BritBeat – The Immersive Beatles Tribute Experience
Friday, Sept. 13 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $37, Seniors 55+ $35, Under 18/Veterans $32
Moraine Valley Employee $32, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the iconic soundscape of The Beatles with BritBeat – The Immersive Beatles Tribute Experience, an unparalleled fusion of live musical prowess and cutting-edge multimedia technology. It is a one-of-a-kind performance that transcends the ordinary and plunges you into the heart of The Beatles’ legendary history. BritBeat stands as the world’s top immersive Beatles experience with its ability to seamlessly blend a live concert performance of the timeless song catalog of The Beatles with visually captivating, immersive video imagery that excites the senses. Witness their captivating artistry come alive on stage as a state-of-the-art mesmerizing video backdrop elevates the concert experience to new heights.
This show isn’t just about music. It’s a multimedia concert experience that redefines the future of live entertainment. As the music reverberates through the venue, the multimedia elements transport you, making you feel like you are enveloped in The Beatles’ historic music journey. BritBeat’s ability to create a profound sense of nostalgia and emotional connection is unparalleled, setting a new standard for immersive live performances. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to be part of an unforgettable night that pays homage to the greatest band in history. This is more than a concert; it’s a transformative encounter with the timeless legacy of The Beatles.
Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming!
Friday, Sept. 27 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $15, Seniors 55+ $13, Under 18/Veterans $10
Moraine Valley Employee $10, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
The one and only Doktor Kaboom takes you on an educational tour of the modern scientific method, using humor and comedy while demonstrating spectacular applications of the physical sciences. “Part Mister Wizard, part Mr. Rogers,” — that’s how one parent described Doktor Kaboom after seeing this fantastic live comedy show!
Normally in science, if you hear a KABOOM, it means trouble… but not for Doktor Kaboom! Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom! keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Using masterful improvisational skills, he takes his audience on a sidesplitting tour of the modern scientific method while demonstrating spectacular applications of the physical sciences.
Topics covered include safety; pressure and force; simple machines; velocity; application of science to everyday life; the scientific method (hypothesis and experimentation); multiple experimentation; constant discovery of new information and data; definitions: chemical reactions, exothermic, external and chemical formula; mass; air pressure and demonstration vs. experimentation.
Voctave: The Corner of Broadway & Main Street
Saturday, Oct. 12 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $35, Seniors 55+ $33, Under 18/Veterans $30
Moraine Valley Employee $30, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
A cappella sensation Voctave’s 11-member vocal ensemble brings incredible harmonies to some of the most beloved songs, while also inspiring their millions of social media fans. From Disney showstoppers to Broadway masterpieces, “The Corner of Broadway and Main Street" is a treat for musical lovers of all ages.
Formed in 2015 by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, the voices that bring the ensemble’s arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. Hailing from central Florida, the group has performed with GRAMMY, Dove and American Music award recipients including Sandi Patty, Pentatonix’s Kirstin Maldonado, Mark Lowry, David Phelps, and Jody McBrayer.
Voctave’s videos on social media have received more than 160 million views, and their albums frequently debut in the top 10 on the Billboard and iTunes charts. Recent highlights include an album of lullabies entitled Goodnight, My Someone, a new holiday album and tour called It Feels Like Christmas, and tours of their popular show The Corner of Broadway & Main Street.
Mercury: The Concert Celebration of Queen’s Front Man
Thursday, Nov. 14 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $35, Seniors 55+ $33, Under 18/Veterans $30
Moraine Valley Employee $30, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
Relive the hit songs that made Freddie Mercury famous and get to know the legend through his words and stories. More than just a concert, world-renowned countertenor Terry Barber —joined by a recent Tony Award winner and world-class band — pays tribute to the man who taught a generation how to rock!
Hear the hits that made Queen’s lead singer famous, and get to know Freddie Mercury as Barber shares details about the legend’s life and the entire band share his actual words. Enjoy We Are the Champions, Fat Bottomed Girls, We Will Rock You, Love of My Life, Hammer to Fall, You’re My Best Friend, The Great Pretender, Barcelona, Don’t Stop Me Now, Who Wants to Live Forever, Somebody to Love, Bohemian Rhapsody and more!
Equally at home on musical theater and opera stages and in the recording studio, past member of Grammy-winning Chanticleer, Terry Barber has been a soloist for the best venues around the world, from the Metropolitan Opera to Moscow’s Svetlanov Hall. He can be heard on recordings with artists ranging from Madonna, Jewel and Cyndi Lauper to Chaka Khan, Steve Smith and the London Philharmonic. Terry’s 2019 solo album, Reimagined: Mercury, was considered for eight GRAMMY nominations. Audiences continually say, “the best concert of our season!”
