Author: nenasnotes

DANCE…DANCE…DANCE: JOFFREY SEASON OPENING…CARMEN!

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By now you know I am obsessed with The Joffrey Ballet and have been since its beginning…..they never cease to amaze me…..look what you have to look forward to and culture is so important to us in these uncertain times! Get your tickets NOW!

THE JOFFREY BALLET OPENS ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON WITH THE U.S. PREMIERE OF LIAM SCARLETT’S CARMEN, SEPTEMBER 18 – 28, 2025

(August 7, 2025 – CHICAGO) The Joffrey Ballet opens its 70th anniversary season with the U.S. Premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Carmen, a tale of love, betrayal, and defiance set within the gritty confines of a cigarette factory in 1930s Spain. Amid the chaos of a nation on the brink of civil war, the uncompromising and seductive Carmen, who insists on loving whom she chooses, meets Don José, whose consuming devotion ignites a blaze of passion and peril. From the choreographer of the critically acclaimed Frankenstein, Scarlett infuses new depth into the timeless story of a woman who dares to live on her own terms. Carmen takes place over two weekends, in ten performances only, at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, from September 18 – 28, 2025.

 

In this fiery ballet adaptation of the world’s most popular opera, Scarlett brings new intensity to Carmen, a performance that pulsates with life and ends in tragedy. Set to Georges Bizet’stantalizing score, Scarlett’s Carmen premiered at the Norwegian National Ballet in 2015 and has been praised for its rich, raucous, and profoundly moving portrayal of passion, betrayal, and emotional unraveling.

 

Scarlett’s signature focus on evocative storytelling is matched by the striking designs of award-winning British designer Jon Bausor. Internationally recognized for his ability to create atmospheric, emotionally resonant worlds, Bausor’s raw, industrial set and expressive costumes amplify the drama and intensity of the classic story, transforming the stage into a tempest of desire and destruction.

“It’s a privilege to open our season with the U.S. premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Carmen, an evocative and theatrical masterwork,” said Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director.“Carmen is fearless—magnetic, passionate, and impossible to contain. Liam’s choreography demands both physical rigor and emotional depth, pushing our artists to their fullest potential and captivating audiences in the process. This production sets the tone for a powerful season.”

 

“There’s never been a better time to experience the Joffrey,” said Greg Cameron, President and CEO. “After a record-breaking season, we begin our 70th anniversary and 30th year in Chicago with boldness and momentum. Carmen lights the fuse for a season that defines who we are: a Company in motion, reaching beyond expectations. This year, we step into a new chapter at the Lyric Opera House, one defined by scale, ambition, and vision. It’s a threshold moment for the Joffrey and for our city.”

Carmen features live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck,Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.

 

Special thanks to Carmen Production Sponsors, Holly Palmer Foundation and Max Mara. 

 

Tickets and Schedule
The Joffrey Ballet presents Liam Scarlett’s Carmen from Thursday, September 18-Sunday, September 28, 2025; the full performance schedule is as follows: Thursday, September 18 at 7:30PM; Friday, September 19 at 7:30PM; Saturday, September 20 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM; Sunday, September 21 at 2:00PM; Thursday, September 25 at 7:30PM; Friday, September 26 at 7:30PM; Saturday, September 27 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM; and Sunday, September 28 at 2:00PM.

 

The Joffrey Ballet is the only official seller with the best prices. Be aware of ticket re-sellers offering overpriced or invalid tickets. Tickets are available for purchase at the Lyric Opera Box Office, located at 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr., by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at joffrey.org.

 

About The Joffrey Ballet 
The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for 70 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works.

 

Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron.

 

The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2025–2026 70th Anniversary Season Sponsors: The Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Gallagher, The Florian Fund, Anne L. Kaplan, and Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation.

 

Live Music Sponsors Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Sage Foundation, and The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music. The Joffrey also acknowledges our Season Partners: ATHLETICO and Chicago Athletic Clubs.

 

For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Image: The Joffrey Ballet presents the US Premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Carmen, Photo by Carolyn McCabe

DANCE…DANCE…DANCE JOFFREY BALLET CHICAGO…ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND…

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I want to share the wonderful information on ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND…I cannot contain my excitement for this production…a not to be missed long awaited ballet experience. Definitely not what you are expecting but when does the Joffrey or Christopher Wheeldon do the expected, that is what makes them THE best! Get your tickets TODAY!

