Joffrey “Nutcracker” Dazzles and Delights
From the first delicate notes in Tchaikovsky’s overture, it was clear this “Nutcracker” would be an exciting performance.
The Dance of a Family Tradition - The Nutcracker Experience
“The Nutcracker” tradition runs deep in our family. One spring, yes, spring, during the late 1950s, the New York City Ballet brought its fabled production of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” to the Civic Opera House. My youngest sister, who was enrolled in ballet classes at the time, auditioned and was accepted as a toy soldier. […]
Don Quixote Restores Young Lovers in Joffrey's World Premiere
Forget “Man of La Mancha.” The Joffrey Ballet has mounted a vividly re-imagined version of the epic story by Cervantes. In this colorful world premiere, Don Quixote remains an aging nobleman dreaming of chivalry, with a bumbling sidekick and a skinny horse. But he is also like Saint Valentine, rescuing a young woman from an […]
Fresh: Foster Family
Four local partners have collaborated to open Foster Dance Studios. They are: Artistic Director Ronn Stewart, a Joffrey teacher and longtime dancer; Sarah Goldstone, a Juilliard grad and a Chicago dancer; along with Kathryn Ebert of Evanston and Sally H. Turner of Wilmette. The studio will offer a wide variety of classes for all […]
Joffrey's “Rising Stars” is the Stuff of Dreams
The Joffrey Ballet’s “Rising Stars” program, which opened May 4 at the Auditorium Theater, is an exercise in abstraction. It’s filled with sublime, graceful movement, punctuated with surprises, and packed with tried and truly beautiful dancing. Two world premieres, “Woven Dreams” by Edwaard Liang and “Bells” by Yuri Possokhov, plus a company premiere, “Night” by […]
A Cultural Bouquet for Mom on her Day
Want to give Mom a great gift for Mother’s Day? What about a mother-daughter theater afternoon or evening? We’ve combed May offerings on stages in Chicago and the suburbs, and found several options to suit various tastes. Broadway Mom “Spring Awakening” May 8-13 Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre 24 W. Randolph St., […]
Theater Packages: Cheaper by the Dozen
Subscription packages to local theaters and music venues are a great deal The best gifts are the ones that keep on giving. For Evanston residents and newlyweds Marc and Emily Zarefsky, it was season tickets to the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire. Gifted to the couple by Marc’s parents, who themselves have been season ticket holders […]
Nutcracker by the Joffrey: A Holiday Favorite
“The Nutcracker” is a perennial holiday favorite and Chicago enjoys a first class production by the Joffrey Ballet every December. The company’s 2010 production opened at the Auditorium Theatre Friday, Dec. 10 and it is like a snowflake, sparkling and suffused with light. Mischievous Fritz, danced by Ricardo Santos, and mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer, danced by […]
Joffrey Ballet: "All Stars"
The beauty of motion, the joy of dance, the shapes and choreographed patterns expressed through the human body all come together during the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago’s fall program, “All Stars,” at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago. The most stunning work of the program is Christopher Wheeldon‘s 2005 “After the Rain,” a Joffrey premiere, […]
Women of Philanthropy: Pam Phillips Weston
Pam Phillips Weston Winnetka Though her name now graces the new Weston Wing at the Art Institute, Pam Weston doesn’t want to take any credit. “It’s my husband’s project,” she says. “I’m so happy for him. It’s a monumental occasion for his collecting. And it’s not just about the art, it’s about the knowledge, the […]
