CHICAGO—Chicago Gay Men's Chorus presents their annual live-singing drag show, Lipstick & Lyrics. This year's theme: On MTV. Come enjoy CGMC's drag performers as they recreate epic music videos. With dancers, costumes and sass, these live video moments will slay all day. Six performances only; February 25 & March 3-4, 2023, 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM shows each night at The Annoyance Theatre and Bar, 851 W Belmont Ave.
Visit cgmc.org/lnl for more information and tickets.
Seventeen drag performances, 17 dancers and 25 musical numbers round out this evening of retro fun, hosted by the fabulous Bridgette of Madison County. Audiences can look forward to famous songs like "Video Killed the Radio Star," "Toxic," "Material Girl," "Rolling in the Deep," "Cold Hearted Snake," "It's Raining Men," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and many more. The show explores several 1980s music videos and features a few duets and small group numbers.
The show was programmed by CGMC Artistic Director James Morehead as part of the 39th season. "As a child of the 90s, I still remember watching music videos endlessly before it turned into reality television," said Morehead. "Recreating fun and iconic videos for this season seemed perfect to do with our talented drag performers." Morehead and the performers are taking guidance from the song's music videos for the performances…with a CGMC flair, of course.
Iconic music videos and MTV have been a huge part of LGBTQIA+ culture and entertainment. "I have a vivid memory of Mariah Carey's 'Hero' video. I was obsessed," said Morehead. "Then, when I finally came across Olivia Newton-John's 'Physical' video, everything inside was confirmed and I definitely knew I was gay. Thanks girls!" On MTV is a celebration of those moments in entertainment that captured the world's attention.
If you enjoy drag or live singing, Lipstick & Lyrics: On MTV is the show for you. The cast combines their vocal talents with their distinctive drag personalities in sensational ways. "It's a blast to work with these talented performances and help them realize their vision for a special moment on stage," said Morehead. "L&L always takes things to a new level with costumes, wigs and makeup."
Chicago Gay Men's Chorus has been an integral part of the Chicago LGBTQIA+ community for 40 years now. In relation to drag, CGMC's brand differs slightly from the city's current scene. Not only do Chorus performers sing live and in harmony, they perform in groups. Morehead mentioned that Chicago's drag scene is not what it used to be and that, "kindness and community are definitely similarities we share internally with the larger Chicago scene." It is all about love and expression.
Join the CGMC drag performers as they perform MTV favorites; it is sure to be an entertaining blast. Visit cgmc.org/lnl for more information and tickets.
WHEN/WHERE
Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM - Annoyance Theatre & Bar, 851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Friday, March 3, 2023 at 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM - Annoyance Theatre & Bar, 851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM - Annoyance Theatre & Bar, 851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
TICKETS
Tickets range from $25 - $50 with additional per ticket fees. General Admission, Reserved and VIP tickets available. VIP receptions each night starting at 6:00 PM. All sales are final — no refunds or exchanges. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit cgmc.org/lnl.
