Current Events
2023-2024 Season
A Night in Rio, feat. Janet Evra
Saturday, September 23 @ 7:30 p.m.
Jazz Vocalist and Bassist
Janet Evra blends traditional bossa nova, samba, and Latin jazz with modern continental
influences and an indie twist to produce fresh, lush, original music in English, Portuguese,
Spanish, and French. Her favorites include Edith Piaf and Charles Trenet, including
“La Mer” and “La Vie en Rose.” From Gloucester, England, Janet is a vocalist, bassist,
composer, and songwriter based in St. Louis. She released her debut album, Ask Her to Dance, to critical acclaim in 2018.
FRIENDS: $28.00 Adult / $24.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $35.00 Adult / $30.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
The Wee Heavies
Friday, October 6 @ 7:30 p.m.
Celtic A Cappella
Back by popular demand! The Wee Heavies have won a following with their eclectic mix
of Scottish, Irish, and American folk music, which combines tradition, innovative
and original arrangements, and moving interpretation. Dedicated to music from and
influenced by the Celtic tradition, tenors Aaron Schiltz and Peter Merideth, baritone
Jay Harkey, and bass Steve Neale began singing together in St. Louis’ Shaw neighborhood
in 2013 after they observed a distinct lack of a cappella Celtic music at charitable
events. They create a sound rich in harmony with unexpected twists and an energy that
has audiences clapping, stomping, and singing along.
FRIENDS: $28.00 Adult / $24.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $35.00 Adult / $30.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
The Science of Stuck with Britt Frank
Tuesday, October 10 @ 7:00 p.m.
Licensed Psychotherapist and Author
We all experience stuckness in our lives—in our relationships, careers, our bodies, habits, and more. We know we need to move forward, but don’t know how, creating a loop of self-doubt that goes nowhere. The problem has been exacerbated by the isolation and setbacks of the pandemic, resulting in unprecedented levels of dissatisfaction, and life questions. As a sought-after psychotherapist, Britt Frank’s work focuses on the mental health myths that keep us stuck, stressed, and burned out. With just a few key pieces of information about the brain, the capacity for choice returns and we can get back into the driver’s seat of our lives.
FRIENDS: $20.00 Adult / $16.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $25.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
McKendree University Faculty, Staff, and Students FREE
The Music of Lewis and Clark
Thursday, October 12 @ 10:00 a.m. (Arts Education)
Recommended for K-8
Follow the amazing adventures of Lewis and Clark, with a musical journey from St.
Louis, up to the Missouri River, across the Rocky Mountains, and all the way to the
Pacific Ocean!
Presented in partnership with The Sheldon and the Sheldon Band.
FRIENDS: $15.00 Adult / $15.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $15.00 Adult / $15.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth
Reduced Prices for Groups: Call the box offiffice at (618) 537-6863 to purchase tickets,
priced at $5 child; 1 free chaperone/ adult for every 10 tickets purchased.
Homecoming Show
The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Friday, October 20 @ 7:30 p.m.
Blues and Rock
Legendary musical group The Fabulous Thunderbirds will bring their iconic sound, style,
and showmanship to the Hett stage in a performance that is sure to both bring back
old memories and create new ones.
For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American
band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical
styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff
Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.” Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads
the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation.
FRIENDS: $44.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $16.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $55.00 Adult / $50.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth
Cinderella Waltz
Friday, November 3 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 4 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 5 @ 2:30 p.m.
Theatre
Rosey Snow is trapped in a fairy tale world that is by turns funny and a little frightening, with her stepsisters Goneril and Regan, her demented stepmother, her lecherous father, a bewildered Prince, a fairy godmother who sings salty old sailor songs, a troll and a possibly homicidal village idiot. This play investigates the archetypal origins of the world's most popular fairy tale, contrasting the familiar and charming Perrault version with the darker, more ancient and disturbing tale recorded by the brothers Grimm. Grotesque farce and romantic fantasy blend in a fairy tale for adults.
Produced by arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
FRIENDS: $5.00 Adult / $5.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $5.00 Adult / $5.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth
Music of Billy Joel and Elton John, feat. Michael Cavanaugh
Friday, November 10 @ 7:30 p.m.
Pop Rock
The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John features the greatest hits of these two rock
piano legends. Songs include Piano Man, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, Movin’ Out, I’m Still Standing, My Life, and many more.
Michael Cavanaugh stars in this production – in fact, he was handpicked by Billy Joel
to star in the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out, in which Michael received both Tony and Grammy nominations in the lead role. Billboard
calls him the “New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook.” Broadway World has
referred to Cavanaugh as “The New Piano Man” while Reuters has named Cavanaugh Entertainer of the Year.
