Porchlight Music Theatre announces PorchlightPalooza, a three-day festival and fundraiser celebrating its 25th Anniversary, hosted by Bill Kurtis, and honoring Broadway legend Joel Grey.
PorchlightPalooza, Friday, Aug. 21 – Sunday, Aug. 23 will include performances from Chicago’s best talents, highlights from its award-winning history and an exclusive interview hosted by legendary newsman Bill Kurtis with the 2020 ICON Award recipient Joel Grey.
PorchlightPalooza will be broadcast FREE on Porchlight’s Facebook page, YouTube Live and its event page.
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PorchlightPalooza schedule:
Friday, Aug. 21 — 7 p.m. CDTCelebrating Porchlight Music Theatre’s 25 year history as Chicago’s home for music theatre–with songs from throughout the years and a kick-off from co-chairs Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis.
Friday’s performances are music directed by Michael McBride and feature Brian Acker, Adrian Aguilar, Missy Aguilar, Charissa Armon, Jayson Brooks, Caron Buinis, Lydia Burke, David Girolmo, Lucy Godinez, Sharriese Hamilton, Jermaine Hill, Callie Johnson, Donterrio Johnson, Michelle Lauto John Marshall, Jr., Alexis J Roston and Stephanie Stockstill.
Saturday, Aug. 22 — 7 p.m. CDTThe second night of PorchlightPalooza celebrates Porchlight’s commitment to showcasing emerging artists and nurturing young audiences, with a welcome from co-chairs Rick and Deann Bayless, the presentation of the Luminary Award to Elaine Cohen and Arlen D. Rubinand more surprises!
Saturday’s performances are music directed by Linda Madonia and include performances from E. Faye Butler, Matt Crowle, James Earl Jones II, Heidi Kettenring and Gene Weygandt.
Sunday, Aug. 23 — 7 p.m. CDTJoin 2020 ICON Award recipient Broadway legend Joel Grey for an intimate conversation with Bill Kurtis Aug. 23 — 7 p.m. CDT, featuring highlights from Grey’s career, performances from Porchlight favorite talents and well wishes and greetings from artists saluting Grey’s influence on music theatre including Bob Balaban, Patrick Cassidy, Kristin Chenoweth, Raul Esparza, Josh Gad, Tom Kitt, David Mamet, Joe Mantegna, Howard McGillin, Mandy Patinkin, Benj Pasek, Bernadette Peters, Lonny Price, Chita Rivera, Susan Stroman, Paul Oakley Stovall, Stephen Wallem and Maury Yeston are included in this final night of PorchlightPalooza.
Porchlight’s tribute to Joel Grey is music directed by Linda Madonia and stars Andres Enriquez, Erica Evans, Cory Goodrich, Christopher Kelley, Laura Savage and Joey Stone.
In addition to star-studded interviews, unforgettable performances and original virtual content in PorchlightPalooza, there is also a raffle that features four prizes: a private tour for eight of Rick and Deann Bayless’ urban home garden with drinks and snacks; a private tour for eight on the 65-acre grounds of Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra’s Mettawa home complete with wine and lunch, a Carribean vacation with round-trip economy airfare tickets and a three-night stay for two in an Ocean View Studio Suite at Rosewood Baha Mar with daily breakfast at Malam Indian Grill & Cellar and a deluxe Chicago Staycation!
Raffle tickets go on sale next week Monday, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. for $50/ticket and $100 for 3 tickets and will be available on the PorchlightPalooza event page.
PorchlightPalooza’s premier sponsors are Allstate and Jean Klingenstein. More information on PorchlightPalooza events and how to donate to this 25th Anniversary celebration may be FOUND HERE.
All PorchlightPalooza performers and performances are subject to change without notice.
