Annual Holiday Presentations At Raue Center For The Arts

Get out of the cold and into Raue Center For The Arts!

 

The theatre is proud to announce its holiday events, which feature a little something for everyone. Join the theatre for annual holiday traditions like Plaid Tidings presented by Williams Street Repertory (November 28 – January 3), Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra (December 11) and Voices In Harmony’s Sing-Along Messiah (December 13). Let Sugar Plum Fairies enchant you for a few hours during The Nutcracker Ballet (December 19 and 20) or laugh your way into 2015 with comedian Steve Cochran and guests at the New Year’s Eve Comedy Show (December 31).  Whatever your pleasure, Raue Center has you covered. For a complete program line-up, details and tickets, visit rauecenter.org.

Plaid Tidings presented by Williams Street Repertory | November 28 -- January 3

Hear favorites from the 50s and 60s and traditional holiday songs delivered with a velvet touch! Stuff your stockings with 1950s tunes and holiday gems like “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” It’s musical fun with a big plaid Christmas bow on top! Tickets start at $32.50.

Night Of Comedy At The Raue Center

Legendary comedian Robert Klein comes to Raue Center For The Arts on April 5, 2014 at 8:00pm. For over 40 years, Robert Klein has entertained audiences on Broadway, television and film. An alumni of Second City, Klein was the first comedian to film an HBO special and has made nine specials for the network. He’s appeared on The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman over 100 times and can be seen in films like The Owl and the Pussycat, Primary Colors and Radioland Murders.

Tickets start at $44. They can be purchased online at RAUECENTER.ORG or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. This event is sponsored by McHenry County Living.

About Robert Klein

For more than forty years, Robert Klein has entertained audiences, and he continues to have an acclaimed career in comedy, on Broadway, on television, and in film. Born in the Bronx, he was a member of the famed “Second City” theatrical troupe in Chicago. He was nominated twice for Grammy Awards for “Best Comedy Album of the Year” for his albums “Child of the Fifties” and “Mind Over Matter.”

He received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor, and won a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his performance in the hit Neil Simon musical, “They’re Playing Our Song.” In 1993, Klein won an Obie and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in Wendy Wasserstein’s, “The Sisters Rosensweig.”

In 1975, Klein was the first comedian to appear in a live concert on Home Box Office. He has gone on to do nine one-man shows for HBO. Klein released “Robert Klein: The HBO Specials 1975-2005,” a collector’s DVD box set to critical acclaim. His most recent special for HBO, “Robert Klein: Unfair and Unbalanced” aired on June 12th, 2010 and is also available on DVD.

Among dozens of starring and guest-starring roles on television, he co-starred in the hit NBC series, “Sisters,” and recently has a recurring guest-starring role on “Law and Order.” He regularly appears on talk-shows, making more than 100 appearances on “The Tonight Show” and “Late Show with David Letterman” alone.

Klein has also appeared in many notable films including, “Hooper,” “The Owl and the Pussycat,” “Primary Colors,” “People I Know,” “Two Weeks Notice,” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” and “The Back-Up Plan” with Jennifer Lopez.

“The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue,” his first book for Simon & Schuster, is an affectionate coming-of-age memoir about growing up in the ‘50s and ‘60s before embarking on a show business career. In it he recounts his journey from an apartment in the Bronx, developing his talent in Chicago and the beginning of his show business stardom. The book is pure Robert Klein: witty, honest, self-questioning and always contagiously funny. Publishers Weekly wrote: "...he unfurls an array of captivating anecdotes, writing with wry wit and honesty.” Robert, a lifelong New Yorker, makes his home in Westchester and New York City..

Run/Walk -- Raue Center For The Arts Benefit

Raue Center For The Arts is pleased to announce its Bob Blazier Run For The Arts 5K Run/Walk, 

Slated for May 4, a superhero theme is introduced to this year’s race! Now in its seventeenth year, runners and walkers alike can be superheroes just for one 5K. The race honors Bob Blazier’s unparalleled community accomplishments and benefits Raue Center – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Participants can rally together with a team, co-workers or hit the pavement solo. Early registration is $35 and includes t-shirt, cape and mask. Not up for a full 5K? Don't forget about Bob's trusty sidekick Rosemary and her 1-Mile Walk ($20 and that fee includes a t-shirt and sidekick mask). Registration is now open at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office located at 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL.

