\"Art + \" Programs at AIC: GO!!
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 10/1/05
I attended the 1st "Art + " program this season: "Dancer Loie Fuller in the Time of Lautrec" on 9/29/05. It was FABULOUS! Not only was the history of Loie Fuller cleverly staged and presented by Mary Sue Glasser, the dancing was so wonderful, it received a standing ovation. MOMENTA, the resident dance company based in Oak Park and directed by Stephanie Clemens, provided two exceptional dancers to perform. Mary Kelly-Kren was a wonderfully dramatic Loie Fuller in "Fire Dance" and Julia Haptonstahl, with her red hair and high kicking, was in perfect character as LaGoulue. The costumes and lighting added to the feel of authenticity. My friends and I were impressed that the researcher, Jessica Lindberg, who re-created the "Fire Dance" was flown in to give some very interesting background information which set the stage for the performances. The Lautrec exhibition is top-notch anyway and the addition of this kind of programming was a real treat! Kudos to Glasser, and Kathleen Burnett and their staff for a most memorable evening!! Chicago art patrons are fortunate to have the Art Institute in their own backyard!!