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Country Music News

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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Comedy Sketch/Improv

COLIN MOCHRIE’S “HYPROV” (Improv under hypnosis) RETURNS TO RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS 

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – March 21, 2023  – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to welcome Colin Mochrie of “Whose Line Is It, Anyway?” with “HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis” featuring master hypnotist Asad Mecci. Come together as two masters of their crafts unite for a totally unique comedy experience at 8 p.m. on October 7, 2023. 

From the brilliant minds of improv legend, Mochrie and master hypnotist Mecci comes a brand new, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, side-splitting show where 20 volunteers are hypnotized on stage, whittled down to five of the best who do improv scenes with Colin Mochrie WHILE THEY ARE STILL UNDER HYPNOSIS. What can possibly go wrong?  Come and see for yourself! 

The show begins with Mecci welcoming twenty volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. He whittles them down to four or five of the most susceptible and then brings Mochrie out to improvise with them–while they are under hypnosis. In the hands of two experts, and solely crafted from the audience’s uninhibited unconscious mind, each show is an entirely original and completely unforgettable theatrical experience.

“When we tried this for the first time on stage, I was absolutely petrified. Then I thought, ‘let’s just see where this takes us,’” said Mochrie. “Adding in the element of hypnosis to improv really allows people to let their guard down and have fun in a scene. They’re certainly the most interesting stage partners I’ve ever had!”

“I’ve been hypnotizing people for 20 years, but when I studied improv I had an epiphany: hypnosis could unlock the comedic genius in everyday people and turn them into pros,” said Hypnotist Mecci. “You never know which participants will go under hypnosis and for how long. But that’s part of the show and what adds to the laughs.”

HYPROV (pronounced hip-rawv) is coming to you straight from a 70-show run Off-Broadway in New York City!!  HYPROV is “hilarious and fascinating” (says Time Out New York) and is “catnip for those who relish spontaneity and informality,” (The Wall Street Journal). The New Yorker says, “say yes to HYPROV,”! The 100-minute live show combines hypnosis and improv – two art forms that have mystified and entertained fans, skeptics and everyone in between worldwide – for a totally unique comedy experience that The Times of London declared “a celebration of the human imagination.”

Tickets start at $50 ($35 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. For more information, visit rauecenter.org. 

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

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. 

 

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Comedy Featured Stand-up

A quartet of Comedy favorites return to Raue Center with a new show just in time for Father’s Day!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – May 1, 2023– Veteran comedians Steve Cochran, John Da Cosse, Tim Benker and Mike Toomey team up for The FourFathers comedy show on June 16 @ 8 p.m.  With over 160 years of combined experience and over 50,000 shows in front of more than 10 million people, they’re four Dads ready to give their take on marriage, kids, and growing older.

The show features longtime Chicago radio personality Steve Cochran host of The Steve Cochran Morning Show on WLS 890-AM with John DaCosse and Mike Toomey and Tim Benker.

A radio personality for over 30 years, Cochran has hosted his own show from the coast, settling in Chicago in the late ‘90s. Cochran has also worked as an actor, appearing in films such as “Grumpy Old Men,” and as a writer for “Saturday Night Live.” Throughout the years, Cochran has also performed stand-up comedy with many of the greats in the business. He enjoys getting out and doing live performances about four times a year, including his annual New Year’s Eve show, now in its 17th year! Cochran is perhaps best known for hosting his own show, The Cochran Show, on WLS and previously on WGN Radio, following in the “mic-checks” of legends such as Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, and Spike O’Dell.

DaCosse is known as a WLS Radio personality and the curator of Raue Center’s Lucy’s Comedy series. During his 30-plus years in stand-up comedy, the brilliant DaCosse has developed a solid reputation nationwide. He has opened for big names like Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Craig Ferguson, and Billy Gardell and has appeared on NBC, Comedy Central, and TBS. DaCosse has also served as an audience warm-up for Rosie O’Donnell and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” He, along with his well-known character voices, can regularly be heard on Steve Cochran’s morning show on WLS.

A regular performer on WGN Morning News, Toomey has appeared in concert with such names as George Carlin, Wayne Newton, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Reba McEntire. He has performed on numerous TV programs including HBO’s U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, MTV’s “Half Hour Comedy Hour” and A&E’s “Comedy on the Road.” 

