Theatre News Wire

Riverfront Theater, 650 W. Chicago Ave., is pleased to return to Chicago with its inaugural full season of programming. After the 2011 success of their 16-week engagement of Peter Pan, which attracted more than 110,000 attendees, Riverfront Theater brings several hit productions to Chicago, in a 70-foot tall, 22,000 square foot temperature-controlled tent along the scenic Chicago River, this summer. The venue promises to be a destination for all of Chicagoland and tourists alike. In addition to the performance tent is the 13,500 square foot Pavilion tent and promenade area; where patrons are encouraged to enjoy refreshments while taking in the view from this urban garden oasis before or after each performance.

"Riverfront Theater is delighted to be the newest addition to Chicago's rich arts community. With an amazing location on the Chicago River, Riverfront provides Chicago with a unique and very programmable theatrical space. Our long-term vision is to develop relationships with local, national and international arts organizations and bring to Chicago shows that would not typically fit into a proscenium house. For example, this year we are bringing in La Soiree, a show that has had successful engagements in London and Australia and we feel should be seen by Chicagoans," said Riverfront Theater Executive Director Robert Butters.

"In addition, we are pleased in this first year to be able to welcome events such as Chicago Ideas Week who are utilizing the 22,000 square foot flexible space.  We are very lucky to be attached to the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center, which has a great history in the City and we aim to take advantage of the development of the culture center that is building up around the 27th Ward on the beautiful Chicago River," continued Butters.

"The Tribune is thrilled to announce the opening of Chicago's newest entertainment venue at the Freedom Center," said Haley Carlson, Events & Sponsorships Manager, Tribune Events Group. "This location allows us the opportunity to showcase unique and exciting events in the heart of our great city, along the Chicago River. The Riverfront Theater allows us to build on and enhance our mission to deliver value to the city of Chicago and metropolitan area."

The 2012 Riverfront Theater inaugural season begins with The Twelve Tenors (May 30 - June 3); followed by Dancing Queen (June 6 - 24); Spirit of the Dance (June 27 - July 15), La Soiree (July 18 - August 5); Rocket Man (August 8 - 26) and Man in the Mirror (September 12 - 30). Tickets for The Twelve Tenors, Dancing Queen, Spirit of the Dance and La Soiree go on sale to the public April 20 at 10 a.m.  Tickets for Rocket Man and Man in the Mirror go on sale June 1 at 10 a.m.  All tickets may be purchased online, www.RiverfrontTheater.com, or by phone, 888-556-9484.

Riverfront Theater's Full 2012 Summer Season: 

The Twelve Tenors
Run Dates: Wednesday, May 30 - Sunday, June 3

With great looks and incredible voices, this talented group of singers perform some of the most beloved songs including standards from the opera, pop and swing worlds and, of course, timeless Irish standards.

Dancing Queen
Run Dates:  Wednesday, June 6 - Sunday, June 24

Travel back in time to the 1970's and celebrate the music that made those days memorable. The audience will enjoy the chart toppers from the pop group phenomenon ABBA, as well as a dazzling compilation of highlights from the iconic film Saturday Night Fever. This glittering, polyester-clad production is guaranteed to have everyone dancing, singing and swinging in the aisles.

Spirit of the Dance
Run Dates:  Wednesday, June 27 - Sunday, July 15

Seen by more than 30 million people worldwide and winner of nine Global awards including "Best Choreography" and "Best International Production," the world champion dancers of Spirit of the Dance take audiences on a world tour of dance. This 10th Anniversary tour includes powerful, show-stopping rhythms of Irish dance, passionate Latino rhythms of Tango, heart-pounding Flamenco and hip-shaking red-hot Salsa.

La Soiree
Run Dates:  Wednesday, July 18 - Sunday, August 5

This "adults only" show serves up a very strong cocktail of cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary variety. La Soiree, has been performed around the world and features many stars of the Olivier-Award winning La Clique.

Rocket Man
Run Dates:  Wednesday, August 8 - Sunday, August 26

Rocket Man is a celebration of the four-decade long career of the one and only Sir Elton John. Performing many of Sir Elton's classics with as much energy as the man himself, Rocket Man performs his love-fueled ballads, floor-stomping rock and his unforgettable sing along hits in an evening that will have the audience begging that the sun won't go down on them.

Man In the Mirror
Run Dates:  Wednesday, Sept. 12 - Sunday, Sept. 30

This spellbinding musical features the amazing music of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, from his early days of singing the ABCs with the Jackson 5 to his solo efforts with "Off The Wall" to his record breaking "Thriller" and beyond. Man in the Mirror honors the "most successful entertainer of all time" according to the Guinness Book of World records with jaw-dropping special effects, eye-popping multimedia displays, breathtaking vocals and Jackson's unforgettable choreography.

Tickets for inaugural Riverfront Theater season: The Twelve Tenors, Dancing Queen, Spirit of the Dance and La Soiree go on sale to the public April 20 at 10 a.m. Tickets for Rocket Man and Man in the Mirror go on sale June 1 at 10 a.m.  The Riverfront Theater is located at 650 W. Chicago Ave. (at Halsted) and parking is available on site. Ticket prices range from $35 - $90 and all tickets may be purchased online, www.RiverfrontTheater.com, or by phone, 888-556-9484.