Arts
& Theater
American
Passion Play
Bloomington Center For the Performing Arts
110 E. Mulberry Street, Bloomington
• 800/354-9640 or 829-3903
Now in its 82nd season, the American Passion Play was conceived by
Delmar D. Darrah to show the life and ministry of Christ as a vital,
living force. Although this is the oldest continuously performed Passion
Play in the United States, it is not a static drama. The production
has changed to reflect modern historical knowledge of the era but
has remained true to the teachings of Jesus. The auditorium is handicapped
accessible and designed to accommodate large groups.
The auditorium is handicapped accessible and designed to accommodate
large groups. Performed end of February to first of April. Buffet
lunch available by reservation only.
Bloomington Center for the Performing
Arts
110 E. Mulberry Street, Bloomington
• 434-2787
Built in 1922 to house the “American Passion Play,” the
landmark former Scottish Rate Temple is the centerpiece of downtown
Bloomington’s new Cultural District. The Performance Center’s
1,300 seat theatre and 1,000 person, multi-purpose ballroom welcome
over 400 performances and community events each year. A major renovation
of the theater is underway with a grand re-opening in 2006.
Bloomington Cultural District
110 E. Mulberry Street, Bloomington
• 434-2787
The Bloomington Cultural District is a three block art, education
and entertainment complex currently being developed in the downtown
Bloomington. Centered around the Bloomington Center for the Performing
Arts, the Cultural District will include a new Festival Park and a
Creativity Center for arts education. District neighbors include the
McLean County Arts Center and Old House Society. The Cultural Center
plans on opening its new facilities in 2006.
Braden
Auditorium
Illinois State University, Normal
• 438-5444
Eight to ten annual shows feature a variety of Broadway musicals,
pop and country stars, touring variety shows, comedians and big name
performers.
(September-December and February-May)
Castle
Theater
209 East Washington Street, Bloomington
• 829-4647
The Castle Theater is the area’s only independently owned and
operated movie theater and offers its patrons a unique and stylish
alternative to the traditional movie going experience. Going to the
movies should be an exciting event and while renovating the theater,
we have recaptured some of that old time magic while adding some modern
perks.
Community
Players Theatre
201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington
• 663-2121
- Community Player’s 2004 -2005 Season concludes with productions
that are really something to “C”: the drama of Tennessee
Williams’ A Cat of a Hot Tin Roof, and the family comedy of
The Curious Savage. The summer lights up with The Wizard of Oz as
our annual fundraiser. Call for ticket reservations and show times
or check us out online.
Call for current performances, times and tickets
Heartland
Theatre
1100 N. Beech Street, Normal
• 452-8709
Heartland Theatre Company is a non-profit, semi-professional intimate
theatre founded nearly 20 years ago that performs six dynamic and
provocative plays from June through May, as well as original plays
and guests in their theatre in the Normal Community Activity Center,
Lincoln & Beech Streets in Normal. Heartland’s Annual 10-Minute
Play Festival attracts playwrights from all over the country and audiences
from across Central Illinois. In addition to its regular season, Heartland
offers short comedies and light fare in the summer and partners with
local organizations to offer epic historical and musical theatre to
the community. Call or visit our website for reservations, directions,
photos and information.
Illinois
Shakespeare Festival
Ewing Manor, 48 Sunset Road, Bloomington
Corner of Towanda & Emerson
• Box Office 438-8110
• Group Sales 438-2141
Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars at Bloomington-Normal’s nationally
renowned Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Experience the intimate atmosphere
of historic Ewing Manor, and see the Bard’s works brought to
life. Come early to view the free Green Show, complete with Madrigal
Singers to enjoy your own picnic or food provided by Biaggi’s
Ristorante Italiano.
Adding to the excitement surrounding the Shakespeare Festival is The
Theatre at Ewing, a permanent home to the Shakespeare Festival. Extra
measures have been taken to enhance the comfort of the patrons and
the performers. This year’s schedule includes Macbeth, Twelfth
Night, and King Henry VIII.
