Crowd Pleasers for Oct. 28, 2011

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Alvin Ailey's masterpiece "Revelations" will be part of Ailey II's Oct. 28 performance in University Park. | Eduardo Patino photo

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Updated: January 23, 2012 4:22AM

Here is a look at Ailey II.

Familiar to Chicago audiences through its sister company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s annual spring performances at the Auditorium Theatre, Ailey II will return to Governors State University by demand.

The dance company will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Center for Performing Arts at GSU, off University Parkway east of Governors Highway, University Park. Illinois Arts Council is sponsoring this performance.

Tickets range from $15 to $53, and student tickets for this family-friendly show are $28 at (708) 235-2222 or centertickets.net. Parties of 20 or more should call (800) 386-6321 for group discounts.

Spirit and energy

Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the United States’ best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of current outstanding emerging choreographers.

Alvin Ailey personally appointed former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater member Sylvia Waters as Ailey II’s artistic director in 1974.

Under her direction, Ailey II has flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the country.

The program for Ailey II’s performance at Governors State University includes:

♦ The Chicago premiere of “Reference Point” (2011) choreographed by Troy Powell.

In “Reference Point,” Powell uses the center of the stage as a point of departure for the full ensemble piece. Each time the dancers dance inside the center of the stage, they gain restoration of energy, healing, spiritually and humanity. When outside the center of the stage, all of those characteristics become exaggerated and more powerful.

Throughout the five-section ballet, the various intentions of each dancer are illustrated, ranging from confusion, competition, peace, celebration and individuality.

♦ “Echoes” (2008) choreographed by Thang Dao.

What began as a depiction of haunting memories has become a poignant ballet that took on a life of its own. The echoes of memories cascade into the distant past while pervading the awareness of the present.

♦ Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece “Revelations” (1960).

Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

Ailey said one of America’s richest treasures was the cultural heritage of the African-American: “sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful.” This enduring classic is a tribute to that heritage and to Ailey’s genius.

Who’s who

SYLVIA WATERS: After joining Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1968, Sylvia Waters toured as a principal dancer with the company throughout the United States, South America, Europe, North Africa and the Soviet Union until becoming the artistic director of Ailey II.

In 1997, she received an honorary doctorate from the State University of New York at Oswego. She has served as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts.

In fall 2003, Dance Theater Workshop presented Waters with a New York Dance and Performance (“Bessie”) Award for sustained achievement in recognition of her outstanding commitment to young and emerging artists.

In 2008, Waters received the Legacy Award as part of the 20th annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Festival, and the prestigious Dance Magazine Award.

In August, the Ailey organization announced that Waters will retire on June 30 from her position as artistic director of Ailey II.

TROY POWELL: To lead the company forward, Waters named Troy Powell — veteran Ailey dancer, teacher, choreographer and Ailey II associate artistic director since 2003 — to be her successor.

Powell is now artistic director designate of Ailey II and will assume his new role as artistic director on July 1. A native New Yorker, Powell joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1991.

He toured throughout the United States, South America, Europe and South Africa for 10 years before becoming a master teacher at the Ailey School and resident choreographer of Ailey II.

Powell has choreographed ballets for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, Dallas Black Dance Theater, National Dance Company of the Bahamas and Alaska Dance Theater, as well as three episodes of “Sesame Street.”

His guest artist credits include performing with companies such as Batsheva, Dallas Black Dance Theater and Complexions.

Featured in an American Express commercial with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Powell also has appeared on television in George C. Wolfe’s “The Colored Museum,” the PBS Great Performances: Dance In America special “A Hymn for Alvin Ailey” choreographed by Judith Jamison, and “America’s Next Top Model.”

SOLOMON DUMAS: Ailey II dancer Solomon Dumas, of Chicago, began his formal dance training under the direction of Randy Duncan, Sandra Kaufman and Anna Paskevska at the Chicago Academy for the Arts where he studied ballet, jazz and Martha Graham.

Dumas appeared as a guest artist with companies including Momenta Dance Company, the Willingham Project and Luna Negra Dance Theater.

He performed in an off-Broadway production of “Black Nativity” under the direction of the late Michael Malone and in 2006 danced backup for Donald Lawrence during the Gospel Stellar Awards.

Dumas attended New World School of the Arts and was a fellowship student at the Ailey School. He was a member of the Garth Fagan Dance Company and an apprentice with Ailey II. This is his second season with the company.

AQURA LACEY: Ailey II Dancer Aqura Lacey, of Chicago, was raised in Louisville, Ky., and began her dance training at the Kentucky Centers ArtsReach program at Louisville Central Community Center under the direction of Geraldine Woods and mentor Aundra Lafayette.

Lacey also trained at the Louisville Ballet School as a scholarship recipient. She has attended summer intensives at the Ailey School, Craft of Choreography Conference and Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts.

She received the Wittenberg Scholarship from the Fund for the Arts Foundation to help supplement her education in the Ailey/Fordham bachelor of fine arts program, where she is currently a junior.

Lacey has performed works by Camille A. Brown, Ronald K. Brown, John Keen Miller and Darrell Grand Moultrie. This is her first season with Ailey II.

