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.  

The Book Thief on Blu-Ray + Digital HD On March 11th

Save the date!

ACT OUT OPENING: U.S. Premiere of Solstice Opens TONIGHT at A Red Orchid

Solstice

By Zinnie Harris 

*U.S. Premiere* 

January 9 – February 23, 2014

We'll be there tonight reviewing for ChiIL Live Shows, and we'll have a full review here shortly.

In a war-torn world, in an unnamed city divided by a river–and religion, politics, and money– a devout candlemaker, his sick wife, and their son struggle to survive.  When they learn of a plan for their side of the river to be mined for minerals, and, worse, that their son has taken drastic action against their oppressors, their lives dramatically change.  Zinnie Harris’ otherworldly play explores terrorism and a family attempting to keep ahold of their faith and each other in a world torn apart by violence and inequality–a world we often fear ours becoming.

Directed by Ensemble Member Karen Kessler

Featuring Ensemble Members Larry Grimm & Kirsten Fitzgerald with Artistic Associate Steve Schine

REVIEW: Half Way Mark Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival

This fledgling circus fest has taken flight in an exciting way!   The performances have been stunning, but beyond that, it's the community that is making this fest something utterly unique and special.   Thursday night we meet folks who had come in from as far away as the Netherlands.  Canada is seriously representing. New York and the West Coast have also sent a number of circus performers and fans.  The networking opportunities have been excellent and we can't wait to see the friendships and collaborations this fest will spawn.   Highly recommended!


Click here for the full schedule, photos and our prior coverage.

Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.  This will be circus immersion week for sure. Catch as many of these live acts as you can & experience the rest vicariously through our pages here and at our more adult sister site, ChiIL Live Shows. 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

We've highlighted remaining performances in red so you can locate them easily.   

**ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List--Best Fam Friendly Shows This Week:   American Youth Circus Organization Showcase** Athenaeum Theatre  SUN 1/12/14 @ 1pm

Produced by the AYCO, this show features 40 young artists ages 6-21 from 13 states showcasing their circus artistry.  (*AYCO performers include Chicago youth from Actor's Gymnasium and CircEsteem.   Click the links for loads of ChiIL Mama's original features on both.)

*NOTE: There is partial nudity in Ricochet, the Cabaret shows may not be appropriate for kids under 17, and Honeybuns is an 18 and older show. 

• Attrape-Moi by Flip FabriQue Athenaeum Theatre: FRI, 1/10/14 @ 4pm SAT, 1/11/14 @ 8pm, & SUN, 1/12/14 @ 5pm

Flip FabriQue is a young organization born out of the common dream of a group of friends, all from the world of professional circus, to create a company which incorporates personal experiences and, above all, utilizes the full potential of each artist. These world-class artists have performed hundreds of shows for numerous companies including the prestigious Cirque du Soleil and Cirque Éloize. Flip FabriQue takes a creative and collaborative approach created entirely by the artist and the director. Embracing the qualities and strengths of each unique performer reveals the magic of Flip FabriQue.

The Way Out is 90 minutes of heart-stopping acrobatics, aerials, theater, dance and video projection. Under the artistic direction of Terry Crane, with choreography by Elizabeth Rose, it is a truly contemporary form of storytelling using the raw physicality of the performers.

• The Way Out by The Acrobatic Conundrum Athenaeum Theatre THUR, 1/9/14 @ 7:30pm, & SAT, 1/11/14 @ 5pm

The Acrobatic Conundrum Eight strangers find themselves in a room with no exit. They are isolated from the world in a bunker where supplies are scarce. In the absence of enough, the new arrivals see themselves in a different light: vindictive and kind, desperate and hopeful.

With no allies but each other, eight disparate personalities vie for survival, connection, and a way out.

