Chicago's venerable Auditorium Theatre will be transformed into a classic cabaret setting when noted Chicago singer Shelley MacArthur kicks off the venue's "On Stage With...." summer series at 8 p.m. today.

The series, featuring intimate concerts starring eclectic performers, began in 2006.

"We were looking for interesting ways to use the space," said Brett Batterson, executive director of the famed theater.

Batterson said during the first season, only two concerts were presented. The feedback was so good, another show was added last year with an additional concert scheduled this season.

The series is a throwback to the glory days of the old nightclubs, such as Chicago's legendary Mister Kelly's, with its up- close and personal setting and focus on classic tunes.

A unique feature of the series is audience members will have the opportunity to sit at tables on the stage of the Auditorium. No regular proscenium theater seating is offered.

"People like sitting on stage. They're seeing the show from a different perspective and they feel special," Batterson said.

Shelley MacArthur, who opened the inaugural series in 2006, said she's happy to be back. MacArthur has performed with many other artists, including Bobby Short and Mandy Patinkin. She's also opened for Michael Feinstein at Ravinia.

"The Auditorium is really an institution. There's so much energy in the building," sad MacArthur. "There have been hundreds of (legendary) artists who have performed on that stage. It's exciting to be there.".

Entertaining in the historic venue, MacArthur said, is an "awesome" feeling for any artist.

MacArthur said her show in the series will be a bit different from concerts she's done in the past.

"For the first time, I'll be showing very different facets to my voice," she said, explaining she'll predominately be doing tunes from The Great American Songbook with some surprises thrown in.

"There'll be some numbers that are really fun and interesting," she said. MacArthur will also have a quartet of musicians performing with her. Sometimes she's accompanied simply by a pianist.

MacArthur believes many songs have the ability to "transport" people to other times and places or really touch people's emotions.

"As a performer, I love it when I see people reach for each other's hands, I know they're feeling the essence of a song," she said.

Batterson said the goal of the team who put the series together was to get high-quality artists on the roster.

"We wanted to have top-notch musicians from the world of cabaret," he said, adding that the performers in this series of shows fit the bill.

Batterson said it's a thrill to have MacArthur back. Her performance, titled "How Sweet It Is," will include songs from the likes of songwriters such as Henry Mancini and Sammy Cahn.

"We also stretch what we call 'cabaret' here," Batterson said. Many singers and musicians will definitely include traditional cabaret styles but there will be contemporary spins on other tunes as well as interesting original music.

Susan Werner, who'll also star in the series, Batterson said, is a "clever lyricist whose songs are witty and poignant."

Performing later in the summer will be Orbert Davis & Friends with an "Evening of Romantic Jazz." And pianist Alvin Waddles, of "Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah" fame, will entertain with a "Fats Waller Revue," featuring rousing numbers such as "Ain't Misbehavin.'"

In addition to the concerts, audience members can order cocktails during the shows. Prepackaged cheese and cracker trays will also be available.

Throughout the years, many of the performers in the series have had Chicago connections, which is true of most of the artists this year.

"This is also a prime opportunity for many Chicago-area musicians to perform at the Auditorium," Batterson said.