THE UNDERPANTS – September 29th - October 8th, 2017
BULLETS FOR BROADWAY – November 10th - 19th, 2017
AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME – February 23rd - March 4th, 2018
THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN– APRIL 13th - 22nd, 2018
Friday, September 8, 2017
Bradley University Theater - 2017 - 2018 Season
LITTLE WOMEN - THE MUSICAL – October 19th - 29th, 2017
ENGLISH MADE SIMPLE AND OTHER SHORT PLAYS – November 15th - 19th, 2017
DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE – February 15th - 25th, 2018
PICNIC – April 19th - 29th, 2018
LITTLE WOMEN - THE MUSICAL – October 19th - 29th, 2017
ENGLISH MADE SIMPLE AND OTHER SHORT PLAYS – November 15th - 19th, 2017
DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE – February 15th - 25th, 2018
PICNIC – April 19th - 29th, 2018
Peoria Players Theater - 2017 - 2018 Season
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME – September 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 26, 17
THE WOMAN IN BLACK – October 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15
ROCK OF AGES – November 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19
SUNSET BLVD – February 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11
BONNIE & CLYDE – March 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18
MAMA MIA! – May 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME – September 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 26, 17
THE WOMAN IN BLACK – October 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15
ROCK OF AGES – November 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19
SUNSET BLVD – February 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11
BONNIE & CLYDE – March 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18
MAMA MIA! – May 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13
Peoria Civic Center Theater - 2017 - 2018 Season
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL – October 17th - 19th, 2017
DIRTY DANCING – November 28th & 29th, 2017
THE SOUND OF MUSIC – February 10th & 11th, 2018
THE WIZARD OF OZ – April 25th & 26th, 2018
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL – October 17th - 19th, 2017
DIRTY DANCING – November 28th & 29th, 2017
THE SOUND OF MUSIC – February 10th & 11th, 2018
THE WIZARD OF OZ – April 25th & 26th, 2018
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Peoria Civic Center Theater - 2015 - 2016 Season
KINKY BOOTS –September 22nd - 27th, 2015 (8 performances)
THE ILLUSIONISTS – October 21st & 22nd, 2015
I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE –February 10th & 11th, 2016
BULLETS OVER BROADWAY – March 1st & 2nd, 2016
ANNIE – April 12th & 13th, 2016
THE BOOK OF MORMAN – June 7th - 11th, 2016 (8 performances)
Saturday, September 7, 2013
- Theater Review - Les Miserables
Peoria Players opened their 95th season Friday night with a stunning production of "Les Miserables".
Based on the iconic Victor Hugo novel, this story has a bit of everything - love, passion, politics, penance, redemption, faith, and the meaning of life.
As a musical, it has been wildly popular and is, indeed, one of this patron's favorite modern musicals.
Given the show's soaring, operatic score, it is also a difficult and ambitious undertaking for any amateur theater group. I held my breath in anticipation, wondering if Peoria Players could pull it off.
I am happy to report that not only did they "pull it off", but this production replaces "Drowsy Chaperone" on my list as the best thing I have ever seen on the Players' stage!
With a large cast of dozens, there was not a single mediocre vocal performance in the lot.
Among the principles, it is extemely difficult to single out any performance as being superior to the others. Having said that, John Huerta as Inspector Javert was nearly flawless. Likewise, Brian Witkowsi as Marius, has a quite amazing and powerful voice. These two could easily have thrown away their body mics and still deliver the performances they did.
Although his voice cracked on the admittedly difficult but beautiful "Bring Him Home", Charles Brown was excellent as Jean Valjean. According to the program this was Mr. Brown's first leading role at PPT in 34 years! Please, Mr. Brown, do not stay away so long!
Ashley Rufus (Fantine) did a great job on the classic "I Dreamed a Dream". Chloe Martin's wonderful performance as Cosette was only marred by her microphone cutting out during two of her beautiful numbers. Lindsey Pugh also was excellent as the star-crossed Eponine.
Veteran actor Steve Bortolotti and Rachel Lewis shone as the dastardly but lovable Thenardiers. Their delivery of the comic-relief "Master of the House" was precisely executed. Not only did the actors belt out the number appropriately, but they moved seamlessly among their guests relieving them of their valuables in a perfectly choreographed number.
