Verbatim Verboten @ Royal George

Verbatim Verboten, the stage show that stages live readings of celebrity bloopers, out-takes, secret recordings, phone conversations and even porno films, begins a six-week run at the Royal George Theater tonight. The opening weekend promises dramatic recreations of the words of Lee Elia, Judy Garland, Jeri Ryan, Prince Charles and Enron traders, among many others. Each show will also feature an ever-changing roster of special guest performers from Chicago's arts & entertainment community. Your host for this weekend's shows is Michael Martin, the show's creator, although Martin will be eventually handing of hosting duties to Chicago author and performer Dave Awl. Verbatim Verboten runs Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 PM through October 2. Plus, there's a special George-W-Bush-themed show this Sunday at 7:00 PM. Royal George Theater Center: 1641 N. Halsted. (312) 988-9000. Tickets are $20.

Pistil Fashion Show @ Hothouse

PISTIL, Chicago's magazine for groundbreaking talent, will host PLAYGROUND, its second fashion show tonight at 10pm (doors at 9pm) at HotHouse, located at 31 E. Balbo in Chicagos South Loop. Featuring a wildly colorful yet coy and calculating mix of fashion and design, this event showcases some of Chicago's emerging design talent in a funky and eclectic setting.

A $10 cover will be collected at the door. The proceeds from this evening of inspired music will benefit PISTIL, a magazine that celebrates the creativity, ingenuity and relevance of modern culture, aiming to inspire readers with a diverse coverage of news, issues, fashion, events, arts, music and sexuality.

Kingdom Come @ Circuit

The Chicago Kings and Circuit Nightclub present Kindom Come, an amateur drag show for those interested in drag performance. Sign-up for performing starts at 9:00 PM, and the show starts at 11:00. Bring your own music and your style. Circuit: 3641 N. Halsted. For more information, see this page at the Chicago Kings Website.

Last Tango in Paris @ Film Center

The 1973 Bernardo Bertolucci film Last Tango in Paris screens tonight at 8:00 PM at the Siskel Film Center, as part of the Film Center's tribute to the late Marlon Brando. The film, infamous for its violent sex scenes and Brando's rambling monologues, was the subject of a recent essay by Roger Ebert in which he reflects on Brando's performance and what the film represented at the time of its release. Last Tango in Paris will also screen on Wednesday, September 1, at 6:00 PM. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Tingle Showcase and Fash Attack!

Tingle Showcase and Fash Attack! at 9:00, tonight, at Ice Factory, 526 N. Ashland (Look for the Green Door)

“The "Tingle Showcase" combines the traditional form of variety show with performance art and experimental theater. Shows with all original material, complete with witty songs, choreography, elaborate costumes, and touching dramatic performances, have had audiences packing the house at Darling Hall over the last four years. The Tingle Troupe, a core group of four women, not only open and close the show, but also present many performances within. The Tingle Troupe plus several of our finest acts are touring this summer, and look forward to being amazing for you. There’s also the excitement of Fash Attack!! a fast moving fashion show, which was begun by Allison Halter as a way to showcase the many designing talents of Milwaukee. For this tour, she and several other designers will bring their original outfits to your town, some of which will be site specific, andavailable only in your particular city!”

Jacques Tati's Playtime @ Music Box

Okay, gentle French physical comedy may not be everybody's cup of cafe au lait, but you really owe it to yourself to go see Jacques Tati's classic 1967 film Playtime, which opens at the Music Box tonight. Tati, who had by this time made a big name for himself with his previous films Mr. Hulot's Holiday and Mon Oncle, literally went for broke on this film, sinking all of his assets into building numerous buildings and streets to his own specifications to have exact control over what showed up on the screen. He was pretty much cleaned out by the experience, but Playtime was made, and it's an inspiring example of what film can aspire to. The film will be shown in 70mm format, so that Tati's complex frame compositions can be seen in complete detail. Most highly recommended. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.

Daedalus @ Empty Bottle

Daedalus, a one man machine of samples, erratic beats, old records, beats and mixing them all together, plays to his skills at The Empty Bottle opening for sixtoo. Let's just say this: he's worked with prefuse 73, ammoncontact, anti pop consortium, etc. 21+, 10pm, $8 advance, $10 door.

Silent Summer 2004 Film Festival

Does the usual slew of big budget summer films leave you cold? Then this is the event for you as The Silent Film Society of Chicago presents the Silent Summer 2004 Film Festival at the Gateway Theatre. You can buy your tickets at the theatre on the day of the performance for $11. Tickets for the August 6th film, which will be accompanied by a full orchestra, are $17.

This year's schedule includes:


August 6: The Iron Horse (1924)

August 13: It (1927)

August 20: Lilac Time (1928)

August 27: Blood and Sand (1922)


Check out the festival website for more information. The Gateway Theatre is located at 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue in Chicago.

Chicagoist Happy Hour

Chicagoist is throwing its first party tonight at Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott, starting at 8pm. 21 and over, but it's free (well, you have to buy your own drinks.) More info here.