WOMEN IN SONG

This week we feature CONVERSATIONS with four women who are bringing people together on stage and in the studio - Jeannie Tanner, Cynthia Clarey, Colleen Raye and Sophie Grimm. Lots of great entertainment to look forward to in the weeks ahead in Chicago.

JEANNIE TANNER “WORDS AND MUSIC” - ALBUM RELEASE SHOW - FEBRUARY 27th

Award-winning vocalist, composer and trumpeter Jeannie Tanner performs and records original music with her band the Jeannie Tanner Quartet, plays at Chicago’s top jazz clubs and has been deemed a “triple-threat” who “probably couldn’t play or write an unmusical phrase if she wanted to,” by Chicago Tribune’s longtime columnist and jazz critic Howard Reich.

Jeannie debuts her latest album next month; a songbook collection of American style music featuring 12 of Chicago’s finest vocalists. “Words and Music,” showcases Jeannie’s breadth of talents as a songwriter and musician and the unique styles of each of the collaborating vocalists. Jeannie joined the CONVERSATION to talk about her latest project and what to expect from the release party.

This is your ninth album. What makes this one stand out from all the others?

This new album stands out from my other records because it focuses on my songwriting, not my singing. Each song is one of my original compositions and the two-disc album features 12 of Chicago’s finest vocalists singing my words and music: Alyssa Allgood, Rose Colella, Elaine Dame, Kimberly Gordon, Paul Marinaro, Tammy McCann, Jeff Meegan, Typhanie Monique, Andy Pratt, Abigail Riccards, Michele Thomas, Amy Yassinger. “Words and Music” is the first album I’ve recorded that I’m not singing on any of the tracks, and there are nineteen songs on two discs. As a composer, it is a dream come true.

How would you classify the style of music on the album?

This new album is a collection of my original songs and the music is an eclectic mix. It ranges from the Great American Songbook to New Orleans-style jazz; bossa nova and retro 1960s Rat Pack Swing to percussive Afro Cuban rhythms, gospel and soulful ballads, to shades of adult contemporary pop.

 Was it difficult to coordinate all of the various artists?

Actually, no. Everyone was super excited to be a part of this project, and really made themselves available for phone calls, prep meetings, recording sessions and now, performing live, in concert, at the upcoming album release. The whole process has been, and continues to be, totally collaborative and really reflective of the supportive nature of Chicago musicians.

 Do you have an “Ah Ha” moment you can share?

I have several “Ah Ha moments”… The first was when Abigail Riccards recorded a rubato version of the song I wrote for her, “Endless Joy” (the tune is about the happiness of having children). It was unrehearsed, and she and Dan Murphy, who played piano on the album, just nailed it in one take. We were all holding our breath as they were recording… and at the end, I was speechless… we all were… because it was so beautiful. So when they were finished, Abby looks at us and says, “Was that okay?” (Like, do we need to do it again?) And we all said, “Uh, no - that was perfect!”

The second was with Typhanie Monique’s tune, “Be Strong.” I wrote it for her, specifically for this album. She mentioned that she had been listening to a lot of early Etta James, and Little Jimmy Scott. So I wrote the tune keeping those artists in mind, and in passing said to Dan Murphy (Music Director, arranger and co-producer on the album - as well as playing piano), “Can you write a string arrangement sort of reminiscent of ‘At Last?’” Just this past week, I listened to the two songs for the first time, back to back and was astounded that we had captured the whole vibe of “At Last.” And, with Typhanie’s amazing vocal performance on “Be Strong,” it really was an “Ah ha” moment of, “Wow, we did it!”

How did the collaboration with these established artists influence the final performances?

By allowing every artist to have the freedom to interpret my music in their own unique style, the heart and soul of every performer can be felt on this album. The songs reflect the true spirit of this project - creative, collaborative energy with a lot of love.

What can the audience expect on February 27th?

