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.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Kasey Kei, Ameena Green Star in Latest From Evil Angel

Kasey Kei and Ameena Green star in a scene from Evil Angel.

Evil Angel Debuts Proxy Paige's 'All Aboard The Trans Express'

Evil Angel has released director Proxy Paige’s new title, “All Aboard The Trans Express.”

Angela White Leads Latest From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White stars with Victor Ray in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "BuZZed and Boned."

Ariel Demure, Lulu Chu Star in New Transfixed Release

Reigning and two-time XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure stars with Lulu Chu in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "A Matter of Principal."

Elizabeth Skylar, Isa Bella Topline 'Tempted by the Babysitter' From Sweetheart Video

Elizabeth Skylar and Isa Bella headline “Tempted by the Babysitter” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Kira McKay Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Kira McKay stars with her husband Jerome and Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Calita Fire Toplines 'Swingers Resort' From Private

Calita First headlines the latest release from Private, titled “Swingers Resort.”

Octavia Red, Vince Karter Star in Latest From Elegant Angel

Recent XMA winners Octavia Red and Vince Karter star in the latest release from Elegant Angel, titled "Octavia Red Demure in Paris."

Ricky Johnson on Building His Enterprise One Sleepless Night at a Time

Ricky Johnson is always in motion. Even as he takes time out of his busy shooting schedule to chat with XBIZ, there’s restless energy behind the calm. This makes it easy to envision a younger version of Johnson, back when he arrived on the adult scene with no connections — but a great deal of persistence.

Ameena Green on Delayed Gratification and Finding her 'Synthesis' Moment

In an industry that sometimes moves at breakneck speed, Ameena Green is taking it slow.

Show More