Chicago Publicity

[porschesrule]

Petterino's restaurant is known for its wall decor of original drawings of actors who have performed in Chicago. On Monday nights during the Fall and Winter months, the restaurant offers "Monday Night Live": http://www.petterinos.com/events/detail ... Night.html

Last night, members of the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical - 1st Tour were featured. Chicago's TV station ABC7 did a report on its late news last evening:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?sectio ... le-7679230

[porschesrule]

Here's more on the Bloomingdale's fashion show with Billy Elliot cast members as models. This article features comments by Ryan Kasprzak, BETM 1st Tour's dance captain, and Billy-to-be Myles Erlick.

http://skokie.patch.com/articles/billy- ... rom-skokie

[ERinVA]

Another video of Monday Night Live from Chicago 3 Media:

http://chicago3media.com/videoview.html?videoviewid=495

[Todd]

I was watching the Monday Night Live video from Petterino's and wondering if they had some performers from another show before they brought the Billy Elliot cast members out. Turns out I was watching the Billy Elliot cast members ! I bet the people who showed up there specifically to see performers from the show were disappointed that none of the Billys or primary cast members were featured.

[mrmikerocks]

I think it was nice that other cast members were given a chance to "shine" as well. I enjoyed it immensely.

[ERinVA]

I agree with mrmikerocks. I expect that people who attend these Monday night events are familiar with the format of actors from current shows performing numbers from the larger musical theatre canon, and they were not disappointed.

I loved the part of the interview with the pianist where she said that a lot of what she plays is familiar, but that thanks to the BETM singers, some challenging music "landed in front of her face." Obviously, she had a great time playing for them.

[Todd]

Sorry, I was under the impression that the performers were there to do songs from "Billy Elliot." If I was a local Chicagoan and heard members of the Billy Elliot cast were going to be there performing, I guess my natural assumption would be that one of the Billys would be there and they would perform "Electricity" or another song from the show. It would be a bit like the recent outdoor Broadway performance where several shows were spotlighted. When it comes time for the Billy Elliot portion of the show, out come several ensemble members to do a few tunes from "Guys and Dolls."

If the locals knew that the format is that a variety of shows' music will be performed, then I guess that's a different story. And yes, it is nice for some of the unheralded members of the company to get their chance in the spotlight.

[porschesrule]

Broadway in Chicago, in counjunction with Chicago Media 3, has put together a site containing "webisodes" of various promotional events that have been held involving members of the Chicago Billy Elliot the Musical cast.

http://chicago3media.com/component/hwdv ... deo_id=350

[porschesrule]

The casts of Disney's The Lion King and Billy Elliot will join together to present "City of Hope: Chicago Cares" on October 25th, with all proceeds benefiting Chicago House and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA).

http://bestgaychicago.com/2010/09/28/di ... Chicago%29

[sgv123]

The cast has participated for the "It Gets Better" videos. It is in regards to the recent LGBT suicides.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdZwSEjfeH8