Photo caption: MEMBERS OF ALVIN Ailey’s American Dance Theater presented while performing in different programs. TOP LEFT: Kyle Abraham’s “Are You in Your Feelings?” (Photo by Paul Kolnik)
The Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly welcomes the return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, America’s beloved cultural ambassador to the world, for six performances only, March 8-12, during their 22-city North American tour. Under the acclaimed artistic direction of Robert Battle, Ailey’s renowned artists will move audiences with three distinct mixed repertory programs highlighting new works from celebrated choreographers along with repertory favorites.
Throughout the engagement, audiences will witness the Chicago premieres of Kyle Abraham’s Are You in Your Feelings?, a celebration of Black culture scored to a ‘mixtape’ of soul, hip-hop, and R&B; and Jamar Roberts’ In A Sentimental Mood, an intimate duet using an original composition by Duke Ellington. Audiences will also be treated to the recent Company premieres from Alvin Ailey peer choreographers Paul Taylor, with the simplicity and beauty of DUET; and Twyla Tharp, seen in her rollicking best in Roy’s Joys; as well as a new production of Ailey’s 1986 impassioned tribute to Nelson and Winnie Mandela, Survivors. As is tradition, Alvin Ailey’s American masterpiece Revelations, which has inspired generations through its powerful storytelling and soul-stirring spirituals since its creation in 1960, will serve as the finale for all performances.
“For over five decades, the Auditorium Theatre has proudly presented the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as one of its Visiting Resident Companies,” said Auditorium Theatre CEO Rich Regan. “This annual spring visit has become a highly anticipated tradition and treasure on Chicago’s arts calendar. Count us among Ailey’s many fans looking forward to welcoming back the company.”
“I am excited to see the brilliance of Ailey’s dancers back on the Auditorium Theatre stage in this season’s repertory filled with some of Alvin Ailey’s most memorable works while premiering choreography by Kyle Abraham and Jamar Roberts that explore Black culture and love through soulful and inventive musical journeys,” said Artistic Director Robert Battle. “For decades, we’ve been proud to bring to Chicagoans our vision of resilience, artistry and spirit, using dance to inspire, entertain and share the joy of connections.”
PROGRAMMING:
Program A: Ailey Anew, debuting dynamic new works (*=Chicago Premiere):
Are You in Your Feelings?* / Unfold / Revelations, Opening Night: Wednesday, March 8, at 6 p.m.
In a Sentimental Mood* / Duet / Are You in Your Feelings?* / Revelations, Friday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m.
Program B: Ailey Allies, featuring a new production of Twyla Tharp’s Roy’s Joys / Survivors / Revelations, Thursday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 11, at 8 p.m.
Program C: Ailey Always, showcasing all Alvin Ailey works: Night Creature / Cry / The River / Revelations; Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m.; Sunday, March 12, at 3 p.m.
All Programming – Subject to Change
Performance Schedule and Tickets
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at the Auditorium Theatre: Wednesday, March 8, at 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, March 9-10, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 12, at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $40 and are now available at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling 312.341.2300, or at the Box Office at 50 E. Ida B Wells Drive.
Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more people are available. The Auditorium Theatre offers $20 student rush tickets to full-time college students and $5 tickets to young people ages 13-19 with Urban Gateways’ Teen Arts Pass program. The Auditorium also offers a Student Savings Club for both college and high school students. The Auditorium Theatre’s ADMIT ONE program offers complimentary tickets to Chicago-area community groups.
Opening Night Gala. The Auditorium Theatre 2023 Annual Gala celebrates the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Opening Night, Wednesday, March 8, at 6 p.m. Following the 90-minute Ailey dance program at the Auditorium, Gala guests will enjoy a festive evening of cocktails, dinner, an awards presentation, and dancing at the Palmer House Hilton. The Auditorium will honor two Chicago cultural dynamos: Auditorium Theatre’s most recent past chair and longtime board member Ann Nash and veteran arts and philanthropy consultant Amina Dickerson. Individual Gala tickets start at $600.00; for more information on tickets or sponsorships, call 312.341.2382.
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association ‘Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood—South Side of Chicago (lulu.com) or email: [email protected].
