World-class Broadway hits, family-friendly events and more fill the IU Auditorium's 2008-09 season
Comedian Bill Cosby returns to IU Auditorium to kick off the 2008-2009 season with stories that are sure to make people of all ages laugh. The upcoming season has a dazzling array of events including world-class Broadway hits, master musicians, celebrated dance ensembles, legendary personalities, family-friendly events and much more.
"This season showcases the finest in classical music, Broadway shows, popular entertainers, modern dance and world music," said Doug Booher, director of the IU Auditorium. "From the soulful sounds of the incomparable Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the intrigue of Liz Lerman's exploration of the links between science and culture in her work 'Ferocious Beauty: Genome,' to the heartwarming humor of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the feel-good experience provided by Mamma Mia!, this season is one that will bring our broad and diverse community together for a true celebration of the arts."
The season will kick off in September 2008 and continue through April 2009. Tickets for the season are on sale now at IUauditorium.com and at 10 a.m., at the IU Auditorium Box Office, 1211 E. Seventh St., 812-855-1103. Buy your tickets today to get the best seats in the house. For full information on the season, including times, dates, ticket prices, podcasts, audio and video samples and more, please visit IUauditorium.com.
Here's the line-up for the exciting 2008-2009 season at IU Auditorium.
Bill Cosby
Sept. 19 at 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Comedian Bill Cosby returns to IU Auditorium to kick off the season and to entertain families for Freshman Family Weekend. Sharing tales from his childhood, and stories about raising his own family, Cosby has the ability to make all ages laugh. Cosby has sold more comedy records than anyone and has earned five Grammy Awards. He starred in the very popular television show, The Cosby Show, centered around his role as a father. Cosby is a best-selling author and a generous supporter of numerous charitable causes. In July 2002, he was awarded American's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Tickets are $45-$59 for the general public and $30-$45 for IU Bloomington students.
An Evening with Vince Gill
Sept. 24 at 8:00 p.m.
A little bit of country comes to the IU Auditorium when country singer, songwriter and musician Vince Gill hits the stage next fall. He has sold more than 26 million albums, won 18 Country Music Association Awards, including two Entertainer of the Year Awards and five Male Vocalist of the Year Awards. He has won 19 Grammy Awards, more than any other male country artist. In August of 2007, this multi-talented performer was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tickets are $34-$54 for the general public and $16-$44 for IU Bloomington students.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Mature Content)
Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at 8:00 p.m.
Based on a 19th century British legend of the murderous Sweeny Todd, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street originally opened on Broadway in 1979. In 2004, John Doyle directed a revival of the show, and won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. In this production, there are 10 musicians and the 10 musicians are also the actors. The production has been highly praised by the critics and is a remarkable reinvention of the original musical. Tickets are $37-$59 for the general public and $19-$40 for IU Bloomington students.
Hairspray
Oct. 21 at 8:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand, Hairspray, returns for one performance only this season. Join Tracy Turnblad, with big hair and big dreams of becoming a dancer on a popular TV dance program in the 1960's. The show features an array of infectious 60s-style songs that will have you toe-tapping along throughout the show. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score, Hairspray is funny and heartwarming, filled with dazzling song and dance. Tickets are $37-$59 for the general public and $19-$40 for IU Bloomington students.
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, with Dennis James
Oct. 30 at 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy an early Halloween treat with a classic silent horror film played to scary music. Dennis James, an IU grad and famous for his skill at playing live music for silent films, returns to play the Auditorium's famous Roosevelt pipe organ and bring a classic horror film to life. Nosferatu, is the first and maybe the best, in one of the many vampires' movies. Seeing it, while listening to Dennis James play the organ may make for a very frightening evening! Tickets are $13-$18 for the general public and $7-$15 for IU Bloomington students.
The Staatskapelle Dresden
Nov. 17 at 8:00 p.m.
From Germany, the Staatskapelle Dresden, or the Saxon State Orchestra, is more than 450 years old. Founded in 1548 as a court orchestra, it has been in continuous existence and has a rich and fabled history. Beethoven noted in the early 19th century "Dresden is the best in Europe." Richard Straus premiered nine of his operas in Dresden. Many famous composers, including Vivaldi, Wagner and Rihm, have written works dedicated to or first performed by the orchestra. This will be a rare opportunity to hear one of the world's most famous orchestras. Tickets are $29-$49 for the general public and $15-$29 for IU Bloomington students.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Nov. 18 and 19 at 8:00 p.m.
Take a suave, sophisticated and successful man who has honed his skill of conning large sums of money from wealthy women and team him up with a crude hack of a swindler, who also has had a few good cons. Add a beautiful, young, rich heiress, an amazing music score, nonstop laughs and you have a great Broadway hit -- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Tickets are $37-$59 for the general public and $19-$40 for IU Bloomington students.
