REVIEW: THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE AND EXELON REJOICE WITH THE RETURN OF THE 9TH ANNUAL “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” JANUARY 18 – 19

Last call.   One show remains, today (Sunday) at 3pm,  for the 9th annual performance of “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah”.   I had the chance to catch it last night with my 12 year old son and highly recommend it. Collaboration, community and creativity combine in this impressive annual celebration in a truly inspiring way.  

We were blown away by the talent, energy and enthusiasm in this unique production.   I don't think we've ever seen such a fast piano medley and the soloists were fantastic.   

The large screen was invaluable for close ups and clever crossfades on the musicians and choir during the performance, and the short video on the process & history that preceded the show, was fascinating.   The diverse cast was a treat, and it's great to see Detroit and Chicago collaborating on creating something beautiful, instead of our usual sports rivalries, where we good naturedly love to hate them.

We were also awed by the "quilts" made by Chicago area school children with their wishes for the future... ending violence in their neighborhoods, helping people, feeding the hungry, curing cancer, playing pro-sports, becoming infamous on YouTube...  Our best hopes for the future are enlightening and teaching the children.   We've come a long way since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was gunned down for promoting peace and tolerance.  Yet Chicago still remains sadly segregated.   

Our family is raising urban children in the Chicago Public Schools because we want them to be color blind and grow up with friends and classmates of all different races, religions, colors, and economic classes.  We want our children to consider others by their actions & words, not the color of their skin.  We want them to believe in the possibility of peace and justice.  This annual production is a joyful step toward peace and the power of music.

More Than 200 Musicians and Vocalists With Soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson, Pay Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, presents the 9th annual “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” January 18 and 19. Chicago favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson join more than 200 of Chicago’s finest musicians and vocalists, under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mallare Acton, for two public performances only―filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets ($25 – $68) are on sale now and available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). 

“This show provides our community with a truly unique way to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, not only because of Dr. King’s deep love of gospel and jazz music but the way in which it represents Chicago’s diversity in both performers and audience members,” said Executive Director Brett Batterson. “It’s incredible to see an entire audience brought to their feet with such vigor and excitement. It is a true celebration of music, and of a man so important to United States history.”

“Handel’s indelible, indestructible tunes remain, but rhythmically the “Messiah” takes flight in ways that the great composer never could have anticipated.” (Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich). Mixing gospel and jazz stylings, “Too Hot” brings music lovers of all genres to their feet while embracing the music brought to life onstage by more than 200 musicians from both Chicago as well as Detroit―including 150 voices from the citywide “Too Hot” Choir under the direction of Old St. Patrick’s Church music director Bill Fraher, and a 50-piece symphony orchestra and jazz ensemble under the baton of conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton. This collaboration between cities fuses both Chicago and Detroit sounds together, enhancing the camaraderie on stage and in the theatre. Powerhouse vocalists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson lead the group through the incredible music that fills the Auditorium Theatre bringing an entire audience together in order to remember a man whose indelible mark on the world will forever live on. The show is enhanced through a large LED screen that will capture both the performers and audience members during the concert. Video enhancements made possible through the generosity of William and Shelley Farley.

In tandem with “Too Hot to Handel,” the Auditorium’s Department of Creative Engagement utilizes innovative programming to engage Chicago students in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of music and community. For the 5th consecutive year, the Auditorium invites Chicago Public School students, grades 3-12, to write an original poem celebrating Dr. King's vision of the “beloved community.”  

Exelon is the Presenting Sponsor of “Too Hot to Handel.” JPMorgan Chase Foundation is the “Too Hot to Handel” Educational Outreach Partner. “Too Hot” video enhancements are made possible through the generosity of William and Shelley Farley.  Additional support is provided by Friends of “Too Hot to Handel.”  The Auditorium Theatre’s student matinee series is sponsored by The Private Bank and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation.  Additional media support provided by “Chicago Jazz Magazine” and “N’Digo.”

