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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

ACT OUT OPENING: The Rose and the Rime at House Theatre (ages 6+)

THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO RETURNS TO MODERN MYTH-MAKING WITH ROSE AND THE RIME AT THE CHOPIN THEATRE, JANUARY 17 – MARCH 9

**Although designed for adults, The Rose and the Rime is suitable for kids six and up.** 
The run time is 85 minutes with no intermission--so make sure your kids can handle it, if you're considering bringing the littles. 

The House Theatre has long been a top favorite of ours here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows.   We can't wait to see their latest original play, The Rose and the Rime!   Last month we saw The phenomenal House Nutcracker for the 3rd or 4th time, and the kids still begged to see it yet again.   It's become a beloved annual tradition.   Before that, our whole family thoroughly enjoyed The Crownless King.   We'd been eagerly waiting a YEAR for The Stag King sequel.   And of course the incomparable Dennis Watkins' magic has no equal.   We've been raving about his Death and Harry Houdini, The Magnificents and Magic Parlour shows for years.   Click here for some of our past House Theatre related coverage including video interviews, reviews, and photo filled features.   Then don't take our word for it.   Buy your tickets before they sell out and GO already.   We'll be there this Sunday for the press opening and will have a full review up shortly.    



Artistic Director Nathan Allen Leads Cast of Ten in Re-imagined Production

The House Theatre of Chicago presents the all-ages original play Rose and the Rime at the Chopin Theatre Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., Friday, Jan. 17 – Sunday, March 9. The play is created by Company Members Chris Matthews, Jake Minton and Artistic Director Nathan Allen, who will also serve as the production’s director, and has choreography by Company Member Tommy Rapley and music by Company Member Kevin O’ Donnell

The Rose and the Rime Schedule
Previews begin Friday, Jan. 17 through Saturday, Jan. 25 and play on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m.  Regular performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. 

Preview tickets are $15, Regular Run tickets range from $20 to $40 and $10 Student and Industry Same-Day discounted tickets are available for all dates, seats permitting. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.thehousetheatre.com or call 773.769.3832.


Rose and the Rime
House Theatre Chicago 1/17/14 - 3/9/14. 

“…This whole intensely creative show—which deals with a plucky young girl who stares down
an evil witch, only to confront the ambivalence of power—is relentlessly optimistic. That’s one of the great pleasures of The House.” Chicago Tribune

“Wonderfully imaginative stagecraft and a unique approach to movement."Chicago Sun-Times


ROSE AND THE RIME will transfer to The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County starting April 23, 2014 for a five-week run, in a continuing partnership between Arsht and The House.

The multi-talented ensemble of The House Theatre of Chicago utilizes their signature style that blends music, swirling acrobatic dance, spectacle, and stage craft to spin the cautionary tale of their favorite myth, Rose and the Rime. Set in Radio Falls, “a little town by a big lake," young Rose (played by Company Member Paige Collins) must risk her life to rescue a magic coin from the icy clutches of the Rime Witch (played by Ericka Ratcliff), her only hope in saving her friends and family from the spell that keeps them frozen in perpetual winter. When the coin is returned, the freezing spell is lifted, and for a moment, Radio Falls appears rescued from their icy fate. But the coin's power inspires bigger dreams, and greed creeps slowly into the thawed Townsfolk. Rose must finally fight to keep the coin from falling into the wrong hands. But can she bear the power herself? Originally developed at Hope College in 2008, Rose and the Rime won the honor of playing the Kennedy Center as Best Original Work in the KCACTF festival. Re-staged by The House in 2009, Rose and the Rime tackles big themes considered central to many of the stories told at The House.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
ROSE AND THE RIME is written by Nathan Allen, Chris Mathews and Jake Minton, and directed by Nathan Allen. Tommy Rapley leads the ensemble in the dance-like movement as Choreographer, and Kevin O'Donnell lends the score.

Company Members Michael E Smith and Joey Steakley return to their roles as Uncle Roger and Charlie, respectively. Company Member Paige Collins (The Nutcracker, The Crownless King) will take on the title role as Rose, and Company Member Christine Mayland Perkins also appears in the ensemble. Last seen in 2007's The Nutcracker, Equity actress Ericka Ratcliff returns to The House in the title role of the Rime Witch, complete with wire work and new original songs to make Rose's encounter with the Witch particularly spellbinding and heartbreaking.

