How 'bout our housewives?; Chicago socialites throw tiaras in ring for proposed reality series

November 30th 1999


BYLINE: Mike Thomas, The Chicago Sun-TimesSECTION: FEATURES; Pg. 27A Chicago TV production company last week announced auditions for a locally cast knock-off of Bravo’s popular “Real Housewives” series. Towers Productions says it’s searching for “a dynamic group of ladies leading extraordinary lives ... modern housewives who juggle busy lives and look great doing it! No wallflowers, please.“Here, based on suggestions from those in the know, are several qualified candidates.Elizabeth Berger, 41Background: Grew up in a politically connected Chicago family. Divorced mother of two kids. Runs the public relations firm Elizabeth Berger Associates.Comments: “My girlfriends and I all are addicted to the ‘Real Housewives’ series. It’s clear that if we were on it, we’d be dynamic, we’d be crazy and there would be plenty of excellent ratings stuff from all of us.“Sugar Rautbord, AGE UNDISCLOSEDBackground: Author and occasional “Oprah” guest, Chicago socialite and philanthropist extraordinaire, divorced mother of one grown son. Sits on several boards, runs Sugar Rautbord Public Relations, knows every celeb on the planet (or so it seems).Comments: “These days I like to be behind the scenes a little bit, she said, having just entertained for 150 at her home for Larry King and had all kinds of interesting things going on. ... Yeah, I suppose it could be interesting, couldn’t it? It certainly is high profile, but it could be hilariously fun. And one never knows, does one?“Candace Jordan, 55Background: Former model and Playboy Playmate, actress, philanthropist, married to retired ad industry exec Chuck Jordan, covers Chicago’s high society on blog candidcandace.com.Comments (from the resume she sent to Towers Productions): “I would be perfect for your show! I am glamorous, very involved socially ... have lots of high-powered and low-powered friends, have been on camera before. ... Chicago is quickly becoming the center of the universe and it’s about time we had our OWN ‘Housewives of Chicago,’ and I want to be one of them!!!“Shelley MacArthur Farley, ageless by requestBackground: Actress, professional singer, former model. Married to former Fruit of the Loom chairman Bill Farley. Mother of three sons, ages 14 to 30. Sits on the Field Museum board of directors and the women’s board of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago.Comments: “I’m interested. I need to know more about it, though. It sounds really fascinating and fun. ... It’s pretty scary. I think it’s going to be great for Chicago.“Whitney Lasky, 46Background: Former television actress (seen on “One Life to Live” and “Night Court”), former VP of real-estate firm, lavish hostess, philanthropist, mother of two boys ages 14 and 5. Married to owner of Spectrum Real Estate/Merger Construction in River North.Comments: “I think the combination in terms of overall ensemble is what is really key. Well, that and vodka. ...“I would love to audition! [Jokingly.] Actually, I would prefer a direct offer. My ego could really use the boost, and I think my shrink’s kid is going to Harvard—on me.”