Fighting Over Cairo
Cairo, the hot-then-not nightclub in trendy River North, has new owners and a potential lawsuit on its hands. The new owners are John Abell, a real estate developer, and Dan Pedemonte, proprietor of a Wells Street bar called Burton Place. They’ve apparently won out over nightclub honcho Steve Edelson, who managed Cairo for about a month and tried to buy it before Abell and Pedemonte took control. Edelson operates two other popular clubs, Union and the Bridge.
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Now Abell and Pedemonte–the newest nightclub experts on the block–will try to make Cairo go. “I always liked the space,” says Abell, “but it had not been utilized properly.” The downstairs nightclub is getting different lighting, video screens, and a new music mix. The upstairs restaurant presents more of a challenge. Abell is thinking about offering lighter fare and some entertainment at night, while providing a full-service menu for lunch customers.
Goodman’s Gospel: An Act of Faith
The Goodman Theatre got tired of waiting for a sponsor with big bucks, so the board of directors decided officially to announce that the theater’s final production of the year will be The Gospel at Colonus, playing June 8 through July 14.
Pegasus Players About to Make a Move?
Pegasus Players could be a lot more visible soon. The 11-year-old theater company has one of the first hits of the new season in its Kiss of the Spider Woman, the stage adaptation of the Manuel Puig novel, directed by rising young star Eric Simonson.
Spatz plans to offer something for everyone. Three restaurants will run the gamut from the fast-food B-Quik to the fancier Boardwalk with Mediterranean fare and a fresh seafood bar. Games will include go-carts, billiards, computerized golf, and a multitude of video diversions. At night Spatz promises live entertainment.
