Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity Gala

The 2020 Chicago Auto Show First Look for Charity Gala raised more than 2.8 million dollars. The money will be shared amongst eighteen area charities.

What is the First Look for Charity Gala?
The Chicago Auto Show\’s First Look for Charity Gala is a black-tie benefit, which is held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public for its 10-day run. The First Look for Charity Gala is not only filled with all the fabulous auto show cars, but there is also wine, beer, sparkling beverages, plenty of delicious food, and of course live entertainment. Those who attend the event are part of the premier viewing of the Chicago Auto Show. Tickets to this amazing fundraiser are $275 each. Purchasers can elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or anyone charity of their choosing.

2020 First Look Charity Gala 
This year the Chicago Auto Show\’s First Look Charity Gala raised $2,812,016. Over the past 29 years, the Chicago Auto Show\’s First Look Charity Gala has raised more than $56 million.

2020 Beneficiaries Included
The 100 Club of Chicago
Advocate Health Care
The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet
Clearbrook
Franciscan Community Benefit Services
Habitat for Humanity
JDRF
Susan G. Komen Chicago
The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children
Misericordia
New Star
Special Olympics Illinois
Turning Pointe Autism Foundation
The Jesse White Tumbling Team.

The 2020 Chicago Auto Show runs from February 8-17 and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the final day, Monday, February. 17, Presidents Day.

2020 Chicago Auto Show Highlights

For as long as I can remember, Detroit has been the first major auto show of the year. However this year the North American International Auto Show in Detroit will be taking place in June. That means Chicago is the first major auto show of the calendar year. Thanks to Nissan I had the opportunity to head to the Windy City to check out the Chicago Auto Show.

This is the 112th year of the Chicago Auto Show, and the Windy City is bringing more than just new cars to McCormick Place. Nissan revealed Brian Murphy’s 1-Million-Mile 2007 Nissan Frontier, which has faced Chicago roads for the past 13-years and only has some minor paint bubbling around the rear wheel wells, proving Nissan vehicles offer longevity and toughness.

While you’re drooling over the latest vehicles (hello Ford GT Liquid Carbon Edition), stop by Subaru for some puppy time. That’s right, Subaru Loves Pets and has an area where you can actually interact with some adorable pups that are looking for their furever home. Take a race down Germany roads with the Kia Stinger Race simulator, or head over to Jeep for an offroading experience. The Chicago Auto Show runs from February 8-17, so be sure to grab your tickets and visit the show while it is in town.

Chicago Auto Show Special-themed Days + Discounts 

Monday, 
February 10: Sports Team Pride Day  
This sports-themed event kicks off the first full public week of the show. Sports fans who visit the show will be able to participate in special sports activations led by Windy City favorites including the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Wolves, Chicago Dogs and Windy City Bulls. As an added incentive, sports fans who wear their favorite Illinois team jersey to the show will receive a discounted access at just $8. 
Tuesday, February  11: Women’s Day 
There will be a series of events geared towards the female demographic including panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities throughout the day. Women will be offered a discounted ticket at $8.
Wednesday, February 12 – Friday, Feb. 14: A Safe Haven Food Drive 
The show partners with A Safe Haven to host an annual food drive. Fans who bring three cans of food will receive a $5 discount off the full adult admission.
Friday, February 14: Hispanic Heritage Day 
The Chicago Auto Show will continue to partner with Telemundo Chicago to host Hispanic Heritage Day featuring a live TV broadcast as well as fun-filled activities – such as lucha libres and mariachis – throughout the evening.

Friday, February 14: Chicago Friday Night Flights — Craft Beer Sampling Night  
The Chicago Auto Show is bringing back “Chicago Friday Night Flights,” a craft beer sampling event on Friday, Feb. 14 from 6-9 p.m. The event will feature a dozen local breweries to sample their latest brews. Attendees will receive access to the auto show along with their tasting pass. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $30, or $40 at the door.
Sunday, February 16: Miles Per Hour 
The show’s final weekend is heating up with a new indoor run called Miles Per Hour, sponsored by Honda. We’ve partnered with the Chicago Area Runners Association on the run where participants will cover as much distance as possible within a one-hour timeframe. A 2.4-mile loop includes the wide aisles of the auto show!
Monday, February 17: Family Day (Presidents Day)
Family Day returns to the 2020 Chicago Auto Show on Presidents Day. Many children have the day off of school, so it’s a great opportunity to shake off those winter blues and come down to the show. Plus, it’s the last chance to see the nation’s largest auto show.

