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, Illinois, 25 miles from St. Louis.
As we look forward to our 20th season next year, we want to look back at some of the acts that have made the past 19 seasons so special. What acts from the past would you like to see again at the Hett?
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Reduced Shakespeare Co.: The Complete History of America (abridged) - Election Edition
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Vote early, laugh often! The Complete History of America (abridged) – Election Edition is the only cure for America’s aches and campaigns!
Newly updated for the 2024 election, the Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) returns with 600 Years of History in 6000 seconds! The Complete History of America (abridged) – Election Edition provides the requisite historical context guaranteed to confuse any voter and make you the life of your next party – whatever party!
From Valley Forge to Fake News, yea verily from Manifest Destiny to Mar-A-Lago, from Alexander Hamilton the patriot to Hamilton the musical, the three cultural guerillas of the Reduced Shakespeare Company take you on a ninety-minute rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American history.
And the presidential frontrunners may just make a surprise appearance to answer any audience questions: Who really discovered America or was it already here? Who is Gerry and why does he mander? If pro is the opposite of con, then is progress the opposite of congress?
History is normally re-written by the winners… but now it’s the RSC’s turn.
FRIENDS: $40.00 Adult / $36.00 Senior / $20.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $50.00 Adult / $45.00 Senior / $25.00 Youth
Wayne E. Lanter Series:
William Davis
Thusday, October 3, 2024 | 7 p.m.
William is the Illinois Region President for Deaconess Illinois and serves as Chief Administrative Officer at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Illinois with more than 15 years executive leadership experience in southern Illinois. As president, he oversees operations in the Illinois market and organizational planning for several Illinois facilities. He has been nationally recognized as a “Rural Hospital CEO to Know” and “Black Healthcare Leader to Know” by the prestigious Becker’s Hospital Review three years in a row.
His calm demeanor, thoughtfulness, toward team members, and the ability to see the results of actions taken from a patient’s perspective have made William stand out as a leader. In 2021, the Southern Illinois Business Journal named him among its annual list of “20 Under 40 Leaders” for making a difference as a young leader in the region while serving as Associate CEO of Heartland Regional Medical Center.
This event is sponsored by the University’s annual Wayne E. Lanter Series, which invites influential business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their insight and strategies for success. Admission is free, and the public is welcome to attend the lecture in the Hett.
Distinguished Speaker Series:
Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 7 p.m.
The challenges of growing black and female in apartheid South Africa have been the foundation of Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu’s life as an activist for human rights. Those experiences taught her that our whole human family loses when we accept situations of oppression, and how the teaching and preaching hate and division injure us all.
Rev. Tutu started her public speaking as a college student at Berea College in Kentucky, when she was invited to speak at churches, community groups and colleges and universities about her experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa. Since that time, she has become a much sought-after speaker to groups as varied as business associations, professional conferences, elected officials and church and civic organizations.
FRIENDS: $20.00 Adult / $16.00 Senior / $12.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $25.00 Adult / $20.00 Senior / $15.00 Youth
Homecoming Show
Ozark Mountain Daredevils - SOLD OUT
Click here to join the waitlist
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have been aptly described as “a ragtag collection of hippies, bohemians, and musicians of no fixed ambition.” They have always been indefinable in terms of music genres, producing sounds of country-rock and electric bluegrass all on the same record; writing lyrics both whimsical and poetic, singing harmonies that would send shivers up your spine.
Their songs are regularly played on Classic Radio stations and, of course, songs like “If You Wanna Get To Heaven,” “Jackie Blue,” “Chicken Train,” “Standing On The Rock,” and countless others are still fan favorites across all media. Their current lineup of talented musicians allows the band to perform songs from every corner of their vast catalog, and they continue to delight Dareheads with their live performances. With two of the original co-founders still on board, their signature sound and style remain intact and vibrant.
FRIENDS: $56.00 Adult / $52.00 Senior / $28.00 Youth
PUBLIC: $70.00 Adult / $65.00 Senior / $35.00 Youth
