VICTORY GARDENS THEATER’S “CHICAGO STORIES” 2010

Quite simply, it was the thrill of a lifetime! My experience as a playwright for Victory Gardens Theater’s “Chicago Stories” was something I will never forget. For the 20th anniversary of their annual fundraiser, VGT chose three playwrights to share the stage for this evening. First, Bernard Sahlins, a co-founder, producer and director of Second City Chicago as well as co-founder of The International Theatre Festival of Chicago, who has been a writer and producer for both HBO and NBC and is a published playwright for his work. The third 2010 playwright was Peter Sagal, host of NPR and WBEZ’s Peabody Award-winning “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” one of the most popular shows on public radio for the past decade heard by 2.5 million listeners per week. He is also the author of numerous plays and was the literary manager for a regional theater. Needless to say, I was more than a little awed by being included with these two powerhouses, but I am proud to say, my little play, “A Facebook Fairytale,” held its own and came across as funny and charming just as I had hoped. My amazing cast who brought it to life included my stepson/actor Charley Jordan, Meg Thalken, Audrey Morgan, Matt DeCaro, Gwendolyn Whiteside and Jaime Totti. The play is the story of a romance in the world of social media. Two people create alternate fantasy lives on Facebook with a surprise ending. (I can’t tell you anymore. I would rather you be surprised when you see it on Broadway…) Bernie Sahlins’ play was entitled “Veridia” and Peter’s play, “Mile 22,” both made wonderful, poignant points and the audience enjoyed them all. It was a magical evening that included an extensive silent auction as well as a live auction. There were creative fundraising ideas presented, too: For instance, you had to purchase sets of keys to see if the “Stage Door” would open for you to choose from dozens of delightful baskets of prizes. Bob Golant and Executive Director Jan Kallish were two of the lucky winners. Some of the silent auction offerings included tickets for two to “Endgame” starring William Petersen plus dinner and a meet-and-greet with him backstage. Another top auction prize included lunch with actor John Mahoney and Artistic Director Dennis Zacek. There were also original artwork, a wonderful Joffrey Ballet package, shopping and wine parties and lots more. After cocktails, guests moved into the Grand Ballroom where the President of the Board Jeffrey Rappin gave a welcome speech. He introduced the hard-working co-chairs Sylvia Margolies and Ann Marie Peretz and the MC/Executive Director Jan Kallish then Leslie Hindman, a veteran “Chicago Stories” playwright, presented the live auction with Dennis. And finally, THE PLAYS!!! Bernie Sahlins’ play was first up, then my play made its debut and lastly, Peter Sagal’s play was performed. Renowned theater critic Richard Christiansen (so renowned, in fact, that Victory Gardens recently named a theater after him!) was on hand to critique the plays. Here is what he had to say about “A Facebook Fairytale”: “Comedy via the internet. A fresh new source of satire. Neatly performed.”  (I’ve already framed it!) The food was delicious and included roast chicken breast with lentils, Brussels sprouts and butternut squash in a red wine reduction and there were so many desserts offered, it made one dizzy! The evening was perfect and the Victory Gardens’ family could not have been more inviting and welcoming to everyone. Development Manager Kaye Oberhausen was so very supportive as well as Aaron Carter who made sure everyone was in their proper places at all times. The evening raised over $170K for VGT’s new play mission, education outreach and Access Project programming for people with disabilities. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Victory Gardens Theater at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., you are missing out on an amazing theater experience. Located in the old Biograph Theater, the setting is so inviting and intimate that audience members often feel as though they are onstage. Upcoming plays include “How Theater Failed America” starting 4/26 and “The Last Cargo Cult” starting May 5th, both by Mike Daisey. “Jacob and Jack,” a world premiere, will be performed May 14th through June 20th. Written by James Sherman, it is described as “a time-traveling comedic farce on the dizzying life in the Yiddish Theatre.” For more information, visit www.VictoryGardens.org or call 773-549-5788. Extra pics by Charley Jordan and Joel Wanek…click here to view more!
 
