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. 

A Record Heat Wave This January!

On January 18 and 19, the Auditorium Theatre celebrated the ninth engagement of one of our most critically acclaimed and eagerly anticipated events of the year, “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah.” 

This unique, self-produced musical experience seamlessly fuses jazz, blues, and gospel with Handel’s classic oratorio.   Additionally, “Too Hot to Handel” is a true celebration of diversity held each year in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, a production that features over 150 musicians and volunteer choir members and is exquisitely performed by Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke, and Karen Marie Richardson.   Outreach activities held in conjunction with this kinetic event include residency programs, master classes, and a citywide poetry contest for students throughout the Chicago Public School system.  The community involvement coupled with such exceptional talent easily makes “Too Hot to Handel” one of the Auditorium Theatre’s most anticipated musical events of the season. 

Of course, none of this production’s considerable success could be possible without the support of some generous and treasured friends.  We are honored to thank Exelon, JP Morgan Chase, the Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation, the PrivateBank, William and Shelley Farley, and the “Friends of Too Hot to Handel” for their gracious sponsorship of this one-of-a-kind performance.  Their assistance helped make this the most successful year of “Too Hot to Handel” yet—and we anxiously await the opportunity to share this triumphant experience with new audience members next season.  

A Wall of Fame

The Auditorium Theatre’s vast and exceptional history spans nearly 125 years.     

In that time, an insurmountable number of national and international historic and cultural figures graced our stage.  Booker T. Washington spoke on civil rights, Sarah Bernhardt performed her greatest moments, and Anna Pavlova bid farewell to her loving audiences.  American soldiers bowled on our stage during World War II, Jimi Hendrix rocked out at the height of his career, and the Beach Boys played to sold out houses.  “Les Miserables” moved thousands to tears while the Bolshoi Ballet inspired all.  

 The Auditorium’s 3,800 seat house has been filled time and time again over the last 124 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, as our 125th anniversary quickly approaches, 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.

They are committed to making a difference in the world.
They are friends just like you.
They are our cornerstones.

A Dynamic Duo
 
The arrival of the New Year is a time of contrasts.  As we turn another page on the calendar, we have occasion to celebrate, reflect and take pride in our accomplishments.  Yet it is also a point when we look toward the possibilities that lie before us and revel in the excitement of the unknown.   

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, Frantz and McGhee Osse, have been instrumental in helping our theatre reach unprecedented success.

Success, however, is nothing new to these exceptional individuals.  Frantz is the founder of the consulting firm, Thane-Kenscoff, and McGhee currently works as Co-CEO of Burrell Communications Group here in Chicago – one of the country’s largest ad agencies specializing in multicultural marketing communications.  McGhee says that her interest in advertising was sparked by Darrin Stephens during the days of the popular TV show, “Bewitched.”  Ironically, many at the Auditorium Theatre would more likely associate McGhee with the character Samantha, because the speed, ease, and scope of her endeavors throughout our organization suggest that she almost certainly possesses supernatural powers. 

Although they are Chicago transplants (Frantz is originally from Haiti, McGhee from Columbus, Georgia), the Osses have made themselves right at home in a city of big shoulders… and big hearts. As one of the Auditorium’s most enthusiastic and dedicated board members, McGhee serves as a driving force behind many of this historic landmark’s most crucial efforts.  Frantz is also heavily involved in the community, and as a trustee of Roosevelt University, he helps provide insight and direction for that organization’s ongoing initiatives.

They are extremely appreciative of all the Auditorium Theatre has to offer, particularly "Too Hot to Handel" and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Some of their favorite experiences at our historic landmark include: the festive atmosphere surrounding Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, hosting a group of friends at Ailey performances over the years, and attending a trip to Cuba during which they encountered a window to customs, culture, and artistry with which many people in the United States are unfamiliar. 

Although they admire all the talent to grace our stage, they are also drawn to our outreach programs, especially "Hands Together, Heart to Art," the Auditorium's summer arts camp for children who have experienced the death of a parent.   They feel, like all those who have benefitted from “Hands Together, Heart to Art,” that this special healing opportunity is “phenomenal in concept and execution…(and is) a real gift to our community.” 

McGhee and Frantz are particularly impressed with the eclecticism of the Auditorium Theatre’s programming and they “love the diversity that the theatre provides.”  We at the Auditorium like to say that the theatre means many things to many people, and these two dear friends echo our sentiments by stating that “there is something for everyone each season.”  They, like so many others throughout the Chicago area, are eagerly anticipating the Auditorium Theatre’s upcoming 125^th anniversary, and are looking forward to seeing The Royal Ballet, which will return to Chicago for the first time in thirty-seven years.

Despite their innumerable accolades and the profound difference they continue to make in the community, Frantz and McGhee remain gracious, 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.  From the boardroom to the building, and the sidewalks to the stage, we are thankful for their generosity and awed by their philanthropic spirits—for theirs is a kindness born from true altruism...one that will continue to resonate for another 125 years.