In a brilliant bit of casting, Gianna Colombo as Gavroche was a double threat. Not only did this young lady deliver a great vocal performance, but her acting was superb. I predict a great future for this young actress. I only hope she is in dance class as well in order to become the proverbial triple threat!
In a presentation of this caliber, one must acknowledge the director. Indeed, Connie Sinn's direction was apparent in the attention to every detail in this show. I have seldom seen such focus on the part of the actors. Anytime you have dozens of people on the stage at once, you can usually see one or two scanning the audience or mugging for their relatives. I never saw a single actor 'out of character' and I attribute this to Ms. Sinns' direction.
As stated earlier, this is one of my favorite modern musicals. I still get goosebumps when the priest gives the symbolic candlesticks to Valjean or during the wrenching "Bring Him Home". And who can keep a dry eye with lyrics such as "to love another person is to see the face of God"?
Thank you to Peoria Players, Connie Sinn, and the remarkable cast for such a wonderful opener. I hope that the rest of the 95th season will be half as good.
Les Miserables continues through September 15th at the theater in Lakeview Park.
Sellouts are likely so get your tickets ASAP!
The box office number is 309-688-4473.
.
Based on the iconic Victor Hugo novel, this story has a bit of everything - love, passion, politics, penance, redemption, faith, and the meaning of life.
As a musical, it has been wildly popular and is, indeed, one of this patron's favorite modern musicals.
Given the show's soaring, operatic score, it is also a difficult and ambitious undertaking for any amateur theater group. I held my breath in anticipation, wondering if Peoria Players could pull it off.
I am happy to report that not only did they "pull it off", but this production replaces "Drowsy Chaperone" on my list as the best thing I have ever seen on the Players' stage!
With a large cast of dozens, there was not a single mediocre vocal performance in the lot.
Among the principles, it is extemely difficult to single out any performance as being superior to the others. Having said that, John Huerta as Inspector Javert was nearly flawless. Likewise, Brian Witkowsi as Marius, has a quite amazing and powerful voice. These two could easily have thrown away their body mics and still deliver the performances they did.
Although his voice cracked on the admittedly difficult but beautiful "Bring Him Home", Charles Brown was excellent as Jean Valjean. According to the program this was Mr. Brown's first leading role at PPT in 34 years! Please, Mr. Brown, do not stay away so long!
Ashley Rufus (Fantine) did a great job on the classic "I Dreamed a Dream". Chloe Martin's wonderful performance as Cosette was only marred by her microphone cutting out during two of her beautiful numbers. Lindsey Pugh also was excellent as the star-crossed Eponine.
Veteran actor Steve Bortolotti and Rachel Lewis shone as the dastardly but lovable Thenardiers. Their delivery of the comic-relief "Master of the House" was precisely executed. Not only did the actors belt out the number appropriately, but they moved seamlessly among their guests relieving them of their valuables in a perfectly choreographed number.
In a brilliant bit of casting, Gianna Colombo as Gavroche was a double threat. Not only did this young lady deliver a great vocal performance, but her acting was superb. I predict a great future for this young actress. I only hope she is in dance class as well in order to become the proverbial triple threat!
In a presentation of this caliber, one must acknowledge the director. Indeed, Connie Sinn's direction was apparent in the attention to every detail in this show. I have seldom seen such focus on the part of the actors. Anytime you have dozens of people on the stage at once, you can usually see one or two scanning the audience or mugging for their relatives. I never saw a single actor 'out of character' and I attribute this to Ms. Sinns' direction.
As stated earlier, this is one of my favorite modern musicals. I still get goosebumps when the priest gives the symbolic candlesticks to Valjean or during the wrenching "Bring Him Home". And who can keep a dry eye with lyrics such as "to love another person is to see the face of God"?
Thank you to Peoria Players, Connie Sinn, and the remarkable cast for such a wonderful opener. I hope that the rest of the 95th season will be half as good.
Les Miserables continues through September 15th at the theater in Lakeview Park.
Sellouts are likely so get your tickets ASAP!
The box office number is 309-688-4473.
