Expect controversy next week when Bailiwick Repertory on Belmont puts the title for an upcoming production on its marquee: Mark Ravenhill’s play, a Gen X take on sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, called “Shopping and . . .”–well, we don’t use that language here. The play caused an uproar when it premiered in London in ’96 and played off-Broadway last season. Already, says Bailiwick’s Artistic Director David Zak, “We are starting to get a reaction.” Translation: Although an ad for the play ran in Gay Chicago, he says “So far none of the other newspapers has affirmed they will run ads.”
P.S.: Don’t expect to find one of the ads in the Tribune. Rusty Anglin, the Trib’s advertising entertainment manager, tells us: “We do not accept advertising containing language that may be offensive to our readers.”
High steppers: If you loved the music Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio danced to in the steerage of the Titanic, you’ll have the chance to do the same (not with Leo, though) at Celtic Fest Chicago Sept. 19-20. Gaelic Storm, the Irish band featured in “Titanic’s” below-deck party scene, will be performing at the free fest in Grant Park.
Reel stories: Chicago native/actor Aidan Quinn plus his filmmaking brothers Declan and Paul Quinn are celebrating: Their film, “This Is My Father” picked up first-feature honors at Ireland’s Galway Film Festival. Aidan stars, Paul wrote and directed, Declan handled photography. All exec produced, tapping John Cusack, James Caan and Stephen Rea for roles. Paul, speaking for his brothers at the festival, reportedly mentioned three other Quinn brothers–the little boys killed in an arson attack on their home over the weekend in Northern Ireland–who he said would never experience the joy of working together.
Rush job: Congressman Bobby Rush’s pledge to register 50,000 new voters in his mayoral bid brought smiles to the faces of U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun’s staff, who figure those newcomers also will be voting for the senator if they’re registered before November’s election. . . . Appearing on WMVP-AM’s “Media Creatures” Thursday, Rush, who was asked about his history with the Black Panther organization, said it will be nothing he’ll apologize for in the campaign.
Helping out: Larry Gorski and his team at the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities regularly gets calls from cities across the country about housing and employment issues. But one call Thursday was a first–a request for weather emergency assistance from Dallas. A TV reporter in that heat-scorched Texas town wanted info on how Chicago helps those with disabilities during heat emergencies.
Dollar signs: The color of money will be everywhere when Jim Kallas opens his latest nightspot, “MINT” (done up in nickel, copper and green) later this month on Green Street in the Fulton Market neighborhood. A pre-opening peek at the club will be next Thursday’s launch of a new fashion/film/fitness publication called Che Cosa–that’s Italian for what’s happening.
Passages: Friday birthdays: Lucie Arnaz, 47; Diahann Carroll, 63; Spencer Davis, 56; Phyllis Diller, 81; Saul A. Epton, 88; David Hasselhoff, 46; Art Linkletter, 86; Phoebe Snow, 46; Donald Sutherland, 64. Saturday birthdays: James Brolin, 58; Hume Cronyn, 87; John Glenn, 77; Nelson Mandela, 80; Elizabeth McGovern, 37; Martha Reeves, 57; Ricky Skaggs, 44; Hunter S. Thompson, 59.
She said yes: GOP Secretary of State candidate Al Salvi and wife Kathy, marking their 10th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows Thursday at St. Joseph’s in Round Lake. Can a commemorative license plate be far behind?
EAVESDROPPING
“We’re going to be like Jerry Springer with music.” Marie Osmond promising her new TV talk show with brother Donny will by different.