Petterino's MONDAY NIGHT LIVE Celebrates 500th Show

Petterino's Monday Night Live (MNL), the impromptu musical showcase hosted by Denise McGowan Tracy and Beckie Menzie celebrates its 500th show on Monday, April 15 at 7:30PM. To celebrate, Petterino's is offering guests $5 drink and dessert specials, a complimentary glass of champagne and celebratory cake, all in addition to a special menu that will spotlight the best of MNL dishes for $19.95 plus tax (gratuity not included). The $5 drink and dessert specials will also be available for MNL on Monday, April 8.

How it Started

MNL began in 2007 with a simple idea: provide professional and aspiring singers a sophisticated setting, an accomplished accompanist and an appreciative audience for them to try out new material, promote appearances, theatrical productions and new releases in an entertaining impromptu musical showcase. MNL has become one of the longest running open mic formats in Chicago. From jazz artists, cabaret performers, opera singers, pop vocalists and Tony-award nominees more than 700 musical talents have taken to the stage.

Cast members from touring and local productions like "Hamilton", "Dear Evan Hanson", "Jesus Christ Superstar" and more from nearby theaters including The Goodman, The Lyric Opera, Porchlight Music Theatre, Kokandy Productions and Broadway in Chicago have long entertained Petterino's audiences. Petterino's Executive Partner, Mark Tormey credits that success to Denise, Beckie and the talented performers, who have stepped onto the stage. "People come back over and over both to hear the variety of talented singers and to be a part of the fun community Denise and Beckie have created," various singers, they come to be a part of the community that Denise and Beckie have created," said Tormey.

About Denise and Beckie.

Denise McGowan Tracy, who conceptualized MNL, produces and co-hosts the evening, has been a presence in Chicago's entertainment community on-stage and behind the scenes for over 35 years. She was the manager and House MC at the storied Lettuce Entertain You nightclub, Byfield's, in the 1980's. She's been a television host, Director of Entertainment for Navy Pier and is now the President of her full-service event company, DMT Entertainment and Events. She was honored by the Chicago Cabaret Professionals with their Gold Coast Award in 2014 for her career-long efforts to promote and encourage local talent. She returned to performing, launching MNL in 2007 after what she refers to as, "... a brief 25 year-hiatus."

Beckie Menzie is one of Chicago's most sought after performers and musical directors in Chicago and beyond. Hailed as, "indispensable to Chicago Cabaret" (Chicago Tribune), Beckie's Carnegie Hall debut was featured in Michael Feinstein's Now & Then series; other NYC credits include Jazz at Lincoln Center and Birdland. Beckie has received four prestigious After Dark Awards as well as the Gold Coast Award from Chicago Cabaret Professionals. Menzie also provides musical direction to many local and national artists and tours in concerts around the country with singing partner, Tom Michael.

You can catch MNL nearly every week at Petterino's at 7:30PM. Audience members can dine on the Petterino's menu and the MNL special menu. There is no cover charge for the entertainment. There is a $19.95 plus tax (gratuity not included) food and beverage minimum. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 312.422.0150. Discounted valet parking is available after 7:00 PM.

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