.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Peoria Civic Center Theater - 2013 - 2014 Season
CHICAGO –September 24th & 25th, 2013 - 7:30pm both nights
MEMPHIS – October 26th,2013 - 3pm and 7:30pm both nights
MAMMA MIA –December 3rd& 4th, 2013 – 7:30pm both nights
MILLIONDOLLAR QUARTET – January 7th & 8th, 2014 – 7:00pm both nights
FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL – February 17th, 18th & 19th, 2014 – 7:30pm all nights
ADDAMS FAMILY – May 5th & 6th, 2014 – 7:30pm both nights
-EXTRAS-
ELF THE MUSICAL- November 5th & 6th – 7:30pm both nights
BLUE MAN GROUP – April 9th & 10th,2014 – 7:30pm both nights
.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
February Poetry Corner
The Butterfly upon the Sky
- Emily Dickinson
The Butterfly upon the Sky,
That doesn't know its Name
And hasn't any tax to pay
And hasn't any Home
Is just as high as you and I,
And higher, I believe,
So soar away and never sigh
And that's the way to grieve —
.
- Emily Dickinson
The Butterfly upon the Sky,
That doesn't know its Name
And hasn't any tax to pay
And hasn't any Home
Is just as high as you and I,
And higher, I believe,
So soar away and never sigh
And that's the way to grieve —
.
Friday, February 1, 2013
January Poetry Corner
"One Today"
- Richard Blanco
One sun rose on us today, kindled over our shores,
peeking over the Smokies, greeting the faces
of the Great Lakes, spreading a simple truth
across the Great Plains, then charging across the Rockies.
One light, waking up rooftops, under each one, a story
told by our silent gestures moving behind windows.
My face, your face, millions of faces in morning’s mirrors,
each one yawning to life, crescendoing into our day:
pencil-yellow school buses, the rhythm of traffic lights,
fruit stands: apples, limes, and oranges arrayed like rainbows
begging our praise. Silver trucks heavy with oil or paper -- bricks or milk, teeming over highways alongside us,
on our way to clean tables, read ledgers, or save lives -- to teach geometry, or ring up groceries as my mother did
for twenty years, so I could write this poem.
All of us as vital as the one light we move through,
the same light on blackboards with lessons for the day:
equations to solve, history to question, or atoms imagined,
the “I have a dream” we keep dreaming,
or the impossible vocabulary of sorrow that won’t explain
the empty desks of twenty children marked absent
today, and forever. Many prayers, but one light
breathing color into stained glass windows,
life into the faces of bronze statues, warmth
onto the steps of our museums and park benches
as mothers watch children slide into the day.
One ground. Our ground, rooting us to every stalk
of corn, every head of wheat sown by sweat
and hands, hands gleaning coal or planting windmills
in deserts and hilltops that keep us warm, hands
digging trenches, routing pipes and cables, hands
as worn as my father’s cutting sugarcane
so my brother and I could have books and shoes.
The dust of farms and deserts, cities and plains
mingled by one wind -- our breath. Breathe. Hear it
through the day’s gorgeous din of honking cabs,
buses launching down avenues, the symphony
of footsteps, guitars, and screeching subways,
the unexpected song bird on your clothes line.
Hear: squeaky playground swings, trains whistling,
or whispers across cafe tables, Hear: the doors we open
for each other all day, saying: hello, shalom,
buon giorno, howdy, namaste, or buenos días
in the language my mother taught me -- in every language
spoken into one wind carrying our lives
without prejudice, as these words break from my lips.
One sky: since the Appalachians and Sierras claimed
their majesty, and the Mississippi and Colorado worked
their way to the sea. Thank the work of our hands:
weaving steel into bridges, finishing one more report
for the boss on time, stitching another wound
or uniform, the first brush stroke on a portrait,
or the last floor on the Freedom Tower
jutting into a sky that yields to our resilience.
One sky, toward which we sometimes lift our eyes
tired from work: some days guessing at the weather
of our lives, some days giving thanks for a love
that loves you back, sometimes praising a mother
who knew how to give, or forgiving a father
who couldn’t give what you wanted.
