COD takes entertainment out to Lakeside Pavilion for summer series
The McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage just completed its highly successful 2014-15 season.
"We're thrilled with the incredible response we had, which included many sold-out events," said Director Diana Martinez. "But we were even more pleased to see how our patrons have come to see the MAC as a premier venue close to home where one can experience something new, couples can meet for date night, friends can socialize, and parents can rely on family friendly events."
With that in mind, the MAC is preparing an exciting 2015-16 season, offering more than 30 touring productions with top-notch talent from around the world. Events include "African Footprint," a joyous celebration of South Africa's influence on the world of music and dance; a unique collaboration between Los Lobos and Ballet Folklorico; jazz legend Ramsey Lewis performing with his acclaimed quartet; a new book club/lecture partnership with the Daily Herald, featuring Erik Larson ("Devil in the White City") discussing his newest work, "Dead Wake," and Jessica Fellowes' behind-the-scenes look at "Downton Abbey;" improv comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood of "Whose Line Is It Anyway" and much more.
The MAC's resident symphony orchestra, New Philharmonic, returns with an exciting five-concert 39th anniversary season, beginning Oct. 3 with Gustav Holst's "The Planets," combining awe-inspiring images, short films and historical illustrations from the Adler Collection of Works on Paper, NASA, and ESA animations.
Subscriptions are on sale now and single tickets go on sale mid-August.
In the meantime, the MAC has exciting summer programming. The Cleve Carney Art Gallery presents "New Acquisitions from the Collection of Andree Stone" through Friday, July 31. College Theater presents "Pride and Prejudice" in the Playhouse Theater from Thursday, July 9, to Sunday, July 19, as well as "Me, Us and Them!" an original script for the whole family performed at the Lakeside Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19.
A highlight of the summer promises to be the MAC's free Lakeside Pavilion Summer 2015 Series, running Thursday, July 16, to Friday, Aug. 21.
"The enormous public response to last year's inaugural Lakeside Pavilion Summer Series blew us away, and our patrons tell us they're looking forward to returning to the Pavilion this summer," Martinez said.
This summer's programming includes Beatles tribute band American English on Friday, July 17; Elvis tribute artist Scot Bruce in "Shake, Rattle and Roll: A Tribute to Elvis, the Early Years," on Friday, July 24; Wade Preston, the original "Piano Man" hand-selected by Billy Joel for the musical "Movin' Out," and the Movin' Out Band performing songs by Joel and Elton John on Friday, July 31; a mix of classical, Broadway and military music by New Philharmonic on Friday, Aug. 7; the Magic of Motown re-creating the incredible harmonies made famous by the Temptations, the Four Tops and more Friday, Aug. 14; and the Hit Men, featuring former members of the Four Seasons, on Friday, Aug. 21.
Programming also includes the 90.9-FM WDCB Live Jazz Concert Series Thursdays, Aug. 6, 13 and 20, and a Sing-Along Family Movie Series including "Frozen" on Thursday, July 16; "Grease" Thursday, July 23; and a third movie to be announced showing Thursday, July 30. All Lakeside Pavilion events take place rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy at the event. Concessions are available.
For up-to-date information about McAninch Arts Center programming including college concerts and special events, visit atthemac.org or call (630) 942-4000.