Try and Stop Me!

Denise McGowan Tracy has issued a challenge to the audience at her upcoming performance at the Box Factory for the Arts. Her dynamic show, “Try and Stop Me!” features an evening of stories and song culled from her four decades in the entertainment business.

 Tickets for “Try and Stop Me!” are $15 for cabaret seating and $12 general admission at ticketstripe.com/tryandstopme, or $15 at the door. A cash bar will be available.

About Denise

A native Chicagoan, Denise became a Southwest Michigan resident in 2021, returning to the area that holds fond memories of her childhood summers spent on Paw Paw Lake. This is her first appearance at The Box Factory for the Arts following a 45+ year career in live entertainment and events – both on-stage and behind the scenes.

She began her career as “not a skater” touring with Ice Follies/Holiday on Ice, returning home to Chicago to manage and book talent for the storied Gold Coast nightclub Byfield’s. She was the creator and on-stage host of “Monday Night Live at Petterino’s,” the impromptu musical showcase which ran for 13 years and over 600 shows welcoming hundreds of professional and aspiring singers including local and touring productions such as “Hamilton,” “Jersey Boys,” the Lyric Opera production of “Carousel” and hundreds more until Covid brought down its final curtain in March 2020. See more at facebook.com/denisemct1.

Denise spent a decade as entertainment director for Navy Pier, the Midwest’s largest tourist attraction. Her company, DMT Entertainment & Events, created and produced events for an impressive list of clients featuring headline talent including Jay Leno, Martin Short, Bernadette Peters, The Beach Boys and others. 

In 2019, she added playwright/theatrical producer to her resume with the world premiere of “Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical,” based on the book she penned in 2015. This and subsequent productions in the Midwest were acclaimed by critics and audiences alike.

Admission: $12-$15