A world-premiere play is not at all unusual in Chicago. However, a world premiere by an author who's been dead almost 25 years, well, that's something special—even more so when the playwright is Tennessee Williams, perhaps the poet laureate of mid-20th-century American theater. Of course, a case can be made that Williams never intended The Day on Which a Man Dies to be produced. He never put the 70-minute script forward for production or publication in his lifetime. Written at the height of Williams' powers, about 1958, it was inspired by the death of artist Jackson Pollock and influenced by the work of gay Japanese poet, filmmaker and cult leader Yukio Mishima. That's quite a pedigree, to be sure, although not a purebred by any means. The Day on Which a Man Dies is being performed for two weeks only ( through Feb. 10 ) at Link's Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield; 800-838-3006; $15.
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Pictured: #1 Yukie Mishima. #2 The Day on Which a Man Dies.
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Speaking of pedigrees, people with poodles prepare to play, but persons with pussies best put them away. Yes, dear readers, it's time once again for the International Kennel Club Cluster of Dog Shows, Chicago's biggest canine event of the year, to be held Feb. 22-24 at McCormick Place West, 2301 S. Lake Shore. They promise over 6,000 dogs on display, and that's nearly as many as you'll find at closing time at the bars. In judged competitions, more than 150 breeds will demonstrate their skills in agility, obedience, rally and leg-humping. There also will be a junior dog-judging competition for children 10-18 and a 'Puppy Spectacular' for those 6-12 months. Puppies, that is. For complete info on the many programs, vendors and competitions, see www.ikcdogshow.com . Tickets ( $16 ) are sold only at the door. Why not put on your best collar and go?
Speaking of collars, an all-female comedy revue takes the stage this weekend at Gorilla Tango Theatre, the all-purpose Bucktown performance venue. Is It Hot In Here, or Am I Just Funny? features five women monologists and music, with performances at 6 p.m this Friday and Saturday only ( Feb. 8-9 ) . Leslie Lee is the headliner, supported by : Linda Sweig, Erika Edwards, Jamie Szynal, and Lauren Maul. Master of Ceremonies Chris Maloney, the token male; 773-598-4549; $15. And, hey, the show is 'R' rated.
Jonny was invited to an elegant soiree at the lovely arts-and-crafts home of Robert Ollis, musical director of many shows at Bailiwick Repertory. Bob and his partner hosted a preview of the upcoming musical, A Man of No Importance, to be produced at Bailiwick March 17-April 20. Bob will be musical supervisor and ever-boyish Scott Ferguson will direct the show by Terrence McNally ( book ) , Lynn Ahrens ( lyrics ) and Stephen Flaherty ( music ) . A Man of No Importance was the next show after Ragtime for the three writers, but it's much smaller and much closer to their hearts: an intimate, bittersweet gay-themed work set in modern Dublin. It was produced Off-Broadway in 2002 and at the Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park four years ago. This new production is its official in-city premiere. At the soiree, four members of the cast sang several numbers from the show and Jonny can assure you that the voices are tip-top in a score filled with Irish lilt. Nancy Kolton as the hero's sister, in particular, has a huge voice that'll pin audiences to their seats.
Even a small-scale show such as this one is expensive to produce, requiring a company of more than 30, among them a cast of 15 and a five-piece orchestra. The purpose of the preview evening was to raise money for Bailiwick and seek out sponsorships at various levels beginning at $500. Those opportunities still are open for individuals and businesses. For details, call David Zak at Bailiwick at 773-883-1090.
Speaking of musical directors, our own cabaret diva Beckie Menzie has been snatched up by the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire to serve as musical director for the upcoming production of Nunsense, May 21—July 13. Congratulations, Beckie. And remember: there's no tip jar for actors.
And speaking of cabaret divas, the inimitable Suzanne Petri will hold forth at Cornelia's, 750 W. Cornelia, on a very special night, Feb. 21, the birthday of Suzanne's dear hubby, actor Robert Breuler ( of the Steppenwolf Ensemble ) . Ms. Petri promises songs of Marlene Dietrich, Jacques Brel, Noel Coward, Cole Porter, Edith Piaf, Stephen Sondheim and others as she performs Songs in the Key of Diva from 8 p.m. 'til the cows come home.
Northlight Theatre in Skokie continues its Interplay series of new play workshops Feb. 25 with Three Italian Women, by Laura Maria Censabella, whose name suggests she knows what's Italian and what ain't. Ms. Censabella may not be a household name, but she's received several playwriting honors and two Emmy Awards for her writing for the soap operas As the World Turns and Another World. The reading is at 7:30 p.m.; 847-673-6300; $15.
