Raue Center School For The Arts ON STAGE! Presents two youth productions of Seussical the Musical!

photo by Todd Heintz Photography

Crystal Lake, IL | June 15, 2022 

Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the casts of RCSA On Stage! summer productions “Seussical Kids” and “Seussical Jr.” Based on the beloved works of Theodor Seuss Geisel, more commonly known as Dr. Seuss, “Seussical” tells the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

Although “Seussical Kids” and “Seussical Jr.” follow identical storylines, the productions feature different casts. At only 30 minutes long, “Seussical Kids” is the perfect show for families looking for an introduction to live performance and features a cast of RCSA students ages 7-10. “Seussical Jr” runs approximately 60 minutes and features a cast of students ages 12 and up. Either production is guaranteed to have you dancing in your seats with multi-genre-infused musical theatre scores, imaginative set, and vibrant costumes.

At the helm of both productions are RCSA instructors Billy Seger as Director/Choreographer, Alayna DeVar as Music Director, and Savannah Thomas as Assistant Director/Stage Manager. Emily Ostrowski and Becca Robertson step into Stage Manager and Costume Designer roles after leading the first two weeks of RCSA’s new summer program, Camp RCSA. Director of Production Jarrod Bainter takes the lead on the productions’ technical elements in tandem with Raue Center production staff members Caroline Arana and Commedore Clark. Both productions are produced by Jessica Urban and Kyle Schneider, with Raue Center CEO Richard Kuranda serving as Artistic Director.

“It’s so wonderful to see the new program come to life with so many kids!   The team has done a fantastic job at our new home of St Mary’s,” Kuranda said.  “We consider ourselves lucky to have been invited in. I’m looking forward to seeing both shows!”

“Seussical Kids” runs July 8, 2022, at 7 pm, and July 9, 2022, at 1 pm and 4 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for Students. RaueNOW Members receive a 30% discount on tickets. Some restrictions may apply. “Seussical Jr.” runs July 15, 2022, at 7 pm, and July 16, 2022, at 1 pm and 4 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $7 for Students. RaueNOW Members receive a 30% discount on tickets. Some restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

Details:

  • “Seussical Kids” presented by RCSA On Stage!, July 8, 2022 @ 7pm & July 9, 2022 @ 1pm & 4pm
  • “Seussical Jr.” presented by RCSA On Stage!, July 15, 2022 @ 7pm & July 16, 2022 @ 1pm & 4pm

 

“Seussical Kids” Cast:

Cat In the Hat – Penny Kim

Thing 1 – Faye Radeni

Thing 2 – Aubrey Williams

Jojo – Allison Wightman

Horton the Elephant – Bobby Schaefer

Gertrude McFuzz – Kennedy Onopa

Mayzie LaBird – Ayla Dempsey

Mr. Mayor – Tyler Sullivan

Mrs. Mayor – Adelaide Daczewitz

Sour Kangaroo – Audrey Molter

Young Kangaroo – Kara Molter

Bird Girls – Maisie Miceli, Ava Richer, & Blakely Voight

Wickershams – Samantha Erwin, Fiona Miceli, & Adeline Morson

Talk Show Host & Judge Yertle the Turtle – John Robert Hull

Vlad Vladikov & Marshal – Frank Truscott

 

“Seussical Jr.” Cast:

Cat In the Hat – Olivia Zak

Jojo – Noah Rea

Horton the Elephant – Joshua Annen

Gertrude McFuzz – Emma McBreen

Mayzie LaBird – Claire Reitz

Mr. Mayor – Derek Walker

Mrs. Mayor – Addyson Rebman

Sour Kangaroo – Sydney Sullivan

Young Kangaroo – Elin Kaye

Bird Girls – Emma Hartwig, Kendra Heidtke, Emma Kim, & Lila Stewart

Wickershams – Ellie Coughlin, Paige Montanye, Maddie Olszewski, & Catherine Rea

The Grinch & Others – Izzabella Jorenby-Behling

Vlad Vladikov & Others – William Burke

Judge Yertle the Turtle & Others – Mia Clifford

 

Production & Design Team: 

