In the News: THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE KICKS OFF THEIR 125TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON WITH THE RETURN OF AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE, OCTOBER 3 - 5

ABT’s “All-American Celebration” Brings a Stunning Mixed Repertoire Including Works by Twyla Tharp, Clark Tippet and Jerome Robbins



By now, you've probably seen the moving video that briefly tells the story of rejection that Misty Copeland faced in her quest to become a ballerina and her subsequent triumph over prejudicial obstacles.  If you haven't, stop and take a look (below).  Then, buy tickets to see her perform Friday, October 3, 2014 or Saturday, October 4, 2014 at the Auditorium Theatre!

(Click to launch video in a new window.)

Celebrating their milestone 125^th Anniversary, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University kicks off the 2014 – 15 season with the return of American Ballet Theatre (ABT) October 3 – 5, 2014. Led by Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie, the acclaimed company brings an “All-American Celebration” including “Bach Partita” and “Sinatra Suite” by Twyla Tharp, “Some Assembly Required” by Clark Tippet and “Fancy Free” by Jerome Robbins. Last seen at the Auditorium in 2012 with their highly acclaimed production of “Giselle,” the “Chicago Tribune” raved, “…any engagement by ABT is a welcome chance to see some of the finest practitioners of ballet working in the U.S.” Tickets ($34 – $129) are on sale now and available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).

“There is no better way to kick off our 125^th Anniversary Season than with the highly anticipated return of American Ballet Theatre to the Auditorium’s landmark stage,” said Auditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Batterson. “ABT truly embodies the world-class dance that we strive to present and this program of heralded American choreographers—Twyla Tharp, Clark Tippet and Jerome Robbins—will have audiences in awe of the incredible company that we are privileged to bring to Chicago.”

American Ballet Theatre Programming 

“It is always a joy for us to perform at the Auditorium Theatre and we are truly honored to be kicking off this incredible venue’s 125^th Anniversary Season just as we are celebrating our 75^th Anniversary,” said American Ballet Theatre Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie. “We think that our ‘All-American Celebration,’ is the perfect way to commemorate the extraordinary history that this historic landmark has embodied over the past 125 years and speaks to the true American spirit of dance and entertainment.”

“BACH PARTITA”

Choreographed by Twyla Tharp and staged by Susan Jones, “Bach Partita” received its World Premiere by American Ballet Theatre at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 9, 1983. Set to “Bach’s Partita No. 2 in d minor for solo violin,”—performed live at the Auditorium by violinist Charles Yang—“Bach Partita” was called “a treasure of dance innovation” by “The New York Times.”

“FANCY FREE”

“Fancy Free,” Jerome Robbins' first ballet, shows what happens to three sailors on a hot summer night in New York during World War II, the two girls they meet and the ensuing competition, and tough good humor of wartime comradeship. Set to the music of Leonard Bernstein performed live by the Chicago Philharmonic, “Fancy Free” was heralded by “The New York Times” as “a tremendous slice of dance theatre. One of the best loved ballets in the repertory, as joyous and perfect as ever.”

“SINATRA SUITE”

Twyla Tharp’s “Sinatra Suite,” set to five Frank Sinatra songs including “Strangers in the Night,” “All the Way,” “That’s Life,” “My Way” and “One For My Baby (And One More for the Road),” is a suite of dances from Tharp’s “Nine Sinatra Songs,” which Tharp created for her own company in 1982. The ballet set for two dancers received its World Premiere by ABT at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C. on December 6, 1983, danced by Elaine Kudo and Mikhail Baryshnikov. During the Auditorium engagement, Misty Copeland and Marcelo Gomes along with Luciana Paris and James Whiteside will dance this stunning pas de deux.

“SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED”

Clark Tippet’s pas de deux, “Some Assembly Required,” received its World Premiere by American Ballet Theatre on April 14, 1989 at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Staged by Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner “Some Assembly Required” is set to William Bolcom’s “Second Sonata for violin and piano.” “The New York Times” raves “…this unconventional pas de deux is so well performed because [Tippet] has captured something very American and current in an essay about relationships.”

