Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Parents' Night Out At La Soiree-Burlesque Circus Sideshow

RIVERFRONT THEATER PRESENTS 
THE US PREMIERE OF 
THE SMASH-HIT THEATRICAL PHENOMENON
LA SOIRÉE
Limited engagement-must close August 5, 2012 
**We've been hearing rave reviews and tonight ChiIL Live Shows will finally be checking out La Soiree with our own eyes.   We can't wait.** 


Click here for show video clips


*Note:  La Soirée is recommended for Mature Audiences.   There is nudity and adult content.  We've seen this show recommended for adults or very mature 16+ at the very minimum.

Riverfront Theater, Chicago’s newest entertainment destination, presents the highly-anticipated U.S. Premiere of the theatrical phenomenon La Soirée.  The production runs through Sunday, August 5, 2012 at the new Riverfront Theater, located at 650 W. Chicago Avenue, just east of Halsted Street.  
Winner of the 2012 London Cabaret Awards, La Soirée combines cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary variety.  The sexy, funny, dangerous world of La Soiree has enchanted audiences across the globe in Edinburgh, Paris, Sydney, Stockholm, Dublin, Montreal, New York, Adelaide and Blackpool.  La Soiree’s internationally-acclaimed artists include stars from La Clique, the Olivier Award-winning show which ran at London's Hippodrome for nine months. La Soiree is a dynamic collective of some of the most outrageous, hilarious, beautiful and downright bizarre acts you will ever see.
Producer Robert Butters comments, “The La Soirée reviews from around the world have been unanimous raves.  We are excited to present this highly-anticipated, sexy and very bold production, which we know will entertain and thrill Chicago.  Arriving direct from Montreal and London, La Soirée is an ideal burlesque/cabaret show for Chicago this summer—and a perfect match for the 22,000 square-foot Riverfront Theater tent. We are proud to be hosting this world-renowned company.”
La Soirée runs in Riverfront Theater’s 70-foot big top circus tent.  Curtain times are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 7:30pm
Fridays 8:00pm
Saturday, July 21 5:00pm and 8:00pm
Saturday, July 28 6:00pm and 9pm
Saturday, August 4 6:00pm and 9pm
Sundays 4:00pm and 7:00pm. 
Tickets, $39-$85, for the three-week, limited engagement are now on sale at the Riverfront Theater box office, 650 W. Chicago Ave, or on line here ; and through Ticketmaster, or 888.556.9484. 
Parking is located on Chicago Avenue, next door to venue with direct access to show.  Additional parking is located at 811 N. Larabee and 950 N. Kingsbury.

