RPM Productions announces their original production La Journee des Tziganes, The Day of the Gypsies, to take place at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., April 11 – 12. The vibrant music and dance production features the John Jorgenson gypsy jazz quintet live onstage with the bravura choreography of RPM director and choreographer Gordon Peirce Schmidt. The two-day only production will take place on Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 12 at 3p.m., and last 90 minutes including one 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $47, $42 student/seniors, and may be purchased by calling the Athenaeum Box Office at 773.935.6875 or by visiting www.athenaeumtheatre.org.
Having successfully collaborated on a project in 2009 and both having a passion for gypsy jazz and Franco-American swing, Schmidt and Jorgenson decided to continue their relationship with La Journee des Tziganes. “Gypsy jazz just begs to be danced to, whether a haunting solo, or a driving, rhythmic ensemble piece, the impulse to move to the music is overwhelming,” says Schmidt. “The idea for the work first and foremost comes from the music, some of which John wrote specifically for the dance. Ultimately we want to create an evening length story work - a dansical - to gypsy jazz.”
