Unique performances in 2014-2015

We are so delighted to announce our upcoming season of Performing Arts events at Sangamon Auditorium. You can read about the upcoming season on our website.  Standouts in the line-up of events include The Moody Blues, Ian Anderson (front man/flutist for Jethro Tull), the Springfield premiere of the musical Sister Act, and a return performance of a Sangamon Auditorium favorite, Mamma Mia!

But what about those artists whose names you don't recognize in the line-up?  Well, as I always tell close friends of mine, when you see an artist in our line-up that you've never heard of before, pay close attention.  Anytime we program an artist or an event that is not a household name, there's probably a very good, artistic reason why they've been chosen.  Let me give you a few examples from our upcoming season:

The Elephant Wrestler

The Elephant Wrestler is a beautiful piece of theatre that, like any good piece of theatre, reflects the condition of being human.  I know because I've had the opportunity to see it live in its entirety.  Performed by Indian Ink Theatre Company, a New Zealand company renowned for their interesting, small-format theatre work, the almost one-man show (there is a second person who plays music but doesn't speak) tells an interesting story in the life of a modern-day chai vendor.  It is fascinating the watch these characters come to life through the storytelling of actor/playwright Jacob Rajan.

Mark Morris Dance Group

I'll make no excuses about it: I love modern dance.  And we are fortunate in Springfield that Sangamon Auditorium Director Bob Vaughn chooses the dance performances for our Visiting Artist series from among the finest touring the country and the world.  This year, we are pleased to present the long-established Mark Morris Dance Group, which will be touring the U.S. as *well* as the world this fall; the company will be split in two for their Fall 2014 "Excursions" tour, with one half stateside and one half abroad at all times.  How that plays out in terms of international exchange remains to be seen, but we hope to have some details soon and be able to have our community participate in some of those details.

Timber!

Imagine if Cirque de Soleil met Duck Dynasty.  That's what we've got with Timber!  I am very much looking forward to this unique cirque performance; I'm going to try to bring my dad with me.  The founding members of this Canadian company of cirque performers hails from a small town with a heritage of farming and forestry.  The advertising copy says, "you can almost smell the fresh-cut pine logs and the sweat of lumberjacks."  Can you??

These are just a few of the performances I am looking forward to this year.  I hope you find some that interest you as well!  Check out our website for all the details.