Theatre News Wire

All work and play! Petterino's (150 N. Dearborn St., Chicago), the downtown theater district go-to restaurant, presents "Monday Night Live" on Monday, April 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m. with guest performances by select cast members of WORKING, currently playing at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago) through June 5, 2011.

Nosh on classic American fare while enjoying songs from a musical surrounding true American stories. In addition to the singers who regularly showcase their talent during the weekly cabaret-style "open mic" showcase, Petterino's welcomes performances by WORKING cast members Emjoy Gavino, Michael Mahler, Barbara Robertson and Gabriel Ruiz, accompanied by WORKING's Music Director and Conductor Mark Hartman.

WORKING is a vital new musical based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Chicago's own Studs Terkel. Adapted by Stephen Schwartz (WICKED, PIPPIN and GODSPELL) from the original adaptation by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso, WORKING is the working man's A CHORUS LINE. A musical exploration of 26 people from all walks of life, with songs by all-star composers Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Tony Award winning Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Rodgers, Susan Birkenhead, Stephen Schwartz and Grammy Award winning James Taylor, WORKING celebrates everyday people in a genuinely funny and touching way. WORKING fills you with hope and inspiration and is the perfect musical for everyone who has ever worked a day in their lives.

Petterino's "Monday Night Live," currently in its fourth year, is hosted by Chicago entertainment impresario Denise McGowan Tracy and Beckie Menzie. Menzie has appeared at venues including Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Room in New York and received numerous awards for her work as a cabaret entertainer. MNL has hosted over 300 singers, from Tony Award winners to aspiring amateurs, since its debut as an impromptu musical showcase in 2007.

Diners can partake in light bites such as appetizers, sandwiches and salads, the full menu or Petterino's three-course "Seven After Seven" menu featuring a choice of seven appetizers, seven entrees and seven desserts for $19.95. Complimentary valet parking is available after 7pm.

A $15 per person dining minimum is required for a table at "Monday Night Live." Reservations are recommended but not required and can be made by calling Petterino's at (312) 422-0150 or visiting www.Petterinos.com.