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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.

Classes Education

RAUE CENTER SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS LAUNCHES NEW SEMESTER OF CLASSES

[Crystal Lake, IL] – December 22, 2022 – Raue Center School For The Arts creates a welcoming place where students of all ages can let their creativity soar. RCSA is now offering a new semester of youth classes and adult classes, including new classes in acting for film and TV, Improv, and Stand-up Comedy! RCSA classes are taught by nationally working industry professionals and led by Erick Buckley, newly named Associate Director of Education, and Robin Irwin, Director of Education/Cultural Partnerships – both experienced Broadway theatre actors and teachers with NYU Tisch School for the Arts Accelerated Musical Theatre Program; The New York Film Academy; The Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute, and Montclair State University. 


Improv Kids I for grades 5 – 8 runs February 1 – March 15 (Weds 5 to 6 pm) Students learn the same skills as the performers at Second City, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and SNL, while building confidence and team-building. The class culminates in a demo performance at Class Showcase Night the week after the final class where they will invite you into their heads!  

Adults can get in on the action too with Adult Improv, January 31 – March 14 (Tues 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Ages 18+) Using theater games, long- and short-form improv exercises, and the magic of “Yes, and…”, students will explore their imaginations and discover they have no limits. The class will culminate in an evening of Improv demonstration.

Sit Down to Stand-Up (February 15 – April 5  Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM) for Ages 18+ hones the skills that apply to being a better public speaker AND creating a stand-up comedy set. Learn how stories build to a genuine give and take between speaker and audience – whether you’re trying to impress in a presentation or to bring an audience to tears of laughter. The class culminates in an “Open Mic” presentation at Lucy’s Comedy! Taught by special guest teacher John DaCosse, who can be heard most mornings on the Steve Cochran Show on WLS. He has shared the stage with comics Brad Garret, Dave Chapel, George Lopez, Sabastian, Ron White, and Kevin James just to name a few.

Bring the joy of theater to the life of your youngster with Acting I (February 2 – March 16, 2023, Thursdays @ 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Grades 2 to 5) The basics of theater from every angle, opening them to experience the magic of being on stage. The final class culminates in a demo where the kids show their new knowledge. 

Learn skills for acting and auditioning on-camera from actors who have appeared on TV shows and movies in Acting for TV and Film I (February 4 – February 25, 2023,* Saturdays @ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Grades 6 to 12) Our instructors teach you the unique skills to prepare your performance for the camera. The class culminates in your own video performance to begin creating your own reel. Instructors Michele Vazquez and James Knight have appeared on prime-time television shows like Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Person of Interest as well as national commercial spots. 

 

Broadway Bootcamp (February 1 – March 15, 2023. Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Grades 5 to 8) combines all the different elements that make up Musical Theater: fully choreographed dance numbers, fully staged musical numbers with featured solos, improvised rehearsal techniques, and scene work. It is a sampling of how a full Broadway-style musical gets put together. The class culminates in a performance at the 2023 Spring Semester Showcase. 

 

Risk. Explore. Create. Classes are enrolling now and the semester begins on January 31, 2023. Visit https://www.rauecenter.org/education/ for more information on enrollment and financial aid. For specific questions regarding enrollment, email rcsaeducation@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. 

 

More information and tickets are available by visiting www.rauecenter.org or by calling the box office at (815) 356-9212. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Classical Music

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH ELGIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S  HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR AT RAUE CENTER

<Crystal Lake>, IL –November 28, 2022 –Raue Center For The Arts is excited to welcome the Elgin Symphony Orchestra to the stage this December! Celebrate the holidays this year with ESO’s Holiday Spectacular Concert at 8 p.m. on December 9, 2022. 

 

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is unmatched for quality music and a fun, relaxing, cultural experience. From start to finish – the ESO brings world-class, big-city entertainment without the hassles of the big city. 

 

“We are excited to be back live in concert at the Raue Center to celebrate the holidays,” said Marc Thayer, CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. “Our Holiday Spectacular concert, featuring the Elgin Master Chorale, will be a true celebration of holiday spirit. We look forward to sharing all your favorite carols and traditional music that will tempt you to sing along.”

 

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is one of the preeminent regional orchestras in the United States. Since its founding in 1950, the organization has developed a reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to the social advocacy and economic development of the diverse communities that it serves.

 

Named “Orchestra of the Year” an unprecedented four times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, (1988, 1999, 2005, and 2016) and winner of a 2010 Elgin Image Award, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra is respected for exceptional performance, innovative education programs, and community outreach initiatives.

