Birds Do It, Bees Do It (Concert)

So much art expresses what we think of as the most human of feelings: romantic love. But our species may not be the only one that deploys the grand gesture in pursuit of a romantic partner. The animal kingdom has examples as well. Penguins, for instance, appear to propose to one another, presenting a perfect pebble to potential mates. And the male bowerbird is renowned for his unique courtship behavior—he builds a structure and decorates it with sticks and brightly colored objects to attract a companion.

To celebrate this year's Animal theme, and to pay homage to grand gestures in service of love, CHF collaborators and perennial favorites Rob Lindley and Doug Peck have joined forces again. They have created what may be the first all-star cabaret revue exploring the odd mating habits of animals, paired with songs from the Great American Songbook. Hosted by Lindley and Molly Brennan (company member of 500 Clown), the concert features the brightest stars of Chicago's theater and cabaret community—Sean Blake, Felicia Fields, Beckie Menzie, and Robbie Fulks, among others—and songs including Baltimore Oriole, Glow Worm, One Monkey Don't Stop No Show, and more. The evening will be hilarious and sexy and give us a peek into how similar we all are in our pursuit of love, sex, and happiness.

This program is generously underwritten by a gift from Greta Wiley Flory in memory of her late husband Bill, a longtime friend and supporter of the Festival.