"VENUS" by Suzan-Lori Parks. Photo by Jim Carmody
Up Next...
New films set to timeless music: American Quartet and La FolIA
|
Thursday, October 8 at 7:30pm
PianoForte Studios, Chicago, IL The Avalon Quartet returns to PianoForte Chicago for a presentation of two award-winning short films performed in sync with two audience favorite pieces. The acclaimed American Quartet, directed by Jesca Prudencio and set to the poignant first movement of Antonín Dvořák’s work of the same name, is “a marvelous sci-fi short film about the power of hope and human empathy to defeat hate and division” (Rod Faulkner). The immortal La Folía melody comes to life in a visual anthology of twenty-four ultra-short vignettes, directed by Adam Grannick, that “is a reminder that, while life isn’t perfect, there’s a dancer, or an artist, in all of us. And drawing on that can unlock a little magic when we need it most” (Dance Magazine). La Folía and American Quartet are part of Adam Grannick’s Filmelodic series, which has been celebrated at film festivals around the world, as well as at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Richard Wagner Museum at Bayreuth, the National Opera Center, the Museum of the Moving Image, and the Brooklyn Museum. The Avalon String Quartet is the first ensemble to present American Quartet with live music. A short talkback will follow the concert. |
In Development . . .
FABULOUS DISASTERA sexy, satirical comedy cabaret
Book and Lyrics by Melanie Greenberg Music by Bez Vise Directed by Jesca Prudencio Starring Melanie Greenberg Under the influence of pandemic isolation & psychedelic toad venom, a Brooklyn mom (Melanie Greenberg) moves her two daughters & three dogs to the Berkshires—WITH dreams of using her farmland & trust fund to create an oasis for children, animals & artists to commune with the land and each other. What could possibly go wrong? |
|
Ongoing currently overseas . . .
ORASUL NOSTRU/OUR TOWN
|
An American Classic Abroad
By Thornton Wilder Directed by Jesca Prudencio Dramaturgy by Noémi Vajna Set and costume design by Gyopár Bocskai The Hungarian Theatre of Cluj, Romania Opened June 6, 2025, now running in repertory for the 2025-2026 season, upcoming performances on October 13, October 29, November 12, November 26 Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama of life in the mythical village of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire—an allegorical representation of all life—is an American classic. It is the simple story of a love affair that asks timeless questions about the meaning of love, life, and death. Prudencio’s high concept production is set in a sauna, exploring the afterlife as peace and the living as pain. |
|
Currently sailing ON the high seas . . .
It's a ship show!Part-Variety Show, Part-Dinner Show, Part-Talk Show
Josh Williams Photography
Virgin Voyages | Valiant Lady
Choreographer Jesca Prudencio It's a Ship Show! features favorite hits, and a company of Ship Show Dancers featuring hilariously entertaining random dance numbers inspired by our favorite musical genres. Enjoy a bit of nostalgia with a twist (naturally) in this old-school variety hour meets late-night talk show mash-up. Featuring a menu of delicious food, live music, comedy, exclusive performances, and a bit of the unexpected — this show is the SHIP. The production performs in The Manor on the Valiant Lady and the Scarlet Lady. Vertical Divider
|
We FancyImmersive Party Happening
Virgin Voyages | Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady Creative Director & Choreographer, Jesca Prudencio Jesca created one of the newest original production on Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady. "We Fancy" is a party created to celebrate all the best feelings: confidence, freedom, that added bounce in your step after a compliment from a stranger. Come as the fanciest version of you and join in a night of collective exuberance, featuring glamorous, global beats from all corners. Be prepared for surprises, for traveling around the world via music — and for a WOW moment not to be missed.
|
CLUB CALIENTE
|
High-Energy Latin Dance Party
Virgin Voyages | Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady Creative Director & Choreographer, Jesca Prudencio Step into Club Caliente, where Latin beats fuel the night and the energy never slows. With a soundtrack of salsa, bachata, reggaeton, and Latin pop, the music moves you, the performances electrify, and the dance floor never stops. Bring your best moves, your best look, and get ready — every beat is an invitation to dance. |
|