Ever-changing shows at new Glenview club

BY J.T. MORAND This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  December 13, 2011 5:06PM

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The chameleon changes colors to blend in with its surroundings.

But, the Laughing Chameleon hopes to stand out among entertainment venues in the northern suburbs with an varied roster of acts.

The new comedy/magic/variety club in Glenview’s The Glen Town Center is scheduled to open Dec. 27 with singer/actress Christina Bianco.

Two of the venue’s owners are chameleons of a special kind.

David and Dania Maas of Glenview are official half time artists of the National Basketball Association with their quick change act, where the married couple combines dance moves with split second costume changes.

North Shore fit

“It’s a natural fit to open a venue here,” David Maas said. “We’re entertainers and there’s nothing like this on the North Shore.”

Gary and Renee Walter, of Northbrook, are the Maas’ business partners in the Laughing Chameleon.

While January will feature mostly comics or comic magicians (David Merry, Joey Van, Levent, Al Romas), David Maas said the club will also feature singers like Bianco.

Mondays are being designated open mic nights and Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights will have entertainment followed by a disc jockey after the main show.

The Maases may even perform their quick change routine occasionally if they deem there’s enough room.

“There may be a time that we’ll do that,” David Maas said, eying the stage and adding it might be too small. “But, we could probably pull it off.”

The Laughing Chameleon is a small venue with a capacity for 75 people, which makes for an intimate setting. The club will include a bar and a DJ station in the 1,178 square-foot storefront space.

Small plate restaurant service will also be available from Flight Restaurant and Bar next door.

Multi-genre singer

But, it’s the entertainment that David Maas is excited about, starting with Bianco, whom he’s worked with in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra “Mysterioso” shows.

Bianco is a soloist in those shows. She also performs in the Off Broadway show “Newsical the Musical.” In 2009, she received a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in “Forbidden Broadway: Goes To Rehab.” Bianco also starred as Dora in the national tour of “Dora the Explorer Live!”

When the multi-genre singer, actress and dancer comes to the Laughing Chameleon for New Year’s week, she’ll perform “Diva Moments,” a show where she impersonates Celine Dion, Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Lady Gaga and others.

Bianco will perform twice daily, at 7 and 10 p.m. between Dec. 27 and 31 and at 7 p.m. on Jan. 1.

“She’s one of a kind. Dynamic. World class,” Maas said. “She’s destined to become big.”