 

Smoke and Mirrors* by Ricochet (*one of my kids' top picks!  Highly recommended) AND Muualla/Elsewhere by Ilona Jäntti’ Athenaeum Theatre FRI, 1/10/14 @ 7:30pm, & SUN, 1/12/14 @ 8pm

*NOTE: There is partial nudity in Ricochet

Ricochet Weaving delicate metaphor with jaw dropping spectacle, RICOCHETʼs unique brand of poetic acrobatics has taken the world by storm. Using lyric physicality and virtuosic circus technique, RICOCHET draws from rigorous backgrounds of classical and contemporary dance, aerial acrobatics, and the commitment to experimentation and improvisation to explore the internal landscapes of the human experience. The company of two; Cohdi Harrell and Laura Stokes, based out of rural New Mexico, travel the world over performing and teaching. Hailed as being “vital to the growth of contemporary circus in America,” their work has played to sold out theaters from Seattle to Croatia, never receiving less than a standing ovation.

• El Circo Cheapo Cabaret* by Aloft Circus Arts Athenaeum Theatre  FRI, 1/10/14 @ 11pm, & SAT 1/11/14 @ 11pm

*NOTE: the Cabaret shows may not be appropriate for kids under 17

El Circo Cheapo Cabaret

Starting in the early 90ʼs and continuing through the mid-part of 2008, the New Circus Movement, as embodied by Cirque du Soleil, involved lavish, technically complex productions. But in this post-recession world everyone is trying to do more with less. El Circo Cheapo Cabaret was born out of this moment. 

What is “The Circus” when you peel away elaborate sets and the profusion of special effects? At circusʼ core is the relationship between the performers and the audience. Part vaudeville and part reality-TV, on stage there is the performer, their apparatus, music and the audience: nothing more. The performers communicate with the audience, and the audience, through applause, gasps, tears and laughter, communicates with the performers. This is the framework that El Circo Cheapo began with 5 years ago, and 120 sold-out shows later, it's what makes El Circo Cheapo Cabaret unique—everyone, regardless of education, age, culture or background can, and will want to, participate in it. The result is a fresh and honest show that makes a profound connection with any audience. This is circus as it has always been intended--powerful, honest, dangerous, intense, hilarious and passionate.  This special festival edition is being chosen and planned by the production team at the CCCF and features some of the best circus artists in America.

• Honeybuns* by Dean Evans Athenaeum’s Black Box Theatre THUR 1/9/14 @ 9pm, SAT 1/11/14 @ 9:30pm, & SUN 1/12/14 @ 6:30pm

*NOTE:   Honeybuns is an 18 and older show.   Don't let the playful costume fool you.   Honeybuns is raunchy, irreverent, and brilliant... and we're not just talking about the hue of his bloomers.   He WILL take you out of your comfort zone.  Highly recommended

Running in Corduroy by Brian P. Dailey Athenaeum’s Black Box Theatre FRI 1/10/14 @ 9pm, SAT 1/11/14 @ 6:30pm, & SUN 1/12/14 @9:30pm

(*AYCO performers include Chicago youth from Actor's Gymnasium and CircEsteem.   Click the links for loads of ChiIL Mama's original features on both.)

American Youth Circus Organization Showcase** Athenaeum Theatre  SUN 1/12/14 @ 1pm

**Produced by the AYCO, this show features 40 young artists ages 6-21 from 13 states showcasing their circus artistry.

Gone but Not Forgotten:

The two pieces below are finished for this fest, but were both phenomenal.   Cherepaka was so intense the audience barely moved or even breathed for the whole 45 minute piece.   It was beautiful, painful and stunning, with minuscule moves and superhuman strength.   I've never seen anything like it. Every other contortion act I've seen has been flowing and sensual so this one is a marked contrast.  It's quite stunning Leclerc, who is one of the most flexible humans I've ever seen, would choose to embody a dying turtle, with an exoskeleton and limited mobility. 

I can't imagine the concentration and level of dedication this piece takes to perform on a physical and on a mental level.  It was at once excruciating and exciting.   We can't wait to see what's next from Andréane Nadere Leclerc.   She's one to watch for for sure.

Cherepaka (the death of a turtle) by Andréane Nadere Leclerc Links Hall THUR 1/9/14 @ 6pm, & FRI 1/10/14 @ 8:30pm

 



Cherepaka demo from andreane leclerc on Vimeo.

