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Classes Featured News Theatre

Musical Theatre Masterclass with Broadway Star Emily Kristen Morris

<Crystal Lake>, IL – October 9, 2024 – Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the upcoming Musical Theatre Masterclass featuring New York-based performer Emily Kristen Morris. This exclusive masterclass will be held on December 9, 2024, for ages 14 to adult and on December 10, 2024, for ages 8 to 13.

 

Participants can join the class either as a singer or as an observer. Singers will get an average of 13 minutes of one-on-one coaching, while observers will watch and get to ask questions. 

 

Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from Emily Kristen Morris, an NYC-based actor, singer, dancer, and certified vocal instructor with an impressive career. She is currently starring as Elsa in Frozen at the Paramount Theatre and has performed across the nation and internationally. Emily was the Elphaba standby on the Broadway national tour of WICKED, and Bea in the Broadway National Tour of SOMETHING ROTTEN. Morris has also performed as a solo vocalist with symphony orchestras worldwide.

 

The masterclass will focus on Broadway-style singing and acting through song, providing valuable insights into musical theatre vocal technique, audition preparation, and how to make a lasting impression in the industry. Singers will receive one-on-one coaching. All participants can take part in a musical theatre-focused group warm-up and a Q&A session with Emily at the end of the class.

 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Emily for our upcoming Musical Theatre Masterclass,” says Raue Center School For The Arts’ Director of Education, Rob Scharlow. “ How exciting that our students will get to share in her passion and expertise right here in the Crystal Lake area. She’ll provide an unforgettable experience that will ignite our students’ creativity and elevate their skills to new heights.”

 

James Mablin, Raue Center’s resident music director, will serve as the accompanist for the masterclass. Participants enrolling as singers must come prepared with a memorized song cut down to audition length (16 – 32 bars) and provide a clean copy of the sheet music for the accompanist.

 

The masterclass welcomes both singers and observers. Observers will be able to watch the coaching sessions and participate in the Q&A session.

 

Tuition for participating singers is $125* (limited availability.) Observer tickets are priced at $55. Become a RaueNOW Family member and get a 25% off classes, workshops, and masterclasses. The masterclass will be held at the Raue Center For The Arts, located at 26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL.

 

For more information and to reserve your spot, please visit rauecenter.org/education. Questions? email rcsaeducation@rauecenter.org.

 

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from a Broadway star and take your musical theatre skills to the next level. Join us for a memorable and enriching Musical Theatre Masterclass with Emily Kristen Morris at the Raue Center.

Featured News Professional Theatre

Cast Members of “Avenue Q” get personal about their puppets

Raue Center’s in-house professional theatre company, WSRep, presents Avenue Q, Sept 13-Oct 20. Filled with gut-busting adult humor and a delightfully catchy score, this unique show addresses adult issues while spoofing the memory of educational television shows like “Sesame Street” and “The Electric Company.” 18+ for adult content. Learn more about our talented cast members and their puppet alter egos!

 

Q&A with “Avenue Q” cast member Isabella Andrews

•What drew you to the role of Kate Monster, and how do you connect with her character?

I was drawn to Kate Monster because she reminds me a lot of myself. I relate to her challenges with finding her purpose and wanting to make her dreams a reality. I’ve always admired her level-headed attitude and commitment to what she believes in.

• How do you balance Kate’s sweet nature with her moments of frustration and doubt?

I always try to put as much of myself into my characters as possible. Kate has many moments throughout the show of frustration, often following moments of happiness. As a puppeteer, I try to make very clear differences in how she looks at other puppets onstage depending on her mood. A simple head tilt can sometimes make all the difference.

 

•Kate dreams of opening a school for monsters—how do you portray her passion and determination on stage?

The good thing about this show is that it has a very well-written script. Everything Kate says is infused with the passion and drive she carries with her every day. She’s a modern woman who knows what she wants and is able to properly communicate her emotions, whatever they may be. As an actor, I always think of what I want in each scene and make it my goal to achieve that goal by the end of the scene, and if I don’t, make it the goal for the next scene.

 

•What challenges do you face in bringing Kate’s romantic storyline with Princeton to life?

