLF co- founder Greg Hines, Dr. Sandy said. “No one is turned away. Due to the belief in our mission and, thanks to those who attended Tasting Stars, hundreds of lives will be eased and saved. There is no better silver lining.”
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Kudos to Windy City Live's Ryan Chiaverini! If you think he's just a hunky daytime talk show co-host, think again! His new song, "This is Country," is a real toe-tapper! And it doesn't hurt to have "Eye of the Tiger's" Jim Peterik on your team either! Check it out below and congrats, with love, Ryan!
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We attended the July 8 official opening night of Meredith Willson's "Music Man" at the Goodman Theatre and, even though I had visions of Robert Preston's iconic version in my head, this production (directed by Tony-Award winning director Mary Zimmerman) was a wonderfully nostalgic and delightful trip back to River City. The show has spectacular (and complicated) choreography, hum-able musical favorites and a superior cast. The opening night dinner honored Zimmerman's 25th anniversary as an Artistic Associate with the Goodman. The production headed for Broadway from here with Hugh Jackman playing the lead. See it before it leaves on August 18!
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We're finally enjoying the summer we've been waiting for (and deserve!) here in Chicago and I hope everyone is having a chance to enjoy it. The July 4th celebrations made me so proud to live in the U.S.A. and the long weekend offered us a chance to enjoy good friends and fine weather along the lakefront. I love all the neighborhood celebrations too with friend Raleigh Chin noting that she could see fireworks popping up all around the city from her apartment. Why can't we just legalize them already and save everyone long trips to Indiana!? Just sayin'.....
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. And something to leave you with a smile......
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