FRIENDS: $44.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $16.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $55.00 Adult / $50.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth
Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!, feat. Clifton Truman Daniel
Friday, November 17 @ 7:30 p.m.
Historical Theater
Written by Samuel Gallu, Give ‘Em Hell, Harry! is a faithful and often humorous portrayal of President Harry S. Truman’s life and
presidency. It spans his childhood, his “political apprenticeship” as a judge in Jackson
County, Missouri, his years in the U.S. Senate and his momentous two terms as president.
Actor James Whitmore originated the role in 1975. Clifton Truman Daniel took up the
mantle in October 2017, marking the first time in history a U.S. president would be
portrayed onstage by a direct descendant – in this case, his oldest grandson.
FRIENDS: $28.00 Adult / $24.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $35.00 Adult / $30.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
United States Air Force Band of Mid-America Concert Band
Friday, December 8 @ 10:00 a.m. (Arts Education; Recommended for K-12)
Friday, December 8 @ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 9 @ 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 9 @ 7:00 p.m
Holiday Concert
This diverse, 45-piece ensemble’s repertoire ranges from symphonic band masterworks
to traditional marches, modern compositions, pop, and jazz.
A Hett holiday tradition! The talented musical ambassadors of Headquarters Air Mobility
Command at Scott Air Force Base return for three joyful, uplifting performances. The
45 enlisted musicians and vocalists of the Band of Mid-America’s Concert Band represent
the professionalism and excellence found throughout the U.S. Air Force. Their diverse
repertoire includes symphonic masterworks, traditional marches, modern compositions,
and jazz-inspired holiday music. Get your tickets early – these shows sell out fast!
ADMISSION IS FREE FOR FRIENDS & THE PUBLIC. TICKETS ARE REQUIRED.
The Hett and State Street Dance Company co-present: The Nutcracker
Friday, December 15 @ 10:00 a.m. (Arts Education; Recommended for K-12)
Friday, December 15 @ 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 16 @ 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 16 @ 6:30 p.m.
Dance
The ballet classic returns to the Hett this holiday season! This timely holiday classic
features local dance talent and principals from leading professional companies. The
Nutcracker, a two-act Russian ballet with a famous score by Pyotr Iliych Tchaikovsky,
premiered in 1892 and has become a beloved Christmas season tradition. The enchanting
story follows young Clara and her Nutcracker doll from a fancy family Christmas party
to a fierce battle with the evil Mouse King. Their magical adventure continues through
the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, featuring the Sugar Plum Fairy.
State Street Dance Company is a semi-professional ensemble from the Dance Station
School in O’Fallon, Illinois.
FRIENDS: $32.00 Adult / $28.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $40.00 Adult / $35.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
Reduced Prices for Groups: Call the box offiffice at (618) 537-6863 to purchase tickets,
priced at $5 child; 1 free chaperone/ adult for every 10 tickets purchased.
U.S. Navy Fair Winds
Wednesday, January 25 @ 7:00 p.m.
Military Chamber Group
Comprised of professional musicians, Navy Band Great Lakes provides musical support
for military and public engagements throughout the Midwest.
These musicians perform more than 550 missions per year through support for military
ceremonies, student education, and public performances. Fair Winds is a versatile
woodwind ensemble with a repertoire consisting of a variety of styles including classical,
military marches, and patriotic compositions. This small chamber group performs for
military engagements, public concerts, recitals, and educational clinics and performs
for audiences throughout the Midwest, supporting Navy recruiting missions.
ADMISSION IS FREE FOR FRIENDS & THE PUBLIC. TICKETS ARE REQUIRED.
Animaniacs: In Concert
Saturday, February 3 @ 7:30 p.m.
It’s time for Animaniacs – IN CONCERT! Join the voices of Animaniacs, the iconic animated Warner Bros. series, for a “zany, animan-y, and totally insane-y” evening as they perform the world-famous songs from the beloved cartoon series backed
by the original projected animation.
Animaniacs: In Concert stars the show’s original Emmy-winning composer, Randy Rogel,
on piano and the voice talents of Emmy winner Rob Pauslen (Yakko Warner and Pinky
on Animaniacs; Raphael on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Maurice LaMarche (The Brain on Animaniacs; The King in Disney’s Frozen; Kif & Calculon on Futurama).
With new episodes currently streaming on HULU, Animaniacs is a multigenerational animated
favorite with universally recognized hit songs. Fans of all ages will experience Animaniacs
like never before, especially those who grew up watching the series.
FRIENDS: $36.00 Adult / $32.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $45.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
The Traveling Salvation Show
Saturday, February 17 @ 7:30 p.m.
