Madgeheads new and old are gearing up for the Material Girl’s arrival with nervous energy that would make Mama Madonna proud. To help pad the party, we raked the city and suburbs for a sampling of Madonna-inspired outings. Whether you shelled out the big bucks to catch one of her United Center shows or decided to sit this tour out, follow our guide to make this a very Madonna month.
MUSIC
Madonna Madness: DJ Riley York mans the decks at this monthly theme night featuring a mix of the singer’s old, new and re-mixed hits, plus trivia contests and other Madonna-related games. 10 p.m.-4 a.m. the first Sunday of every month (plus June 18); no cover. Berlin, 954 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-348-4975. York is also plenty generous with the Madonna tunes when he deejays every Thursday at Spin, 800 W. Belmont Ave., 773-327-7711; no cover.
Borderline: Owner Scott Jannush, who says he’s known as “the Madonna guy,” insists his Lakeview record store is Madonna HQ. Just like the pop star in question, the shop is relatively small, but it packs one heckuva punch. There are rare records and quirky collectibles in nearly every corner, and Jannush has plenty of lore to share with customers about his own Madonna run-ins. Longtime backup singer and dancer–since ’87–Donna De Lory will make an in-store appearance on June 17. Check out www.borderlinemusic.com for details. 3333 N. Broadway; 773-975-9533.
Baton Lounge: There is a rather popular Madonna impersonator among the performers at Baton’s somewhat classy and very sassy drag show. No guarantees, but she’s recently been performing “Hung Up” to rave reviews. Baton Show Lounge, 436 N. Clark St.; $10 Wed.-Thu. and Sun., $14 Fri.-Sat. and holidays, plus a 2-drink minimum per person. 8:30, 10:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m.; 312-644-5269.
BODY
Horseback riding: Despite taking a recent spill (from which she’s bounced back elegantly), Madonna has brought her horse love to the stage on this tour, where she’s been sporting equestrian-inspired clothing and accessories. Gallop into her new hobby with lessons at Arabian Knights Farms and Training Center (6526 Clarendon Hills Rd., Willowbrook; 630-325-3482).
Yoga: Through all the trends, yoga has remained a staple, so peruse the class offerings and give one of these varie-ties a shot to start your Madonna transformation both inside and out. Yoga Now, two locations, including 742 N. LaSalle St.; 312-280-9642.
DRAMA
Acting: If you think the Material Girl can’t act, you simply haven’t been paying attention. She has, after all, been duping much of the public into thinking she’s twentysomething for about two decades now. Plus, lest we forget she’s from Michigan, she remembers to employ her fake British accent about 50 percent of the time. Follow in her footsteps and maybe you’ll snag yourself a famous director for a spouse, even if you can’t land a decent role. Audit the Acting Studio Chicago with a free introductory class that focuses on auditioning, “Introduction to the 12 Guideposts,” before signing up for regular course offerings. 1-4 p.m. Sun., June 18; free (call to reserve a spot). Acting Studio Chicago, 10 W. Hubbard St., Suite 2E; 312-527-4566.
“Speed-the-Plow”: Madonna co-starred in a staged production of this David Mamet play back in 1988 with Ron Silver and Joe Mantegna. See the latest local version at 8 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 4 p.m. Sun., through July 1; $12-$16. The Side Studio, 1520 W. Jarvis Ave.; 773-419-5001.
CULTURE
Women & Children First: She’s gone from adults-only lit to churning out children’s books. They may not have them in stock, but any of her titles can be ordered if you inquire. 5233 N. Clark St.; 773-769-9299.
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MADONNA CONCERT When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and June 18-19 (all shows except June 19 sold out) Where: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Price: $55-$350; 312-559-1212
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