Exploration, engagement and entertainment abound in James Lumber Center's 2018-19 season
Subscription tickets are now on sale for the 22nd Professional Series season at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (JLC) at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. The high-energy season offers something for everyone, from The Second City comedy to the awe-inspiring Golden Dragon Acrobats.
"It's so important to keep live performing arts accessible and available in our communities," said Gwethalyn Bronner, executive director of the James Lumber Center. "The JLC Professional Series offers quality events of artistic and cultural diversity, with subscription prices providing the greatest discount all season. Our 22nd season will be fun, so don't miss it!"
Subscriptions are on sale until Oct. 1 at the JLC Box Office. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 20. Visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets or call (847) 543-2300 (option 5) for information.
2018-19 Professional Series, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts:
The Second City: Friday, Sept. 14
Tres Vidas: Friday, Sept. 21
Broadway: Close To You: Sunday, Oct. 21
Kealoha: Thursday, Oct. 25
An Evening of Magic and Illusion with Kevin Spencer: Friday, Dec. 7
Masters of Soul Holiday Show: Sunday, Dec. 16
A Rock n' Roll Tribute from Elvis to The Beatles featuring The Neverly Brothers: Saturday, Jan. 12
Elisa Monte Dance Does Brubeck: Saturday, Feb. 16
Golden Dragon Acrobats: Saturday, March 2
Artrageous: Tuesday, March 26
'80s Night Out: Saturday, March 30
Erth's Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure: Sunday, April 7
JACK WRIGHT's Songs and Stories of NEIL DIAMOND: A Contemporary Tribute:
Saturday, May 4
The Second City: Friday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Mainstage. Fresh, fast and always spectacularly funny, The Second City's laughs are 100 percent USA-made in this latest take on our great, big dysfunctional nation. Celebrating what makes us all tick, this hilarious, satirical revue will leave you breathlessly ready to face the future … complete with all its loose screws. Performer website: www.secondcity.com/.
Tres Vidas: Friday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m., Studio. This chamber music theatre work celebrates the life, times and work of three legendary Latin and South American Women: Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran peasant activist Rufina Amaya and Argentinean poet Alfonsina Storni. Featuring a wide stylistic range of music, these dramatic and passionate stories will appeal to audiences across all gender and ethnic spectrums. Performer website: www.coreensemble.com/shows-on-tour/tres-vidas/.
Broadway: Close To You: Sunday, Oct. 21 at 4 p.m., Mainstage. In this eclectic double bill, O Sole Trio - an exhilarating classical crossover ensemble -performs "Bravissimo Broadway," featuring their own unique arrangements of show tunes from beloved musicals. In the second half of the evening, Lisa Rock and her 6-piece band perform "Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters," recreating the catchy pop music with spot-on renditions of their classic songs. Performer websites: www.osoletrio.com/ and www.closetoyouonline.com/home/.
Kealoha: Thursday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., Mainstage. The first Poet Laureate of Hawai'i, Kealoha is an internationally acclaimed performance poet who has appeared throughout the world. In this whirlwind, inspirational show, the poetry slam legend and keen, optimistic observer of life will create a tapestry of stories designed to entertain and engage both young and old alike. Performer website: www.kealohapoetry.com/.
An Evening of Magic and Illusion with Kevin Spencer: Friday, Dec., 7 at 7 p.m., Studio. Extraordinary magician Kevin Spencer performs his relaxed, sensory-sensitive and fun-filled show, combining imaginative storytelling, stage magic and audience participation. This entertaining, inclusive show is guaranteed to delight the entire family. Performer website: www.spencersmagic.com/.
Masters of Soul Holiday Show: Sunday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m., Mainstage. Masters of Soul is a celebration of the legendary songs and performers that defined Motown. In this effervescent, holiday-flavored performance, these seasoned vocalists and musicians bring their incredible harmonies, stylish costumes and smooth moves to the JLC stage to ring in the season. Performer website: www.mastersofsoulshow.com/.
A Rock n' Roll Tribute from Elvis to The Beatles featuring The Neverly Brothers: Saturday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m., Mainstage. The Neverly Brothers' concerts are a tribute to one of the most exciting chapters in music history: the birth, near death and resurrection of rock n' roll. With their one-of-a-kind, high-energy stage performance, you'll be led on a guided tour of rock
history - complete with vintage wardrobe changes and stories behind their chronological song sequence - as they perform hits by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and many more. Performer website: www.theneverlybrothers.com/.
