Places That Matter in Peoria, Illinois

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is the nation's premiere organization dedicated to the preservation of America's structural treasures.

Headquartered in Washington D.C., this group has been fighting for our country's significant homes and buildings since it was established by U.S. Congressional charter in 1949.

What an honor it is then, that the National Trust is currently featuring Peoria as part of its "This Place Matters" feature on the NTHP website.

The slide show of significant structures was provided by the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation.

This national exposure for our local treasures is surely a good thing. Perhaps it will garner some tourism from history buffs who will want to come see our historic city in person.

After all, this slide show is only a fraction of what Peoria has to offer!

Visit the National Trust site here.

Where DID you get that belt?!

Help Wanted

When I started this blog last fall I had no idea where it would go. I thought it would simply be a collection of personal thoughts and opinions with a sprinkling of politics.

As I look back now I see that it has morphed into something quite different. The vast majority of the posts have been either theater reviews or theater/arts related.

That is why this blog garnered a bit more attention recently after the Peoria Journal Star made their unfortunate decision to suspend reviews of local theater.

If I can pick up some of that slack through this blog and help to promote these local venues, then I am more than happy to do so.

But the truth of the matter is this; I cannot do it complete justice alone.

Yes, I am a theater buff and I have for several years kept season tickets to Peoria Civic Center Theater's Broadway Series, Eastlight Theater, and Bradley University. This past season, I saw all but one of Corn Stock Lab Theater's offerings, and I recently purchased season tickets for Peoria Players 2010-2011 run.

Quite frankly, that is about as much theater as one person can comfortably fit into one's life.

So, I am asking for help from some of you other theater buffs out there!

If you have first weekend tickets to any of the local theater groups, please consider writing your own reviews on your personal blog (I will gladly post a link here) or email me the review to post on this site. I only ask that you use your real name or a consistent and recognizable screen name.
(Please, no one from the theater groups reviewing your own productions!)

Reviews don't have to be extensive or any special format. Just let us know what you thought was good and what was not so good.

I particularly welcome reviews of Corn Stock which I NEVER attend.
(I have an aversion to outdoor theater, but that is another post for another day!).

I also seldom get to ICC or to some of the smaller town venues in the area. But even if anyone wants to review a performance that I have reviewed...well, two opinions are better than one and I will post these as well.

So, if you are attending the Corn Stock season opener ("The King And I") this weekend , please email and let me know how it was.

Arc Light Theater - 2010 Season

Arc Light Theater begins its 2010 season this Friday, June 4th with “Night at the Improv” (a sketch comedy show). The rest of the season is as follows:

“Nunsense” by Dan Goggin running June 24-25-26

“Edgar and Ellen: Bad Seeds” by Phillip Dawkins (a youth production for children seven to twelve) on July 22.

“M*A*S*H” by Tim Kelly, on July 22-23-24

Arc Light Productions operates in conjunction with the Illini Bluffs School District in Glasford.

Season tickets are a steal at only $20 and may be purchased here.