On Thursday, April 16, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago presented an amazing evening of dance artistry on the Sangamon Auditorium stage. For me, the event was one of the most anticipated of our 2008-2009 Visiting Artist Series, and it definitely satisfied my quest for truly fine performing arts events in Springfield. State Journal-Register Arts & Entertainment editor Brian Mackey captured the experience beautifully in his Thursday, April 23 column. Take a read, if you like, and be sure to visit this blog often for more information about some of the feats of incredibly artistry that take place at the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Dance troupe graces Springfield
Column by Brian Mackey
The State Journal-Register
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
UIS Theatre to stage first Shakespeare play
The instructions were coming fast.
Critique. Encouragement. Next.
“Orlando, ‘How bitter it is to look at happiness through another man’s eyes.’ ... You can still go a little further with that being hard for you.”
“Audrey, let’s cut the sniffing of the armpits. But, boy, I appreciate trying stuff like that.”...
Article by Brian Mackey
The State Journal-Register
Read the Article
Critique. Encouragement. Next.
“Orlando, ‘How bitter it is to look at happiness through another man’s eyes.’ ... You can still go a little further with that being hard for you.”
“Audrey, let’s cut the sniffing of the armpits. But, boy, I appreciate trying stuff like that.”...
Article by Brian Mackey
The State Journal-Register
Read the Article
Monday, April 13, 2009
"Annie" is tonight!
When Kary Walker was a rehearsal pianist, right out of high school, for a show being choreographed by Patsy Swayze — yes, the mother of actor Patrick Swayze — he spied a man in a suit telling people what to do...
Article by Dru Willis
The State-Journal Register
Read the article
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Hubbard Street dancers push physicality to its limits
Glenn Edgerton, the associate artistic director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, remembers the first time he saw the “The Constant Shift of Pulse” in rehearsal. That night, he attended a basketball game. “They were so timid in their movements compared to what I’d just seen in the studio,” Edgerton said.
Article by Brian Mackey
The State Journal-Register
Read the Article
Read the Article
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sneak Preview! Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
If you're curious about what Hubbard Street Dance Chicago will perform at Sangamon Auditorium - here is your sneak preview! The company is planning to present 3 pieces during the performance on Thursday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. Off Screen uses music from movies, focusing on the progression of moods and feelings found in both film and music. The Constant Shift of Pulse is an intricate and visually powerful piece that illuminates the purity of movement as the dancers test the boundaries of trust and release. The third work, Minus 16, features unexpected music choices, ranging from Dean Martin to cha cha to traditional Israeli folk music. Ideas and thoughts of the choreographer and HSDC dancers captured in audio recordings add another layer to this work.
Here's a clip of HSDC performing another work titled Extremely Close.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Class Acts 500,000th Attendee Celebration!
Yesterday Sangamon Auditorium, UIS welcomed the 500,000th attendee at a Class Acts event at the 12:30 p.m. performance of Mad Science - CSI: Live!.
Dominic, a third grader from Christ the King, was honored as our 500,000th attendee. Here he is pictured with (L to R) a representative from show sponsor Sangamon Schools Credit Union, Sangamon Auditorium Director Robert Vaughn, UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen, and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UIS Harry Berman.
Sangamon Schools Credit Union provided 30 tickets to give away to one of the schools attending this performance to use next season. Dominic helped the Auditorium staff by drawing the name of the winning school, Owen Marsh Elementary School.
You can watch a short video from the event:
Dominic, a third grader from Christ the King, was honored as our 500,000th attendee. Here he is pictured with (L to R) a representative from show sponsor Sangamon Schools Credit Union, Sangamon Auditorium Director Robert Vaughn, UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen, and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UIS Harry Berman.Sangamon Schools Credit Union provided 30 tickets to give away to one of the schools attending this performance to use next season. Dominic helped the Auditorium staff by drawing the name of the winning school, Owen Marsh Elementary School.
You can watch a short video from the event:
Announcing 2009-2010 Class Acts Season
In conjunction with celebrating the 500,000th attendee, Sangamon Auditorium, UIS also announced the 2009-2010 Class Acts season yesterday. This will be the 24th season of Class Acts performances; and the first show, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, is the 250th production in the Class Acts series.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Wednesday, October 21 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades 3-4
Nine-year-old Peter Hatcher’s life would be sweet if it weren’t for Fudge, his toddler terror of a brother. Two Beans Productions captures all the humor, sibling rivalry and elementary school angst of Judy Blume’s classic book.
The Rainbow Fish
Wednesday, November 4 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades K-2
With her lovely coloring and shimmering scales, the Rainbow Fish is used to being the most beautiful creature in the ocean. Will some good advice from the wise old Octopus persuade the Rainbow Fish to share her gifts with those around her? ArtsPower has turned Marcus Pfister’s bestselling book into a delightful and touching musical about the value of sharing true friendship with others.
The Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble
Tuesday, November 10 • 12:30 p.m.
Grades 4-12
This one-of-a-kind ensemble of American Indian champions and award winners offers a rich variety of American Indian traditions and aesthetics in dance, instrumentals, song, storytelling, sign language and audience interaction. Surrounding the dance are educational explanations woven into stories and narratives folded into a seamlessly integrated program that focuses equally on intriguing education and inspiring entertainment.
