Home

Displaying items by tag: Auditorium Philms

The Auditorium (Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) and The Chicago Philharmonic in association with TCG Entertainment, continue the Auditorium Philms Concert Series with Rocky in Concert, an unforgettable live concert experience celebrating the 50th anniversary of Amazon MGM Studios' iconic Rocky. The one-night-only presentation takes place Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 PM at The Auditorium, 50 E Ida B Wells Dr. Tickets are available at auditoriumtheatre.org or by calling The Auditorium’s Ticket Service Center at 312.341.2300.

Rocky in Concert will allow fans to experience Rocky Balboa like never before by watching the original Rocky film on larger-than-life screens while the musical score is performed live by a symphony orchestra and piano. This is a MUST-SEE event for Rocky fans of all ages, celebrating this classic franchise and encouraging audiences to cheer on the underdog Rocky as Bill Conti’s legendary score “Gonna Fly Now” plays once again.

“Our Auditorium Philms series continues to grow, drawing enthusiastic audiences across many movie genres,” said The Auditorium CEO Rich Regan, “We are looking forward to inviting audiences in to celebrate 50 years Rocky with this exciting performance!”

“Bill Conti's 'Rocky' has become a cultural shorthand for perseverance,” said Chicago Philharmonic Executive Director Terell Johnson. “You feel every setback and every moment he chooses to keep going. The music lifts you right alongside him. We can't wait to perform this iconic score at The Auditorium.”

Amazon MGM Studios’ Rocky and Creed films have generated more than $1.3 billion in worldwide box office sales, three Academy Awards including Best Picture, and 10 nominations. The iconic franchise, starring Sylvester Stallone and produced by Chartoff Winkler Productions, has remained a global phenomenon because it presents audiences with universally relatable themes - ambition, passion, determination, and giving it your all to win, even when the odds are against you.

Rocky in Concert is produced by TCG Entertainment. Visit www.TCGENT.com, Facebook, or Twitter for more information.

Published in Upcoming Theatre

Auditorium Philms’ presentation of Steven Spielberg’s 1981 classic Raiders of the Lost Ark with the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra transforms a beloved blockbuster into a full‑body cinematic jolt. Indiana Jones’ adventures play out across the towering Auditorium Theatre screen, but it’s the live orchestra that makes the familiar feel astonishingly new. John Williams’ legendary score doesn’t just sit beneath the film—it surges through it, electrifying every frame. Each chase, each narrow escape, each sweeping desert vista lands with heightened force as the Philharmonic unleashes the “Raiders March” and the score’s darker, more mysterious undercurrents with breathtaking clarity. The result is an experience that feels both nostalgically rooted in movie history and thrillingly alive in the present moment.

Set in 1936, Raiders of the Lost Ark follows archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) as he’s recruited by U.S. Army Intelligence to locate the Ark of the Covenant, a biblical artifact believed to hold immense supernatural power. The Nazis are already searching for it, hoping to harness its destructive force for their military ambitions.

Indy’s quest takes him from the jungles of South America to the snowy mountains of Nepal and the bustling streets of Cairo. Along the way, he reunites with his tough, resourceful former flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Black), and together they battle traps, treachery, and relentless Nazi agents. Standing in Indy’s way is his rival, the suave and morally slippery archaeologist René Belloq (Paul Freeman), who has aligned himself with the Nazis to claim the Ark for his own purposes.

The adventure barrels toward a race‑against‑time finale as Indy fights to keep the Ark out of enemy hands—culminating in one of the most unforgettable climaxes in action‑adventure cinema.

The stunning Auditorium Theatre amplifies the magic, its grand acoustics allowing the orchestra’s sound to bloom without ever overpowering the action onscreen. The coordination between musicians and film is so precise that it feels as though the score is being created in the moment, perfectly synced to every crack of Indy’s whip and every pulse‑pounding twist. The result is a seamless blend of concert and cinema, a reminder of just how essential Williams’ music is to the film’s spirit, humor, and sense of adventure.

Conductor Thiago Tiberio.

Brazilian conductor Thiago Tiberio brings remarkable artistry and precision to the podium, making him one of the standout talents in the world of film‑in‑concert performance. Known for his expert live‑to‑picture synchronization, Tiberio has led orchestras in acclaimed presentations of Star Wars, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coco, Lord of the Rings, and other major studio projects across the globe. His background spans opera, multimedia productions, and award‑winning work recognized by organizations including the United Nations. What truly distinguishes Tiberio is his dynamic presence and emotional clarity - he draws rich, expressive playing from musicians and elevates every score he touches, turning familiar soundtracks into thrilling live experiences.

Each time Indy charges onto the screen with a burst of heroism - or the Chicago Philharmonic unleashes a perfectly rendered cue from Williams’ score - the audience responds as one. Cheers ripple through the theatre, a spontaneous wave of energy that makes the experience feel communal and electric.

