Legendary writer, director and actor Mel Brooks is coming to the Chicago Theatre on Sunday, June 12 to host a screening of his classic comedy Blazing Saddles. Following a big-screen presentation of the film, Brooks will participate in what promoters are billing as an "exclusive inside look" at his career that will include conversation and an audience Q&A.
Blazing Saddles, a western spoof that unflinchingly tackles racism and includes Richard Pryor among its writers, has received renewed attention in recent years due to its parallels with Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. Younger viewers unfamiliar with Brooks' 1974 film may be surprised to find it the edgier and more progressive of the two—in no small part because Cleavon Little's "Black Bart" character is the genuine hero of Blazing Saddles (whereas Jamie Foxx's Django often plays backseat to his ostensible supporting cast).
Ticket prices, ranging from $78.50 to $93.50, are steep, but it's a rare opportunity to share a room and perhaps ask a question of a living legend like Brooks, whose razor-sharp wit remains intact at age 89. Plus, all of that campfire farting will sound better than ever in the acoustically perfect Chicago Theatre.
Pre-sale tickets will be available on the Chicago Theatre's website on Friday, April 22 at 10am and ends Sunday, April 24 at 10pm. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday, April 25 at noon.