Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department alum Darren Patin ’17, a graduate of the Theatre Department’s BFA Program in Musical Theatre Performance, will headline a cabaret show at The Understudy, Chicago’s premier theatre-focused bookstore, coffeehouse, and performance space, on Saturday, June 15, at 7:30 PM. Patin will perform as his drag queen persona, Ari Gato, in Ari Gato Attempts to Share the Spotlight – A (Not So) Solo Show. Join Ari Gato for her intimate, one-woman-only cabaret . . . or is it? For once in her life, scene-stealer Ari might have the tables turn on her.

“This is the first show I’ve ever produced BY MYSELF and I’m so incredibly excited!” Patin wrote on Facebook. “Join me on June 15th at 7:30pm for a solo show gone WRONG! Full of singing, laughs, and party crashers, it’s bound to be a fun time!”

The show’s accompanist is Columbia College alum Alex Newkirk ’11, also a graduate of the Theatre Department’s BFA Program in Musical Theatre Performance. The Understudy is located at 5531 N. Clark in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Doors open at 7 PM for the 7:30 PM performance. For more information, click here.

Patin’s Chicago stage credits include the lead role of Clifford Bradshaw in Porchlight Music Theatre’s acclaimed 2023 production of the musical Cabaret as well as roles in the Mercury Theatre’s 2022 production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Court Theatre’s 2021 staging of Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello. Patin also works behind the scenes, having served as associate director for the Chicago-area regional premiere of the Broadway musical Kinky Boots at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre.

And Ari Gato co-hosts the weekly Drag Race contests at Roscoe’s Tavern in Chicago’s Northalsted LGBTQ nightlife strip.