One Week Only: Alvin Ailey at The Auditorium Theatre

By Julienne Bilker in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 30, 2009 6:00PM

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's A. Douthit, G. Sims, and K. Boyd. Photo by Andrew Eccles.

The world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company hits the stage at Roosevelt University’s Auditorium Theatre this week, kicking off a nationwide tour in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The program includes both classic and new works by Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle, Hope Boykin, Mauro Bigonzetti, George Faison and Elisa Monte. Opening night (Wednesday, April 1) will also feature a performance by Grammy-winning group Sweet Honey In The Rock.

Although the program (mostly) varies each performance, "Revelations," Ailey's most famous dance, will be performed in its entirety as the final piece in each show. If you were hoping for an all-Ailey evening, Thursday night is for you. This "50th Anniversary Highlights" program includes pieces spanning Ailey's entire career, from "Blues Suite" (1958) through "Opus McShann" (1988).

The company is only in town through Sunday, so stop pretending you already have plans for the weekend and grab your tickets.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, April 1 - 5, $30-$82, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, tickets available in person or via Ticketmaster, 800-982-2787