About Face Theatre's Wonka Ball 2009—a celebration of past, present and future supporters of the theatre—will take place Thursday, May 7, at Salvage One, 1840 W. Hubbard. The main event begins at 7 p.m. with a VIP reception at 6-7:30 p.m.
This year, About Face will honor Tracy Baim and Windy City Media Group ( WCMG ) with the annual Leppen Leadership Award. WCMG is the largest chain of Chicago's LGBT online and print media, and this May marks publisher Tracy Baim's 25th anniversary as an out journalist. Windy City Times, Chicago's oldest gay newspaper, is among an elite group of the top gay newspapers in the United States.
"About Face is honored to present Tracy Baim and Windy City Media Group the Leppen Award for their profound contribution to the City of Chicago," Metzgar said in a statement.
Featured performers at the 2009 Wonka Ball include the cast and band of the hit new production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, drag sensation Dida Ritz and the New York nouveau-nerd band The Gay Agenda. More than 600 people are expected to attend this year's Wonka Ball, which will also feature live entertainment, a silent auction and an open bar.
Past attendees have included Mayor Richard M. Daley and Mrs. Daley, Nate Berkus, Top Chef finalist Dale Levitski and Project Runway contestant Steven Rosengard.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.aboutfacethreatre.com or call OvationTix at 866-811-4111.