Thursday Night Fever
By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 12, 2006 6:52PM
Tonight, the League of Chicago Theatres celebrates the first anniversary of “Theater Thursdays.” The weekly series lures younger professionals to the theater on a traditionally slower night by offering drinks, appetizers, and discussions with knowledgeable professionals. The reception and munchies return to the Goodman Theatre tonight for William Shakespeare’s Pericles. Fitting too, since that’s where it all began last January. Tickets are $40, pre-show starts at 6pm for a 7:30pm curtain.
Pericles is one of Shakespeare’s less talked-about history plays, an odyssey worthy of a blockbuster action film. (Sometimes, exposing the King’s incestuous relationship… can be murder!!!) Mary Zimmerman, widely hailed by Chicago and New York audiences for her elaborate dream landscapes, directs.
But Chicagoist, you might be saying, we already have plans tonight. We need advance notice. To help you plan a night out with a group as beautiful, intelligent, and appealing as you (as all our readers no doubt are), we provide a look at upcoming Theater Thursdays after the jump.
January 19
The Coast of Chicago at Lookingglass Theatre
Remember this One Book, One Chicago selection? In case you don’t, author Stuart Dybek leads a discussion and Walkabout Theater presents a multi-media tour of Pilsen and Little Village. This includes the culinary media. Tickets are $30.
January 26
The Well Appointed Room at Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre
According to the press release, cocktails and deli snacks will “set the mood for a well-appointed evening.” The show follows a designer, so the design artists will let you know how they make things work. The $35 ticket includes two drinks.
January 26
Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theatre
Pre-show drinks and appetizers down the street at Jack’s American Bistro. Post-show discussion with the blue domed performers (they’ll actually speak!) and band. Tickets are $59.
February 2
Immaculate Deception at Second City e.t.c.
Lobby reception and behind the scenes look at the troupe’s latest revue will be catered by Adobo Grill. A margarita or two makes everything that much funnier. Tickets are $25.
February 9
Soft Corn Porn at the Cornservatory
Eat, drink, and find out your porn star name! Laugh at sex and relationships, then discuss. Post-show discussion of this adult show will be catered. Tickets are $20, $15 for groups of 6 or more.
February 16
Bus Stop at Writers' Theatre
Tickets include a ride on the Metra party train and post-show discussion about this gripping tale of being stranded by a winter storm. Perfect for mid-February. Tickets are $35.
February 23
Hizzoner at Prop Thtr
A catered, pre-show video screening complements this offbeat (and no doubt loving) portrait of Major Daley the First. A post-show discussion with the Daley impersonator sounds promising. Tickets are $25.
February 23
The Padlock and Dido and Aeneas at The Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Live like an opera snob for a night. Chicago Opera Theater provides a pre-show reception in the Harris VIP room with wine, beer, and treats from Giordano’s (so much for the snobbery…). The Padlock was the comic hit of 18th Century England, Dido and Aeneas is a mythic tragedy. Tickets are $35.
Call 773-539-7838 for more info or to purchase tickets.