The Hett Announces its 2019-2020 Season
Performing Arts, Speakers and Films at McKendree University
(LEBANON, Ill., July 10, 2019) — The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University is proud to announce its 2019-2020 season, featuring acclaimed
performers and returning favorites.
Reserved seats for all programs are currently available to Friends of the Hett and
may be purchased by the public starting on July 22 at noon. Buy tickets online at
theHett.com, the box office, or by calling 618-537-6863 (1-800-BEARCAT, ext. 6863). All events are open to the public and held at the 488-seat performing
arts center on campus. Ticket prices range from $5 for children to $38 for adults,
with discounts for seniors and students. Many programs are free.
“If you, like me, seek out the unique experience and emotional lift that comes with
attending a live performance, then I know you will find something in our line-up that
will spark your imagination,” said Elizabeth Crabtree, director of the Hett.
Preview the new season online at theHett.com. The 2019-2020 season features the following:
Aug. 11, 2 p.m.: The Glenn Miller Orchestra, the world’s most sought after big band, combines modern selections with the original
bandleader’s arrangements from the 1930’s and 40’s.
Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m.: An Evening of Romance featuring Christine Brewer. The Grammy Award-winning soprano returns with Alla Voskoboynikova and Bjorn Ranheim
to perform music by Rachmaninov, Strauss and Previn.
Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m.: U. S. Air Force Band of Mid-America in a free Chamber Concert.
Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.: The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, a fiery-hot, high-energy 17-piece big band from Savannah, Ga., puts its stamp on
the Great American Songbook at the homecoming show.
Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Theatre Re: “The Nature of Forgetting,” a powerful, joyous piece about what is left when memory is gone, written in collaboration
with a London neuroscientist.
Dec. 3. 7:30 p.m.: The Wee Heavies, an a cappella quartet dedicated to Celtic music, from the traditional to the modern.
Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 8, 3 p.m.; Dec. 9, 10 a.m. Arts Ed., grades K-12); Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.: The U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America returns to put you in the holiday spirit.
Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 2 and 6:30 p.m.: “The Nutcracker,” the timeless holiday classic, co-presented by the Hett and State Street Dance Company.
Jan. 23, 2020, 7:30 p.m.: Neil Berg’s “50 Years of Rock & Roll” features fascinating stories and a musical tribute by Broadway and rock-and-roll
singers.
Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.: Moscow Festival Ballet: “Cinderella” presents 50 dancers, lavish sets and costumes, and one of the most beloved stories
of all time.
Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.: Susan Werner, the versatile singer-songwriter, performs folk, jazz, and pop delivered with sassy
wit and Midwestern charm.
March 6, 10 a.m. (Arts Ed., grades K-12); 6:30 p.m.: Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
presents “The Rainbow Fish,” featuring innovative puppetry, striking scenic effects and original music.
March 24, 7:30 p.m.: Drum TAO 2020, explosive taiko drumming and athleticism, returns from Japan by popular demand.
April 6, 10 a.m. (Arts Ed., grades K-12); 7:30 p.m.: The ReMINDers, a husband-and-wife duo, blend soulful vocals and reggae-tinged hip-hop beats with
insightful messages and thoughtful lyrics.
Admission ranges from $10 to $20 and reservations are recommended for the Distinguished
Speaker Series, which includes the first two guests from National Geographic Live!
Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m.: Kenny Broad, cave diver, “Extreme Cave Diving—Exploring the Bahamas’ Blue Holes.”
Feb. 26, 2020, 7:30 p.m.: Brian Skerry, underwater wildlife photographer, “Ocean Soul.”
April 15, 7:30 p.m.: Ishmael Beah, a human rights activist, UNICEF Ambassador and author, speaks in honor of the 50th anniversary of McKendree University’s participation in Model United Nations.
The Hett’s free Film Art Series will present “The Big Sick,” Sept. 10; “Eighth Grade,”
Sept. 25; “The Red Shoes,” Oct. 24; “A Midwinter’s Tale,” Nov. 19; “Three Identical
Strangers,” Jan. 29, 2020; “Sorry to Bother You,” Feb. 10; “If Beale Street Could
Talk,” Feb. 20; and “Museum Hours,” March 4.
The McKendree University Series highlights student talent from the Division of Visual
and Performing Arts. Visit theHett.com for more information throughout the year.
The Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts—“The Hett”—is Southern
Illinois’ premier performing arts venue, presenting world class dance, drama, classical
music and jazz. The 488-seat auditorium is located on the McKendree University campus
in Lebanon, Ill., 25 miles from downtown St. Louis.
-McK-
