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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. 

Classes Education Masterclass Music Theatre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets for both masterclasses are $20 ($15 for members) Purchase tickets online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Learn more at rauecenter.org/education. Made possible by the generous support of the Johnny Carson Foundation and Advance McHenry County. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. Become a RaueNOW Family Member and save 25% on classes and camps!

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

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

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

Professional Theatre Schools

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

What was the first stage show that you saw?

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

 

 

What’s been your favorite role?

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

How did you prepare to Play Miss Frizzle?

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

 

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

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

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

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

Classes Education Theatre

RCSA’S NEW MASTERCLASS SERIES LAUNCHES WITH GREAT SUCCESS!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – October 25, 2022 – Raue Center School For The Arts is proud to announce its newest community engagement initiative: The Masterclass Series!

“Masterclasses offer our patrons and the entire community remarkable opportunities,” says Director of Education and Cultural Partnerships Robin Irwin. “We thrive and grow when we are exposed to the unique and varied approaches and ways of thinking expressed by artists at the top of their craft. Masterclasses like these in the city can run as much as $200 per session. So it’s a great value, too.”

Each installment of the RCSA Masterclass Series will be taught by professional artists from across the country, focusing on different arts disciplines and specialties throughout the year. Attendees are welcome to join as either a participant or spectator. Participants may be asked to join our experts on stage for exercises or practice modules in the class discipline. Spectators are encouraged to observe the process and welcome to participate in the question-and-answer sessions following the workshop.

The new program successfully launched on Monday, October 3rd at Raue Center For The Arts – conveniently located in downtown Crystal Lake, IL – when Broadway veterans Joy Hermalyn and David Benoit, cast members of the highly lauded production of “Fiddler On The Roof” at The Lyric Opera of Chicago, hosted an audition workshop on the historic Raue Center stage. Participants in the masterclass were not only given feedback on their audition selections and technique, but also treated to an exclusive question and answer session with Hermalyn and Benoit. RCSA alum Estella McCarthy Schultz, understudy for both Shprintze and Bielke in the aforementioned Lyric Opera production of “Fiddler,” also made a special appearance during the Q&A session, much to the delight of student participants who have previously worked with Schultz in classes and productions produced by RCSA.

“I was so honored to have had the chance to sing for Joy, David, and Estella,” said participant Angie Kells. “They were so present and provided suggestions that made my piece feel relevant to me. I also appreciated how they helped me infuse dynamics into my selection not only vocally and physically, but mindfully as well.”

The next installment of the Masterclass Series, “Dancing Through Life,” is scheduled for Monday November 14, 2022 and welcomes cast members from the current national tour of “Wicked,” now playing at the Nederlander Theater in Chicago. Broadway and television veteran John Bolton (The Wizard),  known for his work in the original Broadway casts of “Anastasia” (Vlad) and “A Christmas Story” (The Old Man), and Marina Lazzaretto (Swing), “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Schmigidoon,” as well as “American In Paris,” and “West Side Story” on Broadway, will lead a dance workshop in the style of “Wicked.” All attendees are welcome to join us on stage for the dance portion of the workshop. If you are interested in participating in a  one-on-one coaching demonstration during the workshop, please email rcsaeduation@rauecenter.org directly to reserve your spot.

Tickets for the Masterclass on November 14th are $10 per participant for current RCSA (or RaueNOW) families and $15 for the general public. You can register on Sawyer and pay in cash or card at the door! Doors will open at 6:00pm and the class will run from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

“It’s really about helping foster artist-citizens that are better prepared for real-world experiences when they learn from a variety of Master Teachers with the most current experiences at the highest levels,” says Irwin. “There is also a direct benefit to the area as it becomes known as being a community that welcomes artists and champions the arts in all of its forms – encouraging tourism which results in increased foot traffic in the downtown area. This encourages entertainment dollars being spent locally rather than consumers taking those funds to the Chicagoland area.”