Chicago Auto Show visitors will be among the first to see the newest vehicles that made their debut during the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview.
2020 Chicago Auto Show Reveals:
2020 Honda Civic Type R
2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
2020 Jeep Special Edition Wrangler and Gladiator Premium High Altitude
2020 Jeep Wrangler JPP 20 Limited Edition 
2020 Kia Cadenza
2020 Nissan Frontier

2021 Chicago Auto Show Reveals:
2021 Chevrolet Equinox
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
2020 Durango SRT Black and Redline Stripe 
2020 Ford GT Liquid Carbon
2021 Genesis GV80
2021 Jaguar F-TYPE
2021 Toyota 4 Runner
2021 Toyota Highlander
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
2021 Toyota Sequoia
2021 Toyota Tacoma

Broadway in Detroit – What\’s Coming in the 2020-2021 Season

ATTENTION: Due to COVID-19, the 2020-2021 Broadway subscription season has been changed. Here are the newest updates.

Detroit it\’s time to mark your calendars because Broadway In Detroit just announced the six Broadway productions that will be apart of Broadway in Detroit\’s 2020-2021 subscription season. The season will be headlined by the electrifying new musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations,  followed by Disney’s Frozen, The Band’s Visit, The Cher Show, Hairspray and Mean Girls. And, here is the most exciting news Hamilton will return to Detroit and be offered as a priority purchase opportunity for subscribers.

The 2020-2021 Broadway In Detroit Subscription Season opens with Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, which chronicles the life and time of The Temptations, at the Detroit Opera House, July – August 2020, followed by Disney’s Frozen, the hit Broadway musical, at the Detroit Opera House, August – September 2020; The Band’s Visit, winner of 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, at the Fisher Theatre, October – November 2020;  The Cher Show, the Tony Award®-winning musical about the pop culture icon and unstoppable force, at the Fisher Theatre, December 2020;  Hairspray, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, at the Fisher Theatre, February 2021; and, the hilarious hit musical Mean Girls, at the Fisher Theatre, February – March 2021. Subscribers will have a priority opportunity to purchase tickets to the return of Hamilton at the Fisher Theatre, March – April 2021.

Please note that all show dates may be subject to change.

Renewals are available now for the 2020-2021 Broadway In Detroit Subscription Season by visiting www.BroadwayInDetroit.com or by calling Broadway In Detroit at (313) 872-1000, ext. 0. Current subscribers must renew by April 5 if they wish to keep their same seats.  New subscriptions will be available for purchase beginning February 24. All subscribers will have the first opportunity to purchase up to eight Hamilton tickets with their 2020-2021 season subscription.

“The 2020-2021 Broadway In Detroit Subscription Season Is one of the strongest line-ups we’ve had in years and features the hottest Broadway musicals now on tour,” said Broadway In Detroit Executive Director Alan Lichtenstein.

Broadway In Detroit 2020-2021 Subscription Shows

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
Ain\’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  The winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, it’s a thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal during a decade of civil unrest in America. Set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” Ain’t Too Proud tells the unforgettable story of the legendary quintet that Billboard Magazine named the greatest R&B group of all time.

Disney\’s Frozen
Critics are calling Frozen “A can’t miss Broadway event” (NBC), and now it’s joining Disney’s smash hit musicals The Lion King and Aladdin on tour across North America! Frozen is an all-new production created for the stage by an award-winning creative team, led by Academy Award® winners Jennifer Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and Tony Award®-winning director Michael Grandage. It features the songs you know and love from the original film plus an expanded score with a dozen new musical numbers. Frozen is an unforgettable, magical adventure, which Newsday calls, “A serious megahit with amazing special effects, eye-popping costumes, and incredible performances.”

The Band\’s Visit
Broadway musical The Band’s Visit is the winner of 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, making it one of the most Tony-winning musicals in history. It is also a Grammy Award® winner for Best Musical Theater Album. With a score that seduces your soul and sweeps you off your feet, and featuring thrillingly talented onstage musicians, The Band’s Visit rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together. “An exquisitely peaceful musical. The Band’s Visit is one of those rare shows that has captured a bit of magic,” says The Washington Post.