The Rendez-vous by Krin Haglund Links Hall THUR 1/9/14 @ 8:30pm, & FRI 1/10/14 @ 6pm

We had the great pleasure of meeting Krin's mom and 3 year old son at the show on Friday night.  We all slogged in through the slush and rain together and then ended up sitting next to each other for the show as well.   We're very muchly hoping to interview her at some point for our ongoing video series on How Creatives Parent and How Parents Create.   You can click here to access these interviews via our Pinterest Pages.

Her show was one of our favorites of the fest so far.   The tweens and I adored it!   Krin is an uber talented triple threat who sings, does spoken word poetry and has circus skills to spare.   Her strength, childlike playfulness and creativity are truly inspiring.  Her shows for Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival are the debut of The Rendez-vous as a full length piece.

How Creatives Parent and How Parents Create

Speaking of circus parents and balance.   Here's an interview we did for our series with a dad who is on tour with Cirque du Soleil with his wife and children.   If anyone else is juggling and balancing circus life and family life and would like to do a video interview with us, shoot me an e-mail.   We'd love to hear what you have to say!  

ChiIL Mama Interviews Sébastien Savard, Cirque du Soleil Ovo's Violin player, Cockroach, Dad in this original video interview. His children were both born on tour and his family and creative work are inextricably linked.

_____________________________________

LOCATION & OTHER INFORMATION

ATHENAEUM THEATRE, performances will be held in both their main stage and black box (studio 3) theatres. The theater is located at 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 / 773-935-6875

Parking & Directions http://athenaeumtheatre.org/directions.shtml

LINKS HALL is located in Constellation (the former site of the Viaduct Theater) at 3111 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 / 773.281.0824

TICKETS Tickets start at $20.00, and festival packages are also available starting at $135.00. Tickets for all shows (at various venues) may be purchased through the Athenaeum box office 773-935-6875 or online atovationtix.com/trs/dept/1188. For more information and group ticket inquiries, go to chicagocircusfest.com. 

WORKSHOP CONTACT INFORMATION For more information on professional development please visithttp://circusnow.org/. For more information on skill-based master classes contact chicagocircusfest.com.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SEMINAR OR CIRCUS NOW Please contact Duncan Wall, National Director, Circus Now at US: 347.587.8107 or CAN: 438.936.7503

ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST Speaking Circus / Chicago  II Speaking Circus / NYC  II Circus Now  An editorial in the NYTimes about the rise of creative circus.

MORE INFORMATION For more information go to chicagocircusfest.com

Co-producers Shayna Swanson and Matt Roben and their team have been working collaboratively to curate and produce this first festival with the purpose of creating a new and educated audience for circus in America. The festival is organized as a not-for-profit, with Links Hall acting as itʼs fiscal agent. Festival discussions and workshops are being organized by Circus Now. For more information on professional development please visithttp://circusnow.org/.

The first of its kind in the United States, The Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival brings daringly moving acts and shows from around the world to perform, teach, and network from January 6-12, 2014. The festival showcases genre-defying companies and performers creating circus in an entirely new, and completely inspiring way. Tickets for all shows (at various venues) may be purchased through the Athenaeum box office 773-935-6875 or online atovationtix.com/trs/dept/1188. For more information go to chicagocircusfest.com.

2014 Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival

2014 Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival is the nationʼs first contemporary circus festival, and it flies into the Windy City this January 7-12, 2014. Chicagoanʼs of all ages can experience seven genre-defying national and international circus companies for four days of daringly moving full-length contemporary circus shows, and two late-night cabaret* style performances, as well as workshops, seminars, discussions and parties. Performances will be held in the Athenaeumʼs main stage and black box theaters, as well as at Links Hall. Tickets start at $20.00, and festival packages are also available starting at $135.00. Tickets for all shows (at various venues) may be purchased through the Athenaeum box office 773-935-6875 or online at ovationtix.com/trs/dept/1188. For more information go to chicagocircusfest.com.