For more information visit rauecenter.org/education. For questions, please contact our Box Office at at boxoffice@rauecenter.org or 815-356-9212.

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

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

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

Classes Dance MUSICALS News Theatre

RCSA MASTERCLASS – DANCING THROUGH LIFE with John Bolton and Marina Lazzaretto

@Raue Center For The Arts
26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Monday, November 14 | 6:30 to 8:30p
Registration Fee: $15
Reservations required. Limited Availability. Reserve your spot today!
Register Now!

RCSA’s Masterclass Series, “Dancing Through Life,” welcomes cast members from the current national tour of “Wicked,” now playing at the Nederlander Theater in Chicago. Broadway and television veteran John Bolton (The Wizard), known for his work in the original Broadway casts of “Anastasia” (Vlad) and “A Christmas Story” (The Old Man), and Marina Lazzaretto (Swing), “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Schmigidoon,” as well as “American In Paris,” and “West Side Story” on Broadway, will lead a dance workshop in the style of “Wicked.”

The masterclass will begin with an open dance instruction on stage for all participants featuring choreography inspired by the musical “Wicked” followed by one-on-one demonstrations and a Q&A. All attendees are welcome to join us on stage for the dance portion of the workshop.

If you are interested in receiving one-on-one audition coaching during the workshop, please email rcsaeducation@rauecenter.org directly to reserve your spot. Spots are limited.

Doors will open at 6:00 pm
The masterclass will run from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Each installment of the RCSA Masterclass Series is taught by professional artists from across the country, focusing on different arts disciplines and specialties throughout the year. Attendees are welcome to join as either a participant or spectators. Participants may be asked to join our experts on stage for exercises or practice modules in the class discipline. Spectators are encouraged to observe the process and are welcome to participate in the question-and-answer sessions following the workshop.

JOHN BOLTON
John Bolton starred on Broadway as Vlad in Anastasia (Outer Critics Circle, Rivera Awards nominations), The Captain in Dames at Sea (Astaire Award nomination), The Old Man in Christmas Story the Musical (Drama Desk nomination), as both Grady and Cioffi in Curtains, King Arthur in Spamalot, Michael in Contact, Charles Lightoller in Titanic, and J Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed… He made his Broadway debut alongside Jerry Lewis in Damn Yankees. On tour, he was Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly! and is currently playing The Wizard of Oz in Wicked. He headlined 4 sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and has been a soloist with the NY Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. On TV, Mr Bolton had recurring roles on The Blacklist, Madam Secretary, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Gossip Girl and All My Children and has guest-starred on Evil, FBI, Elementary, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, The Good Wife and Law and Order. He is featured in the film Mapplethorpe.
MARINA LAZZARETTO
Originally from Alberta, Canada, Marina Lazzaretto is a New York City-based Dancer, Singer, and Actress. Marina is currently in the national touring company of the hit Broadway show Wicked. She has performed all over the US and Internationally in productions such as The Broadway and First National Touring companies of An American In Paris, the First National Tours of Cats (revival), and Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away, The New Yorkers at City Center Encores, the Off-Broadway Companies of Trip of Love and Doctor Faustus and the Broadway Company of West Side Story. Most recently Marina has just finished filming Season 2 of the new Apple TV Musical Series “Schmigadoon”. She has also been seen on television in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Fosse/Verdon”, “The Tonight Show”, “SNL”, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”, and “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris”. Marina has also been fortunate enough to work with the Verdon Fosse Legacy since 2013 honoring the work of the legendary Bob Fosse. For more info visit marinalazzaretto.com Instagram @marinalazz
John Bolton as The Wizard in Wicked. photo by Joan Marcus

Made possible through the generous support of the Jonny Carson Foundation

High School MUSICALS Theatre

Cary-Grove Drama presents CLUE

It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well… dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue: High School Edition is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.

