CheekyChicago

Actor Joey Slotnick might not live in Chicago full-time, but he’s an honorary resident. An avid supporter of the local arts and an ensemble member of the Lookingglass Theatre Company, he’s also a professional partier…at least as the co-host of the upcoming Madhatter’s Ball on Thursday, June 24. Cheeky took a trip with Joey down the rabbit hole to find out more about the annual gala, the power of performing live and why he occasionally wears bunny ears.

Cheeky: Tell me about the evolution of the Madhatter’s Ball? What’s new this year?

Joey Slotnick: I’m pretty sure the original idea came from Billy Dec. He wanted to get young professionals who go to the theater excited about Lookingglass and the arts in Chicago. It was his idea to create a Junior Board. He came to me and David (Schwimmer) and we started hosting them. This year I’m co-hosting with Andy White, the new artistic director, and John Harris from our board. We wanted to try something a little different. We’re doing it at the Ritz Carlton in the new lobby restaurant called Decca that’s supposed to be really fun. We’ve had galas at the Ritz before, but never something with a younger mint to it. That’s what we’re trying. As part of the ticket cost, you get to see Lookingglass Alice, our big summer show. Our whole theme is Alice in Wonderland.

Cheeky: Do you have to be on the Junior Board to attend?

JS: It’s available and open to anyone who wants to come. You’ll get a good sense of Lookingglass by seeing the show and then we have a great party afterwards with food and cocktails. If you want a good excuse to dress up in costume, this is it. I might put on some rabbit ears.

Cheeky: What do you love about Chicago?

JS: There’s nothing better than the summer in Chicago. Riding a bike along the lakefront and going to just about every street fair every weekend. I really love the fact that in the last 5-10 years it’s become such a foodie town and that excites me because I love food. I’m also a big supporter of theater in Chicago – I try to come back as much as I can. And Cubs games…of course.

Cheeky: You’ve done theatre, TV and movies. What do you enjoy most?

JS: I always say that live theatre is my favorite. There’s nothing better. I love rehearsing - I love that challenge. I love telling the story every night. It’s always going to be different. When you do a movie or TV show, that’s your performance for all eternity or until celluloid deteriorates. Live theatre is incredibly challenging and exciting.

Cheeky: Do you have a dream role?

JS: I had a pretty great time last year playing Captain Spaulding in Animal Crackers [at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago]. I didn’t know it was a dream role at the time, but it was a pretty amazing thing and I hope to do it again. Any role that I’m incredibly challenged by and is incredibly difficult - in the best way - is always great.

Cheeky: Where will we see you next?

JS: I’m about to start rehearsing a David Mamet play called Romance at the Bay Street Theater (in Sag Harbor, Long Island) that starts in August. It’s a great play and a great cast.

Cheeky: What do you hope for the future of Lookingglass?

JS: I would love to see Lookingglass continue to do inventive, exciting work. I’d like to see us win a regional Tony award for best regional theater. I’d like us to be the place in Chicago where people have to come and work – the best staff, the crew, artists. Buy a season subscription…you’ll like what you see.

Tickets for Madhatter’s Ball this Thursday can be purchased here.