André De Shields
A NEW YEAR EXPERENCE: Diana Martinez, Director of the McAnnich Arts Center (MAC) at College of DuPage will lead an exclusive Behind-the-Scenes theater experience around the pre-Broadway engagement of “Gotta Dance” starring Stephanie Powers, Georgia Engel and the original WIZ, André De Shields at Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre on Sunday, January 3rd from 12:00 NOON until 6:30 PM.
From Jerry Mitchell, the director/choreographer of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Kinky Boots, comes the incredible true story of ten determined dreamers who audition to dance at half time for a major basketball team. They have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove, and they are all over the age of 60. It isn’t until they make the cut that they find out they won’t be dancing tap, salsa or swing—-they are going to bring down the house with a style that’s entirely new to them: hip-hop. This group of ordinary seniors with extraordinary dreams battles prejudice, self-doubt and each other as they face the chance of a lifetime to bust a move at center court in front of 20,000 screaming fans.
The MAC’s Gotta Dance Behind-the-Scenes Theater Experience begins at the front entrance of Glen Ellyn’s McAnnich Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd at 12:00 NOON where ticket holders will take them to the Bank of America Theatre in the heart of downtown Chicago. Upon arrival at the theater, they will enjoy a 45-minute private pre-show suite experience with an open bar, crudities’ (a variety of crisp fresh vegetables, served with Green Goddess dressing) and mini sandwiches (grilled chicken breast topped with pesto, roasted red peppers and arugula; roast beef with whipped horseradish) before taking their seats in the front row of the Mezzanine. At intermission all will retreat to the private suite to enjoy an open bar, brownies and cookies. Following the show there will be an opportunity for a “Q&A” with members of the cast and staff before everyone boards the bus for the return trip to the MAC commensurate with a post-show discussion led by Martinez.
Tickets for this experience are $160.00 and include bus transportation to and from the show, ticket to the performance, pre-show cocktails & appetizers, intermission desserts & open bar and post-show discussion. Tickets are available by phone by calling the Box Office at 630-942-4000 (not available online). For more information, visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630-942-4000.
