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2020 Chicago Auto Show
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2020 chicago auto show Saturday Feb. 8th through Monday Feb. 17th
The nation’s largest and best-attended auto show, held annually at McCormick Place, will open to the public Saturday, Feb. 8th, and run through Monday, Feb. 17th, Presidents Day. The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, except for the final day of the show, Presidents Day, when it closes at 8 p.m. The show’s producer, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, promises visitors access to nearly 1,000 of the industry’s latest cars, trucks and SUVs; demonstrations of the most innovative technology; interactive exhibits featuring virtual reality simulators; family-friendly activities, special appearances from celebrities and sports icons and special theme days. In addition to the latest production, concept and exotic vehicles, the show is packed with opportunities for attendees to get behind the wheel through multiple indoor and outdoor ride-and-drive experiences. “With more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space, the Chicago Auto Show has something that will appeal to everyone,” said 2020 Chicago Auto Show Chairman Tony Guido. “Whether or not you’re in the market for a new vehicle, the show provides a great opportunity to experience the latest technology and safety features found in today’s cars, trucks and SUVs.” It’s well documented that auto shows attract in-market shoppers and automotive enthusiasts. A survey of 2019 Chicago Auto Show attendees showed that more than 68 percent of attendees were there to shop and nearly 40 percent of attendees called themselves automotive enthusiasts. Those numbers closely mimic surveys from other auto shows and demonstrate an auto show’s ability to attract in-market shoppers and build brand awareness among enthusiasts.
Each year the Chicago Auto Show and its exhibitors find new and innovative ways to reach outside the traditional automotive sphere to attract people who might not consider attending. Last year, the Chicago Auto Show added a craft beer night and a sports fan day. This year the show is adding a theme running event called Miles Per Hour. In addition, bringing on new charities to sell tickets for First Look for Charity grows the show’s audience. “We know that the auto show is so much more than a shopping opportunity, It’s a celebration of everything automotive, an interactive display of new technologies and a wonderful opportunity to get out of the house in the dead of winter,” said Tony Guido, Chicago Auto Show chairman. “Our exhibitors bring amazing interactive displays that not only captivate a wide range of audiences, but entertain and educate while at the same time expand the appeal of the show.” Subaru is a great example of an automaker trying to take full advantage of its auto show presence. Not only will the brand have an all new National Park theme display, but the automaker is adding daily pet adoption events. As part of the Subaru Loves Pets initiative, the automaker will partner with local animal shelters in cities hosting auto shows, with the focus of ultimately getting animals out of shelters and into loving forever homes. Volkswagen is also growing its display to add an indoor test track which will feature its first ever show floor driving experience. It will be the first official Atlas Cross Sport activation since its reveal in 2019. boiMAG
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BOYS IN THE BAND Windy City Playhouse
Guests will be offered small cocktail samplings (with non-alcoholic options available) and party snacks will be available for the taking throughout the show. The press nights for the production are as follows: Thursday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 7 at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 8 at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, February 9 at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Windy City Playhouse (3014 W. Irving Park Rd.) is thrilled to present Mart Crowley’s groundbreaking play, “The Boys in the Band,” directed by Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Carl Menninger, started on January 29, 2020. The Playhouse invites audience members to sit inches from the characters who helped spark a revolution by putting gay men’s lives on-stage during the pre-Pride era. Fresh off its Tony Award-winning Broadway revival, this landmark play comes to Chicago for the first time in 20 years at Windy City Playhouse Flagship. Set in 1968, the play takes place at the birthday party of Harold, who is turning 32. Luckily, friend-enemy Michael is there with six mutual friends to help him ease into the big three-two. The party is all jokes and quips until the host proposes a harmless game of truth or dare. Suddenly, each must reckon with his sexual identity... out, closeted, flamboyant, or “passing” ...in an oppressive world where self-love is a luxury. At this party, the cake tastes like truth, and everyone gets a slice. “Coming out, living in the closet, being discriminated against because someone is queer is still a problem in this country (and even more so in the world),” said Director, Carl Menninger. “We’re looking forward to presenting such a historic and important piece that began the journey of gay theatre in America. ‘The Boys in the Band’ was relevant in 1968 and is just as relevant today.” In true Playhouse fashion, guests will be invited to sit on the various couches, chairs and love seats that make up the quintessentially mid-Century, sunken living room in which the show takes place. Patrons will be welcome to move from seat to seat as they wish but will be otherwise seated throughout the show.
