Date and times:
Days: Every Monday
Show begins at 7:30 pm
Check out Rick Kogan's Article in the Chicago Tribune
Petterino's Monday Night Live has been a hit with singers, guests and critics alike since opening on September 17, 2007. This "open mic" evening of talent, hosted by Denise McGowan and Beckie Menzie, has showcased some of Chicago's most prominant cabaret and musical theater artists and continues to provide surprises at each performance.
Singers, seasoned professional and aspiring as well as amateurs with real talent are encouraged to join the fun. Singers are accompanied by the talented Beckie Menzie and should provide sheet music in their key. Sign up begins each evening at 7:00 p.m.
Those who prefer to watch can enjoy the performances while sipping on some theatre inspired cocktails and nibbling lighter Petterino's favorites as well as the full dinner menu.
What's New with Monday Night Live...
Dirty Dancing Cast on stage at Monday Night Live
The magic of Monday Night Live continues in its second season. On Monday, November 3, the MNL audience at was treated to special guest appearances from cast members of Dirty Dancing- The Classic Story on Stage, currently in production at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.
The crowd enjoyed Broadway and off-Broadway veterans E. Clayton Cornelious, Michael Lluberes and Erich McMillan-McCall and John Antony. Michael's clever original song and John's side-splitting number had the audience in stitches while Clayton and Erich delighted the crowd with more traditional and equally well-received musical numbers.
Chicago native Katlyn Carlson was lovely, sang beautifully and had the line of the night - believe me, you had to be there. Those who were there will just nod and smile when remembering how she brought the house down.
Charles Logan was another stand-out with his song "Last One Picked" which closed the first half of the evening and Thea Brooks took a commanding lead in the popular poll with her hilarious original song sharing her feelings for Barack Obama.
It was a reunion, of sorts, for MNL co-host McGowan and cast member Molly Callinan, In addition to her work in theater, Molly is a member of the fabulous rock band, Catfight, a band McGowan had booked in her former life as the Director of Entertainment for Navy Pier. Another member of the band, Julie Duchek (who also appears with the Lt. Dan Band) whipped the crowd into a frenzy with her rendition 'Natural Woman". Birthday boy Dave, joining MNL regular audience members Seymour and Barbara, was the center of attention for Julie and for Katlyn and had a most memorable birthday.
MNL regular Carlo Chappelle and his brother Chris had the crowd in the palm of their hands, each singing a solo number, then teaming up for an a cappella performance of His Eye is On the Sparrow - dedicated to their father who was leaving directly from the show to travel home to the Phillipines. The audience was visibly moved by this touching performance.
New to the MNL stage, but no stranger to the Chicago cabaret scene, Tracy Adams had a remarkable debut on the Petterino's stageas did regulars Ken Baker, Riley Thomas and "Trish".
As always, Beckie Menzie was amazing at the keyboard, remarkable when singing with musical partner Tom Michael and hilarious when trading barbs with co-host Denise McGowan.
It was another remarkable night in front of a capacity crowd.