Chicago Theatre to Present Roger Ebert Memorial Tribute

Roger Ebert's life and prolific career will be remembered during a memorial tribute this Thursday at the Chicago Theatre, which is expected to draw friends and admirers from Hollywood to the independent film world to the Chicago Theatre. This special evening will include music, several great moments from the beloved TV show "At the Movies," and personal tributes from his wife of 22 years, Chaz, and granddaughter, Raven. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program starts promptly at 7 p.m.

Ebert's long relationship with the Chicago Theatre, where he attended film screenings for years, makes it a fitting venue for an event celebrating a man dubbed "the world's film critic." Ebert also has the only star on the sidewalk in front of the theater beneath the grand marquee. The Chicago Sun-Times critic of 46 years died April 4 after a decade-long battle with cancer. A day earlier, he had announced on his blog he was re-launching his Web site, RogerEbert.com (http://rogerebert.com/), but taking a "leave of presence" and "reviewing only the movies I want to review."

On Thursday, Hollywood actors, directors and writers, as well as those from the independent film movement and film students are among the invited guests. Musical performances will include Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago and the Grammy-award winning gospel choir from Chicago-based Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Charles Jenkins, pastor.

Thursday's memorial is free and may be attended by the public, but seating is limited and must be reserved in advance. Please do not come to the Theatre without a reserved seat. To reserve a seat, please call 773-528-7700 or email rsvp@ebertpresents.com starting at 10 a.m. April 8, 2013. Details will be provided for picking up advance tickets at on off-site location. Seats will be on a first come, first served basis.

SOURCE Chicago Theatre