James Lumber Center announces its 17th Professional Touring Events season; Subscriptions on sale through Sept. 21
Whether your entertainment tastes include music, acrobatics, dance, comedy or illusion, you can find something to enjoy during the James Lumber Center (JLC) for the Performing Arts 2013-14 Professional Touring Season at the College of Lake County.
Subscriptions to the upcoming season are now on sale at the JLC Box Office on the Grayslake campus, 19351 W. Washington St. Patrons who purchase tickets to three or more different events enjoy special subscriber benefits and the greatest discount over single-ticket prices.
Many styles of music are featured this season―jazz, rock, Cajun, country, blues, classical, Irish, choral and Broadway favorites. The variety of entertainment also includes magic and illusion, dance and comedy shows.
“Eighteen outstanding events await you this season. While a few favorites return, most of our 17th season events are new to our stage,” said Gwethalyn Bronner, executive director, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts. “There is truly something for everyone to enjoy,” Bronner said. “We have it all here.”
2013-14 James Lumber Center Professional Touring Season Events
Sept. 21: The Capitol Steps
Sept. 26: CALJE: Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble (5-et)
Sept. 29: Sphinx Virtuosi with the Catalyst Quartet
Oct. 13: “Remember When Rock Was Young” with Almost Elton John & The Rocket Band starring Craig A Meyer
Oct. 30: Cirque Mechanics' Birdhouse Factory
Nov. 8: Susan Werner: The Hayseed Project (cabaret on the stage special event
Dec. 4: Magical Mask, Mime & Music of Japan
Dec. 10: The Second City's Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue
Dec. 21-22: Ruth Page Civic Ballet: The Nutcracker
Jan. 23: Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies (with dancing space on the stage)
Jan. 26: Cantus
Jan. 31: The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra's A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald
Feb. 21: The Irish Rovers
March 14: The Wonder Bread Years starring Pat Hazell
March 21: The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE!
April 2: The Official Blues BrothersTM Revue presented by Dan Aykroyd, Judy Belushi and Musical Director Paul Shaffer
April 18: Chicago Tap Theatre
May 10: Dean Regan's “Give My Regards to Broadway”
7th Annual Box Office Sale Sept. 19 and 21
The JLC Box Office 7th Annual Sale will be held on two days this year, Thursday, Thursday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free and fun event offers discounted tickets to single Professional Touring Series shows, discounted rates on select college performances (patrons must purchase tickets in person), prizes, backstage tours, technical hands-on opportunities and a video preview of the series.
Ticket information
Patrons can purchase Professional Touring Season Subscriptions (three or more events) until Sept. 21. Subscribers receive best seats available, guaranteed same seats for all events (if ordered by Aug. 26), personalized assistance creating their subscription, handling and exchange fees waived and ticket exchanges up to 24 hours prior to the event during regular Box Office hours. A new dedicated subscriber phone line for ordering is available at (847) 986-1800. Single tickets (not part of a subscription of three or more events) go on sale Aug. 26.
Subscription tickets can be purchased at the Box Office in the James Lumber Center, room P112 on the Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St., or by phone. Subscriptions are not available for online purchase, but patrons can learn more at www.clcillinois.edu/tickets. For more information, call the Box Office at (847) 543-2300 (option 5). The Box Office is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To request a James Lumber Center subscription brochure or the 2013-14 CLC cultural arts calendar, which includes professional series as well as college-sponsored events such as music concerts, theatre and dance productions, films, art exhibits, literary events and much more, call (847) 543-2300 or join the mailing list at www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.
Professional events make excellent group outings, with groups of six or more people eligible for discounted ticket prices. Call group sales at (847) 543-2431 or email JLCgroupsales@clcillinois.edu for more information.
Discounts are available for CLC students, CLC staff, seniors 65 and over and members of the CLC Alumni Association. Three seating levels and prices are offered on events held in the Mainstage Theatre. A $1 per ticket JLC facility fee will be added at the time of purchase. Subscriber prices below apply when patrons purchase tickets to three or more different events before Sept. 21.
