A Remarkable Milestone

“Quasquicentennial.” 

It’s a strange word, isn’t it?  At first glance, it looks like a typo, directions on a street sign from a city in northern Iceland, or the name of a lumbering Muppet from “Sesame Street.” 

But “quasquicentennial” actually means, "125th anniversary."  And December, 9, 2014, the Auditorium Theatre’s official quasquicentennial, will mark exactly 125 years since the grand opening of this cultural icon. 

This is an occasion that everyone at the Auditorium is proud to recognize—one that we will commemorate with exceptional programming, an extravagant gala, and extensive community outreach activities.

The Auditorium’s upcoming 125th season will feature a truly inspiring lineup consisting of some of the most diverse and sublime artistry to be found throughout the world.  For example, our International Dance Series will include: the Royal Ballet of London, American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. 

We will also present a “Made in Chicago Dance Series” that showcases some of the finest in local talent comprised of organizations such as: Thodos Dance Chicago, Giordano Dance Chicago, and River North Dance Chicago.  Additionally, we will create a “Made in Chicago Variety Series,” host a “Made in Chicago Film Series,” and conduct an assortment of lectures and seminars on architecture and history held in collaboration with Landmarks Illinois.

In honor of the momentous anniversary, the Auditorium Theatre is thrilled to announce the First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Obama, as the Honorary Chair for this historic season-long celebration; Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Amy Rule will serve as Honorary Co-chairs.  Co-chairs for the 125th Anniversary Season include Norm and Virginia Bobins, Steve and Nancy Crown, Jorge and Catrina Ramirez, Jim and Sandy Reynolds, Jack and Carole Sandner, Ed and Dia Weil and Wilco's Jeffy Tweedy and his wife, Sue Miller.  

The Auditorium Theatre is immensely proud of the upcoming season…except for one thing.  There is one glaring omission in the upcoming year, and we hope to rectify it immediately.

You.

That’s right…you.  No season, no event, no performance, tour, lecture, or chapter in our history would ever be complete without dear friends like you.

And so we hope you will join us for what promises to be one of the most exhilarating, acclaimed, and inspiring cultural occasions Chicago has ever seen. Whether you call it the 125^th, the Auditorium’s anniversary celebration, or our quasquicentennial, it doesn’t matter. None of these names mean anything unless we have friends like you to celebrate with.  We hope you will take advantage of everything the Auditorium Theatre has to offer this upcoming year—and we want you to know that friends like you are the reason this National Historic Landmark has endured to witness such a triumphant milestone.

To support the Auditorium Theatre’s 125^th Anniversary Celebration, or to address any inquiries, please contact Amanda Byrne at (312) 341-2364, or abyrne@auditoriumtheatre.org.