Performance Schedule and Ticket Information

“Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” performs at the Auditorium Theatre:

Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 at 11 a.m. (one hour Student Matinee Performance*) 

Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday, Jan. 19, 214 at 3 p.m.** 

Tickets to the Jan. 19 and 20 performances are $25 - $68, available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or in-person at the Auditorium’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).

*The Friday, Jan. 17 student matinee is available to elementary through high school student groups of 10 or more people. Group tickets are $10 each and available by calling 

(312) 341-2357. 

**A free Q&A with “Too Hot to Handel” artists immediately follows the Sunday afternoon performance. 

 

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.  

Ninth Season of Too Hot to Handel is too cool for school This Saturday & Sunday Only at Auditorium Theatre!

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List

ChiIL Live Shows will be there... will you?!  Chicago families can celebrate the long MLK day weekend with The Jazz-Gospel Messiah at Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University this Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. This excellent annual tradition is in it's NINTH year. Tickets are still available, so get yours. ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks list for the weekend.

We've been raving about this production since December but the time has come.   If you haven't reserved tickets yet, what are you waiting for?!

There are few things we'll brave a blizzard and arctic temp plunges for, but this is one of them. Heat up your winter weekend with the pure joy of stellar live music in the gorgeous, ornate Auditorium Theatre.

 THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE AND EXELON REJOICE WITH THE RETURN OF THE 9^TH ANNUAL

“TOO HOT TO HANDEL: THE JAZZ-GOSPEL MESSIAH” JANUARY 18 – 19

 

More Than 200 Musicians and Vocalists, With Soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and

Karen Marie Richardson, Pay Tribute to 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, presents the 9^th annual “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” January 18 and 19. Chicago favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson join more than 200 of Chicago’s finest musicians and vocalists, under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mallare Acton, for two public performances only—filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets ($25 – $68) are on sale now and available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). A one-hour Student Matinee performance is offered on Friday, January 17, open to any student elementary through high school for $10 each. Tickets are available by calling (312) 341-2357.
 
“This show provides our community with a truly unique way to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, not only because of Dr. King’s deep love of gospel and jazz music but the way in which it represents Chicago’s diversity in both performers and audience members,” said Executive Director Brett Batterson. “It’s incredible to see an entire audience brought to their feet with such vigor and excitement. It is a true celebration of music, and of a man so important to United States history.”
 
“Handel’s indelible, indestructible tunes remain, but rhythmically the ‘Messiah’ takes flight in ways that the great composer never could have anticipated.” (Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich). Mixing gospel and jazz stylings, “Too Hot” brings music lovers of all genres to their feet while embracing the music brought to life onstage by more than 200 musicians from both Chicago as well as Detroit—including 150 voices from the “Too Hot” Choir under the direction of Old St. Patrick’s Church music director Bill Fraher, and a 50-piece symphony orchestra and jazz ensemble under the baton of conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton. This collaboration between cities fuses both Chicago and Detroit sounds together, enhancing the camaraderie on stage and in the theatre. Powerhouse vocalists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson lead the group through the incredible music that fills the Auditorium Theatre bringing an entire audience together in order to remember a man whose indelible mark on the world will forever live on. The show is enhanced through a large LED screen that will capture both the performers and audience members during the concert.
 
Exelon is the Presenting Sponsor of “Too Hot to Handel.” JPMorgan Chase Foundation is the “Too Hot to Handel” Educational Outreach Partner. “Too Hot” video enhancements are made possible through the generosity of William and Shelley Farley.  Additional support is provided by Friends of “Too Hot to Handel.”  The Auditorium Theatre’s student matinee series is sponsored by The Private Bank and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation.  Additional media support provided by “Chicago Jazz Magazine” and “N’Digo.”
 
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
 
“Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” performs at the Auditorium Theatre:
Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 19, 214 at 3 p.m.**
 
Tickets to the Jan. 19 and 20 performances are $25 - $68, available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or in-person at the Auditorium’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available at (312.341-2357.

**A free Q&A with “Too Hot to Handel” artists immediately follows the Sunday afternoon performance.
 
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.
 

