Swing era musical revue returns to CLC
"In The Mood," a big band theatrical review that pays tribute to swing music from the 1930s and '40s, will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, in the Mainstage Theatre at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County in Grayslake.
Only a few seats remain for the performance, which presents a combination of up-tempo, big band instrumentals and intimate, romantic ballads performed by a cast of singers, dancers and instrumentalists. "In The Mood" played to sold-out audiences in 2010 and 2011.
Go back to a time when Swing Music epitomized the nation's spirit and served to sustain morale during World War II. "In The Mood" features the 13-piece String of Pearls Orchestra, along with In The Mood Singers and Dancers, all performing melodies and lyrics that are still with us today.
Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, this musical review is jazzy, sentimental and patriotic, with timeless music that moved the nation's spirit and appealed to audiences throughout world.
The show celebrates America's "Greatest Generation" through the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, Harry James and other idols of the 1940s.
Creator and producer Bud Forrest is a Juilliard-trained pianist and conductor who accompanied the official U.S. Air Force chorus, The Singing Sergeants. He compiled the greatest music from the swing era into a revue about the big band era and the influence of this music before, during and after World War II.
The second act consists of a tribute to those who fought in the war and to all veterans. The entire show is staged by Alex Sanchez, a veteran of 10 Broadway shows and choreographer for the upcoming Broadway musical "Roman Holiday."
Tickets are $44-$48 for regular admission; $43-$47 for senior and CLC staff and alumni; and $15 for CLC students and teens. Prices do not include a $2 JLC facility fee. For tickets or information, call (847) 543-2300 (option 5) or visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.
The JLC Box Office is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performances.
The James Lumber Center is on CLC's Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St.
The remainder of the JLC 20th Anniversary Season includes "You've Got a Friend," The Music of Carole King and James Taylor, at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 26; The Magic of Bill Blagg Live at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 8; and "The Long and Winding Road," starring Jim Witter, at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 13.