When I received the invite for Modern Vintage Chicago at the Randolph Street Market this weekend from Jada Russell, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I guess I was thinking about the antique stalls lined up along Randolph Street but it wasn’t this event at all. (Not that there’s anything wrong with antiques—I love them!) But THIS show was right up my fashion alley! Show founder/producer Sally Schwartz assembled over 60 dealers and 15 local emerging designers who presented their top stuff at Plumbers Hall, located at 1340 W. Washington St., on this bright, sunny day. The event began with an early champagne reception with style icon Nena Ivon, who is MVC’s new fashion director. They couldn’t have picked a better person—she is already brimming with unique ideas, one of which includes a “fashion train” to the suburbs. I won’t tell you more but it will be something entirely fun and new! As we all know, she is the designer’s friend and all of the talent there were VERY excited that she is on board. The event had vintage dealers from NYC, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Texas along with local dealers such a J. Brett Benson and Silver Moon. There was gorgeous costume and estate jewelry, men’s and women’s clothing, handbags, shoes, hats, belts, scarves and textiles from the Mid-Century, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Victorian and 60’s and 70’s eras. One dealer had all things Louis Vuitton including antique furniture upholstered in LV leather. Even his vest was created from LV luggage fabric! I saw exquisite Hermes and Chanel bags, scarves and jewelry, and other finds from the legendary houses of Pucci, Dior and Vivienne Westwood among many others. The Antique Roadshow’s charming Caroline Ashleigh was on hand with her new book, “Warman’s Shoes Field Guide.” After appraising so many items on the show, she realized that there was no price guide for shoes. This pocket-size guide will let you know if you’re paying fair prices. There was a lovely fashion show during the reception which highlighted some terrific attire for young girls picking out their prom wardrobes. This is such a great idea since your outfit would undoubtedly be one-of-a-kind and it will be at prices, as a rule, much cheaper than local department stores. Mothers and daughters, take note! The designers on hand at MVC included Lauren Lein, Agga B, Double Stitch, Lisa Strecker, Axis of Evelyn (Evelyn Daitchman), LUCIUS Fine Jewelry (Christy Lucius), Bobbi Kahn Design (Barb Mason), Ladysmith Jewelry Studio (Amy Butts), Paoo Jewelry (Courtney Russo) and Happy Katt (Gini Lenni). There was so much to see and so many things I wanted to buy! Seen on the scene was the founder of Latino Fashion Week, Arabel Rosales and her beautiful daughter Alina, NBC’s LeeAnn Trotter, Michael Hawley, Lynne Bredfeldt, Scott Bobek, Peggy Martay, Michael Hawley, Jeff Franks, Amy Schlaff, Monika and Erika Simmons (the striking Double Stitch twins), Agga B., Asia Borycka, Liz Meyer, Mark Moran, Ira Scheck, Dorothy Loud, Colleen Soisson, Holly Erlich, Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink, Chicago History Museum curator Timothy Long and Sophie Bross among many other fans. The next Modern Vintage Chicago will be October 23rd and 24th with a preview shopping party Friday night, Oct. 22nd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Don’t miss it!! (Extra photos by Steve Starr who, by the way, was just recently named “Outstanding Celebrity Photographer” by Red Carpet Concierge! Congrats Steve!!!!) View more photos here!
 
I want to remind you about Vyne Magazine’s “Style Wars 2010” event on Thursday, April 22nd at Hotel Sax starting at 7 p.m. You will see something you’ve never seen before—the spotlight turned on stylists in a competition to name “Chicago’s TOP Stylist!” We all know they can make or break a celebrity’s look and now you can see the process up close and personal. The stylists will be creating “collections” for the runway by pulling clothing and accessories from local designers. Nikki Lynette will be performing her MTV song, “Model in the Mirror,” live for the first time! It’s going to be an AWESOME party!!! General admission is $35 and private reception tickets are $60. The after party will be held at The Underground hosted by fellow judge, Billy Dec. Proceeds from
the event benefit the Chicago Fashion Foundation. Hope 2 C U there! 🙂

“The Gown Elephant” event benefitting Howard Brown Health Center will take place on Tuesday, April 27th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Brown Elephant Resale Shop, located at 5404 N. Clark St. This unique event will feature notable gowns, jewelry and handbags from Chicago’s top fashionistas which will be donated to raise funds for this worthy cause. The dress is “Slumdog Millionaire” so put on your best Bollywood attitude and join us! Co-chairs Susanna Negovan and Whitney Lasky will be thrilled to see you there as will Honorary Chair, Bunky Cushing! Tickets are $25 in advance and $50 at the door. For tickets and more info, call Anthony McClellon at 773-388-8988 or e-mail anthonym@howardbrown.org. (Also, if you have something wonderful to donate, please call!) 
 
I hope you’ve all been enjoying our spring weather! And now take a peek at something to make you smile: Although I don’t condone harboring wild animals in your home, this little koala clearly needed some help when the temps in Australia reached a record high of 120 degrees!
 
Love,
Candace 🙂
Candace@CandidCandace.com