Current Events
View the full Hett calendar.
McKendree presents 2018-2019
Kobie Boykins, NASA Engineer: Exploring Mars
Friday, September 14, 2018, @ 7:30 p.m.
A dynamic young engineer at NASA‘s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Kobie Boykins is on the front line of Mars exploration. As supervisor of the mobility and remote
sensing teams for the rover Curiosity, he has monitored headline-making studies, including
proof of the former presence of water on Mars, indicating that the planet could have
supported life. Boykins will recount the challenges and triumphs of the Mars exploration
rover missions, sharing remarkable images and discoveries that continue to come to
us from the Red Planet.
Boykins designed the solar arrays that power the Mars exploration rovers, Spirit and
Opportunity. Landing on Mars on January 25, 2004, Opportunity was designed to survive
a mission lasting approximately 90 days. Remarkably, the rover continues to traverse
the surface of Mars to this day, sending back valuable scientific data. Boykins also
was responsible for the design of actuators on Curiosity, the Mars Science Laboratory,
which landed safely on Mars in 2012.
Generously Supported by the George E. McCammon Memorial Distinguished Speaker Series
Nat Geo Live! 3 Show Package: $50 ($30 child/student)
or
Individual show ticket: $20 adult, $18 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University
students FREE
I, Tonya (2017)
Wednesday, September 26, 2018, @ 7:00 p.m.
The story of competitive ice skater Tonya Harding, who rose among the U.S. figure
skating ranks but whose future was thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervened.
Rated R; 2 hours.
FREE! No Tickets Required
The Second City
Friday, September 28, 2018, @ 8:30 p.m.
(please note later start time)
The Second City opened its doors on a snowy Chicago night in December 1959, and a
comedy revolution began. The small cabaret theater grew to become the most influential
and prolific comedy empire in the world, developing a unique way of creating art and
fostering generations of superstars. The legendary improvisational comedy club launched
the careers of John Belushi, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael
Key, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Gilda Radner, Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, and many more.
Fast and always spectacularly funny, Second City is celebrating 60 years of cutting-edge
satire, improvisations, and sketch comedy. It has earned a reputation as the world’s
premier comedy club, theater, and school of improvisation, with live shows every night
in Chicago, Toronto, and Hollywood. Its self-mocking name comes from the title of
an article about Chicago that appeared in The New Yorker in 1952.
$20 adult, $18 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University students FREE
Corporate Sponsor: Mathis, Marifian & Richter
Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan
Sunday, October 7, 2018, @ 3:00 p.m.
Direct from Jaipur, India, come “the cultural ambassadors of Rajasthan,” a passionate
and spirited collective of musicians, dancers, troubadours, poets, and a fakir (fire eater). Dhoad takes you on a mesmerizing journey filled with hypnotic, complex
melodies and intense grooves that blend Hindustani classical and Sufi devotional music.
The vibrant, colorful show and captivating sound is an invitation to the deep, mysterious
life of semi-nomadic desert tribes. Dhoad celebrates the rich history of Rajasthani
music and dance to pay true homage to the Rom—Gypsies who left India 1,000 years ago.
Founder and Artistic Director Rahis Bharti is a seventh-generation descendant of the courtier musician caste called Khan Saheb,
who performed for the royal courts of Indian rulers, the Maharajas.
The company has performed more than 1,100 concerts in 100 countries over the last
16 years, most notably at Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee; Mick Jagger’s birthday
party; for former French president François Hollande, and the Prime Minister of India.
$26 adult, $24 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University students FREE
Generously Supported by Mr. Frank Spreng and Mrs. Jane Spreng
Ex Machina (2014)
Thursday, October 11, 2018, @ 7:00 p.m.
A young programmer participates in a groundbreaking experiment in synthetic intelligence
by evaluating the human qualities of a breath-taking humanoid A.I.
Rated R; 1 hour, 48 min.
