Simply Sensational

Chicago's best musical talent and singing sensation Kim Kuzma join forces for an invigorating and kinetic evening Chicago's great bounty of musical talent 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 once again 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 is at 7 pm, and includes selections from Bailiwick Chicago's Blood, Bloody Andrew Jackson, Theo Ubique's Smokey Joe's Cafe, company members from Chicago Shakepeare's Sunday in the Park, the amazing male trio "With A Twist" and much more 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. 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've 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.

"With A Twist" is made up 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!!!!!

Michael A. Leppen and the Board and Artistic Ensemble of Pride Films and Plays invite you to an evening that is SIMPLY SENSATIONAL, featuring the best talent in Chicago in music, dance, comedy, and theater!

Join us on November 14, 2011. The evening includes appetizers and a complimentary beer and wine bar from 6:30 to 7:30. The performance begins at 7:30, and desserts will be featured at intermission.

VIP tickets are $50 and include reserved seating, program recognition, and one ticket to PFP's current comedy Love Sucks! (running through November 26). General admission tickets are $25. Tickets may be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets, 1 800 838 3006 or ordered on-line here.

Performers for the evening include singers Tom Michael, Natalie Myre, and Honey West, comedy from ThoraBurch, opera from Daina Fisher, dance from the Crush Dance Collective, performances by the Pride Films and Plays Artistic Ensemble, and a scene from Rob Mersola's Love Sucks!

Simply Sensational is at the Hoover-Leppen Theater of the Center on Halsted, 3656 North Halsted.