Guest artist Brandon Holmes (recently seen in Steppenwolf's Three Sisters) appears as Rose's love interest, Jimmy. The ensemble is rounded out by returning guest artist Kara Davidson, and new faces Jeremy Sonkin, Dan Toot, and Tamara White.
Company Member Collette Pollard designs a new space for this re-imagined production, creating a darker, more isolated world for each resident of Radio Falls, where tiny homes stand in solitary snow storms day after day. With seating on three sides of the stage, the audience is a part of the snowy world. 

Company Member Melissa Torchia bundles the cast up for the icy weather, in an urban Midwestern palate. Company Member Lee Keenan designs lights that transport us from Rose's dreamy, childhood visions, to the harsh realities of life in a broken town. Jeff Award-winning composer and Company Member Kevin O’Donnell shares a score influenced by doo-wop, harkening to the show's Michigan roots. Company Member Joshua Horvath completes the team as sound designer.

HELP OUT:


Benefit - The Red Rows Spectacular
Recovery on Water

Feb 12th 7p -2nd Annual Benefit performance to raise funds for ROW (Recovery on Water) a rowing program for breast cancer survivors.  Tonight's entertainment includes live comedy, exotic burlesque performances, feats of strength and more!  Cocktails and light hor'doueves at 7p with performances at 730pm.
Tickets - $25

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO 
The House is Chicago's premier home for original works of physical and spectacle storytelling. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 60 Joseph Jefferson Awards (19 wins) and became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007. Now in its 12th year of original work, The House continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

ACT OUT OPENING: The Drowsy Chaperone at Bailiwick Chicago

Bailiwick Chicago Presents
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
February 4 – 8, 2014 at Stage 773
Actors Bid For Roles at Annual CHICAGO CASTING AUCTION



It’s no ordinary cast!  Dozens of competitors bid for roles in a professionally produced stage production of the hit musical comedy parody THE DROWSY CHAPERONE at Bailiwick Chicago’s annual Chicago Casting Auction.  Now, they’re ready to take the stage for six performances onlyFebruary 4 – 8, 2014 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago.  With book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is directed by Bailiwick Chicago Managing Director Geoff Bleeker* with music direction by Robert Ollis*.  Tickets are currently available at bailiwickchicago.com.

The cast of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE includes Andy Lambros (Man In Chair), Paula Goedert (Drowsy Chaperone), Jill Renn (Janet Van der Graff), Rusty Rector (Robert Martin), Jerry Hickey (George), Varris Holmes (Adolpho), Nancy Studenroth (Mrs. Tottendale), Herb Quinde (Underling), Larry Blust (Feldzeig), Laura Ladeweski (Kitty), Leatrice Berman Sandler (Trix), Christine Hadley and Amy Robbins (Gangsters), Myles Tobin (Superintendent), Penny Reynolds and Peg Wander (Reporters) with a special guest cameo by Noodles The Wonder Dog.  The ensemble includes Michelle BibergalMary BurkeStuart BursteinCarol ChristensenJenny DavisDenise DohertyMaria Harrigan, Deb Hayes, Kim Klein, Marcelline KlestilCorey KrolDiana LynchBliss McMahonLinda Effinger-Quinde, Fred Snow, Eileen Sweeney and Nora Winsberg. The teen and youth chorus includes youth from Bailiwick Chicago’s partner school, Franklin Fine Arts Center, and the Chicago area. The youth chorus includes: Dylan Lainez, Joshua Steinfels-Saenz and Bennett Van York with Franklin Arts Center students Abbie BrandaAnnie Goldenberg, Haley Goldenberg, Rory Kopplin, Rory Normal, Thomas Serges, Emily SmagaczMyles Tanzer and Khilah Turnipseed.  

A rare combination of unprecedented originality and blinding talent, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained. It all begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love. If you've ever sat in a dark theatre and thought, "Dear Lord in heaven, please let it be good," this is the show for you!

THE CHICAGO CASTING AUCTION
Bailiwick Chicago’s annual Chicago Casting Auction is a unique opportunity for non-professionals to experience the thrill of being on stage in a professionally produced Chicago stage production. More than 35 roles were auctioned off during the November 2, 2013 event at Chicago’s Dank Haus German American Cultural Center Grand Ballroom, 4740 N. Western Ave. Contenders for leading and major supporting roles took the stage during the nail-biting live auction, often edged on by the crowd to show off their vocal and dancing talents. Additional supporting and chorus roles were won via silent auction. The event raised more than $60,000 for Bailiwick Chicago.  Last year’s auction, which culminated in a sold-out public run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, raised $75,000 (including ticket sales to the production itself) to support Bailiwick Chicago programming.

