ShawChicago Theater Company presents Shaw's SPEAKEASY: Annual Gala

ShawChicago celebrates its 23rd season with its annual gala, Shaw's Speakeasy. The gala will take place on Mary 19th from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the Casino, 195 E. Delaware Place, Chicago IL 60611. ShawChicago will also present its Bernie Award to Jay R. Tunney.

This year's gala honors one of Bernard Shaw's most prolific writing period. It is 20's jazz themed, celebrating the life and works of writers and musicians of the 20s. Cocktail Hour is at 6 PM and will be accompanied by a live jazz duet. During dinner, attendees will see a slideshow of writers, jazz musicians and events from the 1920s with notes as to why they are famous. After dinner, attendees will be treated to a live performance of an excerpt from Cashel Byron's Profession, which follows a boxer who makes his career by fighting for money, which was both illegal and also a disgrace to the gentleman's sport in Britain. A live auction will follow the performance. 20s era dress is highly encouraged.

ShawChicago is pleased to present "The Bernie" to Jay R. Tunney for his years of helping keep the words of Bernard Shaw alive. Mr. Tunney served as vice president of the InternationAl Shaw Society, was on the international advisory board of the Shaw Festival in Canada, authored THE PRIZEFIGHTER AND THE PLAYWRIGHT Gene Tunney and Bernard Shaw, and is an ardent supporter of ShawChicago.

About The Bernie Award:
The Bernie Award is given to individuals who have provided distinguished support in promoting the words and works of George Bernard Shaw in Chicago and around the world. It is "to honor people who keep the legacy of Shaw alive," says Managing Director Tony Courier. Previous recipients of the Bernie Award include: Richard Christiansen, Theatre Critic Emeritus of the Chicago Tribune, John and Deborah Davis, early supporters of ShawChicago, Irene Kogan, former ShawChicago Board Member and organizer of Shaw Festival trips, and Lois Weisberg, former Commissioners of Cultural Affairs for the City of Chicago and the first producer of ShawChicago.