A Lifetime of Legends

We hope you can join us on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 for a truly historic occasion.  On that night, the Auditorium Theatre will officially recognize our 125^th anniversary with the most significant and extravagant gala this National Historic Landmark has ever seen. The black-tie event will feature an evening of music, movement and memories celebrating the Auditorium Theatre’s incredible 125 years. 

The spectacular entertainment for the Auditorium Theatre’s 125^th gala will be an homage to our long history of exceptional programming, and will include:  the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Apollo Chorus, a rock concert composed of legendary Chicago musicians, and the emcee of the evening, Emmy-nominated actor, John Mahoney.  In a scheduling coup of pure symmetry, one of the headliners, the world-renowned and Tony-Award winning Broadway sensation, Ms. Patti LuPone, happens to be the great-grandniece (and namesake) of Adelina Patti, the opera star who performed on the Auditorium Theatre’s stage during opening night in 1889.  

Please join us for one of the Auditorium Theatre’s most memorable events in recent memory.  Our 125^th gala celebration will be an acknowledgement of all the Auditorium Theatre has achieved—and the limitless possibilities that remain.  

The Hottest Friends in Town!

The Auditorium Theatre’s 2014-2015 season is a special time for our National Historic Landmark—and for all of Chicago.  However, the Auditorium Theatre’s 125^th birthday isn’t the only anniversary we’ll be celebrating.  

For years, “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” has been a cornerstone of the Auditorium Theatre’s programming.  And 2015 will officially mark “Too Hot to Handel’s” tenth anniversary on our stage.  Each year, this stirring and kinetic event is held in conjunction with the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday.  In recognition of Dr. King’s incomparable legacy, “Too Hot to Handel” is a diverse and multicultural production—one that speaks to civil rights, inclusion and tolerance.

On January 17 & 18, 2015, the Auditorium Theatre will celebrate the tenth engagement of this unique, self-produced musical experience that seamlessly fuses jazz, blues, and gospel with Handel’s classic oratorio.  The production features over 150 musicians and volunteer choir members and is exquisitely performed by Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke, and Karen Marie Richardson. 

 

Of course, none of this production’s considerable success could be possible without the support of some generous individuals.  These gracious “Friends of Too Hot to Handel” have helped ensure the ongoing success of this incredible production for almost a decade.  We are incredibly grateful for their kindness—and their continued sacrifices are essential to helping “Too Hot to Handel” succeed. 

You have the chance to help make a difference in the future of this unique musical event. 

Members in this exclusive group receive the following benefits: 

·         two prime tickets, 

·         an exclusive dinner with the stars on Sunday, November 16

·         an opening night post-performance champagne toast,

·         immediate inclusion in the Auditorium Theatre’s “Adler Society” giving level (and all the benefits contained therein)  

 “Too Hot to Handel” is a true celebration of inclusion and community.  It’s a musical experience that speaks to all of us—to you, to us, and to every audience member who’s fortunate enough to see the show firsthand.  By becoming a “Friend of Too Hot to Handel,” you will ensure that “Too Hot to Handel” will continue to amaze and engage audiences for years to come.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

In the spring of 2015, the Auditorium Theatre will play host to a significant and widely-viewed sporting event...the annual NFL Draft.  Each year, hundreds of young athletes enter the draft in hopes of pursuing their lifelong dreams of playing professional football.

Round 1 will take place on Thursday, April 30 while Rounds 2-3 will be held on Friday, May 1.  The draft will conclude on Saturday, May 2 with Rounds 4-7.  In addition to the event inside the Auditorium Theatre, the draft will expand to Grant Park and Congress Plaza.  These spaces will feature an outdoor fan festival for all three days where fans of all teams can follow the draft and enjoy interactive exhibits and autograph sessions with current and former players.

This will be a unique chance to showcase the Auditorium Theatre to an audience of over 45 million people--an unparalleled window to display the grandeur and glory of our cultural icon to the city, country, and word.  Although we're extremely excited by this opportunity, a litany of structural improvements must be addressed in order to ensure the success of this high-profile event.  From re-plastering our lobbies to repainting our arches, mending curtains and upgrading box chairs, the Auditorium Theatre requires a considerable amount of maintenance--and there is not much time in which to complete these daunting projects.  

