Feb. 16-19 - Theater: North Central College presents “Renascence” at Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave. “Renascence” is a theatrical exploration of identity and artistry through the poems of Pulitzer Prize-winning, Edna St. Vincent Millay with music by Carmel Dean, book by Dick Scanlan, and directed by Mitzi Smith. At the age of 19 Millay writes a profoundly powerful poem, “Renascence,” catapulting her to stardom and releasing her from her rural, humble beginnings into a bohemian, reckless and unconventional urban lifestyle. Millay captivates both men and women with her unapologetic sensuality and frank intellect and becomes the “original riot girl” of her time. “Renascence” not only follows the early years of this artist’s life, but also invites its performers and audience to sit in this poet’s soul, and view humanity and nature as if through her window. The show is meant for a mature audience and is not geared towards children. If you have questions about content, please contact the Box Office, who can put you in touch with the appropriate individuals for that production's information. Performances run February 16, 17, and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and February 18 and 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for students and seniors; call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.
Feb. 18 - Music: North Central College presents “Forever Motown” at 8 p.m. in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Performed by a cast of veteran entertainers, including former members of The Jones, The Main Ingredient, The Spinners and The Marvelettes and peppered with Broadway savvy performers who had leading roles in "Dream Girls," "Your Arms Too Short to Box With God," "Porgy & Bess" and "Showboat," Forever Motown resumes its successful theater tour that broke its own box office records in 2018. The veteran entertainers offer a nonstop, high-energy trip down memory lane featuring the note-for-note hits America grew up on. The iconic Motown sound was recreated down to the slightest vocal and musical nuance by such American icons as Marvin Gaye & Tammie Terrell, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and the entire Motown roster of stars. The look and feel of authenticity extends to costumes from Tony Award-winning designer Evie Ross and classic Motown choreography from American Dance Theater director Terri Giordano who succeeded in creating visuals and choreographies that capture the unique Motown style. Sing, dance and celebrate the music of your life to songs like "My Girl," "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Reach Out," "Dancin' In The Street," "Stop! In The Name of Love," "Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and many more - nearly 30 nonstop hits in all! Tickets are $30-$40 (price range per seating); call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.