The production team for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE includes: Chris Kristant* (scenic design), D.J. Reed  (costume coordinator), Jessica Carson (lighting design), Alex Heika (choreographer), Jon Martinez (asst. choreographer), Kyle Pollio (vocal director), Kate Garassino* (youth choir director/producer), Casi Maggio (associate youth choir director), Varris Holmes* (assistant director) and Heather Stuck* (stage manager).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title:  THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
Book: Bob Martin and Don McKellar
Music & Lyrics: Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Director:  Managing Director Geoff Bleeker
Music: Robert Ollis*
Musicians: Robert Ollis* (Keyboard I, Conductor), Diane Hansen (woodwinds), Derek Fitting (trumpet), Deb Johnson (bass) and Lindsay Williams (percussion).

Location:  Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago
Dates:  Previews: Tuesday, February 4 and Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30 pm
Regular run:  Thursday, February 6 – Saturday, February 8, 2014
Curtain Times:  Thursday at 7:30 pm; Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 pm & 7:30 pm
Tickets: Previews: $20. $15 children 12 & under. Regular run$45. Tickets are currently available at bailiwickchicago.com.

*Denotes Bailiwick Chicago Collective Member.

Bailiwick Chicago is a non-profit professional company with a mission to produce contemporary musicals and plays, reinvent classic musicals and develop new work, while sharing a powerful and authentic theatrical experience. The company celebrates and engages our community through diverse programming, artistic partnerships and outreach opportunities. In its first three seasons Bailiwick Chicago has garnered 44 award nominations, including 10 Non-Equity Jeff Award Nominations in its first Jeff-Eligible season (2011-12).  For additional information, visit www.bailiwickchicago.com

Bailiwick Chicago Staff:
Artistic Director: Lili-Anne Brown
Executive Director: Kate Garassino
Creative Director: Eric Martin

Managing Director: Geoff Bleeker

Monday, January 20, 2014

INCOMING: The Wild Feathers Play Double Door 2/16 (21+) #FreeDownload


Chi, IL Live Shows on Our Radar: 

The Wild Feathers Announce Winter Headline Tour Presented By Filter

"The Ceiling" Wins Sirius Spectrum Award

Selected As One of Amazon's Rising Stars of 2014


The Wild Feathers have announced a winter headline tour presented by Filter. The North American run kicks off January 22nd in Austin, TX, and runs through SXSW. Full tour dates are below. Saints of Valory and Jamestown Revival will support.


JAM Productions and Double Door Welcome
The Wild Feathers
Saints of Valory, Jamestown Revival
Sunday Feb 16, 2014
Doors: 8:00 PM
Show: 9:00 PM
21 and over
$14


This year has been an impressive one for the Nashville five-piece, who released their Jay Joyce (Cage the Elephant, Emmylou Harris)-produced debut album August 13th via Warner Bros Records. They have played well over 200 shows, with Gary Clark Jr, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Dawes, Dwight Yoakam and ZZ Ward,.and more, and stopped at the Austin City Limits festival,  San Francisco's Outside Lands, Sasquatch and Hangout Festivals, Milwaukee's Summerfest, Louisville's Forecastle Festival and Nashville's Live on the Green. The Wild Feathers performed their acclaimed single "The Ceiling," which the Minneapolis Star Tribune called "perhaps the most elegantly crafted song of the year" on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and the track just won the Sirius Spectrum Award for Best Song Discovery.

Amazon has selected The Wild Feathers for their "Rising Stars of 2014" campaign, which runs from December 25th to January 31stThe program features a free download of the band's new single "Got It Wrong," which they performed on Rachael Ray December 10th.  

Critical response to The Wild Feathers has been effusive. Rolling Stone declared the album "something that fans of heartland artists like the Avett Brothers and My Morning Jacket will appreciate while it recalls the magic of Tom Petty and Neil Young," Relix called it "boisterous and impassioned, reverberating with a raw, live quality," Baeble Music said, "Electrifying, soul stirring, and utterly reverent rock and roll...they're The Wild Feathers and they're pretty much here to kick your ass," and  the NY Daily News gave the album four stars, declaring "the Feathers have the vulnerability and beauty of the Jayhawks...the chemistry they found has the 'eureka' effect of the great American harmony-rock bands, from Buffalo Springfield to Poco."