Performance Schedule, Casting and Ticket Information

Friday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m.

“Bach Partita”

Misty Copeland, Gillian Murphy, Stella Abrera, James Whiteside, Marcelo Gomes,
Calvin Royal III

“Some Assembly Required”
Sarah Lane, Sterling Baca

“Sinatra Suite”
Misty Copeland, Marcelo Gomes

“Fancy Free”
Daniil Simkin, Cory Stearns, James Whiteside, Luciana Paris, Isabella Boylston

Saturday, October 4 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, October 5 at 2 p.m.

“Bach Partita”
April Giangeruso, Devon Teuscher, Isabella Boylston, Eric Tamm, Thomas Forster,
Craig Salstein

   “Some Assembly Required”
Nicole Graniero, Grant DeLong

   “Sinatra Suite”
Luciana Paris, James Whiteside

   “Fancy Free”
Craig Salstein, Eric Tamm, Marcelo Gomes, Stella Abrera, Gillian Murphy

Tickets ($34 - $129) are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling
(800) 982-ARTS (2787) or in-person at Auditorium Theatre’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available at (312) 341-2357 or sales@auditoriumtheatre.org.

International Dance Series subscriptions, including ABT as well as Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Eifman Ballet and The Royal Ballet are available at a 30% discount at (312) 341.2357 or AuditoriumTheatre.org.

Auditorium Theatre’s 2014 - 15 Season:

The full Auditorium Theatre 2014 – 15 season includes “On Stage With…Susan Werner” (November 8); Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s “CJP @ Ten” (November 14); Dance Theatre of Harlem (November 21 – 23); Thodos Dance Chicago (November 29); “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” (January 17 – 18); Tango Buenos Aires (January 25); Giordano Dance Chicago (January 31); Grupo Corpo (February 28 – March 1); Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (March 6 – 15); River North Dance Chicago (March 28); Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg’s “Tender is the Night” (May 8 – 10); “His Way - A Sinatra Centennial Celebration” (May 30); and The Royal Ballet’s “Don Quixote” (June 18 – 21). For a complete listing of events at the Auditorium Theatre, please click here.

 

125^th Anniversary Season Sponsors

The Auditorium Theatre would like to thank their 125^th Anniversary Season Sponsors: Lead Corporate Sponsor Nicor Gas, Lead Foundation Sponsor Robert R. McCormick Foundation and David D. Hiller, International Dance Series Sponsor NIB Foundation, and “Made in Chicago” Dance Series sponsor The Boeing Company. Media sponsors include Chicago Magazine and WXRT, and the Pasquinelli Family Foundation is the Gala Dinner Celebration Sponsor. Student Matinee Series Sponsors for the 2014-15 Season include The Private Bank and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation.

 

About American Ballet Theatre

Recognized as one of the premier dance companies in the world, American Ballet Theatre brings the highest quality dance and dancers to audiences across the globe.  Celebrating its role as America’s National Ballet Company® ABT tours nationally and internationally, performing for over 400,000 people annually. Since its founding in 1940, ABT developed a repertoire, under the direction of Lucia Chase and Oliver Smith that honored the past while encouraging the development of the art form through the creation of new works.  Classics from the 19^th century like “Swan Lake,” “Giselle” and “The Sleeping Beauty” live side by side with seminal works of the early 20^th century such as “Apollo,” “Les Sylphides,” “Jardin aux Lilas” and “Rodeo,” as well as such contemporary masterpieces as “Push Comes to Shove” and “Airs.” In acquiring such an extraordinary repertoire, ABT has commissioned works by the great choreographic geniuses of the 20th century: George Balanchine, Antony Tudor, Jerome Robbins, Agnes de Mille and Twyla Tharp, among others. Today, under the artistic direction of former ABT Principal Dancer Kevin McKenzie, the Company remains steadfast in its vision as “American” and continues to bring the art of dance theater to the great stages of the world.