We head home: through the gloss of rain or weight
of snow, or the plum blush of dusk, but always -- home,
always under one sky, our sky. And always one moon
like a silent drum tapping on every rooftop
and every window, of one country -- all of us --
facing the stars
hope -- a new constellation
waiting for us to map it,
waiting for us to name it -- together
.
- Richard Blanco
One sun rose on us today, kindled over our shores,
peeking over the Smokies, greeting the faces
of the Great Lakes, spreading a simple truth
across the Great Plains, then charging across the Rockies.
One light, waking up rooftops, under each one, a story
told by our silent gestures moving behind windows.
My face, your face, millions of faces in morning’s mirrors,
each one yawning to life, crescendoing into our day:
pencil-yellow school buses, the rhythm of traffic lights,
fruit stands: apples, limes, and oranges arrayed like rainbows
begging our praise. Silver trucks heavy with oil or paper -- bricks or milk, teeming over highways alongside us,
on our way to clean tables, read ledgers, or save lives -- to teach geometry, or ring up groceries as my mother did
for twenty years, so I could write this poem.
All of us as vital as the one light we move through,
the same light on blackboards with lessons for the day:
equations to solve, history to question, or atoms imagined,
the “I have a dream” we keep dreaming,
or the impossible vocabulary of sorrow that won’t explain
the empty desks of twenty children marked absent
today, and forever. Many prayers, but one light
breathing color into stained glass windows,
life into the faces of bronze statues, warmth
onto the steps of our museums and park benches
as mothers watch children slide into the day.
One ground. Our ground, rooting us to every stalk
of corn, every head of wheat sown by sweat
and hands, hands gleaning coal or planting windmills
in deserts and hilltops that keep us warm, hands
digging trenches, routing pipes and cables, hands
as worn as my father’s cutting sugarcane
so my brother and I could have books and shoes.
The dust of farms and deserts, cities and plains
mingled by one wind -- our breath. Breathe. Hear it
through the day’s gorgeous din of honking cabs,
buses launching down avenues, the symphony
of footsteps, guitars, and screeching subways,
the unexpected song bird on your clothes line.
Hear: squeaky playground swings, trains whistling,
or whispers across cafe tables, Hear: the doors we open
for each other all day, saying: hello, shalom,
buon giorno, howdy, namaste, or buenos días
in the language my mother taught me -- in every language
spoken into one wind carrying our lives
without prejudice, as these words break from my lips.
One sky: since the Appalachians and Sierras claimed
their majesty, and the Mississippi and Colorado worked
their way to the sea. Thank the work of our hands:
weaving steel into bridges, finishing one more report
for the boss on time, stitching another wound
or uniform, the first brush stroke on a portrait,
or the last floor on the Freedom Tower
jutting into a sky that yields to our resilience.
One sky, toward which we sometimes lift our eyes
tired from work: some days guessing at the weather
of our lives, some days giving thanks for a love
that loves you back, sometimes praising a mother
who knew how to give, or forgiving a father
who couldn’t give what you wanted.
We head home: through the gloss of rain or weight
of snow, or the plum blush of dusk, but always -- home,
always under one sky, our sky. And always one moon
like a silent drum tapping on every rooftop
and every window, of one country -- all of us --
facing the stars
hope -- a new constellation
waiting for us to map it,
waiting for us to name it -- together
.
Monday, January 7, 2013
2013-14 Corn Stock Winter Playhouse Season
The 2013-14 Winter Playhouse Season has been announced!
Evil Dead: The Musical
Directed by Ingrid Peelle
Oct. 4,5,11,12,13th, 2013
The Graduate
Directed by Chip Joyce
Nov. 1,2,8,9,10, 2013
Relatively Speaking (A Weekend of One Acts)
Directed by Blake Stubbs, Leaann Liesse, and Trevor Neff, Producer Sean Howell
Nov. 21-24th, 2013
A Piece of My Heart
Directed by Amy Williams
January 17,18,24,25,26, 2014
ART
Directed by Charlie Brown
Feb. 14, 15, 21,22,23, 2014
Superior Donuts
Directed by Alex Larson
March 14,15,21,22,23, 2014
.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Eastlight Theater - 2013 Season
Dream Girls
April 19-21 and 24-27
Jekyll and Hyde
June 21-23 and 26-29
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
August 2-4 and 7-10
Joseph 2013
Nov 29-Dec 1 and Dec 4-8
Youthlight show:
Disney’s Tarzan
September 13-15 and 18-21
April 19-21 and 24-27
Jekyll and Hyde
June 21-23 and 26-29
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
August 2-4 and 7-10
Joseph 2013
Nov 29-Dec 1 and Dec 4-8
Youthlight show:
Disney’s Tarzan
September 13-15 and 18-21
.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
October Poetry Corner
The Sea And the Hills
Who hath desired the Sea? -- the sight of salt wind-hounded --
The heave and the halt and the hurl and the crash of the comber win hounded?