The audience can expect to have a great time! February 27th is going to be an exciting evening of entertainment, featuring 12 of Chicago’s finest vocalists, on stage - for one night only. They will be singing my original music, accompanied by a full band with a horn section and a string quartet. It will be a multi-media concert experience, to be enjoyed at one of Chicago’s finest music venues, the City Winery.

JEANNIE TANNER “WORDS AND MUSIC” - ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
Monday, February 27th
City Winery Chicago
1200 W Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
Doors Open: 6:30 pm
Show: 7:30 pm

More Information: HERE
Tickets: HERE 
Jeannie Tanner's Website: HERE 

COLLEEN RAYE and SOPHIE GRIMM – THE BEST IS YET TO COME - JANUARY 27th

Seasoned entertainers, vocalists and mother daughter duo Colleen Raye and Sophie Grimm take to the stage at Skokie Theatre to salute the First Ladies of Song in the upcoming show, The Best is Yet to Come. Raye and Grimm will be exploring the trail blazing female songwriters from Tin Pan Alley and The Great American Songbook including classics from Ann Ronell (Willow Weep For Me), Billie Holiday (God Bless The Child) and Betty Comden/Green (Just In Time, The Party’s Over, Never Never Land). We caught up with Sophie to hear more about the show and her musical influences.

Sophie joined the CONVERSATION to give us a preview of their upcoming show. 

Music has obviously played a big role in both of your lives. What influence has your mom had on your career?

My mother inspires me every day with her love of life and incredible work ethic. She has a producer's mind with the creative ability to write entire shows that really connect with an audience through laughter and musical magic. You know that magic that happens when you as an audience member feels completely in the present and satisfied with it just by smiling and tapping a toe to someone singing or playing a song FOR YOU? She helps me every day with her presence in my life, whether physical or in her vibrant spirit. As for my career, I love to say that my family is in business with one another (show business) because I find it special and fulfilling, knowing my sister and brothers are living the dream in every day reality (a creative and striving one) - makes me feel they are achieving creativity (and professionally, on top of that!) and that makes me feel they are happy, making me happy.

Has your musical focus always been on Tin Pan Alley and the Great American Songbook?

I have loved the American Songbook my entire life because the art of jazz music meeting story and sung lyrics is something I love to listen to and create myself. Growing up in a musical family, however, has led me to love all music and live entertainment for that matter. The more we can get more people in a room to have a great time with music or live entertainment, the better in my eye.

Who’s the comedian?

I get so much of my humor from my family, but although I believe my mother would definitely say her strength is in the torch song, she can swap jokes with the best of them. If you're talking about who's the clown, now, I can definitely take that title.

COLLEEN RAYE and SOPHIE GRIMM – THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Friday, January 27th
Skokie Theatre
7924 Lincoln Ave
Skokie, IL 60077
8 pm

More information: HERE
Tickets: HERE
Sophie Grimm's Website: HERE
Colleen Raye's Website: HERE

CYNTHIA CLAREY IN PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S
THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS OPEN FEBRUARY 3rd

Acclaimed opera singer Cynthia Clarey makes her Chicago theater debut at Porchlight Music Theatre in The Scottsboro Boys. Although not singing in this production, her character plays a pivotal role in the true-life story of nine African American teenagers accused and put on trial in Memphis for a crime they did not commit. Cynthia has traveled the world as an opera singer working with such notables as Peter Brook, Trevor Nunn and Sir Simon Rattle while also performing as a Chicago Cabaret Professional at many notable venues including Davenport’s Piano Bar and Monday Night Live at Petterino’s with Denise McGowan Tracy and Beckie Menzie. 

Tell us about your character and how she fits into the story?

I play The Lady in The Scottsboro Boys. There is no real description of who she is, but she plays a significant role in the civil rights message of the piece.

How does preparing for The Scottsboro Boys differ from your other professional pursuits?