You can help restore the Auditorium Theatre today--and in the process, help guarantee that viewers around the world will appreciate and understand the true value of this one-of-a-kind cultural treasure.

If you would like to contribute to help the Auditorium Theatre prepare for the scrutiny of a worldwide audience, please call (312) 341-2364. 

Building Memories

The Auditorium’s history is unparalleled throughout the artistic world.  The vision of our original architects, the list of performers to grace our stage, and this historic landmark's importance throughout the community all help to make our beloved theatre one of the most prominent and legendary locations of its kind.  However, the Auditorium's landmark structure--and the pinnacle of adulation that surrounds those who step through our doors--are not nearly as inaccessible as one might think. In fact, as a dear friend to the Auditorium Theatre, you now have the chance to add your name to our legacy. 


 The Auditorium’s 3,800 seat house has been filled time and time again over the last 125 years as millions of audience members have passed through its doors.  Each of those individuals has an invaluable memory of their time here--including you.  Now, in celebration of our 125th anniversary, you have the opportunity to share your memory on our "Memory Wall," a permanent installation to be built on the north wall of the Auditorium Theatre's lobby.   

Whether it’s seeing The Who, or a “who’s who” of American dance…whether watching a child's eyes light up during a performance of “The Nutcracker” or marveling at the beauty of Adler and  Sullivan's vision... those experiences can now be recorded forever.  And whatever your favorite memory of the Auditorium might be—witnessing a performance or marveling at the architecture, attending an event or experiencing a show with your friends—you can now share it for future generations to enjoy.  
 

To learn more about how you can share your memory for years to come, call (312) 341-2397, or email jagreen@auditoriumtheatre.org.

Our Cornerstones

Every landmark building needs a strong foundation…

…a source of strength that helps shoulder the burden

…and a base of support upon which the structure must rest.

In each issue of "The Curtain Speech" this section will highlight some of the Auditorium Theatre’s cornerstones—individuals, corporations, and foundations whose support has been especially heartwarming. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and for their kindness. And we want to acknowledge them because their selflessness is instrumental in helping our National Historic Landmark persevere, prosper, and grow.

These are compassionate people, responsible corporations, and philanthropic institutions committed to making a difference in the world.

These are friends just like you.
  
These are our cornerstones.



Bill and Shelley Farley
 

As the Auditorium Theatre continues our 125th Anniversary Celebration, we have much to look forward to--a litany of breathtaking performances, dynamic artists, an unprecedented media event, and ambitious capital improvement campaigns. 

Of course, no matter which way we turn our gaze--to the past, present, or future--none of our achievements could be possible without some of the Auditorium Theatre's most compassionate and treasured friends.  Two of these dear members of the Auditorium family, Bill and Shelley Farley, have been instrumental in helping our theatre reach unprecedented success.  

Shelley is a professional singer (performing as Shelley MacArthur, she has earned substantial acclaim for her beauty, poise, and consummate skill), a former model and actress, and was born and raised in Chicago.  Bill Farley is originally from Rhode Island but has been a strong presence in the Chicago business community for over 40 years.  He is the former Chairman of Fruit of the Loom and is currently CEO and Chairman of LV Ventures, a private equity company.

Throughout the years, Bill and Shelley have continued to demonstrate heartwarming generosity and overwhelming kindness, and they both possess a strong history of philanthropy and community involvement.  They are a welcome fixture at previous Auditorium Theatre events and regular supporters of many respected artistic organizations (for example, Shelley is on the Board of Directors of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, which makes the Auditorium Theatre its home).  They have always shared an interest in the arts and believe that it is crucial to do their part to help the artistic landscape prosper and thrive.  

