Tickets on Sale Friday, December 10 for Celtic Woman

Celtic Woman, a smash hit around the globe, is returning to Sangamon Auditorium with their most recent live show on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.!

The awe- inspiring vocalists along with mesmerizing Celtic violinist continue to capture the hearts of fans across the country. Their Emmy-nominated television special, Celtic Woman – Songs from the Heart, filmed live from Powerscourt House and Gardens in Ireland, is a blockbuster on PBS. Come see Celtic Woman with their 6 piece band and the Aontas Choir perform unique renditions of Irish standards, classical favorites and contemporary hits. Celtic Woman – Songs from the Heart promises to be a live concert event that you and your entire family will never forget!

Tickets are on sale to the general public Friday, December 10, 2010, 10 a.m.

For tickets or more information, call Sangamon Auditorium at 217.206.6160 or visit our website by clicking HERE!

Holiday Gifts @ Sangamon Auditorium

Got a hard-to-buy-for friend or family member this holiday season?  Consider a unique gift from Sangamon Auditorium! 

Between now and December 23, our Holiday Gift Special will be available for purchase.  For just $30, the Holiday Gift Special is a voucher that can be redeemed for a single ticket to one of our spring Visiting Artist events, listed below.  The price is a savings over the regular ticket price (gift giver bonus!) and the recipient gets to choose the event (gift recipient bonus!): 

Tango Buenos Aires
Friday, January 28, 2011, 8 p.m.

The King’s Singers
Saturday, February 26, 2011, 8 p.m.

Hot Tuna Blues
Friday, March 4, 2011, 8 p.m.

Arlo Guthrie
Wednesday, March 16, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

Anthony Zerbe, “It’s All Done with Mirrors”
Thursday, April 28, 2011, 7:30 p.m. 

Peter Yarrow and Noel “Paul” Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary
Sunday, May 1, 2011, 7 p.m.

Also remember that tickets to the following events are now on sale.  Tickets would make excellent holiday gifts!

Get the Led Out 
Thursday, February 3, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

Menopause The Musical 
Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

Mamma Mia
Friday, March 11, 2011, 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 12, 2011, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Omigod, You Guys! I'm Serious! Legally Blonde is Coming!

Elle Woods is totally making her first appearance at Sangamon Auditorium on Monday, December 6th at 7:30 p.m.

So, you want the low-down on the show? Here's the brief (according to Legally Blonde the Musical's UK website):

"College sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods doesn't take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School! Based on the hit movie of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde the Musical is the award-winning Broadway sensation created by a top-of-their-class creative team, led by Tony Award-winning director and Olivier Award-nominated choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray). This all singing, all dancing, feel good musical comedy will be the highlight of your year. Legally Blonde the Musical will take you from the social whirl of California Campus life to Harvard's Halls of Justice with the brightest new heroine (and of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser).The verdict? This much fun shouldn't be legal!"

Ummm... check out the website's "Fun Stuff" section- including videos of the London cast performing numbers from the show: OMIGOD! CLICK HERE!

So, do you, like, have your tickets?! No? You should totally click HERE for more info!

Jamie Cavanaugh project a success!

On Friday, November 5, Sangamon Auditorium hosted a particularly unique project, “The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh.”  This play, by the innovative Canadian theater company, Roseneath Theatre, presented a family story of a young girl’s diagnosis and ultimate treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  Additional social themes in the thoughtful script included in-school bullying and divorce. 

The day started with a Class Acts performance of the play attended by 550 3rd-8th grade students and teachers from throughout central Illinois. 

Later in the day, 35 educators and parents participated in a professional development event, “Exploring ADHD,” that began with a presentation by Dr. Glen Aylward from SIU School of Medicine.  Dr. Aylward’s presentation, “ADHD: Issues in Diagnosis and Treatment,” offered discussion about diagnostic issues, common misconceptions regarding ADHD, how it overlaps with other problems, and suggestions for interventions. Dr. Aylward’s presentation was made possible through Springfield Parents for Students with Disabilities. 

Also later in the day, 150 Girl Scouts, parents, and troop leaders from throughout central Illinois participated in a badge-earning event, “Dealing with Drama,” which included two learning components: one session about bullying taught by the Girl Scouts, and one session about drama taught by Carly Shank of Sangamon Auditorium. 

Beginning at 6 p.m., public displays and activities in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby highlighted learning about disabilities and disability resources in our community.  Attendees were able to try a mirror-tracing activity that mimicked how the brain of a person with dyslexia might have difficulty drawing.  In keeping with the themes of the play, attendees were also able to create a logo for their own super hero and write a recipe for friendship.

Finally, at 7 p.m., the main event occurred with the UIS Family Series presentation of “The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh.”  The five hundred in attendance were able to enjoy the performance and a brief post-show question-and-answer session with the performers from Roseneath Theatre.

Many thanks to our community partners in this effort, Springfield Parents for Students with Disabilities and The Children’s Center, a program of Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois, a Memorial Health System affiliate.  Along with Peggy Cormeny from Springfield Public Schools, these groups were incredibly instrumental in helping to spread the word in the community and help make the event a resounding success!  