Over the years, I have seen several Porchlight shows and have been very impressed by the professionalism of the company. Since joining the cast for Scottsboro Boys, I realize how much goes into their productions and how wonderfully they schedule and handle the cast, which is a very talented group of actors and singers. The rehearsal period is very compressed for a challenging show like this, so, we are putting a lot into a short amount of time.

How is it all coming together?

I am very excited to be part of this production, particularly right now with what is going on. I grew up in the South, and this piece is a revelation for me. I am really looking forward to the run.

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE
PRESENTS
THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS
February 3rd – March 12th, 2017
Stage 773
1225 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL 60657

More Information: HERE  
Tickets: HERE 

Check out The Scottsboro Boys First Rehearsal Video: HERE

WILD BEN HOLLIS

As it turns out, BEN HOLLIS has been having an on-going conversation with all of us for almost four decades.

He is the co-producer and original host of WTTW's WILD CHICAGO, and many other Emmy Award-winning programs, that feature his engaging interview style and zany humor, all mixed with unbridled excitement. A consummate storyteller, his focus is squarely on people and places, which is ultimately the point of his shows: to appreciate and learn a little bit more about ourselves and everything around us.

His near-legendary persona – that of the ever-vigilant explorer in pith helmet and khaki shorts with run and gun reporter microphone in hand – places him in a class all by himself.  Hollis is smart, well read, spiritual, worldly and yes, hysterically funny, both on and off camera, about whatever topic he’s talking about … including his real-life experiences, which are front and center in his next project.

We caught up with Ben on January 9th as he was making final preparations for his upcoming solo show “How the Beatles Nearly Ruined My Life and How David Bowie Saved It” debuting later this month at the Skokie Theatre. The new live stage venture is a long time in coming, unexpectedly interrupted a year ago with, well … brain surgery!

As you will hear on this episode of CONVERSATIONS, Ben’s life took a dramatic turn last January when he was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a rare and life-threatening condition if left untreated. That medical journey, and the road to the new show, are among the many topics covered in our conversation.

As his ever positive and optimistic attitude will attest, we have only begun to scratch the surface of the many talents that Ben Hollis brings to the stage... and we are truly blessed that he is still here to tell the tale.

Ben Hollis on brain surgery ...

“I was the happiest brain surgery candidate I think anybody’s ever seen. I’m sure that those doctors and nurses and orderlies thought I was out of my gourd. Folks, imagine watching me with my pith helmet on the gurney being wheeled in there going ‘Woo hoo! This is the wildest journey I’d been on!’”

The gift of laughter …

“I’ve been given gifts. We’ve all been given gifts and talents … let me bring them fully to bear and trust that it’s the right thing to do … and that somehow it’s going to help other people too. Even if helping other people is only making you laugh and smile for an hour and a half, that’s not nothing.”   

Jack Brickhouse’s influence on his career …

“Jack Brickhouse, Cubs announcer for many years on WGN, always used to say early in the broadcast ‘Put down your worries. Put your feet up and just be with us for a couple hours. You don’t have to worry about anything else’ ... As a kid, you hear that and you go ‘what a bunch of malarkey’ … [But] Jack was so right … that’s exactly what we get from a movie or watching a ball game. The older we get maybe the more we pile up in our brains. If I can lighten anyone’s load, I am there to serve.”

What to expect in his upcoming show at the Skokie Theatre …

“A lot of what people are going to take away is joy in remembering their own life story. It’s going to appeal to a lot of Boomers in particular … it’s really the story about how music saved my life ...  The Beatles nearly ruined it. Bowie saved it by giving me another chance.”