“Delightful... Go see it!” ~CBC Radio Canada

Click here for ChiIL Live Shows sizable SmugMug Gallery of Original Circus Arts Photos.   Our photo gallery includes an array of Contemporary and Traditional Circus Arts... major players and local favs including:

• Cirque du Soliel
• El Circo Cheapo
• The Actor's Gymnasium
• The Midnight Circus
• The Ordinary Acrobat Book Tour-Duncan Wall/Circus Now
• CircEsteem
• Ringling Brothers
• Cirque Shanghai

From tiny, hilarious clown shows to large scale ensemble-based spectacles, from the intimate to the outrageous, the 2014 Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival will blow the doors off the idea that the circus is only a Big-Top, multimillion-dollar extravaganza. Since the mid to late 19th century, the “traditional” format in American circus has been viewed as clowns with big shoes, glittery show girl costumes and elephants standing on one leg. In stark contrast, the contemporary circus (originally known as nouveau cirque), well-established and respected in Europe, Canada, Australia and other parts of the world since the 1970’s, is a mix of human circus skill, theater, dance and music. This contemporary genre of circus tends to focus more attention on the overall aesthetic impact, on character and story development, and on the use of new media, design, and original music, to convey thematic or narrative content provoking emotional engagement.

TONIGHT: CHICAGO BLUEGRASS & BLUES FESTIVAL 2014 Kicks Off 3 Weeks of ChiIL Live Shows

CBB Returns: 5th Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest to call Concord Music Hall & City Winery home over three weeks

Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival (CBB) is ready to celebrate its 5th birthday! The wintertime roots fest returns with 17 shows format spanning three weeks in January and February!

CBB V is anchored in eight shows over three weeks at the newly-minted Concord Music Hall, the West Loop’s City Winery, and Evanston’s SPACE.  Rusted Root and Justin Townes Earle make their first CBB appearance, while David Grisman returns for his 3rd, this time with two nights as the David Grisman JazzFolk Trio.  The fest kicks off January 10th with Leagues and The Autumn Defense (feat. John Stirratt & Pat Sanson of Chicago's own WILCO) at Concord Music Hall.  Jonathan Batiste brings a dose of New Orleans, Greensky brings the Bluegrass, and Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater channels 60 years of Chicago blues experience.  Local showcases at Tonic Room adorn nights throughout.  

Aiming to showcase the musical styles that have evolved from bluegrass and blues culture, CBB was born in 2008 of a collaboration between Mike Raspatello, React Presents, and Silver Wrapper.   Since then, the fest has hosted acts like The Avett Brothers, Bela Fleck, Grace Potter, Del McCoury, Edward Sharpe, David Grisman, Drive-By Truckers, Dr. Dog, Dawes, Honeyboy Edwards, Joe Pug, Joe Purdy, Corey Chisel, and The Skatalites, making stops at the Auditorium Theater, Lincoln Hall, House of Blues, Congress Theater, and Double Door.  
For complete details, please head to https://www.facebook.com/cbbfestival.

Check out the full lineup below:

Jan 10 - Leagues & The Autumn Defense w/ The Giving Tree Band and Dick Prall @ Concord Music Hall

Jan 10 – Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater @ SPACE (Evanston)

Jan 11 – Acoustics Anonymous w/ Clusterpluck @ Tonic Room

Jan 13 - Jonathan Batiste @ City Winery

Jan 14 - Tiny Miles & The Big Kids @Tonic Room

Jan 15 - David Grisman JazzFolk Trio @ City Winery 

Jan 15 - Great Divide w/ Nick And The Ovorols @ Tonic Room

Jan 16 - David Grisman JazzFolk Trio @ City Winery 

Jan 16 – Evergreen Grass Band w/ guests @ Tonic Room

Jan 17 - Justin Townes Earle & The Felice Brothers w/ guests @ Concord Music Hall 

Jan 17 – Shamekia Copeland @ SPACE (Evanston)

Jan 18 - Greensky Bluegrass w/ Escondido @ Concord Music Hall 

Jan 18 - Shamekia Copeland @ SPACE (Evanston)

Jan 18 – American Babies w/ guests @ Tonic Room

Jan 23 - Huckleberry Green @ Tonic Room

Jan 25 - Rusted Root w/ Donna The Buffalo @ Concord Music Hall

Feb 2 – Swear and Shake @ SPACE (Evanston) 

DISCOUNT TICKETS: Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival

At last, the long awaited Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival is in full swing.   Most of the performances are happening twice.   Click here to check out the full schedule.   Discount tickets to some performances (including both of tonights' performances featured below) available on Goldstar!