 

Now, ESO joins Raue Center for a very special Holiday Spectacular concert featuring conductor Timothy Semanik and the Elgin Master Chorale. Timothy Semanik currently serves as music director for the Bradley Symphony Orchestra, the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, and the Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra. He was previously music director for the Carleton College Orchestra, the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra, the Northern Illinois University Philharmonic and the Central Illinois Youth Symphony. He was assistant conductor for Welcome Yule! with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

 

Timothy Semanik holds a Doctoral degree in orchestral conducting from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Michigan. He was a member of the conducting class at the Tanglewood Music Center and a recipient of the Bruno Walter Scholarship at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.

 

Andrew Lewis, music director of the Elgin Master Chorale, was recently described by John von Rhein in the Chicago Tribune as “the inspiring conductor, scholar, and educator” He is the Artistic Director of Bella Voce and the Bella Voce Sinfonia, Music Director of the Elgin Master Chorale, Choirmaster at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston, a member of the faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and assistant conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus. He has been a guest conductor with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and has appeared on several occasions as a guest conductor with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. 

 

Tickets start at $53 for the general public and $37.10 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. 

Classes Education MUSICALS Theatre

Raue Center School For The Arts presents youth production of “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.”

Crystal Lake, IL | November 1, 2022 

 

Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the cast of RCSA Presents’ upcoming production of “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” Adapted from book #44 of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure series, “Ghost Tale” follows Jack and Annie as they journey back in time to the foggy streets of London to meet Charles Dickens, world famous writer, who has a severe case of writer’s block. Through a series of fateful interactions and situations, Jack and Annie help Mr. Dickens face his inner demons and ultimately write one of the greatest holiday stories of all time! 

 

At the helm of this production are Director of Education & Cultural Partnerships Robin Irwin as Director, Institutional Advancement Associate Billy Seger as Associate Director & Choreographer, and YMTE Instructor Alayna DeVar as Music Director. Recurring RCSA production members Jessica Urban, Savannah Thomas, and Patty Halajin return as Producer, Teaching Assistant, and Costume Designer respectively. Rounding out the production staff are RCSA newcomers Anna Walker (Production Stage Manager), Adam Milne (Assistant Stage Manager), Trevor Dotson (Scenic Designer & Scenic Artist), Emma Linnea (Lighting Designer), and Chris Tumblin (Technical Manager).

 

“The Magic Tree House series is very near and dear to my heart,“ said Director Robin Irwin. “I’ve read all the books to my daughter, so it’s an honor to bring book #44 to life on the Raue Center stage.”

 

“The talent in this cast is absolutely outstanding,” said Associate Director & Choreographer Billy Seger. “Our students really stepped it up at auditions, making this casting process one of the most difficult during my time with RCSA.”

 

“Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens” runs December 2, 2022 at 7pm, December 3, 2022 at 3pm & 7pm, and December 4, 2022 at 3pm. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $10 for Students. RaueNOW Members receive a 30% discount on tickets. Some restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

 

Details:

  • “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” presented by RCSA Presents, December 2, 2022 @ 7pm, December 3, 2022 @ 3pm & 7pm, &  December 4, 2022 @ 3pm

 

“Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” Cast:

