The Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings a tale of star-crossed lovers during La Belle Epoque to Chicago, ringing in the holiday stage season with grand theatricality and rafters-high kicks well before The Rockettes strap on their heels. Choreographer Jorden Morris tells the story of two innocents enticed by the glitter of the Moulin Rouge, and how their youthful passion is threatened by the cabaret’s evil proprietor. Colorful skirts will be thrown high in can-cans en pointe, framed by the iconic windmill and sets reminiscent of late-nineteenth-century Paris. As you gaze on Andrew Beck’s set design, consider it in the context of the Auditorium Theatre, opened in 1889—the same year as the Moulin Rouge. (Sharon Hoyer)
At the Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Congress, (800)982-2787. November 2-4, Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. $30-$74.
Complementary Opposites: A Preview of "Serenade" and "Of Mice and Men" by the Joffrey Ballet “Both [ballets] are trying to deal with a particular time: One by healing with the beauty of dance, the other by trying to create empathy for beaten-down humanity. Right now, we’re facing some of the same issues, such as huge migrations from the workplace. Steinbeck shone a light on his time, and I hope we’re able to do the same.”
