Court Theatre 'Fiesta' benefit April 15

Consul General of Mexico Oliver Farres and the Court Theatre Board will host Fiesta Mexicana, an authentic Mexican fiesta dinner dance to benefit Court Theatre, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, in the grand ballroom of Hotel Nikko Chicago, 320 N. Dearborn. The benefit will celebrate Court Theatre's production of "Frida: The Last Portrait," a living portrait of Frida Kahlo, the celebrated Mexican painter and feminist and wife of muralist Diego Rivera.

Fiesta Mexicana will highlight the richness of Mexican culture through decor, menu and entertainment. The evening will showcase local Mexican entertainers, including strolling guitarists, mariachi groups, balladeers and folklorico dancers. The breaking of a traditional Mexican pinata filled with prizes -- including five awards of trips-for-two to Mexico -- will highlight the festivities.

Lilia Chacon of Chicago's Fox 32 news will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening. The event will be underwritten by Coopers & Lybrand and Anheuser-Busch. Sponsors of the event include Mexicana Airlines, Krystal Hotels of Mexico, Princess Hotels International, Hotel Nikko Chicago and the First National Bank of Chicago. The benefit is co-chaired by Carol Nie and Marianne Deson-Herstein.

Court Theatre's production of "Frida: The Last Portrait" marks the 40th anniversary of Kahlo's death. The production will open Thursday, April 21, and run through Sunday, May 22; previews will begin Friday, April 15. The show will be complemented by an art exhibit, an outdoor mural display and educational post-show discussions to highlight Kahlo's artistic and social impact on modern culture.

Individual tickets for Fiesta Mexicana range from $175 to $250; tables of 10 are also available. For more information, call Court Theatre at 702-7005.