Simply Sensational 2!

Michael A. Leppen and Pride Films and Plays Present

Simply Sensational 2

A high-energy benefit featuring Chicago's best

musical theater talent along with featured artist

Kim Kuzma

Chicago's best musical talent joins forces with singing sensation Kim Kuzma for an invigorating and kinetic evening in Simply Sensational 2. The program will be performed in the thrust space of Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont, on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, and is sponsored by Michael A. Leppen.

The evening beings at 6 pm with appetizers and an open bar with champagne, wine, beer, and soft drinks. The program begins at 7 pm, and includes selections from Bailiwick Chicago's Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Theo Ubique's Smokey Joe's Café, company members from Chicago Shakepeare's Sunday in the Park, the amazing trio "With A Twist," and much more. At intermission, the bar reopens, and guests are welcome to sample the dessert buffet provided by J and L Catering, provided through the generosity of Michael A. Leppen.

Tickets for Simply Sensational 2 are $50 for VIP reserved center section seating, and $25 for general admission. Door prizes of tickets, dinners, and gift certificates will also be raffled off during the evening. Purchase tickets here.

The evening benefits Pride Films and Plays' upcoming season which includes the world premieres of At The Flash and Under A Rainbow Flag, and a 20th anniversary revival of Beautiful Thing.

Kim Kuzma has thrilled audiences around the globe, and makes her first Chicago performance since the Gay Games in 2006. Her powerhouse voice and trademark witty banter has "packed the room" at Vancouver's Outgames and Gay Whistler Ski Week. If you visit Puerto Vallarta, you may have heard her perform at The Palm or Club Manana, and she has performed at countless Pride events in locations such as Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, and Las Vegas. She has performed alongside Jennifer Holliday, Martha Wash, Thelma Houston, Janice Robinson, Lea DeLaria, Sandra Bernhard, Alan Cummings, and the fabulous Amy Armstrong.

Respected by musicians, critics, and fans alike, Kim brings sass, high energy, wit, and an amazing vocal ability to the stage. From classic dance faves and R&B to her signature original material, Kim's hypnotizing stage presence and electrifying vocal range grabs the audience from the start and takes listeners on a musical joyride that always leaves the crowd roaring for more.

For tickets to Simply Sensational 2 visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

Each week we will introduce some of the fabulous shows and groups featured in Simply Sensational 2.

This Week Meet "With A Twist"

Joining in the fun on October 9 is the sensational singing group "With A Twish" composed of local singers Kevin Bishop, Steve Kimbrough, and Paul Motondo, with musical arrangements and direction by the incomparable Nick Sula.

Come hear songs you know and love in three-part harmony. Imagine The Andrew Sisters meet The Backstreet Boys with some Lady Gaga and Peggy Lee thrown in for fun. It's twisted!!!!!

Subscribe Now To See It All!

Pride Films and Plays announces a three-play roster for 2012-2013, its first season of full productions, while recommitting to its third series of international playwriting and screenwriting competitions.

Since it was founded in 2010, Pride Films and Plays has reexamined classic LGBT texts while also becoming an international center for the development of fresh work for the stage and screen. PFP's developmental work comes of age this season with the staging of Jeff-eligible world premieres At The Flash and Under a Rainbow Flag, both discovered in PFP's 2012 Great Gay Play and Musical Contest. The final selection of the season is a 20th anniversary revival of Jonathan Harvey's coming-of-age classic Beautiful Thing.

Pride Films and Plays is now offering Premium Play Passes and Play Passes for its 2012-13 season. Premium Passes are $50 and include one ticket for each of the three full productions, plus 6 free tickets to the Gay Play Weekend, Gay Screenplay Weekend, or Women's Work Weekend. The names of Premium Pass holders will be also be listed in the season's programs. This is a $120 value!

Play Passes are $40 and include one ticket for each of the three full productions and three tickets to the Gay Play Weekend, Gay Screenplay Weekend or Women's Work Weekend. This is a $90 value!

Students and seniors over 60 can save $5 when purchasing either the Premium Pass or Play Pass.

Purchase a season pass here so you don't miss a moment!

Don't Miss Corpus Christi at COH on September 29 and 30!

For more details on the performance and film,

go here.

Saturday, September 15, is the first deadline day to enter the 2013 Great Gay Play and Musical Contest. Winners will receive cash, and see their works performed as 'enhanced stage readings' in our Gay Play Weekend next spring in Chicago.

For application and rules, go here.

Looking for a

Pride Films and Plays

Performance Calendar?

See our calendar of upcoming PFP events to plan your theater going experiences!

Pride Films and Plays, based in Chicago, links an international network of writers with professionals working in film and theater. PFP fosters excellent writing for the stage and screen that speaks not only to the LGBT community, but is also essential viewing for all audiences.

Using stories with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters or themes, Pride Films and Plays develops human stories that become a cultural bridge to understanding.

Through readings, contests, classes, screenings, and full theater productions, PFP engages artists and audiences in the full developmental process needed to make great artistic experiences.

For more information, go here.

PRIDE FILMS AND PLAYS

3023 N Clark 327

Chicago, IL 60657

www.pridefilmsandplays.com

David Zak

Executive Director

John Nasca

Artistic Associate

Allison Fradkin

Literary Coordinator, Women's Work

Artistic Ensemble

Steven Anderson

Derek Van Barham
Charles A. Berglund

Derek Bertelsen

David Besky

Tom Chiola

Brian Grey

Sean-Edward Hall

Michael Hampton

Jude Hansen

Valerie Heckman

John Highberger

Kris Hyland

Kelley Keough

Joan McGrath

Michelle McKenzie-Voigt

Kyra Morris

Tiffany Nasca

Cyra K. Polizzi

Stewart Quarles

Nelson Rodriguez

Chad Ryan

Patrick Rybarczyk

Mark Smaglinski

Jamie Smith

Andrew Souders

Alex St. John

Nicholas Stockwell

Kelli Walker

Kevin Webb

Lee Wichman

Read about our Artistic Ensemble Members here.

Pride Films and Plays is a member of the

League of Chicago Theaters,

Central Lakeview Merchants Association,

and the

Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.