Five productions on tap for 2017-18 CLC Theatre season
The College of Lake County Theatre department's 2017-18 season will feature a children's musical comedy about three famous pigs, a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, a celebrated Shakespearean comedy, the annual student showcase and a renowned musical set in politically charged WWII Berlin.
The shows are "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs," Sept. 28 through Oct. 1; "Street Scene," Nov. 10-18; "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Feb. 23 through March 3; "Play On! A CLC Theatre Student Showcase," April 13-21; and the summer musical, "Cabaret," July 20-29.
All productions are held in the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts on the CLC Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St. Tickets are available in person at the Box Office, by phone at (847) 543-2300 or online at www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.
Theatre auditions are open to the community and start at 6:30 p.m. "True Story of the Three Little Pigs:" Aug. 22 and 23. "Street Scene: Sept. 18 and 19. "A Midsummer Night's Dream:" Dec. 4 and 5. "Play On:" Feb. 5 and 6, Mainstage Theatre (CLC students only). "Cabaret:" May 21 and 22. For audition information, visit www.clcillinois.edu/campus-life/arts or the Theatre Facebook page.
"The True Story of the Three Little Pigs," Thursday and Friday, Sept. 28 and 29 at 10 a.m.; Saturday, Sept. 30 at 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, October 1 at 2 p.m. There are two sides to every story, and when the Big, Bad Wolf takes the stand in Piggsylvania's Trial of the Century, he finally gets his say. But can a lone wolf get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court? And will anyone believe that all the "huffing and puffing" nonsense was just a cover-up for a simple story about a sneeze and a cup of sugar? Audiences will help decide the fate of Big 'n' Bad in this hysterical musical adaptation of the hit children's book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.
Directed by Alicia Hall, The New York Times called it "One of the best children's shows of the year. Case closed." It is especially suited for grades Pre-K to 5. All tickets $8; $6 for school groups of ten or more (in advance, includes JLC $2 facility fee). Visit http://jlc.clcillinois.edu/schoolgroups for group registration instructions.
"Street Scene" by Elmer Rice will be the last CLC production directed by retiring theatre faculty member Thomas B. Mitchell. Production dates: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, Nov.16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. A retirement reception will be held immediately following the Nov. 18 closing night performance to celebrate Mitchell's 30 years with CLC Theatre. Set entirely on the front stoop of an apartment building and surrounding street, this remarkable play explores the comedy and tragedy of daily life through the experiences of working class families and new immigrants. Fidelity, relationships, communication, discrimination and identity are all explored in this outstanding stage classic. A Broadway success and winner of the Pulitzer Prize, "Street Scene" teems with humanity and offers a bold exploration of American society. Buy one ticket, get one free for the Nov. 10 and 16 performances. Tickets: $12 general public; $10 CLC/Teens/Seniors (includes JLC $2 facility fee).
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare, directed by Brian Gill, will be presented Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, March 1, 2, 3 at 7:30 p.m.; high school matinee: Friday, March 2 at 10 a.m. The woods outside Athens are a busy place on this magical midsummer night! Four lovers find themselves smack in the middle of a dispute between the King and Queen of the fairies, while a troupe of amateur actors is trying to rehearse a play. Add the mischievous sprite Puck, armed with a potion capable of making anyone fall in love with the first person they set eyes upon, and you have the recipe for this most celebrated comic masterpiece. Buy one ticket, get one free for the Feb. 23 and March 1 performances. Tickets: $12 general public; $10 CLC/Teens/Seniors 65+; $9 School Groups of 10 or more in advance (includes JLC $2 facility fee).
Play On! A CLC Theatre Student Showcase, Friday and Saturday, April 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, April 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. Play On! is a celebration of student creativity, talent and achievement. Join CLC students as they showcase their abilities as actors, directors, stage managers, designers and technicians. Ideas for the showcase will be solicited in the fall semester and students will produce the work in the spring. It might be a full-length play, an evening of one-acts or even an original script-the students will decide! Buy one ticket, get one free for April 13 and 20 shows. Tickets: $12 General Public; $10 CLC/Teens/Seniors (includes JLC $2 facility fee).
"Cabaret," directed by Craig Rich, will be presented Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 22 at 2 p.m.; Thursday - Saturday, July 26, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 29 at 2 p.m. This Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of Berlin's infamous Kit Kat Klub, where the Emcee, Sally Bowles and a raucous ensemble take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd, enticing them to leave their troubles outside. Featuring such memorable songs as "Willkommen," "Money," "Don't Tell Mama" and "Maybe This Time," the show's powerful message to follow your heart when the world loses its way remains remarkably relevant. Buy one ticket, get one free for the July 20 and 26 shows. Tickets: $17 General Public; $14 CLC/Teens/Seniors (includes JLC $2 facility fee)
To request sign language interpreting, please contact the Box Office at least two weeks in advance. For group sales information, call (847) 543-2431 or email JLCGroupSales@clcillinois.edu.
For more information on tickets, call (847) 543-2300 or visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 12-6 p.m. and 60 minutes prior to each performance at 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more in advance. For information, call (847) 543-2431 or email JLCgroupsales@clcillinois.edu.
About the CLC Theatre Department
The CLC Theatre Department offers 13 different courses and an Associate in Arts degree, with emphasis either on theatre performance (acting/directing) or technical theatre (design/stage management). For more information, contact the Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts division at (847) 543-2040 or visit www.clcillinois.edu/programs/the. Or become a fan of the College of Lake County Theatre Department Facebook page.