Rock
Think of it as Neil Diamond’s greatest hits played by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
– and it’s so good, so good.
Neil Diamond rocks, and The Traveling Salvation Show will prove it to you. This up-tempo,
rock-oriented tribute to the legendary Neil Diamond will have you dancing and singing
along to all of the classic hits. The hard-driving band recreates the energy of Neil
Diamond’s live arena performances with its own rock flair. Wearing sequins is not
required but highly encouraged!
FRIENDS: $32.00 Adult / $28.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $40.00 Adult / $35.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
These Shining Lives
Thursday, February 29 @ 10:00 a.m. (Arts Education; Recommended for K-12)
Friday, March 1 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 2 @ 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 3 @ 2:30 p.m.
Theatre
These Shining Lives chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. Catherine and her friends are dying, it’s true; but theirs is a story of survival in its most transcendent sense, as they refuse to allow the company that stole their health to kill their spirits—or endanger the lives of those who come after them.
Based on the true story of Catherine Donohue and the women who painted watch faces for the Radium Dial Company in Ottawa, Illinois, in the 1920s. Their employer assured them that the radium they were using was completely safe, even after many of them developed serious health issues. Their successful lawsuit became a cornerstone in the fight for workers’ safety standards nationwide.
Produced by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service
FRIENDS: $5.00 Adult / $5.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $5.00 Adult / $5.00 Senior / $5.00 Youth
Old Time Radio Show with the Masterworks Chorale
Sunday, March 10 @ 3:00 p.m.
Music from the Age of Swing and more, performed by the Masterworks Chorale and Jazz
Ensemble and emcee, broadcaster Steve Jankowski.
The Masterworks Chorale is an ensemble of auditioned singers who enrich the cultural
environment of the Metro East with outstanding performances of significant choral
literature. The membership represents a seven-county area in Illinois and Missouri
and includes a wide variety of professions and musical backgrounds.
FRIENDS: $16.00 Adult / $16.00 Senior / $16.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $20.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth
Giordano Dance Chicago
Saturday, March 23 @ 7:30 p.m.
Dance
For 60 seasons, Giordano Dance Chicago has served as a prime example of a company
that can simultaneously revel in the past and the present. Considered jazz dance royalty,
the electrifying performers of America’s original jazz dance company invariably run
on high-octane fuel and generate a similarly high-powered response from their audience.
FRIENDS: $36.00 Adult / $32.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $45.00 Adult / $40.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
Arcadia Dance Orchestra
Friday, April 5 @ 7:30 p.m.
The Arcadia Dance Orchestra is an authentic, 11-piece 1920s-style jazz band based
in St. Louis. Named after the once-famous Arcadia Ballroom (“On Olive, near Grand”),
the group consists of incredible musicians playing era-correct instruments with red-hot
energy and keen historical accuracy. Hear the exact same sort of music and repertoire
you could expect to hear in St. Louis if you were to travel back in time.
FRIENDS: $16.00 Adult / $16.00 Senior / $16.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $20.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth
What's Your MVP? with Donnie Campbell
Tuesday, April 9 @ 7:00 p.m.
High School Basketball Coach and Real-Life Inspiration for Ted Lasso
Coach Donnie Campbell is not just an inspirational coach, but also in part, the impetus for the wise and ever so cheerful lead character of the Emmy Award Winning show, Ted Lasso. His colorful keynote provides valuable leadership lessons that can be seen on the court, but more importantly applied in the workplace.
At a time when embracing your uniqueness is a rare quality, he shows how to define your core values while forming your mission, values, and plan.
FRIENDS: $20.00 Adult / $16.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $25.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
McKendree University Faculty, Staff, and Students FREE
Head East
Friday, April 19 @ 7:30 p.m.
70s Rock
The legendary classic rock band Head East has long set the standard for authentic,
full-vocal, goodtime rock harmonies that few bands can equal. Their signature song,
“Never Been Any Reason” with notable chorus “Save my life/I’m going down for the last
time” has long been considered by many radio stations across the country as “The Rock
& Roll National Anthem.” This year Head East will be celebrating their 50th anniversary by performing most cuts off their iconic record “Flat As A Pancake.”
FRIENDS: $32.00 Adult / $28.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $40.00 Adult / $35.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
St. Louis Brass Band and Academy Brass Band
Sunday, April 28 @ 3:00 p.m.
The Saint Louis Brass Band consists of thirty professional brass and percussion performers
whose mission is to spread the repertoire of the traditional brass band through many
high-quality performances in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area.
FRIENDS: $16.00 Adult / $16.00 Senior / $16.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $20.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth
