JUST ADDED: Rocky Laporte and Jim McHugh perform at Mayne Stage July 31

Chicago native, award-winning comedian Rocky Laporte performs at Mayne Stage Saturday, July 31 at 8 p.m. Rocky received the “Best Male Club Comedian of the Year” award at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival. You might also recognize Rocky from 30,000 ft. in the air as his “Just for Laughs” has been shown on Air Canada flights. Rocky has opened for a number of comedians including Louis Anderson, Garry Shandling, Drew Carey and Tim Allen, just to name a few. Visit www.rockylaporte.com for more information.

Rocky is joined by another Chicago native, Jim McHugh, who’s been dishing out comedy for more than 25 years in the Windy City. McHugh makes appearances at various national comedy clubs and has also been seen on Comedy Central, HBO, MTV, ESPN2 and the Oprah Winfrey Show. Visit www.comedianjimmymchugh.com for more information.

Tickets for Rocky Laporte and Jim McHugh are $15 at www.maynestage.com or (773) 381-4554.

Visit Mayne Stage to check out other shows, including cabaret duo Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael (JULY 23), Mike Toomey's TV & Me with special guest Ana Belaval (JULY 24), plus The Stephanie Rogers Band (AUGUST 6).

Mayne Stage announces Preview Series, June 3-12

Mayne Stage (1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4554) opens its doors to the public with a Preview Series beginning Thursday, June 3, running through Saturday, June 12. The line-up of talent for the series reflects the diverse entertainment planned for the room which includes jazz, blues, pop, classical and cabaret as well as comedy, theatrical and family programs.

The first artists to appear at Mayne Stage are Chicago cabaret performers Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, Joan Curto, Paul Marinaro and Sue Conway with their musical evening, appropriately titled, The Best is Yet to Come. Showtime is 8 p.m. and the tickets are specially priced for this preview event at $10 for all seats.

The Preview Series includes Blues artist and singer-songwriter Jan James band in advance of the release of her newest CD, Ring Around the Moon. This high-energy evening of music is Friday, June 4 at 8 p.m. All tickets are specially priced at $10.

On Saturday, June 5 psychic entertainer Ross Johnson comes to Mayne Stage and, “… he knows what you’re thinking.” Joining Johnson for this unique evening of entertainment is Chicago vocalist Greta Pope. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are $15.

The Jeannie Tanner Quartet brings jazz to Mayne Stage with special guest The Sandra Antongiorgi Trio on Friday, June 11. The music begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10.

Closing out the Preview Series on Saturday, June 12 is Liz Mandeville - Singer, Songwriter, Speaker, Shimmy Shaker & Red Hot Mama! With her "cut to the bone", original, Roots-inspired songs and sassy onstage patter, Liz injects any audience with an instant shot of fun. Joining Liz Mandeville & the Blue Points featuring Will Crosby are special guests Tail Dragger, Peter Struijk and Lance Cameron. The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10.

Following this preview series, Mayne Stage welcomes the TBS Presents a “Very Funny” Festival: Just for Laughs June 17 – 20. Official show times can be found at www.justforlaughschicago.com.

A complete list of scheduled shows, additional information and tickets are available at www.maynestage.com. Please note that all shows are subject to change.

July’s scheduled performers include vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway July 2 and 3, Ron Hawking July 8-10, TJ & Dave on Friday, July 16, Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael’s That 60’s Show, on July 23, Mike Toomey’s TV& Me with special guest Ana Belaval from WGN-TV on Saturday, July 24. Additional shows are being announced weekly.

The beautiful 299-seat venue is unique in its flexibility and versatility. Mayne Stage offers attractive cabaret and theater style seating, comfortable booths on the mezzanine level as well as balcony seating – all with excellent sightlines. With its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, nine-foot Steinway piano and intimate feel, Mayne Stage is an exceptional venue for a wide range of performance styles. Comfortable, beautifully lit, full-service bars on the main level and the mezzanine level complete the experience.