Tonight we'll be without the kids, but the rest of the lineup I'll be reviewing with the tweens.   They've studied circus arts for 3 years and know some of the performers.   Hope to see you out there.   Tonight I'll be checking out these two acts:

Cherepaka (the death of a turtle) by Andréane Nadere Leclerc

Links Hall

THUR 1/9/14 @ 6pm, & FRI 1/10/14 @ 8:30pm

Andréane Nadère Leclerc

Cherepaka is the death of a Turtle. Inspired by Deleuzeʼs Logique de la sensation and Francis Baconʼs paintings, Cherepaka is a scenographic composition that explores the duality of eternity and death, and the human desire to live.

This essay tries to go beyond the curiosity of contortion - to make this acrobatic language a physical language capable of stimulating the audiences imagination.

Contortionist Andréane began her circus career at nine years of age. Driven by a desire to harness contortion technique as a malleable material that is capable of generating a world of sensations and imagery beyond the spectacle, she now creates her own experimental and conceptual performances (Di(x)parue, Cherepaka, InSuccube). In 2013, she obtained a Masterʼs Degree in Theatre at UQAM. She is currently working onEat Me (Tangente, 2014) and Whore of Babylon, a co-creation with the Tiger Lillies. 

Honeybuns* by Dean Evans

Athenaeum’s Black Box Theatre

THUR 1/9/14 @ 9pm, SAT 1/11/14 @ 9:30pm, & SUN 1/12/14 @ 6:30pm

*NOTE:   Honeybuns is an 18 and older show.   Don't let the playful costume fool you.    Honeybuns is raunchy, irreverent, and brilliant... and we're not just talking about the hue of his bloomers.   He WILL take you out of your comfort zone.

The first of its kind in the United States, The Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival brings daringly moving acts and shows from around the world to perform, teach, and network from January 6-12, 2014. The festival showcases genre-defying companies and performers creating circus in an entirely new, and completely inspiring way. Tickets for all shows (at various venues) may be purchased through the Athenaeum box office 773-935-6875 or online at ovationtix.com/trs/dept/1188. For more information go to chicagocircusfest.com.

LOCATION & OTHER INFORMATION

ATHENAEUM THEATRE, performances will be held in both their main stage and black box (studio 3) theatres. The theater is located at 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 / 773-935-6875

Parking & Directions http://athenaeumtheatre.org/directions.shtml

LINKS HALL is located in Constellation (the former site of the Viaduct Theater) at 3111 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 / 773.281.0824

TICKETS Tickets start at $20.00, and festival packages are also available starting at $135.00. Tickets for all shows (at various venues) may be purchased through the Athenaeum box office 773-935-6875 or online at ovationtix.com/trs/dept/1188. For more information and group ticket inquiries, go to chicagocircusfest.com. 

2014 Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival: PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Attrape-Moi by Flip FabriQue

Athenaeum Theatre: FRI, 1/10/14 @ 4pm**

SAT, 1/11/14 @ 8pm, & SUN, 1/12/14 @ 5pm

The Way Out by The Acrobatic Conundrum

Athenaeum Theatre

THUR, 1/9/14 @ 7:30pm, & SAT, 1/11/14 @ 5pm 

Smoke and Mirrors* by Ricochet

and

Muualla/Elsewhere by Ilona Jäntti’