Director/Choreographer: Billy Seger 

Musical Director: Alayna DeVar

Assistant Director: Savannah Thomas 

Lighting Designer: Jarrod Bainter

Costume Designer: Becca Robertson 

Sound Designer: 

Scenic Designer and Artist: 

Props Master: 

PSM: Emily Ostrowski

ASM: Savannah Thomas

Director of Production: Jarrod Bainter

Producer: Jess Urban

Producer: Kyle Schneider

Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda

 

Ticket Options:

Seussical Kids (30 min adaptation) Ticket Price:

Standard Adult: $15

Standard Student: $7

*RaueNOW Membership Adult: $10.50

*RaueNOW Membership Student: $4.90

 

Seussical Jr. (60 min adaptation) Ticket Price:

Standard Adult: $20

Standard Student: $7

*RaueNOW Membership Adult: $14

*RaueNOW Membership Student: $4.90

 

Individual RaueNOW and RaueNOW Family Memberships start at just $60. Each membership tier comes with a unique set of benefits, but all members enjoy the following:

 

  • 30% off two single tickets to most Raue Center events
  • Exclusive access to our member lounge, 26N
  • Early access to newly announced events
  • Behind-the-scenes access
  • The membership fee is tax-deductible
  • RaueNOW Family also includes 25% discount on RCSA classes

 

For more information, contact James Knight at 815.356.9010 x 14 or email [email protected].

 

*Certain fees & exclusions may apply. Ticket prices may vary according to zone and membership status.

 

Location: Raue Center For The Arts

26 N. Williams Street

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

rauecenter.org

 

Box Office: 815.356.9212 | 2 pm to 4 pm, Tuesdays – Fridays | Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday | Open 1 hour 

prior to scheduled performances.

 

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. 

July Call for Artists for NMP’s 4th Fridays Art Event at The Dole

Call for ALL Artists for NMP’s 4th Fridays Art Event [IN PERSON] at The Dole.

Submit your artwork here – https://nancymerkling.com/4th-fridays/

Deadline Sunday, July 10th

$900 in cash prizes.

Questions?  Connect here – we are happy to help – https://nancymerkling.com/about-nancy-merkling-productions/contact-nancy-merkling/

As always, thanks for all you do, Meredith!

Nancy Merkling
NMP | Nancy Merkling Productions 
www.NancyMerkling.com  815.347.8535
Studio 104 | The Dole Mansion
401 Country Club Rd.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Professional Photography
Headshots & Portraits, Commercial, Branding & Websites
Photography Instruction
One-on-One Sessions
Group Workshops in Studio & On Location
Chicago Street Photography Workshops
Travel Workshops
Art Event Producer
4th Fridays Art Event at The Dole Mansion [circa 2011]
To Connect on Social Media

4th Annual 6×6 Project at Raue Center

Raue Center For The Arts had a wonderful turnout at their 4th Annual 6×6 PROJECT Art Reception

Thank you to everyone who came out for this event. It was so wonderful to see (and meet) many of the artists. Thank you to all the families and friends who also came out to support the artists who participated this year. A warm thank you to all the volunteers and the 6×6 PROJECT team and THANK YOU to everyone who bid on the art!

If you didn’t have a winning bid, consider making a general donation to Raue Center’s educational programs or even become a RaueNOW member if you aren’t already. For everyone who does have a winning bid(s), the art will start shipping out by June 30. You will receive an email soon.

To view the 6×6 Project 2022 Digital Program, click HERE.

photos by Michele V. Knight

4th Annual 6×6 Art Auction and Reception

ARTISTS and ART LOVERS REJOICE!

Raue Center’s 6×6 Project online art auction begins June 6, 2022, @ 9 am on Auctria.com.

Bidding is simple! Visit Auctria.com and create an account or download the free app onto your phone! (You must register a credit card to bid).

Bidding begins at $35 per canvas with all proceeds benefitting Raue Center’s fine arts education programs, Mission Imagination and Raue Center School For The Arts.

Artists and the public are invited to our in-person Reception on June 25, 2022, from 5:30 – 8 pm at Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. See the artwork in person and mix, mingle, enjoy some tasty treats, and bid! Bidding ends at 8 pm.

