Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts
"The Hett" is Southern Illinois' premier performing arts venue, presenting world class dance, drama, classical music and jazz. The 479-seat auditorium is located on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, Illinois, 25 miles from St. Louis.
The Accidental Hero
A True Story That Transcends Time
Tuesday, October 20 // 7:30 p.m.
The Accidental Hero is a multi-media one-man show about Lieutenant Colonel Matt Konop, a WWII American officer who miraculously liberates the Czech villages of his grandparents. It's a true story written and performed by his grandson, Patrick Dewane.
Patrick's grandfather refused to talk about his service in the war. When he died, his basement yielded a treasure trove of typewritten accounts, photos, and rare film footage.
Dewane brings this archival material to glowing life as an enthralling, humorous and heartwarming tale of miraculous escapes and astonishing coincidences. This touching show runs from belly laughs to tears. Dewane takes on a dozen different roles as he powerfully recounts his grandfather's journey from Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the end of WWII. In the last week of the war, Konop's story turns away from a soldier's survival tale to something from mythology. He discovers his lost identity and is embraced by the tribe he never knew in an epic homecoming. As he freed the Czechs, he too, was liberated.
FRIENDS: $32.00 Adult / $28.00 Senior / $16.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $40.00 Adult / $35.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth
Lanter Lecture Series:
Colin Adams '02
Entrepreneur and Owner of LeaveGuru, A Medical Absence Management Firm
Thursday, October 22 // 3:30 p.m.
Colin Adams ’02, is a former McKendree football player who has built a successful career in entrepreneurship and commercial real estate. Inspired by personal experiences navigating medical leave paperwork as both a new father and the husband of a physician, Adams founded LeaveGuru, an innovative platform designed to streamline the FMLA certification process for patients and healthcare providers. Drawing from his background in finance, technology, and business ownership, Adams will share insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and identifying real-world problems that can lead to impactful business solutions.
This event is sponsored by the University’s annual Wayne E. Lanter Series, which invites influential business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their insight and strategies for success. Admission is free, and the public is welcome to attend the lecture in the Hett.
Tickets are FREE, advanced reservations are required.
The 39 Steps
Presented by McKendree Theatre
Friday, November 6 // 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 7 // 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 8 // 2:30 p.m.
In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, The 39 Steps amounts to an unforgettable evening (or afternoon) of pure pleasure!
GENERAL ADMISSION: $5.00
FREE for McKendree Students, Faculty, & Staff