Barron Ryan’s “The Most Wonderful Time”
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 7:30 p.m.
Seating will be on the stage of the Dorothy Menker Theater
Table Seating: Adult $35, Seniors 55+ $32, Under 18/Veterans $30
Moraine Valley Employee $30
Theater Seating: Adult $30, Seniors 55+ $28, Under 18/Veterans $25
Moraine Valley Employee $25, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
Classic Meets Cool in The Most Wonderful Time, an inventive and varied holiday program from pianist Barron Ryan. You’ll delight in Ryan’s fresh arrangements of Christmas songs spanning centuries of tradition, from medieval chant to America pop such as I Wonder as I Wander, Wexford Carol, The Christmas Song, Feliz Navidad, and much more! Discover new favorites and enjoy old ones in a new way!
Barron Ryan’s love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Chopin to Michael Jackson. So when it comes to his own performing, he’s not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.
After beginning piano lessons at age 4 with his father, Barron seemed destined for a career in music. He excelled in performing throughout his middle and high school years in Tulsa then continued to impress his peers and instructors as a piano performance major at The University of Oklahoma.
Barron found his artistic voice on the Israel concert tour. He discovered the joy of jazz and ragtime found on his debut album, Classical with Attitude. Learning from great jazz pianists by replaying their solos, he pays homage to them on his latest album, The Masters’ Apprentice.
Boston Brass & Brass All-Stars Big Band's Christmas Bells are Swingin’!
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $30, Seniors 55+ $28, Under 18/Veterans $25
Moraine Valley Employee $25, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
Swing in the holidays with 15-piece big band Boston Brass and the All-Star Big Band with players from around the globe who together produce an unmatched sound that will light a fire for the holiday season. The ensemble of all brass, including trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas with a jazz rhythm section, features fiery big band arrangements of classics like the Stan Kenton Christmas Carols, Greensleeves, Silent Night, Motown and Jingle Bells in a setting that will delight audiences of all ages. This energetic program celebrates the joy of the season and is a one-of-a-kind musical experience!
The Second City: Mo Funny, Less Problems
Friday, Jan. 31 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $37, Seniors 55+ $35, Under 18/Veterans $32
Moraine Valley Employee $32, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
The Second City Touring Company’s Mo’ Funny, Less Problems promises an uproarious celebration of comedy genius through two acts of scripted scenes, musical comedy and the company’s legendary improvisation. Come witness why The Second City has been the first name in laughter for more than 60 years. From the place that launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and more comes the next generation of comedy superstars. The iconic Chicago theater makes America laugh at pop culture, headlines, scandals and trends.
This show contains adult content.
Bettman & Halpin “Americana Stories and Songs”
Friday, Feb. 7 | 7:30 p.m.
Seating will be on the stage of the Dorothy Menker Theater
Table Seating: Adult $35, Seniors 55+ $32, Under 18/Veterans $30
Moraine Valley Employee $30
Theater Seating: Adult $30, Seniors 55+ $28, Under 18/Veterans $25
Moraine Valley Employee $25, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
The extraordinary acoustic music duo Bettman & Halpin bring their inimitable talents to Moraine Valley! An Americana folk duo, singer/fiddler Stephanie Bettman and multi-instrumentalist Luke Halpin, present a live show that offers a combination of charm, humor and unforgettable original music.
Critics throughout the country have heaped praise on Bettman, a singer with an angelic voice and a magical touch with the fiddle, along with her musical partner, the guitar/mandolin virtuoso Halpin. Their concert performances and recordings have drawn favorable comparisons to the likes of Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss. On stage, Bettman & Halpin exude a warm and joyous personality in interpreting their original songs and meticulous musical arrangements.
Living Out Loud Los Angeles says, “Every song hijacks your heart and takes you through an emotional ride. The chemistry that Bettman & Halpin have on stage is genuine. Their performance was a breath of fresh air.”
Together, Bettman & Halpin are fast earning a reputation in folk and bluegrass circles for mesmerizing performances filled with irresistible lyrics, transcendent harmonies and roof-raising instrumentals. Most of the duo’s songs are originals, with Bettman as principal writer. Some songs in their vast repertoire are unabashedly foot-stomping bluegrass-tinged tunes that seem to make audiences beam with joy and practically dance in their seats. Some songs are haunting explorations of love and loss. Some offer reflections about the understated magic and mystery of seemingly mundane struggles in everyday life.