MORE CROWD PLEASERS

ART

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 443-3600: Admission is free to Illinois residents on the first and second Wednesdays of the month.

BEVERLY ARTS CENTER’S GALLERIES: 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: “brown to grey: Ann Coddington-Rast” will be displayed to Nov. 6 in the East Gallery. Her art borrows the techniques of twining and netting from the traditional craft of basketry to create a sculptural expression of her beliefs and experiences and how they are sensed by the body. *** “Peggy Shaw” will be displayed to Nov. 6 in the Bridge Gallery. The namesake uses a combination of photography and mixed media to explore the concept of layered narrative. *** “Chicago Artists Month: Jessica Gondek: Cross Currents” will be displayed to Nov. 6 in the Atrium Gallery. The primary focus of the namesake’s work is abstract, stemming from an interest in technology, geometry, machine aesthetics, nature and architecture.

MCCORD GALLERY & CULTURAL CENTER: 9602 West Creek Road, Palos Park, (708) 671-0648: “Connected by Thread: Art Quilts by Pat Mikrut” is exhibited to Nov. 18. The show features an exciting collection of small quilts based on antique photographs of ancestors — real and purchased — all brought back to life with colored thread and free motion quilting.

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ROBERT F. DECAPRIO ART GALLERY: 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, (708) 608-4231: Fraser Taylor’s “Structural Intimacies” will be exhibited to Nov. 10. This new series of monotypes printed in 2011 at the Spudnik Press in Chicago, continues Taylor’s exploration into how the mono-tonalities of black can capture elusive emotions, tensions and shifts in weight, depth and consequence. The artist’s combination of tonal surfaces with sinuous white lines evokes the murky densities and intimacies of the body, the depths of psychic territories and the debris of human endeavor.

SALON ARTISTS GALLERY: 294 Main St., Park Forest, (708) 833-5108, (708) 703-7806: Works by the late Sylvia Hertz, who died at age 93 earlier in summer, will be displayed through Oct. 30 at the cooperative art gallery that features painting, jewelry, woodwork, photography, hand-blown glass and multimedia works by numerous artists.

TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION: 367 Artist Walk, Park Forest, (708) 748-3377: “Reflect and Rediscover” features selected works from the Tall Grass permanent collection. Traditionally, each year at the Park Forest Art Fair, one piece of work has been purchased for the collection. The tradition began in the 1960s. The works have been on display in venues such as the Park Forest Public Library, the Homewood Public Library, Park Forest Village Hall, the Park Forest Health Department, Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, etc. The exhibit was curated by Sevena Merchant, Colleen Newquist and Michael Weiss.

UNION STREET GALLERY: 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601: “Being Human,” the fall national juried exhibit, is displayed to Nov. 12. There are 65 figurative works of art from throughout the United States. The juror is Dan Addington, of Addington Gallery in Chicago.

VOGT VISUAL ARTS CENTER: 17420 S. 67th Court, Tinley Park, (708) 614-6503 or (708) 309-4371: “The Foresters Camera Club” wraps on Oct. 28. The club’s members range from serious amateurs to professional photographers. “Their work is superb and among the finest you’ll see anywhere,” officials said.

COMEDY

“LAUGH OUT LOUD TOUR”: The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-3992: The Second City Touring Company brings its hilarious show home to Chicago for a night of classic and original sketch comedy and trademark improvisations. The show runs Saturdays and Mondays.

RIDDLES COMEDY CLUB: 5055 W. 111th St., Alsip, (708) 422-5055: Mike Baldwin performs two shows each on Oct. 28 and 29. *** Open mike takes place Mondays. *** Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, 10745 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, (708) 636-5030, and Allgauer’s Restaurant & Spotlight Lounge, 5000 W. 127th St., Alsip, (708) 272-4223 both offer dinner-and-show packages.

THE SECOND CITY’S NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR: 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-3992: This humorous and historic walking tour of Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood continues Sundays and Wednesdays to Oct. 30. Various Second City alumni haunts and the stories that go with them are included.

JERRY SEINFELD: Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, (815) 726-6600: The stand-up comedian will perform Oct. 28 for two shows. ♦ Click on the Events link to read Randall G. Mielke’s preview of this event.

“SKY’S THE LIMIT (WEATHER PERMITTING)”: The Second City e.t.c., 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-3992: While people are bombarded with tornadoes, both political and weather-related, the day-to-day news stays the same — saving marriages, raising kids and whether the American dream is something that can be afforded. This show runs Thursdays-Sundays.

“SOUTH SIDE OF HEAVEN”: The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-3992: This thought-provoking, irreverent and hilarious new show explores the many fates that propel the world and universe, from the cultural divide between Chicago Cubs and White Sox fans to the delicate distinction between dancing and stripping. The show runs Tuesdays-Sundays.

MUSEUMS

ADLER PLANETARIUM: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 922-7827: “Deep Space Adventure” is an immersive space experience that takes attendees aboard the observation deck of a futuristic starship.

