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Raue youth create ‘Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas’

By REGINA BELT-DANIELS
November 27, 2023 at 8:02 pm CST

This article originally appeared in the Northwest Herald.

CRYSTAL LAKE – I don’t think I have ever met two such exuberant teachers as Rob Scharlow and Nick Hrutkay. Scharlow is the new director of education at the Raue Center School For The Arts, and Hrutkay is director of its upcoming world premiere of “The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas,” headed to the stage of the Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake from Dec. 1 to 3.

Scharlow and Hrutkay met at New York’s Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center, where both were teachers. Scharlow had 17 years’ experience there, and has been friends with Hrutkay for nine. Both believe the arts not only inspire and unleash creativity, but also foster emotional connections, personal growth and confidence. Scharlow’s philosophy – “It’s not what you’re capable of, it’s what you’re capable of becoming” – is evident not only in his 35 years of performing throughout the area, including on the Raue stage, but in his RCSA teaching.

Hrutkay’s philosophy is “not to turn out pros, but better people” and “the ability to listen to others can be taken to any profession.” Both Scharlow and Hrutkay have a realistic and honest approach to arts education; as Scharlow says: “We’re the same basically.”

What’s also exciting is this production is a result of devised theater, or the process of collaboratively creating a new work without a pre-existing script. In this case, the collaborators are 12 RCSA students ranging from ages 7 to 16. Both Scharlow and Hrutkay admit it was an intense process; after starting with three pages of ideas, it took five days to pare down and write “The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas.”

Hrutkay “jumped in with prompts,” and later pieced the production together. Both Scharlow and Hrutkay were inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Letters From Father Christmas,” a collection of Tolkien’s letters written between 1920 and 1943 to his children. Scharlow was delighted that in the RCSA writing development, no one questioned the existence of Santa or the spirit of Christmas, and all worked diligently and had fun.

“The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas” will be fully staged in the round and along the lines of a studio black box theater. And thanks to the generosity of Crystal Lake’s Marvin’s Toy Store (Kate McConville told them to “take what you like”), toys will be arranged all around the perimeter of the set. Marketing also involved RCSA students: Caroline Lucas designed the elves T-shirt; Lauren Gassman designed the flyer that, when folded in half, cleverly shows an empty Santa chair; and the play’s poster was designed by Sophia Kuranda.

So, the premise: What would happen if Santa Claus abandoned the North Pole, and a group of elves discovered his famous red suit flung across his chair? “The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas” promises to be both poignant (there’ll be some “pulling of heartstrings,” according to Hrutkay) and humorous. All the collaborators were adamant that the audience should walk out not knowing for sure what happened – no predictable ending. There’s holiday music, dancing, movement and plenty of hope in dealing with real-life issues, and an exploration into what Santa means.

The RCSA will start new classes in January; the much beloved “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is scheduled as the spring show. Hrutkay will be headed to Pittsburgh after this production, but under Scharlow’s inspiration and confidence, the RCSA is sure to be a mainstay of the theater community.

• Regina Belt-Daniels is excited to welcome Rob Scharlow back to Illinois, having directed him in productions at the Woodstock Opera House and Raue Center For The Arts. Belt-Daniels, a retired special education teacher, can be found onstage, backstage, or writing theater reviews somewhere anytime.

WHAT: “The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas”

WHERE: Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 1; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 2; 2 p.m. Dec. 3

COST: $25 for adults, $10 for students, $17.50 for RaueNOW members

INFORMATION: 815-356-9212, box office@rauecenter.org, www.rauecenter.org

Ballet Dance Family-Friendly Featured News

ENGAGE DANCE THEATRE brings dazzling production of “THE NUTCRACKER” to Life!

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – Raue Center For The Arts is pleased to welcome Engage Dance Theatre for a co-production as they present “The Nutcracker” on December 16 and 17, 2023 at 1 p.m. and 5 pm with a special sensory-friendly performance on December 20 at 6 pm. 

 

“From dancing to acting and even tumbling, Engage’s ‘Nutcracker’ has something for everyone! This year, the production includes the addition of several new elements to keep the show fresh and exciting for our audience,” says Courtney Petrocci, Artistic Director of Engage Dance Theatre. “As Milwaukee Ballet company prepares for a brand new Nutcracker of their own this year, we have gratefully purchased multiple costumes and stage sets from their previous production, designed by Zak Brown. These additions will continue to take our production to new heights with its professionalism and majesty.”  Engage Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ is an annual holiday tradition at Raue Center, featuring guest artist Elijah Richardson (one of Dance Magazines 2022 top 25 dancers to watch) as Arabian and Spanish Cavalier, guest artist Annia Hidalgo (former leading Artist Milwaukee Ballet) as Sugar Plum and Pedro Lapetra Miñana (former dancer with English National Ballet) as Cavalier. ,” says Courtney Petrocci, Artistic Director of Engage Dance Theatre.