They have played various festivals and performing arts centers all over the country and are the subject of the documentary Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin: It All Comes Back To Love Tour that premiered on public television in Los Angeles in December 2012.
The Peking Acrobats
Friday, Feb. 14 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $35, Seniors 55+ $33, Under 18/Veterans $30
Moraine Valley Employee $30, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
For the last 32 years, The Peking Acrobats have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control.
The Peking Acrobats are accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments. The time-honored Chinese music coalesces with high-tech special effects and awe-inspiring acrobatic feats, creating an exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a Chinese carnival.
Since the group’s founding in 1986, The Peking Acrobats have been featured on numerous television shows and celebrity-studded TV specials. These include Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous, Ellen’s Really Big Show (hosted by Ellen DeGeneres), The Wayne Brady Show, That’s Incredible, ABC’s Wide World of Sports, and NBC’s Ring in The New Year Holiday Special. They have also appeared on HDNet TV’s In Focus series, and have appeared regularly in 3D on NBC/Comcast’s new 3D Channel.
The Peking Acrobats set the world record for the Human Chair Stack on Fox Network’s Guinness Book Primetime television show in 1999. They balanced six people precariously atop six chairs 21 feet in the air without safety lines, astounding audiences with their bravery and dexterity. The Peking Acrobats have also made their way onto the silver screen, as company members were featured in Steven Soderbergh's hit film Ocean’s Eleven playing alongside Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Peking Acrobats’ alumnus Shaobo Qin also appeared in that film’s two sequels, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen.
Over their three-decade career, The Peking Acrobats have achieved international acclaim, dazzling audiences around the world. They are part of a time-honored Chinese tradition, rooted in centuries of Chinese history and folk art. Tradition demands that each generation of acrobats add its own improvements and embellishments; because of this, high honor is conferred upon those skilled enough to become acrobats. The Peking Acrobats seek to uphold this rich and ancient folk-art tradition, bringing it to new technical heights while integrating 21-century technology. In the words of Clive Davis of the New York Post, “The Peking Acrobats (are) pushing the envelope of human possibility,” combining agility and grace in remarkable feats of “pure artistry.”
B2wins
Thursday, Feb. 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $20, Seniors 55+ $18, Under 18/Veterans $15
Moraine Valley Employee $15, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
Pronounced B-twins, this high energy duo continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique renditions of crowd favorites and engaging, uplifting live show that target the masses. Charismatic twin brothers from Brazil combine a plethora of genres into a feel-good performance that offers equal parts rock concert, dance party, jam session and vacation for the soul.
Growing up in the violent, impoverished slums of Rio de Janeiro, the twins began playing classical music on violins their father handmade. They used music as an escape from their reality and began teaching others in their neighborhood to do the same. After being featured on National Public Radio, in 2008 the twins were invited to the United States on full-ride music scholarships.
After performing more than 1,000 shows around the world over the past decade, the B2wins continue to cultivate a loyal fan base wherever they perform. From hip-hop heads to jazz aficionados, pop enthusiasts and ravers, rockers to reggae fans, all find common ground together with the B2wins. Using music as the tool, the B2wins are on a mission to make the world smile again.
Six Appeal
Thursday, March 13 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $20, Seniors 55+ $18, Under 18/Veterans $15
Moraine Valley Employee $15, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
Six Appeal is a world class vocal ensemble infused with impeccable comedic timing, along with the energy and vitality of a rock band. Swearing off instruments, the award-winning vocal band Six Appeal takes you on a journey that spans decades of music, performing classic oldies, current chart-toppers and catchy original tunes — all sung a cappella. Featuring vocal dexterity and adventurous song selection, this remarkably talented sextet of young singers navigates multiple genres of music with a wonderfully eclectic repertoire that is guaranteed to captivate and entertain audiences of all ages.
Despite their cheeky group name, the antics of these six young people provide a good-natured atmosphere for their electrifying performance. A Six Appeal show will split your sides, feed your musical sweet tooth, and leave you wondering how in the world they pulled it off just with voices.
In spring 2012, Six Appeal achieved the title of National Champion at the Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival in San Rafael, California. In addition to their first place win, they also won the award for Best Original Song as well as the coveted Audience Favorite award. Fast-forward to 2018 and 2019, when Six Appeal was twice consecutively named world champion of the acclaimed Moscow Spring A Cappella Festival, which is considered the largest a cappella festival in the world.
Six Appeal has collaborated with notable artists Andy Grammer, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins and Thundercat. For multiple years in a row, the group has been featured singing on the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party.
