Raue Center Welcomes Derrick Procell as 2023-24 Season Artist in Residence

<Crystal Lake>, IL – August 8, 2023 – Raue Center is proud to welcome favorite Derrick Procell as its 2023-24 season artist in residence. Join us for multiple engagements with this award-winning singer-songwriter, and Catfood Records original recording artist. Each evening of music will be a unique exploration of Procell’s journey as a musician.  Each performance will take place in Raue Center’s new intimate onstage blues lounge set up with bar and dance floor!

 

Join us on October 12, 2023, for an evening of Rockin’ Soul/Blues with Derrick and his All-Star Mojo Band. Explore  Derrick’s creative process and collaboration with songwriting partner Terry Abrahamson on November 16, 2023. Delve into music as activism on February 15, 2024, for an evening inspired by causes close to Derrick’s heart. Finally, don’t miss his final performance on March 21, 2024, which will be a big party with special guests! 

 

“As our third Artist in Residence, Derrick brings tremendous joy and energy to the upcoming year!” explains Raue  Center’s executive director Richard Kuranda. “Last year, his album launch with us for “Hello Mojo!” catapulted him to the national charts. He’s got a great rapport with the audience as a consummate entertainer. He’s one of the hardest working artists in Contemporary Blues!”  

 

“Many folks see the word Blues–especially when connected to Chicago– and think of only one kind of music,” explains Procell.  “The Blues is a much wider genre…including Soul Blues, Blues Rock, Contemporary Blues, Electric Blues…the list goes on!”

 

Originally from Milwaukee, Derrick Procell is a sought-after frontman, vocalist, and musician performing as a solo artist,  with his band Derrick Procell and the Redeemers, and as Van Morrison and Joe Cocker with Soundtracks of a Generation.  An incredible singer and songwriter, Derrick’s songs have been recorded by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Logan  Daniels, and Melissa Manchester. You have heard Derrick’s songs on My Name is Earl, TrueBlood, Criminal Minds, Boston  Legal, Saving Grace, The Office, This Is Us, King of the Hill, and the Oscar-nominated film, Lady Bird. His latest album  “Hello Mojo” spent more than 30 weeks, including 7 weeks at Number One, on the Soul Blues Roots Music Report charts.  

 

Linda Cain of Chicago Blues Guide calls Procell’s music “a treasure trove of richly detailed story-songs that immerse the listener in the blues experience from the Delta to Chicago and beyond. Blues fans worldwide seeking smart,  powerful modern blues songs that honor the legacy of the genre’s masters will find it here.” 

 

Tickets start at $25 ($17.50* for RaueNOW Members) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows.  

 

About Raue Center For The Arts 

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 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, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination.  

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

 

Evening of Percussion Keeps the Beat

Evening of Percussion with the Crystal Lake Strikers wowed audiences for another sold-out show on Saturday, February 10 @ 7p at Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake.

This annual local fan favorite put the spotlight on a night of music featuring the best percussion and drumming groups around! Evening of Percussion featured the performing ensembles of the Crystal Lake Strikers and some surprise guests, performers ranging in age from seven to seventy. The Strikers also award scholarships to local high school students including the Tim Althoff, William Laskey, and Aaron Shepley Memorial Scholarships.

The Crystal Lake Strikers was formed in the fall of 2007 when three area men sat in a local coffee shop imagining the possibility of forming an organization that would achieve the essential goals of providing a performing outlet for drummers of college-age and beyond as well as supporting and educating aspiring young performers. In the 15 years since, the Strikers have performed in front of millions and have created seven ensembles for area students.

 

Audiences on their feet for One Voice Manilow Tribute.

It was an unforgettable night of music with ONE VOICE: The Music of Barry Manilow on Sunday, February 11 @ 2pm at Raue Center For The Arts.

Pop icon Barry Manilow has an astonishing 50 chart-topping hits and Billboard Magazine ranks him as the #1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time. Mark Sanders, Broadway Actor and Recording Artist, Mark Sanders, along with his live band, brought Manilow’s music to life with powerful, yet personal, renditions of favorites including “Mandy” and “I Write the Songs.”

 

 

MARK SANDERS BIO

Mark Sanders grew up in Marion, IL, spent 15 years in NYC and now calls Fort Myers, FL his home. He has appeared in theatrical productions and concerts around the world. Mark was seen as ‘Perchik’ on the Broadway National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof opposite the great Theodore Bikel and has become a favorite soloist with the Gulf Coast Symphony, performing at the Barbara B Mann PAC in Fort Myers. He has shared the stage with Broadway stars including Sutton Foster, Stephanie J. Block, Alice Ripley, Robert Cuccioli, Beth Leavel and Andrea McArdle as well as Hollywood stars Jeff Goldblum, Ana Gasteyer, Adrienne Barbeau, Morgan Fairchild, Sally Struthers and more.

