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Community

DOWNTOWN CRYSTAL LAKE SELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

(Crystal Lake, IL) Downtown Crystal Lake Board President Ben Volling announced that Lynn

Reckamp has been selected as the Main Street organization’s new Executive Director. Reckamp will replace Diana Kenney, who is retiring after more than 20 years of leadership. Lynn Reckamp of Lake in the Hills will begin in the position on February 28, 2022.

Lynn Reckamp was most recently employed by A to Z Interiors of Crystal Lake as the Store Manager. She has worked in Downtown Crystal Lake for more than 7 years. With a Bachelor’s of Art from Columbia College of Chicago, Lynn brings years of experience in sales, marketing, social media and volunteer leadership. A member of the Service League of Crystal Lake, and mother of four and Ms. Reckamp served on the Downtown Crystal Lake Marketing Committee for many years.

“Lynn Reckamp will bring new ideas to build upon the current success of the Downtown organization,” explained Ben Volling. “Diana Kenney will be available to assist in onboarding our new Executive Director, providing a smooth transition.

“On behalf of the Downtown Board of Directors, I encourage our members, historic district, and community at large to welcome Lynn and support her in her new position.”

Downtown Crystal Lake Main Street features unique shops, restaurants, arts, culture and family-friendly fun. For more information, maps, and event calendar, visit www.DowntownCL.org

High School MUSICALS

Something Rotten is coming to Cary Grove High School!

Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten!  Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Something Rotten! was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years”. Set in the 1590s, Something Rotten! follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom who are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.”

When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Something Rotten! features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own special moment in the show to shine.  Throughout its Broadway run, the musical received a show-stopping standing ovation from audiences… in the beginning of the first act!  It’s become clear that “nothing’s as amazing as a musical,” so don’t miss your chance to see it! -Information courtesy of MTI.com

 

Public ticket sales begin February 23rd, at 9 am. Visit carygrovechoirs.org for more information.

High School MUSICALS Theatre

Crystal Lake Central High School performing Winter musical “42nd Street”

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL, Feb. 16, 2022- Crystal Lake Central High School will perform 42nd Street for its winter musical. Performances will occur on Thursday, March 10 at 7 pm, Friday, March 11 at 7 pm, Saturday, March 12 at 7 pm, and Sunday, March 13 at 1 pm.

Forty-Second Street is a stage adaptation of the classic 1933 movie with music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble. The production was nominated for eight Tony Awards, winning two including Best Musical. Come along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway! 42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square, and the magic of show biz with wit, humor, and pizzazz. At the height of the Great Depression, aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star? The score is chock-full of Broadway standards, including “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and “Forty-Second Street.”

This year’s musical is produced by CLCHS choir director Kimberly Scherrer, featuring the choreography of Chesney (Murphy) Lofgren. Chesney has been an integral part of the directing team for over ten years at CLC. Her exceptional talent is showcased through the students in every tap and jazz production number. Leading characters played by CLCHS students include junior Ian Farrell-Freeland (Julian Marsch), junior Raina Thiegs (Peggy Sawyer), freshman Corey Atkinson (Billy Lawlor), senior Natalie Virgil (Dorothy Brock), junior Bethany Sternberg (Ann Reilly), senior Connor Hershey (Andy Lee), senior Evie Iwin (Bert Barry), senior Katelyn Santoro (Maggie Jones), junior Nathan Szadowski (Abner Dillon) and senior Micah Kellerman (Pat Denning).

A strong supporting cast of minor leads and ensemble members carry the weight of the show through tap choreography. These CLCHS students include senior Ida Alt (Gladys), senior Madi Blackmore (Lorraine), freshman Riya Gumidyala (Millie), freshman Ava Heldt (Robin), senior Kiera Majzner (Ethel), senior Maddie Novotney (Phyllis), junior Naomi Virgil (Diane), junior Avery Wilson (Winnie) and several other ensemble members.

In total, approximately 100 Crystal Lake Central students will be involved in the production as part of the cast, pit, and crew. Additional production team support is provided by Cris Kingston (Director), Eric Thiegs (Ensemble Director), Keith Levin (Pit Orchestra Director), Steve Knope (Set Director), Becca Polk (Costume Director/Dance Captain), Steve Scherrer (Lighting Director) and Anders Stadler (Sound Director/Assistant Director).

“We hope this high energy and the infectious show brings you to your feet. The tap choreography has brought new life to our theater following a year of Covid shutdowns. We look forward to having audiences back in our space to root for Peggy and to fall in love with musical theater, just as she does.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.clchs theater.ludus.com

MUSICALS Theatre

RAUE CENTER PRESENTS “ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE”

Based on a true story!

