Right in Our Region
Raue Center Embarks on a Spectacular Season B y J i m Ta y l o r, m u l t i m e d i a e d i t o r
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illy Seger’s first exposure to the Raue Center for the Arts, in Crystal Lake, happened before it became a regional hub of entertainment, before its namesake, Lucile Raue, left a generous donation to save a historical movie house and support its restoration and rebirth. These days, Seger serves as Raue Center’s institutional advancement associate on a team that’s celebrating the venue’s 20th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion – and the return of performers following COVID shutdowns – Raue Center is launching a bold lineup of entertainment this season. “It seems like everybody has gotten behind us,” says Richard Kuranda, CEO. “We are so fortunate to carry on the legacy and hold these standards high.” Kuranda and his team aim to provide a little something for everyone as they
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bring local dance companies, musical artists, comedians, professional actors, touring acts and more in the coming months. Leading into a busy holiday-season lineup, Raue Center introduces its newest addition: Lynne Jordan, a singer and actress who was named the venue’s first Diva in Residence. Jordan, who first appeared with Raue this past summer, presents a series of shows over the coming months, as she shares everything from contemporary standards to her own original works, including a one-woman show where she delves into the life and work of Nina Simone. Jordan’s next appearances are scheduled for Nov. 19 and Jan. 15. On Nov. 20, Raue Center welcomes the talented cooks of television’s “MasterChef” and “MasterChef Jr.” Their interactive show promises a messy good time for the whole family.
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The following week, as downtown Crystal Lake welcomes the Christmas season with a holiday parade, Raue Center’s marquee lights up for Heartache Tonight, an authentic tribute to The Eagles. The Christmas season begins in full on Dec. 4 and 5, when Raue Center mounts its own take on a time-honored classic, “A Christmas Carol: Panto Edition.” Adapted from the well-loved story by Charles Dickens, this production promises to be an interactive, fun, family-friendly show that includes young performers from Raue Center’s Sage on Stage education program. The show plays daily through Dec. 12. “This ‘Christmas Carol’ gets the whole audience involved,” says Kuranda. “It’s a great active, fun show with lots of singing, shouting and overall audience joy.”
