CHICAGO, February 7, 2019 — Chicago's largest live-singing drag show returns with Lipstick & Lyrics: Band Together featuring songs of protest to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall. This year's queens and kings will perform selections that furthered civil rights toward equality for all. L&L will have six performances over two weekends on 2/23/19, 3/1/19, and 3/2/19 at a new location: The Annoyance Theatre, just steps from the Belmont L station and around the corner from Boystown! Come see CGMC's fierce performers take to the stage in the name of freedom.
20 drag performers and six dancers round out the cast for this year's Lipstick & Lyrics. Artistic Director James Morehead programmed the show as a nod to the 50th Anniversary year of the Stonewall Riots. "Because drag was such an important element in the Stonewall Riots, this show pays homage by singing songs of protest," he said. Audiences can look forward to protest music from Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Queen, Kesha, Billy Joel, Green Day, Twisted Sister and selections from Hairspray, The Life, La Cage aux Folles and Smokey Joe's Cafe among many others.
This year's talented cast is a combination of new drag performers and seasoned queens and kings. The rehearsal process is well underway with the cast ready and eager to perform. "It's exciting to watch the exchanges on and off stage and how they help each other and come together to make every number a great performance," said Morehead. The show is comprised of mainly solos with a few stellar group numbers throughout.
Drag queens are an integral part of the LGBTQ+ community. Lipstick & Lyrics celebrates drag as a tradition, art form, and tool for self-expression. "By performing a drag show every year, CGMC adds its name to the many who have paved the way for us all in the past—both on stage in drag and on the streets of the Stonewall Riots," said Morehead.
Audiences can enjoy this one of a kind show by visiting cgmc.org/lnl to purchase tickets!
WHEN/WHERE
Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Friday, March 1, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
TICKETS
Tickets are currently on sale and range from $25 - $50 with additional per ticket fees. VIP pre-show reception for the 8:00 PM shows includes one drink ticket, complimentary lite bites, and reserved seating for the show. General Admission seating and bar available for all shows. Reserved seating available for 10:00 PM shows. No drink minimum. All sales are final — no refunds or exchanges. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.cgmc.org/lnl.
PRESS TICKETS
For press tickets to the show on February 23, 2019 at 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM, please contact Kevin Corbett, Operations Manager, at kevincorbett@cgmc.org .
ABOUT CHICAGO GAY MEN'S CHORUS
The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus ( CGMC ) has been an integral part of Chicago's cultural and gay communities since 1983. For more than three decades, the chorus has entertained audiences across the continent with innovative musical programming exploring everything from love to politics to the sometimes fabulous, sometimes challenging world of being gay; often all at the same time. Our always-memorable performances have included original musical revues; full-length book musicals; traditional choral concerts and intimate cabaret presentations; all punctuated with our signature joyous irreverence.
Most recently, CGMC represented Chicago's LGBT community at Mayor Rahm Emanuel's second-term inauguration ceremony. The chorus proudly sang "America the Beautiful" for the Illinois Marriage Equality Act bill-signing ceremony and was the featured guest choral performer for the star-studded concert, Broadway Rocks, with the Grant Park Music Festival in 2011. Chicago Gay Men's Chorus was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2001 and currently has four cd-recordings available. CGMC has performed the National Anthem multiple times at world-famous Wrigley Field and for the WNBA Chicago Sky and Chicago's professional soccer team, Chicago Fire.
