One story – many different tales

By Amy Calhoun

Romeo and Juliet is deemed one of the greatest love stories of all time. Shakespeare’s play has inspired all forms of art. The story has been told

In film



In music



In opera




And, in ballet




Shakespeare crafted a story full of action, intrigue and romance which lends itself to the grace and beauty of ballet. From a pas de deux between Romeo and Juliet to the sword play between Tybalt and Mercutio, the re-telling in ballet form is just as emotionally intense as the spoken words of the play. Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score combined with Marius Petipa’s stunning choreography creates a breathtaking backdrop for the Russian National Ballet Theatre to tell the tale of the star-crossed lovers.

Experience this incredible love story with us at the MAC on Sunday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Nuts about Nutcracker

by Amy Calhoun

It’s that time of year again…my husband has hung the lights, the kids and I decorated the tree and the excitement of December 25th permeates our home. As an added bonus we are looking forward to attending the MAC’s holiday offering of von Heidecke’s Chicago Festval Ballet The Nutcracker.

Tchaikovsky’s recognizable score (which I’m sure you’re already humming) is a staple of many holiday ads and jingles, but to hear it in its entirety performed by a live orchestra is a treat in itself. The MAC’s own New Philharmonic under the direction of Kirk Muspratt will add the rich accompaniment to the beauty of the sets and costumes.

And then there are the dancers. From the sweetness of the youngest dancers performing as mice to the practiced Clara to the grace and beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy, every dancer displays an affection and appreciation for the holiday tradition that is The Nutcracker.

Over the years, I have seen many performances of The Nutcracker and each year I still look forward with anticipation to the performance. I wonder if Russian choreographer Marius Petipa or Tchaikovsky every considered that The Nutcracker would have this kind of longevity? Here we are 118 years later delighting in a holiday tradition that has been celebrated around the world by generation upon generation.

Holidays at the MAC

It's the most wonderful time of the year... so the song goes by Andy Williams.

I believe that music and dance are the best ways to feel and fill the spirit of the season.

Celebrating the season at the MAC in December:
Dec 3 - Suzy Bogguss
Dec 5 - DuPage Chorale
Dec 10 - Gavin Colyle benefiting the People's Resource Center
Dec 11 - Windham Hill Night Sky Essays: A Winter Solstice Concert
Dec 12 - New Classic Singers In the Sweet Mid-Winter
Dec 17-19 Von Heidecke Chicago Festival Ballet The Nutcracker
Dec 17-18 Hot Club of San Francisco Cool Yule
Dec 31 New Philharmonic Viennese Pops with an American in Paris Twist

Enjoy, share and cherish the holidays.

be well
Stephen