The sleek-barrelled swell before storm, grey, foamless, enormous, and growing --
Stark calm on the lap of the Line or the crazy-eyed hurricane blowing --
His Sea in no showing the same his Sea and the same 'neath each showing:
His Sea as she slackens or thrills?
So and no otherwise -- so and no otherwise -- hillmen desire their Hills!
Who hath desired the Sea? -- the immense and contemptuous surges?
The shudder, the stumble, the swerve, as the star-stabbing bow-sprit emerges?
The orderly clouds of the Trades, the ridged, roaring sapphire thereunder --
Unheralded cliff-haunting flaws and the headsail's low-volleying thunder --
His Sea in no wonder the same his Sea and the same through each wonder:
His Sea as she rages or stills?
So and no otherwise -- so and no otherwise -- hillmen desire their Hills.
Who hath desired the Sea? Her menaces swift as her mercies?
The in-rolling walls of the fog and the silver-winged breeze that disperses?
The unstable mined berg going South and the calvings and groans that de clare it --
White water half-guessed overside and the moon breaking timely to bare it --
His Sea as his fathers have dared -- his Sea as his children shall dare it:
His Sea as she serves him or kills?
So and no otherwise -- so and no otherwisc -- hillmen desire their Hills.
Who hath desired the Sea? Her excellent loneliness rather
Than forecourts of kings, and her outermost pits than the streets where men gather
Inland, among dust, under trees -- inland where the slayer may slay him --
Inland, out of reach of her arms, and the bosom whereon he must lay him
His Sea from the first that betrayed -- at the last that shall never betray him:
His Sea that his being fulfils?
So and no otherwise -- so and no otherwise -- hillmen desire their Hills.
.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Vernissage Art Show at Prairie Center for the Arts
The Vernissage is a great success and now is the time for the public to see the talent we have here in our own backyard!
Please help us get the word out by letting folks know that the Prairie Center of the Arts is open at these times.
•Monday-Friday 10-4
•Saturday, Oct 13 1-4
•Saturday, Oct 20 1-4
•Saturday, Nov 10, 1-4
As a bonus, on Saturday, Oct 13, Ron Rae will give a guided "gallery walk" at 2 pm.
Thanks for making central Illinois a wonderful arts community.
http://prairiecenterofthearts.blogspot.com/
This is the finest show I have seen in Peoria. It is such an expansive collection of the many talented artists who call Peoria home.
DO NOT MISS IT!
.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
- Theater Review - 9 to 5 the Musical
Featuring the regional premier of "9 To 5 - The Musical", Peoria Players Theater opened their 2012 - 2013 season not with a bang but with a whimper.
"9 To 5 - the Musical" is based on the 1980 movie "9 to 5" starring Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda as three downtrodden office workers who become feminist heroes when they kidnap their mean chauvinistic boss (Dabney Coleman) and take over the company.
The stage adaptation adds musical numbers but follows the movie perhaps too closely, even using exact dialog from the film.
In many ways this sets up a difficult challenge for the actors. After all, Dolly Parton has awfully big ... shoes ... to fill.
There are aspects of the Players production that should have resulted in a fine show, but in the end it simply did not come together.
All the principals have good voices and for the most part delivered their songs well. (Choreography, well, that's another story!)
Rachel Lewis as Doralee (the Dolly role) delivered well vocally but plodded through her numbers with a lack of energy and enthusiasm. The number "Back Woods Barbie" is all about confidence in her identity. It should have been a fun and rollicking number but Ms. Lewis barely cracked a smile and made it seem like a chore.
