The lobby was packed at the Steppenwolf Theatre Sunday evening, June 28th, so I knew I was in for something special. I always am impressed when I attend Steppenwolf and this night was no exception. They concluded their season of the 
imagination (every season has a theme) with “Up”, a new play by Bridget Carpenter, directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro. It’s based on the true story of Larry Walters who in 1982, realized his dream of flying by attaching 45 
because it’s also about the pursuit of wealth. The main character is Walter Griffin who is brilliantly played by Ian Barford. He wants to be a dreamer/inventor and nothing else—his wife is a postal worker and the only bread winner 
and worrier. Their 15-year-old son, Mikey (played by Jake Cohen), sees the tension and wants to help and almost succeeds….almost. There is also a character based on true life French wire-walker Phillippe Petit played by Tony Hernandez. The way he’s utilized in the show is sheer genius. I won’t say the play is “up-lifting” but I will say it makes you think. The artistic director Martha Lavey, who also is a key character in 
the play, compares the theme to the story of Icarus. She says, “To escape the labyrinth in which they had been ensnared, Icarus’ father, Daedalus, constructs wings of wax and he and Icarus fly toward freedom. Daedalus warns his son to fly a ‘middle course’ over the sea because flying too high would 
risk melting the wings in the heat of the sun. Icarus, exhilarated by his flight, ignores his father and, true to father’s warning, the wings melt and he is plunged into the sea.” This play is about that balance: Soar too high for the thrills or stay the middle course for safety. How it ends is another story… Seen on opening night were Maureen and E.B. Smith, Jan 
there and so happy to see such a vibrant theater scene in our beloved town. Thanks to the individual production sponsors of “Up”: Hope Abelson Fund for New Play Devel
opment; Richard and Mary L. Gray Production Endowment Fund and David Herro and Jay Franke. Don’t miss it! The play runs through August 23rd. For tickets and more info go to www.steppenwolf.org. Photos from top right: Jan Melk and executive director and neighbor David Hawkanson; featured actor Ian Barford; sponsor David Herro and Grace Barry; Rachel Brosnahan who plays Maria; Carol Prins and John Hart; John Mahoney and me; actor Tony Hernandez; actor Jake Cohen; Christine Ott, Jan Melk and Chris Long.
Gibson’s Restaurant held a 20th anniversary party on Monday and Tuesday, June 29th and 30th, and everybody came – 5,000 people to be exact! They used their original menus from 1989 and the prices (ranging from $1- $24) and selections took everyone back in time. Co-owner 
Peggy Lombardo said everything was original except for the desserts since they didn’t have a pastry chef back then. The evening held a special memory for us since we held our wedding rehearsal dinner there almost to the day. I remember at the time, some people didn’t 
think they would make it. Boy, were they wrong! There were so many familiar faces and so much table hopping that the servers 
had a tough time keeping track of their customers. Original supporter Jack McHugh was there with his gorgeous wife Brenda and long-time friend Jimmy O’Brien. Jack had helped start their extensive photo gallery when he donated his photos from his popular Four Torches Restaurant. All of the great pics of Sinatra are his since they were “pallies.” The “Hostess with the Mostest” Kathy O’Malley was in her element. Everyone there was 
a friend of hers and it made the party all the more exciting and fun. (On a side note, come join us Tuesday evening when we celebrate Kathy’s birthday at 
Prosecco Ristorante from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. RSVP via e-mail to Jennifer@proseccoristorante.com.) Other fun-loving guests included Mayor Daley, Judge Ann Burke and Alderman Ed Burke, Mike Wilkie, Dori Wilson, Joy Germont, Judd Malkin, Jimmy Damon, Susan and Bruce MacArthur, Gene McCaffrey, Linda Johnson Rice, Neal Zucker, Mr. and Mrs. Rocky Wirtz, Marty and 
Jack Higgins, Tina and Jeff Weller, Hugo Ralli, Jim Borges, Mike Ditka, Gail and Bruce Mertz, Joli Burrell, Chaz Ebert, Judi Regal, Gabriella and 
Don Weisberg, Lori and Don Schroud, Jim Riley, Connor Riley, Doug Buffone, Dennis Fitzsimons, Diana and Michael Scott, Cheryl Larson and Robert Murphy, Shari and Jerry Michaels, Bonni and Chuck Gross, Alexi Giannoulias, Whitey Pearson, Julie and Fred Latsko, Lou Canellis, Terry Newman, Nadine and Ira Epstein, Hedwig and Bob Golant and Walter Glass among others. Rocky Wirtz and Bruce MacArthur presented Steve Lombardo with a Blackhawks jersey with the 
name Gibson’s and the number 20 on the back. Kathy wouldn’t let it out of her hands and you’ll see it prominently displayed there soon. A HUGE congrats to all of the 
incredible people who make Gibson’s as special as it is. It’s no wonder celebs from around the world make it their destination restaurant in Chicago. With waiters like Mohammed receiving $4,000 tips from Johnny Depp, well, you get the picture! Love you all and we were so happy to 
share in your wonderful anniversary party!!!! No one wanted to leave… Photos from top left: Kathy O'Malley and Steve Lombardo; the gorgeous Gibson girls; the world's greatest waitstaff; Alexi Giannoulias, Kathy O'Malley, Dough Buffone, me and John Colletti; Brenda and Jack 
McHugh and Jimmy O'Brien; Peaches and Voula; Kathy with the Gibson's jersey; Dori Wilson and Joy Germont; Alexi Giannoulias and Ira Epstein; me and Kathy; Kathy and Lou Canellis; Jim Riley, Mike Wilkie and Whitey Pearson. For more photos from this memorable event, click here!
