2008-09 PERFORMANCES

In following the standard performing arts convention, this list is alphabetized by the first letter of the official title of the artist or ensemble. In many cases, this will be the first name of the artist.

Ain't Misbehavin' — The Fats Waller Broadway Musical

Thursday / April 23, 2009 / 7:30 pm / Elliott Hall

This swinging revue showcases the musical soul of 1930s Harlem and is considered one of Broadway’s most well-crafted shows of all time. This tour stars American Idol contestants Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis.

ATOS Trio

Thursday / October 23, 2008 / 7:30 pm / Loeb Playhouse

Developing a reputation as one of the finest young chamber ensembles performing today, the ATOS Trio from Germany has been praised for its luscious sound and fine interpretations.

Bang on a Can All-Stars with Glenn Kotche

Thursday / September 25, 2008 / 7:30 pm / Loeb

Somewhere between a chamber ensemble and a rock band, the Bang on a Can All-Stars perform definitive versions of cutting-edge music by Philip Glass, Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore, and Brian Eno.

Baroque Band

Saturday / January 24, 2009 / 8 pm / PMU Ballroom

Chicago’s new period-instrument orchestra, which has quickly become known for its high artistic standards, will present an evening of music featuring Handel’s arias, oratorios, and operas.

Birdhouse Factory by Cirque Mechanics

Sunday / September 28, 2008 / 3 pm / Elliott Hall

When Cirque Mechanics dreamed up a factory, the result was a wild workshop where the machines are circus props and the workers are acrobats, contortionists, and clowns.

Brasil Guitar Duo

Thursday / October 16, 2008 / 7:30 pm / Loeb Playhouse

Winners of the 2006 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, this pair is quickly solidifying its status as one of the preeminent guitar duos of its generation.

Chicago

Friday / October 24, 2008 / 8 pm / Elliott Hall of Music

There’s never been a better time to experience Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash hit — a sensational tale of murder, corruption, and all that jazz, Chicago has knockout dancing and an edge-of-your-seat story.

CSI: Live!

Friday / January 30, 2009 / 7 pm / Loeb Playhouse

Discover the fascinating world of crime scene investigation with this exciting, interactive show that uses forensic science and audience recruits to solve a mystery. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

The Drowsy Chaperone

Thursday / February 26, 2009 / 7:30 pm / Elliott Hall

Winner of the most 2006 Tony Awards® of any musical on Broadway, The Drowsy Chaperone tells the hilarious tale of a pampered Broadway starlet and her uproarious wedding day.

Empire Brass
An Empire Brass Holiday

Thursday / December 4, 2008 / 7:30 pm / Long Center

Savor the sounds of the season as one of the world’s finest brass ensembles performs yuletide favorites and classical masterpieces in this special holiday program.

Jane Comfort and Company — An American Rendition

Thursday / October 30, 2008 / 7:30 pm / Loeb Playhouse

This provocative dance theatre work juxtaposes the true story of an American citizen detained in a secret prison against scenes depicting the public’s obsession with reality television. Strong language/themes.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
with Wynton Marsalis

Friday / October 3, 2008 / 8 pm / Elliott Hall of Music

Wynton Marsalis, one of America’s greatest jazz musicians brings the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for a stellar evening of swinging big band music.

Joshua Bell, violin, and Jeremy Denk, piano

Sunday / January 11, 2009 / 7 pm / Loeb Playhouse

This performance will showcase violinist and classical music superstar Joshua Bell’s expressive tone and charismatic artistry, as well as the talent of his collaborator, the award-winning pianist Jeremy Denk.

The Irish Tenors
with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra

Friday / March 6, 2009 / 8 pm / Elliott Hall of Music

This legendary trio—Anthony Kearns, Finbar Wright, and Karl Scully—celebrates the music of the Emerald Isle with sparkling voices and delightful Irish charm.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel
A Salute to American Composers

Friday / February 20, 2009 / 8 pm / Loeb Playhouse

Pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns for an encore performance of his Keyboard Conversations, which include lively commentary on each work.

King Henry V by William Shakespeare

Thursday / February 5, 2009 / 7 pm / Loeb Playhouse

Two of America’s greatest theatre companies, The Acting Company and The Guthrie Theater, present King Henry V, a rousing Shakespearean epic about the power of courage and the price of glory.

Madeline and the Bad Hat

Sunday / November 23, 2008 / 3 pm / Loeb Playhouse

The much-loved storybook character Madeline is brought to life in this touching musical that follows the adventures of a young Parisian girl and her mischievous neighbor. Recommended for ages 5–8.

Mariza

Tuesday / April 14, 2009 / 7:30 pm / Loeb Playhouse

With her breathtaking voice and charisma, Mariza has established herself as the new face of Portuguese fado, a traditional musical form that features sultry songs about lost love and working-class struggles.

Mingus Big Band

Friday / January 16, 2009 / 8 pm / Loeb Playhouse

Paying tribute to Charles Mingus, one of the most important figures in 20th-century American music, the Mingus Big Band will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his bold albums Mingus Ah Um and Blues & Roots.

National Living Treasures — Kevin Locke with special guest Mary Louise Defender Wilson

Friday / September 12, 2008 / 8 pm / Loeb Playhouse

Native American artists and National Heritage Fellows Kevin Locke and Mary Louise Defender Wilson share a fascinating evening of music, dance, and storytelling.

Nrityagram Dance Ensemble

Friday / March 27, 2009 / 8 pm / Loeb Playhouse

Blending the classical dance forms of India with contemporary dance concepts, the vibrant Nrityagram Dance Ensemble transports viewers to mesmerizing worlds of spirituality and sensuality.

Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet

Saturday / October 18, 2008 / 8 pm / Loeb Playhouse

One of the most versatile jazz artists today, Omar Sosa fuses his native Cuban roots with world music and electronic elements, including Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Latin dance grooves, and North African trance music.

Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile

Thursday / November 20, 2008 / 7:30 pm / Loeb

Mandolinist Chris Thile, from the band Nickel Creek, and Punch Brothers are turning heads with their distinct music that is rooted in bluegrass but inspired by modern chamber music and jazz improvisation.

Ralph's World

Sunday / October 12, 2008 / 3 pm / University Plaza

Blast off for Ralph’s World, the zany place where kids can sing along to catchy tunes by Playhouse Disney star and indie rocker Ralph Covert and his band. Recommended for ages 2–8.

Seussical

Friday / February 13, 2009 / 7 pm / Loeb Playhouse

Adapted from the Broadway version, this romp through the Seuss classics features an all-star cast including The Cat in the Hat, Horton, and Mayzie La Bird in a crazy-quilt adventure! Recommended for ages 4–10.

The Spy

Saturday / February 7, 2009 / 8 pm / Loeb Playhouse

In a performance by The Acting Company and The Guthrie Theater, this world premiere stage adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper’s spy novel is rife with romance, adventure, secret plots, and double crosses.

STOMP

Tue. & Wed. / Mar. 31 & Apr. 1, 2009 / 7 pm / Elliott Hall

The international percussion sensation STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments, including matchboxes, brooms, and garbage cans, to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.

Robin Williams
Weapons of Self Destruction

Thursday / October 2, 2008 / 7:30 pm / Elliott Hall

Robin Williams returns to the stand-up scene after a 16-year hiatus. Titled Weapons of Self-Destruction, the show will highlight Williams' trademark free associations and riffs on social and political absurdities