“We’re Off to See the Dolphin Show!” – Wizard of Oz Opens Tomorrow!

Feeling a little gray under this cold and windy weather? Feeling like you’re not in Chicago anymore (but rather the Arctic)? Why not warm up this weekend with a fun trip to Oz with the Northwestern Dolphin Show production of The Wizard of Oz!

Now in its 67th year, the Northwestern Dolphin show is the largest entirely student-produced musical in the country. This year the tireless group has taken on the timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz.

"We are thrilled to bring Oz to life on stage for a whole new generation to experience and appreciate. This production is certain to continue The Dolphin Show's tradition of celebrating the arts and entertaining both the Northwestern and Chicagoland communities," said executive producer and president Zachary Baer.

Director Katie Spelman feels that “The Wizard of Oz has been a part of every American childhood [and] seventy years later, Oz's message of love and the importance of family and friends is incredibly relevant. It has been an honor to translate the story we all know and love to the stage, telling it from a modern perspective."

The show opens tonight in Cahn Auditorium (600 Emerson St.)! The performance schedule is as follows:

Friday. January 23rd (8:00pm)
Saturday, January 24th (8:00pm)
Sunday, January 25th (2:00pm)
Friday, January 30th (8:00pm)
Saturday, January 31st (8:00pm)

$25 for the general public
$20 for seniors
$10 for children/students

For more information on ticketing, click here, call the box office at (847) 467-4000, or visit the box office at Pick-Staiger on Northwestern's Evanston campus. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Don’t miss this great event!

-L.A.U.R.E.N.

Long Live the Polaroids: Mapplethorpe at Block Museum

In February of last year, Polaroid announced the end of a photographic era, discontinuing the production of their iconic instant camera film. While indie hipsters and nostalgic photographers alike are deeply saddened by this loss, their cravings can be satiated in the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art exhibition of Mapplethorpe Polaroids. Open to the public on January 13th, the exhibit runs through April 5th in the Alsdorf Gallery.

Born and raised Roman Catholic, Robert Mapplethorpe couldn’t have deviated more from the social norms of his age. Breaking down traditional barriers left and right, Mapplethorpe’s erotic and provoking photographs amazed the art world. Picking up a Polaroid camera in the early 1970s to take his first photographs, Mapplethorpe focused on the themes and subjects of portraiture, sexuality, and the human form. He eventually expanded to a medium-format camera and began taking pictures of friends, artists, composers, and socialites, introducing more statuesque male and female nudes and delicate flower still life compositions. Dying in early 1989 of complications due to AIDS, Mapplethorpe ended his life and career as one of the most influential and controversial artists of our time. The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, founded by Mapplethorpe a year before his death, now preserves his creative vision and artwork and helps to raise money and awareness for the AIDS/HIV cause.

A collection of Mapplethorpe’s Polaroids from 1970 to 1975 will be showing at the Block Museum (40 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston, Illinois 60208) as a Gift of the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. More information can be found at the Block Museum Website.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see a snapshot of this infamous and unforgettable photographer!

-L.A.U.R.E.N.

Free Summer Camp Open House, Jan. 24

Learn about the more than 30 summer camp programs offered for all ages (preschool through adult!). Camp directors and program managers will be on hand to answer all of your questions!

Summer Camp Open House
Sat., Jan. 24, Noon-3:30pm
Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.

From mid-June to late August, preschoolers through adults can get outside and enjoy the summer. Half-day, full-day and evening only camp options are offered. Some camps are held for a week or two, while others extend for most of the summer. Choose from specialty camps that focus on the arts, ecology or water sports. Or mix and match the fun with general camps that include a variety of sports, activities and field trips. The Open House is a great way to discover all that is being offered.

The complete 2009 Summer Camp Guide, which includes Ecology Center and Cultural Arts camps, is available at www.cityofevanston.org/summercamps and printed copies are available at community centers. Guides also will be distributed to Evanston elementary schools in early January.

Mail-in registration for residents starts Friday, Jan. 30, with walk-in registration for residents and nonresidents beginning Monday, Feb. 16. For more information, call 847-866-2900.