About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University 

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy, is an Illinois, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. In August of 2014, the Auditorium Theatre was named as an inaugural Fifth Star Award Honoree by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.  The Auditorium Theatre is generously supported by the MacArthur Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, the Sage Foundation, and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theatre tours, call (312) 341-2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

 

In the News: George Tillman, Jr. to be Honored at the Chicago International Film Festival’s Black Perspectives Tribute

GEORGE TILLMAN, JR. TO BE HONORED AT THE CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL’S BLACK PERSPECTIVES TRIBUTE

Academy Award® and Grammy®-Winning Actress and Past Black Perspectives Honoree Jennifer Hudson Joins Tillman for Special Presentation of Codeblack Films’ The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete

The 49^th Chicago International Film Festival (October 10-24, 2013) will honor writer, director and producer George Tillman, Jr. with a Career Achievement Award at the 17^th Annual Black Perspectives Tribute Friday, October 11. The red carpet event starts at 6:00 pm at the AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.) and will be followed by a special presentation of Tillman’s latest film The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete. Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) company, will release the film in select theaters on October 11. Academy Award® and Grammy Award®-winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson, who stars in the film, is scheduled to join Tillman on the red carpet and at the Tribute. An After-party at Altitude at the W Chicago Lake Shore Hotel will immediately follow the tribute and film presentation.

“As a producer, George Tillman, Jr. has played an important role in opening the doors of Hollywood to a new generation of African-American filmmakers and artists,” said Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago International Film Festival Michael Kutza. “As a writer and director, Tillman has told funny, inspiring and heartbreaking stories that capture the energy and complexity of the African-American experience. We are pleased and honored to present him with this award and we are also delighted to welcome back past Black Perspectives honoree Jennifer Hudson to the Festival. Hudson shares Tillman’s deep love for this city. I am quite sure this evening will be special for both of them.”

Directed by Tillman and written by Michael Starrbury, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete stars Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Mackie and Jeffrey Wright. Jana Edelbaum, Rachel Cohen, and Bob Teitel produced the film with Alicia Keys, Susan Lewis, Clay Floren, Aimee Shieh, Julio Depietro, Keith Kjarval, Mary Vernieu, and Amy Nauiokas executive producing. Wright, Hudson and Mackie are previous Black Perspectives honorees.

The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete is a beautifully observed and tremendously moving film about salvation through friendship and the way transformation sometimes can happen just by holding on long enough. During a sweltering summer in New York City, 13-year-old Mister’s (Skylan Brooks) hard-living mother (Jennifer Hudson) is apprehended by the police, leaving the boy and nine-year-old Pete (Ethan Dizon) alone to forage for food while dodging child protective services and the destructive scenarios of the Brooklyn projects. Faced with more than any child can be expected to bear, the resourceful Mister nevertheless feels he is an unstoppable force against seemingly unmovable obstacles. But what really keeps the pair in the survival game is much more Mister’s vulnerability than his larger-than-life attitude.

Columbia College Chicago graduate George Tillman, Jr. became inspired to make films on his own after seeing Cooley High and Taxi Driver. In 1994, Tillman wrote and directed his first feature film, Scenes for the Soul. Shot entirely in Chicago using local talent and resources, the film caught the attention of Doug McHenry and George Jackson who acquired it for Savoy Pictures for $1M. Following on the momentum of this success, Tillman began to write a script, loosely based on his own life – Soul Food. Soul Food’s cast included Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Mekhi Phifer, Michael Beach, Irma P. Hall, and Brandon Hammond. Modestly budgeted at $7M, Soul Food opened to critical and financial success, grossing over $43M domestically. George's next directorial effort was Men of Honor, an epic story inspired by the life of Carl Brashear, a man who battled the obstacles of racism, a lack of education, and the loss of his leg to become the United States Navy's first African-American Master deep sea diver. The film grossed $85M worldwide.