BRING ME YOUR FINEST MEATS & CHEESES! Click on the Ad below to pre-order a scrumptious hand-held or solo grazing box from Fork It Foods & Goods! Vegetarian option also available! Fork It will donate 10% of the cost back to Raue Center!

4th Friday Call For Artists!

Call for ALL Artists for NMP’s 4th Fridays Art Event [IN PERSON] at The Dole.

Submit your artwork here – https://nancymerkling.com/4th-fridays/

Deadline June 12th

$900 in cash prizes.

Questions?  Connect here – we are happy to help – https://nancymerkling.com/about-nancy-merkling-productions/contact-nancy-merkling/

Nancy Merkling
NMP | Nancy Merkling Productions 
www.NancyMerkling.com  815.347.8535
Studio 104 | The Dole Mansion
Professional Photography
Headshots & Portraits, Commercial, Branding & Websites
Photography Instruction
One-on-One Sessions
Group Workshops in Studio & On Location
Chicago Street Photography Workshops
Travel Workshops
Art Event Producer
4th Fridays Art Event at The Dole Mansion [circa 2011]
To Connect on Social Media

BRITISH ICONS MODERN ENGLISH ROCK RAUE CENTER AS PART OF NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

<Crystal Lake>, IL – May 18, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts welcomes legendary British band Modern English to Crystal Lake on June 26, 2022, at 8 pm as a part of their long-awaited upcoming 2022 North American headline tour. Performing its classic 1982 album, After the Snow, in its entirety and classics from its extensive catalog. The tour was originally scheduled for Summer 2020 and was postponed due to the pandemic. 

“When we finally play the whole of the ‘After the Snow’ album for the first time on tour, emotions will run high. Expect a lot of pent-up energy and excitement. It’s been  a long time coming and will be worth the wait.”

 “I Melt With You” by Modern English is one of the most iconic songs of the New Wave era. It garnered heavy rotation on the then-thriving Modern Rock radio format, MTV and dance clubs across the globe, and was prominently featured in the classic 1983 film Valley Girl, starring a young Nicolas Cage. 

On 1982’s “After the Snow,” the band’s sound evolved from the dark, moody, and challenging post-punk found on its debut, Mesh & Lace, to a more commercial and radio-friendly mix of synthesizers, guitars, catchy drumbeats, and singer Robbie Grey’s unmistakable vocals. As the title suggests, the icy sound featured on Mesh & Lace melted away on After the Snow to reveal more concise and potent songs, highlighted by “I Melt With You” which brought the band up from the underground to the mainstream. It’s a song so popular that the band was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 BMI Awards for six million plays on the radio. 

Modern English would record various records over the years, and most recently, the band released its latest album, 2017’s “Take Me To The Trees,” an album that reconnected the band to their youth, in the world of late 1970s/early 1980s post-punk Britain–dark and austere while still melodic and passionate.

Tickets start at $27 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. 

UPDATED COVID POLICY! Raue Center protocols and event requirements are subject to change. Be sure to check your event page on our website to confirm the details of your specific event.  This applies to all rentals as well. For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/ For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

 

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. 

4th Fridays Art Event | Call For Artists!

Call for ALL Artists for NMP’s 4th Fridays Art Event [IN PERSON] at The Dole.

Submit your artwork here – https://nancymerkling.com/4th-fridays/

Deadline May 15th

$900 in cash prizes.

Questions?  Connect here – we are happy to help – https://nancymerkling.com/about-nancy-merkling-productions/contact-nancy-merkling/

As always, thanks for all you do, Meredith!

Nancy Merkling
NMP | Nancy Merkling Productions 
www.NancyMerkling.com  815.347.8535
Studio 104 | The Dole Mansion
401 Country Club Rd.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Professional Photography
Headshots & Portraits, Commercial, Branding & Websites
Photography Instruction
One-on-One Sessions
Group Workshops in Studio & On Location
Chicago Street Photography Workshops
Travel Workshops
Art Event Producer
4th Fridays Art Event at The Dole Mansion [circa 2011]
To Connect on Social Media

Truck Off: An epic evening of food & fun!