BOOKS…BOOKS….BOOKS DRESSED IN HISTORY A COSTUME COLlECTION RETROSPECTIVE

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Here is the perfect addition to your fashion library as well as an amazing gift!

I don’t know why books that accompany exhibitions are called catalogues when they give us wonderful insights into our history….this book does that to perfection! It is the companion of the current (through July 27, 2025) exhibition at the Chicago History Museum. The exhibition features 70 pieces from the huge world class costume collection (over 50,000 items!) at CHM. Just a very small sample chosen by 4 past curators of the collection. It features a short essay by each of the curators.

The cover gives you a preview of what is housed in our extraordinary collection….from Abe Lincoln’s top hat to one of only three Paul Poiret Sorbet garments in the world (too fragile to be shown but the illustration is featured see below illustration) to a Judith Leiber minaudière featuring the iconic Marshall Field’s clock to Sally Rand’s fans! The reason for the book and exhibition is to celebrate the 50 years of the Costume Council!

Christian Dior gown circa 1949 worn by
Ms. Jeanne B. Heinzelman, née Jeanne Brucker to the 1949 Passavant Cotillion
Fans, c. 1966. Ostrich feathers, plastic, wood. Maybelle Shearer, Chicago. Gift of Miss Sally Rand. 1966.398a-b. CHM, ICHi-186021

About the Costume Council…..”Founded by Mrs. Philip K. Wrigley in April 1974, the purpose of the Costume Council is to support the Chicago History Museum as a leader in the documentation and interpretation of the history and the art of fashion. Through the Costume Council’s efforts, the Museum has been able to maintain and grow a thriving collection. The support the Council provides helps the Chicago History Museum care for, conserve, interpret, and display items in the costume collection to further our understanding of history through clothing. The Council also generously supports the Museum’s costume-based exhibitions and is proud to present what has grown to be one of the world’s premier collections, with pieces dating from the eighteenth century to present.”

Why you might ask is this personally meaningful to me, here is why….I’ve been involved (on and off) with the Costume Council for all of those 50 years serving in many roles from Acquisition Chair, to producing the hugely successful Donors Balls, to Historian and as a two term President of the group. But my involvement goes back even further….actually to before I was born, my mother’s first job when she came to Chicago was at the CHM where she worked with its first curator, Phyllis Healy. And guess what I worked with Mrs. Healy while I was in high school, my assignment, categorizing the glove collection!

My quote in the catalogue…

“Having been involved in most of the 50 year history of the Costume Council of CHM and having served as a two term president, I’ve seen many changes, many blockbuster exhibitions and various successful events…what remains is the deep rooted dedication of a group of enthusiastic members whose responsibility is to support the world class costume collection by fund raising and to preserve the collection’s visibility.  I am delighted to say this hasn’t wavered but has become stronger through the years.  Bravo Costume Council….bravo!”

As you know, I host the monthly nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club and have had three of the participating former curators talk about their books (not CHM publications)…and I had the pleasure to work with each of them while they were at CHM….Elizabeth Jachimowicz, Timothy Long and Petra Slinkard. I profiled their books on this blog! I also worked with Virginia Heaven both at CHM and as colleagues at Columbia College Chicago.

I was recently in conversation with Jessica Pushor, Collection Manager, and one of the editors of the catalogue, for one of our Book Club monthly meetings. Her extensive knowledge of fashion history and of this one of a kind collections is extraordinary. She is always very gracious in answering my research questions and hosting visiting designers and other notable fashion personalities.

Jessica Pushor photo courtesy Chicago History Museum

I end by saying get the book and get to the Chicago History Museum to see the exhibition….cheers to the next 50 years!

The Dressed in History catalogue is now available to purchase, both in person at the Museum Store and online at this link: https://shop.chicagohistory.org/products/dressed-in-history

Links I think you will enjoy….

•Dressed in History website: https://www.chicagohistory.org/exhibition/dressed-in-history-a-costume-collection-retrospective/

•Past CHM costume exhibit catalogues online for free: https://www.chicagohistory.org/costume-exhibition-catalogues/

•View images of costume objects, photographs, and ephemera: https://images.chicagohistory.org/costume-and-textiles-collection/

•Research center information on the fashion archive at CHM: https://libguides.chicagohistory.org/costume