MatheMagic!
Monday, November 16
10 a.m. Grades 6-8 • 12:30 p.m. Grades 3-5
Hailed as one of the preeminent shows for young people, MatheMagic! features world-class magic, comedy, and theatre. Amidst all the oohs, aahs, and laughter, Bradley Fields challenges, provokes, and elicits critical thinking and problem-solving. Kids leave the theater brimming with confidence and a gain a new fascination for the history, the power and the beauty of the language of math.
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
Wednesday, February 3 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades 4-8
This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery. As Harriet and her friend Sarah Bradford narrate her adventurous life, we share in the joys, sorrows, and challenges faced by this brave woman who changed the world through her courage.
Junie B. Jones
Friday, February 5 • 10 a.m.
Grades K-3
Outspoken, precocious, lovable Junie B. Jones stars in a colorful, funny, fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament, and other various first-grade angst-ridden situations. Follow her adventures as she writes down the story of her life in her “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal.”
The Little Engine that Could
Monday, February 22 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades K-2
In this well-loved classic featuring songs, dance and dazzling costumes, the Little Engine overcomes seemingly impossible odds to carry a train full of toys over an imposing mountain. The Little Engine That Could is an entertaining and inspirational favorite that offers a valuable lesson about the power of optimism.
Romeo & Juliet
The Acting Company
Friday, March 5 • 9:45 a.m.
Grades 9-12
Shakespeare’s iconic romantic tragedy of innocent young lovers falling victim to family hatred and cruel destiny... swords clash, everlasting love is promised, and a treacherous sleeping potion is swallowed in the greatest love story of all time. Young love has never been so delightful or as dangerous as in this stirring new production.
Nobody’s Perfect
Monday, March 22 • 10 a.m.
Grades 3-7
Based on the children’s book by Academy Award® winner Marlee Matlin (Best Actress, Children of a Lesser God) and Doug Cooney, this touching new musical—simultaneously performed in spoken English and American Sign Language—is an important reminder that despite first impressions, nobody’s perfect.
More information about all of these shows is available on the Class Acts website.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Wednesday, October 21 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades 3-4
Nine-year-old Peter Hatcher’s life would be sweet if it weren’t for Fudge, his toddler terror of a brother. Two Beans Productions captures all the humor, sibling rivalry and elementary school angst of Judy Blume’s classic book.
The Rainbow Fish
Wednesday, November 4 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades K-2
With her lovely coloring and shimmering scales, the Rainbow Fish is used to being the most beautiful creature in the ocean. Will some good advice from the wise old Octopus persuade the Rainbow Fish to share her gifts with those around her? ArtsPower has turned Marcus Pfister’s bestselling book into a delightful and touching musical about the value of sharing true friendship with others.
The Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble
Tuesday, November 10 • 12:30 p.m.
Grades 4-12
This one-of-a-kind ensemble of American Indian champions and award winners offers a rich variety of American Indian traditions and aesthetics in dance, instrumentals, song, storytelling, sign language and audience interaction. Surrounding the dance are educational explanations woven into stories and narratives folded into a seamlessly integrated program that focuses equally on intriguing education and inspiring entertainment.
MatheMagic!
Monday, November 16
10 a.m. Grades 6-8 • 12:30 p.m. Grades 3-5
Hailed as one of the preeminent shows for young people, MatheMagic! features world-class magic, comedy, and theatre. Amidst all the oohs, aahs, and laughter, Bradley Fields challenges, provokes, and elicits critical thinking and problem-solving. Kids leave the theater brimming with confidence and a gain a new fascination for the history, the power and the beauty of the language of math.
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
Wednesday, February 3 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades 4-8
This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery. As Harriet and her friend Sarah Bradford narrate her adventurous life, we share in the joys, sorrows, and challenges faced by this brave woman who changed the world through her courage.
Junie B. Jones
Friday, February 5 • 10 a.m.
Grades K-3
Outspoken, precocious, lovable Junie B. Jones stars in a colorful, funny, fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament, and other various first-grade angst-ridden situations. Follow her adventures as she writes down the story of her life in her “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal.”
The Little Engine that Could
Monday, February 22 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades K-2
In this well-loved classic featuring songs, dance and dazzling costumes, the Little Engine overcomes seemingly impossible odds to carry a train full of toys over an imposing mountain. The Little Engine That Could is an entertaining and inspirational favorite that offers a valuable lesson about the power of optimism.
Romeo & Juliet
The Acting Company
Friday, March 5 • 9:45 a.m.
Grades 9-12
Shakespeare’s iconic romantic tragedy of innocent young lovers falling victim to family hatred and cruel destiny... swords clash, everlasting love is promised, and a treacherous sleeping potion is swallowed in the greatest love story of all time. Young love has never been so delightful or as dangerous as in this stirring new production.
Nobody’s Perfect
Monday, March 22 • 10 a.m.
Grades 3-7
Based on the children’s book by Academy Award® winner Marlee Matlin (Best Actress, Children of a Lesser God) and Doug Cooney, this touching new musical—simultaneously performed in spoken English and American Sign Language—is an important reminder that despite first impressions, nobody’s perfect.
More information about all of these shows is available on the Class Acts website.
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