Kate’s challenges with Princeton mirror many problems that modern couples face: fear of commitment, wanting different things from life, and miscommunication. I’ve certainly experienced that in my life. It’s hard sometimes to see Princeton’s point of view because of my personal views, especially when he starts a relationship with Lucy. But taking a step back and remembering what Christmas Eve says about learning as we go is a very helpful lesson for anyone.

 

•How do you make Kate Monster’s experiences resonate with modern (human) audiences?

As a woman, especially in this day and age, it can feel very exhausting fighting for a dream you have to come to fruition. I think it’s important to make her story resonate by not playing her as the happy-go-lucky girl-next-door type. She deals with plenty of challenges and doesn’t always deal with them in the right way. I think audiences will be able to strongly relate to her struggles with perseverance and finding a romantic companion because we as humans struggle with that too. But when she gets what she wants, they will celebrate right along with her.

 

Tickets at rauecenter.org. Learn more at https://www.rauecenter.org/avenue-q/

comedy Featured Professional Theatre Theatre

Williams Street Repertory presents witty comedy “An Act of God”

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

As political ads flood the television, radio and social media mediums – the leadership at the Williams Street Repertory has decided it’s time to change the conversation to something less controversial.
Religion.

The theater troop is presenting “An Act of God” at its home base the Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake. The show opens Friday, Aug. 2 and performances run through Sunday, Aug. 25.

The witty play by David Javerbaum features God and his right-and-left-hand arch angels, Gabriel and Michael in conversations and a few clever answers to long-held questions.

The show made its Broadway debut in 2015 with actor Jim Parsons of “Big Bang Theory” in the lead role. The actor and Illinois native Sean Hayes, of “Will and Grace” also portrayed God on the stage.

For the Raue production, actor Gӧran Norquist has stepped into the role of God, with his beard and booming voice. Actor Daniel Martin is serving as the understudy and will perform in some productions, with his appearance as a young, clean-shaven eternal one.

In the play there are opportunities for the actors to interact with the audience, thereby adding an element of improv into each performance and inviting the audience to feel they can participate in the conversation.
“The whole show is about the audience,” Norquist quipped.

In the role of archangel Michael, Kirk Osgood draws on some of his experience as a graduate of The Second City as he interacts with audience members.

“It’s improv within a structure,” he explains.

Balancing out the trio on stage is Nathan Dale Short as archangel Gabriel.

“I feel {Gabriel} grounds God in the story and with what he has come to do,” Short said.

Director Pat Henderson said it was clear from the first auditions this duo was what the show needed. Actor Ross Dobbins is preparing as understudy to fill in for either angel. From the early rehearsals and readings, it was clear the show is based on the clever banter and interactions among the trio of God and the head angels on stage.
Henderson said the play tells a story that is filled with wonderful moments that intertwine with humor and emotion. In a play about God, the actors joyfully add there’s no need to brush up on the Bible and a basic understanding of the Ten Commandments will more than suffice for understanding the story.

While the play may sound simple on paper with just a trio of actors on stage, the full production includes costumes, props and sets, lighting and effects, engaging the Raue staff to bring the production to life.
Woodstock native Thom Hermanson is a new member of Williams Street Rep, coming to An Act of God as Stage Manager, but he’s excited to be a part of the local production where he can draw on his more than 30 years of community theater experience.

As they prepare for the show Henderson, along with assistant director Sophia Kuranda, are delighted with the opportunity to create a stage show that truly interacts with the audience of the historic theater.
“It’s such a nice, intimate space,” Kuranda said. “You go to the theater and you want to feel something. You want to feel inspired. You want to feel entertained.”

“The best part of our theater experience is the audience is like another character,” explains Richard Kuranda, executive director and founder of the Williams Street Rep.

Now in its 18th season at Raue Center, Williams Street Repertory is the only professional theater troop in McHenry County. While the show draws on its local audience, Richard Kuranda said the theater’s reach has significantly expanded in the nearly two decades since it’s launch, welcoming those from Lake and Cook counties, the North Shore and Chicago too.