However, their commitment to the arts encompasses more than their gracious beneficence.  In fact, as a professional singer, Shelley MacArthur has many fond memories of the Auditorium Theatre, but her favorite was being the first performer of the Auditorium Theatre's "Onstage With..." cabaret series in 2006.  She also graced our stage with her considerable talents once again in a magnificent solo performancem "Up Close and Personal," in 2008.

Bill and Shelley's commitment and exuberance, both for the Auditorium Theatre and for other organization, is inspiring.  They are drawn to our theatre's history and they consider the Auditorium to be, "one of Chicago's great historic landmarks."  However, they are especially fond of our self-produced musical event, "Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah."  Although Shelley and Bill have been patrons for many years, they were particularly moved by their first experience of this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration, and immediately wanted to help ensure its presence on our stage.

Despite their innumerable accolades and the profound difference they continue to make in the community, Bill and Shelley remain grounded and humble.  Of course, their impact on the Auditorium Theatre can never truly be measured, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do to help our theatre succeed.  Whether awing us with song, succor, or support, we are thankful for their philanthropic spirits--for theirs is a kindness born from true altruism...one that will continue to resonate for another 125 years. 

From the Heart

From the moment they first step through the door to their final performance on stage, they know they’re part of something special.   Their hearts may race as they stand in front of the crowd and their emotions may run high, but each of them represents an undeniably inspiring story of success. 

These performers aren't critically-acclaimed musicians or world-renowned dancers...they're children.  And they are part of "Hands Together, Heart to Art," one of the Auditorium Theatre's most profound community outreach programs. 
 
Hands Together, Heart to Art is the Auditorium Theatre’s one-of-a-kind summer arts camp for children who have experienced the death of a parent.  The camp uses music, dance, and theatrical performances to help the children interact, communicate, and ultimately heal.  Each day the campers explore a new artistic medium and a different conduit for channeling their creativity, activities that help them overcome the obstacles of their past and confront the pain left in the wake of their loss.

In addition to their daily activities, each session of camp culminates in a final performance during which the children perform for their friends and family.    

And this year is one of the camp’s most significant milestones ever, because the summer of 2014 officially marks "Hands Together, Heart to Art’s" tenth anniversary. 

For the past ten years, grieving children at "Hands Together, Heart to Art" have:  

• Participated in artistic activities that build self-confidence…  
• Listened to guest speakers who share their own stories of losing a parent when they were young…
• Discussed their grief with licensed therapists and social workers …
• Joined in a balloon launch as an expression of love for their deceased parent…    
• And engaged in skits, performances and talent shows that help boost their self-esteem,  encourage cooperation, and foster trust… 

·        Obviously we understand that we can never fully fill the void in each child’s life.  But by providing them with this outlet we can aid hurting children in their healing and ultimately empower them to lead happy, productive and healthy futures.  These goals, and our commitment to them, only increase every year—and we honored by the kindness of all those who help us provide hope, guidance and comfort to so many young lives. 

Hands Together, Heart to Art could never succeed without the generosity of good people like you.  To support this one-of-a-kind healing experience, call Amanda Byrne at (312) 341-2364. 

A Devil of a Time

Returning for the fourth year, the Auditorium Theatre’s Auxiliary Board, formerly the Junior Board, invites you and your guests to an evening at the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre for The Devil’s Ball, an all-inclusive cocktail party hosted in the spirit of Old Chicago. Held in the Auditorium Theatre’s historic lobby the evening includes food, specialty drinks, tours, the ever popular Smilebooth and entertainment!  

Click here for more information on the Devil's Ball.   Click here for more information on the Devil's Ball.

Board Games

On July 8, 2014, the drinks were flowing, the questions were challenging, and the prizes were scintillating.    

 The Auditorium Theatre’s Auxiliary Board completed one of its most entertaining and successful efforts in their short history—and the attendance and enthusiasm were commendable.  The board’s “Trivia Night by the Water” fundraising event featured ten rounds of challenging, witty, and unique questions and a litany of exciting prizes.  Held at the Diversey Yacht Club, the evening was not only a tremendous success…it also helped benefit one of the Auditorium Theatre’s most crucial programs.  

