Liza Minelli

CHICAGO – The Judy Garland Summer Centennial film series is on through July 30th at the Gene Siskel Film Center, and Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com will lead a discussion on her film “The Clock” on June 11th.

CHICAGO – She was born Frances Gumm on June 10th, 1922, but the world knew her as megastar Judy Garland. To celebrate her birth centennial, the Gene Siskel Film Center presents nine of her films from June 1 – July 30. For ticket info and details, click JUDY100.

CHICAGO – Even before I figured out my own sexuality, Judy Garland’s status as a gay icon was known to me. I wouldn’t understand why until much later in my life, but sure as the sky was blue, the city was emerald, and the brick road was yellow, I knew I was a friend of Dorothy. Heartbreakingly, “Judy” paints a bleak portrait of the star, but never takes a look at the bigger picture.

CHICAGO – In 1972, an historic television special took place, featuring the top talents at the time at the top of their game. “Liza with a ‘Z’” featured Liza Minnelli, fresh from her Academy Award winning performance in the film “Cabaret.” The Brown Paper Box Co. will present “Mary’z with a Z,” at Mary’s Attic on May 5th and 6th, 2016, and will perform the songs from this TV special, in order and in (appropriately) cabaret style, with contributions from their ensemble and some of the biggest song talents in storefront theater in Chicago.

CHICAGO – It’s “Cabaret” for god’s sake. It’s not “Bambi”. You’re supposed to need to leave the kids at home watching their own Disney flick. You don’t go to McDonald’s to eat healthy just like you don’t go to “Cabaret” for good clean fun.