Ticket sales begin 9/26 at 9 am. Tickets are $10. Activity passes will be accepted at the door.
To purchase tickets click HERE.

 

Don’t miss the first show of the 2022-2023 season! Visit carygrovedrama.org for more information.

Education MUSICALS Theatre

Raue Center School For The Arts ON STAGE! Presents two youth productions of Seussical the Musical!

photo by Todd Heintz Photography

Crystal Lake, IL | June 15, 2022 

Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the casts of RCSA On Stage! summer productions “Seussical Kids” and “Seussical Jr.” Based on the beloved works of Theodor Seuss Geisel, more commonly known as Dr. Seuss, “Seussical” tells the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

Although “Seussical Kids” and “Seussical Jr.” follow identical storylines, the productions feature different casts. At only 30 minutes long, “Seussical Kids” is the perfect show for families looking for an introduction to live performance and features a cast of RCSA students ages 7-10. “Seussical Jr” runs approximately 60 minutes and features a cast of students ages 12 and up. Either production is guaranteed to have you dancing in your seats with multi-genre-infused musical theatre scores, imaginative set, and vibrant costumes.

At the helm of both productions are RCSA instructors Billy Seger as Director/Choreographer, Alayna DeVar as Music Director, and Savannah Thomas as Assistant Director/Stage Manager. Emily Ostrowski and Becca Robertson step into Stage Manager and Costume Designer roles after leading the first two weeks of RCSA’s new summer program, Camp RCSA. Director of Production Jarrod Bainter takes the lead on the productions’ technical elements in tandem with Raue Center production staff members Caroline Arana and Commedore Clark. Both productions are produced by Jessica Urban and Kyle Schneider, with Raue Center CEO Richard Kuranda serving as Artistic Director.

“It’s so wonderful to see the new program come to life with so many kids!   The team has done a fantastic job at our new home of St Mary’s,” Kuranda said.  “We consider ourselves lucky to have been invited in. I’m looking forward to seeing both shows!”

“Seussical Kids” runs July 8, 2022, at 7 pm, and July 9, 2022, at 1 pm and 4 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for Students. RaueNOW Members receive a 30% discount on tickets. Some restrictions may apply. “Seussical Jr.” runs July 15, 2022, at 7 pm, and July 16, 2022, at 1 pm and 4 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $7 for Students. RaueNOW Members receive a 30% discount on tickets. Some restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

Details:

  • “Seussical Kids” presented by RCSA On Stage!, July 8, 2022 @ 7pm & July 9, 2022 @ 1pm & 4pm
  • “Seussical Jr.” presented by RCSA On Stage!, July 15, 2022 @ 7pm & July 16, 2022 @ 1pm & 4pm

 

“Seussical Kids” Cast:

Cat In the Hat – Penny Kim

Thing 1 – Faye Radeni

Thing 2 – Aubrey Williams

Jojo – Allison Wightman

Horton the Elephant – Bobby Schaefer

Gertrude McFuzz – Kennedy Onopa

Mayzie LaBird – Ayla Dempsey

Mr. Mayor – Tyler Sullivan

Mrs. Mayor – Adelaide Daczewitz

Sour Kangaroo – Audrey Molter

Young Kangaroo – Kara Molter

Bird Girls – Maisie Miceli, Ava Richer, & Blakely Voight

Wickershams – Samantha Erwin, Fiona Miceli, & Adeline Morson

Talk Show Host & Judge Yertle the Turtle – John Robert Hull

Vlad Vladikov & Marshal – Frank Truscott

 

“Seussical Jr.” Cast:

Cat In the Hat – Olivia Zak

Jojo – Noah Rea

Horton the Elephant – Joshua Annen

Gertrude McFuzz – Emma McBreen

Mayzie LaBird – Claire Reitz

Mr. Mayor – Derek Walker

Mrs. Mayor – Addyson Rebman

Sour Kangaroo – Sydney Sullivan

Young Kangaroo – Elin Kaye

Bird Girls – Emma Hartwig, Kendra Heidtke, Emma Kim, & Lila Stewart

Wickershams – Ellie Coughlin, Paige Montanye, Maddie Olszewski, & Catherine Rea

The Grinch & Others – Izzabella Jorenby-Behling

Vlad Vladikov & Others – William Burke

Judge Yertle the Turtle & Others – Mia Clifford

 