MLK Day Chicago 2013 #ChiILpicks

ChiIL Mama's checkin' out Bud, Not Buddy at the press opening TONIGHT, and we'll have a full review shortly.   We'll be hangin' with the author Christopher Paul Curtis.   You can too, on MLK day.

Teach your children well.   MLK day means more than a 3 day weekend and a chance to snuggle down in the covers and sleep in.   We love living in a major city, as there's always too much to do.   Many museums, theatres, and organizations are having Martin Luther King Jr. events and activities.   These are our ChiILpicks for 2013:

1.  “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” JANUARY 19 – 20

2.  Black Ensemble Theater-MLK Day Celebration

3.  Bud, Not Buddy Author Event

Top left  is Christopher Paul Curtis, author, Bud, Not Buddy.   Photo credit for all:  Margaret Strickland.

CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE INVITES FAMILIES TO MEET BUD, NOT BUDDY AUTHOR CHRISTOPHER PAUL CURTIS MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY EVENT IS MON., JAN. 21 AT 1 PM AT CHASE AUDITORIUM

All outdoor photos feature actor Travis Turner as Bud in Chicago Children's Theatre's new production of Bud, Not Buddy.

Chicago Children's Theatre (CCT) invites families to meet Christopher Paul Curtis, author of Bud, Not Buddy, on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the ChaseAuditorium, 10 S. Dearborn St. in downtown Chicago.   Admission is complimentary for this Chicago Children's Theatre Community Event, but reservations are required.  Please rsvp at chicagochildrenstheatre.org/CPC . Kids will be out of school for Martin Luther King Day, so bringing them downtown to meet Curtis - one of the most prolific African American writers of contemporary children's literature today, and author of the only book to win both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award - is an ideal way to honor the holiday.

Bud, Not Buddy follows the heartwarming, unforgettable journey of a young African-American orphan as he searches for his father in Depression-era Michigan. Full of laugh-out-loud humor and wonderful characters from the world of jazz, the book is afavorite with children 8 and up and, at many schools, is required reading for February, Black History Month.

CCT's free event includes a Q&A with Curtis introduced by Chicago Children's Theatre Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell, co-moderated by Talia Garg (12) and Olivia Garg (10). Curtis will meet fans and sign books after the discussion.

Curtis is visiting Chicago for the opening weekend of Chicago Children's Theatre's newest production, a live stage adaptation of his book Bud, Not Buddy. The production is directed by Derrick Sanders, director of CCT's 2011 smash hit Jackie and Me. 

School and public performances of Bud, Not Buddy run Jan. 12-Feb. 24, 2013 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.  Single tickets start at $20. To purchase, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555. For group rates, visit GroupTix.net or call (773) 327-3778. 

JPMorgan Chase, Official Education Sponsor of Chicago Children's Theatre, is generously providing their 400-seat downtown auditorium for this community event.

About Christopher Paul Curtis

Born in Flint, Michigan, Christopher Paul Curtis was always a great reader, but as a youth he could not find books "that were about me." He spent his first 13 years after high school on the assembly line of Flint's historic Fisher Body Plant #1, hanging 80-pound car doors on Buicks. He wrote during his breaks to escape the noise of the factory, while attending college at night. Curtis made an outstanding debut in children's s literature with The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963. His second novel, Bud, Not Buddy, is the first book ever to receive both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award. 

Curtis' writing - and his dedication to it - has been greatly influenced by his family members. He modeled characters in Bud, Not Buddy after his two amazing grandfathers - Earl "Lefty" Lewis, a Negro Baseball League pitcher, and 1930s bandleader Herman E. Curtis, Sr., of Herman Curtis and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression.  For more information, visit his website nobodybutcurtis.com

About Chicago Children's Theatre

Itinerant no longer, Chicago Children's Theatre has happily moved in to its first-ever permanent home, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street, a lovely tree-lined street in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, just steps from the Magnificent Mile.

Chicago Children's Theatre focuses on the production of first-rate children's theatre in Chicago, with top writing, performing and directorial talent and high-quality design and production expertise. Chicago Children's Theatre aspires to enrich our community through diverse and significant theatrical and educational programming that engages and inspires the child in all of us.    

