Chicago’s Famous Gangster Show Finds New Life
After over three decades of entertaining audiences, “Chicago’s longest-running audience-interactive dinner theater show” at Tommy Gun’s Garage had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Located at 2114 S. Wabash in Chicago’s South Loop, this comedy revue featuring gangsters and 1920s flappers was a hit.
Pat Pohrte, who played the character Bugsy, decided to keep the Roaring 20s tradition alive. With approval from the original owners Larry and Sandy Mangen, Pohrte teamed up with business partner Mark Virkler, who portrayed Rocco, to create a new speakeasy-themed dinner show franchise.
They launched Vito’s Vault in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood at 5901 W. Lawrence Ave., previously the site of Galvin’s Public House. The show offers a 90-minute interactive comedy musical paired with a three-course meal. Guests choose from five entrees, and a full cash bar is available. Tickets are priced at $80, and reservations can be made by calling 773-493-4121 or visiting the website at www.vitosvault.com.
For one evening on July 23, Pohrte is bringing his show to Northwest Indiana. This event will take place at Beatniks on Conkey in Hammond at 420 Conkey St. The show starts at 7:15 p.m. and features themed mocktails, with $25 admission payable at the door. Guests can make reservations by contacting the Beatniks on Conkey box office at 219-852-0848 or going to www.beatniksonconkey.com.
“Come step back to 1920’s Chicago and enjoy an evening with Vito Valentino and his gang,” Pohrte says.
Gordon Ramsay’s “Kitchen Nightmares” Visits Freddy’s Steakhouse
Following its appearance on “Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares,” Freddy’s Steakhouse in Hammond shared its thoughts on social media. Featured in the season’s premiere, the steakhouse described the experience as tough, yet beneficial. The episode, which aired on FOX, portrayed intense interactions with Gordon Ramsay. Their social media post emphasized the hard work of owners Jim and Tammy, alongside reasonable pricing compared to similar establishments.
Freddy’s acknowledged the challenges all restaurants face, from staffing to food costs. Despite the criticism seen in the airing, the post assured viewers of the steakhouse’s commitment to quality and community involvement.
Valparaiso Resident Shines on “Jeopardy!”
Valparaiso resident Grace Biermann competed on “Jeopardy!” on July 21 and 22. She won her first night by correctly answering the Final Jeopardy Challenge about the Cuban Missile Crisis, achieving $32,000 in winnings.
Biermann, a graduate of Valparaiso University, ended her run on the second day when contestant Ryan Dean answered the Final Jeopardy question correctly, securing his win. For additional details on the show, check www.jeopardy.com.
Philip Potempa reports on entertaining events and personalities. Contact him via email at [email protected].