FREE! No Tickets Required
Steve Winter, Wildlife Photographer: On the Trail of Big Cats
Wednesday, October 17, 2018, @ 7:30 p.m.
Wildlife photographer Steve Winter has spent more than 20 years leading photographic expeditions to remote locations
around the world on a mission to save big cats.
Winter’s father gave him his first camera at age seven—and there was no turning back.
He eventually graduated from the Academy of Art and the University of San Francisco,
and became a photojournalist for Black Star Photo Agency. He has produced stories
for GEO, Time, Newsweek, Fortune, Natural History, Audubon, BusinessWeek and Scientific American, and published more than 30 articles and two books with National Geographic. He is best known for his photography and conservation efforts involving jaguars,
cougars, leopards, snow leopards, and—the most critically endangered of all—tigers.
His dedication to the protection of these iconic animals has made Winter a cornerstone
of the National Geographic Big Cats Initiative, a long-term commitment to stop poaching,
preserve habitats, and support education to halt extinction. In 2013, National Geographic published his photography book, Tigers Forever: Saving the World’s Most Endangered Cat. He lectures globally on photography and conservation issues and has appeared on
CBS Nightly News, 60 Minutes, NPR, BBC, and CNN.
Generously Supported by the George E. McCammon Memorial Distinguished Speaker Series
Nat Geo Live! 3 Show Package: $50 ($30 child/student)
or
Individual show ticket: $20 adult, $18 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University
students FREE
The Midtown Men
Stars from the Original Cast of Jersey Boys
Thursday, October 25, 2018, @ 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 26, 2018, @ 7:30 p.m.
Four Broadway veterans deliver a musical tour de force celebrating the best of the
Sixties. Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer sing favorite hits by The Beatles, The Rascals, The Turtles, Motown, The Four Seasons,
and more.
These talented entertainers shared the Broadway stage for over a thousand performances
in the mega-hit “Jersey Boys.” Now, as The Midtown Men, they have thrilled crowds
on concert stages across the U.S., Canada and in Beijing, performing over 600 shows
and singing with 31 major symphony orchestras. The Midtown Men have delighted television
audiences on “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” “Access Hollywood,” “Katie,”
and “The Chew,” and on two public television concert specials. Their first radio single,
“All Alone on Christmas,” was written and produced by rock icon and “Sopranos” star
Steven Van Zandt and backed by Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. The group performed
the song at the White House for the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
“As good as popping ‘Meet the Beatles’ on my turntable for the first time!"- Time Magazine editor
“Inspired!” – New York Daily News
Generously Supported by David, Lynn, Jerry and Sharon Cornell
Corporate Sponsor: TheBank of Edwardsville
$38 adult, $36 senior, $20 student/child, McKendree University students FREE
Note: Not a performance of, not affiliated with the show Jersey Boys
Jaimee Paul featuring trumpeter Leif Shires
Tuesday, November 13, 2018, @ 7:30 p.m.
A jazz maven with sultry, bluesy pipes delivers impressive tributes to Etta James,
Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone.
Raised in Southern Illinois, singing in school and church choirs, Jaimee Paul was influenced by gospel and blues but cultivated a special place in her heart for
jazz. From an early age, she was attracted to the gospel and jazz traditions of individual interpretation, embellishment,
and strong rhythmic drive.
She has performed with Lyle Lovett, Wynonna, The Judds, and Kelly Clarkson. Her 2008
debut record “At Last,” a collection of signature songs associated with the great female jazz and pop icons,
topped the iTunes Jazz charts. “Bonded,” a tribute to James Bond films, reached the top ten,
while “Hear My Prayer” earned a 2013 Dove Award nomination for Best Inspirational
Album. Her self-produced album, “Angel Like You,” combines jazz standards and original songs.
Her husband, trumpet player Leif Shires, has worked with artists across many genres, including Kelly Clarkson, Jack White, Eliza
and the Bear, Barry Gibb, and T.G. Sheppard.