HOW THE BEATLES NEARLY RUINED MY LIFE AND HOW DAVID BOWIE SAVED IT

TWO SHOWS:
January 21   8 pm    January 22  2 pm

Skokie Theatre
7924 Lincoln Ave
Skokie, IL 60077
Tickets: $22 Online or Call: 847-677-7761

Ben Hollis Links
WEBSITE: Video Production
BUY: Rent-a-Friend  

CONVERSATIONS FTA - CHRIS JONES - NOVEMBER 19, 2013

CHRIS JONES
author of
Bigger, Brighter, Louder: 150 Years of Chicago Theater as seen by "Chicago Tribune" Critics
University of Chicago Press (October 4, 2013)

Chris Jones, chief theater critic and a Sunday culture columnist for the Chicago Tribune, joined the conversation at the Hubbard Inn on November 19, 2013 to discuss his new book. 

Also featured in this episode of CONVERSATIONS FTA (From The Archives) is a performance by World War II veteran JUDY BRUBAKER, who played the role of Ms. Leach in the original Chicago cast of Grease in 1971.

CHRIS JONES on Claudia Cassidy and Richard Christiansen ... “The Tribune had two critics who held the job for most of the 20th century … one of them was Claudia Cassidy and one was Richard Christiansen. … They were very different critics. One was largely despised by the people she covered and one was largely beloved by the people he covered. One was known for vitriolic prose – horribly nasty prose in some cases, by today’s standards anyway – and one was known for a certain courtly gentlemanly understanding. And yet, both of them at their different periods of time, seemed to give this city what it really needed.”

PODCAST   LIBSYN   STITCHER  ITUNES

BUY THE BOOK: HERE
READ MORE ABOUT GREASE HERE

NEW YEAR. NEW OUTLOOK.

During a light-hearted conversation this week, a friend told me that their first 2017 resolution was to complete all of their unmet 2016 resolutions. On some level, that is how we may all feel about making these kinds of commitments to ourselves.

I decided to take a different course in 2017 and it doesn’t involve reexamining whatever I didn’t get done last year. I’m scraping the “New Year’s Resolution” timetable in favor of a new improved path. In truth, I have been following something like this for several years, but as these few weeks are a time for reflection, I realized that I was being hard on myself and ultimately on others around me.

Over the years of trying to achieve my resolutions, if I was confused or sad, I would eat, so the diet resolution was compromised. Although I walk daily, the fact is that I may never again exercise as much as I should. So then the guilt starts to seep in. And then there’s the addiction to sugar, something my late friend John Callaway told me about several years ago. I dismissed it at the time, but it is very real.

Particularly to people of a certain age ... of which I am, as it turns out, one.

I never thought that I would become a person of a certain age, but now that I am one, I’m quite happy about it. I wish that I could do all the things to excess that I used to do, but I can’t. My system won’t allow it and, frankly, all of those excesses were, well, excessive.

So, the conversation continues. Over the past year, we have explored life through the eyes of actors, artists and entrepreneurs. We heard how art, music, dance and theatre is created … what the important steps are in developing new work … learned about musical comedy, character development, long-running success and explored all the various forms of social media that allow us to communicate with each other, even if we don’t want to communicate with each other.

While the old notion to move the ball down the field is still present, I am eager to get others on the team to help improve the game. In this new year, I have a new outlook -- more positive, assertive, with sights fixed on building a bigger base and having more fun, all the time.

That’s what I want to talk about this year and I hope we can have many more conversations along the way.  

DE USURIS

MR & MRS PENNYWORTH now playing at Lookingglass Theatre through February 19th WEBSITE  TICKETS

THE TALL GIRLS - SHATTERED GLOBE The world-premiere of Meg Miroshnik's new play at Theater Wit in previews beginning January 12 WEBSITE TICKETS

BEN HOLLIS

BEN HOLLIS - How The Beatles Nearly Ruined My Life and David Bowie Saved It Skokie Theatre
Sat, Jan 21 - 8 pm; Sun, Jan 22 - 2 pm. TICKETS    

SKOKIE IDOL begins January 28, 2017 WEBSITE
 

THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS - Porchlight Music Theatre Opens February 3rd at Stage 773. WEBSITE  TICKETS

Winter’s Jazz Club is Chicago's newest jazz room in Streeterville. Abigail Riccards, Paul Marinaro WEBSITE Howard Reich READ

Chicago's Theater Week is coming in February. WEBSITE

Frank Sesno's Ask More – WEBSITE – BUY

Winston Groom's El Paso – From the best-selling author of Forrest Gump. 