Elisa Monte Dance Does Brubeck: Saturday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m., Mainstage.Elisa Monte Dance Company is joined by Chris Brubeck's "Triple Play" for a collaboration set to the music of Dave Brubeck and his son, Chris. This joyous fusion of music and dance will feature Brubeck standards such as "Blue Rondo," Unsquare Dance" and "Take Five." This performance will surely have you dancing in your seats! Performer website: www.elisamontedance.org/.
Golden Dragon Acrobats: Saturday, March 2 at 7 p.m., Mainstage. Combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques and you have the Golden Dragon Acrobats. Recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company, this amazing troupe will thrill audiences with their fearless and daring feats. Performer website: www.goldendragonacrobats.com/.
Artrageous: Tuesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m., Mainstage. An artistic and musical experience like no other, the Artrageous cast creates an otherworldly realm filled with bold colors and mysterious characters. Upon entrance to the theater, audience members become an integral part of the show, carried along by the camaraderie of the world-class vocalists, musicians and dancers on stage, ultimately creating a live performance art installation. Performer website: http://artrageousexperience.com/.
80s Night Out: Saturday, March 30 at 8 p.m., Mainstage. Grab the ladies for a night out - 80s style - complete with crimped hair, stirrup pants and shoulder pads. Powerhouse vocalists Lisa Rock (of the national touring show "Close to You: The Music of The Carpenters") and Melissa Minyard (of Broadway's original production of "Les Misérables") front a four-piece band and bring your favorite pop hits back to life. Performer website: http://80snightout.com/.
Erth's Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure: Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m., Mainstage. From the creators of Erth's Dinosaur Zoo Live comes an immersive experience that invites you to jump in and explore unknown ocean depths where prehistoric marine reptiles lived eons ago - and maybe still live today. Actors, technology, puppets, science and imagination unite to create an amazing visual experience that connects young audiences to the real science of paleontology. A special VIP ticket is available for $25, in addition to the show ticket. VIP ticket holders are invited into the theatre in advance of the show, to come up on stage for a special one-on-one photo opportunity with the puppeteers and one of the large marine reptiles. Performer website: www.erth.com.au/.
JACK WRIGHT's Songs and Stories of NEIL DIAMOND: A Contemporary Tribute: Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m., Mainstage. For more than five decades, Neil Diamond has been a beloved performer, and his songs have remained in the hearts and minds of his adoring fans. In a powerful, passionate performance of timeless hits and fan favorites, Jack Wright and his impressive Heartlight Showband will perform a 22-song show, including "Cracklin' Rosie," "Hello Again," "Song Sung Blue," "Coming to America" and many more. Performer website: www.jackwrightshow.com/.
Special Presentation for School Groups
Rhoda and the Fossil Hunt: Thursday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. and noon, Mainstage. The James Lumber Center is also pleased to present Lyric Opera of Chicago 2018 Opera in the Neighborhoods' production, suitable for grades 3-6. Join precocious 8-year-old Rhoda as she explores the American Museum of Natural History. When some fossils go missing, Rhoda begins her search with the help of some unexpected friends. For tickets and additional information, visit www.lyricopera.org/oin or call (312) 827-5912.
Tickets
Subscriber ticket prices for JLC Professional Series shows range from $16 to $38, with two price levels available for most events. When purchased with an adult subscription, subscriptions for teens ages 12-17 are available at a discount. CLC student subscriptions are also available.
The deadline to purchase Professional Subscriptions (three or more events) is Oct. 1, 2018. Subscribers also can purchase additional tickets throughout the 2018-2019 season at the low subscriber rate, in addition to getting the best seats available. Additionally, subscribers 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.
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, through October 1. A dedicated subscriber line is available at (847) 986-1800. Subscriptions are not available for online purchase.
Single tickets for all JLC professional events go on sale Monday, Aug. 20, and can be purchased at the Box Office, by phone or online at www.clcillinois.edu/tickets. A $2 per ticket JLC facility fee will be added to each ticket at the time of purchase. For more information on Professional Series events, call the Box Office at (847) 543-2300 (option 5). The JLC Box Office is open Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.