 

Join Clara at her annual Christmas Eve party at the Staulbaum house enjoying a night full of celebration, dancing, and magic! As the party comes to a close Clara sneaks downstairs to find her precious new Nutcracker doll and falls asleep dreaming of her wonderful evening. She is startled awake by a group of mischievous mice and taken on an exciting journey with Drosselmeyer and her precious Nutcracker. Battling a life-size mouse Queen, slipping & sliding with snowmen & dazzling Snow Queen, and then flying off on an enchanted crystal sleigh to meet the Queen of the Angels and her herald of Angles at the gates of the Land of Sweets. Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Taffy, Marzipan Candy, Merry & her sweet Mini Mints, Dew Drop with her carousel of flowers, and the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy & her Cavalier all dance for Clara in an adventure not to be missed this holiday season! 

 

Audience members will be moved to leap from their seats to battle the Mouse Queen and her horde of mice, have a snowball fight alongside Clara and a family of snowmen in the Land of Snow and Ice, and, of course, dance along with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

 

This beautifully reimagined production of “The Nutcracker” features over 100 performers, as well as guest artists from renowned dance and theatre companies throughout the United States. 

 

The new sensory-friendly performance will be a special one-hour presentation of the Nutcracker with open seating in a reduced house size with softer lighting and sound effects, to support a comfortable sensory-friendly experience. Please call Engage for further details and help answer any questions regarding this inclusive performance.

 

Performance times are 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on December 16th and 17th. Tickets are $30 ( $18 for students 17 and under and Seniors). Tickets for the sensory-friendly performance are $20 ($15 for students). Tickets can 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. 

 

About Engage Dance Theatre 

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

 

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. 

Blues Featured Rock Soul Tribute

Joe Cocker’s famed Mad Dogs & Englishmen Concert Tribute at Raue Center

<Crystal Lake>, IL –  A legendary night in rock and roll history! Hear the music and the stories in this one-of-a-kind tribute produced by Soundtracks Of A Generation and presented at Raue Center For The Arts on October 27, 2023 at 8pm. 

 

An all-star 10-piece band pays tribute to the historic 1970 The Mad Dogs & Englishmen concert with Joe Cocker and Leon Russell, recorded at the famed Filmore East. Known as the “Church of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ New York’s Fillmore East opened its doors on March 8, 1968. For the next three years, the 3,600-seat theater built in 1926 would host the cream of rock royalty: Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, the Doors…and of course, Joe Cocker. 

 

Joe Cocker was one of the greatest interpreters of songs of his generation of vocalists. Not a single Rock, Blues, Pop or Soul song was written that he couldn’t make his own.

 

His genre-busting career spanned over five decades from Rock and Soul, to Ballads and Contemporary Classics. This show chronicles Joe’s breakout performances at Woodstock, The Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour with the legendary Leon Russell, to his diverse career as a solo artist, featuring all of his most famous and well-known music. 

 

Cat Food Records and recording artist Derrick Procell sings the hits of Joe Cocker with the same raw power and grit that made Joe Cocker such a diverse artist. 

 

Tickets start at $30* ($21 for RaueNOW Members*) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

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

Featured News Professional Theatre Theatre

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

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

Featured Music Pop Tribute

Megon Mcdonough and Fred Simon pay tribute to Burt Bachrach and Hal David.

<Crystal Lake>, IL – Enjoy an evening filled with some of the most beloved songs of the last five decades with What The World Needs Now, a powerful tribute to the music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David on October 22, 2023 at 3 pm.  This tribute will inspire you to sing along and remember—what the world needs now is LOVE! 

 

Lyricist Hal David and composer Burt Bacharach began their collaboration together in 1957. Only a year later, their song “The Story of My Life” hit the U.S. country music charts. Soon afterward, Perry Como recorded their song “Magic Moments,” which also climbed the charts. 

 

During the ’60s and ’70s, Bacharach and David also wrote for some of the biggest names in the recording industry, including Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones, Gene Pitney, Bobby Vinton and Lou Johnson, who released the first version of their hit “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me.” Their song “Walk on By” became one of Warwick’s classic numbers, along with “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” and “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” which was also recorded by Dusty Springfield.