With partner Bob Teitel, Tillman co-produced the MGM film, Barbershop. Starring Ice Cube, Anthony Anderson, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve and Cedric the Entertainer, Barbershop opened to record-breaking box office success, spawning the sequel Barbershop 2: Back in Business and Beauty Shop starring Queen Latifah. Tillman returned to the director’s chair with Notorious – about the life and death story of the Notorious B.I.G. (a.k.a. Christopher Wallace), which was released by Fox Searchlight and grossed over $43M worldwide.  Most recently, Tillman directed Faster, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Tillman resides with his family in Los Angeles.

An Academy Award®-winning actress, Grammy Award®-winning recording artist and best-selling author, Jennifer Hudson most recently finished production on Black Nativity, where she stars alongside Forrest Whitaker, Angela Bassett and Mary J. Blige. The film, directed by Kasi Lemmons, is based on Langston Hughes’ gospel musical re-telling of the Bible's nativity story and will be released by Fox Searchlight Pictures in November 2013. This fall will also see Hudson starring alongside Terrence Howard in Darrell Roodt’s Winnie Mandela, in which she plays the titular role of activist, politician and ex-wife to South African President and revolutionary Nelson Mandela. The film will be released by Image this September. In 2007, Hudson won an Academy Award® for her role as “Effie” in the smash hit Dreamgirls. Her breakout film performance also garnered a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a BAFTA and an NAACP Image Award.

Hudson has made the same kind of impact in the world of music that she has made in film with the successful release of both of her Arista Records albums. Her sophomore album, I Remember Me, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200 and R&B Albums charts and has since been certified RIAA Gold in the U.S. She went on to receive a 2012 Billboard Music Award nomination for Top R&B Album as well as taking home two 2012 NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Music Video and Outstanding Album. Hudson’s 2008 debut self-titled album won a Grammy® Award for “Best R & B Album,” which was presented by one of Hudson’s idols, Whitney Houston. The album then went on to win three awards at the 2009 NAACP Image Awards including “Best Album.”

Visit www.MisterandPeteMovie.com for film information & updates. Follow the social conversation at #MisterAndPete

About Black Perspectives
The Chicago International Film Festival’s Black Perspectives program was founded in 1997 in collaboration with legendary filmmaker Spike Lee. The program was created to showcase the talent of black filmmakers and to present films that break down barriers and shatter stereotypes. Past editions of the program have featured films by American luminaries such as Maya Angelou and Laurence Fishburne as well as the most recent works of African masters Djibril Diop Mambéty and Ousmane Sembene. The screenings are complemented by panel discussions and special screenings through our Education Outreach program. In addition to showcasing films that celebrate the depth and diversity of black cultures around the world, Black Perspectives has paid tribute to emerging and established film artists. The Black Perspectives Program is sponsored by State Farm and AARP.

Festival Passes and Theater Information
Festival Passes are on sale now. Pass options include:

Moviegoer (10 regular admissions): $95 for Cinema/Chicago members, $125 for non-members.
Passport (20 regular admissions): $180 for Cinema/Chicago members, $240 for non-members

Passes can be purchased online at www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

Individual tickets will be available to Cinema/Chicago members September 18-20. General public tickets will be on sale starting September 21.

Festival screenings will be held at the AMC River East 21 Theater (322 E. Illinois St.). The full schedule will be announced on September 17.

Festival Sponsors
Led by Presenting Partner Columbia College Chicago, the 49th Chicago International Film Festival's sponsors include: Official Airline - American Airlines; Headquarters Hotel - JW Marriott Chicago; Producing Partners: AMC Theaters, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Major Partner: Intersites; Supporting Partners: DePaul University School of Cinema and Interactive Media, Stella Artois, Effen Vodka, WBBM Newsradio 105.9, Cultivate Studios; Participating Partners: State Farm, AARP, Tres Generaciones®, Comcast, Allstate, Spotlight Cinema Networks, Casale del Giglio, Second City Computers, Shutterbox Entertainment, Gibson’s Restaurant Group, Creative Technology.