Generously Supported by Doug Phillips and Associates and Jan Phillips
Corporate Sponsor: Country Financial
$26 adult, $24 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University students FREE
The Florida Project (2017)
Monday, November 26, 2018, @ 7:00 p.m.
Precocious six-year-old Moonee courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates
and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, while living in the shadows of Walt
Disney World.
Rated R; 1 hour, 51 min.
FREE! No Tickets Required
Throne of Blood (1957)
Wednesday, December 5, 2018, @ 7:00 p.m.
A war-hardened general, egged on by his ambitious wife, works to fulfill a prophecy
that he would become lord of Spider's Web Castle. Directed by Akira Kurosawa.
Not rated; 1 hour, 50 min.
FREE! No Tickets Required
United States Air Force Band of Mid-America
Tuesday, December 11, 2018, @ 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018, @ 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 13, 2018, @ 7:30 p.m.
Always a guaranteed holiday favorite! Three nights of patriotic, joyful, and uplifting
music by the musical ambassadors of Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott Air
Force Base are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America’s Concert Band is composed of 45 enlisted
professional musicians who represent the professionalism and excellence found throughout
the U.S. Air Force. The ensemble’s diverse repertoire ranges from symphonic band masterworks
and traditional marches to modern compositions and jazz. The band also features professional
vocal soloists performing a wide variety of popular, classical, patriotic, and holiday
selections.
FREE, Reservations Required
Dr. Kara Cooney, Egyptologist: When Women Ruled the World
Wednesday, January 23, 2019, @ 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Kathlyn (Kara) Cooney, professor of Egyptology, examines a time in ancient history when women ruled the
world. Often neglected in the history books, these women were exceptions to the rule,
political pawns in a patriarchal society, yet their power and influence is undeniable.
Cleopatra used her sexuality—and her money—to build alliances with warlords of the
Roman Empire. Neferusobek was the first woman to take definitively the title of king.
Nefertiti is known more for her beauty than for bringing a fractured Egypt together.
What can we learn from how they ruled?
Cooney is a professor of Egyptian art and architecture at UCLA. Specializing in craft
production, coffin studies, and economies in the ancient world, she received her Ph.D.
in Egyptology from Johns Hopkins University. In 2005, she was co-curator of “Tutankhamunan
and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Generously Supported by the George E. McCammon Memorial Distinguished Speaker Series
Nat Geo Live! 3 Show Package: $50 ($30 child/student)
or
Individual show ticket: $20 adult, $18 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University
students FREE
Imago Theatre: FROGZ
Wednesday, January 30, 2019, @ 10:00 a.m (School matinee: $5 child; for every 10 children, one FREE ticket for chaperone)
Wednesday, January 30, 2019, @ 7:00 p.m.
Inventive, entertaining, and hilarious! FROGZ is penguins playing musical chairs,
a cat trapped in a giant paper bag, and orbs running wild through the audience in
a madcap revue of illusion, comedy, and fun. It has been described as Cirque Du Soleil-evoking
acrobatics mixed with Mummenschanz-like mime, set in a unique—yet accessible—French-influenced,
avant-garde playground. Imago’s ingenious masks, mesmerizing movement, outlandish
costumes, and original music create a carnival of the absurd, presenting universal
themes with a playful touch, as animals and inanimate objects take on human characteristics.
FROGZ is the Portland, Oregon-based Imago Theatre’s signature work. Seen on stage
and television by over a million viewers, it enjoyed two runs on Broadway and put
Imago on the international map.
Family friendly entertainment, recommended for ages 3 and older.
“Move over Blue Man Group, FROGZ is in town!” - The Boston Herald
“Inspired fun! A mastery of mime, dance, and acrobatics!” - The New York Times
Generously Supported by Dr. Delbert L. Harris and Mrs. Mary J. Metzger-Harris '62
Arts Education Generously Supported by Allison Cassens Early Childhood Development
and Dr. Linda Cassens
$20 adult, $18 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University students FREE
Aquila Theatre: Frankenstein
Monday, February 11, 2019, @ 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019, @ 10:00 a.m.