Mark garnered critically acclaimed performances from contemporary musicals such as Next to Normal, Murder Ballad (Carbonell Award), Mamma Mia!, Phantom and Jesus Christ Superstar to classics such as Carousel, My Fair Lady and Guys and Dolls. His most acclaimed performances, however, have been his solo concerts. His soaring tenor voice and connection with audiences have given him a following across the United States for which he is both honored and humbled.

 

Raue Center Unveils the Highly-Anticipated Return of William Street Repertory

<Crystal Lake>, IL –  Raue Center is thrilled to announce the return of the Williams Street Repertory (WSR), Raue Center’s in-house professional theatre company, as they prepare to mesmerize audiences once again with a captivating lineup of four exciting productions. This highly anticipated theatrical season returns after a long hiatus and improvements and promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.

 

The curtain rises on this thrilling season with the unveiling of the following productions:

 

Native Garden:. Explore the comical complexities of neighborly disputes as “Native Gardens” takes the stage February 23 – March 17, 2024.  This witty and thought-provoking comedy by Karen Zacharias examines the joys and challenges of maintaining neighborly relations while questioning the boundaries that separate us. Prepare for laughter, introspection, and a delightful exploration of human connections. Directed by company member Michele Vazquez (ART, Bomber’s Moon). 

 

Othello: Dive into Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, “Othello.” Witness the interplay of jealousy, deception, and betrayal as this tragic tale unfolds on the WSR stage. With its gripping narrative and compelling characters, “Othello” promises to captivate audiences and showcase the enduring power of the Bard’s works. Directed by Dr. John “Ray” Proctor. In September 2022 his essay Romeo and Juliet at an HBCU was published in the essay collection Romeo and Juliet, Adaptation, and the Arts: ‘Cut Him Out in Little Stars’ (The Arden Shakespeare). 

 

Act of God: Get ready for a divine comedy like no other with “Act of God.” In this witty and irreverent production, the Almighty takes center stage to deliver a hilarious and unfiltered conversation about life, the universe, and everything in between. Prepare for a side-splitting exploration of existence that will leave you laughing and pondering life’s biggest questions. Directed by Pat Henderson.

 

Bandstand: Experience the high energy and heartwarming spirit of “Bandstand.” Set in the aftermath of World War II, this Tony Award-winning musical follows a group of veterans striving to find their place in a changing world. Through music, camaraderie, and the power of the human spirit, “Bandstand” celebrates the healing journey of these veterans and delivers a symphony of emotions while celebrating the swing, jitterbug, and bebop music that made a generation. Directed by Daniel Ellis (The Elephant Man).

 

To celebrate the return of the William Street Repertory, Raue Center is excited to offer a special opportunity to secure seats at their Cider Fest. Special box office hours will be available during Downtown Crystal Lake’s Johnny Appleseed Festival on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Members receive 37% off up to four tickets, and the general public receives 20% off two tickets per show. 

 

 Join us at Raue Center, located at 26 N. Williams Street in Downtown Crystal Lake, to secure your spot for an unforgettable theatrical season.

 

Tickets start at $39.50* ($27.65* for RaueNOW Members) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

 

Don’t miss out on the return of the William Street Repertory. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us for a season filled with laughter, drama, and unforgettable memories.

 

For more information, ticket details, and updates on the upcoming productions, visit rauecenter.org

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 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, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Famed Blues Guitarist Robert Cray brings his band to Raue Center

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – May 30, 2023 – The Robert Cray Band will be touring the US and UK for the first time since the 2020 release of his album, “That’s What I Heard.” and they’re coming to Raue Center September 8, 2023, @ 8 p.m.

“Funky, cool and bad,” is how Cray describes the Grammy-nominated album, produced by longtime collaborator, Steve Jordan, who adds, “I thought, if we could get this thing that Sam Cooke used to have, the kind of sound that early Sam Cooke records had, that we could pull this off.”

 

“Robert Cray is not only making music, he’s making history,” writes Guitar Player Magazine. Over the past four decades, Cray has created a sound that rises from American roots, blues, soul, and R&B, with five Grammy wins, 20 acclaimed studio, and live albums that punctuate the Blues Hall of Famer’s career. On That’s What I Heard, Robert celebrates the music of Curtis

   

Mayfield, Bobby “Blue” Bland, The Sensational Nightingales, and more, alongside Cray’s own songs. Cray and Jordan go way back, having met during the making of the Chuck Berry documentary Hail! Hail! Rock ’n’ Roll, in 1987. They started working together in 1999, when Jordan produced the Grammy-winning Take Your Shoes Off, and the recent Grammy-nominated LP, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm. That’s What I Heard is their sixth album. “Once you start working with Steve, it’s kind of hard to get away from him,” said Robert.