About the La Soirée Artists 
Yulia Pykhtina 
Forget what you think you know about hula hooping; the beautiful Yulia Pykhtina has something to show you. Born in Kiev in the Ukraine, Yulia lives and breathes the mystery of the Near East and trails many a broken heart in her wake. Captivating, graceful and impeccably poised, Yulia turns the ancient art of hula hooping into a spectacular display which is both erotic and exotic.
Mooky  
Canadian-born Mooky Cornish, renowned for her side-splitting physical comedy, is one of the funniest ladies working on the international circuit today. Irresistible and captivating, this quirky comedienne has entranced over a million spectators worldwide in both North America and Europe, recently starring in Cirque du Soleil’s most recent hit show, Verekai. The multi-talented Mooky is a pianist, puppeteer, mask maker, accordion squeezer and chicken trainer. 
Nate Cooper
Cooper delivers a jaw dropping performance that is sure to put you in stitches. Try to imagine Charlie Chaplin tap dancing on roller skates whilst juggling razor sharp machetes and you will only be scratching the surface of what Cooper has in store. From the sublime to the ridiculous is an understatement. On the street in New Zealand or in an arena in Las Vegas, Cooper delightfully charms the pants off of himself.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the chaos.
The English Gents
Denis Lock and Hamish McCann are two delightful and devilish "English" gentlemen who perform inconceivable feats of acrobatic skill, strength and balance, all while casually puffing a pipe and sporting the stiffest of British upper lips. The act mixes their highly-skilled stunts with a dry English wit, unexpectedly climaxing with the two hilariously baring near-all for Queen and country and in the process, displaying more pure sex appeal than ever before seen under a bowler hat.
Bret Pfister
Supple, sexy, skilful and stunningly handsome, Bret Pfister brings the finest of New York's cabaret talent to La Soirée. Equally inspired by the neo-Weimar cabaret movement and the nu-wave, synth-pop sounds of the 1980s, he blends awesome physical skill and a cool insouciance into his exquisite, punked-up aerial ballet.
David O’Mer
Hailing from Berlin and originally trained as a gymnast, David has been a cornerstone of this dysfunctional family for many years. His now world-famous incarnation as 'Bath Boy' leaves audiences damp and breathless in admiration – the combination of wet jeans and awe-inspiring aerial ballet is once-seen, never-forgotten. David is the Adonis in denim.
Le Gateau Chocolat
It's been quite a year for Le Gateau Chocolat, the opera-singing diva with a penchant for being wrapped in body hugging lycra and a passion for laughter. Since first performing with La Soiree at the Hippodrome, Le Gateau Chocolat exploded onto London's cabaret scene and has been garnering praise and adoration across the globe - from Edinburgh to Melbourne, and from TV screens to the cover of Time Out. This delicious confection is a killer baritone who delivers outrageous yet moving renditions of everything from pop-rock to opera. A real showstopper, Le Gateau Chocolat has a warmth that will see the whole world addicted to chocolate; that is if you aren't hooked already!
Amy G
The Irrepressible Amy G is a full-on show topping showgirl: she has the legs, the skates, the ukulele, and what she can do with a kazoo will astound you.  A physical somedienne, actor, and musician of prodigious anatomical gifts, Amy is a legend of the cabaret scene.
Susannah Martinez
The little sister of the inimitable Ursula Martine performs her cult striptease act with its mischievous disappearing hanky - a jaw-dropping sensation! From highbrow to low brow and from live art to loquacious party tricks, Martinez treads where few performers dare to go, with the audience right there along for the ride.
ABOUT RIVERFRONT THEATER
The Riverfront Theater is Chicago’s newest destination for music, theater, dance, spectacles and more. Audiences were first introduced to the venue last summer, during the successful 16-week run of Peter Pan. The Riverfront Theater expands on that success, bringing hit productions to Chicago.  All performances take place in the 22,000 square-foot, temperature-controlled tented auditorium along the scenic Chicago River. Alongside the performance venue is River’s Edge, a pavilion tent and promenade area overlooking the Chicago River, where patrons can enjoy refreshments while taking in the view from this urban garden oasis. 
The Riverfront Theater is located at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Streets, easily accessible for those driving in or via public transportation.  For more information please visit Riverfront Theater's main site here.   
Critics around the world have raved about La Soirée:
“Pure adrenalin-fuelled entertainment at its best." 
-Time Out London 
"Beautiful. Funny. Impossible. La Soirée's triumph is that there's not a single moment when one, two or all three of those terms don't apply."
-The Guardian
"Big-top cabaret frolics from La Soirée are just the thing to banish gloomy reality."
-Evening Standard

Full Moon Fire Jam This Wednesday 8/1 #photo filled feature




Chi-Town's monthly free Full Moon Fire Jam is here again--this Wednesday, August 1.
Spend an evening with family friendly pyrotechnics and drums.   This all ages, outdoor event is a great space to celebrate the full moon with family and friends.   It' s mellow, alcohol free, and kids are welcome to bring glow toys, hula hoops and more, to play with outside of the roped off fire pro zone.   We recommend bringing bug spray, a picnic dinner, folding chairs and blankets, instruments, and glow toys.


**Check out our full feature on July's full moon fire jam by clicking right here.** 


We ran into loads of CircEsteem teachers and students that we know, including fire jugglers Brian & Maria.   We're currently editing all our HD clips from the jam into a longer piece with music, that we'll have up soon, so check back with ChiIL Live Shows/ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often!    

**For the rest of the Full Moon Fire Jam Season dates and more photos, check out our prior coverage here.**

Monday, July 30, 2012

Lolla Bling's a Local Thing--By Chi, IL Mama, Susan Wheeler @Lollapalooza #Lolla

 
¡LOLLAPALOOZA JEWELRY!
 
designed by
SUSAN WHEELER DESIGN


¡ Loved by Groups and Groupies Alike !


Been there...done that...got the t-shirt.   Kick it up a notch with gold, silver and jewels to show your Lolla love.   They don't get ripped to shreds or need a wash after a hot day of dancing in the sun.   So don't sweat up your souvenirs....glow. ChiIL Live Shows/ChiIL Mama loves to support local artists...especially when they're balancing parenthood and creative work!   So come see Chi-Town's own Susan Wheeler's delicious designs.  She's a fine artist, jewlery maker, and Chi, IL mama.

   

Susan Wheeler is an Award Winning, Chicago-based, Fine Jewelry Designer

In melding modern and traditional design qualities, Susan is able to create timeless jewelry and accessories. Susan lives in a bustling household with her husband, two young boys, a baby girl, two dogs, a cat, and turtle.