Production & Design Team: 

Director/Choreographer: Billy Seger 

Musical Director: Alayna DeVar

Assistant Director: Savannah Thomas 

Lighting Designer: Jarrod Bainter

Costume Designer: Becca Robertson 

Sound Designer: 

Scenic Designer and Artist: 

Props Master: 

PSM: Emily Ostrowski

ASM: Savannah Thomas

Director of Production: Jarrod Bainter

Producer: Jess Urban

Producer: Kyle Schneider

Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda

 

Ticket Options:

Seussical Kids (30 min adaptation) Ticket Price:

Standard Adult: $15

Standard Student: $7

*RaueNOW Membership Adult: $10.50

*RaueNOW Membership Student: $4.90

 

Seussical Jr. (60 min adaptation) Ticket Price:

Standard Adult: $20

Standard Student: $7

*RaueNOW Membership Adult: $14

*RaueNOW Membership Student: $4.90

 

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. 

High School Theatre

CG Drama presents “Almost, Maine”

ALMOST, MAINE
by John Cariani

April 21 – 23

Tickets on sale April 11th at 9 am!

Join us for the last show of the 2021-2022 season!

Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost – in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.

Tickets are $8 and activity passes will be accepted at the door.

Performances are April 21 – 23 at 7:30 pm.

Visit carygrovedrama.org for more information.
Classes Education MUSICALS Theatre

STUDENTS TAKE THE STAGE FOR NEW MUSICAL ENSEMBLE!

[Crystal Lake, IL] – March 29, 2022 – On March 22nd, Raue Center School For The Arts students took the stage at Raue Center to perform their first showcase as members of the newly formed Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble (YMTE)!

A small but mighty team, the six YMTE students performed selected songs from beloved stage musicals such as Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Shrek, The Secret Garden, Next To Normal, and Mean Girls, with each student featured several times throughout the showcase. Additional lights and sound were provided by Jarrod Bainter, Technical Director, and supported by staff members Jessica Urban and Billy Seger to help elevate the aesthetic of the performance.

“The beauty of this class is that every session will be different, with material that gives everyone a moment in the spotlight while learning how to be a good ensemble member as well,” says class instructor Alayna DeVar, Education Coordinator/Lead Instructor for Raue Center. “The performance was highly regarded and the kids quite literally wouldn’t leave the theatre. We will be running this class again and I look forward to seeing how this class grows and evolves over time.”

The Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble, geared toward students aged 14-18, focuses on vocal technique that expands beyond solo singing into small and large group ensembles. Students enrolled in the class can look forward to musical theatre songs they’ve always wanted to sing, but have not had the back up vocals to bring them fully to life . The collaborative atmosphere, paired with DeVar’s rich background in vocal instruction and pedagogy, makes for the ultimate experience in group singing.

Risk. Explore. Create. Raue Center School For The Arts looks forward to bringing this class back in the Fall of 2022. Until then, be sure to check out rauecenter.org/education or visit facebook.com/rcschoolforthearts for updates on more exciting opportunities, including a brand new Summer Camp experience aptly called “Camp RCSA.” Those looking to enroll students in RCSA programs should be reminded that the institution’s RaueNOW Family Membership offers a 25% discount on enrollment fees for all RCSA classes and workshops as well as an additional 30% discount on select Raue Center programming throughout the year. Scholarship opportunities are also available by contacting rcsaeducation@rauecenter.org.

Raue Center currently requires masks for all patrons 2+. For more information, visit rauecenter.org/covid/. For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

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

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.

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