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AUTHENTICALLY YOURS, A Benefit - July 21
AUTHENTICALLY YOURS A Variety Show Fundraiser for Open Space Arts Monday, July 21 | Doors at 6 PM, Show at 7 PM Lips Drag Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar — 2229 S Michigan Ave, Chicago Join us for a fierce and fabulous night of music, dance, drag, and dazzling talent at AUTHENTICALLY YOU, a one-of-a-kind variety show celebrating the power of being seen, heard, and true to yourself. The talent line-up includes Becky Menzie, Kevin Wood, Robert Ollis, Jill Renn, Andy Lanbros, Luc Ami, Male Spice and The Beaus. The host for the evening is Shalita Cake! This unforgettable evening at Lips — Chicago’s iconic drag show palace — will raise funds to support Open Space Arts’ bold new season, including the American premiere of GANGSTA BABY, the acclaimed British stage hit making its U.S. debut this fall. Expect a glittering lineup of performers across genres, surprise guests, a splash of sass, and a whole lot of heart — all in support of queer creativity and culture. ✨ Tickets: $100 – "Superstar Circle" (priority seating, cocktail voucher, program listing, and exclusive OSA thank-you gift) $175 Superstar Duo (all of the above for a couple) $50 – "Fabulous Friend" (general seating and shoutout in the program) $25 – "Standing Proud" Bar Seating 100% of proceeds benefit Open Space Arts’ mission to uplift marginalized voices through theater, film fests, and community-driven arts. 🎟 Get tickets and learn more at openspacearts.org Be bold. Be brilliant Authentically Yours.
- Jul 21, 2025 6:00 pm
Lips Drag Show Palace, Restaurant & BarTickets Available
SCANDALOUS BOY May 23 to June 28
THEATER EVENT! History. Passion. Power. A Love That Changed an Empire. Be among the first in the world to experience the International Premiere of SCANDALOUS BOY — a bold, contemporary take on one of history’s most legendary love stories. Written by acclaimed Australian playwright David Atfield, Scandalous Boy brings the intoxicating relationship between Roman Emperor Hadrian and the beautiful Antinous into a provocative, 21st-century light — where a statue comes to life and secrets from the past echo into today. “Thoughtful and joyously explicit.” — Sydney Morning Herald “Hugely entertaining, informative, and refreshing.” — Canberra Critics Circle 🎭 Directed by Benjamin Mills, featuring a powerhouse Chicago cast led by Jordan Gleaves (Seven Guitars, Blues for an Alabama Sky) and introducing Jose Alexander Martinez as Antinous. Expect an intimate and immersive theatrical experience—each performance is limited to just 25 audience members, placing you right in the heart of the action. This daring reimagining of ancient queer love and modern power dynamics features bold performances from rising stars in Chicago theater. Behind the scenes, an award-winning creative team brings the story vividly to life with passion and precision. Content Warning: This production includes depictions of sexual content, nonconsensual acts, and physical violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
- Jun 13, 2025 7:30 pm
Open Space ArtsTickets Available - Jun 14, 2025 7:30 pm
Open Space ArtsTickets Available - Jun 15, 2025 6:00 pm
Open Space ArtsTickets Available - Jun 20, 2025 7:30 pm
Open Space ArtsTickets Available - Jun 21, 2025 7:30 pm
Open Space ArtsTickets Available 3 more showtimes
THE REAL BLACK SWANN July 18 to 27
This is the true story of William Dorsey Swann, former slave who became the Queen of Drag in the late 1800's . She was also first Queer activist on record . She fought against racism and homophobia . As a matter of fact the things that she was fighting against in 1890 were the same things that we are once again fighting against in 2025. Winner of The International Audience Pick Colchester Fringe 2024 . Winner of The Audience Pick Prague Fringe 2023 . Winner of The Fringe Encore producers pick Cincy Fringe 2022 . Winner of The Doric Wilson Award The Dublin International Gay Theatre Festival .
- Jul 18, 2025 7:30 pm
Open Space ArtsTickets Available - Jul 19, 2025 7:30 pm
Open Space ArtsTickets Available - Jul 20, 2025 6:00 pm
Open Space ArtsTickets Available - Jul 24, 2025 7:30 pm
Open Space ArtsTickets Available - Jul 25, 2025 7:30 pm
Open Space ArtsTickets Available 2 more showtimes
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About Open Space Arts
The QUEER EXPRESSION FILM AND THEATER FEST showcases powerful LGBTQ+ storytelling through five exciting components:
- Full productions of bold and innovative plays.
- Staged readings of classic and new plays.
- Staged readings of winners from our QUEER EXPRESSION WRITING CONTEST FOR STAGE AND SCREEN.
- In-person screenings of feature films at FACETS in Chicago.
- A virtual selection of short and mid-length films, available for streaming anywhere.
Learn more about our programs at openspacearts.org.