The era of flappers and bathtub gin are being recalled at a fundraising gala for Valparaiso’s Chicago Street Theatre.
The “Let’s Misbehave: Roaring ’20s Speakeasy” is set for April 2 at The Spa Special Event Center in Porter.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Kelly Hite, the director of development for Chicago Street Theatre.
Hite said Chicago Street Theatre is hoping to raise about $25,000.
Guest are encouraged to don ’20s-style attire for the function, which includes a cocktail hour with cash bar.
A wide choice of food includes shrimp shooters, prime rib sliders, fresh vegetables and fruit and a dessert bar.
The gala is intended to capture the free-spirited tone that many associate with the 1920s, which was the era of Prohibition in America when the production and sale of alcohol was banned, leaving many drinkers high and dry.
Hite said the forbidden nature of Prohibition makes the period of the ’20s “a little more exciting.”
A revue featuring the vintage and timeless pop fare of Indiana native Cole Porter also is part of a mix that evokes a throwback atmosphere.
More Top Picks Best Standing Desk Mats For Home Offices
“It’s just kind of fun,” said Hite, alluding to the meshing of a raucous era with the witty and dapper works of Porter, a native of Peru.
“Most of his successes in his heyday was kind of during the Prohibition era,” Hite said.
Stephanie Naumoff of Valparaiso is directing the Cole Porter program.
“There’s a four-piece band,” said Naumoff, noting the musicians are drummer Mike McCalment, upright bass player Don Parker, trumpeter Dan Cummins and pianist Jeff Otto, who also is scheduled to do some singing.
Naumoff will be one of the vocalists, along with Michele Gustin, Aaron Davis, Laura Simmons and Caroline Rau.
Naumoff will sing solo on Porter’s lilting “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To.”
She points to an attractive aspect of the piece: “It’s a nice representation of jazz.”
Another solo effort on Naumoff’s agenda will be “I Hate Men,” which she describes as having “more of a Broadway feel.”
Other Porter tunes scheduled to be performed include “Anything Goes,” “Let’s Misbehave” and “I Get a Kick Out of You.”
The legendary composer is known for urbane, clever lyrics that complement infectious pop melodies.
“That music goes really well with the 1920s,” Naumoff noted.
Beside the Porter selections, there will be a “Liquor & Loot” drawing for Seiko watches.
Additionally, there is a silent auction and “The Slammer” — a mock holding cell that presents another method for Chicago Street Theatre to raise money for arts programming and capital improvements.
‘Let’s Misbehave: Roaring ’20s Speakeasy’
Where: The Spa Special Event Center, 333 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 2
Tickets: $40, $60; limousine package and overnight package for stay at adjoining Spring House Inn also offered
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
Information: 219-464-1636, ext. 1; chicagostreet.org