(June 29-August 13)
Ticket Prices: $20-$40
Group Rates Available
June 29 - August 13
Illinois
State University Theatre
Centennial East Building, Normal
• 438-2535
An annual series, held in the Westhoff Theatre and the intimate Allen
Theatre, featuring classic and contemporary productions. Alums of
this program include Laurie Metcalf,
John Malkovich, Suzanne Douglas, Gary Griffin and
Gary Cole.
October-April
University
Galleries @ Illinois State University
110 Center for the Visual Arts, Normal
• 438-5487
University Galleries is one of the largest and most active downstate
art facilities dedicated to presenting contemporary art in all media.
Exhibitors range from student and faculty shows to works by emerging
and renowned artists from across the United States and around the
world. Two to four exhibits run concurrently in four galleries. Recently
shown artists include: Nan Goldin, Barbara Kruger, Tony Tasset, Neo
Rauch, David Byrne, Nina Bovasso, and Jim Torok.
Hours during school year:
Saturday - Monday Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:30am-9:00pm
Wednesday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm
Call for summer hours
Illinois Wesleyan University,
The Merwin & Wakeley Galleries
6 Ames Plaza West, Bloomington
• 556-3822
The Merwin and Wakeley Galleries present nine exhibitions yearly,
featuring work in all media by contemporary artists as well as historical
works and two students shows: The Annual Juried Student Exhibition
and BFA/BA Senior Exhibits. Every other year, the Galleries host an
exhibit of recent work by the School of Art Faculty.
Gallery Hours:
Monday - Friday: 12-4pm
Tuesday Evening: 7-9pm
Saturday - Sunday: 1 - 4 pm
Call for summer hours
Illinois
Wesleyan University School of Music
Westbrook Auditorium/Presser Hall, Bloomington
• 556-3061
Four choral ensembles, five instrumental ensembles, a vocal jazz group,
and talented faculty, students and guest artists perform numerous
concerts and recitals each year. Music of all style periods is featured.
Illinois
Wesleyan University School of Theatre Arts
McPherson Theatre, 2 Ames Plaza, Bloomington
• 556-3232
Four main stage plays are performed annually, selected from a playbill
ranging from Shakespeare to musicals. Richard Jenkins, Alison LaPlaca
and James Sutorius began their rise to stardom on the McPherson stage.
(September-May) Call or visit us online for performance dates &
tickets.
McLean County
Arts Center
601 N. East St., Bloomington
• 829-0011
The McLean County Arts Center is a non-profit community art resource.
Comprised of two art galleries, three classrooms and a gift gallery,
it is one of the oldest arts organizations in the Midwest. Annually
hosting fourteen art exhibitions, including an annual amateur are
competition and the Holiday Treasures exhibition and sale. It also
sponsors, in July, the Sugar Creek Arts Festival in downtown Normal
and, in March, The Spring Bloom Arts Festival in downtown Bloomington.
Miller Park Outdoor Summer Theater
Miller Park, 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington
• 434-2260
The stage is set to come alive during the summer with two theater
productions. This outdoor theater tradition brings a large audience
to the park to enjoy the talents of the Bloomington-Normal area theatrical
community.
June-August
Normal Theater
209 North St., Normal
• 454-9722 or 454-9720
National Register of Historic Sites
Located in downtown Normal, the Normal Theater opened in 1937 and
was the first theater built in Bloomington-Normal specifically for
sound films.
The Normal Theater has been completely restored to its original condition.
In addition to showing classic movies and art films to audiences,
the theater is used for a variety of activities including live theater
and music performances, group outings and meetings.
The strong art-deco/modern design was then very avant-garde for a
small Illinois town.
Admission: Movies are $4.00
Prairie
Fire Theatre
Normal
• 824-3047
Professional Musical Theatre of Central Illinois from Pop to Opera
*
All area codes are 309 unless otherwise noted.
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