The 5th Annual Truck Off food truck festival returns Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, IL. 50% off Early Bird tickets are on sale through April 30. Then they go up to $10. Buy & save now!

What to Expect

Truck Off curates a lineup of food trucks and vendors from all over Chicagoland serving everything from ethnic to fusion to American comfort food & desserts. We currently have more than 20 trucks confirmed and will be announced shortly. Enjoy a beer tent and live entertainment. General admission begins at 5 p.m. – plus a VIP Hour from 4-5 p.m.

Major event announcements are shared on Facebook and Instagram leading up to the event, so be sure to follow along!

Reminder: Buy your tickets early and save! Get 1/2 off general admission through April 30 – this is the deepest discount that will be offered! Don’t miss it! 

Questions? Contact truckoff@mchenrycountyliving.com

 

Get Early Bird tickets at eventbrite.com/e/truck-off

I DREAM A WORLD FCC SRING CONCERT MAY 1 @ 4 PM

See you on Sunday, May 1st at 4:00 pm for Vestry Adult Choir and Jubilate Adult Handbell Choir’s Spring Concert, “I Dream a World.” The music promises to be fantastic and you won’t want to miss getting to hear our guest soloist, James Martin, sing several solo selections as well as with Vestry Choir. Below is more information about our soloist. The concert is free and open to the public, nursery care is available.

Guest Soloist: James Martin
Baritone James Martin has won critical acclaim for his performances in opera, musical theater, and concerts as a versatile singer, actor, and entertainer. He serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. Always an audience favorite, his artistic repertoire spans from Bach to bebop, Busoni to Burleigh, and Berg to Bernstein.

He has appeared with leading musical organizations throughout the United States and abroad, most recently he toured Taiwan and Thailand with frequent collaborator Lynn Raley. Favorite operatic roles include Mozart’s Papageno (Die Zauberlöte), Figaro, (Le nozze di Figaro) and Puccini’s Marcello (La bohème). As a concert artist, Martin enjoys a rich and varied repertoire ranging from the classic art song and oratorio repertory to new modern and contemporary classics with specialties in the music of Black Americans and the Great American Songbook.

Martin holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and his Master of Music from the Juilliard School. He was a Young Artist with the Juilliard Opera Center, and apprenticed with major young artist programs in the U.S. and with L’Opéra National du Rhin in Strasbourg, France, as one of seven international Les jeunes voix du Rhin. He studied voice with David Nott (IWU), Cynthia Hoffmann (Juilliard), and Benita Valente. In addition to a successful performance career, Mr. Martin is an accomplished teaching artist and arts advocate touring classrooms and educational performance venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has served on the boards of Grace House, a non-profit for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS, and the Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music (M’AAM). James Martin can be heard on the Copland House Blend, Naxos, and Albany record labels.

FCC is very happy to welcome James Martin back to Crystal Lake. Mr. Martin recently performed as a soloist with Encore Music Academy/Voices in Harmony in December.

461 Pierson Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

ALCA Takes Center Stage with Annual Gala

featuring entertainment by Green Room Improv

The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism will take to the stage for their “Night of ImprovABILITY” annual
gala on Saturday, April 30th at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake, IL. The evening will include a silent
auction, various raffles, ALCA presentations, and will conclude with a set from Green Room Improv. In-
person tickets are $100, while a virtual viewing is offered at $50.

All proceeds from the gala will go towards helping ALCA provide an environment where children on the
autism spectrum can develop their potential; academically, emotionally, socially, communicatively, and
physically.

To purchase tickets visit https://aesbid.com/ELP/ALCA22/

The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism (ALCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, full-day, year-round therapeutic
day school approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for children 3-21 years old with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD), OHI, multiple disabilities, developmental delay and/or intellectual
disability. ALCA currently serves students from Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry, and Will counties. It
is our mission to provide an environment where children on the autism spectrum can develop their full
potential and gain functional independence.

Event Contacts: Megg Wallen: [email protected]
JD Harshbarger: [email protected]

Contact Phone: 815-344-2522
Media Contact: Patrick Hastings: [email protected]