Crystal Lake, Ill.: – February 15, 2022 – Based on a true story! Raue Center For The Arts is excited to bring a musical based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with Houston housewife and fan Louise Seger to the stage! “Always… Patsy Cline” opens on March 19, 2022, and runs select dates through April 16, 2022.

“After so many years in COVID 19 lockdown, we are thrilled to be producing this amazing musical that really celebrates life and friendship,” said artistic director, Richard Kuranda.   “Sara Beth Tanner is a STAR that brings Patsy to life!  Michelle Tibble is funny and charming as Louise Seger. This show is phenomenal thanks to Kevin, our director. He last mounted “The Addams Family” which broke box office records!”  

In 1961, after meeting at one of Cline’s concerts in Houston, the two women struck up a friendship. When Cline finally left for Dallas, her next job, the two women had exchanged addresses and telephone numbers. Seger never expected to hear from Cline again, but soon after she left, Seger received the first of many letters and phone calls from Cline. This pen-pal friendship lasted until Cline’s untimely death in a plane crash in 1963 and is the inspiration for the heartfelt musical. 

“Always… Patsy Cline” focuses on a fateful evening at Houston’s Esquire Ballroom when Seger hears of Cline’s death in a plane crash. Seger supplies a narrative while Cline floats in and out of the set singing tunes that made her famous – Anytime, Walkin’ After Midnight, She’s Got You, Sweet Dreams, and Crazy – to name a few.

The show combines music, humor with the bittersweetness of grief. It offers fans who remember Cline while she was alive a chance to look back while giving new fans an idea of what seeing her was like and what she meant to her original fans.

Raue Center’s “Always…Patsy Cline” is directed by Kevin Wiczer with music direction by Bryan McCaffrey and choreography by Billy Seger. The cast includes Sarah Beth Tanner as Patsy Cline and Michelle Tibble as Louise Seger.

“Always… Patsy Cline” runs select dates March 19 – April 16, 2022.  Tickets are $39.50 (RaueNOW Members get 30% Off) Student discounts are also available. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

 

Cast:

Patsy Cline  – Sarah Beth Tanner

Louise Seger – Michelle Tibble

Understudy / Swing – Autumn Thelander

Understudy/ Swing- Rhiannon Palmer

Production & Design Team: 

Director: Kevin Wiczer

Musical Director: Bryan McCaffrey

Assistant Director & Choreographer: Billy Seger

Lighting Designer: Mickie Marie

Costume Designer: Rae Melnik

Sound Designer: Jonesy Jones

Scenic Designer and Artist: William Schmiel

Props Master: Cris Kingston

PSM: Caro Arana

ASM: Rhiannon Palmer

Director of Production: Jarrod Bainter

Producer: Jess Urban

Producer: Kyle Schneider

Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda

Ticket Options: (price per ticket)
Non-Member: $39.50*
RaueNOW Member: $27.65*
Discounts & special offers are available. 

BUY TICKETS

 

Location:
 Raue Center For The Arts
26 N. Williams Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Box Office: 815.356.9212 | 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays – Fridays | Closed Sat, Sun. and Mon. | Open 1 hour prior to scheduled performances.

Directions:
 Crystal Lake Stop
Harvard Line on the Metra
I-90 to Randall Road Exit

UPDATED COVID POLICY! Raue Center appreciates your help in our efforts to keep the theater a safe environment for all. As of 2.16.22 Raue Center NO LONGER requires vaccination or negative tests for entry to shows and events.  Masks continue to be required while in the theater unless actively eating or drinking. 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. 

Photography Visual Arts

4th Friday Call for Artists!

Show us your best shots!
Submit your photography to NMP’s esteemed juried 4th Fridays Art Event for the February 2022 exhibit! [Deadline Sun Feb 20th]

$450 in cash prizes.

Your artwork lives online forever!

Everything you need to know is right here – https://nancymerkling.com/4th-fridays/.

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

4th Fridays Art Event is a regional art event that was held 10 months a year until … you know, Covid.

Although 4th Fridays have rocked the world of art events since April of 2011 with our juried mixed art exhibit, juried photo contest, featured artist solo exhibit, artist connect interactive, vendor artists, People’s Choice voting, 3 stages of live music, full cash bars, roving appetizers, food trucks [take a breath] … we must pause all IN PERSON events and openings until we are on the other side of the pandemic.

Our crowds are just that big and we kindly strive to put all people’s safety first.