Kelli Mathis as Violet suffered from the same timidity. Her dance numbers were painful to watch as I could almost see her counting her steps, stone faced.
I suppose this can be chalked up to the direction.
Perhaps Director Nate Downs concentrated too much on technique rather than encouraging his actors to let go, inhabit their roles, and have fun.
The third lead, Katie McLuckie as Judy had just the opposite problem as the other two. Her take on the character was way too much confidence!
Ms. McLuckie wowed us a season or two ago with her exceptional portrayal of Kitty in "The Drowsy Chaperone". While that role is all about "mugging for the camera", her Judy would have been much better if dialed back a notch.
I couldn't help but imagine that the show would have been vastly improved if Ms. McLuckie and Ms. Mathis had switched roles.
The one actor who got the correct mix of technique and confidence was Carolyn Briggs-Gaul as Roz. She stole the show with her strip-tease number on the boss' desk.
It was the show-stopper of the evening!
Despite the problems with this show, the audience (one of the smallest houses I have seen at Peoria Players) gave the performance a standing ovation.
I realize that an opening night audience is probably heavy with friends and families of the performers who felt obligated to give a pity ovation.
However, it drives this theater snob crazy that Peoria Players patrons think EVERY show there merits a standing ovation. This one just didn't.
Anyone who would stand for this production has spent too many hours on the sofa anticipating the antics of Honey Boo-Boo.
.
"9 To 5 - the Musical" is based on the 1980 movie "9 to 5" starring Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda as three downtrodden office workers who become feminist heroes when they kidnap their mean chauvinistic boss (Dabney Coleman) and take over the company.
The stage adaptation adds musical numbers but follows the movie perhaps too closely, even using exact dialog from the film.
In many ways this sets up a difficult challenge for the actors. After all, Dolly Parton has awfully big ... shoes ... to fill.
There are aspects of the Players production that should have resulted in a fine show, but in the end it simply did not come together.
All the principals have good voices and for the most part delivered their songs well. (Choreography, well, that's another story!)
Rachel Lewis as Doralee (the Dolly role) delivered well vocally but plodded through her numbers with a lack of energy and enthusiasm. The number "Back Woods Barbie" is all about confidence in her identity. It should have been a fun and rollicking number but Ms. Lewis barely cracked a smile and made it seem like a chore.
Kelli Mathis as Violet suffered from the same timidity. Her dance numbers were painful to watch as I could almost see her counting her steps, stone faced.
I suppose this can be chalked up to the direction.
Perhaps Director Nate Downs concentrated too much on technique rather than encouraging his actors to let go, inhabit their roles, and have fun.
The third lead, Katie McLuckie as Judy had just the opposite problem as the other two. Her take on the character was way too much confidence!
Ms. McLuckie wowed us a season or two ago with her exceptional portrayal of Kitty in "The Drowsy Chaperone". While that role is all about "mugging for the camera", her Judy would have been much better if dialed back a notch.
I couldn't help but imagine that the show would have been vastly improved if Ms. McLuckie and Ms. Mathis had switched roles.
The one actor who got the correct mix of technique and confidence was Carolyn Briggs-Gaul as Roz. She stole the show with her strip-tease number on the boss' desk.
It was the show-stopper of the evening!
Despite the problems with this show, the audience (one of the smallest houses I have seen at Peoria Players) gave the performance a standing ovation.
I realize that an opening night audience is probably heavy with friends and families of the performers who felt obligated to give a pity ovation.
However, it drives this theater snob crazy that Peoria Players patrons think EVERY show there merits a standing ovation. This one just didn't.
Anyone who would stand for this production has spent too many hours on the sofa anticipating the antics of Honey Boo-Boo.
.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Happy Labor Day - 2012
I Hear America Singing
~ Walt Whitman
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,
The woodcutter's song, the ploughboy's on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown,
The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day-at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.
