A Tribute to Cole Porter and an Intimate Performance from Susan Werner

The Auditorium Theatre's 2016 - 17 Season kicks off with two great events opening their American Music Series, Cole Porter 125 - A Birthday Celebration and On Stage With...Susan Werner. Cole Porter is celebrated as a master of the American Songbook, known for writing classics like "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "I Get a Kick Out of You," along with many other well-known musicals and songs. Susan Werner is a celebrated contemporary folk singer who has received national acclaim for her songwriting and modern interpretations of classic styles.

"The American Music Series highlights some of the greatest songwriters of our time," says Henry Fogel, Auditorium Theatre's Interim Chief Executive Officer. "The Auditorium is thrilled to open our season with one of the greatest American songwriters, as well as this unique and talented Chicago artist, and celebrate both of their contributions to the country's cultural landscape."

On Saturday, September 24, Chicago's favorite cabaret singer Joan Curto directs and stars in Cole Porter 125 - A Birthday Celebration along with some of the best musicians and singers in the area: jazz vocalists Paul Marinaro and Tammy McCann and the cabaret duo Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael. Porter was born in 1891 and had a lustrous career that spanned over five decades, during which he wrote the music and lyrics for the musicals Anything Goes and Kiss Me, Kate. Curto's program features many of Porter's most beloved songs including "Night and Day" and "Just One of Those Things," as well as a few lesser known gems. The City Lights Orchestra, led by Rich Daniels, will accompany the cast. The orchestra has performed alongside Ray Charles, Paul McCartney, and Mel Torme in the past.

The performance is Saturday, September 24 | 7:30 PM Tickets start at $29, and are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in-person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Parkway). Discounts available for groups of 10+. Cole Porter 125 is part of the American Music Series, which offers a 30% discounted subscription online atAuditoriumTheatre.org.

Susan Werner returns for her ninth Auditorium Theatre performance on Thursday, September 22. Werner, whom NPR calls the "Empress of the Unexpected," effortlessly mixes folk, jazz and pop with her classic Midwestern charm and sassy wit. The audience will be seated right on the Auditorium's historic landmark stage, giving Werner's performance an intimate cabaret feel. Her most recent album, Hayseed, was released in 2013.

The performance is Thursday, September 22, 7:30 PM, Tickets start at $50, and are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in-person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Parkway). Discounts available for groups of 10+. Susan Werner is an add-on of the American Music Series, which offers a 30% discounted subscription online at AuditoriumTheatre.org.