Whether you’ve seen Raiders a dozen times or are discovering it for the first time, this live‑orchestra presentation is a joyous celebration of movie magic - an electrifying tribute to one of Hollywood’s most enduring collaborations.

As a newly crowned favorite way to experience a film classic, Auditorium Philms makes a strong case for returning again and again. Their upcoming slate keeps the magic alive, offering even more opportunities to see iconic movies reimagined through the power of live orchestral performance. Keep an eye on their calendar - you won’t want to miss the cinematic treasures still to come.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 • 7:30 PM
Auditorium Philms Presents
Rocky In Concert – 50th Anniversary
with the Chicago Philharmonic

Saturday, September 26, 2026 • 7:30 PM
Auditorium Philms Presents
Top Gun: Maverick

Saturday, October 24, 2026 • 7:30 PM
Auditorium Philms Presents
Edward Scissorhands In Concert – Live to Film
with the Chicago Philharmonic

Saturday, December 19, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Auditorium Philms Presents
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – Live in Concert

For tickets and/or more information, visit https://www.auditoriumtheatre.org/events/buy-tickets/auditorium-philms.

Published in Theatre in Review

Blade Runner Live? Don’t worry, it’s not a musical adaptation of Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi classic. It’s the inaugural film in The Auditorium Theater’s new series, Auditorium Philms, in which five films will be live scored by the Chicago Philharmonic. Performances are scheduled throughout the year and include a special 35th anniversary presentation of Tim Burton’s Batman Returns as well as Francis Ford Copolla’s 1992 version of Dracula.

Likely inspired by the success of Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s live scored film events, The Auditorium’s new series offers a unique way to enjoy classical music performance. In many ways, Hollywood film composers have kept the spirit of classical music alive, or at the very least made orchestra music more accessible to the masses. And who doesn’t sometimes put on their favorite film scores to get some work done?

The Chicago Philharmonic brings a small troupe of performers to the grand stage of The Auditorium, but however small they’re just as mighty. The score leaps off the stage and into the highest rafters of the enormous, gilded hall. Huge shows of percussion give an audience the feeling that the score is as big of a character as either Harrison Ford or Daryl Hannah. A musician also doubles as the vocalist, bringing a three dimensional element to the action-packed score.

Auditorium Philms creates a new hybrid movie theater-going experience. They’re blending the traditional theatre model (including a short intermission) with the “Imax” type rollercoaster ride audiences seem to clamor for with every passing superhero movie. The pandemic further cemented people’s love for not just film, but for also the sense of community that certain films create. Think ComicCon.  Blade Runner, Batman, etc there’s a fan-base that loves to cosplay and generally get to know each other. This series will provide a perfect place for film, theatre and music lovers to “nerd out” among like-minded folks.

Auditorium Philms run throughout 2024, check out the schedule here.

Published in Theatre in Review

PrideArts to present newly expanded version of Kayla Boye's CALL ME ELIZABETH May 8-10

01 May 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

CALL ME ELIZABETH, a one-woman show about the life of Elizabeth Taylor, will be presented May 8-10 by PrideArts at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre…

safronia soars at Lyric Opera

22 April 2026 in Theatre in Review

safronia at Lyric Opera of Chicago emerges as a deeply personal story of the Great Migration - one that resists…

At Steppenwolf, Windfall Doesn’t Cash In on Its Promise

21 April 2026 in Theatre in Review

Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s, Windfall arrives with all the promise its pedigree suggests. Written by Academy Award–winning ensemble member Tarell Alvin…

THE GREAT GATSBY is Now Playing at Cadillac Palace

21 April 2026 in Now Playing

Broadway In Chicago is excited to announce that the smash hit Broadway musical and global sensation, THE GREAT GATSBY, based on the beloved…

AstonRep Productions to stage US Premiere of Liisa Repo-Martell's new adaptation of Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA, June 18 – July 5 at the Edge Off-Broadway Theatre

21 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

AstonRep Productions, the theatre and film production company that has produced over 30 stage productions in Chicago, has announced it…

Premiere of OUT HERE at Court Theatre a Charming Deconstruction of Marriage and Musical

20 April 2026 in Theatre in Review

Everyone encounters many crossroads in their lives, where they make a choice that determines the future…and many people live to…

Steep Theatre Celebrates May the 4th with Reading of THE MAKING

20 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

On Monday, May the 4th, Steep Theatre will present the first public staged reading of playwright Dan Aibel's new work The…

Porchlight Music Theatre Announces its 2026 - 2027 Season

20 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce its 32nd season launching in September at The Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., with the…

JACKALOPE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ANDY WARHOL PRESENTS: THE COCAINE PLAY, MAY 28 - JULY 6

20 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Jackalope Theatre Company is proud to present the world premiere of Andy Warhol Presents: The Cocaine Play, written and directed by Terry Guest, May 28…

Chicago Opera Theater presents concert world premiere of seventh Vanguard Initiative developed opera Trusted