A&E Notebook: 'Spring Awakening,' 'Altar Boyz'

‘Spring Awakening’ coming to UIS

The critically acclaimed and award-winning rock musical “Spring Awakening” will be presented at 8 p.m. Sunday in Sangamon Auditorium, on the campus of the University of Illinois Springfield.

The show is set in a provincial German town in the 1890s, and tells the story of a group of teenagers discovering their sexuality...

From the SJ-R. To read more, CLICK HERE!

Drumline LIVE! at Sangamon Auditorium on November 21st!

Drumline LIVE! will be at Sangamon Auditorium on Sunday, November 21st at 7 p.m. (This event is sponsored by 99.7 KISS FM)

Showbiz Chicago says, "Drumline LIVE" dazzles with explosive choreography and thrilling spectacle…"

The Morning Call says this about Drumline LIVE!: It’s a marching band extravaganza that parades out of the football stadium onto the stage with explosive percussion, resounding brass and dazzling choreography.

Check out this clip from the group's March 10, 2009 performance: CLICK HERE!

Visit www.sangamonauditorium.org for tickets and more information!

See you there!

Spring Awakening at Sangamon Auditorium on November 14 at 8 p.m.

Spring Awakening, the winner of 8 Tony Awards (including Best Musical), will be making its first appearance at Sangamon Auditorium on November 14th. The shows starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are on-sale now!

CLICK HERE for a clip of the original Broadway cast (including GLEE star, Lea Michele as Wendla) performing at the 2007 Tony Awards to give you a taste of this award-winning musical.

Broadway’s most talked about new musical is now the biggest Tony Award Winner in years. SPRING AWAKENING is the groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll that has awakened Broadway like no other musical in years. Winner of 8 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, SPRING AWAKENING celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, a poignancy and a passion you will never forget. We agree with the NY Times “Broadway may never be the same again!”

“HAUNTING AND ELECTRIFYING! This brave new musical has a shivery sensual allure unmatched by anything in the theatre right now.” – Charles Isherwood, The New York Times

You can visit the SPRING AWAKENING ON TOUR website by clicking HERE.

For more information and ticket purchasing opportunities, visit our website at www.sangamonauditorium.org. Get your tickets now!

Exploring ADHD through the play ‘The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh’

The challenges children endure in facing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will take center stage at Sangamon Auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday. The play, "The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh," examines the disorder through the eyes of a young schoolgirl.

The play provides understanding for children and families who have a connection to ADHD.

...

BY TODD SMITH
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

Read the article

'Chorus Line' a Slice of Dancers' Lives

The plot of the touring musical “A Chorus Line” hits close to home for cast member Julia Freyer, who plays the tall, thin, talkative dancer Judy.

In the show, several dancers vie for a chance to perform in a new Broadway musical — with the auditions in an empty theater, on a bare stage. For Freyer, a recent Penn State University musical theater graduate, her greatest goal is to perform in a significant production, just like those hopefuls.

...


Article by Tamara Browning
The State Journal-Register
Read the article

The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh at Sangamon Auditorium on November 5th!

The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh, a theatrical performance focusing on the challenges of ADHD and a child’s struggle to fit in, will kick-off the UIS Family Series at Sangamon Auditorium on Friday, November 5, 2010 at 7 p.m.

So, what's the show about?
Well... Jamie and Max are best friends – Jamie is a trouble magnet who thinks her ADHD is some kind of amazing ‘super speed’ superpower and Max is the smartest kid in his grade. But when Jamie tries to protect Max from a bully named Rock, her ‘super power’ ends up creating more trouble for both of them. Jamie learns that to be a good friend, she needs to slow down and listen, but how can you turn off a super power?

Fast-paced, funny and full of energy, this great new play tackles issues of bullying, violence, peer pressure, learning disabilities and the struggle to fit in. The champion in this play is a positive role model for young people with ADHD and will promote greater empathy and understanding around learning disabilities among teachers and students alike.

Fun family activities including crafts, displays and hands-on-learning will be present in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby starting at 6 p.m. The activities are free of charge.

Sangamon Auditorium is always pleased to partner with community organizations. The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh is resented in cooperation with Springfield Parents for Students with Disabilities and The Children’s Center, a program of Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois, a Memorial Health System affiliate. Supported by the Say it out loud campaign.

The event will be performed by the Roseneath Theatre of Ontario, Canada and sponsored by Springfield Moms.org, ABC News Channel 20 , 104.5 WFMB and 99.7 KISS FM.

The Incredible Speediness of Jamie Cavanaugh are $19 for adults and $11 for youth, High School age and under. Tickets on sale now. For more show and/or ticket information, visit our website! CLICK HERE

Paul Taylor Dance Company at Sangamon Auditorium on Nov 7

An evening of modern dance with the Paul Taylor Dance Company

Want to know more about Paul Taylor? The company's website says the following:
"More than a half-century ago, Paul Taylor became the youngest member of the pantheon that created American modern dance.