“And with this longer run, it will give more people the opportunity to see the show,” he added.
Kuranda said he is excited to bring audiences on a journey with the latest productions. “We felt, with the elections, people take themselves way to serious and it’s time to be human.”
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Featured MUSICALS Theatre

RCSA presents “Static” an interative morse code musical.

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

She started writing the script before she could drive a car. Now, at 19 Tess Rowan is a few days away from acting in the full production of her musical, “Static” as it debuts on stage at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake. 

Presented by Raue Center School For The Arts, Director  Rob Scharlow, said, “This presents such a valuable opportunity to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of Static. I am excited to collaborate with Tess and help bring her show to life in a fully realized production. I previously worked with Tess at Stagedoor Manor in New York on several short 10-minute plays she authored. I have been following the evolution of Static since she first started promoting it on social media. 

“It’s been so exciting,” Rowan said. “I started writing it at 14 and there have been so many changes throughout the show.” 

Rowan said she and the musical have grown up these past five years as she developed the script, wrote the music and lyrics. Within the first year of creating the draft Rowan won awards for the show, providing encouragement and funding for her to continue the pursuit. 

The show made its world premiere at the Capital Fringe Festival in 2022 where it won Best Musical and Best Ensemble in a production that Rowan performed and directed. 

Performing comes naturally to Rowan who has been acting in theater shows since the age of 5. She’s participated in children’s productions of Disney musicals such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast” as well as a production of “Annie.” 

At 14 she started working on the first drafts of the musical’s script. She also began to teach herself guitar and piano. 

“I grew up around the theater and love musicals and I decided I wanted to write a musical and I quickly learned it would help if I can play instruments,” Rowan said. She’s recently been working on playing the banjo too. 

“Static” is a musical about a teen, Maine, who is trying to find her father who’s lost in the woods of the Appalachian Trial. Maine teams up with another teen in effort to find her dad and the story of their friendship and a hidden family history unfold. 

Rowan described the musical sound as folk rock. She’s created an interactive aspect to the musical. Embedded within the music is morse code, and the audience travels on a journey to decode messages within the show. 

The musical includes themes about family and connections and how individuals can connect with each other in their connections to nature, Rowan said. 

Nature and the setting in the musical also serves as an important character in the show. Away from the stage lights, Rowan said she loves being outdoors. 

“The No. 1 item on my bucket list is to hike the Appalachian Trail,” she said, explaining the hike takes anywhere from three to six months. 

She’s taken smaller hiking trips including at age 17 she experienced a weekend trip of hiking alone. 

“Nature is where I feel most inspired to write,” she said. 

Rowan grew up in the suburbs of Washington D.C.

For the production she’s taken up residence in Crystal Lake for the summer, enjoying walks through the downtown to explore shops, restaurants and outdoor spaces in the community. 

“I’ve tried a bunch of restaurants,” she added. 

She’s enjoyed learning about the community, including attending the Field Day, a 24-hour event in June hosted by the 415 Amateur Radio Club in Crystal Lake. 

Scharlow added, “RCSA continues to offer opportunities to the community that educates all participants. It is truly inspiring to share this process with our ensemble of 7 actors. They not only get the chance to perform, but also to engage in the overall creative development. For the cast, witnessing the script modifications, the creation of new and original characters, and observing the resident music director of Raue Center assemble a complete piano conductor and more, is truly remarkable. We are thrilled to introduce something new and unique to Crystal Lake.”

In addition to working on “Static” Rowan is assisting with the Raue Center’s children’s production of “Moana Jr” as a choreographer and said she loves being around the young cast members. At the conclusion of the shows Rowan will return to the east coast for her sophomore year at New York University. 

 “Static” performances at the Raue Center in downtown Crystal Lake start July 12 through July 21 and tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. See rauecenter.org to order tickets and for showtimes. 

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Camp Featured Theatre Youth

Raue Center theater camp fosters love for the stage

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

When the curtain rises on Disney’s Moana Jr. later this month at Raue Center For The Arts theater in Crystal Lake, the audience will easily recognize the familiar characters and the songs. For nearly half the cast, it will be their first time in a stage performance complete with costumes and props.