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About Codeblack Films
Codeblack Films, a division of leading global entertainment company LIONSGATE^®, is a vertically integrated film production and distribution company focused on providing independent studios, filmmakers, globally-recognized celebrities, intellectual property rights holders and brands cross platform monetization solutions. Entertainment industry veteran Jeff Clanagan founded Codeblack Films in 2012.  Codeblack Films’ core objective is to super serve the global Black community with quality programming and help its content and brand partners access the enormous spending power of the rapidly growing African-American consumer market. Codeblack Films' understanding of the social context of this fast evolving market -- values, attitudes, behavior and current and emerging trends -- provides the Company with a unique ability to position its content and brand partners in the center of influence.

Through parent company Lionsgate, Codeblack Films’ operational capabilities include motion picture production and distribution, strategic acquisitions, television programming and syndication, home entertainment distribution, digital distribution, new channel platform monetization and international distribution and sales.

About Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago is a not-for-profit cultural and educational organization dedicated to encouraging better understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. The Chicago International Film Festival is part of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also include the International Screenings Program (May-September), the Chicago International Television Competition (April), CineYouth Festival (May), Intercom Competition (October) and year-round Education Outreach and Member Screenings Program.

In the News: Herbie Hancock Quartet Opens 20th Anniversary Season of Symphony Center Presents Jazz Series!

WITH SPECIAL GUEST ZAKIR HUSSAIN

Friday, October 11 at 8 p.m.

CHICAGO — With an illustrious career spanning five decades, pianist Herbie Hancock opens the Symphony Center Presents Jazz 20th anniversary celebration on Friday, October 11 at 8 p.m., making his first appearance at Symphony Center since 2010 and his first appearance on the Jazz series since 2004.

For this performance, Hancock performs as part of the Herbie Hancock Quartet, rounded out by guitarist Lionel Loueke, bassist James Genus, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Joining the quartet for this performance is special guest Zakir Hussain, the classical tabla virtuoso. Two innovators in their respective genres, Hancock and Hussain have been frequent collaborators over the years; most recently, Hussain joined the Herbie Hancock quartet for a critically acclaimed South American tour earlier this year.

Herbie Hancock is considered a true icon of modern music, celebrated throughout the world as a visionary performer who consistently expands the possibilities of musical thought. Hancock’s musical explorations have transcended limitations and genres and won him 14 Grammy Awards, including the 2008 Album of the Year for River: The Joni Letters and 2011 Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for “Imagine” off of The Imagine Project. A classically trained pianist, Hancock performed at age 11 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and he has influenced generations of jazz artists with his singular style, which he developed on such classic albums as 1965’s Maiden Voyage and through his work with the Miles Davis Quintet and his own bands, including Headhunters. Throughout his long career, Hancock has always pushed himself, alternating between acoustic jazz work with longtime associates such as Wayne Shorter and electronic projects, which now include performing with synthesizer and computer.

Zakir Hussain, percussionist and tabla virtuoso, is widely considered a chief architect of the contemporary world music movement, with many historic collaborations and recordings and performances with artists as diverse as George Harrison, Yo-Yo Ma, Joe Henderson, Van Morrison and the Kodo drummers among many others. The foremost disciple of his father, the legendary Ustad Allarakha, Hussain was a child prodigy who began his professional career at the age of 12 and had toured internationally with great success by the age of 18. He has been the recipient of many awards, grants and honors, including Grammy Awards in 1991 and 2009 for Best World Music Album for Planet Drum and Global Drum Project, both collaborations with Mickey Hart. His music and extraordinary contribution to the music world were honored in April 2009, with four widely-heralded and sold-out concerts in Carnegie Hall’s Perspectives series. Also in 2009, Hussain was named a Member in the Order of Arts and Letters by France’s Ministry of Culture and Communication.

Symphony Center Presents Jazz 20th Anniversary: The widely heralded Symphony Center Presents Jazz series has brought jazz’s most famous names and rising young stars to Chicago for almost two decades. In honor of its 20th anniversary season, the series salutes the past and future of the art form with 10 concerts that not only celebrate the unprecedented roster of legends and innovators who have graced the series throughout its history, but also showcase Chicago’s homegrown talent and debut artists.