 

“Robert is just a great person besides being extraordinary talent,” adds Jordan. “People gravitate to his guitar playing first, but I think he’s one of the best singers I’ve heard in my life. Not only because of his singing ability but his interpretations. He’s such an honest soul in my opinion.”

Robert’s band features Richard Cousins (bass), Dover Weinberg (keyboards), Terence F. Clark (drums), and Steve Jordan (drums, percussion).

Tickets for Robert Cray start at $50* ($35* for RaueNOW Members) Purchase tickets online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 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, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

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American country music singer/songwriter and Billboard chart-topper Phil Vassar comes to Raue Center!

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – MARCH 14, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts proudly welcomes country music billboard chart-topper Phil Vassar on November 18, 2023 at 8 p.m.

 

Phil Vassar’s reign of signature songs includes 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits, including Carlene, Just Another Day in Paradise, Six-Pack Summer, When I Love You, and many more. Vassar was racking up hits on the radio long before he even began his own recording career that has seen the release of six albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist and sold-out shows across the country. 

 

Vassar’s songwriting career blossomed in the mid-’90s when he landed a publishing contract with EMI and penned hits for Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), Alan Jackson (Right on the Money), Tim McGraw (For a Little While), Jo Dee Messina (Bye Bye, Alright), and Blackhawk (Postmarked Birmingham). He signed a record deal of his own with Arista in 1998 and was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1999. 

 

Vassar continues to churn out incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in the unique and special way that only he can.

 

Enter to win tickets to see Phil Vassar March 14th – 26th. One winner will receive TWO tickets to see Phil Vassar at Raue Center For The Arts on November 18th at 8 p.m. The winner will be chosen at random on or around March 28, 2023. Enter to win today! For more information, visit https://app.hive.co/l/3rv338

 

Tickets for Phil Vassar start at $55 ($38.50 for members) Purchase tickets online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 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, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

 

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McHenry County Multi-Chamber Mixer brings community business leaders together.

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

Tuesday, October 14, 2022, Raue Center welcomed over 100 local business owners and representatives to our theater for a Chamber of Commerce Mixer that involved businessmen and women from Barrington, Cary Grove, Huntley, McHenry, Crystal Lake, and Algonquin Lake In The Hills. The local chamber members came out in force to enjoy a bratwurst, sample beers from Crystal Lake brewing, and network with peers from around the county.

Those who attended were treated to a peak at Raue Center’s upcoming schedule including the first look at our George Michael tribute coming up next February. Prizes were won, contacts were made, and good times were had by all!

RCSA MASTERCLASS – DANCING THROUGH LIFE with John Bolton and Marina Lazzaretto

@Raue Center For The Arts
26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Monday, November 14 | 6:30 to 8:30p
Registration Fee: $15
Reservations required. Limited Availability. Reserve your spot today!

RCSA’s Masterclass Series, “Dancing Through Life,” welcomes cast members from the current national tour of “Wicked,” now playing at the Nederlander Theater in Chicago. Broadway and television veteran John Bolton (The Wizard), known for his work in the original Broadway casts of “Anastasia” (Vlad) and “A Christmas Story” (The Old Man), and Marina Lazzaretto (Swing), “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Schmigidoon,” as well as “American In Paris,” and “West Side Story” on Broadway, will lead a dance workshop in the style of “Wicked.”

The masterclass will begin with an open dance instruction on stage for all participants featuring choreography inspired by the musical “Wicked” followed by one-on-one demonstrations and a Q&A. All attendees are welcome to join us on stage for the dance portion of the workshop.

If you are interested in receiving one-on-one audition coaching during the workshop, please email rcsaeducation@rauecenter.org directly to reserve your spot. Spots are limited.

Doors will open at 6:00 pm
The masterclass will run from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Each installment of the RCSA Masterclass Series is taught by professional artists from across the country, focusing on different arts disciplines and specialties throughout the year. Attendees are welcome to join as either a participant or spectators. Participants may be asked to join our experts on stage for exercises or practice modules in the class discipline. Spectators are encouraged to observe the process and are welcome to participate in the question-and-answer sessions following the workshop.