 

Celebrated singer Megon McDonough and pianist Fred Simon bring this magical evening of music to life. Megon recorded her first album at 14 and now has 20 + solo albums to her credit. Fred Simon has been making music for more than forty years, composing for records, live performance, film, dance, and television, with instrumentation ranging from solo piano to symphonic orchestra.

 

Tickets start at $30* ($21 for RaueNOW Members*) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

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

Family-Friendly Featured Magic

CELEBRATE 18 YEARS OF FAMILY FUN MAGIC

<Crystal Lake>, IL – September 19, 2023 – Get ready for a magical show filled with fun for the whole family! Children and adults alike will be mystified, dazzled, and bamboozled by tricks, illusions, and more as “Nothin’ Up My Sleeve” celebrates almost 18 years of family magic fun at Raue Center For The Arts at 7 p.m. on October 29, 2023, at 3 p.m. 

 

“‘Nothing Up My Sleeve’ returns to Raue Center with magic that is sure to please all who love tricks and illusions,” says Raue Center Board President, Tim Paul. “Back by popular demand, this show always dazzles and leaves audiences wondering ‘How did they do that?’”  

 

Co-hosts and co-producers Glenn Chelius and Nino Cruz will once again bring some of the finest magic, juggling, and comedy entertainment to the stage, this time with a vaudeville/variety theme. “Nothin’ Up My Sleeve” is a family-friendly magic variety show filled with tricks and treats that you won’t want to miss! This year’s Halloween show features magician Steve Chezaday, circus performer Bobby Hunt, magician Placido “Plaz” Garcia, and children’s television favorite, WIZZO!

  

Raue Center will still be decked out in spooktacular Halloween decorations for the evening, so kids of all ages are encouraged to wear their costumes (nothing too scary, please!) to the show. Guests should also be sure to arrive early to experience all the magic! Doors open at 2 p.m.

 

“Nothin’ Up My Sleeve” is sponsored by Northwest Herald. Tickets start at $20 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. Proceeds of this magic variety show will benefit Raue Center. 

 

Adult tickets start at $20* ($14 for RaueNOW Members*) and $8 for children 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. 

Family-Friendly Featured Fundraisers

THEODORE ROOSEVELT TAKES THE STAGE AT RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – August 23, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce a fundraiser for Raue Center and the Crystal Lake Library Foundation! See history come alive when scholar, writer, and historical interpreter Clay Jenkinson steps into the shoes of our 28th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt on October 21, 2023, at 7 p.m. 

 

“We are excited to be working with the Raue Center to bring Clay Jenkinson and one of his classic characters, Theodore Roosevelt, back to Crystal Lake,” said Crystal Lake Library Foundation president Terri Reece. “If you haven’t seen Clay in the past, you are in for a treat! Clay brings all the energy and enthusiasm that the 26th President had in his portrayal of Roosevelt. It’s an evening you won’t want to end.”

 

 The audience will experience Jenkinson’s great depth and talent as he reveals the many sides of America’s greatness! Jenkinson’s performances are always humorous, educational, thought-provoking and enlightening!

 

Jenkinson is known for his portrayals of multiple historical characters, including Jefferson, Roosevelt, Meriwether Lewis, J. Robert Oppenheimer and John Wesley Powell. He is also the author of nine books, including the critically acclaimed “The Character of Meriwether Lewis.” Jenkinson has also created four documentaries and has appeared in three documentaries by Ken Burns, including his most recent film, “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History.”

 

A distinguished scholar of the humanities at Bismarck State College, Jenkinson has won multiple awards, including the National Humanities Medal, the highest honor awarded to a public humanities scholar in the U.S. He has also been named Humanities Scholar of the Year in Kansas, Nevada and North Dakota. Jenkinson is also the founder of the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University.

 

 

Tickets tickets for this fundraising event are $45 / $50 / $55* 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 Crystal Lake Public Library

Crystal Lake Public Library has been serving the community for 109 years! The library is located at 126 Paddock Street in Crystal Lake. Everyone who lives in the city of Crystal Lake is eligible for a library card, which provides access to books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, games and a long list of online resources. Visit clpl.org for more information!

 

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 in 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.

Featured

Mosaic Players present “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche”

Our friends at Mosaic Players, a traveling theatre whose work embraces authenticity, visibility, and equality, is proud to present 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE, a scintillating satire of women’s roles in the 1950s, not to mention an unapologetic declaration of lesbi-independence. Come out and support the sisterhood of the traveling quiche. Break an egg, Mosaic Players!

An image to accompany the show is attached. An endorsement from you would mean the world to us, and, as co-administrator of our Facebook page, I will be able to see and acknowledge every post.

Lastly, we hope to see YOU at our show.