The Wild Feathers North American Tour Dates:

WED      1/22/14  Austin, TX            Stubb's
THU       1/23/14  Houston, TX        Warehouse Live
FRI         1/24/14  Dallas, TX            as Monkey
FRI         1/31/14  Mobile, AL            Soul Kitchen
SAT        2/1/14    Atlanta, GA          The Loft
SUN        2/2/14    Athens, GA           The Melting Point
TUE        2/4/14    Washington, DC  U Street Music Hall
THU       2/6/14    New York, NY      Mercury Lounge
FRI         2/7/14    Philadelphia, PA  World Café Live
SUN        2/9/14    Boston, MA          Brighton Music Hall
MON      2/10/14  Montreal, QC       Belmont
WED      2/12/14  Toronto, ON         Horseshoe Tavern
THU       2/13/14  Ann Arbor, MI     Blind Pig
FRI         2/14/14  Indianapolis, IN   Radio Radio
SAT        2/15/14  Madison, WI        Majestic Theatre
SUN        2/16/14  Chicago, IL           Double Door
TUE        2/18/14  St. Paul, MN         Turf Club
WED      2/19/13  Lawrence, KS       Granada Theatre
FRI         2/21/14  Denver, CO           Bluebird Theatre
SUN        2/23/14  Boise, ID               Neurolux
TUE        2/25/14  Portland, OR         Star Theater
WED      2/26/14  Seattle, WA           The Crocodile
THU       2/27/14  Vancouver, BC     Media Club
SUN        3/2/14    Sacramento, CA  Harlows Night Club
MON      3/3/14    San Francisco, CA               The Independent
TUE        3/4/14    Solana Beach, CA               Belly Up Tavern
    
*Saints of Valory will not perform on Seattle, Vancouver and Sacramento dates
                      



INCOMING: GoldFord Plays Lincoln Hall 1/31


Chi, IL Live Shows on Our Radar:

GoldFord will be direct support for Caleb Hawley (record release show) at Lincoln Hall on Friday, Jan. 31:



Shoeshine Boy Productions presents:


8:00 PM   21+   $12 Doors

It's almost too easy for Caleb Hawley to win over an audience. With his lightning guitar licks, irreverent choice of covers (Spice Girls?), and a voice - from soothing folk to powerhouse soul - that placed him in the final 50 on American Idol (2011), the shaggy-haired, blue-eyed soul singer is irresistible. So irresistible, that it's easy to overlook the power and truth in his songwriting. Raised outside Minneapolis, Caleb discovered his songwriting voice after earning a degree in jazz composition. Based in New York City since 2007, his self-described "folk infused rock 'n' soul" is sweeping songwriting contests across the country. Caleb is in currently in the final stages of his fourth studio album.

Jeffrey Goldford didn’t realize until he was 20 years old that he had a gift. College life loaned itself to a happy accident, when a group of his roommates overheard him singing to himself in the shower. Little did they know such a simple accidental discovery would unearth a once-in-a-lifetime kind of voice.


Tall Walker is a three-piece indie rock faction from Chicago, IL with a sound that is pop sensible, rock friendly and sonically reminiscent of early U2. From the soft and sensitive, to the raucous and fuzzy, they entice with powerful delivery and thought provoking lyrics. Brought to life by recent Chicago transplant Nick Bays and Chris Hershman, Tall Walker spent most of 2012 in the fetal stages. With the addition of Ben Johnson on drums the trio has started recording selections from their catalog and is building a fan base in Chicago and Bays’s home state of South Carolina.

Mighty Fox isn't just a musical project but rather a journey. As an up-and-coming group based in Chicago that has already gotten industry professionals stirring, it’s clear that this project is more than just a “band” but rather a way of life for the musicians involved. Each song has the listener noticing the many different artists that influence Mighty Fox and how they’ve effected the lives of the members. With bands like Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, U2, Mumford & Sons, and Go Radio being considered substantial influences, Mighty Fox has a very well rounded sound that anyone and everyone can relate to and enjoy. Don’t let the names fool you though. Mighty Fox has definitely found a sound of their own which translates incredibly to their live show.