The Cher Show
Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture — breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries, and letting nothing and no one stands in her way. The Cher Show is the Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon. The Cher Show is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy®, an Oscar®, an Emmy®, and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have you dancing in the aisles!
 
Hairspray
You Can’t Stop the Beat! Hairspray, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon that inspired the blockbuster film and live television event, is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the ’60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” “It Takes Two,” and incorporating “Ladies Choice” from the musical film adaption, Hairspray is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” says The New York Times. This all-new touring production will reunite Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring Hairspray to a new generation of theater audiences. Don’t miss what The New Yorker calls an “exhilaratingly funny and warm-hearted musical comedy.”

Mean Girls
Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. New York Magazine cheers, “Mean Girls delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery.” USA Today says, “We’ll let you in on a little secret because we’re such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!”

HamiltonHamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre —a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

“Five of the six blockbuster shows on the 2020-21 Broadway In Detroit Subscription Season will make their Detroit premier, and Hamilton is the return engagement that everyone has been waiting for!” said Lichtenstein.

Purchasing Subscription Tickets

 2020-2021 Broadway In Detroit Subscription Season tickets are priced starting at $319 for all six shows. Renewals are available now for the 2020-21 Broadway In Detroit Subscription Season by visiting http://www.BroadwayInDetroit.com or by calling Broadway In Detroit at (313) 872-1000, ext. 0.  Current subscribers must renew by April 5 if they wish to keep their same seats.  New subscriptions will be available for purchase beginning February 24. All subscribers will have the first opportunity to purchase up to eight Hamilton tickets with their 2020-21 season subscription.

Benefits for Subscribers

Broadway In Detroit season subscribers always get the best seats in the house, the same seats for each show, priority access to buy additional tickets for season shows and extra attractions, exclusive subscriber-only events, and full exchange privileges at no charge. Another added benefit for subscribers is the ability to post tickets for sale or forward tickets to friends or clients up to two hours before showtime via their Broadway In Detroit account. Subscribers also enjoy the ability to have tickets reprinted at the box office for no charge. Subscription prices include parking costs in the Fisher Theatre surface parking lot and deck for performances at the Fisher Theatre.

Group Reservations
Group reservation requests for all season shows are being accepted now for groups of 10+ to 20+ (minimum varies depending on the show) by emailing groups@broadwayindetroit.com and using the name of the show as your subject line, or by phone (313) 871-1132, Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Individual tickets for subscription shows will go on sale at a later date.

Extra attractions not included with the season subscription will be announced at a later date.

Coming to Detroit: SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical

I need some hot stuff baby tonight, and Broadway in Detroit is bringing it with the announcement individual tickets for the Detroit premiere of SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical at the Fisher Theatre, June 9 – 21, will go on sale Sunday, February 16.  Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased online at www.broadwayindetroit.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased by phone by calling 800-982-2787. Starting Monday, February 17, tickets may also be purchased at the Fisher Theatre box office.

SUMMER features a book by Tony Award® nominee Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Tony Award® winner Des McAnuff, with songs by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Paul Jabara and others and is directed by Des McAnuff and choreographed by Tony Award® winner Sergio Trujillo, with music supervised by Ron Melrose and scenic design by Tony Award® nominee Robert Brill, costumes by Tony Award® winner Paul Tazewell, lighting by Tony Award® winner Howell Binkley, sound by Tony Award® nominee Gareth Owen and projections by Sean Nieuwenhuis. This tour is produced by the Dodgers and Tommy Mottola.

She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.  With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

The three actresses who will play the role of musical icon Donna Summer will be Dan’yelle Williamson as “Diva Donna,” Alex Hairston as “Disco Donna” and Olivia Elease Hardy as “Duckling Donna.”

The cast of SUMMER also includes Steven Grant Douglas as “Bruce Sudano,” John Gardiner as “Neil Bogart,” and Erick Pinnick as “Andrew Gaines.” The ensemble is comprised of Jennifer Byrne, Jay Garcia, Tamrin Goldberg, Cameron Anika Hill, Brooke Lacy, Trish Lindström, Mara Lucas, Jo’Nathan Michael, DeQuina Moore, Kyli Rae, Crystal Sha’nae, De’Ja Simone, Sir Brock Warren, Candace J. Washington, Brittany Nicole Williams, and Jennifer Wolfe.