Event descriptions and ticket prices for 2013-14 Professional Series Events
Note: prices below do not include $1 JLC facility fee per ticket and other convenience fees)
The Capitol Steps on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre. Always fresh and crispy, right from the headlines, The Capitol Steps dig into the news of the day and create song parodies and skits which convey a special brand of satirical humor. Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded over 33 albums, including their latest, “Take the Money and Run for President.” They've been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS. Website: http://capsteps.com. Subscription ticket prices: $38/34/28. Single ticket prices: Regular $42/38/32; Senior/Staff/Alumni $41/37/31; CLC Student/Teen $15.
CALJE: Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble (5-et) on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre. Regarded as the new and innovative force on the Latin Jazz scene, and with a global sound and ensemble, this ensemble of five talented musicians represents Afro-Cuban Jazz, as well as music from all of Latin America. CALJE delivers captivating performances and high energy in the form of dance grooves. The music is primarily written by co-leaders trumpeter Victor Garcia and pianist Darwin Noguera. Their debut album “Blueprints” was critically acclaimed, receiving 3½ stars from Downbeat Magazine, as well as other media outlets across the U.S. and abroad. Website: www.calje.org. Subscription ticket price: $26. Single ticket prices: Regular $30; Senior/Staff/Alumni $29; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
Sphinx Virtuosi with the Catalyst Quartet: “A Dialogue Between Two Eras” on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m., Studio Theatre. This performance features a conductor-less ensemble of soloists, comprising top alumni of the national Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players. This 18-member professional string orchestra earned rave reviews from the New York Times in December 2004, during its highly acclaimed debut at Carnegie Hall. The Sphinx Virtuosi Tour offers a diverse program featuring well-known repertoire in addition to works by African-American and Latino composers, including works by Mozart, Piazzolla, Michael Abels, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson and others. Subscription ticket prices $26. Single ticket prices: Regular $30; Senior/Staff/Alumni $29; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12. Website: www.sphinxmusic.org.
“Remember When Rock Was Young” with Almost Elton John and the Rocket Band Starring Craig A Meyer on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m., Mainstage Theatre. A spectacular tribute that celebrates the character, costumes and charisma of the famed pianist and singer and totally entertains with Sir Elton John's chart topping hits, including: “Benny and the Jets,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Candle in the Wind.” Multiple award winning actor/singer Craig A Meyer uses his remarkable resemblance and uncanny ability to sound like the legendary star in this audience pleasing performance. “Craig A Meyer is one of the most talented people I have ever worked with. He can do anything!” said Barry Manilow. Subscription ticket prices: $38/34/28. Single ticket prices: Regular $42/38/32; Senior/Staff/Alumni $41/37/31; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
Cirque Mechanics' Birdhouse Factory, Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m., Mainstage Theatre. A premiere American circus, with a unique approach to performance, inspiring storytelling and innovative mechanical staging. Birdhouse Factory, a nostalgic tale set in a 1930s depression era widget factory; a factory where the workers are acrobats and the machines are circus props. A place where you're awed as a contortionist performs on a turntable powered by unicyclists and stunned when the trampoline wall artists defy the laws of physics by virtually flying and walking on air. All the while, you will be giggling at the antics of the comedic characters, impressed by the acrobatic dancing and enchanted by the story of laughter, love, flight and birdhouses. Website: www.cirquemechanics.com. Subscription ticket prices: $38/34/28. Single ticket prices: Regular $42/38/32; Senior/Staff/Alumni $41/37/31; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
Cabaret ON the Mainstage Featuring Susan Werner and songs from her new musical CD “The Hayseed Project” on Friday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. In this special premier pilot event, the audience will be seated on the stage to enjoy an intimate musical performance with preferred seating at pub tables. Adult beverages will be available for purchase. Susan Werner composes and performs songs that effortlessly slide between folk, jazz, and pop, all delivered with sassy wit and classic Midwestern charm. In the Hayseed Project, Susan returns to the language and characters she knows best (she grew up on a family farm in eastern Iowa, where her parents still farm). Website: http://susanwerner.com. Cabaret seating on the Mainstage: Preferred Seating $35; Regular $25.