Launched in 2005, Chicago Children's Theatre strives to provide affordable and accessible theatre for families and area school children. To enhance the impact of any given production's themes, Chicago Children's Theatre offers educational materials and programs for families and educators. 

In addition to its mainstage programming for families, schools and groups, Chicago Children's Theatre is expanding its theater class and camp offerings for children at the Ruth Page, and continuing its Red Kite Project, creating multi-sensory, interactive theater programming tailored specifically to the needs and interests of children on the autism spectrum. 

  

Chicago Children's Theatre's 2012-2013 season is made possible in part by the generosity of its sponsors: ComEd is the Official Lighting Sponsor. Goldman Sachs Gives is the Official Season Sponsor. JPMorgan Chase is the Official Education Sponsor.Target is the Official School Field Trip Sponsor. United is the Chicago Premiere Sponsor as well as the Official and Exclusive Airline Sponsor.     

For more information about Chicago Children's Theatre visitchicagochildrenstheatre.org, call CCT's new dedicated box office line, (872) 222-9555, or the administrative office, (773) 227-0180.

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE AND EXELON REJOICE WITH THE RETURN OF THE 8TH ANNUAL “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” JANUARY 19 – 20

Too Hot to Handel rocks The Auditorium Theatre for 3 days only in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

200 Musicians and Vocalists With Soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and

Karen Marie Richardson Pay Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. with the 8th annual “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah ,” January 19 and January 20. Chicago favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson join 200 of Chicago’s finest musicians and vocalists, under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mallare Acton, for two public performances only—filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets ($30 – $74) are on sale now and available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).   Advanced tickets are strongly recommended.

A one-hour Student Matinee performance is offered on Friday, January 18, open to any student elementary through high school for $10 each. Tickets are available by calling (312) 341-2357.

Performance Schedule and Ticket Information

Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” performs at the Auditorium Theatre:

Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. (one hour Student Matinee Performance*) 

Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday, Jan. 20, 213 at 3 p.m.** 

Tickets to the Jan. 19 and 20 performances are $30 - $74, available online here , by calling (800) 982-2787 or in-person at the Auditorium’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).

*The Friday, Jan. 18 student matinee is available to elementary through high school student groups of 10 or more people. Group tickets are $10 each and available by calling 

(312) 341-2357. 

**A free Q&A with “Too Hot to Handel” artists immediately follows the Sunday afternoon performance. 

Since its 2006 Chicago debut, “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” has continued to reinvigorate audiences while paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  

This show provides our community with a truly unique way to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, not only because of Dr. King’s deep love of gospel and jazz music but the way in which it represents Chicago’s diversity in both performers and audience members,” said Executive Director Brett Batterson. “It’s incredible to see an entire audience brought to their feet with such vigor and excitement. It is a true celebration of music, and of a man so important to United States history.”

Ingeniously re-imagined to embrace black musical tradition, the aptly named ‘Too Hot to Handel’ proved that even the most revered classical masterpieces can be taught to swing.” (Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich). Mixing gospel and jazz stylings, “Too Hot” brings music lovers of all genres to their feet. Brought to life onstage by 200 Chicago musicians including 150 voices from the citywide “Too Hot” Choir under the direction of Old St. Patrick’s Church music director Bill Fraher, and a 50-piece symphony orchestra and jazz ensemble under the baton of conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton. “Too Hot to Handel” then brings the powerhouse voices of Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson to lead the group through the incredible music that fills the Auditorium Theatre.

In tandem with “Too Hot to Handel,” the Auditorium’s Department of Creative Engagement utilizes innovative programming to involve the community by teaching Chicago students about Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of music and celebration. For the 4th consecutive year, the Auditorium invites Chicago Public School students, grades 3-12, to write an original poem celebrating Dr. King's vision of the beloved community. Finalist’s poems will be published in “N’DIGO” Magazine. In addition, the grand prize-winner will receive 4 free tickets to the “Too Hot to Handel” opening night performance and will recite their poem on stage before the show.  Poem deadline was December 7, 2012.

