Auditorium Theatre to Celebrate Frank Sinatra's 100th Birthday with HIS WAY, 5/30

Classic cool and retro glam fill the air as the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University marks the 100th birthday of legendary singer and entertainer Frank Sinatra with "His Way -- Sinatra's Centennial Celebration," starring Chicago's own Ron Hawking. The musical tribute comes to the Auditorium, Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets ($35 - $65) are available at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or in-person at the Auditorium's Box Office (50 E. Congress Pkwy).

"Like Sinatra, Ron Hawking brings charisma to the stage as only the 'Chairman of the Board' could," said Auditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Batterson. "We're looking forward to hosting him for this special occasion that honors one of the great entertainers of all time in the year of his centennial birthday at the same time that the Auditorium continues to celebrate our milestone 125th birthday."

Hawking created and produced "His Way" in 1998 to honor the late-great Sinatra. One of Chicago's longest-running and most beloved musical tributes features live musical accompaniment by the "His Way" orchestra and original arrangements orchestrated by the late Bill Rogers, who played trombone and toured with Sinatra. In addition, these orchestrations allow Hawking to interpret and bring his own vocal style to these great American Songbook favorites. Hawking is thrilled to reprise his heralded show during his Auditorium Theatre debut to celebrate Sinatra's centennial birth year.

"Being a Chicago guy, the opportunity to perform at the Auditorium Theatre is very special for me," said Hawking. "I've had the great fortune of singing in some of the world's most renowned venues, but it's hard to beat the history of a place like the Auditorium Theatre. I like to think of it as Chicago's own Carnegie Hall. I'm overjoyed to take part in both the milestone anniversary of this legendary venue as well as the celebration of this iconic performer."

In 1999 Hawking also produced and starred in the West Coast production of "His Way" at San Francisco's Theatre On The Square. The production played in Las Vegas and other major cities around the country. In 2002 he opened the "His Way" Theatre inside Studio A at Chicago's NBC Tower, where it quickly earned a reputation as a beloved favorite among Chicago theatergoers for over seven successful seasons and over 1,000 shows.

"Chicago's Award Winning Entertainer," Ron Hawking, knows how to deliver a performance that comes from his heart. After recording two albums with the touring group, The New Era, Hawking returned to Chicago and began directing his talent toward the recording studio and began studying improvisation at Chicago's Second City.

In 2007, Hawking created the hit musical production "Ron Hawking Celebrates-The Men & Their Music." His critically acclaimed Christmas show, "Ron Hawking Home for the Holidays," has played in front of sold out audiences at many theaters and continues to be a seasonal favorite. Hawking has performed at New York's Carnegie Hall with The Philly Pops Orchestra honoring singer Patti Page and her 50th anniversary in show-business. He continues to perform his shows at many prestigious theaters and performing arts centers around the country.

In 2008, Hawking auditioned and was cast to play the role of the Syracuse University's play-by-play sports announcer in the Universal Pictures movie "The Express," starring actor Dennis Quaid. His additional movie credits include "Look Who's Talking." His latest 2014 album release, "The Song Is You," was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocalist Album for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. At the 2014 Chicago Music Awards, Hawking was presented with CMA's 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award.

"His Way - Sinatra's Centennial Celebration" is set for Saturday, May 30, 2015 | 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($35 - $65) are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or in-person at Auditorium Theatre's Box Office (50 E. Congress Pkwy). Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available at (312) 341-2357 or sales@auditoriumtheatre.org.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is an Illinois, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre.

In September of 2014, the Auditorium Theatre was awarded the inaugural Fifth Star Award by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. On December 9, 2014, the Auditorium Theatre celebrated its 125th Birthday with a proclamation from the City of Chicago declaring it "Auditorium Theatre Day." For the first time in over 50 years, the NFL Draft returned to Chicago, taking place at the Auditorium Theatre April 30 - May 2.

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