~ Walt Whitman
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,
The woodcutter's song, the ploughboy's on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown,
The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day-at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Corn Stock Theatre Winter Playhouse 2012 -2013 Season
| The Laramie Project The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later Directed by Tim Wyman September 28-30 & October 3-6, 2012 |
| Our opening production presents a theatrical event – the return of the popular drama The Laramie Project, performed in repertoire with the new revisit to the subject – The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later. The two productions will be performed on alternate evenings – both will be presented on Sunday, September 30. Patrons may purchase tickets to one production, and will receive a 50% discount on price of a ticket to the second show. Season ticket holders may see both productions with their season ticket. |
Next to Normal
Directed by Robin Hunt November 2-4 & 9-10, 2012 |
| NEXT TO NORMAL is the acclaimed, groundbreaking musical "that pushed Broadway in new directions" (Rolling Stone). With a thrilling contemporary score, NEXT TO NORMAL is an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other. |
 Red Directed by Victoria Kapanjie-Rians January 11-13 & 18-19, 2013 |
| Master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art, a series of murals for New York’s famed Four Seasons Restaurant. In the two fascinating years that follow, Rothko works feverishly with his young assistant, Ken, in his studio on the Bowery. But when Ken gains the confidence to challenge him, Rothko faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. Winner of the 2010 Tony Award. |
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Directed by Rachel Wooden February 8-10 & 15-16, 2013 |
| HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH brings theater alive with the pounding sounds of rock 'n' roll and the funny sad voicing of a painful past…it is also an adult, thought-provoking musical about the quest for individuality…the kind of Rocky Horror Picture Show-style event that may inspire a rabid cult following." —NY Times. |
Frost/Nixon
Directed by Ryan Campen March 8-10 & 15-16, 2013 |
| "Structured as a prize fight between two starkly ambitious men in professional crisis, FROST/NIXON makes it clear that the competitor who controls the camera reaps the spoils." —NY Times. "…ripe entertainment…The cheerily oblivious limey lightweight and the brooding, mortally wounded political animal: Austin Powers vs. Macbeth." —Washington Post. "…nails the political, media and cultural fever of that era…" —AisleSay.com. |
WINTER PLAYHOUSE SEASON TICKETS are $50
Tickets for individual shows are $15/Adults, $10/Student for Musicals
$10/Adult; $7/Students for Non-Musicals
Season Tickets On Sale Now by Calling 309-676-2196
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Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Trolley Tours
Peoria Historical Society TROLLEY TOUR: "Lincoln & the Civil War"
Follow Lincoln in Peoria and learn about Camp Peoria and Camp Lyon. Hear the stories of our Civil War veterans and visit the GAR Hall.
This tour tells the story of Lincoln’s visits to Peoria, the Civil War troops, and the camps where they trained. See the markers where the camps once stood. Visit Springdale Cemetery and see the final resting place of many of the Civil War veterans.
...
Pay a short visit to the GAR Hall, built in 1909, and hear the story of Joseph Greenhut, one of the Whiskey Barons who provided much of the funding for the Hall.
The Trolley Tour runs every Friday in August (August 17, 24, 31) and October (October 5, 12, 19, 26)
Time: 10:30 A.M. (1½ hours)
The Tour leaves from Kelleher's Irish Pub, 619 SW Water Street (near State St.), Peoria, IL. Parking is available across the street from Kelleher's.
For tickets, call (309) 673-6000.
Cost: $10 tour ticket purchased at Kelleher's Irish Pub plus $1 paid to trolley driver.
Seniors 65 and older ride the trolley FREE with proof of age and a regular ticket purchase.
Follow Lincoln in Peoria and learn about Camp Peoria and Camp Lyon. Hear the stories of our Civil War veterans and visit the GAR Hall.
This tour tells the story of Lincoln’s visits to Peoria, the Civil War troops, and the camps where they trained. See the markers where the camps once stood. Visit Springdale Cemetery and see the final resting place of many of the Civil War veterans.
...
Pay a short visit to the GAR Hall, built in 1909, and hear the story of Joseph Greenhut, one of the Whiskey Barons who provided much of the funding for the Hall.
The Trolley Tour runs every Friday in August (August 17, 24, 31) and October (October 5, 12, 19, 26)
Time: 10:30 A.M. (1½ hours)
The Tour leaves from Kelleher's Irish Pub, 619 SW Water Street (near State St.), Peoria, IL. Parking is available across the street from Kelleher's.
For tickets, call (309) 673-6000.
