Heron PR has the ultimate list of must-sees and must-dos this summer in Chicago!
After a rough winter here in Chicago, 80 degreetemperatures and beach weather are finally here and we couldn’t be more thrilled. From world premieres and comedy festivals, to family-friendly activities and fondue specials, Noreen Heron & Associates has a list of the top things to do this summer. Please find here the Dropbox link to download photos. Feel free to contact us for more information, 773.969.5200.
Get serious about comedy this summer
Picture 400 women performing in 70 shows over the course of 4 days, and you’re at the 3rd Annual Chicago Women’s Funny Festival at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont. From June 5-8, comediennes from around the country – and world – will unite in Chicago to embrace the best in female comedy. The festival features everything from improv and standup, to musical and vaudeville, with headliners such as SNL writer Katie Rich and Chelsea Lately contributor Beth Stelling. Workshops are available as well. For tickets or more information, visit www.chicagowomensfunnyfestival.com.
Prepare Ye for the most anticipated show of the summer
The Marriott Theatre is proud to present a unique revival of one of Broadway’s most legendary rock musicals, GODSPELL. Conceived and originally directed by John Michael Tebelak, GODSPELL is a groundbreaking reflection on the life of Jesus, embracing the message of community, kindness and love. Director and Choreographer Matt Raftery delivers a fresh, organic, intimate production, literally “illustrating” the parables of the New Testament and bringing its lessons to life on the Marriott stage. For tickets, call 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.
Live Happily Ever Laughter
From Chicago’s legendary sketch comedy theatre The Second City comes the smart, cutting edge revue, Happily Ever Laughter, presented at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 at 8 p.m. Drawing on classic material from The Second City archives and scenes pulled from the morning headlines, Happily Ever Laughter features some of the best sketches, songs and improvisation from The Second City’s 53-year history. The Second City continues to deliver hilarious, satirical revues as the leading voices in comedy while touring the globe. Dinner is available beforehand at an extra cost. Visit www.theatreatthecenter.com.
Put a sizzling twist on your typical fundraiser
Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, puts a spin on the traditional fundraiser with THE FUN HOUSE – a festival of FUN!, an annual event to benefit the nonprofit Chicago-based venue on June 14 from 3 p.m.-12 a.m. THE FUN HOUSE will feature family-friendly indoor and outdoor entertainment, a performance by The Jesse White Tumblers, a photo booth, interactive games and more! Tickets for the event are only $10 for folks 15 years and older and free for folks under 15 years of age. All proceeds directly benefit Stage 773. For tickets, visit www.massageenvy.com.
Escape the summer heat with a massage and facial
Enjoy mini massages, refreshments and tours of the brand new Massage Envy Spa Mount Prospect, at their Grand Opening event on Tuesday, June 17 from 5-6:30 p.m. Mayor Arlene A. Juracek and the Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance for a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. The new clinic will be located at Randhurst Village Shopping Center, 1052 Center Drive in Mount Prospect, and will feature 3,600 square feet of space with 14 therapy rooms, 4 spa rooms and a tranquility room. Email massageenvy@heronpr.com to rsvp to the event.
There’s a fresh face in the north suburbs: Massage Envy Spa will open in Niles/Skokie in July at Village Crossing Shopping Center, 5661 W. Touhy Ave., Unit A. The relaxing 3,600+ square-foot clinic has 9 therapy rooms and 4 dual-purpose rooms. The spa is centrally located to serve the communities of Niles, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, and the Chicago neighborhoods of Edgebrook, Wildwood, Sauganash, Norwood Park, Jefferson Park and Edison Park. Like them on Facebook for a chance to win a free facial or massage. For more info, call 847.588.0900 or visit www.massageenvy.com.
For the perfect family summer outing
Throw on a kilt and pass the haggis at the 28th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games on June 20-21 in Itasca. The festival, which benefits the Scottish home, Illinois’ oldest charity, is open to the public on Friday, June 20 from 4:00pm – 10:00pm and Saturday, June 21 from 8:00am – 9:00pm. The CHICAGO SCOTS invite everyone to be Scottish for this weekend-long annual summer celebration. Offering an extensive array of unique Scottish traditions, revelry, and culture for the whole family! Visit www.chicagoscots.com for more information.
Step into the spotlight and S-H-I-N-E on stage
Drury Lane Theatre will continue its landmark 30th anniversary season with the smash hit Tony Award-winning musical comedy THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. The show previews June 19, opening Thursday, June 26 at 8 p.m., and running through August 17 . To raise the comical bar, four audience members get the opportunity to participate in this hysterical musical as onstage contestants. For tickets, call 630.530.0111 or visit www.drurylane.com.
For the perfect outdoor summer performance
First Folio Theatre, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83, Oak Brook, presents Shakespeare’s classic comedy THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR on its outdoor main stage as part of the Shakespeare Under the Stars summer series. THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR stars Shakespeare’s greatest comic character, Sir John Falstaff, who was too huge to be contained by his original appearance in Henry IV. Short on money, the rotund Falstaff sets out on a quest to seduce not just one, but two wealthy married women, who then decide to turn the tables on Falstaff and teach him a lesson in fidelity and honesty. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.firstfolio.org.