THE AUDIENCE REACHES A FEVER PITCH.” – Entertainment Weekly

“The audience craves it with an intensity I don’t recall ever seeing before.” – Chicago Tribune

“Don’t miss it. A vibrant and sparkling homage to the queen of disco. It’s the perfect place to dance to your favorite disco hits by the diva!” – Vogue

“Pure bliss. An ebullient era in music! It gives the trailblazing songstress her rightful place in pop culture.” – The Hollywood Reporter

For more information, please visit  www.TheDonnaSummerMusical.com.

Social media:
Facebook.com/DonnaSummerBway
Instagram: @DonnaSummerBway
Twitter: @DonnaSummerBway

Performance times for SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical appearing June 9 – 21, 2020 at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 West Grand Blvd., in Detroit are:

Tuesday – Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Special open captioned and audio described performance on Sunday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical start at $39 (includes facility and parking fees) and go on sale Sunday, February 16. Tickets can be purchased online at broadwayindetroit.com or ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-982-2787. Starting Monday, February 17 tickets may also be purchased at the Fisher Theatre box office. A limited number of premium seats will be available through Ticketmaster and at the Fisher Theatre box office. For group sales (12 or more) please call 313-871-1132 or email groups@broadwayindetroit.com. Tickets for the open captioned and audio described performance may be purchased in person at the Fisher Theatre box office or by phone at 313-872-1000, ext. 0. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

Broadway In Detroit uses Ticketmaster as its sole, authorized ticketing agent. Individual tickets purchased from a ticket broker or “third party” ticket reseller involves risk and may not be authentic, sold at box office prices, or with correct performance and venue information. Broadway In Detroit box offices cannot reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets sold through a third party or ticket reseller. Broadway In Detroit is also unable to contact third party purchasers with pertinent updates or changes regarding performances.

Review: Jesus Christ Superstar

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice\’s iconic musical, Jesus Christ Superstar is currently on tour and is making an appearance at the Detroit Opera House in the heart of Detroit, Michigan now through February 9th, 2020. I had the privilege of seeing Jesus Christ Superstar on Tuesday and was absolutely blown away.

Jesus Christ Superstar begins with members of a cast running up the aisles and hopping on the stage, where the show then immerses the audience in what makes them feel like they are right in the middle of a rock concert. The lights, choreography, costumes, and use of hand-held microphones all play a huge part in the \”concert experience.\” The energy of Jesus Christ Superstar is absolutely intoxicating. While it maybe 50 years since Jesus Christ Superstar\’s first performance the musical still feels edgy, modern and relevant.

What\’s the buzz? Tell me what\’s a-happening in Jesus Christ Superstar
Aaron LaVigne, who plays Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar is a Ryan Gosling-tyle rocker with a man bun (swoon). LaVigne\’s vocals were out of this world, and at times I genuinely felt like I was at a Christian rock concert which was amazing.

James Delisco Beeks, who plays Judas has vocals that rival Luther Vandross, and leaves you wanting more whenever he completes a song. His energy on the stage is absolutely infectious.

The orchestra left me speechless, they were absolutely pointless. What I loved most was that during Jesus Christ Superstar the orchestra is not confined to the orchestra pit, they are actually apart of the show. You will find the Jesus Christ Superstar orchestra on the second level of the set, and it spans across the entire stage.

The singing of the cast was crisp, clear and easy to understand. The lung capacity of the singers is one that I have never experienced before.

Jesus Christ Superstar is told largely from Judas\’s point-of-view, and the story of the musical closely follows biblical accounts of Christ\’s arrest and crucifixion in Jerusalem. The musical brings a nontraditional spin to Christ\’s last days, as Jesus is portrayed as more of a cultural phenomenon than a divine figure. When Jesus is lashed, bursts of glitter are sprayed, sticking with the rockstar theme – which I loved.

Jesus Christ Superstar is now on my list of shows that I would love to see again. This cutting edge performance will leave you wanting more. While Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of Jesus, this is the type of show for everyone. You do not need to have a religious background or even be religious to see it. The feeling of being in a rock concert, when actually you\’re at the gorgeous Detroit Opera House is unique and different. Some of the members of the orchestra even leave their area to come downstairs and rock it out with the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. If you\’re on the fence about seeing the show, I highly recommend that you grab tickets and go. It is absolutely amazing and will leave you speechless.