THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES 2012 – 2013 SEASON
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.