This year’s event also includes the Bob Blaizer Run For The Arts Corporate Challenge, which is designed to help companies foster healthy lifestyle choices and a commitment to wellness, all while participating in a fun and exciting competition. All fitness levels and abilities are welcome to participate in the challenge! Categories include Greatest Overall, Most Money Raised, Most Superhero Spirit and Best Average Team Time. The winner of each category will win a trophy and each member of the winning team will receive a pair of limited edition Bob Blazier Run For The Arts socks.

In addition to being an excellent opportunity for exercise and camaraderie amongst your staff, the event is a great chance for networking and it gives your company an opportunity to expand its social awareness. Interested companies should visit rauecenter.org to learn more or contact Melissa Thomfohrda, director of marketing, at mthomfohrda@rauecenter.org.

This event is by presented by EISENMANN and sponsored by Centegra Health System, CL Graphics, Countryside Flower Shop and Garden Center, Crystal Lake Park District, Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria and Pub, Home State Bank, INTREN, Northwest Herald, RFP Photography, Inc. and Sage Products, Inc. If you are interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor of Bob Blazier Run For The Arts please contact Ryan McNerney at rmcnerney@rauecenter.org.

A Special Luncheon Next Thursday

Raue Center Director of Production -- Michael Vandercook

Raue Center For The Arts welcomes Michael Vandercook to their staff as the Director of Production. Mike began his journey to theatre by earning an M.A. literary and rhetorical theory from the University of New Orleans. He has an MFA in Technical Design and Production from Yale School of Drama. He has served as the Director of Operations and Technical Director for the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, working with The National Theater Institute, National Puppetry Conference, National Music Theater Conference, National Playwright's Conference. He has been a Technical Director for the Dorset Playhouse, the Elm Shakespeare Company, and Yale Repertory Theatre.

“Raue Center is overjoyed to welcome Michael Vandercook! He’s a hell of a great guy—a true gentlemen.  He’s one of the finest minds in the industry and he is anxious to start working with the team,” says Richard Kuranda, executive director. “We continue to build Raue Center into a regional powerhouse with nationally recognized artists as well as incredibly successful in house programs like Williams Street Repertory, The National Piano Conference and Lucy’s Café.”

He has been Production Coordinator for the MFA program at Towson University and Production Manager for Baltimore Theatre Project. Mike has been a technical consultant for many artists and institutions including Eliza Jane Scnieder, Lee Breuer, and the Raue Center for the Arts. Mike is the Executive Director of Generous Company and the Managing Director for WordBRIDGE Playwright's Laboratory. Mike is a founding member of Generous Company. 

Mike first worked with Richard Kuranda, Raue Center’s executive director, several years ago as an advisor planning Williams Street Repertory – the in-house theatre company.  Before WS Rep kicked off their inaugural season they co-produced I am the Machine Gunner with Generous Company. The show played for two nights in 2010 and was lauded by Timeout Chicago.

Replacements For Raue Center's 2nd Annual National Piano Conference

Richard Marx has cancelled his concert on June 29, 2013 at Raue Center For The Arts due to personal concerns. Marx was slated to headline The Second Annual National Piano Conference at Raue Center. "Luckily, a couple of great guys in a hit show, who appreciate arts in education, have stepped in to save the day!!" says the performing arts center’s executive director, Richard Kuranda

.Replacing Richard Marx will be Jerry Lee & Friends: An Evening of The King, The Killer & Cash featuring Lance Lipinsky and Cody Slaughter and Adam Lee of the hit show Million Dollar Quartet!

Explore the origins of 1950's pumping piano Rock & Roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis in an exclusive, one night only concert starring Lance Lipinsky from the Chicago cast of "Million Dollar Quartet." This live performance showcases the roots of Western Swing and Rhythm & Blues that would ultimately create Rockabilly and later, Rock & Roll. Discover the sounds of Sun Records, hailed as the birthplace of Rock & Roll as we highlight special guests Cody Slaughter of the National Touring Cast of Million Dollar Quartet in a salute to Elvis Presley and Adam Lee honoring the Man In Black, Johnny Cash.

This is a benefit concert for Raue Center's educational programs and a great compliment to the rest of the conference that attracted national attention last year.

