PENN & TELLER, THE BAD BOYS OF MAGIC, BRING THEIR OUTRAGEOUS ACT TO THE PARAMOUNT, ONE-NIGHT-ONLY, FRIDAY, OCT. 17

I was first introduced to Penn & Teller by a former roommate of mine who was a fire eating, stilt walking, Objectivist Clown.  He used to watch their shows endlessly between his own stand up comedy gigs.  If you've got a passion for magic, too, come check them out in person October 17th, for one night only.

Photo credit-Greg-Alai

Penn & Teller, the "Bad Boys of Magic," are bringing their fire, knives, shop tools and outrageous comedy to the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, Friday, October 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $55, $65 and $75. 

For tickets and information, visit ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or purchase in person at the Paramount Theatre box office, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Penn & Teller turned the magic world upside down, and in the process, they have performed sold out runs on Broadway, done multiple world tours, produced a TV series that was nominated for 13 Emmys, written three New York Times best-sellers and have a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Experience what has made Penn & Teller one of the hottest tickets in Vegas for over 20 years.

More about Penn & Teller

For nearly 40 years, Penn & Teller have defied labels - and at times, physics and good taste - by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy.With sold out runs on Broadway, world tours, Emmy-winning TV specials and hundreds of outrageous appearances on Letterman to Leno, Friends to The Simpsons, Chelsea Lately to Top Chef, comedy's only team shows no signs of slowing down.

With an amazing seven wins, including 2013 as "Las Vegas Magicians of the Year," their 12-year run at The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino makes them one of the longest running and most beloved shows in Las Vegas history, outselling every other resident magician on The Strip.

Their new TV show Penn & Teller: Fool Us debuted this summer on The CW, featuring European magicians performing their "best trick" for the titular duo for a chance to perform live at Penn & Teller's Las Vegas venue.

Their Showtime series, Penn & Teller: BS!, was nominated for 13 Emmys and is the longest-running series in the history of the network. They also starred in Penn & Teller Tell A Lie for the Discovery Channel in 2011. Their acclaimed 2013 documentary film, Tim's Vermeer, followed inventor Tim Jenison on his quest to discover the methods used by Dutch Master painter Johannes Vermeer. 

Along the way, they've written three New York Times best-sellers, hosted their own Emmy nominated variety show for FX, starred in their own Emmy winning specials for ABC, NBC and Comedy Central and produced the critically lauded feature film documentary The Aristocrats.

As individuals, they are just as prolific. Teller directed a version of Macbeth that toured the East Coast to raves from The New York Times and Wall Street Journal and co-wrote and directed the Off-Broadway thriller Play Dead. Penn Jillette has written three books, including the 2011 New York Times best seller "God No!", hosted the NBC game show Identity, donned his ballroom shoes for the 2008 season of ABC's hit Dancing With The Stars, and showed his business savvy on the 2013 season of NBC's All-Star Celebrity Apprentice.

With inclusions in the New York Times crossword puzzle, as answers on Jeopardy and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, their status as cultural icons and the preeminent duo in comedy was once again reinforced when Katy Perry personally asked them to co-star in the video for her #1 song, "Waking Up in Vegas." In April 2013, they were honored with their very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For more information, visit PennAndTeller.net.

Penn & Teller is sponsored by Comfort Suites Aurora and Sikich.

