Rodrick Dixon sang “Make Them Hear You” from Ragtime to begin the presentation. Executive Director Brett Batterson spoke of the responsibility of holding the keys to the building and upcoming programming such as the Royal Ballet performing Don Quixote and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Among other events, lesbian singer Susan Werner returns for her annual concert and a film series is planned with a Chicago theme.
City of Chicago Commissioner Department of Cultural Affairs Michelle Boone introduced a video about the history of the theatre.
Charles R. Middleton, the president of Roosevelt University, spoke of the long history of the building and Mel Katten, chair of the theatre’s board of directors, announced that First Lady Michelle Obama is now honorary chair for the season’s committee and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is honorary co-chair.
A birthday cake was cut, complete with singing by the Apollo Chorus to finish things out.
A year from the date of this event a gala is set—with Patti Lupone as a headliner. Keep up with this show and many more at www.auditoriumtheatre.org.
Photos and text by Jerry Nunn