Bijou Theater Will Screen Gay Idols of the ‘80s

CHICAGO — The Bijou Theater will host a series of special presentations showcasing the work of ‘80s gay superstar performers Rex Chandler, Steve Hammond, Ryan Idol and Jeff Stryker for its Spotlight series, to be held May 12-14.

The performers featured represent an era in gay adult films when the popularity of adult stars were brought to prominence by the emergence of home video and increased demand for adult movies.

“A View to a Thrill” will be screened on May 12, which features Chandler in the role that earned him a Best Newcomer award in 1985.

1988’s “Backstrokes” will be shown on May 13.

On May 14, a double feature of 1986’s “Powertool” starring Jeff Stryker, and “Ryan Idol Personal View” will be shown.

“Powertool,” has been described as, arguably, the best gay adult video ever made and was one of the movies that put production company Catalina Videos on the map, exemplifying gay erotic films of the era.

A presentation about each performer will be given prior to the screenings.

Tickets for the three-day series are $20 and are available at the theatre’s box office.

Owned by Steve Touschin, the Bijou Theater is part of Bijou World, which also houses a retail storefront and sex club at the same location. Bijou Video, also operated by Touschin, is the largest distributor of gay adult videos in the Midwest.

Opened in 1969, at 1349 North Wells Street in Chicago, Bijou World is the longest running operation of its kind in the country and is the only large-screen theatre that still shows gay adult movies.

For more information on the Bijou Theater, contact David Boyer at David@BijouWorld.com or call (800) 932-7111.

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