Rick Bayless

The Bayless Family Foundation Reveals 2023/2024 Winners of The Stepping Stone Grant and Signal Grants
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2024

The Bayless Family Foundation has revealed the winners of two major theater grants.

Bayless Family Foundation Opens 2023 Stepping Stone Grant For Chicago Theaters
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 27, 2023

The Bayless Family Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023 Stepping Stone Grant for Chicago theaters.

The Countdown To Lyric Opera Of Chicago's Wine Auction 2023 Begins
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 1, 2023

After a five year hiatus, Lyric Opera of Chicago is back this Spring with Wine Auction 2023, on May 13. Named a 'Top Charity Wine Auction' by Wine Spectator Magazine, the famed event is returning with its most lavish year yet, with all proceeds from making a profound contribution to Lyric's ability to present the joy of live performance through the wonder of grand opera.

Music Theater Works Receives Bayless Family Foundation Signal Grant
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 7, 2023

Music Theater Works, (MTW) launching its 43rd season with the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Avenue Q, March 9 - April 2, has received a Signal Grant by the Bayless Family Foundation for MTW's efforts to update shows with outdated or actively offensive content.

Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Honors Donna McKechnie at ICONS Gala
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2022

Porchlight Music Theatre was joined by nearly 200 people to launch its 28th season, honor the 2022 ICON Award recipient, one of Broadway’s foremost singing and dancing leading ladies, Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie,  present The Luminary Award to Dan Ratner and The Genevieve and Daniel Ratner Foundation and raise funds for its artistic and educational programs. Check out photos!

Last Chance: A RECIPE FOR DISASTER Must Close April 24
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 19, 2022

James Beard Award-winning Chef Rick Bayless and Windy City Playhouse Artistic Director Amy Rubenstein today announced that their hit immersive production, “A Recipe For Disaster,” must close Sunday, April 24 on the Club Level at Petterino's (150 N Dearborn). “A Recipe For Disaster” is written by Bayless, Rubenstein and Windy City Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Carl Menninger and directed by Jeff Award Winner David H. Bell.

Desiree Staples is Joined By Rick Bayless in A RECIPE FOR DISASTER
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2022

Los Angeles based actress Desiree Staples has been enjoying a limited run in “A Recipe For Disaster,” playing at the Windy City Playhouse in Chicago, and will soon be acting with show creator Rick Bayless when he joins the cast on March 23, through April 23rd.

Rick Bayless, Amy Rubenstein To Join A RECIPE FOR DISASTER Cast
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2022

James Beard Award-winning Chef Rick Bayless and Windy City Playhouse Artistic Director Amy Rubenstein today announced they will join the cast of their hit immersive production “A Recipe For Disaster,” written by Bayless, Rubenstein and Windy City Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Carl Menninger and directed by Jeff Award Winner David H. Bell.

A RECIPE FOR DISASTER Extended at Windy City Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 5, 2021

James Beard Award-winning Chef Rick Bayless and Windy City Playhouse Artistic Director Amy Rubenstein today announced the extension of their immersive production, “A Recipe For Disaster,” written by Bayless, Rubenstein and Windy City Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Carl Menninger and directed by Jeff Award Winner David H. Bell, through March 27, 2022. 

Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Honors Chita Rivera & More at 2021 ICONS Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 1, 2021

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre celebrated 26 years as the center for music theatre in Chicago, honored actor, singer, dancer Chita Rivera with The ICON Award, Rick and Deann Bayless and the Bayless Family Foundation with the Luminary Award and Latino business and civic leaders as 2021 Scene Changers at its 2021 ICONS Gala.

Chicago Theatres Plan For Venue Reopenings
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 29, 2021

The League of Chicago Theatres announces the long-awaited reopening of the robust Chicago theatre industry.

RECIPE FOR DISASTER Will Be Performed at Windy City Playhouse Later This Year
by Stephi Wild - Jul 9, 2021

Conceived by Rick Bayless and Windy City Playhouse's artistic team, A RECIPE FOR DISASTER is a live experience that combines immersive theater, food, and farce.

Stephen Colbert, David Schwimmer and More to Take Part in Lookingglass Theatre Company's 2021 Gglassquerade UnGALA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2021

Lookingglass Theatre Company has announced their 2021 gglassquerade unGALA, a virtual event in support of the Tony Award-winning Lookingglass Theatre Company. Stay home, stay safe, stay cozy, and all the while, sustain America's most innovative ensemble-based theatre.

Lookingglass Theatre Announces 2021 gglassquerade unGALA 
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2021

Lookingglass Theatre Company announces a one-of-a-kind experience brought to you by a one-in-a-million theatre company…and you don't even have to be there in person! It's the 2021 gglassquerade unGALA, a virtual event in support of the Tony Award-winning Lookingglass Theatre Company.

Food Network Kitchen Serves Up New Original Series TAKEOUT TWINS
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Sep 2, 2020

Food Network Kitchen, the award-winning, first of its kind culinary app, today announced the launch of new, original series, Takeout Twins, featuring The Potash Twins.

Virtual Theatre Today: Friday, August 21- with Rachel Bay Jones, Elizabeth Stanley and More!
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 21, 2020

Today (August 21) in live streaming: Rachel Bay Jones visits Backstage Live, Michael Urie and Mercedes Ruehl are guests on Virtual Halston, and so much more!

VIDEO: Jessie Mueller Chats About 'Sweet Home Chicago' Video Featuring Andre De Shields, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Keegan-Michael Key, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 11, 2020

An all-star line-up of Chicago natives and stars who got their start in the Windy City have come together for a new music video, performing the Blues anthem 'Sweet Home Chicago.' Jessie Mueller chatted with ABC7 about the video.

Broadway Catch Up: July 10 - Ben Platt, Rob McClure, the West End Cast of SIX, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 10, 2020

While Broadway remains shut down, BroadwayWorld is keeping up with your favorite stars and giving you a peek at what they have been up to! Check out yesterday's highlights from some of your favorites, including Ben Platt, Rob McClure, the West End cast of Six, and more!

Porchlight Announces PorchlightPalooza - A Three Day Fundraising Festival Featuring A Conversation With Joel Grey, Performances, Raffles, and More
by Stephi Wild - Jul 9, 2020

Porchlight Music Theatre announces a new three-day celebration in honor of its 25th Anniversary, PorchlightPalooza, Friday, Aug. 21 - Sunday, Aug. 23.

VIDEO: Jessie Mueller, Andre De Shields, and More Sing 'Sweet Home Chicago'
by Stephi Wild - Jul 9, 2020

An all-star line-up of Chicago natives and stars who got their start in the Windy City have come together for a new music video, performing the Blues anthem a?oeSweet Home Chicago.a??