Magical Mask, Mime & Music of Japan featuring Kuniko Yamamoto, Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., Studio Theatre. Kuniko Yamamoto uses traditional Japanese music, magical masks, origami and mime and a touch of magic to create an artistic balance of illusion and reality. She started performing professionally in her hometown of Osaka, where she studied traditional dance, music and theater. She has performed at the Silk Road International Exposition, The Kennedy Center, Disney Epcot Center Japanese Pavilion, Seattle's International Children's Festival, Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County and more. A passionate origami folder, Kuniko received Tempo Award from Origami USA in 2007. Website: www.kunikotheater.com. Subscription ticket price: $26. Single ticket prices: Regular $30; Senior/Staff/Alumni $29; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
The Second City's Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue, Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Mainstage Theatre. Fast-paced, interactive and filled with style and wit, this is the perfect alternative to the same old tired holiday performances. This bright, funny and completely original show draws from holiday film classics to family gatherings to improvised Christmas carols. Website: www.secondcity.com. Subscription ticket prices: $28/24/21. Single ticket prices: Regular $32/28/25; Senior/Staff/Alumni $31/27/24; CLC Student/Teen $15.
Ruth Page Civic Ballet: The Nutcracker, Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1 and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m., Mainstage Theatre. Revel in the awe-inspiring Nutcracker that has captivated families for years with brilliant costumes, larger than life scenery, entrancing storytelling and Tchaikovsky's famous score. Follow the heroine, Clara, as her lively imagination leads her on a wonderful journey filled with colorful characters: the fearsome Mouse King, dazzling dancers from many lands, the beautiful Sugarplum Fairy and, of course, the Nutcracker Prince! Website: www.ruthpagecivicballet.com. Subscription ticket prices: $26/23/18. Single ticket prices: Regular $30/27/22; Senior/Staff/Alumni $29/26/21; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies, Thursday Jan. 23, 2014 at 7:30 p.m., Mainstage. Mister Mojo and his troupe of near-mad musical provocateurs have poured Louisiana fire on audiences across the planet for 25-plus years. They have performed on PBS, ABC, CBS, NBC, Superstation WGN and FOX TV Networks and put out 13 albums. Mojo's songs tell stories about family, friends, events in their lives and the “the good things in life that money just cannot buy.” Their music reflects the Louisiana Zydeco tradition as well as Cajun and New Orleans two-steps, rock ‘n roll and blues rhythms. Website: www.redhotmojo.com. Tickets: Onstage and Row A $50; Regular (open seating) $30; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
Cantus, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014 at 4 p.m., Mainstage. This all-male chorus presents an engaging performance of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. The Washington Post has hailed the ensemble's sound as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power” and refers to its music making as “spontaneous grace.” Hailed as “the premier men's vocal ensemble in the United States” (Fanfare) and winner of the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America, Cantus is acknowledged around the world for its programmatic versatility, artistic excellence and charismatic personality. Website: www.cantussings.org. Subscription ticket prices: $28/24/21. Single ticket prices: Regular $32/28/25; Senior/Staff/Alumni $31/27/24; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra presents A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Friday, Jan. 31, 2014 at 8 p.m., Mainstage. Dubbed “The First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums. Her voice was flexible, wide-ranging, accurate and ageless. This show presents many of Ella's original big band arrangements by the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) with regional musicians, featuring New York Voices co-founder, Kim Nazarian, paying tribute to Ella with her elegant style and vocal expertise. The repertoire centers on a special moment in American history by pulling original arrangements done for Ella in the 1940-1950s from the Smithsonian and Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation archives. Website: http://smithsonianjazz.org. Subscription ticket prices: $34/31/26. Single ticket prices: Regular $38/35/30; Senior/Staff/Alumni $37/34/29; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