Also on stage in 2014-15 at the Paramount

In addition to Penn & Teller, Paramount's 2014-15 season boasts The Happy Together Tour (Aug. 22), 11-year-old rap phenom Matty B (Aug. 23), Donny & Marie (7 shows, Aug. 27-31), Cats (Sept. 10-Oct. 12), Jim Brickman: Celebrating 20 Years (Oct. 18), Home Free, winners of NBC-TV's The Sing-Off (Oct. 19), Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody (Oct. 24), Jerry Lewis (Oct. 26), Recycled Percussion (Nov. 1), Brooks & Wine featuring country star Kix Brooks paired with a private wine tasting (Nov. 8), Under the Streetlamp, Chicago's favorite former Jersey Boys (Nov. 9), Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl (Nov. 14), the Chicago Comedy Tour with WGN Morning News' Ana Belaval, Pat Tomasulo and Mike Toomey (Nov. 22, in  the Copley Theatre), Mary Poppins (Nov. 26, 2014-Jan. 4), The Second City Dysfunctional Holiday Revue (Dec. 5-21, in the Copley Theatre), The Who's Tommy (Jan. 14-Feb. 15), Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show (Feb. 22), Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner John Lithgow in his one-man show Stories by Heart (Mar. 7), Defending the Caveman (Mar. 13-29, in the Copley Theatre), Les Miserables (Mar. 18-Apr. 26), An Evening with David Sedaris, one of the top humorists of our time (Apr. 28), the internationally acclaimed, shape-shifting dance troupe Pilobolus (Apr. 30), and gal pal favorite Menopause the Musical (May 6-Jun. 28, in the Copley Theatre). Also back in 2014-15, Paramount's popular $1 Classic Movie Mondays series, presenting everyone's favorite flicks in one of Chicago's top former movie palaces for just $1, and a line-up of children's shows designed to entertain while they educate.

In addition to the lowest major theater subscription prices anywhere in Illinois, subscriber benefits at the Paramount have never been better. Purchase four or more shows and you automatically reap many benefits as a season subscriber, including the best seats in the house, easy ticket exchange privileges, and first notice of added shows and special subscriber events. Subscriber discounts range from 5% to 15% off single ticket prices, depending on how many shows you buy. 

To become a subscriber or to purchase single tickets to individual shows, please call the box office at (630) 896-6666, stop by in person at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora, or go online at ParamountAurora.com. 

About The Paramount Theatre

The Paramount Theatre is the center for performing arts, entertainment and arts education in Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois. Named "One of Chicago's Top 10 Attended Theatres" by the League of Chicago Theatres, the 1,888-seat Paramount Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Aurora at 23 E. Galena Blvd., is nationally renowned for the quality and caliber of its presentations, superb acoustics and historic beauty.   

The Paramount Theatre opened on September 3, 1931. Designed by nationally renowned theater architects C.W. and George L. Rapp, the theater captures a unique Venetian setting portrayed in the art deco influence of the 1930s. The first air-conditioned building outside of Chicago, the Paramount offered the public a variety of entertainment, including "talking pictures," vaudeville, concerts and circus performances for more than 40 years.  In 1976, Aurora Civic Center Authority purchased the Paramount and closed the theater for restoration. The $1.5 million project restored the Paramount to its original grandeur. On April 29, 1978, the Paramount Arts Center opened, offering a variety of theatrical, musical, comedy, dance and family programming. In 2006, a 12,000-square-foot, two-story Grand Gallery lobby was added, with a new, state-of-the-art box office, café and art gallery.

Today, the Paramount produces its own Broadway Musical series, presents an eclectic array of comedy, music, dance and family shows, and on most Mondays, screens a classic movie. For tickets and information, go to ParamountAurora.com or call (630) 896-6666. 

The Paramount Theatre is one of three live performance venues programmed and managed by the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA). ACCA also oversees the Paramount's "sister" stage, the intimate, 216-seat Copley Theatre located directly across the street from the Paramount at 8 E. Galena Blvd., as well as RiverEdge Park, downtown Aurora's new summer outdoor concert venue.

The Paramount Theatre continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Tim Rater, President and CEO, Aurora Civic Center Authority; Jim Corti, Artistic Director, Paramount Theatre; a dedicated Board of Trustees and a devoted staff of live theater and music professionals.   

Paramount's 2014-15 Broadway Series is sponsored by the Dunham Fund, BMO Harris Bank and PACE (Paramount Arts Centre Endowment). Broadway Lighting Sponsor is ComEd. For more information, visit ParamountAurora.com.

One Night Only: RIVER NORTH DANCE CHICAGO at THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE 4/12

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE WELCOMES BACK   

RIVER NORTH DANCE CHICAGO TO THE LANDMARK STAGE APRIL 12, 2014  

Artistic Director Frank Chaves’

Revival of “Underground Movements,”

  

Danced to Live Vocals 

by The Chicago Children’s Choir, Highlights One-Night Only Performance 

River North Dance Chicago

(RNDC) returns to the Auditorium Theatre’s landmark stage for one-night only, April 12, 2014. RNDC Artistic Director Frank Chaves creates a stunning repertory program, 

highlighting the company’s diverse collection of work and athletic, 

bold movement. The evening will feature an array of theatrical pieces including the revival of 

Chaves’ own epic work “Underground Movements”—“a piece that is so innovative it sings,” Chicago Sun Times

Frank Chaves' Underground Movements by Cheryl Mann

Danced to the voices of the Chicago Children’s Choir

Tickets ($27 –$70) are on sale now and available online at 

ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).  

