Former 'Jersey Boys' one-night only; Ballet Folklorico a holiday tradition
October 1, 2014Popular singing group Under the Streetlamp is returning to the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora to perform live, one-show-only, Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m.
Comprised of four leading cast members from the hit Broadway musical Jersey Boys (the subject of which was also a recent motion picture directed by Clint Eastwood).
Under the Streetlamp performs classic hits from the American Radio Songbook with tight harmonies and slick dance moves that take audiences back to an era of sharkskin suits, flashy cars and martini shakers – a time when on hot summer nights, people would gather under a streetlamp to sing.
Tickets are $45 and $55. For tickets and information, go to Paramount Aurora.com, call the Paramount box office, (630) 896-6666, or visit the box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or two hours prior to evening performances.
Classic hits come to life from Under the Streetlamp, in an evening of great music and hilarious behind-the-scenes tales, complete with an exceptional band comprised of world-class musicians. With irresistible rapport, Under the Streetlamp offers audiences the rare opportunity to get to know four stars of stage and screen, Michael Ingersoll, Michael Cunio, Christopher Kale Jones and Shonn Wiley.
While their individual talents are highlighted on stage, their synergy and charisma as a group has drawn an extremely devoted nationwide following. Each performer carries with him an impressive list of credits. Between them, they have appeared on Broadway, in feature films and on TV – including on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Primetime Emmy Awards and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
As Cunio relates, “We think of ourselves as hosts to a party – and we’ve invited people of all ages. They can sing along. They can dance in the aisles. We of course show respect for these great songs and we want everyone to leave the party smiling.”
These talented performers met onstage as the lead characters in Jersey Boys and have since formed a concert sensation of their very own. After achieving initial success performing in and around Chicago, Under the Streetlamp aired its first PBS special in 2011 and a second PBS special in 2014. The four gifted singers then set off on the national tour that continues today, thrilling sold-out houses throughout the country. A second European tour is scheduled for Winter/Spring 2015.
Ballet Folklorico—It’s become a tradition in the Fox Valley to start the holidays with Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl.
Join this always-anticipated, annual celebration of the heritage and majesty of Mexico when Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl performs at the beautiful Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, Friday, November 14 at 8 p.m.
Watch the stage come to life with dazzling costumes, infectious music and energetic traditional folklore dance numbers found in the villages of Mexico’s different regions. Tickets are $28 and $25. Tickets for children 12 and under are $20 and $18.
For tickets and information, go to ParamountAurora.com, call the Paramount box office, (630) 896-6666, or visit the box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or two hours prior to evening performances.
Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, based in Aurora, is a Mexican folk dance troupe that has been delighting audiences for over 30 years throughout Illinois and as far as Mexico with colorful costumes, wonderful music and electrifying, beautiful choreography.
The troupe is led by director and choreographer Juan Manuel “Nery” Cruz, from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. According to Nery, the group was originally formed to meet a need – the need to preserve the most important aspects of the Mexican culture, the folkloric dance.
Every year, Nery travels to San Luis, Mexico to polish his skills by taking lessons to learn new steps and dances from the country’s different regions. Throughout the year, he teaches his students these steps and dances that debut during the group’s annual fall performance at the Paramount.
The meaning of “Quetzalcoatl,” originating from the ancient Mexican and northern Central American civilizations, literally means Quetzal-bird snake or serpent with feathers of Quetzal (which implies something divine or precious) in Nahuatl language.
–News Bulletin news sources