Click here for tickets and full show details http://lincolnhallchicago.com/Shows/01-31-2014+Caleb+Hawley


INCOMING: Chicago's North by North Debut Double LP Release at Empty Bottle 1/23 #FreeStreaming

Chi, IL Live Shows on Our Radar:

Chicago’s North by North will celebrate the release of their debut, double LP, Something Wicked, with a show at the Empty Bottle on Thursday, Jan. 23: http://emptybottle.com/show/3933594/.


The album streams at http://northbynorth.bandcamp.com/.  


Harnessing a love of gritty, classic rock and dance music, THE IVORYS a trio of young Chicago whipper-snappers who walk the line between power pop, indie-rock and good ol' rock'n'roll. The band has played Chicago extensively and toured around the U.S. with stops at SXSW over the past two years while building a steady fan base her at home and around the country. Come witness THE IVORYS' animated, electrifying live show with your own eyeballs and remember to clean the drool off your face. 

Another power-trio of sorts, Chicago's NORTH BY NORTH veer in a completely different direction, playing more angular, heavy rock that's veers in spastic-but-anthemic directions. Tonight the band is celebrating the release of their first LP, Something Wicked, which is the perfect titled for the ball of hook-laden, noisey fury they've created in all EIGHTEEN songs. Fans of fuzzy, bluesy rock'n'roll aren't gonna want to miss their set tonight - be sure and pick up a copy of the record on your way out. 


Opening tonight's show and making their EB debut is AKTAR AKTAR, a Chicago four-piece who meld Brit-pop with American folk-rock on their debut LP, Mothershipman. The album was released in late 2011 and we're excited to hear what new tunes they'll have for us tonight.

Thu Jan 23 2014
9:00 PM
$8.00

Sunday, January 19, 2014

NEW RELEASES: Dublin based Noise Rockers Girl Band Premieres "Lawman" Single On Noisey

Check out the new Lawman single from ironically named noise rockers, Girl Band.  Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we've been liking what we've heard from these Dublin based boys.  


The band is influenced by a mix of 70s post punk, 80s hardcore punk, with textures and song structures influenced by techno acts.  Their live show is known for being loud, intense and energetic.

 7" Single Out January 20th In The US On Any Other City Records


Girl Band are:
Dara Kiely / Alan Duggan / Daniel Fox / Adam Faulkner

Noisey recently premiered the track saying it "boasts no-wave muttering over a cacophony of defibrillated guitar, as the instruments are forced to glitch and burp within an inch of their lives." The single (due for release on January 20th in the US via Any Other City Records) includes the b-side "Heckle The Frames" and will be released on a limited run of 300 7" records, each screen-printed and hand stitched.  Lawman is the follow up to the band's 2012 debut EP France 1998.



'Lawman' 7" Tracklisting

A. Lawman
B. Heckle The Frames



Links










Irish four-piece Girl Band have announced a new single for 2014.

The new single "Lawman" is being released with Any Other City Records on a limited run of 300 7" records, each screen-printed and hand stitched.

The noise rock band from Dublin, Ireland released their debut single “In My Head”, followed by their 6 track EP – France 98, both in 2012 with Any Other City Records (Villagers, James Vincent McMorrow). 


Press Quotes
"Second One is a fantastic blast of punky fury and righteous energy." -THE IRISH TIMES

"This is maniacal music, the kind that translates onto its listener and turns them into a more rabid individual. Watch out." -THIS IS FAKE DIY

"musically somewhere between bleach-era nirvana, mclusky, jesus lizard and even that incendiary first idlewild demo in their teens, long before they started sounding like rem. this a band listening to the same bands as metz have been listening to, but living a lot closer to home.' a must." -ROUGH TRADE

"A succinct, vicious little slab of noise-pop genius that expertly blends texture, dissonance, and squealing, searing feedback with tight dynamism and an infectious hook; think 'Song 2' by Blur if they'd been paying homage to noise-rock, rather than parodying grunge." -DROWNED IN SOUND

"Goddamn this is ace." -THE QUIETUS

"Taken from the ingeniously-named France ‘98 EP, ‘You’re A Dog’ is the perfect introduction to fearless neo-grungers Girl Band, on the off-chance that you haven’t yet heard the masterful noise rock these four Dubliners produce." -HOT PRESS

REVIEW: THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE AND EXELON REJOICE WITH THE RETURN OF THE 9TH ANNUAL “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” JANUARY 18 – 19


Last call.   One show remains, today (Sunday) at 3pm,  for the 9th annual performance of “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah”.   I had the chance to catch it last night with my 12 year old son and highly recommend it. Collaboration, community and creativity combine in this impressive annual celebration in a truly inspiring way.  




