Home   |   Look Who’s Coming to McKendree University’s Hett Center in 2018-2019

Look Who's Coming to McKendree University's Hett Center in 2018-2019

(LEBANON, Ill., July 11, 2018) — A well-known Chicago comedy troupe will launch the 2018-2019 season at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University. The Hett’s upcoming season will feature a variety of music, modern dance, family-friendly entertainment, films and speakers. Preview the season at theHett.com.

Tickets will be available to the public at noon on Aug. 29 (on sale now for Friends of the Hett). Become a patron or buy tickets at theHett.com, the box office, or by calling 618-537-6863 (1-800-BEARCAT, ext. 6863). All events are held at the 488-seat performing arts center on campus. Ticket prices range from $5 for children’s school matinees to $38 for adults, with discounts for seniors and students. Some programs are free, including student performances.

Performing in 2018-2019 will be the following:

Sept. 28, 8:30 p.m.: The Second City. Chicago’s legendary sketch and improvisational comedy troupe celebrates 60 years of cutting-edge satire.

Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan. A mesmerizing, colorful journey filled with the vibrant music and dance of northern India.

Oct. 25-26, 7:30 p.m.: The Midtown Men. Former stars of the Broadway hit “Jersey Boys” deliver a musical tour de force celebrating the best of the Sixties.

Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.: Jaimee Paul. A sultry songstress performs jazz standards with her combo led by her husband and musical partner, trumpeter Leif Shires.

Dec. 11-13, 7:30 p.m.: U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America. Three nights of patriotic, joyful and uplifting music to put audiences in the holiday spirit.

Jan. 30, 2019, 7 p.m.: Imago Theatre: FROGZ! Inventive, entertaining and hilarious family- friendly entertainment. Additional school matinee.

Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.: Aquila Theatre: “Frankenstein.” The classically trained New York company presents Mary Shelley’s tale of science run amok. Additional school matinee.

Feb.: 22, 7:30 p.m.: We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Instrumentalist and vocalist Damien Sneed’s powerful, genre-defying show is filled with music, joy and hope.

Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Third Coast Percussion. The versatile Grammy-winning ensemble explores the extraordinary depth and breadth of musical possibilities in percussion.

March 6, 7:30 p.m.: Cirque Éloize: “Saloon.” A western-themed, circus theater extravaganza with extraordinary acrobatics, inspired by a rich historical and musical heritage.

April 8, 7:30 p.m.: tenThing. Arguably the finest female trumpet player, Norwegian Tine Thing Helseth leads a 10-piece, all-female brass ensemble that is equal parts virtuosity and fun.

April 17, 7:30 p.m.: Paul Taylor Dance Company. A true pioneer of modern dance, Paul Taylor and his company have traveled the world performing his ever-growing body of work.

Admission is $20 adults, $18 seniors and $10 students for children—or $50 for the series—for three National Geographic Live events, sponsored by the McCammon Distinguished Speaker Series:

Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.: Kobie Boykins, a NASA engineer on the front line of Mars exploration.  

Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Steve Winter, a wildlife photographer on a worldwide mission to save big cats.

Jan. 23, 2019, 7:30 p.m.: Dr. Kara Cooney, an Egyptologist, examines an ancient time when women ruled the world.

The idea lab will return on March 19 with five fascinating, informative talks, to be announced.

The Hett’s Film Art Series will present “I, Tonya,” Sept. 29; “Ex Machina,” Oct. 11; “The Florida Project,” Nov. 26; “Throne of Blood,” Dec. 5; “Sita Sings the Blues,” March 21, 2019; and Academy Award Best Picture nominees to be announced in 2019.

The McKendree University Series presents the best of student talent (some dates or times may be subject to change):

  • Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.: Potpourri Concert

  • Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.: Faculty Recital

  • Nov. 8-10, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 11, 2 p.m.: “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” a collaboration by the Theatre and Music Departments and the Show Choir

  • Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m.: Marching Bearcat Band Concert

  • Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.: Concert Band Concert

  • Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Dance Recital

  • Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.: Chamber Ensemble Concert
  • Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.: Show Choir Christmas Spectacular
  • Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.: Jazz Ensemble Concert
  • Dec. 7, 2018, 7:30 p.m.: A McKendree Christmas, featuring the Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz and Wind Ensembles, Dance Ensemble and a student art exhibit
  • April 4-6, 2019, 7:30 p.m.; April 7, 2 p.m.: Theatre Department Play: “Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” by Sarah Ruhl
  • April 25, 7:30 p.m.: Dance Recital
  • April 26, 7:30 p.m.: Choral Concert
  • April 29, 5 p.m.: Jazz Ensemble Concert
  • April 30, 7:30 p.m.: Chamber Ensemble Concert
  • May 3, 7:30 p.m.: Concert Band Concert
  • May 4-5, 7:30 p,m.: Show Choir Finale: “This Is Me”

 

-McK-