The Irish Rovers, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 at 8 p.m., Mainstage. With wit, a wink and a smile, The Irish Rovers return to the U.S. for The Farewell Tour. You'll love the irrepressible Irish charm and songs that have captivated audiences since 1964! The group's music hits a chord with fans of all ages, with their timeless hits, “The Unicorn,” “Wasn't That a Party,” “Lily the Pink” and many more. “Their songs have become anthems of revelry and joy among generation after generation of fans,” said the Belfast Telegraph. Website: www.irishroversmusic.com. Subscription ticket prices: $34/31/26. Single ticket prices: Regular $38/35/30; Senior/Staff/Alumni $37/34/29; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
The Wonder Bread Years Starring Pat Hazell, Friday, March 14 at 8 p.m., Mainstage. Former “Seinfeld” writer Pat Hazell salutes the baby boomer generation in this fast-paced, hilarious show. This wonderful production gracefully walks the line between stand-up and theater. Along with audiences across the country, you will enjoy a show that not only restores a much-needed sense of wonder, but leaves you laughing and savoring the past like never before. A fresh and funny slice of Americana! “Milk-snorting funny,” says Jerry Seinfeld. Website: www.wonderbreadyears.com. Subscription ticket prices: $28/24/21. Single ticket prices: Regular $32/28/25; Senior/Staff/Alumni $31/27/24; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE!, Friday, March 21, 2014 at 7:30 p.m., Mainstage. Critics and audiences alike rave about this incredible high-energy, grand-scale magic and illusion. Blagg's show is packed with new mind-blowing illusions, and his trademark off-the-cuff personality makes this show a great family event. Audience volunteers will levitate in mid-air, while others will vanish in the blink of an eye. Website: www.billblagg.com. Subscription ticket prices: $26/23/18. Single ticket prices: Regular $30/27/22; Senior/Staff/Alumni $29/26/21; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
Dan Aykroyd, Judy Belushi and Musical Director Paul Shaffer Present The Official Blues Brothers™ Revue, Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 7:30 p.m., Mainstage. This live concert features Wayne Catania as Jake and Kieron Lafferty as Elwood and combines the comedy and hits from the original “Blues Brothers” movie and pays homage to Chicago's rich history of blues, gospel and soul music, featuring classics such as “Soul Man,” “Rubber Biscuit,” “Sweet Home Chicago” and more. Jake, Elwood and the band hit the right balance of humor, music and mayhem. “Infectious and unbridled energy... it blows the roof off” said Jeff Johnson of the Chicago Sun Times. Website: www.bbrevue.com. Subscription ticket prices: $34/31/26. Single ticket prices: Regular $38/35/30; Senior/Staff/Alumni $37/34/29; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
Chicago Tap Theatre, Friday, April 18, 2014 at 7:30 p.m., Mainstage. This young and vibrant dance company has a unique mission: to preserve the quintessentially American dance form of tap and to take tap to the next level of creativity and innovation. CTT's hallmark format, the story show, has garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of modern themes and personalities to tell original stories using a diverse range of music from Chet Baker to David Bowie; Nine Inch Nails to Leonard Cohen. Founded by internationally renowned dancer and choreographer Mark Yonally, CTT has performed in many high profile, as well as non-traditional settings including the Green Mill, Jazz Dance World Festival, New York Musical Theatre Festival, Lollapalooza and the National Tap Dance Day Celebration. Website: http://chicagotaptheatre.com. Subscription ticket prices: $28/24/21. Single ticket prices: Regular $32/28/25; Senior/Staff/Alumni $31/27/24; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.
Dean Regan: Give My Regards to Broadway The Music, The Stories, The Magic, Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 8 p.m., Mainstage. Enjoy Broadway's rich history and current showstoppers as beloved Broadway icons come to life. Dean Regan's unique style, melodious voice, bewitching style and comic timing brings both a heartfelt, romantic depth, as well as a fast-paced, comic energy across the footlights. His performance is full of musical variety crafted from America's popular song book and Broadway's greatest. Website: http://DeanRegan.com. Subscription ticket prices: $28/24/21. Single ticket prices: Regular $32/28/25; Senior/Staff/Alumni $31/27/24; CLC Student/Teen $15; Children $12.