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 80th 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 Lunch (chicken or ham dinner) is available by reservation only All performances start at 2:00 pm March - May Community Concert Band PO Box 5081 Bloomington • 663-4882 The Community Concert Band performs at several venues throughout Bloomington-Normal, including College Hills and Eastland Malls, Franklin and Miller Parks, Westminster Village and the David Davis Mansion. They perform in other communities for events such as the Towanda Fourth of July Parade and Lexington's Taste of Country Fair. This past summer they also performed at Hudson Prairie Days and Bloomington's Sesquicentennial Celebration. Community Concert Band is a volunteer group of adults. No auditions required. Community Players Theatre 201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington • 663-2121 In 2002-2003, the Community Players Theatre celebrates its 80th season since producing Bloomington-Normal's first little theatre performance at Old Turner Hall on March 6, 1923. Past performances included: The Women, A Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), M*A*S*H*, and Les Miserables. Call for current performances, times and tickets Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre Goodfield • 965-2545 www.barn2.com Located 30 minutes west of Bloomington-Normal on Interstate 74, The Barn II Dinner Theatre in Goodfield is your home for hospitality with a bountiful buffet and the best comedies and musicals. Ticket Prices are $25.50 - $29.50 Call for reservations Heartland Theater 1100 N. Beech Street, Normal • 452-8709 Five plays are presented each season, from great classics to thought-provoking dramas, emphasizing character. Also presents original works from contemporary authors. Illinois Shakespeare Festival Ewing Manor, 48 Sunset Road, Bloomington Corner of Towanda & Emerson • 438-2535 Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars at Bloomington-Normal's nationally re-nowned Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Experience the intimate atmosphere of historic Ewing Manor, and see the Bard's works brought to life. Come early, have a picnic and enjoy the free Green Show, complete with Madrigal Singers. Adding to the excitement surrounding the Shakespeare Festival, Construction is currently under way on a $2 million dollar permanent theatre. The theatre will dramatically improve the sound and lighting quality of the productions as well as add to the general atmosphere surrounding the performances. Extra measures have been taken to enhance the comfort of the patrons and the performers. June - August Illinois State Theatre Centennial East Building, Normal • 438-2535 www.orat.ilstu.edu/theatre 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 and Gary Cole. October-April ISU Galleries 110 Center for the Visual Arts, Normal • 438-5487 www.universitygalleries.com Nearly 15 annual exhibitions are held in the three galleries. See nationally known works, or the latest projects from ISU students. Hours during school year: Tuesday 9:30am-9:00pm Wednesday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm Saturday-Sunday Noon-4:00pm Call for summer hours ISU Music Department Centennial East Building, Normal • 438-3838 Bringing the finest music to Central Illinois, ISU boasts world-renowned faculty and guest artists performing works by the great composers of yesterday and today. ISU 'Stars on Stage' Series Braden Auditorium, 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 Illinois Symphony Orchestra Bloomington • 828-2882 Well-loved and highly respected by those who attend the concerts, this group consists of musicians from Central Illinois performing classical concerts and three pops performances each year. Illinois Wesleyan University Merwin Galleries 302 East Graham St., Bloomington • 556-3150 Rotating exhibits with student displays are featured throughout the school year. September-May IWU 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. IWU School of Theatre Arts McPherson Theatre, 304 E. Graham St., Bloomington • 556-3232 Four mainstage plays are performed annually, selected from a playbill ranging from Shakespeare to musicals. Stephanie Faracy, Alison LaPlaca and James Sutorius began their rise to stardom on the McPherson stage. September-May McLean County Arts Center 601 N. East St., Bloomington • 829-0011 www.mcac.org The Arts Center hosts internationally acclaimed art exhibits as well as works by regional and local artists who attract national audiences. Eight rotating exhibitions and special openings and sales are scheduled throughout the year. Open Tuesday 10am-7pm Wednesday through Friday 10am-5pm Saturday Noon-4pm Washington Square East, Bloomington McLean County Dance Center 510 E. Washington St., Ste 215, Bloomington • 829-7070 This school teaches dance as an art form and offers classes taught by a highly qualified faculty. Through three performance companies (Synergy, Young Concert Dancers and Dance Internos), many opportunities are offered to perform original choreography. 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 Twin City Ballet 510 E. Washington St., Suite 320, Bloomington • 829-9333 Twin Cities Ballet is a civic ballet company which attracts guest dancers throughout the year. The Nutcracker is a local tradition each December. * All area codes are 309 unless otherwise noted.