The Hett to Kick Off Enthralling Second Half of Season
(LEBANON, Ill.) – Several interactive and entertaining shows will be taking to the stage at McKendree University’s Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (the Hett) for the second half of their 2023-2024 season. All events are open to the public with ticket prices ranging from $5 to $45, with discounts for seniors, students and Friends of the Hett. Some programs are free. For tickets or more information on all shows, please visit theHett.com or call the box office at (618) 537-6863.
Jan. 25, 7 p.m.: U.S. Navy Fair Winds is a versatile woodwind ensemble with a repertoire consisting of a variety of styles including classical, military marches and patriotic compositions. Admission is free; however, tickets are required to attend.
Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.: Animaniacs: In Concert invites you to join the voices of Animaniacs, the iconic animated Warner Bros. series for a “zany, animan-y and totally insane-y” evening as they perform the world-famous songs from the beloved cartoon series backed by the original projected animation. This show features Emmy-winning composer Randy Rogel on piano and the voice talents of Emmy winner Rob Paulsen (Yakko and Pinky on Animaniacs; Raphael on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Maurice LaMarche (The Brain on Animaniacs; The King in Disney’s Frozen). Tickets are $45 for adults, $40 for seniors and $15 for youth.
Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.: The Traveling Salvation Show is an up-tempo, rock-oriented tribute to the legendary Neil Diamond and will have you dancing and singing along to all of the classic hits. The hard-driving band recreates the energy of Neil Diamond’s live arena performances with its own rock flair. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors and $15 for youth.
March 10, 3 p.m.: Broadway Pops at the Movies! with the Masterworks Chorale is a delightful revue of Broadway and pop favorites from the silver screen, including The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, and West Side Story. This performance features the Masterworks Chorale, Children’s Chorus and Jazz Ensemble with Steve Jankowski as Master of Ceremonies. This performance is part of McKendree University’s Discovery Series. Tickets are $20.
March 23, 7:30 p.m.: Giordano Dance Chicago has served as a prime example of a company that can simultaneously revel in the past and the present for 60 seasons. Considered jazz dance royalty, the electrifying performers of America’s original jazz dance company invariable run on high-octane fuel and generate a similarly high-powered response from their audience. Tickets are $45 for adults, $40 for seniors and $15 for youth.
April 5, 7:30 p.m.: The Arcadia Dance Orchestra is an authentic, 11-piece 1920s-style jazz band based in St. Louis. Named after the once-famous Arcadia Ballroom (“On Olive, near Grand”), the group consists of incredible musicians playing era-correct instruments with red-hot energy and keen historical accuracy. This performance is part of McKendree University’s Discovery Series. Tickets are $20.
April 9, 7 p.m.: What’s Your MVP? with Donnie Campbell shows you how to define your core values while forming your mission, values and plan. Donnie Campbell is a high school basketball coach and real-life inspiration for the wise and ever-so-cheerful lead character of the Emmy Award-winning show Ted Lasso. His colorful keynote provides valuable leadership lessons that can be seen on the court, but more importantly, applied in the workplace. This presentation is part of McKendree University’s George E. McCammon Memorial Distinguished Speakers Series. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $15 for youth, and free for all university students, faculty and staff.
April 19, 7:30 p.m.: Head East has long set the standard for authentic, full-vocal, goodtime rock harmonies that few bands can equal. This year, Head East will be celebrating their 50th anniversary by performing most cuts off their iconic record “Flat As A Pancake.” Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors and $15 for youth.
April 28, 3 p.m.: The St. Louis Brass Band and Academy Brass Band consists of thirty professional brass and percussion performers whose mission is to spread the repertoire of the traditional brass band through many high-quality performances in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area. This performance is part of McKendree University’s Discovery Series. Tickets are $20.
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