The Auditorium Theatre Auxiliary Board, a diverse group of young professionals committed to furthering the mission of the Auditorium Theatre, is devoted not only to helping fund the restoration and preservation of our National Historic Landmark, but also to raising awareness and generating support for the Auditorium’s educational outreach efforts and world-renowned programming.  All proceeds from the auxiliary board’s trivia night helped support “Hands Together, Heart to Art,” the Auditorium Theatre’s summer arts camp for children who have experienced the death of a parent.   

The hard work of all the board members and those who attended the wonderful event proved instrumental in bringing hope, comfort, and healing to hurting children from throughout the Chicago area. 

Although the trivia event proved a resounding success, it is yet another accomplishment in the year-long efforts of these dedicated professionals.  Everyone at the Auditorium Theatre is proud to have such talented and compassionate individuals as ambassadors of this cultural institution, and we look forward to witnessing future achievements of this committed group of philanthropists.

A Lifetime of Legends

We hope you can join us on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 for a truly historic occasion.  The Auditorium Theatre’s annual gala event will occur that evening—and it promises to be the most significant gala this National Historic Landmark has ever seen.

On that night, the Auditorium Theatre will officially celebrate its 125^th anniversary, and this momentous milestone will be recognized with an appropriately extravagant celebration.  The black-tie gala will feature an evening of music, movement and memories celebrating the Auditorium Theatre’s incredible 125 years.  

The spectacular entertainment for the Auditorium Theatre’s 125^th gala will be an homage to our long history of exceptional programming, and will include:  the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Apollo Chorus, and a rock concert composed of legendary Chicago musicians.  In a scheduling coup of pure symmetry, one of the headliners, the world-renowned and Tony-Award winning Broadway sensation, Ms. Patti LuPone, happens to be the great-grandniece (and namesake) of Adelina Patti, the opera star who performed on the Auditorium Theatre’s stage during opening night in 1889.  

Please join us for one of the Auditorium Theatre’s most memorable events in recent memory.  Our 125^th gala celebration will be an acknowledgement of all the Auditorium Theatre has achieved—and the limitless possibilities that remain.   

To purchase tickets to the Auditorium Theatre’s 2015 Gala, or to address any inquiries, please contact Amanda Byrne at 312.341.2364, or abyrne@auditoriumtheatre.org. 

Our Cornerstones

Every landmark building needs a strong foundation…

…a source of strength that helps shoulder the burden

…and a base of support upon which the structure must rest.

In each issue of "The Curtain Speech" this section will highlight some of the Auditorium Theatre’s cornerstones—individuals, corporations, and foundations whose support has been especially heartwarming. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and for their kindness. And we want to acknowledge them because their selflessness is instrumental in helping our National Historic Landmark persevere, prosper, and grow.

These are compassionate people, responsible corporations, and philanthropic institutions committed to making a difference in the world.

These are friends just like you.

These are our cornerstones.

Hearts in Harmony 

Throughout the years, the Auditorium Theatre has been fortunate to benefit from the generosity of countless individuals, corporations, and foundations whose heartwarming support has proven essential to the continued success of our most vital programs. We are uniquely honored, however, when we see this kindness exhibited by the performers who grace our stage. 

One of these individuals, Joan Curto, is a renowned Chicago-based cabaret singer who was particularly touched by the Auditorium Theatre’s seminal outreach program, “Hands Together, Heart to Art,” our summer arts camp for children who have experienced the death of a parent.  

A proud performer of the Great American Songbook and former Chicago After Dark Winner for Outstanding Cabaret Artist, Joan Curto first graced the stage of the Auditorium Theatre in 2009.  Although Joan would later say that she “felt honored to be on the (Auditorium’s) stage,” it was the audience, and the organization, that were truly honored—not merely by experiencing Joan’s incredible talent, but by the faithful friendship she would continue to display throughout the years. 

In addition to her wide array of captivating performances, Joan Curto is the President of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals (CCP).  This esteemed role allows her to contribute to an organization committed to making a difference by shaping and enhancing the cultural fabric that surrounds us.  

