Alfreda Burke News

On January 13 and 14, 2018, the Auditorium Theatre presents the 13th annual performance of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah. Traditionally held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend, Too Hot celebrates Dr. King's message of 'beloved community.'

On January 13 and 14, 2018, the Auditorium Theatre presents the 13th annual performance of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah. Traditionally held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend, Too Hot celebrates Dr. King's message of 'beloved community.' The show features acclaimed soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke, and Karen Marie Richardson; legendary Detroit pianist Alvin Waddles; a choir of over 100 members led by Bill Fraher, director of concert choirs at Old St. Patrick's Church; a chamber orchestra conducted by Suzanne Mallare Acton, the assistant music director at Michigan Opera Theatre in Detroit, MI; and a world-class jazz band featuring electric bass, electric guitar, string bass, and more. Too Hot, which was originally conceived by conductor Marin Alsop and arranged by Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson, puts a twist on George Frideric Handel's classic oratorio, infusing the music with jazz, gospel, rock, and blues.

On January 13 and 14, 2018, the Auditorium Theatre presents the 13th annual performance of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah. Traditionally held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend, Too Hot celebrates Dr. King's message of 'beloved community.'

On January 13 and 14, 2018, the Auditorium Theatre presents the 13th annual performance of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah. Traditionally held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend, Too Hot celebrates Dr. King's message of 'beloved community.' The show features acclaimed soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke, and Karen Marie Richardson; legendary Detroit pianist Alvin Waddles; a choir of over 100 members led by Bill Fraher, director of concert choirs at Old St. Patrick's Church; a chamber orchestra conducted by Suzanne Mallare Acton, the assistant music director at Michigan Opera Theatre in Detroit, MI; and a world-class jazz band featuring electric bass, electric guitar, string bass, and more. Too Hot, which was originally conceived by conductor Marin Alsop and arranged by Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson, puts a twist on George Frideric Handel's classic oratorio, infusing the music with jazz, gospel, rock, and blues.

The Orpheum Theatre Group announced today that a Memphis-produced engagement of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah will play April 21-22, 2018, at the historic Orpheum Theatre.

The Auditorium Theatre has announced its upcoming shows through January 14, 2018. Scroll down for details!

The Auditorium Theatre has announced its upcoming shows through January 14, 2018. Scroll down for details!

The Auditorium Theatre announces its 2017-18 Season under new Chief Executive Officer, Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, and its new tagline, "The Theatre for the People."

The 12th annual performances of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah take place at the Auditorium Theatre on January 14 and 15, the weekend before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Renowned soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke, and Karen Marie Richardson join legendary pianist Alvin Waddles in the celebratory production, which features a choir of over 100 choir members and musicians. Too Hot to Handel is based on George Frideric Handel's Messiah, and pairs Handel's traditional classical score with jazz, gospel, and blues.

The Auditorium Theatre  announces another season of exciting, diverse programming which supports its commitment to presenting the finest performances in international and local dance, along with America's most cherished music, to Chicago. Highlights of the Auditorium's 2016-17 season include Cole Porter 125 - A Birthday Celebration, featuring Chicago singers and musicians; Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater in their "Made in Chicago" Dance Series debut;  the return of Eifman Ballet's Red Giselle; and a new, innovative ballet by Dance Theatre of Harlem's Francesca Harper.

The Auditorium Theatre presents its annual King Holiday celebration performances of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah today, January 16 and tomorrow, January 17, 2016.

The Auditorium Theatre presents its annual King Holiday celebration performances of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah on Saturday, January 16 and 17, 2016.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University presents the 10th anniversary performance of "Too Hot To Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah," honoring the life of Civil Rights activist and cultural icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., January 17 and 18, 2015. The exuberant jazz reinvention of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah"-a vibrant mix of Jazz, Gospel, Blues, Swing, Classical and Scat-features star soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson. Tickets ($25 - $70) are on sale now and available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-2787 or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Pkwy).

The National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, led by Executive Director Brett Batterson and Board Chairman Melvin L. Katten, celebrates the milestone 125th Anniversary and announces programming for 2014 - 15 Season.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. with the 8th annual "Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah," January 19 and January 20. Chicago favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson join 200 of Chicago's finest musicians and vocalists, under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mallare Acton, for two public performances only-filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel's "Messiah." Tickets ($30 - $74) are on sale now and available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). A one-hour Student Matinee performance is offered on Friday, January 18, open to any student elementary through high school for $10 each. Tickets are available by calling (312) 341-2357.

Internationally known singers Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon will be the featured performers at a concert to be held at Spring Glen Church, Hamden, Conn. on Thursday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The return of 'Mary Poppins' and 'Jersey Boys,' the premiere of 'For The Boys,' Mandy Patinkin, Nathan Gunn, Laura Benanti, 'Oprah! A Comedy!,' more....

'Hallelujah Broadway' showcases the emotional power of some of The Great White Way's most uplifting and powerful songs that have inspired millions of theatergoers. The show is a musical extravaganza performed with a 32-piece orchestra that will gladden hearts and give audiences something to cheer about.