Performing Art | Thursday, July 17,2003

Backstage pass

“Abraham!” returns to New Salem, “My Fair Lady” at the Muni, and something in the water at Rushville

This week marks the return of the Ken Bradbury and Robert Crowe musical Abraham!, playing July 18 through 27 in the outdoor amphitheater at Lincoln's New Salem. Now in its seventh year, Abraham! follo

Performing Art | Thursday, June 26,2003

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“Big” doings at the Muni—plus three fresh shows at New Salem

By Phil Funkenbusch

Summer has started on a high note, with some memorable performances so far: Cynda Wrightsman's "Lizzie Curry" in New Salem's 110 in the Shade was heartbreaking and moving; and Titanic at the Mu

Performing Art | Thursday, June 26,2003

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By Phil Funkenbusch

Last week the new theater season took off with Rich McCoy's production of The Hobbit at the Springfield Theatre Centre. The show has three more performances this weekend, January 17-19. Jason Goodre

Performing Art | Thursday, June 5,2003

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Theater in and around Springfield

By Phil Funkenbusch

The Springfield Muni Opera opens this weekend with the Broadway show Titanic: the Musical (June 6-8 and 11-15). With a score by Maury Yeston (Phantom), Titanic won five Tony Awards six years ago, incl

Performing Art | Thursday, May 29,2003

Summer onstage 2003

By Phil Funkenbusch

Summer theater has experienced a bit of a boom in central Illinois over the past few years, with more eclectic choices offering something for everyone. Springfield's Muni Opera breaks new ground wit

Performing Art | Thursday, May 15,2003

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By Phil Funkenbusch

Theater has always held a mirror up to society, and the view is often unflattering. The old Shubert Theatre in Chicago usually hosts traveling musicals, but this weekend wraps up The Exonerated, a pow

Performing Art | Thursday, May 8,2003

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“Charlotte’s Web,” “A Walk in the Woods,” and a serious play for young people.

By Phil Funkenbusch

If you're planning to take in Charlotte's Web at the Springfield Theatre Centre over the next two weekends (May 9 to 11, and 16 to 18) you might consider going twice. Director Nancy Miller has cast th

Performing Art | Thursday, May 8,2003

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By Phil Funkenbusch

Springfield Theatre Centre is presenting Tennessee Williams' drama Cat on a Hot Tin Roof this weekend, March 14 through 16, in a production directed by Ed Smith. If you're wondering why STC seems de

Performing Art | Thursday, April 24,2003

Backstage Pass

Helen Keller, Samson in 1861 Kansas, and “Dimly Perceived Threats to the System”

By Phil Funkenbusch

A touring company of the drama The Miracle Worker makes a stop at UIS's Sangamon Auditorium for one performance Saturday, April 25 (call 206-6160). The four-month, 40-city national tour comes from the