Swan Lake-Auditorium Theatre Recap

"You get cherries at your first ballet." the friendly bar tender at Auditorium Theatre quipped, handing Sagie a day glow toothpick, spearing a pair of maraschinos.   She was elated.    I wasn't sure how the ballet would go over with her, as she's still quite the anti-princess and rebels at everything frilly and girly.   I explained that professional ballet dancers are true athletes and have to be strong and mighty, and that went over well.    The state ballet theatre of Russia did not disappoint.    


Tchaikovsky's score, reminiscent in style to the nutcracker, was refreshing for not being as familiar and overdone.    Our only complaint about the production was a distracting hiss in the sound system.    It would have been more effective to have a live orchestra accompaniment.   Nonetheless, the dancers were quite good, and well worth seeing.


Swan Lake, with it's macabre story of the lovers' double suicide, an evil magician, a double crossing case of mistaken identity, kidnapping and girls trapped by day as swans, made for a compelling evening.    We're looking forward to more excellent offerings at Auditorium Theatre in the coming months.

This event was part of The Soviet Arts Experience (October 2010-January 2012), a Chicago-wide showcase of works created under (and in response to) the Politburo of the Soviet Union. Visit www.SovietArtsExperience.org for a full schedule of events.

“Swan Lake” was also part of the Auditorium Theatre’s 2010-2011 season subscription series.  For more information or to purchase a subscription or group tickets call (312) 431-2357 or visit www.auditoriumtheatre.org.

2010-2011 season packages currently available include:

2010-2011 International Dance Series –The State Ballet Theatre of Russia in “Swan Lake,” River North Chicago Dance Company, Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg in “Don Quixote, or Fantasies of a Madman” and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  

Upcoming Family Series – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (Saturday, May 21 at 2 p.m.).

About the Auditorium Theatre’s Family Series

ATRU’s Family Series is designed specifically to awaken children’s interest in live performance and plant the seed for developing an appreciation of the arts.    Each family performance is followed by a question and answer session with members of the shows’ artistic teams.  This interactive experience can dramatically change the impact of the performing arts on its viewers, and with the involvement of families it can also empower youth to express themselves.

About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E. Congress Parkway, 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, American Airlines and the Palmer House Hilton.  For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theater tours, call (312) 922-2110 or visit auditoriumtheatre.org.