Starring Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon – Featuring New Faith International Baptist Choirs
University Park, IL –(ENEWSPF)—November 5, 2014. Husband and wife duo Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon grace the Center for Performing Arts stage with their original cabaret show “Songs of a Dream”—co-produced by the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University— on Friday, November 14, at 8 p.m.
Drawing on their personal experiences and relationship, Alfreda Burke—hailed by the Chicago Tribune as a voice that’s… “voluptuous, creamy and luxuriant”—and Rodrick Dixon whose “voice has a quality like polished steel under tension–flexible and ringingly resonant,” (Chicago Tribune) treat audiences to an intimate performance filled with a diverse lineup of songs including Broadway favorites, spiritual gems and operatic treasures. With musical direction by Matt Long, “Songs of a Dream” tells the story of two driven musicians whose passion for music and each other resonates throughout their lives. Rodrick Dixon says “Our story is everybody’s story. Everybody has a family, everybody has partners, loved ones, children, who all want to believe and have hope. That’s what our concert is about. It’s about hope.”
Rodrick and Alfreda will be accompanied by over 200 voices from the New Faith Mass Choir, conducted by Kammille Brinker and Kids for Christ Children’s Choir, conducted by LaDonna Mimes and Kevon Carter, Minister of Music.
Originally directed by Linda Brovsky, Burke and Dixon co-created this piece with the Auditorium Theatre, where they annually perform as soloists in the hit production of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah, soon to celebrate its 10th smash year on the Auditorium’s landmark stage.
This performance is part of the Center’s MADE IN CHICAGO series, which brings the most exciting, and diverse artists and companies to our community. Lana Rogachevskaya, Executive Director of Center for Performing Arts says, “This project is about hope and strengthening our communities. Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon are not only world-renowned and versatile performers; they are also passionate educators delivering master classes for area students. Their passion for music shows in every note.”
Songs include:
Tonight, West Side Story Witness, Negro Spiritual Oh, I Can’t Sit Down, Porgy and Bess Hallelujah Broadway, PBS special Hallelujah Broadway You’ll Never Walk Alone, Carousel Wheels of a Dream, Ragtime Seasons of Love, RentThis performance is part of the Made in Chicago series, and is supported by The Chicago Community Trust. Additional support for this performance is provided by the Illinois Arts Council, a stage agency.
Tickets are $25 for Adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students. Visit CenterTickets.net or call the Box Office at 708.235.2222. Box Office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and two hours prior to performances.
Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway in University Park.
About Alfreda Burke
Alfreda Burke filmed the 2010 Prague PBS special, “Hallelujah Broadway,” recorded on EMI/Manhattan label. Ms. Burke has appeared in concert throughout North America and in Europe. She made her Carnegie and Orchestra Hall debuts in Strauss’ “Elektra” with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra led by Daniel Barenboim.
About Rodrick Dixon
Rodrick Dixon has filmed multiple PBS specials including “Hallelujah Broadway.” He has performed globally from China and Australia to Europe. He has recorded multiple albums for Sony/BMG and EMI records.
About Center for Performing Arts
Center for Performing Arts opened in December, 1995 culminating a 10-year quest to bring a world class performing arts facility to Chicago Southland. For 19 years, CPA has been serving the communities of the Cook, Will, and Kankakee counties with quality, diverse and affordable cultural and arts education experiences, welcoming over 60,000 people each season. CPA’s programming is designed to educate, entertain, engage and inspire, offering a variety of performances from different disciplines, providing students, individuals, and families an opportunity to experience world-class performances in their neighborhood at affordable prices.
About The Chicago Community Trust
For 99 years, The Chicago Community Trust, our region’s community foundation, has connected the generosity of donors with community needs by making grants to organizations working to improve metropolitan Chicago. In 2013, The Trust, together with its donors, granted more than $160 million to nonprofit organizations. From strengthening schools to assisting local art programs, from building health centers to protecting the safety net for those hardest hit by the recession, The Trust continues to enhance our region. To learn more, please visit The Trust online at www.cct.org.
Source: govst.edu