“River North Dance Chicago continues to thrill Auditorium audiences each and every time they 

bring their unique movement and dazzling work to our historic stage,” said Auditorium Theatre 

Executive Director Brett Batterson. “It is a pleasure to welcome them back to the Auditorium 

after their successful Chicago premiere of “Havana Blue”in 2013 and an even greater pleasure 

to have them perform on our stage with another incredible Chicago institution, The Chicago Children’s Choir.”  

In addition to the revival of Chaves’ “Underground Movements”(2006) which the 

“Chicago Tribune” hails as “a complex, striking spectacle… both a plunge into fresh water and a dense, dreamy performance” that is also “truly breathtaking,” the company will perform a diverse lineup of enthralling works.

    Frank Chaves' Good Goodbyes by Cheryl Mann

Audiences will see two more of Chaves’ own pieces including “The Good Goodbyes”(2012)—performed to the stunning live piano accompaniment of Chicago Children’s Choir Artistic Director Josephine Lee—and “Stormy Monday,” a duet excerpt from “Eva” (2013). The program will also feature Mauro Astolfi’s “Contact Me” (2011) and Kevin Iega Jeff’s “Dawn” (2013). 

    Mauro Astolfi's Contact Me by Erika Dufour

Program Schedule and Ticket Information

Saturday, April 12 | 8:00 pm

Tickets are $27 - $70 and are available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling  (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or in-person at the Auditorium’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). Discounted tickets available to groups of 10 or more are available by calling (312) 341-2357. 

Special Events 

The Auditorium Theatre Junior Board will host an exclusive reception in celebration of River North Dance Chicago’s engagement. At 6:30 pm, guests are invited to meet and mingle with the 

Junior Board members while enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres prior to the 8:00 pm performance of RNDC at the Auditorium Theatre. Tickets to the reception and show are $30. Contact Amanda Byrne for tickets or more information at abyrne@auditoriumtheatre.org or (312) 341-2364. 

PNC is River North Dance Chicago’s Spring Engagement Lead Sponsor.

About River North Dance Chicago 

Critically acclaimed for their athletic, sensual and dynamic repertoire River North Dance 

Chicago presents dynamic works that combine athletic prowess and artistic perspective with 

bold, theatrical flair. Founded in 1989, and under the leadership of Artistic Director Frank 

Chaves since 1993, RNDC strives to demonstrate depth and sophistication with a commitment 

to creating an accessible, enriching experience for audiences. The company continues to make 

a name for themselves on the world stage travelling throughout the country and internationally. 

RNDC participated in the IV International Ballet Festival in Cali, Columbia in 2010, the Busan 

International Dance Festival in Korea in June 2011, toured to Germany and Switzerland on an 

11-city tour in Fall 2011 and a 5-week, 17-city tour of Russia in Spring 2012. Core works by 

Chaves are augmented with an array of pieces by nationally and internationally renowned 

choreographers including Mauro Astolfi, Adam Barruch, Robert Battle, Sidra Bell, Ashley Roland 

and Nejla Yatkin, among others. 

RNDC has been the subject of three Emmy Award-winning 

“WTTW Chicago” Television specials produced by HMS Media. They have been heralded by 

the “Chicago Sun Times” stating “this company has been dancing brilliantly for many seasons, but it rarely has looked better” and they continue to be a vital member of the Chicago community through their ongoing commitment to educational and artistic programming through dance.  

About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University  

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy, is an Illinois, 

not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community 

and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of 

the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. The Auditorium Theatre is generously 

supported by the MacArthur Foundation, the NIB Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council and the 

Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor 

opportunities or theatre tours, call (312) 341 –2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.  

The remaining Auditorium Theatre’s 

2013 - 14 Season includes :

  

“The Idan Raichel Project” (May 15); 

and 

The Paul Taylor Dance Company

 (May 17–18).