About Face Theatre Presents WONKA BALL At Saturday Night Live: The Experience

About Face Theatre is pleased to present 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 delicious food, cocktails, live entertainment and music and dancing to the tunes of DJ Matthew Harvat (aka CircuitMOM). Highlights of this year's silent auction and raffle include tickets to Saturday Night Live! in New York City, Late Night With Seth Meyers, Hamilton Chicago and Sesame Street. 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 and culinary treats.

The Awards

WONKA BALL will also include the presentation of the annual Leppen Leadership Awards. The 2018 recipients include actor and advocate for trans inclusion and visibility in the arts Delia Kropp and the Chicago Inclusion Project, dedicated to facilitating inclusive experiences and hiring practices in Chicago's theatre community. Named for About Face Theatre supporter Michael Leppen, the annual awards recognize one individual and one organization whose efforts have made an enormous impact within Chicago's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and allied (LGBTQIA) communities.

Additionally, Liv Haman will be honored with 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. The Leppen Leadership Awards and Youth MVP Award ceremony will take place during the VIP reception.

The WONKA BALL 2018 Co-Chairs include: Jim Bennett & Terry Vanden Hoek and Heather Vickery. The Honorary Co-Chair is WGN TV/Comcast's Paul Lisnek.

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.

Tickets: 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.

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