Now in his 80th year – an age when most artists’ best work is behind them – Mr. Taylor is acclaimed for the vibrancy, relevance and power of his dances. As prolific as ever, he continues to offer cogent observations on life’s complexities while tackling some of society’s thorniest issues. He may propel his dancers through space for the sheer beauty of it, or use them to wordlessly illuminate war, spirituality, sexuality, morality and mortality. If, as Balanchine said, there are no mothers-in-law in ballet, there certainly are dysfunctional families, ex-lovers, fallen preachers, rapists, angels and insects in Taylor dance." See more from the company's website by CLICKING HERE.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company will be visiting Sangamon Auditorium on November 7th. The performance begins at 7 p.m. For more information and ticket purchase, visit our website now!

Humorist David Sedaris coming to Springfield

When signing a contract for a performance, rock stars might demand a bottle of top-shelf liquor or the elimination of brown M&Ms from the premises.

All David Sedaris wanted was a typewriter.


Specifically, he wanted an IBM Wheel Writer 1, 2 or 3.


...


Article by Brian Mackey
The State Journal-Register
Read the article

A Chorus Line Coming to Sangamon Auditorium November 2!

"Step-kick-kick-leap-kick-touch! AGAIN!"

A Chorus Line, a Tony Award winning Broadway show, is coming to Sangamon Auditorium on Tuesday, November 2nd at 7:30 p.m.

Click HERE to view a clip from the Chorus Line cast opening the 2007 Tony Awards to give you a little taste...

So, step-kick-kick-leap-kick-touch your way to our website for more information and tickets:
A Chorus Line at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS

Tickets On Sale for Legally Blonde on October 25!

Omigod, you guys!

Legally Blonde: The Musical is coming to Sangamon Auditorium, UIS on Monday, December 6th at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the performance go on sale on Monday, October 25th!

For tickets and other information, CLICK HERE.

Humorist and Author, David Sedaris, at Sangamon Auditorium

NPR humorist and bestselling author, David Sedaris, is coming to Sangamon Auditorium, UIS on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 8 p.m.

Did you know Sedaris' newest book, a collection of fables entitled Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary is being published this month? In fact, the UIS Bookstore will have books available!

One more interesting note: Sedaris has agreed to stay after the show to sign anything and everything you could ever want signed! He literally will stay until he's met with and signed anything audience members would want autographed.

Check out this hilarious clip of Sedaris on Letterman:
CLICK HERE!

So, do you have your ticket yet?

Check out more information and buy your tickets at our website: Sangamon Auditorium

Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company Coming to Sangamon Auditorium October 13th

Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company coming next week to Sangamon Auditorium, UIS Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company Wednesday, October 13, 7:30 p.m. Ticket Prices: $40, 35, 20 One of the national treasures of the Philippines, the story of the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company spans 43 years of performances all over the world. With its early roots in the Filipiniana Folk Music and Dance Committee of the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), it was not until 1957 that the PWU Bayanihan Folk Arts Center and its performing arm, the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, were founded to preserve ethnic rites, tribal folklore and regional folk ways, and to collect indigenous art forms. The first Filipino group to perform on Broadway, Bayanihan opened at New York’s Winter Garden Theater on Oct. 13, 1959. They were accorded unanimous critical acclaim for their skill, grace and joie de vivre, and the company’s flawless transference of indigenous dance and music traditions from their ancient origins to the stage without sacrificing authenticity. From that time forward, Bayanihan has mounted 15 international tours and more than one hundred brief tours to international events and festivals covering 55 countries on five continents. WATCH VIDEO: Who is the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company? This presentation is supported by the Peforming Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts Midwest funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. which believes a great nation deserves great art, with additional contributions from the General Mills Foundation, Land O' Lakes Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council. Get tickets today! For more information visit www.SangamonAuditorium.org or call the Sangamon Auditorium Ticket Office at 217. 206. 6160 or 800. 207. 6960, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Opportunity for FREE Tickets to Spring Awakening at Sangamon Auditorium

Have you heard of the ‘Guilty Ones?’ They’re the group of fans that love SPRING AWAKENING so much, they felt the need to organize and spread the word on their own. Well Sangamon Auditorium, UIS is looking to create our own group of Guilty Ones! We only have room for the 5 most ambitious SPRING AWAKENING fans out there! If you are interested in becoming a Guilty One for the Sangamon Auditorium, UIS engagement, contact us to let us know why’d you be the best – but hurry – only the first 5 will be allowed in. Did we mention if you complete all the Guilty Ones tasks you can receive free tickets to the performance and more? Join the Sangamon Auditorium, UIS Guilty Ones today and help spread the word that SPRING AWAKENING is coming to Sangamon Auditorium!

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Season Begins!

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra season began last weekend with Boldly Beautiful. The orchestra performed at 8 pm on Saturday, September 25^th.

The orchestra's next performance at Sangamon Auditorium will Fiery Fun on Saturday, November 13, at 8 p.m.

For more information and the schedule for this season with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, visit their website at http://www.ilsymphony.org/index.php

Also, find out more from Sangamon Auditorium, click HERE.