20 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago Opera Theater (COT) closes its 2025/26 season with the concert premiere of a new opera Trusted - the seventh full-length opera developed through…

Teatro Vista and Steppenwolf’s BOTH Twists Family Truths Into a Slow‑Burn Thriller

18 April 2026 in Theatre in Review

From the moment BOTH starts, the play demands attention. Flashing lights, sirens, and the sounds of heavy breathing build as…

Northlight’s Angel Offers Charm, Even Without Full Lift‑Off

17 April 2026 in Theatre in Review

Screwball comedy went the way of the dinosaur after the 1940s, but Northlight Theatre attempts to revive it with The…

Steppenwolf Theatre Presents Gala 2026 - Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Rockwell on the River

16 April 2026 in Theatre Buzz

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's acclaimed Ensemble and Board of Trustees are pleased to host Steppenwolf Gala 2026, an unforgettable evening that continues the…

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, A New Musical arrives in Chicago for a limited engagement at the James M. Nederlander Theatre June 23–July 5, 2026

16 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that individual tickets for the North American Tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS , A New Musical…

Marriott’s Heartbreak Hotel: The Rise, the Rebirth, the Return

16 April 2026 in Theatre in Review

Marriott Theatre’s Heartbreak Hotel takes on the tricky task of charting Elvis Presley’s early ascent, walking the line between the…

New Leadership on Display at Alvin Ailey Dance Theater with Alicia Graf Mack

15 April 2026 in BCS Spotlight

Sustaining legacy is no simple task, especially when considering the arts.  How do you preserve continuity of spirit while simultaneously…

AUDITORIUM PHILMS CONCERT SERIES continues with Rocky In Concert - May 16th

15 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

The Auditorium (Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) and The Chicago Philharmonic in association with TCG Entertainment, continue the Auditorium Philms…

Promethean Theatre Ensemble to stage Anouilh's ANTIGONE at The Den, May 31 – June 28

15 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Promethean Theatre Ensemble has announced it will perform the Lewis Galantiere adaptation of Jean Anouilh's ANTIGONE, from May 31 through…

Writers Theatre announces the 29-member powerhouse cast for the largest production in its history: Tom Stoppard's Leopoldstadt

14 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, concludes its 2025/26…

NSYNC SUPERSTAR JOEY FATONE TO JOIN THE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR OF & JULIET AS ‘LANCE’ FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

14 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

The producers of & Juliet and Broadway In Chicago announced today that pop music superstar Joey Fatone will join the North American Tour company of the smash…

GEE'S BEND, playing May 23 – June 7 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center

14 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre today announced full casting and production team for its season-opening production of GEE'S BEND, the 2008 play by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, to…

Eileen Byrne brings solo play Running with Coffee to Lookingglass Theatre's lobby for 2 performances only May 16 and 17, 2026

14 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Writer and performer Eileen Byrne brings her acclaimed one-woman play Running with Coffee to Chicago for two performances only, presented at Lookingglass Theatre Company's…

Drury Lane Theatre names Matthew D. Carney as Artistic Director

13 April 2026 in Theatre Buzz

Drury Lane Theatre announces the appointment of Matthew D. Carney as its new Artistic Director. A longtime collaborator and key member of…

Definition Theatre Presents the Amplify World Premiere of Keerah

13 April 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Definition Theatre is proud to present the Amplify World Premiere of Keerah, a quick-witted dramedy by playwright Netta Walker and directed by McKenzie Chinn. Keerah will…

WAITRESS & THE BOOK OF MORMON return to Broadway In Chicago by Popular Demand

13 April 2026 in Theatre in Review

Broadway In Chicago is excited to announce two fan-favorite shows are returning to our stages this year: WAITRESS and THE BOOK OF MORMON.  Current…

Drury Lane’s Father of the Bride Charms with Effortless Fun

13 April 2026 in Theatre in Review

The 1950s is easy to idealize. Men styled tailored suits, women dazzled in pleated dresses, and everything glimmered like it…

Giordano’s Ignite the Soul Dance Concert a Study in Topflight Versatility

13 April 2026 in Dance in Review

It’s no secret every new dance season is filled with its own undercurrent of anticipation. Regardless of the company, audiences…

Poor Behavior at Oil Lamp Theatre: When Good Company Goes Bad

13 April 2026 in Theatre in Review

Theresa Rebeck’s Poor Behavior at Oil Lamp Theatre, directed by Lauren Katz, opens with the easy warmth of old friends…

The Auditorium proudly presents the return of ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER for Four Performances Only, April 24-26

12 April 2026 in Upcoming Dance

World renowned ambassadors of Dance and Culture, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to its Chicago home – The Auditorium,…

Merry Mischief in Windsor: Chicago Shakespeare’s Fast, Funny Triumph

11 April 2026 in Theatre in Review

Shakespeare’s comedies share a familiar architecture: mistaken identity, disguises, intersecting plotlines, a generous helping of prose, and language that delights…

 

         20 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 794 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.