Hidden Gems

 

 

Cityscape bar
Unless I’m staying in the hotel and using its bar as a starting point for the night, like for a wedding or trip with friends, you won’t find me in a hotel bar very often. There are a lot of reasons, and I’m guessing I’m not alone in that regard.

But that narrow-minded thought process may have come to a screeching halt with my recent visit to Cityscape, a slick new bar overlooking the city from the comforts of the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, which adjoins the Merchandise Mart (attention Brown Line commuters).

Although it’s located just off the vast atrium lobby, you can quickly forget you’re in a hotel and among — gulp — tourists. It’s that kind of place.

The floor-to-ceiling windows and southeast corner location in the hotel provide a breathtaking 15-story skyline view of the city looking south down the river and east toward the lake. A modern circular bar, textured patterned walls, unique lighting, built-in plasma TVs and comfortable lounge chairs make it all the more appealing.

Bartenders whip up classic cocktails, including specialty martinis (try the Snickerdoodle), and there is a quality selection of beer and wine available — all at reasonable prices that would beat a lot of other spots in the city, which isn’t exactly the norm with hotel lounges.

And the appetizer list is one that you may want to turn into a menu. The bite-sized crabcakes, mini angus burgers and roasted duck tamales were a particular hit with our group.

Cityscape would make for a nice stop-off point with friends on your commute home or a place to start your weekend if you have plans downtown. There’s even a VIP seating area for those who want to reserve the best view available.

It’s open Monday-Thursday from 3 p.m.-1 a.m. and Friday-Sunday from 3 p.m.-1 a.m. and located on the 15th floor at 350 W. Mart Center Plaza Drive.

“Nine,” the musical
Porchlight Music Theatre, Chicago presents the season finale, the sexy and sophisticated Broadway musical, “Nine.” This Tony-Award Winning Best Musical is now in development with Rob Marshall to become a major motion picture. Chicago audiences can catch this musical live at Theatre Building Chicago from April 4 to May 18, 2008.   

“Nine” the musical is an unconventional love story based on Italian film director Federico Fellini’s comedic masterpiece, “8 1⁄2.” The acclaimed production is the recipient of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 1982 and Best Revival of a Musical in 2003.  The show is also the winner of ten Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical in 1982 and Outstanding Revival of a Musical in 2003.

“Nine” examines the midlife crisis of film director Guido Contini (who is based on the real life Federico Fellini). Guido’s 40th birthday sends him into an emotional tailspin that threatens to destroy his marriage and career. Guido brings his wife to Venice to save his marriage and restore his artistic passion, but while there, he falls back into a tangled web of romance and deception. He is forced to examine his flawed relationships with the many women he has loved. Eventually, Guido learns to act like an adult, instead of a self-indulgent child.

Rob Marshall, the director and choreographer of the movie musical “Chicago,” is in pre-production for a film based on “Nine” the musical. The film is set to star Javier Bardem, Sophia Loren and Penelope Cruz. It is slated to be released in 2009.

Theatre Building Chicago is located at 1225 W. Belmont (at Racine). The performance schedule is Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. For ticket information, call the box office at 773-327-5252 or visit www.theatrebuildingchicago.org.

Comedysportz late-night series
A definite alternative to the all-ages appropriate humor of ComedySportz, the company’s late-night series features funny, veteran shows that will make you laugh late into the night!

The Improv Match Game
Thursdays at 10pm, $5

Inspired by the 1970s game show “Match Game,” The Improv Match Game instead has audience members try to match answers to questions with Chicago’s top improvisers.

The Beatbox
Fridays at Midnight, $10

The Beatbox fuses long-form improvisation with hip-hop conventions, which means battle raps, samples, and hilarious “remixed” scenes.

The Hot Karl
Saturdays at Midnight, $10

As the name suggests, The Hot Karl is an improv show intended for mature audiences who appreciate dirty, improvised comedy and R-rated language.

Check out the brand new ComedySportz stage at 929 W. Belmont. For tickets, call (773) 549-8080.

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