Public party kicks off "The Oprah Winfrey Show" season
Oprah Winfrey is taking it the streets next Tuesday with a free, open-to-the-public taping on Chicago's Magnificent Mile to celebrate the 24th season of "The Oprah Winfrey Show."
The "star-studded public celebration" culminates with a two-hour taping beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, and features a performance by The Black Eyed Peas and "surprises from other familiar faces," Oprah's production company, Harpo Productions, announced Monday.
The news set off an immediate buzz among fans, many of whom have tried for years to get on the show. But being part of it will come at a price - standing-room-only, no food except what you bring with you and hours of waiting with "a crowd of thousands" for first-come, first-served admission. Doors open at noon at Ohio Street and Michigan Avenue, and no overnight camping will be allowed, the production company warned.
The show will air Sept. 10.
The City of Chicago plans to close Michigan Avenue to vehicle traffic between Wacker Drive and Ohio Street on Monday and Tuesday, the announcement said, urging people attending to take public transportation.
Go to www.oprah.com/party to vie for preferred viewing spots by writing why you're the show's biggest fan.
- Diane Dungey