Simply Sensational

Pride Films and Plays’ annual fall benefit, Simply Sensational, celebrates Chicago legend Alexandra Billings. WGN’s Dean Richards serves again as the emcee. A select number of VIP tickets are available for the benefit at $175, and include a pre-show reception with appetizers and open wine bar at the Marketa Sivek Gallery at 1123 West Belmont. VIP ticket holders also enjoy reserved center-section seating for the 7:15 pm performance at Stage 773 at 1225 W. Belmont, and a post-show meet-and-greet reception and photo opportunity with Miss Billings and the cast. General Admission tickets are $75 and include the performance and a post-show reception. Alexandra Billings is an actress, singer, author, teacher and activist. She stars as Davina in Amazon’s multi-award winning television series ‘Transparent’ and she has been seen on 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'E.R.,' and 'Nurses' among others. She has acted in Chicago and across the United States, in many instances being the first transgender actress to tackle rolls like Mama Rose in Gypsy. She has worked at Bailiwick Repertory, Court Theater, and Steppenwolf, and has performed Off-Broadway. Ms. Billings’ activism stretches across the continent. She was inducted into the Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in Chicago in 2007. Living with AIDS since the mid-eighties, she chronicles her life’s journey in her blog ‘Stilettos and Sneakers’ and is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. Her life story “From Schoolboy to Showgirl” produced by Alex Silets (WTTW) was nominated for an Emmy in the Best Documentary category.