WEBSITE - BUY

Building Chicago by John Zukowsky should be in everyone's collection. Listen to our live program from the Chicago History Museum HERE

A BOY NAMED MAX - A NIGHT AT THE STEINWAY PIANO GALLERY

Max Lai - Steinway Piano Gallery

After discovering the Steinway Piano Gallery in Hinsdale and speaking with Diane Duncan and Andree Marie Hancock, it was a pleasure to attend the recent holiday recital of Steinway Artist Jue He’s students on December 8th. It was a two-concert evening series with a couple dozen performers ranging in age from 4 to 15. The place was bursting with pride and admiration with a healthy amount of encouragement and goodwill to go around.

And, it is important to mention that these students get to perform their selections on an exquisite 9 foot Steinway concert grand piano. It all takes place in the bright, well-appointed 50-seat performance area that the Gallery provides to piano instructors free of charge. There is no doubt that it is the thrill of a lifetime for these budding musical artists to perform here. It just may be the catalyst that Steinway was hoping for all along to keep these students on a path to bigger and better things. As the old saying goes: “Do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?” *

Something I did not count on was the amazing talent of every young person I heard at the recital. They are all immortalized on my personal digital recorder and Jue has a You-Tube channel dedicated to her student performances that you can visit to hear more.  

Our conversation with Diane Duncan includes an overview of what Steinway is doing to support young artists and families. We also talk about teaching techniques with Jue. The highlight, however, is the performance and discussion with a 12 year-old boy named Max Lai who has given me reason to believe that the next generation of performing artists is a very talented lot indeed.

* Practice.

Performances on this episode of Conversations with Ed Tracy include:

Snowflake Rag by Nancy Faber performed by Abigail Wong

Rhapsody in G Sharp Minor by Johannes Brahms performed by Max Lai

Special Thanks to Diane Duncan and Andree Marie Hancock.

AMERICAN BLUES THEATER - IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: Live in Chicago!

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No holiday season is complete without a visit back to Bedford Falls with George and Mary Bailey, Bert and Ernie, Mr. Potter, and an angel named Clarence. Frank Capra’s classic film, It’s A Wonderful Life, is the timeless and endearing story that tells the importance of one life to lives of others.

A holiday tradition not to be missed, and 15 years in the making is, It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! The American Blues Theater's production is a show for the entire family, set on stage in the style of a 1940’s radio broadcast with an original score, Foley sound effects and holiday songs. There’s something to comfort everyone here … right down to the milk and cookies served by the cast.  

The production is directed by Wendy Whiteside, Producing Artistic Director since 2010, who has played the role of Mary six times over the years. In that time, the Joseph Jefferson Award recipient and nominee has led a remarkable period of artistic growth and professional recognition for the 37-member Ensemble whose mission is to explore the American identity through the plays it produces and the communities it serves.

Wendy Whiteside, and Foley artist and designer, Shawn J. Goudie, joined the conversation on December 8th to tell us more about their wonderful lives in Chicago … and Bedford Falls.  PODCAST

Wendy on directing a live radio play …

“Most important thing when you tell a story live on stage is to be present in the moment … We direct our actors to be in the moment with this audience as well as the listening audience at home. Sometimes the actors will break the fourth wall and look into the audience … and sometimes they will direct the entire piece into the mic and close their eyes and imagine they have an audience member at home in their pajamas on the couch with hot cocoa.”

 What It’s A Wonderful Life means to her …

 “… Every season I am reminded of how important every single soul is to the present time we are living in.”

 Shawn Goudie "The Foley Guy" ... 