Auditorium Theatre’s Department of Creative Engagement is also reaching out to CPS High School Choirs and inviting them to apply to a “Too Hot to Handel” Master Class facilitated by the “Too Hot to Handel” stars.  Students will have the opportunity to work with “Too Hot” conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton, perform a solo piece and receive coaching from “Too Hot” vocalists Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon and are invited to attend the Student Matinee performance. Please contact atru-education@auditoriumtheatre.org  for more information on the Master Class.

The Auditorium also offers the “Too Hot” Residency Program, bringing together the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the music of “Too Hot to Handel.” A free program for CPS Grades 3 – 8, students will examine Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the beloved community while gaining a basic understanding of musical composition. Under the guidance of “Too Hot” Teaching Artists, students will create a final musical composition reflecting on and musically articulating their own vision of what Dr. King’s beloved community means to them now. Residencies take place in December and early January. No musical training or instruments necessary. 

Also available free to CPS Grades 3 – 8, is a One-Day Workshop where students will study elements of “Too Hot” to understand how small personal choices have a big impact the community.  Students will use this knowledge to create a quilt that will be displayed in the Auditorium lobby expressing how they individually can make a positive difference.  Contact Christina Bourné, Director of Education and Creative Engagement at (312) 341-2353 or cbourne@auditoriumtheatre.org . 

Too Hot to Handel is presented by Exelon. “Too Hot to Handel” educational outreach programs are made possible through the JPMorgan Chase Foundation with additional support from The PrivateBank and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation for the student matinee performances.  Additional support provided by Friends of “Too Hot to Handel”, “N’DIGO”, and “Chicago Jazz Magazine”.

Auditorium Theatre 2013 Subscriptions

Subscriptions for the Auditorium Theatre’s current season are now on sale. For more information or to purchase a subscription call (312) 341-2356 or visit auditoriumtheatre.org .  

The Auditorium’s season packages include:

2-Show Jazz Series – Save 10% when you purchase tickets to both “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah” on January 19 – 20, 2013 and River North Dance Chicago with Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic - The Cuban Project  on April 13, 2013.

About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy, is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural and community 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 Illinois Arts Council, CityArts, and the Palmer House Hilton.  For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theater tours, call (312) 341-2310 or visit auditoriumtheatre.org .

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE AND EXELON REJOICE WITH THE RETURN OF THE 8TH ANNUAL “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” JANUARY 19 – 20

