A new semester means a new line-up of shows. Here’s what you can catch this spring.
Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo
Jan. 21
7:30 p.m. at Pruis Hall
Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo are a guitar duo who have been touring together for four years. They take classic songs, ranging from Mozart to Bob Marley and the Beatles, and re-arrange them, blending together contrasting music styles. This performance is a John R. Emens Auditorium director’s pick.
"First Person: Seeing America" — Ensemble Galilei
Jan. 28
7:30 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
The strings, winds and percussion group Ensemble Galilei, with narrator Neal Conan NPR and actress Lily Knight, who is known for A.I. Intelligence, come together to present “First Person: Seeing America.” This program combines words and music with iconic images of the Civil War and the Great Depression from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
"Saturday Night Fever"
Feb. 2
7:30 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
In 1976, Tony Manero dreams of becoming the disco king, but he’s just a man with a dead-end job and an amazing ability to dance. However, he meets Stephanie, who wishes for more than just living in Brooklyn, and they decide to team up and train together for a dancing competition. This production of "Saturday Night Fever" is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees' "Stayin’ Alive," "Jive Talking" and "How Deep Is Your Love?"
An Evening with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Feb. 3
7:30 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are performing as part of their first national tour in almost two years. Macklemore and Lewis gained fame in 2012 with their song “Thrift Shop,” which also earned them a Grammy. Their newest single, “Downtown,” was released in August and has hit top ten of the Billboard and radio charts.
Pat McAfee: The I-69 Tour
Feb. 12
8:00 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
Indianapolis Colts player and funny man will be taking his comedy routine on the road, making a stop at Emens. The show won't consist of one-liners and knock-knock jokes, but rather stories from being on the road and his football career.
"The Jungalbook"
Feb. 12-21
7:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. on Sundays) at University Theatre
Based on the Disney classic, "Jungalbook" tells the story of a boy named Mowgli who, with the help of Baloo the bear, learns his true nature and how to defend himself.
Summer of Love Concert: Songs of the Woodstock Generation
Feb. 19
7:30 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
The Summer of Love Concert is an experience that brings back memories of the celebrated songs from the Woodstock generation. This concert has all of its arrangements played note-for-note to not miss a beat of the memories. The show features Glen Burtnik, who played in the band Styx, and about 12 other musicians and backup vocalists. The concert will include music from the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and many more.
"Alias Grace"
Feb. 26-March 3
Based on a true story, this play explores “the darkest places of the human mind.” A murderess meets a psychologist who tries to unlock details of her past and her guilt in Alias Grace. This play is part of this year’s Strother Studio Series.
Blue Man Group
Feb. 29
7:30 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
Blue Man Group wears a multitude of hats as a comedy, theater, music and dance group all rolled into one. The group, clad in black clothes and blue skin, has traveled the world with their creative, multi-sensory performances. This wildly popular phenomenon has captivated 35 million people and performed in 15 countries worldwide.
Altan
March 1
7:30 p.m. at Pruis Hall
Altan has had a wider grasp on audiences and music lovers than any other traditional Irish band, having sold more than a million records. The six-piece band from County Donegal, Ireland, features instruments such as a fiddle, guitar, accordion and a bouzouki. Its award-winning recordings have a large range of songs from touching old Irish songs to hard-hitting reels and jigs.
Moscow Festival Ballet: "Sleeping Beauty"
March 21
7:30 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
Composed by Tchaikovksy, "Sleeping Beauty" is considered one of the finest accomplishments of classical ballet, based on the well-known fairy tale. It is a highlight of choreographer Marius Petipa’s career.
18 South
March 31
7:30 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
18 South is the unison of six musicians who share one goal: to create a band characterized by only its music. Combining blues, bluegrass, jazz and gospel, 18 South brings a perfect balance of “Americana.” This concert is an Emens Auditorium director’s pick.
Let It Be: A Celebration of the Music of the Beatles
April 1
7:30 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
The Beatles’ music defined an entire generation, and it captured the hearts of millions. Relive its music through Annerin Productions’ presentation of Let It Be: A Celebration of the Music of the Beatles. The show has been established as one of London’s West End’s most popular shows and features more than 40 Beatles songs.
"Hairspray"
April 1-10
7:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. on Sundays) at University Theatre
Tracy Turnblad, a high school social outcast in Baltimore, dreams of dancing on the “Corny Collins Show” in 1962. When she finally gets her chance, she teaches the world about acceptance, all while never messing up her big hair.
LIFT: Lifting Up The Stories of Today’s Youth
April 15-23
7:30 p.m. at University Theatre
LIFT: Lifting Up The Stories of Today’s Youth is a collaboration of participants lifting up their stories. The students in this piece will be asked to speak their own truths. This opens the space for narratives of today’s youth.
"Ragtime: The Musical"
April 21
7:30 p.m. at Emens Auditorium
In the all-new touring production, "Ragtime" returns to North America. The musical takes place in New York, where an upper-class wife, a Jewish immigrant and Harlem musician are united by their ambition for a better tomorrow.
Dancing Towards Change
April 27-30
7:30 p.m. at University Theatre
This dance piece explores if there is a link between beauty standards and acts of violence against the body in a society where the human body is often seen merely as an object.
The Waifs
April 28
7:30 p.m. at Pruis Hall
Starting in 1992 as three musicians playing gigs for anyone while traveling in a van, the Waifs have come very far from its humble beginnings. Now, this Australian folk rock group has half a million record sales, as well as multiple ARIA awards.
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