Ravinia Festival News

21C Media Group today announced that it now represents American lyric soprano Ailyn Perez, whose burgeoning international career has already seen her in leading roles at many of the world's foremost opera houses and concert halls. As the Associated Press observes, her "lyric soprano is pure and honeyed in tone, and she deploys it with elegance and tenderness"; the Philadelphia Inquirer cites her "inner radiance combined with vocal luster.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the Chicago premiere of John Bucchino and Harvey Fierstein's A Catered Affair, directed by Nick Bowling with music direction by Doug Peck, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.

The 5 Browns are delivering on their dream to wake up classical music by introducing it to the widest, largest and most excited audience they can find. Whether performing individually or together in various combinations from duo to complex five-piano arrangements, The 5 Browns reveal a deep connection to the intent of their material while bringing a fresh energy and dynamic character to the color and tonal spectrum of their sound. Don't miss this classical music phenomenon Thur. March 15 @ 8 PM at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Porchlight Music Theatre, American Musicals. Chicago Style, presents the Chicago premiere of John Bucchino and Harvey Fierstein's A Catered Affair, directed by Nick Bowling with music direction by Doug Peck, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.

Ravinia Festival today announced that Roger Hodgson, co-founder and lead singer of progressive rock band Supertramp, will make his Ravinia debut at 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 23 as part of his Breakfast in America tour. Tickets for this concert and all other shows during the 2012 summer season go on sale March 8 to festival donors and to the public exclusively online on April 26 at Ravinia.org.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces The 3 Divas, a special one night-only Valentine's Day event with Susie McMonagle, Heidi Kettenring and Christine Sherrill.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces a special one night-only Valentine's Day event with Susie McMonagle, Heidi Kettenring and Christine Sherrill. This cabaret with three of Chicago's best-loved performers will run at 8:00pm on February 14, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie.

Tom Wopat and Will Chase have joined the previously announced Laura Osnes in the New York City Center Encores! production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Pipe Dream, running March 28 - April 1. Pipe Dream will be directed by Marc Bruni with music direction by Rob Berman and choreography by Kelli Barclay, and will play for seven performances at New York City Center, West 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces a special one night-only Valentine's Day event with Susie McMonagle, Heidi Kettenring and Christine Sherrill. This cabaret with three of Chicago's best-loved performers will run at 8:00pm on February 14, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie.

Showcasing one of the greatest contemporary voices of our time, Linda Eder's diverse repertoire spans Broadway (Jekyll & Hyde),standards, pop, country and jazz. Tom Wopat first came to public attention in the late '70s as the freewheeling Luke Duke on the legendary TV series The Dukes of Hazzard, and has starred many times on Broadway including roles in City of Angels, Guys and Dolls and as Frank Butler in the revival of Annie Get Your Gun. An Evening with Linda Eder and Tom Wopat is a delightful journey through some of our most beloved show tunes and standards, with two of the best, Fri. Feb. 24 at 8 PM.

The Harris Theater for Music and Dance concludes its 2011-2012 Family Series and celebrates Black History Month with Afro-Beats!, a festive and interactive performance perfect for the whole family onSaturday, February 25, 2012 at 2:00 pm. Join the Fulcrum Point New Music Project, dancer Idy Ciss, saxophonist Jim Gailloreto, Morikeba Kouyate on the kora, and students from the Fulcrum Point Sound Tracks program as they explore the rich rhythms, sounds and images of West Africa in this 75-minute multimedia performance. Children of all ages are invited to participate in drumming circles, traditional African dances, and soulful songs in this spirited performance which features works by Fela Kuti, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Steve Reich, and traditional music from Mandingo and African-American cultures.

MusicalAmerica.com, a great resource for breaking news and industry contacts, announces the addition of James Conlon's new blog, A Rich Possession, to MA.com's home page. Mr. Conlon -- music director of the Los Angeles Opera, the Ravinia Festival, and the Cincinnati May Festival -- will address some of the complex issues facing classical music in the 21st century, particularly as they relate to future generations.

Sony Classical will release pianist Simone Dinnerstein's second album Something Almost Being Said: Music of Bach and Schubert, internationally on January 30, 2012 and in the US on January 31, 2012.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the Chicago premiere of John Bucchino and Harvey Fierstein's A Catered Affair, directed by Nick Bowling with music direction by Doug Peck, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.

The Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company will present the world premiere of Jones' "Story/Time" at Peak Performances at Montclair State University, January 21-22 & 26-29. "Story/Time" marks Jones' third commission from Peak.

Peter Landgren, dean and Thomas James Kelly professor of music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), has announced that the internationally acclaimed Ariel Quartet has been named as a new string-quartet-in-residence at CCM.

The Juilliard String Quartet, widely known as the quintessential American string quartet, will visit Greenwich Village on Thursday, January 12, 2012, to make its first appearance at (Le) Poisson Rouge (158 Bleecker Street, Manhattan), one of New York City's major downtown venues for a wide range of musical genres.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Les Miserables,' 'Smash,' Idina Menzel, 'Come Fly Away,' 'Jersey Shore,' 'Legally Blonde,' Rogers Park theater history and more....

According to an Equity Chorus Call notice, SUPER FLY, the musical based on the 1972 film directed by Gordon Parks, has taken new steps toward a Broadway production. The Mottola Group and The Dodgers Developmental Lab are now seeking actors for a March 12 - April 14, 2012. Chorus auditions will be held on January 24, 2012 at Chelsea Studios. This workshop is being held in anticipation of a future Broadway run as the notice states. Bill T. Jones is on board to direct and choreograph.

Patricia Racette will return to the title role of Puccini's Tosca, which she sang at the Met to great acclaim in the 2009-10 season, for six performances beginning January 10.