Mayne Stage has been designed as a unique, memorable space for both public performances and private events. The bar areas on both levels outside the main theater room are perfect for private receptions before and after performances. The flexibility of the seating area in the main room allows clients to customize the space for a myriad of events, from meetings to award celebrations, to themed social events, fundraisers and large personal celebrations and parties.

About Mayne Stage
Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. The new Mayne Stage showcases the hottest local and national musical acts, theatrical performances, comedy troupes and more. It is the ideal location for a variety of private events. For more information, or to see a list of upcoming shows, please call (773) 381-4554 or visit www.maynestage.com.

Curtain ready to rise on Mayne Stage

Opening in mid-June, Mayne Stage (1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4554), is poised to present a diverse entertainment calendar of established and emerging performers in its intimate, sophisticated atmosphere with state of the art sound, lighting and recording amenities. Reflecting its location in the diverse Rogers Park neighborhood, Mayne Stage will showcase an eclectic mix of musical styles including jazz, cabaret, classical and more. In addition to music, a variety of comedy, theatrical and family programs are promised to appeal to a wide audience.

Mayne Stage officially opens in mid-June as one of the locations for the TBS Presents a “Very Funny” Festival: Just for Laughs and will feature The Not Inappropriate Show, featuring Bob Odenkirk and Kate Micucci. For show times and to purchase tickets, visit www.justforlaughschicago.com.

Other artists currently scheduled to appear include nationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway on July 2 and 3, Chicago favorite Ron Hawking July 8, 9 and 10, Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael in That 60’s Show on July 23 and Mike Toomey’s TV & Me on July 24. Show times and ticket information for these shows and other upcoming performances is available at www.maynestage.com. All shows are subject to change.

Booking and creative development for the venue is handled by industry veteran Denise McGowan Tracy and her DMT Entertainment, Inc.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to book this new, yet historic, venue. Live entertainment is crucial to the fabric of Rogers Park and Chicago. Mayne Stage provides the perfect setting for both the artist and the audience to enjoy the live performance experience,” said McGowan Tracy.

The 299-seat venue is unique in its flexibility and versatility. Mayne Stage offers attractive cabaret and theater style seating, comfortable booths on the mezzanine level as well as balcony seating – all with excellent sightlines. With its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, nine-foot Steinway piano and intimate feel, Mayne Stage is an exceptional venue for a wide range of performance styles. Comfortable and beautifully lit, full-service bars on the main level and the mezzanine level complete the experience.

Mayne Stage has been designed as a unique, memorable space for both public performances and private events. The bar areas on both levels outside the main theater room are perfect for private receptions before and after performances. The flexibility of the seating area in the main room allows clients to customize the room for a myriad of events, from meetings and award celebrations, to themed social events, fundraisers and large personal celebrations and parties.

Recognizing its exceptional performance capabilities, McGowan Tracy has big plans.

“Mayne Stage has so much potential as a performance space allowing us to present an eclectic mix of entertainment styles. We hope to make new fans - not just of the entertainers who play the room - but of the room itself. The focus is on showcasing outstanding performers - some familiar to audiences and some who are making a name for themselves,“ continues McGowan Tracy who has worked with celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kevin Nealon, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Maureen McGovern, The Beach Boys, Pat Benatar and dozens more in her nearly 30 year career. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the team of professionals bringing Mayne Stage to life.”

Mayne Stage can also serve as a rehearsal, recording and performing arts facility. In addition to its state-of-the-art sound and lighting, Mayne Stage offers a digital mixing console and electronic recording equipment. Musical artists, theatrical groups and film producers will find Mayne Stage the perfect venue for producing live recordings, conducting auditions or holding rehearsals. Its 298-inch projection screen and high-definition digital projector add cinema capabilities for multimedia performances providing the perfect backdrop for film screenings, seminars, workshops and corporate presentations.

About Mayne Stage
Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Mayne Stage showcases emerging and established local and national musical acts, theatrical performances, comedy and more. It is the ideal location for a variety of private events. For more information, or to see a list of upcoming shows, call (773) 381-4554 or visit www.maynestage.com.