With his sharp delivery, quick wit, and unique style, Toomey has been a favorite at comedy clubs and special events since 1982. He is also the creator and star of the hilarious one-person show “TV and Me,” which enjoyed a highly successful run at Chicago’s Apollo Theater. The Chicago Tribune calls Toomey “one of the funniest and most talented performers to ever work in Chicago.” Performing comedy that won’t make your grandmother blush, Toomey’s dead-on impersonations and PG-rated style are for anyone and everyone who could use a really good, hearty, pure, and deep-rooted laugh. 

Tim Benker is a veteran of Chicago comedy and has opened for many well-known acts such as Jay Leno, Rosie O Donnell, Steven Wright, Richard Lewis, and Walt Willey. Benker has also made himself useful in daylight hours by hosting morning radio in Las Vegas and Houston and also produced a variety show around his alter ego “The Very Famous Lance Vegas.”

Tickets start at $25 for the general public and $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. 

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

 

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. 

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Featured Jazz Music Swing

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY SWINGS INTO RAUE CENTER CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF CHART-TOPPING MUSIC. 

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – MAY 29, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce the return of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to downtown Crystal Lake. Join Big Bad Voodoo Daddy for a swinging good time at 8 p.m. on July 1, 2023 @ 8 p.m!

 

Since its formation in the early ‘90s in Ventura, California, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has toured virtually non-stop, performing an average of over 150 shows per year. It has also produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of over 2 million albums to date.

 

Early on, during its legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and Dixieland with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture.

 

Together for 30 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – famously named after an autograph from blues legend Albert Collins – has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had its music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows.

 

With sold-out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to the Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country’s finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from “Dancing with the Stars” to Super Bowl XXXIII, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its decades-long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music – America’s original musical art form – and bring joy to audiences around the world.

 

“We love having Big Bad Voodoo Daddy back at Raue Center,” says Raue Center Board President, Tim Paul. “Their music speaks for itself and will leave the audience unable to sit still in their seats!” 

 

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s all-original core line-up includes Scotty Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Kurt Sodergren (drums), Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals), Glen “The Kid” Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophone and clarinet) and Joshua Levy (piano and arranger). 

 

Tickets to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy start at $45* ($31.50* 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. 

 

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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Uncategorized

McHenry Chamber Auditions for Murder Mystery March 27th!

We are excited to host our third McHenry Murder Mystery event on October 7.  This year’s event is Alice in Wonderland themed!  Right now, we are looking for Chamber member “actors” to play the roles of our suspects and witnesses.

  • If chosen as a suspect, you will dress in character for a quick headshot and record an interrogation room video that our participants will watch the day of the event.
  • If chosen as a witness, you will dress in character the day of the event at one of the business stops where the participants will interact with you to reveal a clue.

Auditions will take place during the week of March 27.  If you are interested in auditioning, please CLICK HERE to fill out the google form.

If you have any questions, please contact Molly at 815-385-4300 or molly@mchenrychamber.com.

Click here for more information on the event.

Classes Education Masterclass Music Theatre

Raue Center School For The Arts to Host ANNIE Actors and a Grammy Winner for two New Masterclasses!

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – February 24, 2023 – Raue Center School For The Arts continues its new Masterclass Series with two new selections to cap Raue Center’s 2022-23 Season. 

Taught by professional artists from across the country, RCSA masterclasses focus on a variety of disciplines and specialties throughout the year including group instruction, one-on-one coaching, Q&A’s in Auditioning, Acting, Dancing, and more! 

Get an up-close look at the professional musical audition experience on Monday, March 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with “The ANNIE Audition Experience” featuring, guest artists Ellie Rose Pulsifer (Annie) and Harrison Drake (Drake, Daddy Warbucks understudy) from the current National Tour of ANNIE opening soon at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. 

Guest artists will take participants through the same audition and casting process that the actors themselves went through to get hired for this lavish, exciting production of one of the most popular musicals of all time. Learn a dance combination from the show! Get taken through a professional audition step-by-step!  Find out from ANNIE herself how young artists live on tour! 

On Thursday, May 18th from 6:30-8:30 pm join two-time Grammy-winner Ernie Watts for “A Melodic Approach to Improvisation.” Considered one of the most versatile and prolific saxophone players in music, Watts has been playing professionally for over 50 years. He has been featured on over 500 recordings and became “first call” for all the reed instruments for films, TV, and recordings with pop icons such as Marvin Gaye, Steely Dan, Carole King, Frank Zappa, all the Motown artists, and many others. Watts played for 20 years in Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show band, always exhibiting his unforgettable trademark sound.