Athenaeum Theatre

FRI, 1/10/14 @ 7:30pm, & SUN, 1/12/14 @ 8pm

El Circo Cheapo Cabaret*

Athenaeum Theatre 

FRI, 1/10/14 @ 11pm, & SAT 1/11/14 @ 11pm

Cherepaka (the death of a turtle) by Andréane Nadere Leclerc

Links Hall

THUR 1/9/14 @ 6pm, & FRI 1/10/14 @ 8:30pm

The Rendez-vous by Krin Haglund

Links Hall

THUR 1/9/14 @ 8:30pm, & FRI 1/10/14 @ 6pm

Honeybuns* by Dean Evans

Athenaeum’s Black Box Theatre

THUR 1/9/14 @ 9pm,
SAT 1/11/14 @ 9:30pm,
& SUN 1/12/14 @ 6:30pm

Running in Corduroy by Brian P. Dailey

Athenaeum’s Black Box Theatre
FRI 1/10/14 @ 9pm,
SAT 1/11/14 @ 6:30pm,
& SUN 1/12/14 @9:30pm

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Casting Change Announcement #BroadwayInChicago

COOPER GRODIN TO ASSUME THE TITLE ROLE IN THE SPECTACULAR NEW PRODUCTION OF

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

BEGINNING JANUARY 9 AT THE CADILLAC PALACE THEATRE IN CHICAGO

CHICAGO 

The producers of the spectacular new national touring production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA announced today that Cooper Grodin will assume the title role in the musical beginning January 9 in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Grodin steps in for Mark Campbell, who is no longer touring with the production due to personal reasons. He joins Julia Udine as ‘Christine Daaé,’ Ben Jacoby as ‘Raoul,’ Jacquelynne Fontaine as ‘Carlotta Giudicelli,’ Craig Bennett as ‘Monsieur Firmin,’ Edward Staudenmayer as ‘Monsieur André,’ Linda Balgord as ‘Madame Giry,’ Frank Viveros as ‘Ubaldo Piangi’ and Hannah Florence as ‘Meg Giry’.

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group, the spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is directed by Laurence Connor (the 25th Anniversary production of Les Misérables coming to Broadway March 2014, Jesus Christ Superstar) with choreography by Scott Ambler, set design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Paule Constable, sound design by Mick Potter and musical supervision by John Rigby. The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; lyrics are by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe) and the book is by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Orchestrations are by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM, the most successful musical of all-time, will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will play Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W Randolph) January 9, 2014 through March 2, 2014.

The Ensemble includes Adam Bashian, Nick Cartell, Dan Debenport, Amy Decker, Mark Emerson, Michael Thomas Holmes, Celia Hottenstein, Christopher Howard, Merritt David Janes, Amy Justman, Edward Juvier, Dustin Layton, Luke Lazzaro, Jay Lusteck, Katie McCreary, Grace Morgan, Christy Morton, Quinto Ott, Eric Ruiz, Allan Snyder and Marguerite Willbanks. The Corps de Ballet includes Morgan Cowling, Anjelica Bette Fellini, Ramona Kelley, Abigail Mentzer, Lily Rose Peck, Tara Sweeney and Micki Weiner.

Cooper Grodin has recently been seen in Shakespeare in the Park’s Into The Woods, the Drama Desk-nominated Best Revival of The Golden Land and across the country in the National Tour of Les Misérables. His debut original album “It’s The Little Things” was released in 2012. Julia Udine makes her touring debut with PHANTOM. Regionally, she starred as Maria in West Side Story and appeared on “Law and Order SVU.” Chicago native, Ben Jacoby has performed at the Marriott Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, Maine State Music Theatre and the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

There are currently six productions of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA around the world: the flagship London production (27 Years and counting), New York (approaching 26 years), Budapest (Hungary), Hamburg (Germany), the Asian Pacific Tour and the all-new North American Tour.

Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de L’Opéra by Gaston Leroux, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The performance schedule for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is as follows: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 2 & 7:30 p.m. (Note: no 2 p.m. performance on January 15) Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (additional 2 p.m. performance on January 16) Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays at 2 & 8 p.m. Sundays at 2 p.m. (additional 7:30 p.m. performances on January 12 and January 19)

Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com or www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com/ustour