ChiILpicks--ChiIL Mama's Great Gifts List It may be hard to think beyond the holidays at the moment, but tickets are on sale now for the 8th annual “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” January 19 and January 20.   Tickets are great clutter busting gifts that create lasting family memories. The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. with this annual, aural, all ages, celebration. Chicago favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson join 200 of Chicago’s finest musicians and vocalists, under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mallare Acton, for two public performances only—filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel’s “Messiah.” 200 Musicians and Vocalists With Soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson Pay Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. with the 8th annual “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” January 19 and January 20. Chicago favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson join 200 of Chicago’s finest musicians and vocalists, under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mallare Acton, for two public performances only—filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets ($30 – $74) are on sale now and available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).  A one-hour Student Matinee performance is offered on Friday, January 18, open to any student elementary through high school for $10 each. Tickets are available by calling (312) 341-2357. Performance Schedule and Ticket Information “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” performs at the Auditorium Theatre: Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. (one hour Student Matinee Performance*) Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, 213 at 3 p.m.** Tickets to the Jan. 19 and 20 performances are $30 - $74, available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or in-person at the Auditorium’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). *The Friday, Jan. 18 student matinee is available to elementary through high school student groups of 10 or more people. Group tickets are $10 each and available by calling (312) 341-2357. **A free Q&A with “Too Hot to Handel” artists immediately follows the Sunday afternoon performance. Since its 2006 Chicago debut, “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” has continued to reinvigorate audiences while paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “This show provides our community with a truly unique way to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, not only because of Dr. King’s deep love of gospel and jazz music but the way in which it represents Chicago’s diversity in both performers and audience members,” said Executive Director Brett Batterson. “It’s incredible to see an entire audience brought to their feet with such vigor and excitement. It is a true celebration of music, and of a man so important to United States history.” “Ingeniously re-imagined to embrace black musical tradition, the aptly named ‘Too Hot to Handel’ proved that even the most revered classical masterpieces can be taught to swing.” (Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich). Mixing gospel and jazz stylings, “Too Hot” brings music lovers of all genres to their feet. Brought to life onstage by 200 Chicago musicians including 150 voices from the citywide “Too Hot” Choir under the direction of Old St. Patrick’s Church music director Bill Fraher, and a 50-piece symphony orchestra and jazz ensemble under the baton of conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton. “Too Hot to Handel” then brings the powerhouse voices of Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson to lead the group through the incredible music that fills the Auditorium Theatre. The show is enhanced through LED screens that will not only display historical photos of Martin Luther King Jr. but will also capture the performers and audience members during the performance. Video Production made possible through the generosity of Bill & Shelley Farley. In tandem with “Too Hot to Handel,” the Auditorium’s Department of Creative Engagement utilizes innovative programming to involve the community by teaching Chicago students about Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of music and celebration. For the 4th consecutive year, the Auditorium invites Chicago Public School students, grades 3-12, to write an original poem celebrating Dr. King's vision of the beloved community. Finalist’s poems will be published in “N’DIGO” Magazine. In addition, the grand prize-winner will receive 4 free tickets to the “Too Hot to Handel” opening night performance and will recite their poem on stage before the show.  Poems must be sent via mail to Attn: THTH Poetry Contest, 50 E Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60605, and received by Friday December 7, 2012. Auditorium Theatre’s Department of Creative Engagement is also reaching out to CPS High School Choirs and inviting them to apply to a “Too Hot to Handel” Master Class facilitated by the “Too Hot to Handel” stars. Students will have the opportunity to work with “Too Hot” conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton, perform a solo piece and receive coaching from “Too Hot” vocalists Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon and are invited to attend the Student Matinee performance. Please contact atru-education@auditoriumtheatre.org for more information on the Master Class. The Auditorium also offers the “Too Hot” Residency Program, bringing together the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the music of “Too Hot to Handel.” A free program for CPS Grades 3 – 8, students will examine Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the beloved community while gaining a basic understanding of musical composition. Under the guidance of “Too Hot” Teaching Artists, students will create a final musical composition reflecting on and musically articulating their own vision of what Dr. King’s beloved community means to them now. Residencies take place in December and early January. No musical training or instruments necessary. Also available free to CPS Grades 3 – 8, is a One-Day Workshop where students will study elements of “Too Hot” to understand how small personal choices have a big impact the community.  Students will use this knowledge to create a quilt that will be displayed in the Auditorium lobby expressing how they individually can make a positive difference.  Contact Christina Bourné, Director of Education and Creative Engagement at (312) 341-2353 or cbourne@auditoriumtheatre.org. “Too Hot to Handel” is presented by Exelon. “Too Hot to Handel” educational outreach programs are made possible through the JPMorgan Chase Foundation with additional support from The PrivateBank and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation for the student matinee performances.  Additional support provided by Friends of “Too Hot to Handel”, “N’DIGO”, and “Chicago Jazz Magazine”. We also highly recommend America's #1 Nutcracker, running through the 27 at Auditorium Theatre.   Check out our video interviews with some of the Joffrey Nutcracker kids and our original dress rehearsal footage (2011) right here. Auditorium Theatre 2013 Subscriptions Subscriptions for the Auditorium Theatre’s current season are now on sale. For more information or to purchase a subscription call (312) 341-2356 or visit auditoriumtheatre.org. The Auditorium’s season packages include: 2-Show Jazz Series – Save 10% when you purchase tickets to both “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah” on January 19 – 20, 2013 and River North Dance Chicago with Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic - The Cuban Project on April 13, 2013. About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy, is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural and community 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 Illinois Arts Council, CityArts, and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theater tours, call (312) 341-2310 or visit auditoriumtheatre.org.