“I’ve done dance, jazz, ballet and hip hop, but this has much more choreography,” said cast member Izzy.
Her cast member Norah B., chimed in as well.

“I didn’t know it would be this much hard work,” said Norah B., who will be playing Pua in the production.
The students have honed their skills, learned what it takes to produce a musical and had lots of fun too as part of the annual Raue Center School For The Arts Theater Camp. The day camp program has brought together students ages 7 to 13 in this summer show. The production crew includes a talented cast, including individuals that have performed at the Raue Center and in their high school and college productions. Overseeing the show is director Christina Giorgi, a recent graduate of Illinois Weslyn University, who brings her experience as an actress and show producer.

“It’s a really big feat putting on a show in six weeks with 30 kids, but they are handling it really well,” Giorgi said.
Head of choreography is Tess Rowan, an actress, writer, musician who is assisting with Moana Jr. while preparing for her own stage production at the Raue Theater this month. Rowan, who recalls performing in several productions when she was a child, said she loves working with the students.

“I can see how they care, are coming out of their shells,” Rowan said.

For some of the campers, it has opened their eyes to a new love for acting.

“I used to be in ballet and I had recitals and on stage, but this I love the most. I love being a character,” said cast member Julia U.

Cast member Abby B. said she has enjoyed how the production team takes the time and patience to teach while making it fun too. In between learning choreography and lines students have played games, tried their hands at tie-dye and enjoyed other fun activities.

Cast member Ross B. is excited to perform as Maui, bringing humor to the show. “You’re going to like the show,” he added.

Giorgi said it’s been important that all cast members feel engaged with the show and their characters.
“I’ve asked even the ensemble members to think about their character, what is their name, their job on the island, how do they relate to Moana,” Giorgi said.

Eva C. landed the role of Moana, and while she’s had some prior acting through the Crystal Lake Park District, this role feels different she said.

“{Moana} is very brave and strong all the time and sometimes I feel that with her. I kind of connect with her,” Eva said.
And for cast member Scarlett W., who will be playing the bedazzled crab Tamatoa, the best part of the multi-week theater camp has been enjoying the work on production and making a lot of new friends. With cast members brought together from across the community, it has been an opportunity for new friendships that will last well after the curtain closes.

“I’ve made a lot of new friends,” cast member Ava R. said. “Every day is a really fun day. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun.”

The 60-minute stage show opens at Raue Center For The Arts July 25, 26 and 27. Shows are at 7 p.m. with a matinee show at 2 p.m. July 27. Tickets are available at rauecenter.org.
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Featured Theatre

Faith Community United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake proudly presents 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche

Faith Community United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake proudly presents 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, brought to you by Mosaic Players, a traveling theatre troupe whose work embraces social justice, human rights, and equality. 
 
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche is a scintillating satire of women’s roles in the 1950s, enlisting its characters in a caricature of the sexism, heterosexism, consumerism, and Communism exuberant in the era. 
 
Come join us for this absurdly adorable and unapologetic declaration of lesbi-independence!
 
When: Friday, June 7, at 7:30 (refreshments served at 6:30, post-show talkback at 8:30)
Where: Faith Community United Church of Christ
Tickets: $5
Featured MUSICALS Theatre Youth

RCSA’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical” Comes to Raue Center For The Arts

<Crystal Lake>, IL – April 3, 2024 – Raue Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce the upcoming performances of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical,” based on the bestselling book series by Jeff Kinney. Directed by Rob Scharlow with music direction by James Mablin and choreography by Mollie Peery and featuring a talented RCSA youth cast performing alongside professional actors, this hilarious and heartfelt musical is set to captivate audiences on April 18 – 20, 2024.

Middle school can be tough, and Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. Join him on his journey to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence, friendship, and self-discovery in this entertaining and relatable production Talkin Broadway says “..bounces onto the stage with confidence, energy and goodwill to spare…a huge amount of fun.”