Upcoming Jazz series concerts:

• Friday, November 22 at 8 p.m. – The Joshua Redman Quartet with opening act Muhal Richard Abrams


• Friday, January 31 at 8 p.m. – An Evening with Branford Marsalis with opening act Ray Anderson’s Pocket Brass Band


• Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m. – Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Esperanza Spalding and Leo Genovese: The Spring Quartet with opening act Gregory Porter


• Tuesday, March 11 at 8 p.m. – Pat Metheny Unity Group with Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez, Ben Williams and Giulio Carmassi


• Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m. – Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis


• Friday, April 18 at 8 p.m. – Mavis Staples / Regina Carter’s Southern Comfort (co-headliners)


• Friday, May 2 at 8 p.m. – Terri Lyne Carrington’s The Mosaic Project featuring Lizz Wright, Carmen Lundy, Nona Hendryx, Geri Allen, and Tia Fuller


• Friday, May 30 at 8 p.m. – Jason Moran and Theaster Gates


• Friday, June 13 at 8 p.m. – Jon Faddis’ Triumph of Trumpets / Marcus Roberts’ New Orleans Swing Time (co-headliners)

The Symphony Center Presents Jazz series is sponsored by BMO Harris Bank.

Complete program details follow:

Symphony Center Presents
Jazz Series

Friday, October 11, 2013, 8 p.m.
Herbie Hancock Quartet 
with Special Guest Zakir Hussain

Herbie Hancock, piano
Lionel Loueke, guitar
James Genus, bass
Vinnie Colaiuta, drums
Zakir Hussain, tabla

Tickets: $30–$134

In the News: Tartuffe at South Shore Cultural Center

TWO ENCORE PERFORMANCES OF COURT THEATRE’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF TARTUFFE PLAY ADMISSION FREE JULY 17-18 AT SOUTH SHORE CULTURAL CENTER

Performances part of Night Out In the Parks Series

Court Theatre’s acclaimed production of Molière’s Tartuffe will receive two admission-free encore performances Wednesday-Thursday, July 17-18 at 7 p.m. at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr.  Court Theatre’s Artistic Director Charles Newell directs the French classic translated by Richard Wilbur.  Reservations are not required and seating is handled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Call Court Theatre at 773-753-4472 for more information.



A devilish comedy about the art of deception and the price of misplaced faith, Tartuffe reveals a tale as outrageous as it is insightful.  When the cunning imposter Tartuffe wields a pretense of piety to capture the imagination of aging family-man Orgon, the scoundrel succeeds in insinuating himself into the patriarch’s home, throwing Orgon’s family into utter chaos.  As Orgon’s foolish infatuation with Tartuffe’s fraudulent religious fervor grows, the depth of Tartuffe’s deception turns dangerous.  Artistic Director Charles Newell combines his signature style with a contemporary approach to breathe new life into this classic comedy.

The production is part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks initiative, which features more than 750 citywide cultural activities this summer, making more than 230 local parks safe havens and hubs of activity.

Tartuffe is presented as part of an ongoing collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Chicago Park District.  Arts programming in neighborhoods advances the goals of the Chicago Cultural Plan and the Night Out in the Parks initiative.  For more information, visit chicagoculturalplan.org and nightoutintheparks.com.

About the Chicago Park District
The Chicago Park District oversees more than 8,100 acres of parkland, 580 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 10 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 bird and wildlife gardens, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visitwww.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312/742.PLAY or 312/747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling 312/742.PLAY.

About Court Theatre
Now in its 59th season, Court Theatre is guided by its mission to discover the power of classic theatre.  Court endeavors to make a lasting contribution to American theatre by expanding the canon of translations, adaptations, and classic texts.  Court revives lost masterpieces, illuminates familiar texts, and distinguishes fresh, modern classics.  Court engages and inspires its audience by providing artistically distinguished productions, audience enrichment activities, and student educational experiences.  Court Theatre is the professional theatre in residence at the University of Chicago continuing to discover the power of classic theatre.

