Schaumburg’s Prairie Center marks 40th anniversary with name change, Second City performance

The Al Larson Cultural Center Foundation will celebrate four decades of arts, entertainment and community impact with “Celebrating 40 Years of Culture” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg.

The milestone fundraiser will honor the venue’s 40-year legacy while also marking the official transition to its new name: the Al Larson Cultural Center. The evening will culminate with a performance of The Best of The Second City, featuring sketch comedy, improvisation and music from the legendary comedy institution that launched the careers of performers including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell.

“This celebration recognizes the Prairie Center’s longstanding role as a cultural home for Schaumburg and the surrounding region,” said Village of Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly. “For 40 years, the center has fulfilled former Mayor Al Larson’s vision by bringing people and the community together through live performance, arts education and shared creative experiences.”

Guests may purchase show-only tickets or upgrade to VIP admission, which includes pre-show light bites from Schaumburg restaurants, a post-show meet-and-greet reception with cast members, and access to a private bar. Tickets start at $60.

Proceeds from the event will benefit arts programming supported by the Al Larson Cultural Center Foundation (formerly the Prairie Center Arts Foundation), including youth arts education, outreach initiatives and live entertainment programming. The Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting arts and culture in Schaumburg, helps sustain programs such as the Schaumburg Youth Orchestra, Schaumburg Dance Ensemble, Schaumburg Choral Program, Schaumburg Summer Theatre and community outreach efforts including Theatre Buddies and ArtsPartners.

The Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts opened in 1986 and has become one of the northwest suburbs’ premier performing arts venues, presenting touring artists, local productions and arts education opportunities for audiences of all ages.

Tickets and additional event information are available at prairiecenter.org/40years.