Tickets are now on sale for $25 (Students: $10) and members can secure their seats for $17.50 ($7 for students). Attendees can expect an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, heartwarming moments, and nostalgia for anyone who has survived the trials and tribulations of middle school.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience the magic of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical” at Raue Center for the Arts. Show times are Thursday, April 18 at 7 PM, Friday, April 19 at 7 PM, and Saturday, April 20 @ 2 PM & 7 PM.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1042858/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-crystal-lake-raue-center-for-the-arts. #wimpykidmusical #theater #youthcast #fun

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 Professional Theatre Theatre

Williams Street Repertory announces return of “Native Gardens” at Raue Center For The Arts

Crystal Lake, Ill. – January 25, 2024

Live theater returns to Raue Center in 2024 with a hilarious comedy of manners “Native Gardens” by Karen Zacarias and directed by company member Michele Vazquez. 

 

 Williams Street Repertory, Raue Center For The Arts’ in-house professional theater company, is excited to bring this delightful comedy of good intentions and bad manners to its stage after a long hiatus due to COVID-19 shutdowns.  

 

“Native Gardens” opens on February 23, 2024, and runs on select dates through March 16, 2024. Williams Street Rep and Raue Center are also adding Thursday matinees at 2 pm for the first time this season. 

 

“We’ve had a lot of requests from patrons for programming during the week and in the afternoons. We wanted to provide our audience members with more options,” explains Raue Center’s marketing director, Meredith Schaefer.

 

“‘Native Gardens’ is one of the funniest shows you will ever see. Michele Vazquez is the perfect director for this play,” says Founding Artistic Director, Richard Kuranda.** “‘Native Gardens’ takes audiences on a whirlwind journey that we can all relate to and laugh at… and who couldn’t use a good laugh these days?”

 

Native Gardens follows two couples making the most of their American Dream. Pablo, a high-powered lawyer, and doctoral candidate Tania, his very pregnant wife, are realizing the American dream when they purchase a house next door to community stalwarts, Virginia and Frank. But a disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. The hilarious results guarantee no one comes out smelling like a rose.

“No one is the villain in this show and there are no saints. The playwright, Karen Zacarias, has a tremendous amount of compassion for these characters and she has written them with love and patience,” says Director, Michele Vazquez. “That said, they are all wonderfully flawed and human, and as a result, a lot of hilarity ensues,” she continues. “Someone likened it to a contemporary ‘Dick Van Dyke Show.’ I think that’s right on.” 

WSRep has assembled a cast including Michael Lomenick (Frank), Shannon Mayhall (Virginia), Peter Briceño Gertas (Pablo), Jazmine Tamayo (Tania), and ensemble members David Rice*, Amy Delgado, Michael J. Santos, and Kelli Walker.

 

“I am excited about this cast. We have some familiar favorites returning, paired with new exciting talent. It is a fantastic mix,” says Vazquez. 

 

In addition to Vazquez, the production team for WSRep’s production of “Native Gardens” includes: 

Director: Michele Vazquez**

Executive Producer: Robin Hughes+

Stage Manager: Caitlin I. Quinn*

Scenic Designer: Richard Arnold

Costume Designer: Rae Melnik

Lighting Designer: Drake Dole

Sound Designer: Lindsay Burdsall

Props Master: Persephone Lawrence

Fight & Intimacy Coordinator: Claire Yearman

Technical Director: Lisa Giebler

 

Founding Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda+ 

Managing Director: Justin Wellington

Operations Manager: Jenna Klaproth

Director of Production: Chris Tumblin 

Production Manager: Ryan Meadow

Marketing Director: Meredith Schaefer

 

WSRep’s production of “Native Gardens” opens on February 23, 2024 and runs select dates through March 17, 2024 at Raue Center. For more information, please visit wsrep.org.

WSRep is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for the American theatre. TCG has existed to strengthen, nurture and promote the 

professional not-for-profit American theatre for over 50 years. 

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage  

  Managers in the United States.

** Associate Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

+Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

Raue Center offers special seating arrangements and hearing devices for patrons with disabilities. Please call the box office at 815.356.9212 to make arrangements prior to the performance. 

Raue Center Box Office | 815.356.9212

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays – Thursdays |12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays 

Open 1 hour prior to the performance.

rauecenter.org

Classes Featured Theatre

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

Featured 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. 

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