NOW + DURING PANDEMIC September 2020 – until Post-Pandemic
4th Fridays are now VIRTUAL in our classy online gallery as a juried PHOTOGRAPHY only exhibit, [photography only for NOW].

Community Fundraisers Music

THE CRYSTAL LAKE STRIKERS RETURN TO RAUE CENTER

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – January 19, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to welcome the Crystal Lake Strikers for “An Evening of Percussion” at 7 p.m. on February 19, 2022. Returning for the twelfth year, this community fundraiser helps the Strikers grow their educational and performing programs!

“Evening of Percussion has become an annual tradition at Raue Center. Be ready for a fun-filled, fast-paced, and exciting evening,” says Board President, Tim Paul. “We are always proud to present shows that highlight our local talent, as this presentation always does.”

Evening of Percussion will feature multiple groups of outstanding performers from all over the region, including Girls on the Drum (drumline for middle school girls), the Crystal Lake Thunder (competitive winter drumline), the Strikers All-Stars (high school drumline), the Kingpins (drumline for special needs performers), the Convergence Winter Guard and more to present a high-energy night of entertainment. The Strikers will also award scholarships to local high school students including the Tim Althoff Memorial Scholarship, the William Laskey Memorial Scholarship, and the inaugural Aaron Shepley Memorial Scholarship during the event.

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. For more information on the organization, visit www.clstrikers.com.

This Crystal Lake favorite is sure to be a sell-out! Tickets start at $15 ($8 for students) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or at 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. For information on the Crystal Lake Strikers, visit clstrikers.com.

 

UPDATED COVID POLICY! Raue Center appreciates your help in our efforts to keep the theater a safe environment for all. As of 2.16.22 Raue Center NO LONGER requires vaccination or negative tests for entry to shows and events. Masks continue to be required while in the theater unless actively eating or drinking. For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/

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.

Visual Arts

Raue Center Announces 4th Annual 6×6 Project Arts Fundraiser

Raue Center’s 6×6 PROJECT  fundraiser and online art auction/exhibition celebrates its fourth year of supporting arts with Art!  All proceeds benefit Raue Center’s fine arts education programs, Mission Imagination and Raue Center School For The Arts, which have been enriching the lives of over 20,000 kids a year in the local community since 2001.

Artists of all ages and abilities are invited to participate by creating original works of art, in a variety of mediums, on 6×6” canvases.  Since our inaugural event in 2019, 6×6 Project has raised over $45,000 for MI and RCSA with canvases coming from around the nation!

All artwork submitted to the 6×6 PROJECT will be available for viewing and bidding online at Auctria.com starting June 6, 2022. Artists and the public are cordially invited to our Reception on June 25, 2022, from 5:30-8 pm to mix, mingle and bid on your favorite pieces!

Create a mini-masterpiece and support the arts in your community!

Purchase a canvas for $5 at one of the locations listed below. (No more than two (2) canvases submissions per artist, please) Create an original piece of art on your canvas. All mediums are allowed (i.e., paint, ink, photography, mixed media, clay, etc.). Return your completed canvas to Raue Center or one of the other participating locations by the drop-off deadline on May 9, 2022.

Your work of art will be included in our online auction and exhibition. Public and Artists are invited to attend the Reception on June 25, 2022, to mix, mingle and Bid on your favorite pieces before the auction closes at 8p!

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS:
Artists can purchase a canvas or drop off completed canvases at any of the locations listed below.
(Please check each participating locations’ hours of operations as they may differ.)

Out of the Box – 71 N. Williams Street | Crystal Lake, IL | (815) 444-7446

Brush Studio – 121 W. Main Street | Cary, IL | (847) 516-3880

Creative Arts Inc. – 400 Highland Avenue | Crystal Lake, IL | (815) 219-9243

Material Things – 103 E. Van Buren | Woodstock, IL | (815) 575-9710

Piano Trends – 35 Berkshire Dr | Crystal Lake, IL | (815) 477-4266

Raue Center For The Arts – 26 N. Williams St | Crystal Lake, IL | (815) 356-9212 | Tues – Fri from 2 to 4 pm

For more information visit rauecenter.org/6×6-project

Community Theatre

Creative Differences

Fostering community through the arts.

by Maribeth Ling, box office lead at Raue Center For The Arts

Patrons have flocked to the Theater since as early as the fifth century, looking for a supportive and immersive experience. To be transported out of their own lives and into those on stage. It’s one of the things I love about the Theater: a passion my family helped instill in me.