In "Hands Together, Heart to Art," Joan saw a program that truly aligns with the mission of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals, an outreach opportunity that makes a profound impact on the lives of some of Chicago's most vulnerable, impressionable, and important individuals...our children.

Over the last several years, the Chicago Cabaret Professionals have donated substantial time, energy, and support to ensure that all the children enrolled in "Hands Together, Heart to Art" experienced one of the most rewarding and life-changing opportunities possible.  The unique healing experience, “fits perfectly with the CCP’s mission” Joan said.  “The CCP has embraced this cause. The organization wants to help children in any way it can…especially those have endured such traumatic circumstances.  We are proud to help the camp.”   

The results of their graciousness cannot be overstated.  Anyone who gives to “Hands Together, Heart to Art” is helping to provide comfort, healing and inspiration to hurting children from throughout the Chicago area, and their generosity will have recurring resonance for the campers and their families for many years to come.  

Of course, Joan Curto is exceedingly humble, but the true measure of her kindness—and indeed, of the friendship of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals—cannot be gauged by simply acknowledging their tremendous support, however commendable it may be.

The mark of their friendship can be seen in the faces of hundreds of children throughout the Chicago area.  Its impact is visible in their smiles, their laughter, and in their newfound courage as they leave camp noticeably less-burdened than before, filled with the hope and the strength to pursue productive, promising, and successful lives.  

Because of this commitment, we offer Joan and the Chicago Cabaret Professionals our most heartfelt thanks.  We are immensely grateful for all they share with us…for the artistry they display on our stage, to the kindness they show long after the spotlights have grown dark.   

It’s the Time of the Season

Now that the long cold winter is behind us, the hot nights of summer are just around the corner.  And this summer might just be the hottest yet.  This year the Auditorium Theatre is pleased to announce the second installment of a very exclusive event on our stage…Sullivan’s Summer Solstice.  Featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and an auction and wine raffle, this thrilling evening will signal that summer has finally arrived.  

The celebration will occur on Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 6:00-10:00 p.m.  Tickets are only $150 for an entire night of fantastic food, company, and entertainment.  We hope you will join us for what promises to be one of the most exciting and exhilarating events of the summer!

To purchase tickets to “Sullivan’s Summer Solstice” at the Auditorium, please call 312.341.2364. All proceeds from the event will benefit the ongoing programming, restoration and maintenance of the legendary Auditorium Theatre.

A Lifetime of Legends

We hope you can join us on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 for a truly historic occasion.  The Auditorium Theatre’s annual gala event will occur that evening—and it promises to be the most significant gala this National Historic Landmark has ever seen.

On that night, the Auditorium Theatre will officially celebrate its 125^th anniversary, and this momentous milestone will be recognized with an appropriately extravagant celebration.  The black-tie gala, held at the historic Palmer House Hilton, will feature an evening of music, movement and memories celebrating the Auditorium Theatre’s incredible 125 years.

 

The spectacular entertainment for the Auditorium Theatre’s 125^th gala will be an homage to our long history of exceptional programming, and will include:  the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Apollo Chorus, and a rock concert composed of legendary Chicago musicians.  In a scheduling coup of pure symmetry, one of the headliners, the world-renowned and Tony-Award winning Broadway sensation, Ms. Patti LuPone, happens to be the great-grandniece (and namesake) of Adelina Patti, the opera star who performed on the Auditorium Theatre’s stage during opening night in 1889.  

 

Please join us for one of the Auditorium Theatre’s most memorable events in recent memory.  Our 125^th gala celebration will be an acknowledgement of all the Auditorium Theatre has achieved—and the limitless possibilities that remain.   

Special thanks to our 125th Gala Dinner Chairs: Joan Colmar, Phil Lumpkin, and Helen Melchior.  To purchase tickets to the Auditorium Theatre’s 2015 Gala, or to address any inquiries, please contact Amanda Byrne at 312.341.2364, or abyrne@auditoriumtheatre.org.