World-class, affordable acts to grace NCC stages
Music and theater lovers looking for high-class, affordable entertainment in the coming year need look no further than the state-of-the-art venues at North Central College.
Broadway star Michael Feinstein and musical acts Gloria Gaynor, Boyz II Men and Herb Alpert with Lani Hall will be among the many acts to perform during the 2009-10 Fine & Performing Arts season, the Naperville school announced.
"We have something for everyone, from dance to jazz to classical to pop to rock," said fine arts director Brian Lynch. "And best of all, we have shows that will fit any budget."
This year, Lynch said, the department is trying to encourage more people to purchase the discounted series packages, which are already on sale. Packages include preferred seating for five shows in performing arts, jazz, classical or dance, costing anywhere from $65 to $250, depending on seating and series.
Patrons also can create their own series with the A la Carte package, which offers a 10 percent discount on five individual performances of their choice.
"We're trying to be as flexible as we can," Lynch said. "We want to make it possible for people to come out of hibernation during this recession."
Among the better family-friendly deals being offered by the college are $5 children's shows, such as "Seussical" on Nov. 21 and "Junie B. Jones" on Feb. 6.
Other notable theater productions include "Pippin" March 4-6, Organic Theater Company's "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol" Dec. 10 and 12 and Aquila Theater Company's "As You Like It" Feb. 26-28.
One can't-miss musical performance, Lynch said, is world-renowned opera singer Elizabeth Futral, who will be gracing the stage in Wentz Concert Hall on Oct. 4.
Lynch also recommended the Grammy Award-winning jazz musicians Chick Corea and Gary Burton, who will perform April 10 in Wentz.
"We wanted to find artists that would fit Naperville and the venues, but would also broaden the horizons of our guests," Lynch said.
This will be the second season for the acclaimed Wentz Concert Hall, which opened last fall. The "acoustically perfect" venue has been earning the praise of artists and patrons alike, Lynch said.
"People are in awe of it," he said. "It's a wonderful gem in this small campus."
Performances also will be held at Madden Theatre, Pfeiffer Hall and Thrust Stage, an intimate 240-seat theater Lynch called "a celebration of the artistic side of humanity."
Upcoming performances include "The King and I" July 10, 11, 17 and 18, and "Hot Jazz - 6 Cool Nites" July 10-12 and 17-19. Multiplatinum-selling band Lifehouse will play the school's first outdoor concert on Sunday, July 26.
A full list of events and ticket prices can be found at northcentralcollege.edu/show. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and can be reached at (630) 637-SHOW.