One of the first live performances that I can recall seeing was my Uncle performing in 1776 at the Shady Lane Theater in Marengo. That performance steered me to want to try acting for myself. so my twin sister and I joined a production of Oliver Twist shortly after. It was an experience that led me to realize that I didn’t like being on stage. I enjoyed being behind the scenes much more than being in the spotlight. My sister, on the other hand, loved being onstage.

David M. Rubenstein once said that “The Performing Arts tend to unify people in a way nothing else does.” That is the beauty of the Theater. No matter who you are, there will be something that speaks to you—Introverts versus Extroverts, Music people versus Orators, Dramas versus Comedies. There is room for everyone at the Theater, whether they want to be in the spotlight or behind the scenes. My sister and I are a lot alike in many ways, but the theater gave us a place to express our differences and still share in a common experience.

I first came to Raue Center For The Arts in High School. My choir performed on its stage every year during the second semester. When we arrived, the first thing we took note of was its beauty. You can’t help but look around in awe at the Spanish-style décor. The lobby’s tile flooring and ironwork are not found in many areas. We couldn’t wait to perform on the stage, under the starlit sky. It’s a beautiful but relaxed environment.

Later on, I came to see the Whirling Dervishes, movie screenings, several WSR shows, and even a comedian or two. It wasn’t until I started to work here, however, that I understood what Raue Center for the Arts means to the Community. The Theater has a part in community events such as the Bob Blazier Run, the Johnny Appleseed Festival, and the 6×6 project. They provide space to different Dance studios and host their educational programs and shows. Marshall McLuhan once said, “Anyone who tries to make a distinction between education and entertainment doesn’t know the first thing about either.” Through Education, they allow students to come into their own, developing their interests and help create their sense of community that will carry on for years to come.

I have never seen a more peer encouraged, supportive group of children than the students at Raue Center School For The Arts. The variety that is offered allows everyone to get involved in the Arts.

One of the best parts of my job is hearing about how the Raue has affected its patrons. We have had patrons come in with their families to share their memories in the building. Recently, a patron talked with me about how they used to work in the building when it was a movie theater. It was fun to listen to his memories of what the building looked like. I’ve overheard patrons talking about how they lived in the upstairs apartments, currently our 26N Lounge space. Another patron talked about how participating in the 6×6 project reignited their passion for art. Raue Center for the Arts is enriching lives for the best through the power of Performing Arts; I had no idea how much it was needed until I became a part of it.

Photo by Todd Heintz Photography.

Visual Arts

RAUE CENTER WELCOMES PHOTOGRAPHY INTERN

Raue Center is excited to announce the addition of photography intern, Molly Devine, to its team. The photography internship runs through August of 2022 and will include event and headshot photography as well as support for the marketing department.

“Raue Center is very excited to welcome Molly to the team,” says marketing and institutional advancement director Meredith Schaefer. “ We strive to create an environment for her internship that is both educational and experimental, allowing her room to grow artistically.”

Molly is a senior at Prairie Ridge High School and plans to continue her education and photography career at Loyola University in Chicago in the fall. Her focus thus far has been portrait, fashion, event, sport, and candid photography.

“I never hesitate to explore past my boundaries with my artwork. I have always seen the art of photography as our way to capture those most precious, vulnerable moments in life,” explains Molly. “Photography has led me to a road of endless ways to express, communicate, and evoke emotions in the viewer. Not only has it helped define who I am as an artist, but it has brought some of the most influential people in my life. I am very excited to be working with the Raue Center and I can’t wait for the great opportunities it will provide for me!”

For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/ For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212. Raue Center now requires masks for all patrons 2+ and proof of vaccination or negative covid test within 72 hours to attend Raue Center shows and events.

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.

High School MUSICALS Theatre

Prairie Ridge Presents “Into the Woods”

Prairie Ridge Presents “Into the Woods”
KARI FIRAK JAN 21 2022 8:36 AM
Prairie Ridge Theatre presents “Into the Woods” for this year’s spring musical. Tickets are $10, get them while they last!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Performance Dates & Times:

Feb 25 – 7 p.m.
Feb 26 – 7 p.m.
March 3 – 7 p.m.
March 4 – 7 p.m.
March 5 – 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family, and the choices we make. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece… and a rare modern classic. The Tony-winning show’s story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

More info at https://pr.d155.org/about/prhs-news

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

Evening of Percussion Keeps the Beat

Battle of the Bands Winner JJ Smith Returns to Crystal Lake with Special Guest Jake Racina

Audiences on their feet for One Voice Manilow Tribute.

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