Chimes of Christmas (Family Friendly)
Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
For many years, the Chimes of Christmas has been a holiday tradition for the Bloomington community. Featuring the IU Jacobs School of Music Wind Ensemble, Trombone Choir and Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers, everyone in the family will enjoy Christmas classics and a special visit from someone who lives at the North Pole. Tickets are $13-$19 for the general public and $11-$14 for IU Bloomington students.
Bob the Builder: Spud's Big Mess (Family Friendly)
Jan. 29 at 7:00 p.m.
A favorite children's television program comes life on stage, when Bob the Builder: Spud's Big Mess comes to the IU Auditorium. Featuring characters from the television program, the show features Spud, a scarecrow, who tends to make childlike mistakes, and gets into a lot of trouble. The project is to build a new eco-center and wind farm. Everyone wants to help, but problems abound and it looks like the project may not get finished. "Can we fix it?" asks Bob. Bring the family and see what happens as everyone leans how to work together. Tickets are $21-$33 for the general public and $12-$30 for IU Bloomington students and children.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Feb. 3 and 4 at 8:00 p.m.
The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee is the tale of six colorful and comic adolescent boys and girls competing in a junior high spelling bee. Running the spelling bee are three hilarious adults: the Moderator, the Judge and the official Comfort Counselor. What makes this show extra special is that it involves audience participation. Thirty minutes before the show begins, three or four members of the audience are chosen to join the spelling bee that takes place during the show. If you have a special talent for spelling or remember being in your own spelling bee, don't miss this wonderful show filled with unforgettable characters. Tickets are $37-$59 for the general public and $19-$40 for IU Bloomington students.
Liz Lerman Dance Exchange
Feb. 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Founded in 1976, the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange has a history of being trailblazers and visionaries. The company features performers whose ages span six decades. The work of Liz Lerman over the past 30 years has helped define what dance can and should be. Lerman's goal is to dissolve the distinction between the performers and the audience. Lerman says, "Art belongs to everyone and dancing is a birthright." Tickets are $25-$33 for the general public and $13-$23 for IU Bloomington students.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Family Friendly)
March 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Gaining fame all over the world when they collaborated with Paul Simon in 1986 on two songs in his popular album, Graceland, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is male choral group from South Africa. The group accompanied Nelson Mandela when he received the Nobel Peace Prize. They also sang at his presidential inauguration. They have also performed for the late Pope John Paul II and the British royal family. The group's leader and founder, Joseph Shabalala, sings alto, and is supported by seven basses and two tenors. Tickets are $29-$43 for the general public and $15-$33 for IU Bloomington students and children.
Mamma Mia!
March 6-8 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Here's your chance to see Mamma Mia! again or to see why everyone else loves this show. A daughter, on the eve of her wedding, is on a quest to discover the identity of her father, brings three men from her mother's past to the Greek island they visited more than 20 years ago. An enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, the show features the songs from the group Abba, including Dancing Queen, I Have a Dream, and Take a Chance on Me. Mamma Mia! is a huge world-wide success. It has premiered in more cities worldwide faster than other musical in history. The show leaves audiences feeling intoxicated with happiness and humming the songs on their way home. Tickets are $38-$60 for the general public and $20-$49 for IU Bloomington students.
The Drowsy Chaperone
March 31 and April 1 at 8:00 p.m.
The central character in this musical is Man in Chair. He is fed up with everything contemporary and wants to go back to the 1920's. He sits in his chair and plays a record on his phonograph, a record that has the soundtrack from a fictional 1928 stage show called The Drowsy Chaperone. As he listens to the music, suddenly the actors from the recording begin appearing in the room with him. If you love musicals from the 1920's you will find this show captivating. The original Broadway production won five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score. Tickets are $37-$59 for the general public and $19-$40 for IU Bloomington students.
Terry Gross
April 8 at 8:00 p.m.
More than four and a half million radio listeners tune in daily to Fresh Air, NPR's show that explores contemporary arts and issues. The interviewer, Terry Gross examines a wide range of topics featuring interviews with artists, musicians, writers, actors, journalists, politicians and other important figures. Information for her interviews comes from her research through reading books, watching movies or listening to recordings. At her speaking engagements, she allows the audience to listens to clips from the best and the worst of her interviews. She also allows the audience to interview her. The Los Angeles Times calls her "one of the most thought-provoking interviewers working in the media today." Don't miss the opportunity to hear one of the nation's most interesting interviewers and be amazed at the range of people she has interviewed. Tickets are $25-$35 for the general public and $12-$20 for IU Bloomington students.