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, (312) 527-1000: “Michael’s Museum: A Curious Collection of Tiny Treasures” fosters the art of collecting and features nearly 100 collections of tiny objects including miniatures, trinkets, artifacts and curiosities donated by founder and curator Michael Horvich. *** “Ready, Set...Move!” is open to Jan. 15 and features oddly shaped, colorful pieces visitors can move and fit together, inspiring movement and physical activity in an environment visitors create.

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM IN OAK LAWN: 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn, (708) 423-6709: Donations are needed to help bring the “We the People...” exhibit” to life. The display will focus on what happened in the days immediately following 9/11. The Oak Lawn Rotary Club presented two small pieces of beams from the World Trade Center to the museum and is working with the museum to create a monument honoring first responders.

THE FIELD MUSEUM: 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (866) 343-5303: “Chocolate: Around the World,” which was a popular exhibit in 2002, has returned and will run to Jan. 8. *** “Ground Zero 360” runs to Jan. 1. The exhibit features a police commander’s view and a photojournalist’s witness. *** “Whales: Giants of the Deep” runs to Jan. 16. Attendees can immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater world of whales.

JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM: 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, (815) 723-5201: “Joliet Remembers the Civil War” runs to Dec. 3 and features authentic artifacts from the private collections of Dr. Joseph Matheu and Daniel J. Michalak. *** Civil War Saturdays take place on the second Saturday of the month and feature a living history demonstration.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (773) 684-1414: “Dr. Seuss & the Art of Invention” runs to Jan. 8.

SHEDD AQUARIUM: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 939-2438: In the “Jellies” exhibit, which is displayed to May 28, one can be transported to the beautiful and mysterious world of sea jellies. Attendees can discover the intriguing ways these pulsing, translucent animals survive — and thrive — in the world’s oceans.

THEATER

“CLYBOURNE PARK”: Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, (312) 335-1650: Running to Nov. 6, this provocative nod to “A Raisin in the Sun” takes a hilarious look at what happens when home becomes a battleground. The play by Pulitzer Prize winner Bruce Norris is directed by ensemble member Amy Morton.

“THE GAME SHOW SHOW... AND STUFF!”: Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, (773) 325-1700: James Anthony Zoccoli, who grew up in Oak Lawn, created this show, which will be staged to Dec. 31. Showtimes are 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (except Nov. 11-12 and Dec. 24). Seating is general admission. ♦ Click on Betty Mohr’s columnists link to read her interview with James Anthony Zoccoli.

“THE GREAT FIRE”: Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 337-0665: Lookingglass Theatre Company stages this show, written and directed by ensemble member John Musial, to Nov. 20. The play looks at how the very rich, the very poor and everyone in between are transformed forever by the Great Chicago Fire.

“HOLY CURTAINS PARISH REUNION”: Jenny’s Steakhouse, 20 Kansas St., Frankfort, (815) 464-2685: Curtail Call Theatre will stage this comedic dinner-theater show about growing up Catholic from Oct. 28-29. ♦ Click on the Theater link to read more about this show.

“LOVE, LOSS & WHAT I WORE”: Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut Ave., Chicago, (800) 775-2000: Running to Dec. 4, this show with a rotating cast features Nora Dunn, Blue Island’s Felicia Fields, Roni Geva, Katie O’Brien and Barbara Robertson. The intimate collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron is based on the best-selling book, as well as recollections of the Ephrons’ friends.

“MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET”: Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, (773) 935-6100: Extended through at least Dec. 31, the show is inspired by the auspicious twist of fate that brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley at the Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis, Tenn. The show runs Wednesdays-Sundays.

“PINKALICIOUS — THE MUSICAL”: Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut Ave., Chicago, (800) 775-2000: Running to Jan. 7, this production of the hit musical is based on the popular book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. The Emerald City Theatre show is best for ages 3 and older.

“THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA”: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 205-9600: Chicago Kids Company Theatre for Children presents this show to Nov. 23. Can the Prince find his Princess? Will Queen Mother approve? And let’s not forget the greatest test of them all — the test of the tallest bed in the world and the tiniest pea ever. Will the Princess prove worthy? The show runs one hour with no intermission, and is for ages 2 to 12.

“RED”: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, (312) 443-3800: This Tony Award-winning show by John Logan and directed by Robert Falls, takes audiences into the mind of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, whose paintings are pulsating life forces. The show has been extended to Oct. 30. ♦Click on Betty Mohr’s columnist link to read her review of this show.

VARIETY

BACINEMA PRESENTS “THE INTERRUPTERS”: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: The weekly film series shows this movie at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2. Not rated, this film runs for 2 hours and 5 minutes. The screening is free to high school students and teachers who reserve in advance at bac@beverlyartcenter.org.

BACINEMA REEL TALK: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: Film lecturer Suzanne Patterson leads a free after-screening opportunity to discuss and dissect a movie in a friendly atmosphere on the third Wednesday of the month through May.

Crowd Pleasers listings may be sent to jvirtusio@southtownstar.com with “Events” in the subject line. Items must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the desired Friday print publication date in order to be considered.

More events can be found at the websites for Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, cscvb.com, and Chicago Southland Arts Alliance, chicagosouthlandarts.com.