  To find out about supporting programs at the Auditorium, please call Amanda Byrne at (312) 341-2364.

A Beltway Benefactor

It’s always been there.

Before the Greeks fought for supremacy throughout their city states, before the pharaohs put hieratic curves to papyrus, before sun-scorched Fertile Crescent farmers first applied fire to clay…there was politics.

And as long as there has been politics, there has been political cynicism.

Winston Churchill once said: “Politics are almost as exciting as war and quite as dangerous.  In war you can only be killed once, but in politics—you can be killed many times.” 

Countless historians and pundits would likely agree. Few can picture more pitiless components of the social machine than the gears and levers of politics, and many would contend that those who immerse themselves in this frenzied arena must detach themselves emotionally in order to prevent tremulous and short-lived careers.

Some would take it further still.  There are those who have maintained that politics is a game of attrition, that there is no quarter in politics…and that politics has no heart.

But they would all be wrong.

Dr. Paul Lisnek is one of the most treasured members of the Auditorium Theatre family.  A widely-respected and insightful analyst, Dr. Lisnek has been immersed in Chicago politics for several decades.  Throughout that time, he has shown that it is possible to adjoin politics and compassion...and today he continues to demonstrate that even the most kind-hearted among us can not only exist, but can thrive in the rabid political world.

One of Illinois' true native sons, Paul Lisnek was born in Skokie and attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, from which he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Master of Arts in Speech Communication, Juris Doctor, and Ph.D. in Speech Communication.   An author, radio personality, lecturer, political analyst for WGN-TV, and the host of the popular nightly program "Politics Tonight" on CLTV, Paul Lisnek is driven to impact the world that surrounds us.  Intellectual, concise, and eloquent throughout his television appearances,  it is his warmth and generosity that are most familiar to all those at the Auditorium—illustrious qualities for which we are forever grateful. 

Dr. Lisnek’s first interaction with the Auditorium Theatre arose from his love of architecture and Chicago history.  Already familiar with the Auditorium’s shining architectural legacy, Paul Lisnek quickly became enamored with the theatre’s transcendent programming.  Throughout the years, he has been a welcome and consistent presence at a variety of the Auditorium’s musical performances. 

As a constant fixture at many of our shows, Dr. Lisnek understands that maintaining a structure like the Auditorium Theatre is no easy task.  At nearly 125 years old, the Auditorium Theatre requires a substantial array of restoration and programming support, and areas in need of attention vary, from structural and capital concerns to outreach programs and performances. 

But what is truly exceptional about Dr. Lisnek is that he recognizes that one individual can make an immediate—and a significant—impact to the future of one of Chicago’s most formidable artistic icons.  In fact, his generosity is so pronounced that he recently selected the Auditorium Theatre as a beneficiary of a bequest from his estate. “I want to make a stamp on (the Auditorium Theatre’s) preservation, and to do something that really matters,” he said.  However, he also cautioned that such gestures can also be combined with more immediate sources of support.  “I believe in giving back and I want other people to realize that they can give today and see results.  You don’t need to only wait until after you’re gone to make a gift to something that you believe in.”

Dr. Lisnek’s compassion is substantial, and his kindness is evident throughout the Auditorium Theatre.  The most recent examples are his tremendous gifts to refurbish and enhance our merchandise counters and coffee bars.  For several years these prominent touch-points in the Auditorium’s main lobby were in dire need of attention.  Now his incredible selflessness has helped transform them into two elegant and aesthetically refined locations for all our patrons to enjoy. In fact, individuals who visit our coffee bar can experience two unique beverages created for Dr. Lisnek—the Paul’s N’Awlinz Café Noir (a tribute to Paul’s affection for New Orleans), and the Aloha Mertz (in recognition of his affinity for Hawaii and his beloved dog, Mertz).    

At the Auditorium Theatre, we are proud of not only the building’s shining legacy and remarkable endurance, but of all the staff members who work tirelessly to ensure this National Historic Landmark continues to evolve.  We are particularly honored that Dr. Lisnek recognizes everything that must occur behind the scenes to help the Auditorium prosper.  He speaks glowingly of all those at the theatre and our efforts to include and welcome everyone who passes through our doors—but to us, these superlatives are as much a reflection of his humility as they are of our efforts.  When asked about his amazing support, Dr. Lisnek simply responded:  “(I wanted to) send a message to others that you can do the same. You can make a difference now.”

Architecture and artistry, dogs and democracy…Dr. Paul Lisnek’s eclectic range of interests are as varied as the elaborate Auditorium Theatre itself.  It is only fitting then, that these two Chicago icons should develop such a profoundly enriching relationship—one that will continue to affect this cherished landmark for generations to come.  We are humbled to benefit from such exceptional kindness, and we are proud to say that Dr. Paul Lisnek is true proof that once in a while, politics and family can be the perfect mix.