Josh Annen – Mr. Dickens

Caleigh Banks – Restaurant Patron #1

Elizabeth Barton – School Girl #1

Serenity Bell – Orphan Soloist

Miranda Bokuniewicz – Henrietta

Liam Burke – Police Officer

Andriana Castle – School Girl #2

Benjamin Chase – Tiny Tim

Mia Clifford – Miss Twigby

Ellie Coughlin – Mary Dickens

Adelaide Daczewitz – Lady-in-Waiting

David Daskalov – Mr. Pinch

Ayla Dempsey – School Girl #4

Charlotte Genegels – Dishwasher

Elizabeth Hannen – Morgan Le Fay

Emma Hartwig – Mrs. Pinch

Bobby Hull – Newsies 

Nico Jensen – Young Dickens

Bennett Jones – Bootblack

Izzabella Jorenby-Behling – Hawker

Nicholas Kasperek – Barber

Elin Kennedy Kaye – Baker

Hazel Kroster – Black Ghost

Maddox Lovick – Oliver Twist

Fiona Miceli – Olive

Maisie Miceli – Queen Victoria

Audrey Molter – Annie

Brad Molter – Merlin

Kara Molter – School Girl #3 

Paige Montanye – Dressmaker 

Brooklyn Morey – White Ghost 

Adeline Morson – Emma 

Averie O’Keeffe – Green Ghost

Maddie Olszewski – Carriage Driver

Kennedy Onopa – Collin

Easton Paulson – Harry

Nolan Paulson – Newsie

Faye Radeni – Caroler #1

Noah Rea – Pickwick

Marybeth Reckamp – Mrs. Tibbs

Margaret Reckamp – Restaurant Patron #2

Ava Richer – Restaurant Patron #3

Veda Rosch – Sara

Courtney Schaal – Butcher

Bobby Schaeffer – Jack

Knox Rose Schneider – Restaurant Patron #4

Anna Snow – Mrs. Dickens

Tyler Sullivan – Francois the Chef 

Charlotte Thompson – Waitress 

Frank Truscott – Newsie 

Maggie Vallicelli – Roberta

Blakely Voight – Caroler #3

Derek Walker – Nickleby

Allie Wightman – Young Caroler

Aubrey Williams – Caroler #2

Caroline Zimmerman – Bookseller

 

Production & Design Team: 

Director: Robin Irwin

Associate Director & Choreographer: Billy Seger 

Musical Director: Alayna DeVar

Teaching Assistant: Savannah Thomas 

Lighting Designer: Emma Linnea

Costume Designer: Patty Halajian 

Scenic Designer: Trevor Dotson 

Production Stage Manager: Anna Walker

Assistant Stage Manager: Adam Milne 

Technical Manager: Chris Tumblin

Producer: Jessica Urban

Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda

 

Ticket Prices:

Standard Adult: $25

Standard Student: $10

*RaueNOW Membership Adult: $17.50

*RaueNOW Membership Student: $7

 

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 jknight@rauecenter.org.

 

*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. 

 

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This program is made possible through the generous support of

Community News

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!

Photos courtesy of Todd Heintz Photography

Jazz Music

The JAZZ AMBASSADORS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND at Raue Center for Free Concert!

<Crystal Lake>, IL –October 24, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts proudly announces a free concert performed by the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band, on November 16, 2022, @ 7 pm. 

 

The Jazz Ambassadors is the official touring big band of the United States Army. From the big band sounds of the 1940s to the contemporary hits of today, the members of the Jazz Ambassadors present a versatile musical program that has earned them international recognition and appeals to all ages. 

 

One of the finest big bands in the world today, the Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, DC, tours thousands of miles each year to promote patriotism and goodwill for the U.S. Army through free public concerts. The Army’s official touring big band has appeared in a variety of high-profile contexts, including performances with the Columbus (OH) Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Syracuse Symphony. During a joint performance with the National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Marvin Hamlisch declared, “I can’t think of better ambassadors for our country.” This unique collaboration with Maestro Hamlisch has included the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony Pops, the Colorado Pops Orchestra, and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.

 

Other recent, notable performances include appearances at the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, the Jazz Education Network Conference in Louisville, KY, the Kennedy Center Honors, and The Colbert Report.

 

A highly competitive audition process draws candidates from leading conservatories, universities, and the professional ranks. Many members of the Jazz Ambassadors have extensive civilian performance experience. Alumni have gone on to careers in university teaching, studio recording, and performance. In 1969, Army Field Band Commander Major Hal Gibson formed the Studio Band in response to an increased demand for jazz performances. The Studio Band became the Army’s premier touring jazz ensemble and was renamed the Jazz Ambassadors in 1979. The band has appeared in all fifty states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and throughout Europe. Whether at a world-renowned venue or playing in the grassroots of America, the Jazz Ambassadors impress audiences with their virtuosity. The ability to connect with their audience has attracted the attention of Gordon Goodwin, Bobby Shew, Ernie Watts, and the Dave Brubeck All-Star Quintet, just a few of the outstanding jazz artists who have shared the stage with America’s Big Band. 

 

Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are programmed to entertain all types of audiences. Many of the ensemble’s members arrange and compose music highlighting the group’s creative talent and gifted soloists. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, bebop, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, and patriotic selections. Wherever they travel, the Jazz Ambassadors proudly carry the message of patriotism and goodwill to audiences worldwide.

 

This is a free-ticketed event. To claim your tickets visit Raue Center Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake 60014  or email boxoffice@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. 

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Pedal Into the Night with Raue Center’s Night Owl Bike Ride on Aug 2nd, 2025

Mix and Mingle at Raue Center’s 7th Annual 6X6 PROJECT, June 14th

Beyond the Curtain: How Raue Center Helps Drive Crystal Lake’s Downtown Economy

A Brighter Tomorrow Begins With Creativity Today.

Musical Theatre Masterclass with Broadway Star Emily Kristen Morris