Posted 12 months ago in Trending, Guest Blog by Auditorium Theatre Auxiliary Board
1 MIN READ -- Did you know that the Auditorium Theatre is 134 years old and a National Historic Landmark? Some of the most iconic artists in the world have graced their legendary stage, and now you have a chance to be part of their history!
Each year, the Auditorium Theatre welcomes guests onto their landmark stage for a night of devilishly good fun at their annual Devil’s Ball hosted by their Auxiliary Board. All proceeds go to the preservation and restoration of one of Chicago, and the Loop’s, treasures. Learn more here.
The Auditorium Theatre Devil’s Ball is the Auxiliary Board’s annual cocktail affair that supports the restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. The event’s name pays homage to the song At the Devil’s Ball (1913), composed by Irving Berlin. The song offers a view of life in a contemporary city of 1913 as exciting and glamorous. Mr. Berlin is a well-known composer, having created the scores for Madame Butterfly, Top Hat, and even White Christmas, a song featured in Holiday Inn (1935). Listen to the song and read the full lyrics.
Devil’s Ball was also inspired by the popular novel by Erik Larson and Chicago’s connection to the 1893 World’s Fair that the Auditorium Theatre was a part of. The author actually quotes some of the features of the Auditorium in his novel:
“The result was an opulent structure that, for the moment, was the biggest private building in America. Its theater contained more than four thousand seats, twelve hundred more than New York's Metropolitan Opera House. And it was air-conditioned, through a system that blew air over ice.”
Devil’s Ball is a cocktail party that celebrates not only the Auditorium, but also ‘old Chicago’ in a gala event for those 21 years of age and above. The event takes place on the Auditorium Theatre's landmark stage, where hundreds of legendary artists have performed over the years (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Bruce Springsteen, Wilco, Les Misérables, Bolshoi Ballet, and Stevie Wonder — to name a few). Feel like a star as you sip on signature cocktails, listen to tunes, and dance beneath the architectural brilliance of the theatre.
This year’s theme, Sizzlin' Summer Nights, is a celebration of those incredibly memorable moments that only seem to happen in the magic of summer. Live music by Live Band Karaoke, Chicago's FIRST and finest live karaoke band with a list of hundreds of songs from every genre you can imagine will grace the stage, along with stunning silent auction items and a roaring good time.
“…Don’t you know it’s a pity, the days can’t be like the nights, in the summer, in the city…”
Enjoy tantalizing cocktails and delectable bites! Dance the night away...whether grooving to a disco inferno or a steamy love song, showcase your red-hot dance moves (or even some lukewarm ones) on the same stage that has hosted some of the world’s most iconic artists. Discover the theatre’s fascinating history with a special behind-the-scenes tour. Strike a pose with your friends and all your summer memories in our photo booth. Take a chance at landing a rare vintage bottle at the wine pull or a one-of-a-kind experience at the Silent Auction.
This scorching event is the perfect way to spend a summer night in the city!
