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About Face Theatre Announces WONKA BALL at SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: THE EXPERIENCE

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About Face Theatre Announces WONKA BALL at SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: THE EXPERIENCE Image

About Face Theatre is pleased to announce its annual gala and Chicago's hottest party: WONKA BALL at Saturday Night Live: The Experience! on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 8 pm (VIP Cocktail Reception at 7 pm) at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N. State St. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565. Discounted early bird ticket specials are available through Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

You'll look mah-velous as your favorite comedy character and relive 40 years of television history in the Museum of Broadcast Communications' once-in-a-lifetime Saturday Night Live exhibit. From "Wayne's World" to "Celebrity Jeopardy" to "Weekend Update," there's no need to be ambiguously gay at Wonka Ball, where you'll interact with SNL sets, original props and costumes - all with a distinct About Face Theatre creative twist! Then, the party moves to the Museum's penthouse space for great food, cocktails, a silent auction, raffle, live entertainment, music and dancing. Prepare to laugh and party excellently with Chicago's celebrated lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and allied (LGBTQIA) theatre as it celebrates its 22nd season on this unforgettable evening.

VIP Cocktail Reception

For an extra wild and crazy time, join About Face for an exclusive VIP reception beginning at 7 pm, where guests will enjoy early access to the venue and silent auction, exclusive performances by About Face artistic associates, free raffle tickets, signature cocktails, culinary treats and a live DJ.

WONKA BALL will also include the presentation of the annual Leppen Leadership Awards, recognizing one individual and one organization whose efforts have made an enormous impact within Chicago's LGBTQIA communities, as well as the About Face Youth Theatre MVP Award, presented annually to an outstanding youth theatre ensemble member for exceptional service to the company and to the greater LGBTQIA community.

Proceeds from WONKA BALL at Saturday Night Live: The Experience! support About Face Theatre's award-winning mainstage programming and nationally-recognized youth education and outreach program. Since 1995, About Face has created exceptional, innovative and adventurous theatre and educational programming that advances the national dialogue on sexual and gender identity while challenging and entertaining audiences in Chicago and beyond. Support from WONKA BALL enables About Face to thrive as Chicago's celebrated center for LGBTQIA theatre.

WONKA BALL at Saturday Night Live: The Experience!

Friday, May 11 from 8 pm - 11 pm; VIP Cocktail Reception at 7 pm

The Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N. State St., Chicago

General admission: $150 (Early Bird Special: $125 through April 11). VIP Cocktail Reception: $200 (Early Bird Special: $175 through April 11). Additional sponsorship packages are available. Tickets are currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565.

The sponsors for WONKA BALL at Saturday Night Live: The Experience! include MillerCoors, Blue Plate Catering, GiveSmart, and Museum of Broadcast Communications.

About Face Theatre creates exceptional, innovative, and adventurous theatre and educational programming that advances the national dialogue on sexual and gender identity, and challenges and entertains audiences in Chicago and beyond.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Featured Performer in a Musical - Top 3
1. Ali Louis Bourzgui - The Lost Boys, A New Musical
18.9% of votes
2. Bryce Pinkham - Chess
9.6% of votes
3. Ben Levi Ross - Ragtime
6.3% of votes

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