World-Class Dance Takes Center Stage with an Eclectic Lineup Including Ballet Folklórico de México, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, River North Dance Chicago with Chicago Jazz Philharmonic,
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble and the
Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg
Music Fills the Auditorium’s Legendary Theatre with Susan Werner, Michael Feinstein and Jeff Lindberg’s Chicago Jazz Orchestra and the Annual Production of “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah”
CHICAGO, IL — Executive Director of The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (ATRU) Brett Batterson announces the Auditorium Theatre’s 2012-2013 season featuring six world-class dance productions, an annual favorite and musical treats for Chicago audiences. In keeping with its commitment to showcase and celebrate the diverse talents and cultural treasures of the local, regional and international creative landscape, the Auditorium will present a treasure trove of spectacular performances all season long. Subscription packages and group tickets go on sale May 1, 2012 by calling (312) 431-2357. Visit www.auditoriumtheatre.org for more information.
“It is a privilege to host such diverse, exuberant programming for the Auditorium’s 2012-2013 season,” said Batterson. “To have internationally renowned companies sharing the stage with Chicago’s own musical and choreographic talents is an honor. I am thrilled to welcome old friends back to the theatre while introducing Chicago audiences to new ones.”
The Auditorium Theatre’s 2012-2013 season kicks off September 15 with ATRU’s popular “On Stage With…” cabaret series featuring an up-close-and-personal performance by renowned singer-songwriter Susan Werner. Up next, legendary American singer, pianist, and music revivalist Michael Feinstein unites with Jeff Lindberg’s Chicago Jazz Orchestra on September 29 showcasing the most beloved tunes from the American Songbook. Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández takes the stage Oct. 6 - 7 bringing Mexican culture to the Auditorium stage and introducing audiences to the magic of traditional Mexican folk music. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings the Parisian Belle Époque to the Auditorium with their production of “Moulin Rouge,” November 2 – 4, featuring high-kicking choreography and a passionate story of love, aspiration and heartbreak.
“Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” the joyful, exuberant and all-American version of Handel’s beloved oratorio, returns to the Auditorium for the eighth year in celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, with performances Jan. 19 - 20, 2013. The season continues with a commissioned co-production between River North Dance Chicago, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University presenting the world-premiere performance of “The Cuban Project.” This enthralling piece explores the origins and evolution of Cuban jazz and music from the Afro-Cuban Diaspora on April 13.
Due to the overwhelming popularity and high demand for “America’s cultural ambassador to the world,” Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform for two consecutive weeks for the first time in Chicago. With 10 full-length performances (March 8 – 17) Alvin Ailey celebrates the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of American modern dance through the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Battle. Eisenhower Dance Ensemble will take audiences on a tour through decades of Motown classics with “Motown in Motion,” a fast and fun production of music and dance while also offering audiences a taste of their most celebrated company pieces. Capping off the eclectic season is the world-renowned Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg who brings their production, “Rodin” to the stage May 17 – 19. This new full-length ballet, based on the life of sculptor Auguste Rodin, tells the tale of artistic inspiration and the terrible price of genius.
Auditorium Theatre’S 2012-2013 Season
All titles, artists and dates are subject to change
“ON STAGE WITH…” SUSAN WERNER
Saturday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m.
This intimate concert offers the audience the opportunity to sit on the stage of the Auditorium Theatre while enjoying songs spanning singer-songwriter Susan Werner’s career. Her soulful honesty, wit and rowdiness will be on display in this up-close-and-personal cabaret performance.
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN with JEFF LINDBERG’S CHICAGO JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Saturday, September 29 at 8 p.m.
Singer, pianist and musical revivalist Michael Feinstein, one of the most legendary American performers of our time, will join Jeff Lindberg’s Chicago Jazz Orchestra (CJO), the oldest professional jazz orchestra in constant operation, to honor the Great American Songbook. Performing classic songs that have delighted audiences throughout the decades, these two musical sensations will guide audiences on a journey through some of the most beloved music of our time.
BALLET FOLKÓRICO DE MÉXICO DE AMALIA HERNÁNDEZ
Saturday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday October 7 at 3 p.m.