Grab your cowboy boots for the down-home, boot-stompin’ musical of the summer
After 200 episodes and 9 seasons as America’s beloved 1960s sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies is making strides on stage as a musical for the first time ever. Theatre at the Center presents the World Premiere of THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL, running from July 10 through August 10 with a press opening on Sunday, July 13. Written by David Rogers and Amanda Rogers, and directed by Jeff Award nominee David Perkovich with a musical score by award-winning Chicago composer Gregg Opelka, THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL follows the nouveau-riche Clampett family as they move to the privileged society of Beverly Hills after discovering an oil reserve on their land. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theatreatthecenter.com.
The perfect Father’s Day gift
Looking for Father’s Day gift ideas? Grab a few tickets to see Chris Lemmon portray his father in the World Premiere of Chris Lemmon in JACK LEMMON RETURNS! Due to popular demand, the show will be extended from June 25 through July 20 at The Royal George Theatre, 1641 North Halsted Street. The production that has been called “A very classy solo tribute!” (Chicago Tribune); “An honest, loving ‘living memoir’!” (Chicago Sun-Times); and “An affectionate and all-together absorbing tribute!” (TimeOut Chicago) will return to Chicago for this strictly limited engagement. The production is written and directed by Hershey Felder (George Gershwin Alone, Maestro Bernstein and last season’s smash hit Mona Golabek in The Pianist of Willesden Lane) and based on the true story of the legendary Jack Lemmon (Mister Roberts, Some Like it Hot, Days of Wine and Roses, The Odd Couple) and his relationship with his son, actor and musician Chris Lemmon (Duet, That’s Life, Lena’s Holiday, etc.). For tickets or more information, visit www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com.
Unlock your inner artist this summer
Discover Oak Brook’s newest chic hotel, Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center, officially opening its doors this July after undergoing a $25 million transformation. Located in the former Renaissance Hotel building, the brand new property boasts a spectacular new outer façade, which opens into the brand’s signature, award-winning arrival experience, Le Méridien Hub™. Re-interpreting the traditional lobby into a social gathering place, the Hub consists of four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas; the sensory experience, illustrated through Le Méridien signature scent, sound and use of light; UNLOCK ART™ programme, featuring artist designed key card collections that offer access to the hotel’s UNLOCK ART™ partner, The Elmhurst Art Museum; and a 24-hour curated soundtrack featuring the music of French Bossa Nova band, Nouvelle Vague. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.lemeridienoakbrook.com.
For a romantic summer date night
Having been the site of 137,963 first dates and 16,254 engagements, Chicago’s most romantic restaurant Geja’s Café will celebrate its 49th Anniversary Sunday, June 29 through Friday, July 4. Geja’s will offer 49% off all food bills and will host its 5th annual recipe contest and 4th annual poetry challenge during the 6-day anniversary celebration. Guests are encouraged to compose original poetry about their experiences at Geja’s over the years. Aspiring fondue foodies are invited to submit an original dipping sauce to accompany Geja’s signature meats and seafood entrée. The winners from each contest will win a dinner for 6 with selected premium wines. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.gejascafe.com.
Take a staycation at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park with exclusive summer packages
The perfect treat for the runner in your family, The Runner’s Reward Package at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park includes overnight accommodations in a luxurious guestroom as well as a soothing 50 minute Journey Pedicure in mySpa to pamper tired feet. Rates start at $275.
The Urban Goddess Package is an ideal option for a lovely summer escape with friends. Steps from Michigan Avenue shopping and the city’s hottest nightlife destinations, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is a sophisticated oasis for an unforgettable girlfriends getaway weekend—whether plans include relaxing at the hotel’s peaceful retreat, mySpa, or going out on the town. Rates begin at $299 and include accommodations for two as well as a $100 credit per room/per paid night to apply to a service at mySpa.
Summer vacation is quickly approaching and for many locals, that means consistent (and sometimes stressful) visits from family and friends. For those who need a little more space to accommodate out-of-town guests over the spring and summer holidays, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park offers its Relatives and Room Service Package. The package includes overnight accommodations and a $25 food and beverage credit. Rates start at $244.
No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the stunning Magnificent Mile, which features world-class shopping destinations and sophisticated locally-owned boutiques. The To Give or to Get Shopping Package provides guests with a $50 gift card to Saks Fifth Avenue, a benchmark for luxury shopping that is synonymous with extraordinary customer service. Also included in this package is a lavish breakfast buffet in aria Restaurant to kick off a day exploring the iconic shops on Michigan Avenue as well as overnight accommodations. Rates begin at $265.
For those who are celebrating their anniversary, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park provides a relaxing, romantic retreat. As part of the Suite Memories offer, couples who bring proof that they are celebrating their anniversary during the same month of their stay will receive an upgrade to the best available room in the hotel. Rates begin at $169. For reservations, visit http://www.fairmont.com/Chicago and use booking code PSUI.
Now that the warm weather is FINALLY here, what are your plans for the summer?
