SR0797 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0797 LRB101 15269 MST 64445 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is currently celebrating its 130th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The Auditorium Theatre was first unveiled to great acclaim on December 9, 1889 in an evening featuring a performance by legendary opera singer Adelina Patti and an impassioned dedication speech by President Benjamin Harrison; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Auditorium Theatre has been an artistic venue for all people, regardless of race, creed, or income; and

WHEREAS, Due to its cultural and historic prominence, the Auditorium Theatre possesses the distinction as both a National Historic Landmark and a Designated Chicago Landmark; and

WHEREAS, Chicago's status as a world-class city and a destination for sublime cultural experiences has been shaped, in part, by the Auditorium Theatre's contributions throughout the years, including the theatre's ascendancy in the wake of the Great Chicago Fire and its role in securing Chicago as the location for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893; and

WHEREAS, Over 300,000 patrons visit the Auditorium Theatre each year, representing diverse backgrounds and a wide array of cultural perspectives; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the 2019-2020 season, the Auditorium Theatre is demonstrating its commitment to diversity and inclusion by presenting an eclectic array of exceptional programming so that all people from surrounding communities will have the opportunity to find inspiration, entertainment, and enjoyment through these varied artistic experiences; and

WHEREAS, The Auditorium Theatre was recently awarded the League of Historic American Theatres' Outstanding Historic Theatre Award in recognition of its substantial contributions to arts and culture and its profound historic significance; and

WHEREAS, It is important to celebrate the Auditorium Theatre's unparalleled history and incomparable tradition; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that in recognition of the Auditorium Theatre's initial unveiling, we declare December 9, 2019 "Auditorium Theatre Day" in the State of Illinois, and we acknowledge this historic landmark's commitment to artistic excellence and community inclusion while celebrating the artists, performers, world leaders, authors, musicians, and cultural icons who have graced the auditorium's stage and enthralled tens of millions of patrons over the years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Auditorium Theatre as a symbol of our respect and esteem.