With members formally instructed in singing, music education and composition, and with more than 70 combined years of musical training and experience, Six Appeal brings a diverse collection of style and entertainment to the stage. In addition to performance, Six Appeal has a passion for spreading their knowledge of a cappella music to every audience. An essential aspect of their mission is to empower young singers through their educational outreach program. What makes these Six stand out from the crowd? Their Appeal.
The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh
Thursday, March 27 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $45, Seniors 55+ $43, Under 18/Veterans $40
Moraine Valley Employee $40, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
“Amazing” – The New York Times
Handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out, Michael Cavanaugh takes the stage at Moraine Valley with The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John, which features the greatest hits of these two pop-rock piano legends. Songs include Piano Man, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, Movin’ Out, I’m Still Standing, My Life, and many more!
Billboard calls Michael the “new voice of the American rock ‘n’ roll songbook” and his charismatic performance made him famous for his piano and lead vocals in the 2002 hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Michael received both Tony and GRAMMY award nominations for the lead role, and he appeared in the show for three years with more than 1,200 performances, receiving multiple accolades.
It wasn’t long before symphony orchestras discovered Michael’s talents and audience appeal. He accepted his first orchestral booking, Michael Cavanaugh – The Songs of Billy Joel and More, which debuted in April 2008 with the Indianapolis Symphony and continues to tour today. In October 2008, he signed with Warner/ADA to distribute his first CD, In Color. In 2010, Michael debuted his second symphony show in the Generations of Rock series titled Michael Cavanaugh: The Songs of Elton John and More and then debuted his third symphony show, Singers and Songwriters: the Music of Paul Simon, Neil Diamond and James Taylor, in 2012. In 2015, he debuted his fourth symphony show, Rockin’ Christmas with the Pops.
Michael’s music has resonated with audiences worldwide, from his mesmerizing performances at renown events like the Super Bowl and Indianapolis 500 to his symphony orchestra collaborations. It will be surely an evening to remember!
“Brilliant” – Variety Magazine
The DIVA Jazz Orchestra
Friday, April 4 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $30, Seniors 55+ $28, Under 18/Veterans $25
Moraine Valley Employee $25, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
Hard-charging, powerful, immersed in the history of their craft, and passionately swinging the music forward — that’s DIVA, an ensemble of 15 versatile, multi-generational musicians who expertly balance enthusiastic energy with sophistication, virtuosity and imagination.
Headed by swinging drummer Sherrie Maricle, DIVA exudes the excitement and force found in the tradition of the great big bands, with a fresh musical vision and dynamic originality. DIVA performs all over the world playing mainstream and contemporary big band jazz composed and arranged specifically to fit their distinct ensemble sound and highlight each soloist.
For more than 30 years DIVA has toured the world to critical and popular acclaim, sharing the stage with Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, The Manhattan Transfer, Diane Schuur, Nnenna Freelon and other jazz luminaries. Notable appearances include the PBS special Maurice Hines Tappin Through Life, the soundtrack for the Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular, the award-winning film The Girls in the Band, CBS News Sunday Morning, and The Kennedy Center 25th Anniversary Celebration.
DIVA was founded by Stanley Kay, one-time manager and relief drummer for Buddy Rich. In 1990 he heard Sherrie play and decided to create a band of like-minded players. In 1992 the search was on, and through a nationwide audition the foundation of DIVA was poured. The DIVA Jazz Orchestra will continue to blaze its own trail for generations to come.
Darrah Carr Dance
Saturday, May 10 | 7:30 p.m.
Dorothy Menker Theater
Adult $25, Seniors 55+ $23, Under 18/Veterans $20
Moraine Valley Employee $20, Moraine Valley Student Rush Tickets* $5
World champion Irish dancers Darrah Carr and Niall O’Leary have graced stages across the country and around the world. Since 1998, the Bessie Award-nominated company Darrah Carr Dance has created a sensational and unique blend of traditional Irish step and contemporary modern dance. The company draws from Irish music, step dance footwork and spatial patterns to create high-energy, rhythmically based work that is accessible to a broad audience. Artistic director Darrah Carr calls her style ModERIN: a playful combination of the words modern (dance) and ERIN (an Irish American reference to Ireland).
Recent performance highlights include NBC’s Today show, a guest appearance with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney World, and Japan’s Osaka Festival Hall. They are the featured performers in Absolutely Irish, a PBS documentary directed by Academy Award winner Paul Wagner. The New York Times notes, “Darrah Carr is a smiling, exuberant performer with an open upper torso and fast flying feet straight out of Irish step dancing… she has a terrific chemistry with her longtime partner, Niall O’Leary.”
