The term "adult entertainment" means many things. Yes, most minds typically think of porn, go-go girls and boys, and other sexually charged activities; however, adult pursuits needn't always equate to the removal of clothing or the showing of naughty bits. Here's a sampling of Chicago adult-oriented activities that you might find entertaining and of interest to you and your friends.
TOO MUCH LIGHT MAKES THE BABY GO BLIND
Presented by the Neo-Futurists, TML (the Too Much Light acronym used by those in the know) premiered in 1988 and is now in its nineteenth year, making it the longest-running stage production in Chicago today. (Even longer running than Blue Man Group!) A fusion of sport, poetry, and living-newspaper, TML is an ever-changing show, an attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes. The actors aren't really acting as they perform while speaking from their own personal experiences. Each short play is written by a performer and randomly collaged with twenty-nine other plays through high-energy audience participation. Each week, the plays change as members add new ones to the existing set. There are also special occasion theme shows (i.e. Halloween, Pride Weekend, and Mother's and Father's Days) presented throughout the year.TML is most affordable ($7 - $13) and takes place on the weekends at The Neo-Futurarium (5153 N. Ashland | 773.275.5255 | www.neofuturists.org). Showtimes: Friday and Saturday at 11:30pm and Sunday at 7pm.
THE BATON SHOW LOUNGE
The Baton is the grande dame location for female impersonation acts with its "Tops of the Nation Revue." While the early show is popular with bachelorette parties and out-of-towners, the late-night shows have a more cosmopolitan, less toursity feel to them. The Baton (436 N Clark St | 312.644.5269 | www.thebatonshowlounge.com) is open Wednesday-Sunday with shows at 8:30pm, 10:30pm and 12:30am.
COMEDY CLUBS
In addition to pizza and architecture, Chicago is also known for its comedy clubs, especially for improv. In addition to the world famous Second City (1616 N Wells St |
312.337.3992 | www.secondcity.com), improv is performed to the highest levels at Comedy Sportz (929 W Belmont | 773.549.8080 | www.comedysportzchicago.com) while comedic theatere can be found at The Annoyance (4830 N Broadway | 773.561.4665 | www.annoyanceproductions.com). Big-named stand-up acts such as Larry The Cable Guy, Chelsea Handler and Arnez J are most likely to appear at Zanies (1548 N Wells St | 312.337.4027 | www.zanies.com ).DIRTY DANCING
Two different outfits present the traditional idea of "adult entertainment" by showcasing sexy, hunky, and in many cases well-endowed, men for the viewing pleasure of Chicagoans of both sexes. These go-go boys come in a wide variety of sizes (from twinks to musclemen) and colors (skin and hair) and can be had, I mean seen, every night of the week at some venue in the city. While Men of Sarabia (773.263.8754 | www.sarabiasboyz.com ) call Man's Country home every Friday and Saturday night, the dancers of Chicago Beef (773.296.4229 | www.chicagobeef.net) can be found at venues such as Jackhammer, @mosphere, and Cocktail.FULL-SERVICE
If you're a bit of a voyeur or exhibitionist and want to escape the solitude of your own home, Chicago boasts two nationally-acclaimed adult entertainment emporiums that you can easily visit. The Admiral Theatre (3940 W Lawrence Ave | 773.478.8263 | www.admiralx.com) is a straight dudes paradise, featuring movie arcades and a spacious showroom with totally nude women dancing onstage or in your lap. For men who like other men, The Bijou Theater (1349 N. Wells St | 312.943.5397 | www.bijouworld.com) offers an 80-seat screening room environment for first run gay porn videos and monthly nude dancers. The second floor "lounge" has lots of private booths, glory holes, and a full dungeon room with a sling. Entertaining indeed!