“It is such a wonderful art form and a lot of it, in fact, does still occur in films and radio as well … but you just do not think about it as much … It is easier for a one-person show to run things on an app but if you have the ability and the tools to do it … there is nothing like the crispness of that live sound.”

Live sound effects demonstration …

SG: Clarence leaping off the bridge to save George, and George subsequently jumping off to save him.

CUE FOLEY - WATER EFFECTS

ET: I feel like I’m right at home in my bath tub.

ITUNES      LIBSYN      STITCHER

2017 SEASON - The American Blues Theater presents It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from November 16, 2017 to January 6, 2018  at the Stage 773. WEBSITE BOX OFFICE: (773) 327-5252

BILL LARKIN - KNOWING YOUR AUDIENCE

Somewhere between the on-stage chaos of his physical comedic persona and the satire laced lyrics and music of his one-man show, there is a wonderfully funny and madcap place that Bill Larkin calls home.

An accomplished and award-winning stage actor, comedian, club performer and writer, Larkin now has his sights firmly fixed on the release this week of his new comic album, Bill Larkin-Knowing Your Audience, recorded live at the Green Mill in Chicago. If you were lucky enough to have been there, you already know that Larkin’s humor is fresh, edgy, perceptive and highly charged. It could be rated “M” for “Mature” or “Manic” … take your pick.

Larkin’s stage credits in Chicago in recent years are extraordinary. He received his first Joseph Jefferson Award as Principal Actor in Porchlight’s A Class Act in 2013, and nominated again for A Funny Thing That Happened on the Way to the Forum in 2015.  This year, he appeared as Max Bialystock in Mercury Theatre’s The Producers.

All this followed a multi-year career of theatre including Disney’s Aladdin at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Broadway in Chicago and shows at Second City, Davenport’s, the Green Mill and on television in Chicago PD and Comedy Central. Along the way, he has performed for 16 years at Howl at the Moon.

Bill Larkin joined the conversation on December 5th, 2016 to talk about how knowing your audience could help you to find out more about yourself.

SUBSCRIBE AND HEAR THIS PROGRAM ON: ITUNES & STITCHER
BUY|DOWNLOAD BILL LARKIN'S KNOWING YOUR AUDIENCE: HERE

On his award-winning role as Ed Kleban in Porchlight’s A Class Act …

“As I’m rehearsing and reading through the script and getting to know who Ed Kleban was … older, balding gentleman who was a songwriter, very neurotic, had his own problems ... I thought ‘This is perfect for me. Where do I sign?!’ …  It was very odd how this show came to be at the time it came to be. I was going through my own issues at the time and the show was like therapy ... I felt like I was throwing myself into this performance trying to be true to Ed Kleban but throwing a lot of myself into it … It’s amazing how much I saw myself in him … amazing cast … amazing performance and Porchlight, you know, they do the best.”

The Pink Hippo Effect ...         

“I tend to find roles, like the genie in Aladdin, that are very exhausting. I kind of call it the ‘pink hippo effect’ because I used to work at Disney world, and I was in a parade.  It was Fantasia themed, and they needed someone to be the pink hippo … huge costume, huge dress …  It’s a huge undertaking and no one else wanted to do it because they thought it would be tiring and, of course, me, I was like ‘I’ll do it!’ because I saw how silly the role could be. You just go out on the street and lift your dress and everyone laughs. I’m like ‘yay!’ … and it did take a toll … I still do that to this day. I take roles that are fun undertakings, but you quickly learn that you have to pace yourself … Forum, The Producers and Aladdin were like that. I was entering my 40s at that time, and you find out if you do not pace yourself, it will take a toll later.”

Early influence …

“I owned a lot of Tom Lehrer albums growing up. He has been my biggest influence.  As a kid I would listen to his songs,  and I wouldn’t understand half of what he was saying … all I knew was that the audience was laughing … he was sitting at a piano, saying things that made them laugh… and I thought ‘that’s what I want to do.’”

