Artists Lounge Live Series at Metropolis Returns This Fall

Michael Ingersoll and Metropolis present the next season of Artists Lounge Live at Metropolis, featuring top Broadway and Broadway in Chicago stars in solo concerts.

Following the success and critical acclaim of the first Artists Lounge Live series, Michael Ingersoll and Metropolis have announced a new season of the popular cabaret concerts. Michael Ingersoll announced the new season at the sold out performance of Artists Lounge Live's Heidi Kettenring: Something Wonderful on June 11, 2015. The new season includes tributes to such artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and Barbra Streisand.

Artists Lounge Live brings talented Broadway and Broadway in Chicago stars to the Chicagoland area. Karen Marie Richardson, Brandon Bennett, Erich Bergen, Angela Ingersoll, Jenny Lee Stern, Jason Watson, and Colleen McHugh, all stars of theatre stages from Broadway to regional, will perform solo concerts at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Each artist will showcase their impeccable vocal talents and share their stories in the entertainment industry.

Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song (August 6, 2015, 7:30 PM): Salute America's most beloved jazz singer in an electrifying musical event. Direct from NYC, accomplished jazz chanteuse Karen Marie Richardson (Off-Broadway: Sleep No More, Tour: Duke Ellington's Queenie Pie) effortlessly emits the sweet and sultry swing of legendary jazz great Ella Fitzgerald. Karen's homage to Ella bursts from the stage in an astounding feat of musical artistry, as she croons signature tunes from Ellington, Gershwin, and more including "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," "I Got Rhythm," and "Cry Me a River."

Elvis My Way (October 29, 2015, 7:30 PM): All hail the King. The electrifying Brandon Bennett (Chicago: Million Dollar Quartet) sets the stage ablaze in a spine-tingling tribute to Elvis Presley. With his pure-bred southern charm, powerful voice, and scandalous moves Bennett was named the "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist" by Elvis Presley Enterprises at Graceland. His must-see show traverses Elvis' career: from the Rock n' Roll nativity of the 50s, to the iconic comeback television concert of the 60s, to the legendary jumpsuits of the 70s. All-time great hits include "Hound Dog," "That's All Right Mama," "Can't Help Falling In Love," and many more.

Erich Bergen Live in Concert (November 8, 2015, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM): With his dry wit and smooth vocals, Erich Bergen is a star on a meteoric rise. Bergen is best known for portraying Bob Gaudio of the Four Seasons in the Clint Eastwood directed film Jersey Boys (reprising the role he played onstage in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas), and for co-starring as Blake Moran on the popular CBS drama Madam Secretary. Bergen recently sold out concerts at New York City's legendary Birdland and Hollywood's storied Catalina Jazz Club. His scintillating evening features songs and behind the scenes stories from his dazzling career and original music from his two EP releases, with musical direction by American Idol's Michael Orland.

The Twelve Dames of Christmas (December 10, 2015, 7:30 PM): Chicago's lil' dynamo Angela Ingersoll captures the iconic voices of the season in a merry evening of musical mastery. Angela's stunning vocal impressions escalate into an avalanche of holiday cheer, featuring a haunting Judy Garland, a rockin' Brenda Lee, a purr-fect Eartha Kitt, a proper Julie Andrews, a soulful Edith Piaf, a sultry Marilyn Monroe, as well as plenty of surprises. The yuletide revels include familiar takes on festive favorites such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Santa Baby," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," and many more.

Patsy Cline: She's Got You (January 31, 2015, 3:00 PM): She was from the wrong side of the tracks. But her music knew no bounds, reaching across genres and generations. She struggled all her life, yet managed to express her heartache with sincere empathy and rare emotional depth. She stole our hearts and sang our secrets. Celebrate country music's greatest star, the legendary Patsy Cline in a bewitching performance from Broadway powerhouse Jenny Lee Stern (Broadway: Rocky; Off-Broadway: Forbidden Broadway; National Tour & Broadway in Chicago: Jersey Boys). You'll fall in love all over again as Jenny Lee rekindles Patsy's greatest hits, including "Walkin' After Midnight," "I Fall To Pieces," "Crazy, and many more.

From Vegas With Love (February 4, 2015, 7:30 PM): With powerhouse vocals that soar, the debonair Jason Watson (Broadway, Vegas, National Tour: Mamma Mia!) transports you to the Golden Era of Entertainment when singers could sing and music was music. Direct from Las Vegas, Watson oozes the brand of old-school charm and talent reminiscent of the great showroom headliners of yesteryear. Surrender to that vintage Vegas swagger as Watson croons the titillating tunes that helped put the sin in Sin City, such as "Luck Be a Lady," "If Ever I Would Leave You," "Witchcraft," and "Making Whoopee."

Colleen Hchugh Sings Streisand (April 8, 2015, 7:30 PM): iTunes Essential Artist and award-winning Cabaret luminary Colleen McHugh triumphantly returns to Chicago. A veteran of the illustrious Second City Touring Company, McHugh has appeared at New York City's Carnegie Hall, Birdland, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. The Wall Street Journal dubs her "a master of old-school cabaret," and "not to mention funny, funny, funny." In her Streisand retrospective McHugh sheds light on the diva's early career performing in NYC nightclubs, on Broadway, and her transition to Hollywood. Featuring eminent musical director Tedd Firth on piano, songs include "People," and "Come to the Supermarket (In Old Peking)."

Tickets for each show are $40, Stage Tables are $45. There will be a 20% discount when three or more shows in the series are purchased. Discounts are not available for online purchases. All tickets can be purchased at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the Box Office at 847.577.2121.

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