The cast of Steppenwolf’s “Pot Mom” had a great time mingling with the post-performance crowd last Thursday night at Blue Mesa on North Halsted Street.
The event was a fundraiser and “awareness” evening designed to give young professionals the “inside” experience of Steppenwolf. Tickets were $45 per person, and included a pre-performance reception, the performance at the Steppenwolf Studio Theatre and the after-party. Proceeds from the evening benefit the theater.
Stars Laurie Metcalf (Jackie on “Roseanne”), Tom Irwin (perhaps best known as the father on “My So-Called Life,”) and Johnny Galecki (also of “Roseanne”) mixed with the 100 guests at the Blue Mesa. They noshed on chicken and beef skewers and quesadillas while Irwin and Metcalf talked about how thrilled they were to be back in Chicago theater after working in Hollywood. Though he’s got a long list of credits, Irwin said he is most frequently recognized by 15-year-old girls because of the endless repeats of “My So-Called Life” on MTV.
– Boys were quaking with excitement Sunday night as they lined up at Comiskey Park to meet the stars of the Chicago White Sox.
Picnic in the Park, a fundraiser for Chicago White Sox Charities, drew hundreds of families to the ballfield. As they entered the stadium, guests were given disposable cameras to photograph the players, coaches and broadcasters.
Predictably, the longest lines were for Frank Thomas, Albert Belle and Robin Ventura.
But all the players were obliging and gracious, patiently signing baseball bats and balls, not to mention remnants from the old, torn-down Comiskey Park. Ventura even tossed a ball around with some boys.
Guests were asked to bring blankets to be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. Fried chicken picnic dinners were served, and the evening culminated with fireworks. A silent auction of sports memorabilia contributed to the overall proceeds of the evening, about $50,000. Admission was $175 per adults, and $100 per child.
– Actors from “ER” will be on hand July 18 to help raise money for Mt. Sinai Hospital’s newly expanded Emergency Department and Coleman Trauma Center.
Conni Marie Brazelton, Laura Ceron and Ellen Crawford of the television drama will participate in the black-tie-optional event. Tickets are $85 at the door and $75 in advance. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 773-257-6071.
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