Goodman expands on education
The group at Goodman Theatre had a stellar week in May with Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes opening, a new education center announcement and a "Puttin' on the Glitz" fundraiser.
After turning 90 this year the Goodman shows no signs of slowing down. A $15-million project was announced on May 12 with the Alice B. Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement that will connect the current facility at 170 N. Dearborn St. with an adjacent upper-level space. Working with Wheeler Kearns Architects there will be 7,800 square feet of new classroom area.
Director of Education and Community Engagement Willa J. Taylor has inspired major donations by being such a champion for the program. At a press conference she stated, "This space will allow teachers to link theater with their curriculum. The new STEM learning lab is hands on and the first of its kind."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel attended the meeting reenforcing the goal by saying, "Touching the lives of the community will give students a complete education. This facility will complete the Goodman's mission. Continued donations will provide opportunities to reach deeper into our neighborhoods."
Executive Director Roche Schulfer said, "Learning how theater is made helps learning in general" and Artistic Director Robert Falls explained that how the arts can transform children's lives.
The following Saturday, the Goodman Theatre Gala had Broadway singer Sutton Foster performing her Tony Award-winning hits from her catalog. With a '20s theme, there was a lively cocktail hour and an elegant sit-down dinner. A live band Gentlemen of Leisure played a variety of music and had the crowd jumping to it's feet for a cover of the radio hit "Uptown Funk."
Fundraisers like this one help establish new programs including partnerships with schools and teacher training throughout the year.
For more information on the expansion project and current productions visit www.goodmantheatre.org .
— Jerry Nunn
eta to reopen June 5 with 'Liberty City'
eta Creative Arts Foundation—Chicago's oldest African-American theater production company—will officially reopen Friday, June 5, with the Chicago premiere of the off-Broadway hit play Liberty City, written by Tony Award-winning producer/actor April Yvette Thompson and actor/writer/director Jessica Blank.
The one-woman play tells a story of Miami in the 1980s, where race, politics and police brutality spark a community on edge and ignite a city-wide riot. In the midst of it, a 10-year-old girl must get her young brother home safely.
The production will be staged in eta's Gallery Theater at 7558 S. South Chicago Ave. and is scheduled to run thru July 12, with a possible two-week extension.
Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. General admission tickets are $20 each; call 773-752-3955 or visit www.etacreativearts.org .
Cinema Q V Film Series through May
The free film series Cinema Q returns ( and celebrates five years ) with four film screenings Thursdays throughout May at 6:30 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
The movies slated to be shown are Beautiful Boxer ( May 21 ), the true story of trans female kickboxer Parinya Charoenphol; and the 1971 film Death in Venice ( May 28 ).
The Queer Film Society ( QFS ) is presenting in partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and in association with Chicago Filmmakers ( the presenting organization of Reeling: The Chicago LGBT International Film Festival ) and The Legacy Project.
This series contains mature subject matter; viewer discretion is advised. Email qfsociety1@yahoo.com or visit www.ChicagoCulturalCenter.org for more information.
'Faster! Monsanto Die! Die' May 23
The Guild Literary Complex will host New York City-based performance and activist collective Reverend Billy and The Stop Shopping Choir for "Faster! Monsanto Die! Die!" Saturday, May 23, at 8 p.m. at Preston Bradley Center, 941 W. Lawrence Ave.
Tickets are a suggested $10-12 donation at the door, or $8 in advance at www.GuildComplex.org .
Reverend Billy and The Stop Shopping Choir will also join the March Against Monsanto May 23 at 1 p.m. at Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams St.
Pride Fest set for June 20-21
Chicago Pride Fest returns to Boystown June 20-21 with a mix of national headliners and festival favorites.
The annual event, which the Northalsted Business Alliance hosts, is debuting the "Keep Pride Proud" catch phrase.
On Saturday ( June 20 ), Deb Gibson, Jessica Sutta and The Veronicas take to the Main Stage. Sunday ( June 21 ) will feature Big Freedia, Crystal Waters, Estelle, Cazwell and St. Lucia.
The event will take place on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace streets, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. There is a $10 suggested donation.
