Jonny hears that there was a fabulous seven-hour birthday party Dec. 13 for sensational singer Daryl Nitz, the Chicago cabaret world's answer to Big Peter Dixon.
It started at Davenport's on Milwaukee Avenue then moved to the Big House on Clybourn ( only angular streets, you see ) and everyone who is anyone showed up and sang. Jonny doesn't know if Daryl received all the presents he asked for—alas, Jonny himself was not available—but four days later Mr. Nitz still was smiling about it. This was a big birthday—you know, one ending with a zero—for Daryl, who didn't turn 20 and didn't turn 50, and that's as close as Jonny will come to spilling the beans. Politesse, dear readers, politesse. Bruce is back! The beloved Elf King himself, Bruce Vilanch, is ensconced at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre, playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, through Feb. 15. Bruce called Chicago home for five years, 1970-1975, and launched his writing career here. Back then Bruce and Jonny were struggling, young Chicago journalists together, wiling away merry hours at Punchinello's. Now, Bruce is a TV icon instantly recognized by millions while Jonny still is a struggling, young Chicago journalist. Go figure! Very soon Windy City Times will have an exclusive interview with Bruce, and you'll learn how Bruce flew to Des Moines in a suit of armor, and began writing for Bette Midler. He really is as funny and as sweet as he seems. Jonny is pleased to note that Bruce is not the only Chicagoan making good money in Hairspray. At least two other featured members of the company have Chicago roots. The sexy and charismatic Chester Gregory II, in the key supporting role of Seaweed, sang and danced his heart out for three years in the Black Ensemble production of The Jackie Wilson Story, playing the title role. He traveled to New York with the show earlier this year and made his Broadway debut in Hairspray immediately following. The Gary, Ind., native will return to the Broadway company following the Chicago run. Also featured in the cast is veteran song-and-dance man Blake Hammond, who's played lead roles at just about every theater in town. In Hairspray, he plays three smaller roles, among them Mr. Pinky, and is the stand-by for Bruce Vilanch.
New Year's Eve is closing in on us fast, with no shortage of special events, private parties, very private parties and orgies. Many shows offer champagne toasts or gala performances on Dec. 31. Just a few you might enjoy are: Little House on the Parody, the live musical take-off of you-know-what TV show at the Theatre Building ( $20 ) ; also the romantic splendor of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music in a new production by Gary Griffin, at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre ( $75 includes champagne intermission and Navy Pier fireworks ) .
Also, Johan Strauss Jr.'s beloved champagne opera, Die Fledermaus, at Light Opera Works in Evanston, offering the performance alone or the show and a pre-show dinner ( $75 package ) hosted by artistic director Lara Teeter and managing director Bridget McDonough. For $50, you can ring in the New Year with the cast of Naked Boys Singing at Bailiwick Repertory, show at 8 p.m. followed by a naked champagne toast. Well, Jonny hopes the champagne will have the decency to be dressed in bubbles.
Just after the New Year, Bailiwick will welcome the transfer of Misery, the very successful production by Pyewacket Theatre of the Stephen King novel ( adapted for the stage by Simon Moore ) . Pyewacket opened the show Oct. 19 at the tiny Heartland Studio Theatre, where it's been running ever since. It will reopen at Bailwick Jan. 2.
And so Jonny wishes all his dear readers a very merry and a very happy. In the words of Tiny Time, 'God bless me, everyone!'
