It is back by popular demand for a third season, beginning with a sold-out second anniversary celebration on Monday, September 14! The highly-acclaimed "Petterino's Monday Night Live," presented every Monday evening at Petterino's, (151 N. Dearborn St.), located in the heart of the theater district, is co-hosted by Chicago's very own entertainment guru, Denise McGowan and cabaret artist and musician extraordinaire, Beckie Menzie. This showcase provides a relaxed yet sophisticated environment for established and emerging singers to share their talent and a nightspot for Chicagoans and tourists to experience true cabaret at its finest.
Since opening night on September 17, 2007, every week is different and full of its' own surprises! Guest singers have included such incredible notables as Nan Mason, Sue Conway, Joyce Faison, Ron Hawking, Bernie Allen, Robert Whorton, Jimmy Damon, Denise Tomasello, Tom Michael, Joan Curto, the late John Callaway, Nancy Wood, Frieda Lee, Carla Gordon, Elizabeth Doyle, Tom Michael, Cheri Coons, Robert Sims and Dick Judson. Also joining the ranks of MNL veterans have been principal cast members from Chicago's production of Jersey Boys and the national touring companies of Mary Poppins, A Chorus Line, Dirty Dancing, Grease, Sweeney Todd, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera and more.
Denise McGowan has been recognized as a Chicago impresario for over 25 years; and Beckie Menzie, whose interpretive and inventive piano stylings rank her among the best nightclub entertainers in the country, accompanies all acts. Guests can enjoy the performance while sipping cocktails and enjoying the classic American cuisine created by Petterino's Executive Chef Francis Brennan. A lighter menu of appetizers, sandwiches and salads is offered, as well as the full menu. A big hit is the special three-course ‘Seven After Seven" menu, featuring a choice of seven appetizers, seven entrees and seven desserts for $19.95!
"Petterino's Monday Night Live" begins at 7:30 p.m. with an "open mic" format punctuated with special guest stars from the professional musical community. McGowan and Menzie are on hand each evening at 7 p.m. to meet aspiring performers and begin sign up for the evening. Performances are limited to singing acts. All singers are expected to provide sheet music in their key. Menzie accompanies each act.
A $15 minimum is required for a table at "Monday Night Live." Reservations are strongly recommended, but not required, and can be made by calling Petterino's at 312-422-0150. Complimentary valet parking is available.
About Petterino's:
Named after Arturo Petterino, the legendary maitre d' of Chicago's renowned Pump Room, Petterino's specializes in a wide variety of "comfort food" dishes prepared with simple and classic ingredients. A favorite spot for theatergoers and area business workers, Petterino's imparts a sultry air of 1940's glamour and excitement to downtown Chicago in a comfortable, classy atmosphere. Petterino's is open Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Complimentary valet parking is available after 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and until 1 p.m. on Sundays.
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