Tickets to this concert range from $44 to $50 and are on sale now via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Tickets are also available for sale online at www.rauecenter.org. Limited VIP and festival passes for the National Piano Conference are also for sale starting at $100. Contact the Box Office for more details.

Richard Marx ticket orders will be refunded or credited through the Box Office. Contact 815.356.9212 with questions. Raue Center hopes you will join them for this awesome new addition to their piano weekend!
For a full list of the weekend events please visit www.rauecenter.org

Country Cabaret Back In Crystal Lake Tonight

Raue Center’s Nashville Backstage Series: A Country Cabaret comes back to Crystal Lake on Friday, March 1 at 8:00pm. The series features outstanding singer-songwriters straight out of Nashville like Sherrié Austin, Tony Haselden and Will Rambeaux. Get up close and personal with artists who have penned hits for music legends like Blake Shelton, Faith Hill and George Strait. It’s a unique chance to hear some of your favorite songs the way they were meant to be heard.

This series originally started in partnership with Blue Bird Cafe under the guidance of Michael Bush, and modeled after the Grand Ole Opry, features some of the hottest acts to come out of Tennessee today.

American Idol and The Voice’s inclusion of Keith Urban and Blake Shelton on their respective judging panels, as well as television shows like Nashville, have contributed to the country music’s surge in popularity. Raue Center strives to make this genre accessible and enjoyable for the community with a cozy environment and low price point.

Nashville Backstage recently welcomed Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr who, along with Kenny Loggins, make up the band Blue Sky Riders. The trio is currently receiving high praise for their recent studio album entitled “Finally Home”.

Nashville Backstage has 1 additional date at the end of the season: June 28, 2013. Single tickets start at $24 or a series pass is available. Visit rauecenter.org or contact the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street or by calling 815.356.9212. This show is sponsored by McHenry County Living Magazine.

About Sherrié Austin

Australian singer/songwriter Sherrié Austin spent most of her life in show business, from her earliest days as an opening act for the legendary Johnny Cash, to her time as an actor and pop music artist in Los Angeles, to her recent appearance on Broadway in the musical “Ring of Fire”.

About Tony Haselden

Tony Haselden, an exceptional guitarist and vocalist, relocated to Nashville, Tennessee several years ago and is one of the top songwriters/producers in Country music. Tony wrote the #1 Country hits "That's My Story" by Colin Ray, "It Ain't Nothin" by Keith Whitley, and "You Know Me Better Than That" by George Strait and produced the Country artists Michelle Wright, The Kinleys and The Wilkinsons. Tony also founded the group Louisiana's LeRoux, a cult favorite along the bayou and nationwide, who blend a matchless gumbo of sounds, including blues, R&B, funk, jazz, rock, and Cajun to make a sizzling sound.

About Will Rambeaux

Will Rambeaux is a singer/songwriter/producer from Lafayette, LA in the heart of Cajun country. With the help and encouragement of Roy Orbison, Will moved to Nashville in the 1980's and has since had three #1 hits, including Faith Hills record-breaking first single "Wild One", as well as dozens of songs recorded by such artists as Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, John Michael Montgomery and Patty Loveless. He has also produced many album projects including four CDs by Australian artist Sherrie' Austin.

Evening With Larry Miller Saturday

Spend an Evening With Larry Miller at Raue Center For The
 Arts on January 12, 2013 at 8:00 pm.

As one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, Larry has appeared in over 100 film and television shows. He began his career with a memorable scene in the blockbuster film, "Pretty Woman", and has since gone on to unforgettable roles in such television shows and films as "The Princess Diaries", "The Nutty Professor", "Seinfeld" and "Ten Things I Hate About You".

Miller has made dozens of appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Real Time with Bill Maher, Curb Your Enthusiasm, NCIS and more! Back for a second year, join him for an evening you’ll never forget!

Tickets start at $42 and are on sale now online at www.rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street or by calling 815.356.9212.FT

Holiday Music Time In Crystal Lake

A Raue Center holiday tradition! Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops Concert provides quality orchestral music through festive combinations of contemporary and classic holiday music! Celebrate with family and friends to a carol sing-along. Plus, be on the lookout for a visit from that jolly fellow from the North Pole.

The orchestra is a group of 75 rostered professional musicians and is under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Kirk Muspratt.

The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra provides quality orchestral music through festive combinations of contemporary and classic holiday music.