There were 250 floats in this year’s Gay Pride Parade and they had to turn requests away!! Gay Pride 2009 was the biggest parade so far in its 40-year history and Jim Flint and his 
Baton Show Lounge have been there from day one! I was so honored to be asked to ride on their float this year! It was a thrill of a lifetime plus I’ve never seen crowds like it! There were around 600,000 people along the route, everyone smiling 
and happy to be there. Senate hopeful Alexi Giannoulias was behind our float and Jim announced his name all along the parade route. It was a completely mixed crowd and the 
weather was perfect! This year’s first transgendered grand marshal, actress Alexandra Billings, said, “This parade isn’t just for us—the parade is for everybody. Everyone needs to live in their joy and really celebrate what it’s like to be free. That’s what the parade is all about.” Six hundred thousand-
plus onlookers obviously agreed! Thanks to Jim Flint, Ginger Grant, Mimi Marks, Sheri Payne, Maya Douglas, Sasha Colby, Victoria LePaige, Miss Continental Elite Michelle Fighter, Miss Continental Plus CoCo Van Cartier and Monica 
Monroe for letting me ride along. Check out more fantastic photos here! Speaking of Monica, Thursday night was her final performance as a Baton regular. She will be marrying her boyfriend Nebil and moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her farewell song by Lily Allen had everyone in stitches. Good luck Monica!!! Relive her final performance here! Photos from top left: crowds along the parade route; Baton Show Lounge float; Maya Douglas, Miss Continental Plus CoCo Van Cartier, me, Sasha Colby, Mimi Marks and Monica Monroe; cheerleading squad; Miss Continental Elite Michelle Fighter; Monica's last performance.
The premier of “Public Enemies” presented by Brenda Sexton of Chicago Link Productions was VERY well attended! The all-male host list was very clever and indeed, 
there were more men in the audience than usual. Johnny Depp shows everyone why he is the superstar that he is but it was disappointing not to be able to recognize more scenes of Chicago. Even though Michael Mann filmed the entire movie here, there 
were only a couple of spots we recognized. Also, a little too much Tommy gun action for me but regardless, this is a must-see movie and was very entertaining overall. Some of it was filmed near our house in Old Town and the attention to detail was amazing—gluing ivy on 
buildings and covering up fire hydrants. The after-party was held at the Saks Men’s Store and was catered by Gibson’s. 
Thanks again for a terrific evening Brenda! (Additional photos by Mitchell Canoff!) Photos from top left: "Public Enemies" marker; Brenda Sexton with Bulls legend Bob "Butterbean" Love; Rich Rinella, Laura Ludovic, Denis John Healy and Jennifer Healy; Jonathan Landan, Tiffani McDuffie and Andrew Landan; Rita and Scott George.
More birthday wishes to send out! My dear friend and Pilates instructor extraordinaire Heidi Milby and her partner Hector Lopez, celebrated her 30th and his 40th on Saturday night, June 20th at their River West Fitness Studio located at 664 W. Hubbard. All of their many 
friends and supporters were there! Happy, happy Heidi and Hector! Another dear friend and man-about-town Greg Hyder celebrated his birthday in style at RL Restaurant on Thursday, July 2nd, with the LQ Lunch Bunch which included John Regas, David Brandt, Sheryl Dyer, Hazel Barr and moi! It was a great time! We love Greg and every time you’re with him, he makes the occasion VERY memorable!!! Photos from top right: Hector Lopez, Heidi Milby and her parents Marty and PD Milby; David Brandt, John Regas, Sheryl Dyer, Hazel Barr, me and Greg Hyder.
That’s it for this week! Hope you all had a very happy 4th of July and I hope our binge eating was worth it!!! Check this video out and remember why we were celebrating… Photo: Corinne Melchior's flag cake.
Love,
Candace 🙂
