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Amanda Drinkall

Actress, Venus in Fur

To calm our winter blues, we’re exploring activities around the city this month—because cabin fever is an understatement!—and one of our favorite ways to pass the night is with a great piece of theater. Chicago is a hub for staged greats (all hail the might three: Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf and Goodman!). We summoned Amanda Drinkall, the lead in the Goodman’s Venus in Fur, for beauty favorites, Chicago hot spots and getting sultry on stage. Amanda plays the role of the seductive Vanda in the Broadway hit, which was christened as “90 minutes of good, kinky fun” by the New York Times. With that review, we’re in. With a resume that includes Measure For Measure to James Meredith’s Othello, we think Amanda is the perfect inspiration to get us up and out to enjoy Chicago jaunts. We can’t wait to see her mesmerizing performance in Venus in Fur showing from March 8th to April 13th at the Goodman Theater. Break a leg and read on, fellow play lover.

Spotlight_BEAUTY_Amanda Drinkall_GoodmanBEAUTY MUST-HAVES>> skincare: AVEENO DAILY MOISTURIZING LOTION // concealer: MARY KAY CONCEALER in IVORY 1 // nails: ESSIE LACQUERED UP // lip care: BLISTEX DEEP RENEWAL // mascara: MARY KAY LOVE LENGTHENING MASCARA // face: MARY KAY SHEER MINERAL PRESSED POWDER

The role of Vanda is nothing short of tantalizing—how did you channel your inner-erotic for this role? Are your parents nervous to see this one?!
I think we all have a little erotic side in us somewhere, but I didn’t have to get too crazy to get into character. Although, I think if my mom isn’t nervous yet, she probably should be….and my dad even more so!

We would be tempted to walk out with some of the costume pieces for this show—what’s your favorite?
I wear some killer black knee high boots. And they just might end up walking out of the theater with me.

Venus in Fur is billed as a “Smart and Sexy Comedy”—what celebrity crush do you think masters both with ease?
Paul Rudd.  Duh.

We have to admit, we’re musical theater nerds at G&F—what’s your favorite?
Into the Woods, for sure. But, I have kind of a soft spot in my heart for Annie. I played one of the orphans in my freshman year of high school. It was amazing.

What’s the one role that you’re dying to do?
Stella in Tennessee Williams’ Streetcar Named Desire. I just love how poetically he writes and Streetcar specifically is a really gorgeous, hot-blooded play.

This issue is all about exploration and exploring local—so tell us: what are your go-to neighborhood jaunts? 
I live in Uptown and love The Cousins Restaurant. They’ve got the best breakfast skillets a girl could ask for. And Baker & Nosh has great sandwiches and outdoor seating in the summer. My favorite night includes seeing a movie at the Davis, then heading over to Lady Gregory for their mac & cheese and whiskey or to Hopleaf for delicious beer.

And when things finally warm up around here, what’s on your bucket list to get to in 2014?
I want to climb a mountain in Alaska.  My best friend is getting married up there this summer so I might actually be able to do it!

Venus in Fur plays opens March 8th and runs through April 13th.
Visit GoodmanTheatre.org for showtimes and ticket info.