JOHN BOLTON
John Bolton starred on Broadway as Vlad in Anastasia (Outer Critics Circle, Rivera Awards nominations), The Captain in Dames at Sea (Astaire Award nomination), The Old Man in Christmas Story the Musical (Drama Desk nomination), as both Grady and Cioffi in Curtains, King Arthur in Spamalot, Michael in Contact, Charles Lightoller in Titanic, and J Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed… He made his Broadway debut alongside Jerry Lewis in Damn Yankees. On tour, he was Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly! and is currently playing The Wizard of Oz in Wicked. He headlined 4 sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and has been a soloist with the NY Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. On TV, Mr Bolton had recurring roles on The Blacklist, Madam Secretary, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Gossip Girl and All My Children and has guest-starred on Evil, FBI, Elementary, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, The Good Wife and Law and Order. He is featured in the film Mapplethorpe.
MARINA LAZZARETTO
Originally from Alberta, Canada, Marina Lazzaretto is a New York City-based Dancer, Singer, and Actress. Marina is currently in the national touring company of the hit Broadway show Wicked. She has performed all over the US and Internationally in productions such as The Broadway and First National Touring companies of An American In Paris, the First National Tours of Cats (revival), and Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away, The New Yorkers at City Center Encores, the Off-Broadway Companies of Trip of Love and Doctor Faustus and the Broadway Company of West Side Story. Most recently Marina has just finished filming Season 2 of the new Apple TV Musical Series “Schmigadoon”. She has also been seen on television in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Fosse/Verdon”, “The Tonight Show”, “SNL”, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”, and “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris”. Marina has also been fortunate enough to work with the Verdon Fosse Legacy since 2013 honoring the work of the legendary Bob Fosse. For more info visit marinalazzaretto.com Instagram @marinalazz
John Bolton as The Wizard in Wicked. photo by Joan Marcus

Made possible through the generous support of the Jonny Carson Foundation

Engage Dance Theatre Looks Back on Nutcracker

Photographer Ron McKinney Photography
Solo dancer: Allyson Schmitt-Vallejo, Sugar Plum Fairy

Looking back on Nutcracker, co-produced by Engage Dance and Raue Center For The Arts.

Engage Dance Theater partnered with Raue Center for a holiday tradition and family favorite this past Christmas. The Nutcracker features Clara at her annual Christmas Eve party at the Staulbaum house enjoying a night full of celebration, dancing, and magic! As the party comes to a close Clara sneaks downstairs to find her precious new Nutcracker doll and falls asleep dreaming of her wonderful evening. Clara, startled awake by a group of mischievous mice, takes on an exciting journey with Drosselmeyer and her precious Nutcracker.

Battling a life-size mouse Queen, slipping & sliding with snowmen & dazzling Snow Queen, and then flying off on an enchanted crystal sleigh to meet the Queen of the Angels, Clara visits the Land of Sweets in an adventure not to be missed this holiday season!

The Nutcracker was co-produced by Engage Dance Academy and Raue Center For The Arts.

ABOUT ENGAGE DANCE

Engage Dance Academy is a premier dance academy owned & operated by Courtney & Marc Petrocci, former professional dancers at the Milwaukee Ballet. Bringing professional caliber dance training to McHenry County for dancers ages 18 months-Adult. Engage is a triple track dance studio offering dance classes for all levels; Engage Dance Theatre, a year-round pre-professional dance company for the more serious dancer ages 5-18 with three performances a year including a full-length production of The Nutcracker; an award-winning competition team for those dancers looking to compete in Chicago based competitions; and an Open Division for dancers looking for a wide variety of weekly classes ranging from baby ballet, jazz, hip hop, and Aerial Silks & Tumbling. For more info visit engagedanceacademy.com

Photographer Ron McKinney Photography
End of Clara’s journey with all of her new friends from the Land of Sweets, including the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

GREENROOM IMPROV JOINS RAUE AS RESIDENT COMPANY 

Improv Comedy for the whole family Finds a home at Raue Center!

Now in its 20th year, GreenRoom Improv joins Raue Center as one of its resident companies, performing its unique blend of clean, high-energy, multi-faceted improv comedy. Raue Center is the place to see GreenRoom Improv!

GreenRoom members include Dave Hunter, Matthew Aldis, Kerry Cox, Sam Barbaro, Christian Zierke, Miriam Naponelli, Jess Smith, Paul Gunsul (piano), & Erik Scheele (piano). For more information, visit greenroomimprov.com

Recommended Audience: All Ages

ABOUT GREENROOM

GreenRoom Improv is an ensemble-based theatre company that specializes in improvisation. GreenRoom was founded by a group of Judson University (Elgin, IL) students in 1999 as a result of the cancellation of the school’s Theatre program. Since then GreenRoom has performed nationally for a wide range of audiences and events. They currently have residencies in two theaters: The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, IL, and Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake, IL where they perform monthly. In addition to these residencies, GreenRoom plays multiple bookings throughout the year with their unique blend of clean, high-energy, multi-faceted improv comedy.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 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, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org or call the Box Office at 815.356.9212.