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“Having the chance to transport audiences to Michael’s living room in 1968 New York is a unique and special opportunity for us,” said Playhouse Artistic Director, Amy Rubenstein. “We search for stories that we want to jump inside of and this is a party that I certainly want to be a fly on the wall for. As we delve deeper and deeper into ‘The Boys in the Band,’ we learn how far we’ve come, how far we still have to go and how lucky we are to have this perspective.” The 2018 Broadway revival production of “The Boys in the Band” won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Variety said, “It not only reminds us of where we’ve been, it also serves as a warning about whatever forms of social oppression are still here and yet to come.” Reviewing the recent revival, Dave Quinn of People raved, “If there were ever a time to revisit ‘The Boys in the Band,’ it’s now.” The cast of “The Boys in the Band” includes Sam Bell Gurwitz as Harold, Christian Edwin Cook as Alan, Jordan Dell Harris as Donald, Jackson Evans as Michael, James Lee as Larry, Kyle Patrick as Cowboy, Ryan Reilly as Hank, Denzel Tsopnang as Bernard and William Marquez as Emory. The creative team for the show includes William Boles (Scenic Designer), Uriel Gomez (Costume Designer), Erik Barry (Lighting Designer), Sarah Espinoza (Sound Designer), Mealah Heidenreich (Properties Designer & Set Dressing), Max Fabian (Violence & Intimacy Diretor), Jenniffer Thusing (Production Stage Manager), Spencer Fritz (Assistant Stage Manager), Jonah White (Master Electrician), Jonathan Schleyer (Technical Director) and Ellen White (Production Manager). Tickets ($75-$95) are on sale now and can be purchased online at windycityplayhouse.com or by calling 773-891-8985.
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Important Wedding Tips For Same-Sex Couples
Weddings require a lot of preparation and sometimes same-sex weddings require a bit more. There are some things you will want to take into consideration that you hadn’t thought of before. At the end, all the hard work will pay off! But before you start all your planning, take a look at these great tips…
Forget Traditions
When planning your wedding, forget what you may think weddings “should” look like… When it comes to your big day, do it your way. You can both walk down the aisle together, or do it one by one. With the right venue set up, you can also walk down separate aisles simultaneously, joining one another at the altar. You can also choose whether you would like to have a bouquet and if so who throws it, or if you want to throw it together. Whether you have an odd number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, a best woman or a man of honor, or keep your party gender-free, your bridal party should be made up of the people you most want standing there besides you when you say your “I do”s..
Invite the Right People
When you and your partner are planning your guest list, you want to be sure to invite only people you really want at your wedding. First and foremost, invite those who are most important to you. You may feel pressured to include distant family or friends of your parents but if you decide to keep your wedding relatively small, it is perfectly understandable to leave those groups out. When creating your guest list, keep in mind your budget. The more guests attending, the pricier the celebration. Find LGBTQ-Friendly Venues and Vendors When searching for your perfect wedding venue, we recommend making it clear from the get-go that you are having a same-sex wedding. Disclosing this information right away will make it so that you don’t waste your time. If you have specific vendors you are interested in, approach them first. If you are starting with a blank slate, perhaps do research on some of the most loved LGBTQfriendly vendors in your area. You want to be sure you are in good hands with your wedding vendors so finding professionals that you are comfortable with is key.
What To Wear
When it comes to what to wear for your samesex wedding, there are no rules. Whether you are on the hunt for two wedding dresses or none, the most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and beautiful on your big day. Some couples like to coordinate their attire even if they don’t see the other’s before the wedding. This could mean coordinating ties, dress styles, color schemes or lengths. Like all couples, you will want to start shopping early. This is especially true for woman who opt out of wearing a dress because sometimes the perfect outfit can be hard to find in stores. If you aren’t seeing anything you love, consider getting your ensemble custom-made or tailored. As for your bridal party if you choose to have one, it is entirely up to you whether you prefer deciding on a wedding dress code or not.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
When it comes to the bachelor/bachelorette parties, have your fun! Many same-sex couples choose to have separate parties. If you and your partner have different ideas of who to invite and where to go, your parties can take place on the same evening and potentially even merge toward the end of the evening. You can travel to great bachelor/bachelorette party destinations or keep it local at your favorite bars.
When In the Year to Plan Your Wedding
There are several factors that may help determine when in the year to have your wedding. Your guest count, wedding location and your budget play huge roles in this decision. While off-season venues tend to save a lot of money, it can also make it more difficult for all of your guests to attend. Depending on your location, some venues may require you to book far in advance so if you plan to do a destination wedding, you have to choose your spot early! Of course, there is also the option of planning your wedding around your favorite season. Depending on your priorities and what you want from your wedding, you will want to pick the timing strategically. The most important thing when planning your wedding is that it’s, well, you. Don’t worry about any traditions you aren’t interested in or guests you don’t want beside you. Enjoy having your closest friends and family beside you as you share this very special day with your love.
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