(School matinee: $5 child; for every 10 children, one free ticket for chaperone)
The classically trained, hip New York theatre company returns to the Hett with Mary
Shelley’s frightening tale of science run amok. Victor Frankenstein is a Swiss scientist
with a mission to create an artificial human. Without considering the consequences
of such progress, he succeeds—with terrifying results. After wandering the world alone,
the monster eventually comes for Frankenstein’s family. Horrific events unfold until
the doctor tentatively agrees to create a mate for the creature. Ultimately, the doctor
refuses in an effort to spare humanity but bears the terrible and personal penalties
of his decision.
Written in 1818, Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus is the first true science fiction novel. Years ahead of its time, it has inspired
countless film and stage adaptations. Two hundred years later, Frankenstein still poses a myriad of critical ethical questions about the nature of innovation
and the outcome of scientific discovery.
Generously Supported by Robert and Grace Renner Welch Endowment
Arts Education Generously Supported by Allison Cassens Early Childhood Development
and Dr. Linda Cassens
$20 adult, $18 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University students FREE
"We Shall Overcome" - A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Friday, February 22, 2019, @ 7:30 p.m.
Inspired by the words and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this powerful, genre-defying
show is filled with music, joy, and hope. It features repertoire from African-American
music traditions that electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders,
interwoven with spoken words from Dr. King’s recorded speeches.
“We Shall Overcome” ties together a lineage of music and culture that includes gospel,
classical music, jazz, Broadway and traditional spirituals. From Aretha Franklin to
Wynton Marsalis, Duke Ellington to Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone to Donny Hathaway, or
music from “the Wiz,” Producer and Musical Director Damien Sneed’s understanding of each genre allows him to cover so much musical ground fluidly in
a single performance.
He has worked with Wynton Marsalis, operatic soprano Jessye Norman and tenor Lawrence
Brownlee, and has toured extensively with Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, and the Clark
Sisters.
“An ambassador for classical and gospel music who brings positivity, optimism and
thoroughness to every occasion… He uses his artistry to make our world a better place.”
- Wynton Marsalis
Generously Supported by Mr. Allen P. Cain
$26 adult, $24 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University students FREE
Third Coast Percussion
Wednesday, February 27, 2019, @ 10:00 a.m.
(School matinee: $5 child; for every 10 children, one free ticket for chaperone)
Thursday, February 28, 2019, @ 7:30 p.m.
This Grammy-winning quartet has forged a unique musical path with virtuosic, energetic
performances that celebrate the extraordinary depth and breadth of possibilities in
the world of percussion. Hailing from Chicago, the members are also accomplished teachers
and the ensemble-in-residence at the University of Notre Dame since 2012.
A direct connection with the audience is at the core of their work, whether they are
speaking from the stage about a new piece of music; encouraging the audience to play
along; or inviting fans around the world to create new music using one of their free
mobile apps.
Their curiosity and eclectic taste have led to unlikely collaborations that have produced
exciting new art. The group has worked with engineers at the University of Notre Dame,
architects at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, dancers at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago,
and musicians from traditions ranging from the mbira music of Zimbabwe’s Shona people, to indie rockers, to some of the world’s leading
concert musicians.
“Commandingly elegant” – The New York Times
“Rare power” - Washington Post
Generously Supported by George Obernagel '78
Arts Education Generously Supported by Allison Cassens Early Childhood Development
and Dr. Linda Cassens
$20 adult, $18 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University students FREE
Cirque Éloize: Saloon - SOLD OUT!
Wednesday, March 6, 2019, @ 7:30 p.m.
Imagine this: America is expanding. The railroad is snaking westward. In the desert,
a town comes to life. The saloon doors swing open to reveal a motley cast of characters,
each with a tale to tell.