Our full tour schedule can be found here:
https://www.mosaicplayers.com/post/mosaic-players-presents-our-fall-tour

Featured Folk Music Pop Tribute

Ladies From The Canyon pay tribute to Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell at Arts On The Green in Crystal Lake.

<Crystal Lake>, IL – August 21, 2023 – SoundTracks Of A Generation honors two legends of the 60’s & 70’s California music scene who fearlessly challenged stylistic boundaries over their long careers. Heather Wood and Julie Miller take us on a joyful, entertaining journey showcasing the best-loved songs of groundbreaking artists Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell at Raue Center’s Arts on the Green at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake on Saturday, August 26th at  7 pm.

 

Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell were the Queens of Rock. Ronstadt’s unmistakable voice earned her the first female artist in popular music history to accumulate four consecutive platinum LPs! Joni Mitchell’s voice, writing, and lyrical phrasing were creative and set her apart from all other male or female singers/songwriters of her generation. She wrote terrific songs in every genre. 

 

“This will be an amazing evening of music. Ladies from the Canyon perform two of the biggest names of the Southern California Laurel Canyon music scene spanning 1968 to 1977. Heather Wood, Jessica Horsten and Julie Miller celebrate the complex vocal stylings of Linda Ronstadt & Joni Mitchell,” explains SOAG executive producer Doug James.  “Their 3 piece backup band consists of Christopher Forte/ guitar, Ken McMullen/piano, and Rick Demski/bass/backing vocals from the SoundTracks Of A Generation stable of amazing talent and musicianship. It’s such an honor to be asked back to Arts On The Green and continue our great working relationship with Raue Center.”

 

A Los Angeles area native, Heather attended Elmhurst College and has performed with some of the greatest jazz musicians in the country, touring all over the globe. Previous SoundTracks Of A Generation Shows include The Mad Dog Tribute Band, The Soul Commitments, and currently The Desert Rock Show and Ladies From The Canyon. To sing Linda Ronstadt was natural because she grew up not far from Laurel Canyon! But she’s not confined to one genre of music, she can belt out Chaka Khan, or be honey-smooth like Nancy Wilson. 

Classically trained soprano, Jessica Hornsten pays tribute to one of America’s greatest female singer/songwriters Joni Mitchell. Growing up, Hornstein studied classical piano and voice. Always a part of her, she began singing again for local benefits and enjoyed trying new genres. She was soon invited to sing with other bands. Today, she balances her family and professional life with opportunities to be a part of a number of well-known bands.

Jessica can often be found performing at venues and festivals with one of them! She’s a part of Deacon Blues (a Steely Dan tribute), Big Suit (inspired by the Talking Heads), and Petty Kings (Tom Petty themed). The soul Committee (songs from The Commitments) and an acoustic duo called The Semiconductors. Being a part of so many groups allows her to continue developing her techniques as a lead and backup vocalist. She also arranges harmonies and choreography, plays the keyboard, and dances.

 

Raconteur, Julie Miller is based in Villa Park, Illinois. She studied at Chicago’s Academy of Art where she developed a passion for music, pursuing a career as a solo artist. With a sound that draws on a mix of influences, including jazz, blues, and soul, Julie’s music is a unique blend of old-school sound and contemporary style with vocals that are powerful and emotive, with a rich, warm tone that fills every note with meaning and depth.

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

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians, and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

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

 

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Comedy Featured Stand-up

FUNNY-MAN PAT MCGANN LAUGHS IT UP AT RAUE CENTER

<Crystal Lake>, IL –August 1, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce the return of funny-man Pat McGann for an evening of stand-up comedy, on September 9, 2023 at 7 pm. 

 

Fresh from his sold-out run at the Chicago Theater this past spring, McGann has quickly risen as one of the sharpest stand-ups in the comedy world. Pat began stand-up at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of 3 young children, Pat’s appeal stems from his quick wit & relatable take on family life & marriage.

 

“It is so great to see Pat’s career take off over the years.  He’s really a great guy on stage and off,” explains Raue Center director, Richard Kuranda.  “He’s coming off of sold-out shows at the Vic, Carolines’ in NYC, and touring with Sebastian worldwide.  His special on Amazon is hysterical. Now is your chance to see him back here again at the Raue!”

 

In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs, to theater, and to arenas, including 4 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and the Nashville Comedy Fest. McGann still calls Chicago home. Now McGann brings his brand of comedy to Raue Center! 

 

Tickets start at $40 ($28 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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ENGAGE DANCE THEATRE brings dazzling production of “THE NUTCRACKER” to Life!

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