Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings romance and passion with “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet” at the Auditorium Theatre, November 2, 3, 4

ATRU’s Annual Gala, “An Evening in Montmartre,” Features a Special Performance of “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet” November 4

 

CHICAGO, IL  — The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (ATRU) welcomes Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) to the stage for the Chicago Premiere of “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet” November 2, 3, 4. Based on the world’s most infamous cabaret, the ballet features high kicking choreography and a passionate story of love, ambition and heartbreak, transporting audiences to turn of the century Paris. Choreographed by Jorden Morris, “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet” “…is a triumph…stunningly beautiful” (“Atlanta InTown”) and “the type of show that would start a lifelong admiration for theater and dance” (“Creative Loafing Atlanta”). Tickets, ($30 – $74), are on-sale now and can be purchased by phone at (800) 982-2787, at www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium, or in-person at ATRU’s box office (50 E Congress Pkwy).

In conjunction with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s engagement, ATRU will host their annual gala, “An Evening in Montmartre” on Sunday, November 4 featuring a performance of “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet,” followed by a reception and dinner at the Palmer House Hilton Red Lacquer Room for “An Evening in Montmartre,” sponsored by the Pasquinelli Family Foundation.

“This ballet has been thrilling audiences since it first premiered and now Chicago audiences will get to fall in love with it as well,” said Auditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Batterson. “To see the Auditorium Theatre be transformed into another historic landmark, The Moulin Rouge®—both having opened in 1889—will be astounding for both the dancers on stage and the spectators in the audience.”
 

“Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet” which first premiered in 2009, has been seen by more than 100,000 people and has quickly become the most successful production in RWB history. The romance begins in turn of the century Paris, a city of exquisite contradiction. Drawn by the city’s passion, a flame fuelled by the hearts of lovers and the souls of poets, Matthew and Nathalie tempt fate as they seek love and destiny at the infamous cabaret – The Moulin Rouge®. As their innocent love is threatened by the evil tyrant and owner of the Moulin Rouge®, Zeidler, the two—with the help of Toulouse-Lautrec—try to hold on to the bond they share only to have unforeseeable circumstances take hold.

Choreographer Jorden Morris’ romantic love story comes to life as Set Designer Andrew Beck’s design transforms the Auditorium stage into turn of the century Paris, while Anne Armit and Shannon Lovelace’s costumes create a spectacle of romance and passion and Pierre Lavoie’s lighting design transports the audience to a night at the Moulin Rouge®. Other members of the creative team include dramaturge Rick Skene and Make-up Design (created by MAC Cosmetics) by Melissa Gibson.
 

ATRU’s Annual Gala “An Evening in Montmartre”
 

ATRU’s annual gala, “An Evening in Montmartre,” sponsored by the Pasquinelli Family Foundation, will be held in conjunction with the RWB’s Engagement on Sunday, November 4. The affair will begin with a 2 p.m. performance of “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet” at the Auditorium Theatre. Trolleys will then escort guests to the Palmer House Hilton (17 E Monroe) where they will be treated to a reception and dinner in the Red Lacquer Room. Nicholas and Kathleen Amatangelo and Frantz and McGhee Osse are the gala co-chairs. Consul General Gitane De Silva of Canada and Consul General Graham Paul of France are the evening’s honorary chairs. For tickets and more information please call Amanda Martinez Byrne at (312) 341-2364 or e-mail abyrne@auditoriumtheatre.org.
 

Performance Schedule and Ticket Information

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet” at the Auditorium Theatre:
Friday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 3, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 4 at 2 p.m.
Tickets ($30 – $74) are available online at www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or in-person at ATRU’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).
In the spirit of the Moulin Rouge of Paris, Moulin Rouge® is a registered trademark of Moulin Rouge S.A.
SPECIAL EVENTS

“Moulin Rouge” Sing-A-Long
Sunday, October 14 | 7 PM
The Gene Siskel Film Center | 164 N State St
Free with reservation. Limited Space is available.
Sing your heart out and relive the magic of the film “Moulin Rouge” during a “Moulin Rouge Sing-A-Long,” Sunday, October 14 at the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N State St) Before the love story comes to life on stage, join local Chicago cabaret artists, Kim Lawson and Adam Hibma as they host this free event and see an exclusive preview of “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet” presented by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet on November 2, 3 and 4 at the Auditorium Theatre. Come dressed to the showing as your best can-can dancer or turn-of- the-century Parisian for a chance to win tickets to “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet!” Reservations are required (limit 2 reservations per household) and include a glass of wine. RSVP to jweber@auditoriumtheatre.org by Friday, October 12.

Soiree Au Moulin Rouge
Friday, November 2 | 5:30 PM Reception; 7:30 PM Performance
Paris Club Chicago | 59 W Hubbard St
Tickets for $50 include champagne and hors d’oeuvres at Paris Club and performance (trolley transportation included).
Join the Auditorium Theatre’s Junior Board at Chicago’s own Parisian getaway for a special reception at Paris Club  followed by RWB’s opening night performance of “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet” on Friday, November 2. Guests will enjoy champagne and hors d’oeuvres at Paris Club and then be transported by trolley to the Auditorium Theatre for the show. Special ticket packages for $50 can be purchased by contacting Amanda Martinez Byrne at (312) 341-2364.

Moulin Rouge Master Classes
Saturday, November 3 | 12-1:30 PM and Sunday, November 4 | 10 – 11 AM
Auditorium Theatre | Exact Location TBD
FREE with “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet” group ticket purchase of 10 or more. Limited space available.
Calling all Chicago dance classes! Join the masters of the Moulin Rouge as dancers from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet teach two special master classes to aspiring ballerinas. Intermediate to advanced dancers (ages 13 – 18) are welcome to participate in a one hour class with a 30 minute Q & A on November 3 and beginner to intermediate dancers (ages 8 – 12) are welcome to participate in a 45 minute “mini master class” followed by a 15 minute Q & A on Sunday, November 4. This event is offered exclusively to dance classes and is free with a group purchase of 10 or more tickets to “Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet.” Space is limited. Call (312)-341-2357 to reserve now.