Theatre and circus collide in Saloon, Cirque Éloize’s 11th original creation, inspired by a rich historical and musical heritage. The music
of Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash mix with festive, folk-inspired compositions as a fiddle
sets the tone for a musical adventure that sweeps the audience up in a flurry of energy.
Strength, agility, original choreography and spectacular acrobatic prowess combine
for an action-packed thrill ride! The Korean plank, aerial straps, Cyr wheel, juggling,
hand-to-hand, and a variety of movements tell an incredible love story of the Wild
West, where almost anything goes. Never before has a piano tuner created such a ruckus!
Éloize (pronounced “el-WAZ”) means “heat lightning” in the Acadian dialect of the
Iles-de-la Madeleine, or Magdalen Islands, archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
southeast of Québec. Artists from the first Cirque Éloize, started in 1993, were from
these islands.
Generously Supported by Betty H. Ford and the late Col. William Ford
Corporate Sponsor: Country Financial
Become a Friend of the Hett to receive an advanced ticket purchase privilege!
the idea lab
Tuesday, March 19, 2019, @ 7:30 p.m.
After a successful debut in 2016, the idea lab returns with five more fascinating,
informative talks on one memorable night! Speakers will be announced in 2019; keep
checking for more details.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - Deadline Sept. 1
$5 general admission seating, McKendree University faculty/staff/students FREE
Sita Sings the Blues (2008)
Thursday, March 21, 2019, @ 7:00 p.m.
An animated version of the epic Indian tale of Ramayana set to the 1920s jazz vocals
of Annette Hanshaw.
Not rated; 1 hour, 22 min.
FREE! No Tickets Required
tenThing
Monday, April 8, 2019, @ 7:30 p.m.
Arguably the finest female trumpet player in the world, Norwegian soloist Tine Thing Helseth leads a 10-piece, all-female brass ensemble that is equal parts virtuosity and fun.
Formed in 2007 as a collaboration between musical friends, tenThing has firmly established
itself on the international scene to great acclaim. The ensemble’s diverse repertoire
spans Mozart to Weill, Grieg to Bernstein, and Lully to Bartok. The group works closely
with Norwegian guitarist and arranger Jarle Storløkken on scores that enable the ensemble
to play pieces of differing instrumentations.
tenThing delighted the audience with an opening number at the 2011 Norwegian Grammy
Awards. It has performed at international festival plays in Germany, China, and Italy,
and contributed an enthusiastically acclaimed performance to the BBC Chamber Proms
series.
“Infectious in their enthusiasm and energy, and their intimacy” – The Guardian, U.K.
“A superstar of tomorrow” – BBC Music Magazine
Generously Supported by Together Wee Grow
$20 adult, $18 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University students FREE
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Wednesday, April 17, 2019, @ 7:30 p.m.
Eminent choreographer Paul Taylor has produced a breadth of work that displays his incredible talent, never shying away
from subjects often ignored by the art form. A professional dancer and pioneering
choreographer since 1954, he continues to shape America’s indigenous art of modern
dance. A performer with Martha Graham’s company for several years, he uniquely bridges
the legendary founders of modern dance—Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, Ted Shawn,
Doris Humphrey and Ms. Graham—with 21st century dance makers.
Humorous and romantic, he continues to create pieces for his world-famous dance company
and commissions works from a new generation of choreographers. His dance company has
traveled the globe many times over, performing an ever-growing body of work. Through
a new initiative at the Lincoln Center—Paul Taylor Modern American Dance—great modern
works of the past and outstanding works by today’s leading choreographers are presented
along with the Taylor Company’s own vast repertoire.
Generously Supported by Mr. Randy Wells
Additional funding for this presentation is supported by the Arts Midwest Touring
Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from
the Illinois Arts Council and the Crane Group.
$26 adult, $24 senior, $10 student/child, McKendree University students FREE
Additional Links
Student Performances
McKendree Department of Music
McKendree Department of Theater
