Firebrand Theatre, a new Chicago-based musical theatre company “committed to employing and empowering women,” will launch on Monday, February 27, with a benefit concert, Nothin’ Like a Dame: A Celebration of Women in Musical Theatre, at the Mercury Theatre, 3745 N. Southport in Chicago. The concert, which starts at 7 PM, features 28 of Chicago’s fiercest divas, who will pay tribute to female composers and lyricists and iconic female roles while giving audiences a sneak preview of Firebrand’s upcoming inaugural season. The impressive lineup of talent for Nothin’ Like a Dame: A Celebration of Women in Musical Theatre includes Joseph Jefferson Award-winning musical theatre actress Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department alum Courtney Mack ’15, a graduate of the Theatre Department’s Musical Theatre Performance BFA program, who is currently starring in a new production of the Broadway hit Urinetown, running through March 26 at Stage 773. Also performing are Columbia College Theatre Department alums Leah Pawlik ’05 and Lauren Vogel ’16, both graduates of the Columbia College Theatre Department’s Musical Theatre BA program; former Theatre Department student Bethany Thomas; and Theatre Department faculty member Andra Velis Simon.

The evening is directed and emceed by Firebrand’s co-founder and artistic director, former Columbia College Theatre Department student Harmony France. Other Firebrand company members include former Columbia College students Jon Martinez and Eric Martin. Tickets are $40-$75. For reservations, click here.