From the heart of Mexico City, Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández has presented dances that are reflective of the culture in Mexico for the past five decades. Founded in 1952 by Amalia Hernández, the ballet has historically celebrated traditional musical pieces from various regions and folk music genres native to Mexico. Many of the ensemble's works depict the traditions of indigenous Meso-American culture and delight audiences with their authentic, spirited movement.
ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET performing “MOULIN ROUGE”
Friday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 3 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 4 at 2 p.m.
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is Canada’s oldest ballet company and the longest continuously operating ballet company in all of North America. Known for its versatility, technical excellence and a captivating style, the company’s interpretation of “Moulin Rouge” is no exception. Featuring a French music score, high-kicking choreography and a passionate story of love, aspiration and heartbreak, the ballet tells the tale of Matthew and Nathalie as they tempt fate while they seek love at the infamous cabaret – The Moulin Rouge.
The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University will host their annual Gala in conjunction with Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s “Moulin Rouge” with a reception/dinner following the Sunday performance at the Palmer House Hilton’s Red Lacquer Room. Tickets and tables start at $500/ $5000 - $1000/$10,000.
“TOO HOT TO HANDEL: THE JAZZ GOSPEL MESSIAH”
Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 20 at 3 p.m.
*One hour Student Matinee at 11 a.m. Friday, January 18
Returning for its eighth consecutive year, ATRU celebrates the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a joyful, exuberant, all-American version of George Frideric Handel’s beloved oratorio. With nearly 200 performers on stage, this soulful jazz-gospel interpretation features a cast of Chicago-based soloists: tenor Rodrick Dixon (of Cook, Dixon and Young), soprano Alfreda Burke and alto Karen Marie Richardson, plus pianist Alvin Waddles, bassist Marion Hayden, the 150 voices of the city-wide Too Hot Choir (under the direction of Old St. Pat’s Music Director Bill Fraher), a 50-piece symphony orchestra and a jazz ensemble conducted by Suzanne Mallare Acton.
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER
Friday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 10 at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 17 at 3 p.m.
*One hour Student Matinees on Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15 at 11 a.m.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, blends ballet, modern dance, jazz, and African dance techniques. Hailed as America’s cultural ambassador to the world and “possibly the most successful modern dance company on the planet” by The New York Times, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs new productions plus audience favorites for a spectacular 10 full-length performances.
RIVER NORTH DANCE CHICAGO with CHICAGO JAZZ PHILHARMONIC presents
“THE CUBAN PROJECT” (working title)
Saturday, April 13 at 8 p.m.
Fulfilling a long-time dream, Artistic Director Frank Chaves of River North Dance Chicago (RNDC) will premiere a major new work that explores the origins and evolution of Cuban jazz and music of the Afro-Cuban Diaspora. The piece will marry jazz dance and music performed live on-stage with choreography by Chaves and an original score composed by Orbert Davis, Founder and Artistic Director of the esteemed Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP). This commissioned co-production between RNDC, CJP and ATRU will have its world-premiere on the Auditorium Stage for one-night only.
EISENHOWER DANCE ENSEMBLE'S "MOTOWN IN MOTION"
Sunday, April 14 at 3 p.m.
Under the artistic leadership of Laurie Eisenhower, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, one of the Midwest’s premier contemporary dance companies, has been dedicated to the performance of a diverse range of contemporary dance works. Their production of “Motown in Motion” will celebrate decades of Motown classics in a fast and fun production of music and dance. This visual salute to the tunes that rocked the Motor City and made Motown Records famous includes dance vignettes performed by Eisenhower Dance Ensemble to recordings from top Motown artists, including the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, the Supremes, and Stevie Wonder, among others. The company will also bring some of the most celebrated pieces from their diverse reperatory to the Auditorium stage.
EIFMAN BALLET OF ST. PETERSBURG’S “RODIN”
Friday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 19 at 3 p.m.
Visionary choreographer Boris Eifman’s full-length ballets combine dramatic stagecraft, exquisite technique and powerful dramatic interpretation. His newest ballet, “Rodin” is no exception. Based on the life of French sculptor Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) and his turbulent relationship with his mistress and muse, Camille Claudel, this epic tale is set to music by Saint-Saëns, Massenet and Ravel, and tells the tale of artistic inspiration and the terrible price of genius.
Subscription and ticket prices for each performance will be announced at a future date. For more information, visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
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