We were blown away by the talent, energy and enthusiasm in this unique production.   I don't think we've ever seen such a fast piano medley and the soloists were fantastic.   


The large screen was invaluable for close ups and clever crossfades on the musicians and choir during the performance, and the short video on the process & history that preceded the show, was fascinating.   The diverse cast was a treat, and it's great to see Detroit and Chicago collaborating on creating something beautiful, instead of our usual sports rivalries, where we good naturedly love to hate them.

We were also awed by the "quilts" made by Chicago area school children with their wishes for the future... ending violence in their neighborhoods, helping people, feeding the hungry, curing cancer, playing pro-sports, becoming infamous on YouTube...  Our best hopes for the future are enlightening and teaching the children.   We've come a long way since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was gunned down for promoting peace and tolerance.  Yet Chicago still remains sadly segregated.   

Our family is raising urban children in the Chicago Public Schools because we want them to be color blind and grow up with friends and classmates of all different races, religions, colors, and economic classes.  We want our children to consider others by their actions & words, not the color of their skin.  We want them to believe in the possibility of peace and justice.  This annual production is a joyful step toward peace and the power of music.



More Than 200 Musicians and Vocalists With Soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson, Pay Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, presents the 9th annual “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” January 18 and 19. Chicago favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson join more than 200 of Chicago’s finest musicians and vocalists, under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mallare Acton, for two public performances only―filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets ($25 – $68) are on sale now and available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). 

“This show provides our community with a truly unique way to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, not only because of Dr. King’s deep love of gospel and jazz music but the way in which it represents Chicago’s diversity in both performers and audience members,” said Executive Director Brett Batterson. “It’s incredible to see an entire audience brought to their feet with such vigor and excitement. It is a true celebration of music, and of a man so important to United States history.”


“Handel’s indelible, indestructible tunes remain, but rhythmically the “Messiah” takes flight in ways that the great composer never could have anticipated.” (Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich). Mixing gospel and jazz stylings, “Too Hot” brings music lovers of all genres to their feet while embracing the music brought to life onstage by more than 200 musicians from both Chicago as well as Detroit―including 150 voices from the citywide “Too Hot” Choir under the direction of Old St. Patrick’s Church music director Bill Fraher, and a 50-piece symphony orchestra and jazz ensemble under the baton of conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton. This collaboration between cities fuses both Chicago and Detroit sounds together, enhancing the camaraderie on stage and in the theatre. Powerhouse vocalists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson lead the group through the incredible music that fills the Auditorium Theatre bringing an entire audience together in order to remember a man whose indelible mark on the world will forever live on. The show is enhanced through a large LED screen that will capture both the performers and audience members during the concert. Video enhancements made possible through the generosity of William and Shelley Farley.


In tandem with “Too Hot to Handel,” the Auditorium’s Department of Creative Engagement utilizes innovative programming to engage Chicago students in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of music and community. For the 5th consecutive year, the Auditorium invites Chicago Public School students, grades 3-12, to write an original poem celebrating Dr. King's vision of the “beloved community.”  

Exelon is the Presenting Sponsor of “Too Hot to Handel.” JPMorgan Chase Foundation is the “Too Hot to Handel” Educational Outreach Partner. “Too Hot” video enhancements are made possible through the generosity of William and Shelley Farley.  Additional support is provided by Friends of “Too Hot to Handel.”  The Auditorium Theatre’s student matinee series is sponsored by The Private Bank and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation.  Additional media support provided by “Chicago Jazz Magazine” and “N’Digo.”


Performance Schedule and Ticket Information

Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” performs at the Auditorium Theatre:
Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 at 11 a.m. (one hour Student Matinee Performance*) 
Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. 
Sunday, Jan. 19, 214 at 3 p.m.** 

Tickets to the Jan. 19 and 20 performances are $25 - $68, available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or in-person at the Auditorium’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).

*The Friday, Jan. 17 student matinee is available to elementary through high school student groups of 10 or more people. Group tickets are $10 each and available by calling 
(312) 341-2357. 


**A free Q&A with “Too Hot to Handel” artists immediately follows the Sunday afternoon performance. 



 



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. The Auditorium Theatre is generously supported by the MacArthur Foundation, the NIB Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council 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.  



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