There was a spectacle unfolding within an otherwise nondescript warehouse on Jane Street in the South Side the evening of April 12, one that began with a plea to check your coat and shoes and seemed to peak when glasses were no longer necessary for drinking the champagne.
The Dirty Ball, Attack Theatre's shun of the common cocktailer, fulfilled its unofficial mission of providing some supreme people-watching thanks in large part to an entertainingly diverse interpretation of the dress code.
“I didn't get the memo on the outfits,” Gerry Morosco said, pointing to his suit and bow tie while a sea of Spandex and strategically placed swatches of fabric floated by.
Shock value varied wildly for a crowd that ran the gamut. The widespread appeal of not wanting to miss out on any action lured the masses in.
“It's different ... it's out of the norm,” Carolyn Lysey said.
Throughout the night, VIPs looking to take a breather — including board prez Todd Owens, Jared Sadowski, Bill andVivian Benter, Clyde Jones and Robert Morris, Cindy andRich Engler, Richard Rauh, Dr. Manny andDeb Reich, Sean Gray, Mark Phillis, and Paul Gitnik and Gene Svrcek — sequestered themselves in Richard Parsakian's Velvet Lounge, which offered enhanced customer service aka a private bar.
Artistic directors Peter Kope and Michele de la Reza led the charge for intermittent Pirates-theme performances. Sam Badger (co-chair with Kesha Pate) left quite the lasting impression by way of a suit coat covered in glitter.
“Look at this! I have gold all over me!” laughed Tracy Weigand (with KenKucera).