Cost: $10 tour ticket purchased at Kelleher's Irish Pub plus $1 paid to trolley driver.
Seniors 65 and older ride the trolley FREE with proof of age and a regular ticket purchase.
.
Monday, August 13, 2012
ICC Theater 2012 - 2013 Season
The ICC Theatre Program proudly announces the 2012-13 ICC theatre season.
"Rough Magic" - September 28 - October 7 - Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm - Sunday 2:30 pm
"Spooky Dog and the Teenage Gang Mysteries" - November 9 - November 18 - Tuesday through Saturday 7:30 pm - Sunday 2:30 pm
"Rashomon" - February 2 - March 3 - Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm - Sunday 2:30 pm
"Good Night Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)" - April 12 - April 21 - Tuesday through Saturday 7:30 pm - Sunday 2:30 pm
For tickets and information, call the ICC Theatre box office at (309) 694-5136
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"Rough Magic" - September 28 - October 7 - Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm - Sunday 2:30 pm
"Spooky Dog and the Teenage Gang Mysteries" - November 9 - November 18 - Tuesday through Saturday 7:30 pm - Sunday 2:30 pm
"Rashomon" - February 2 - March 3 - Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm - Sunday 2:30 pm
"Good Night Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)" - April 12 - April 21 - Tuesday through Saturday 7:30 pm - Sunday 2:30 pm
For tickets and information, call the ICC Theatre box office at (309) 694-5136
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Sunday, August 12, 2012
Peoria Players 2012 - 2013 Season
Peoria Players Theatre has previously announced its 2012-2013 season:
"9 To 5 - The Musical" - Sept 7, 8,12, 13, 14, & 15 - 7:30 pm - Sept 9 & 16 - 2 pm
"Twelve Angry Men" - Oct 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13 - (7:30 pm) - Oct 7 & 14 - (2 pm)
"A Christmas Carol - The Musical" - Dec 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 & 15 - (7:30 pm) - Dec 9 & 16 (2 pm)
"Mame" - Feb 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 & 9 - (7:30 pm) - Feb 3 & 10 - (2 pm)
"Godspell" - Mar 15, 16, 20, 21, 22 &23 - (7:30 pm) - Mar 17 & 24 - (2 pm)
"Fiddler On The Roof" - May 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 & 11 - (7:30 pm) - May 4, 5 & 12 - (2 pm)
Season tickets are $90, and can be purchased through the Box Office at 309-688-4473
Special Events not included in season subscription:
"The Wedding Singer" - Aug 8, 9, 10 & 11 - (7:30 pm) - Aug 12 - (2 pm)
"A Ring-A-Ding-Ding New Year" - Dec 31 - (7:30 pm)
"Bus Stop" - Jun 6, 7 & 8 - (7:30 pm) - Jun 9 - (2 pm)
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Saturday, August 11, 2012
Bradley Theatre 2012 - 2013 Season
Bradley University Theatre has announced its 2012-2013 season:
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" - Guest artist and House Theater of Chicago company member Tommy Rapley choreographs this musical by Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn - Sept 20 - Sept 30
"Philadelphia Story" - a romantic comedy by Phillip Barry - Nov 8 - Nov 18
"A Raisin In The Sun"- Lorraine Hansberry's Pulitzer Prize winning play - Feb 28 - Mar 10
"One Third Of A Nation" - Guest artist Sean Graney of the Hypocrites Theatre of Chicago adapts and directs this production - Apr 11 - Apr 21
Season tickets are $45 for adults, $38 for seniors, $23 for students
and can be purchased through the Cultural Events Box Office at 309-677-2651
.
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" - Guest artist and House Theater of Chicago company member Tommy Rapley choreographs this musical by Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn - Sept 20 - Sept 30
"Philadelphia Story" - a romantic comedy by Phillip Barry - Nov 8 - Nov 18
"A Raisin In The Sun"- Lorraine Hansberry's Pulitzer Prize winning play - Feb 28 - Mar 10
"One Third Of A Nation" - Guest artist Sean Graney of the Hypocrites Theatre of Chicago adapts and directs this production - Apr 11 - Apr 21
Season tickets are $45 for adults, $38 for seniors, $23 for students
and can be purchased through the Cultural Events Box Office at 309-677-2651
.
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