By Judy Carmack Bross
Celebrated on the off year of its glittering gala held every two years, the Alliance Française de Chicago’s Soirée Cabaret fills one of Chicago’s most elegant Gold Coast clubs with French song, thanks to the magic of its Woman’s Board. By the end of the evening, guests couldn’t resist singing along to Edith Piaf and Charles Trenet favorites.
An operatic soprano known for her French jazz performances, Gabrielle Goudard performed at the Alliance Française de Chicago’s Soirée Cabaret.
Celebrated on the off year of its glittering gala held every two years, the Alliance Française de Chicago’s Soirée Cabaret fills one of Chicago’s most elegant Gold Coast clubs with French song, thanks to the magic of its Woman’s Board. By the end of the evening, guests couldn’t resist singing along to Edith Piaf and Charles Trenet favorites.
Bridget Fitzgerald, Chloe Grant, Jenny Polster and Kristin Hughes.
Executive Director of the Alliance Française Mary Ellen Connellan, Desiree Ruhstrat, David Cunliffe and Betsey Pinkert.
Who better than the always effervescent and adept Mary Ellen Connellan, Executive Director of the Alliance Française, to describe the joie de vivre of a French Cabaret and the merriment of the recent evening.
“French cabaret has an avid following in our country and the world. It was only natural that the Alliance Française de Chicago chose to celebrate this unique genre.
Cheryl Sandner, Gail Hoffman, Amy Patel |
Evan Bravos, Zara Zaharieva, Gabrielle Goudard, Sam Dubin, Elizabeth Doyle, Greta Pope, Ann Tomey, Jim Cox and Phil Gratteau |
While French Cabaret itself began in the late 19th century as a vibrant showcase for music, poetry, comedy, skits, and dance, including the iconic Cancan, our Soirée Cabaret focused on the musical soul of this storied tradition.”
Greta Pope performs at the Cabaret.
Ann Tomey
Liz Stffel and Mary Ellen Connellan
“The decor evoked the intimate settings of those early Parisian venues. All that was missing was Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec himself in attendance, sketchbook in hand.
“Nine exceptional performers regaled our audience with a mixture of favorite jazz, opera and chansons francaises, paying tribute to likes of Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Josephine Baker, and Charles Trenet.
“C’était une soirée inoubliable — an unforgettable evening that truly transported us all.”
Catherine Mouly, Lili Gaubin and Betsey Pinkert
Lisa Bailey, Johnnie Newman, Liz Breaden, Ann Thompson.
Lisa Bailey and Noelle Brock served as Co-Chairs and Ann Thompson is President of the Woman’s Board. Stacy Lou Lorin headed the auction which included glorious French faire including “a vie and Bordeaux delight’, an Operette vintage poster, a Le Petit Marcel culinary journey, and a glorious antique Louis Philippe mirror from the 1800s. Carol Vance donated a French-inspired dinner for three couples in collaboration with Froggy’s. And what could be more Parisien than a private curator-led tour of the Art Institute’s Gustave Caillebotte exhibition opening June 29 arranged by the incomparable Gloria Groom?
Co-chair Noelle Brock with Aaron Fershee.
Lisa Bailey told us:
“It was such a special night of friends and members coming together to support the Alliance Française de Chicago with a night of classic cabaret and wonderful cheer in that beautiful setting. We are thrilled with the outcome and grateful to the incredible turnout of cabaret fans helping the Alliance remain the place for all things French in Chicago.”
Daniel Bender and Liz Adams
Elisabeth Doyle |
Sam Dubin |
The menu with a French twist included demitasse cups of vichyssoise, escargot en croute, pate, croque monsieur, miniature duck cassoulet and delicious desserts including petit fours, eclairs, and macarons. Elizabeth Doyle coordinated the cabaret performances.
Noelle Brock summarized the magic of a cabaret:“Lovely to put aside cares and concerns, dress up a bit, and enjoy fine food and wine in a beautiful and festive atmosphere with its extraordinary chef and staff. Add to that the marvelous musicians and singers and songs and what you have is a perfect evening. “Life is a Cabaret, old chum. Come to the Cabaret!”
Conery Hoffman, Anne and Paul Krauss
Photos by Robert Kusel.
For more information about the Alliance Française de Chicago, visit: af-chicago.org
