Seldom do western audiences witness the true splendor, pageantry and virtuosity of old-Eastern music and theatrics. Chicago audiences have this rare opportunity with the Chicago debut of The Peking Opera, Sunday, April 6, at the Chicago Theatre. To help promote the arrival of this 50-member company from mainland China, the Chicago Theatre and Third Coast Marketing will present the GLBT community with three opportunities to learn more about this brilliant troupe, along with fun chances to win tickets to the performance.
Thursday, March 20: Every Thursday is Comedy Night at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, Chicago. On Thursday, March 20, Sidetrack will host the very serious business of a in-bar drawing for tickets to see the Peking Opera. The drawing will take place from 9 to 11 p.m.
Monday, March 24: Every Monday is Drag Queen Bingo at Circuit/Rehab, 3641 N. Halsted. On Monday, March 24, the theme is China Bingo with some irreverent humor assured, fun drag performances, and special prizes, including tickets to see the Peking Opera. Gathering time is 9:30 p.m., Bingo games from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Wednesday, March 26: Every Wednesday is Game Show Night at Roscoe's, 3356 N. Halsted. On Wednesday, March 26, a pair of Peking Opera tickets will go to the winner of one of the night's Game Shows.
A distinctive and comprehensive performing art, The Peking Opera features agile performers and professional musicians in an unbelievable program of acrobatics, explosive martial arts, dexterous juggling and musical theatre, each in a vibrant array of make-up and costume, many of which were worn at the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Sharing only the word 'opera' with traditional western operas, the performance communicates China's cultures of romance, comedy, religious and military folklore. Adding authenticity to the program are the on-stage musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments.
Peking Opera makes its Chicago debut on Sunday, April 6, 2003, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. See the Web site TicketMaster.com, or call (312) 902-1500. Visit www.CAPA.com .