About the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.

In the News: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater!

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE WELCOMES FAMED ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER FOR TWO UNPRECEDENTED WEEKS MARCH 8 – 17, 2013

Artistic Director Robert Battle’s Second Season Brings World Premieres and
New Choreographic Voices During 21-City U.S. Tour 

 

Executive Director of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Brett Batterson, welcomes world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to Chicago for an unprecedented 10 performances, March 8 – 17.  Robert Battle returns for his second year as Artistic Director to lead one of the most popular dance companies through a 21-city tour, continuing to inspire and delight audiences with both new, innovative work as well as traditional pieces that have made Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater a staple on the international stage.

“Seeing Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on the Auditorium Theatre’s Landmark Stage is an experience like no other,” said Brett Batterson. “We are honored to welcome back Robert Battle and his ‘cultural ambassadors of the world’ to their home here in Chicago for a 10 day run. There is truly something for everyone in this eclectic program that features so much breadth and diversity.”

[caption id="attachment_1354" align="alignright" width="210"] Petite Mort[/caption]

“There is never a shortage of reasons to celebrate the arrival of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater…” (“Chicago Sun-Times”) and this year is no different. The rousing programs feature brand new pieces added to the Ailey repertoire and never seen by Chicago audiences including the world premiere of Kyle Abraham’s “Another Night;” Tony Award-winning choreographer (“The Lion King”) Garth Fagan’s “From Before,” danced for the first time by another company besides his own; Artistic Director Robert Battle’s inspiring and thrilling duet “Strange Humors;” the revival of Ronald K. Brown’s landmark piece “Grace,” originally created for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1999; “Petite Mort,” the first piece by renowned choreographer Jiří Kylián ever danced by the company; hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris’ “Home,” set to a soul-lifting score of gospel house music and inspired by people living with or affected by HIV; Ohad Naharin’s inventive and highly improvised “Minus 16;” as well as classics from Alvin Ailey’s own body of work including his personal masterpiece, “Revelations.” 

[caption id="attachment_1355" align="alignleft" width="189"] Revelations[/caption]

Building on a successful first season with the company, Artistic Director Robert Battle continues to enhance the already rich repertory of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater by combining a vibrant array of new choreographic voices with classical and traditional pieces. Battle stands by Ailey’s mission to inspire audiences in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition.  Battle’s vision allows Ailey’s extraordinary artists to push their limits with a diverse repertoire while connecting to audiences on various emotional levels. 

“I’m thrilled to further expand Ailey’s diverse repertory with new voices and talented contemporary choreographers that showcase the depth and breadth of the dancers’ artistry,” said Battle. “Audiences will experience new treasures, along with encores of last season’s notable works and beloved pieces from Ailey’s rich history and to be dancing these pieces on the Auditorium Theatre stage for two weeks is a privilege and delight for the entire Ailey family.” 

Program Schedule and Ticket Information

Week 1
Friday, March 8 | 7:30pm: Another Night, Strange Humors / Petite Mort / Revelations
Saturday, March 9 | 2:00 & 8:00pm: From Before, Pas de Duke / Home / Revelations
Sunday, March 10 | 3:00pm: Another Night, Strange Humors / Petite Mort / Revelations    

Week 2
Wednesday, March 13 | 7:30pm: Grace / Minus 16 / Revelations
Thursday, March 14 | 7:30pm: Another Night, Strange Humors / Petite Mort / Revelations
Friday, March 15 | 7:30pm: From Before, Pas De Duke / Home / Revelations
Saturday, March 16 | 2:00pm: Another Night, Strange Humors / Petite Mort / Revelations
Saturday, March 16 | 8:00pm: Grace / Minus 16 / Revelations
Sunday, March 17 | 3:00pm: Grace / Pas De Duke, From Before / Revelations

 

Tickets are $32 - $92 and are available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling
(800) 982-ARTS (2787) or in-person at the Auditorium’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).

Discounted tickets available to groups of 10 or more are available by calling (312) 341-2357.