The Orchestra is bringing that talent to the Raue Center, Crystal Lake, on Friday, December 7 beginning at 8:00 p.m...

The orchestra is a group of 75 rostered professional musicians and is under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Kirk Muspratt.

In addition to combinations of contemporary and classic holiday music, participants will be able to celebrate with family and friends in a carol sing-along.

Besides, the jolly fellow from the North Pole may pay a visit to the sing-along.

Tickets start at $43. The Raue Center is located at 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake. This is the downtown area of Crystal Lake.

Planning For The Annual Stargazers Ball

On Wednesday, September 12, 2012 the Raue Center For The Arts Staff, Board of Directors and Stargazers committee welcomed the Stargazers Honorary Committee to a special meeting.

26 North (Raue Center’s brand new upstairs bar) was buzzing with excitement as the group joined in raising a glass to toast what they hope will be another successful event. Amongst the attendees were Mayor of Crystal Lake Aaron Shepley, Home State Bank President Steve Slack, Sandra Pierce, Sheri Turk and Stargazers Ball Chairwoman Pat Petrouski. Also in attendance were Raue Center Board Members Bob Cormier, Jr. and Jack Minsley.

Stargazers Ball is Raue Center’s largest annual fundraiser. The gala is set under the stars of the theatre’s auditorium and features unique appetizers from local restaurants, signature cocktails, upbeat orchestral music, a live auction and more.   Join with the group on November 3, 2012 at Raue Center to ensure the arts are alive and thriving in the community for generations to come. The funds raised at Stargazers Ball help reduce Raue Center’s current long-term needs – like their $1.8 million dollar mortgage – that directly impact operational needs for programs like Mission Imagination and Williams Street Repertory.

The Stargazers Honorary Committee members are Senator Pamela Althoff, Dee Beaubien, Steve and Sandra Pierce, Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley and his wife Regan, Steve and Leann Slack and Representative Michael Tryon and his wife Kathy.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit www.rauecenter.org,  www.facebook.com/RaueCenter and www.twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Improv Comedy Workshop At Raue Center For The Arts

Improv comedy at Raue Center For The Arts straight from the theatre that brought you Amy Poehler, Horatio Sanz, Ed Helms and so many more! That’s right, Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company is stopping in Crystal Lake! Polish your improve skills at the improve comedy workshop on Thursday, May 3, then sit back and enjoy as the UCBTourCo takes the stage on Friday, May 4!

Improv Comedy UCBTourCo Workshop

Ages 16-18 | May 3 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Ages 19 + | May 3  from 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Classes are $20 per person, or $5 with a ticket to the live performance!

UCB improv workshops focus on introducing participants to a culture of agreement through improv. They teach that you can take any idea, no matter how simple, and turn it into brilliance. Through exercises they introduce a fresh approach to teamwork, brainstorming, problem solving, team building, trust and agreement. Participants leave the workshops with a new perspective and new tools to empower all communicating. You will participate in warm-up and performance-style improv games and exercises as well as a Q&A session. Download an application at rauecenter.org!

Improv Comedy Live Performance from UCBTourCo

May 4 at 8:00 pm

The UCBTourCo show lasts about 90 minutes and consists of two hilarious halves of the freshest longform improv the nation has to offer. The TourCo cast is hand-picked from the best improv comedians in New York City and Los Angeles – these performers are the “next wave” of comedy superstars from the theatre that brought you Amy Poehler, Horatio Sanz, Rob Corddry (The Daily Show), Ed Helms (The Daily Show, The Office), Rob Riggle (SNL, Daily Show), Paul Scheer & Rob Huebel (Best Week Ever), and many many more. Cast credits include Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MadTV, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Showbiz Show with David Spade, MTV’s Boiling Points, VH1′s Best Week Ever to name a few.

“When ‘SNL’ and ‘The Daily Show’ need comics, they turn to the Upright Citizens Brigade.” - Larry Getlen, New York Post

“Catch the next generation of comedy superstars before they all sell out to stupid sitcoms and VH1 list shows.” - The Onion

Tickets to this hilarious night of improve comedy start at $20 and are going quickly!  Be sure to get yours now by visiting www.rauecenter.org or the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street or by calling 815.356.9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit www.rauecenter.org,  www.facebook.com/RaueCenter and www.twitter.com/RaueCenter.