James Lumber Center celebrates its 20th Anniversary Season of incredible entertainment
Subscriptions go on sale July 11 for the stellar 20th Anniversary Season of professional entertainment at the James Lumber Center (JLC) for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, featuring nine outstanding Professional Touring events. The 2016-17 season kicks off with a special event, "An Afternoon with Rita Moreno" Sunday, Sept. 18.
On July 12 and 13, patrons are invited to visit the JLC Box Office from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to learn about the JLC's exciting plans for 20th Anniversary Season.
In the past 20 years, the JLC has entertained more than 600,000 patrons in the Lake County area with a diverse array of incredible artists, events and performances.
"Live performance is a wonderfully engaging and unifying opportunity for the entire audience. We strive to offer entertainment that enhances positive feelings while presenting an opportunity to learn something new. We are very proud of the artistic quality and cultural diversity represented through the years and in our upcoming anniversary season," said Gwethalyn J. Bronner, executive director of the James Lumber Center.
The deadline to purchase subscriptions (buying tickets for three or more events) is Sept. 18. Subscribers enjoy several advantages over single-ticket buyers. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 15. All performances are in the JLC's Mainstage Theatre. For more information, visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets or call (847) 543-2300.
The JLC 20th Anniversary Season includes the following events:
An Afternoon with Rita Moreno: Sunday, Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. Winner of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards, the legendary entertainer Rita Moreno will present a compilation of songs, experiences, anecdotes and encounters collected over her storied lifetime. Enjoy performances of her favorites from the American Songbook, Broadway classics (including selections from "West Side Story," "Sunset Boulevard" and "Master Class") and selections from her new Spanish album, "Una Vez Más," produced by Emilio Estefan.
Second City - Free Speech! (While Supplies Last): Saturday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. The Second City Touring Company performs "Free Speech! (While Supplies Last)," an irreverent look at America's electoral insanity. This topical new show is a must-see evening of comedy that features some of Chicago's best and brightest, along with a majority of laughs. Performer website: www.secondcity.com/shows/touring/us/.
FAME - The Musical: Sunday, Nov. 6 at 3 and 7 p.m. Derived from the award-winning film and television series, FAME - The Musical follows the incredible journey of a group of vibrant, multi-cultural young artists at New York's High School of Performing Arts. Featuring music for the ages, this riveting theatrical odyssey inspires audiences to embrace their talents and follow their dreams. Performer website: www.gurtmanandmurtha.com/fame/fame.htm.
Tomáseen Foley's A Celtic Christmas: Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. Native Irish storyteller Tomáseen Foley takes you back to old Ireland this Christmas for a foot-stomping night of traditional Irish music, song, dance and storytelling, with some of the most gifted Celtic musicians performing anywhere today, on either side of the Atlantic. A heartwarming Christmas show for all the family to enjoy. Performer website: www.tomaseenfoley.com/shows/a-celtic-christmas/.
Masters of Soul: Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m.: The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Jackson Five and Stevie Wonder are just some of the iconic Motown artists who have earned their place in the history of all popular music. In this ultimate stroll down memory lane, Masters of Soul celebrates these artists and many more via incredible harmonies, stylish costumes and endless smooth moves. Performer website: www.mastersofsoulshow.com/.
In The Mood: Sunday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.: In The Mood celebrates the music of the 1930s and '40s Big Band era with the sensational 13-piece String of Pearls Orchestra and fabulous singers and dancers. The great melodies and lyrics that are still with us today are presented in a musical revue that is jazzy, sentimental, rhythmic, nostalgic and patriotic. Performer website: http://inthemoodlive.com/.
"You've Got a Friend" / The Music of Carole King and James Taylor: Sunday, March 26, at 4 p.m.: This nostalgic concert performance pays homage to the music, lyrics and melodies that comprise the timeless songbook of Carole King and James Taylor. Two long-time friends and collaborators, hit songwriter Kirsti Manna and national recording artist Jonathan Birchfield, will share their incredible onstage chemistry and unique artistry, capturing the essence of friendship through music. Performer website: www.youvegotafriendmusic.com/.
The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE!: Saturday, April 8 at 7 p.m. Bill Blagg is one of the nation's top touring illusionists, thrilling thousands and leaving people in complete disbelief as he creates the impossible. Prepare to be amazed as he passes through the blades of an industrial fan, shrinks his body to just six inches tall and instantly teleports across the theatre. Performer website: www.billblagg.com/.
"The Long and Winding Road" Starring Jim Witter: Saturday, May 13 at 8 p.m. The Beatles captured the world's attention with their songs, providing a musical soundtrack to the historical events of the '60s and '70s. In this multi-media musical tribute, Jim Witter brings his powerful voice, endless talents and infectious personality to the stage as he shares the songs and stories behind the music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Performer website: www.thepianomenshow.com/main/biography.html.
Ticket Information
Subscriber ticket prices for Professional Series shows range from $26 to $46, with two price levels available for all events. When purchased with an adult subscription, subscriptions for teens age 12-17 are available at a discount. Currently enrolled CLC students with ID or proof of registration can also receive a special subscription discount.
The deadline to purchase Professional Touring Subscriptions (three or more events) is Sept. 18. Subscribers can purchase additional tickets throughout the entire season at the low subscriber rate, in addition to getting the best seats available. Subscribers also receive personalized assistance creating their subscription, handling and exchange fees waived and ticket exchanges up to 24 hours prior to the event during regular Box Office hours. Subscribers may also receive special last-minute ticket offers throughout the season, as well as complimentary drink tickets. A dedicated subscriber line is available at (847) 986-1800. A $2 per ticket JLC facility fee will be added to each ticket at the time of purchase. Other fees may apply.
Subscription tickets can be purchased at the Box Office in the James Lumber Center, Room P112 on the Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St., or by phone. Subscriptions are not available for online purchase, but patrons can learn more about the 2016-2017 season at www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.
For more information, call the Box Office at (847) 543-2300 (option 5). During Summer Session, the Box Office is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting Aug. 8, the Box Office will be open Monday through Friday. Single tickets for all professional events (not part of a subscription of three or more events) will go on sale Aug. 15.