This very special masterclass kicks off Raue Center’s Blues Weekend, May 18 – 20. Ernie Watts will discuss how to create musical freedom through discipline and shares stories from his life lived in music for over 60 years and followed by a Q&A. 

Tickets for both masterclasses are $20 ($15 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. Learn more at rauecenter.org/education. Made possible by the generous support of the Johnny Carson Foundation and Advance McHenry County. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. Become a RaueNOW Family Member and save 25% on classes and camps!

 

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. 

Professional Theatre Schools

Raue Center to welcome CL Central grad in The Magic School Bus

Crystal Lake Central High graduate, Katie Kallus, returns to Crystal Lake’s Raue Center For the Arts starring as Miss Frizzle in “The Magic School Bus” as a part of Raue Center’s Mission Imagination educational outreach program. She takes time to talk about her path to professional theater and what it’s like to be back in her hometown. 

 

Name: Katie Kallaus
Age: 25
Education: BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Hometown: Crystal Lake
Highschool: Crystal Lake Central High School

 

What education path did you take to prepare to be an actress?

I got my BFA in Musical Theatre and I’ve taken other various classes in dancing/singing/acting throughout my life.

 

What was the first stage show that you saw?

I believe the first stage show I saw was my brother’s 5th-grade production of Guys & Doll’s haha, but my first professional show was a touring production of Meet Me in St. Louis.

 

 

What’s been your favorite role?

I can’t pick a favorite, but if I had to choose a couple of favorites that aren’t Miss Frizzle, I’d say Inga in Young Frankenstein: the Musical and Cinderella in Into the Woods.

 

Thinking of all theater roles, what’s a role you’d really like to have?

As stereotypical as this sounds, Glinda in Wicked. I’d also love to play Francesca in The Bridges of Madison County one day.

 

How does it feel to be returning to the Raue and Crystal Lake?

It feels like a dream come true. I remember going to see shows at The Raue when I was in elementary school and I can’t believe that now I get to be on stage and share this story with a new generation of little learners. I also can’t wait to show my cast and stage manager all of my favorite places in Crystal Lake!

 

Miss Frizzle is a beloved childhood character, how did you feel when you heard you were going to be playing her?

I was in full denial when they called and offered me the part. Miss Frizzle was ( and still is) my favorite part of The Magic School Bus when I was little, and I couldn’t believe I was chosen to bring her to life on so many stages across the country! She’s just the perfect blend of warmth, wisdom, and chaos.

 

How did you prepare to Play Miss Frizzle?

I honestly didn’t have to do much preparation for this role because I always felt that Miss Frizzle and I were one and the same. We also only had a 2-week rehearsal process before we hit the road, so I had to come into the room ready to go. Our director wanted to make sure I was honoring the original Miss Frizzle while also being able to make my own personal choices and twists, and I think we’ve accomplished that!

 

What are your most/least favorite aspects of this type of experience?

My favorite aspect is bringing this show to places that might not have that much access to the theatre. Our show might be a kid’s first experience of theatre and it’s an honor to be a part of that. My least favorite part of touring is not having a lot of access to vegetables.

While THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS at Raue Center is primarily available through school reservations, a select number of seats may be purchased through the box office. Please email them at boxoffice@rauecenter.org or call 815.356.9212 to reserve tickets!

Music Tribute

World’s #1 Van Halen Tribute, Fan Halen, Rocks Raue Center in January!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – January 3, 2023 – Known as “The World’s Most Authentic Tribute to Van Halen” FAN HALEN sets the stage for a night with Dave, Eddie, Alex, and Michael with a true-to-life tribute to not only the band but the spirit of an era at Raue Center January, 28 at 8 p.m.

“I’m selective about the quality of tribute bands,” explains Raue Center executive director Richard Kuranda,
“I’ve turned down at least twenty others…but THIS tribute group gets it right! They are great!”

Based in Southern California, FAN HALEN has been together for over 10 years playing to enthusiastic crowds all over the US and the globe including Japan, South and Central America, Canada, and Mexico.

You won’t believe your eyes or ears when you come to a FAN HALEN show as you’ll feel like it’s 1984 all over again! From the look of the band, the choreography, the note-for-note reproduction of the greatest rock songs ever written to the sonic energy of the performance, nothing is overlooked…in other words, while FAN HALEN is on stage they are, Van Halen!