All of the jewelry is made in the good old U.S. of A. and it is all tarnish proof and absolutely the best quality!
 

 
Check Out The New Lollapalooza Collection available at the Lollapalooza Pop-Up Store,
located at 332 South Michigan Avenue and on site at the festival in Chicago, August 3rd through August 5th


The New Enameled Lolla Lollipop Swirl Charm!
PRICE  $30.00 


The Sterling Silver Lollipop Swirl Charm features the Iconic Orange and Blue Lollapalooza Logo colors. The charms are available on  blue leather cords, sterling silver chain bracelets, and sold as individual charms.
 
Enameled Sterling Silver Charm

The New Lolla Lollipop Swirl Charm Necklace!
PRICE  $30.00


The Sterling Silver Lollipop Swirl Charm Necklace hung on blue leather.
 *This is one of ChiIL Mama's favs--playful, funky and fun.

Sterling Silver Charm on Blue Leather Cord

The New Lolla Lollipop Swirl Charm Bracelet!
PRICE  $30.00

The Sterling Silver Lollipop Swirl Charm Bracelet dangles from a Sterling Silver bracelet chain.
 

Sterling Silver Charm on Sterling Chain
 

Pay Tribute To Over 20 Years Of Lollapalooza!
PRICE  $30.00 

 
*This one's really sweet, too!   I'm a silver over gold gal but this one's downright Olympic with the rings and the gold, silver and bronze.   I would so wear this.


The Official Lollapalooza 20th Anniversary ring was designed by Susan Wheeler for Lollapalooza in 2011. It is crafted with an amazing texture and "Lollapalooza 20th Anniversary" inscription on the back. This versatile piece has a supple leather band that wraps and ties easily to be worn around the  neck, wrist or ankle.  
 
1" diameter ring in a variety of finishes

Hannah Hooper, member of the very cool band GROUPLOVE, is seen here at the 2011 festival wearing the gold finished ring as a necklace. The organic texture and enduring shape parallel the Lollapalooza vibe.

   

Hannah Hooper of GROUPLOVE









 
 

Limited Edition Lollapalooza Belt Buckles
PRICE  $65.00


Lollapalooza 2011 glammed it up with custom belt buckles commissioned exclusively from Susan Wheeler Design. Made from precious metal clays, Susan Wheeler Design has baked up both the classy and the cool with the organic texture of this piece.   
 
Lolla Logo Belt Buckle in Gold Finish

 
 



Lolla Logo Belt Buckle in Silver Finish

Lolla 2010 saw this snakeskin inspired, gold plated number. These buckles shine with Lollapalooza pride!
 
Lollapalooza 2010 Belt Buckle  

 

The New Lolla Lollipop Swirl Ring!
PRICE  $30.00

The organic textures of Susan Wheeler Design's newest Lollapalooza Jewelry have been translated into a line of solid brass rings. The rings interpret the retro Lollapalooza lollipop swirl as though it were a flower. These hip statement rings are available in an array of beautiful finishes.  $30.00

Lolla Swirl Ring, shown in Antique Gold Finish


  
 

Perry Farrell, creator of the Lollapalooza Festival
Perry Farrell mixes it up wearing his Lolla Dog Tag!
PRICE  $25.00


Created especially for Lolla by Chicago's award winning fine jewelry designer, Susan Wheeler, this sexy little tag works well for both dogs and cats as well as their stylish humans. Perry Farrell is wearing the pendant on a classic 20" ball steel chain.
 
Silver-Plated Lolla Dog Tag

The pendant measures 1-5/8" x 5/8" and is made of silver-plated cast pewter with high-polish raised letters on a matte background.
Elijah Wood Loves the Lollapalooza Dog Tag Too!
Enjoying the festival in the summer of 2011, Elijah Wood adds some bling with his Lolla Dog Tag. The pendant measures 1-5/8" x 5/8" and is made of silver-plated cast pewter with high-polish raised letters on a matte background.

 

 

Elijah Woods, Lollapalooza 2011

 
Lolla Script Necklace, Gold Plated
Cursive Lives On at Lollapalooza!
PRICE  $30.00

This fun little necklace features a script version of the Lollapalooza name rendered in 24-karat plate awesomeness. The script necklace is available in an array of finishes for all your glamorous needs!
Estonian Pop-Superstar, Kerli, takes a bite out of her gunmetal finished Lolla Script Necklace. Tastes like Lollapalooza Spirit!

 

Pop-Superstar, Kerli

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