On Matt Crowle …

“I was in awe of him in Forum but Producers …  I would watch on the sidelines as he would do “I Want to Be a Producer” …  and I would listen to the audience’s reaction, I mean he may well be, I think he is, the most joyous performer I have ever seen … I would watch him in Bye Bye Birdie at Drury Lane and just grin from ear to ear watching him … watching his facial expressions, watching his dance moves, watching the joy that he has. It is infectious.”

What to expect from his new album Bill Larkin-Knowing Your Audience …

“This album is different from the first one … which was on the clean side … as I got older I thought ‘I’m a bit angrier now’ … it’s very therapeutic to write about something I’m  not happy about and some of my stuff is Facebook rants set to music … a lot of these songs … there is definitely language … it definitely reflects the time … I’m very proud of the album because while there are songs about silly things here and there … there is a lot of myself in it … maybe too much of myself, but that’s what I like too. I’m breaking down walls … I’m very happy about it.”

On his song titled “Making a Difference” …

“You write what you know about ... one thing I know about is being online for too long … we write out how we feel online … you are venting … after a while you feel like ‘I’m really helping others in doing this. My taking a stand online is all I really need to do’ and of course that is not the case. It is called “Making a Difference” because we feel as if we are, but the actual ‘making a difference’ is leaving the house, going out there, volunteering, holding up a sign that says how you feel, contributing in a meaningful way. A post is a post, and it disappears in a few minutes.  You get a few likes and you are like ‘oh I have done my part.’ No, no you have not. To actually make a difference requires a bit more.”

VISIT: BILLLARKIN.COM     BUY|DOWNLOAD CD: HERE

ERICA LYNETTE EDWARDS AND THE JOFFREY BALLET: INSPIRING STUDENTS THROUGH DANCE

On December 10th, the Joffrey Ballet opens a new version of The Nutcracker at the Auditorium Theatre. The highly-anticipated production, commissioned by the ballet company and penned by Brian Selznick, is under the direction of Tony Award winning choreographer, Christopher Wheeldon. 
 
In Chicago and across the nation, The Nutcracker’s large cast provides a place for emerging dancers at every level. Considering that the Joffrey’s ambitious community engagement program headed by longtime company member and ballerina, Erica Lynette Edwards starts out with four-year-olds, it is no wonder that there is lots of excitement about Wheeldon's world premiere production, set in Chicago just before the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. 
 
Erica joined the conversation on Nov. 8 to talk about the Joffrey Ballet’s outreach program, how influential dance can be on young people’s lives and how to keep grounded when you are always on your toes.  

Listen to podcast HERE

Erica on the importance of community outreach ... 
“Some communities are not familiar with our work, and they hear the word ballet and are turned off a little bit … We are proud that we do not just bring ballet to our schools. We bring multiple dance styles, and students are surprised once we start moving that even though they are learning ballet, they are also learning emotional skills, building self-confidence, they are disciplined … We are looking to excite them by giving them a chance to dance and also enriching their lives by showing them something new that they might not have experienced before.”  
 
The importance of thinking ahead as a dancer …
“A challenge for dancers is 'what are you going to do next' … If you do not become a professional dancer a lot of people are like ‘what do I do now?’ And even people who are professional dancers, when you are done you are like ‘what do I do now?’… Don’t become a ‘bun head.’ I would say you have to figure out what other things you enjoy ... where do your passions lie and continue to do that at the same time you are dancing … I think it is important to think toward the future because when you are young and living your dream you don’t think of much else.”

Her inspiration …
“I was four when I saw the Nutcracker for the first time … My mother said I loved the show so much that she put me in dance classes … Just by seeing the Nutcracker I was excited and wanted to partake in ballet, and we are trying to ignite that same flame in our students starting at kindergarten.”
 
What does the future look like …
“… We are excited to look forward and see how many kids we can impact with our programming because we have already seen such beautiful change from the students we work with right now.”

Purchase Nutcracker Tickets HERE
More on the Joffrey Ballet HERE