Ernie Berru as David Lee Roth is so uncanny and convincing it’s got to be witnessed to be believed. From Diamond Dave’s unmistakable costumes to his signature scream and unique vocal delivery, Ernie delivers the swagger and bravado second only to Roth himself! Derek Fuller as Edward Van Halen recreates Edward’s classic guitar tone, playing every riff and solo with as much fury and technique as Edward himself while capturing all of the enthusiasm and flash of Eddie’s engaging live personality. George DuBose as Michael Anthony looks strikingly like Michael and supplies the low-end bass groove, high-end energy, and most importantly the high harmony backing vocals, which is essential in delivering the quintessential signature sound of Van Halen. Michael Thompson as Alex Van Halen behind his enormous circa 1981 18-piece double-barreled bass drum Ludwig kit delivers the thunderous rhythms and heavy artillery with all the enthusiasm, energy, and ear-to-ear grin Alex brought to Van Halen.

Tickets start at $31 for the general public ($21.70 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 nation’s finest examples of restored art and decor. 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.

Music Tribute

“DESERT ROCK” PAYS TRIBUTE TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ROCK AT RAUE CENTER

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – January 3, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to welcome “DESERT ROCK” to the stage. Don’t miss this incredible show that pays tribute to Southern California music of the 60s and 70s,  from Joshua Tree to Laurel Canyon at 8p.m. on January 13, 2023!

 

“The music being celebrated in the upcoming Desert Rock show is one of amazing craftsmanship.  The Artists assembled from some of Chicago’s finest bands form a tight ensemble that recreates the music that David Geffen championed. “ Richard Kuranda CEO and AD , RC. 

 

SoundTracks of a Generation presents an homage to those who, in the late ’60s & early ’70s, pioneered a whole new genre of American music fusing Folk, Rock & Country. An evening of music compiled from the most successful singer/songwriters who brought a fresh new sound heard on radio and home turntables all across America including Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, and Joni Mitchell, and from songwriters like Tom Waits, JD Souther, Warren Zevon, and more.

 

The show kicks off with songs from Laurel Canyon favorites like The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Neil Young, and Loggins & Messina. The second set includes songs from the roster of Asylum records Artists and the TRIO of Linda Ronstadt, Emmy Lou Harris, and Dolly Parton, then closing with a rousing Eagles farewell song.

 

“We’re thrilled to present another exciting Live Concert Rockumentary, performed with a compelling narrative sharing the stories behind the music and a fresh multimedia show!” says Soundtracks of a Generation’s producer Doug James. “Two hours of music history from three original American musical genres that became one. Faithfully recreating from its beginning, that California Country Rock sound we call… Desert Rock!”     

 

Tickets to “Desert Rock” start at $25 ($17.50 for 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. 

Education

Raue Center Welcomes Erick Buckley as Associate Director of Education

Raue Center For The Arts has welcomed Erick Buckley as Associate Director of Education, an exciting way to start RCSA’s 2023 Winter/Spring classes.

As an actor, Erick Buckley was most recently seen across the country and on Broadway in Motown. He was the first person in the world to perform both the roles of Marius and Jean Valjean in the Broadway production of Les Misérables. He has appeared in the original Broadway production of The Addams Family where he performed the role of Uncle Fester with Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. On Broadway and nationally he has appeared as Dave in The Full Monty, Piangi in The Phantom of the Opera, Gangster #1 in Kiss Me, Kate and Roger in Grease!. He has appeared at theaters around the country as Frederic in Pirates of Penzance, Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys & Dolls, and the Padre in Man of La Mancha.

“The team is proud to welcome Erick,” says Raue Center executive director Richard Kuranda. “Our educational program continues to grow and attract some of the best talent not only from the community but from across the entire USA. From some of the best regional theaters to Broadway. From TV to Film. They are enthusiastic about creating a better pre-professional program for our students to flourish and pursue college or a life in the arts.”

Erick has been a professor at NYU, NYFA, and The Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute. He has also toured as a featured soloist in symphony concerts around the world. He was recently the Director of Education and Outreach at The Appalachian Center for the Arts. He is also a writer whose work includes the feature screenplays TENOR STRICKEN, GREEN, and the TV series SLIM CHANCE, and NICHE MARKET.

“I am beyond excited to begin my journey with the Raue Center School for the Arts. Crystal Lake is a vibrant arts center, with extraordinary community support. I am honored by this opportunity to be a part of this exceptional team of artists and creatives that gets to build on the essential work the Raue has been doing for over two decades.”

For more information about Erick, Raue Center’s School For The Arts, or the upcoming Winter/Spring semester, please visit rauecenter.org/education

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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