theatre

Matt Vala returns to the Springfield theatre scene as the theatre director at Rochester High School. His first production is Newsies with senior Holden Nichols in the lead role.

Kevin Purcell directs 'Lincoln and Shakespeare,' to examine the president's love of the bard and how Shakespeare's works may have influenced Abe's writing and speeches. Feb. 21-22 at the Hoogland.

The premier arts venue has been closed this season as a major plumbing project continues in the building. But it's also brought an opportunity for a needed refresh.

Tyler Caraballo-Pisani and Jim Leach stop by to preview The Addams Family. The production will take place at the Hoogland Center for Arts, February 6-8 and 13-15. Tickets are available at HCFTA.org.

Hoogland Ed Achievers (H.S.) presents The Phantom of the Opera.Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score includes Think of Me, Angel of Music, Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade, and the title song.

Professor Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson, director, along with cast and stage crew join Craig McFarland to preview this theatre performance of the tragic Matthew Shepard incident at the University of Wyoming.

Tyler Caraballo-Pisani and Ginny Racette visit to discuss their production of the maneating play, Little Shop of Horrors at the Hoogland Center for the Arts Oct. 24-26, Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

Community Voices contributor Craig McFarland talks with cast members Olivia Garrett and Jackson Thornton along with directors Nicole and John Sivak about the musical created from the film coming to the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

Jaden Saunders is a local tap dancer who’s been making a name for himself through his many performances in Springfield. His mother, Tiffani Saunders, is a sociologist and former professor at the University of Illinois Springfield. In this Community Voices interview we learn how Tiffani enrolled Jaden in tap at a young age as an outlet for his rambunctious energy. We also hear Jaden’s plans for the future, and we discuss the roots of tap dancing and the barriers to entry for young people.

The Springfield Muni's production of Shrek the Musical runs August 1–3 and August 6–9. With music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, the musical is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, incorporating elements from its sequels. The story follows the ogre Shrek on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona for Lord Farquaad, in hopes of reclaiming his swamp from invading fairytale characters. Along the way, Shrek befriends Donkey and learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and self-acceptance.