Upcoming Events
A.R. Gurneys Love Letters
September 14, 2019, 7:30pm
A unique and imaginative theatre piece which, in the words of the author, "needs no theatre, no lengthy rehearsal, no special set, no memorization of lines, and no commitment from its two actors beyond the night of performance." The piece is comprised of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down.
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
November 2, 2019, 2:00pm to 7:30pm
Moscow Ballet consistently produces record-breaking seasons thrilling audiences from NYC to Los Angeles and from Puerto Rico to Calgary. Offering the classic ballets such as "Great Russian Nutcracker", "Cinderella", "Sleeping Beauty" and "Swan Lake", sold-out theatres attest to the public's love and appreciation of the highest quality productions. The press confirms artistic excellence: LA Times, "Disarmingly poetic…bravura expertise", Minneapolis Pioneer Press, "Sweeps you up in the bliss of beauty" and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, "Stunning visuals, effortlessness dancing… full of joyful energy."
Chicago The Musical
November 15, 2019, 7:30pm to November 17, 2019, 2:00pm
"Who says that murder's not an art?" The Cook County Jail gets turned on its ear when Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly vie for the attention of the slick, hot-shot lawyer, Billy Flynn in an all-in game of survival of the fittest. Which of these merry murderesses will come out on top in this sexy, dazzling, jazz-age musical? Another wonderful School of Theatre and Dance and Kirkland Fine Arts Center co-production.
A Very Postmodern Christmas
December 14, 2019, 7:30pm
This holiday season, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox will that the same originality, wit, and virtuosic musical performances that have garnered them over 1 billion views on YouTube to revitalize the idea of a Christmas tour itself, in their multi-city 'A Very Postmodern Christmas' tour.
The tour will feature PMJ's rotating retro collective of show-stopping vocalist, dancers, and instrumentalist as they mashup timeless holiday classics and today's pop hits in the 'vintage' styles of 20s hot jazz, doo wop, and Motown that have brought the group international acclaim. Put simply: it's the holiday show equivalent of Bing Crosby singing 'Little Drummer Boy' with David Bowie.
Beethoven 250
February 9, 2020, 2:00pm
Internationally-acclaimed pianist and Millikin faculty member, Silvan Negrutiu, returns to the Kirkland stage for a recital celebrating Beethoven's 250th birthday. The program will include Beethoven's "32 Variations in C Minor" and two of his most beloved piano sonatas: "Pathetique" and "Appassionata."
Ballet Folclórico
February 21, 2020, 7:30pm
It is the mission of the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México to preserve and promote the culture of Mexico. With an artistic career spanning over 56 years, the BFNM reflects the work of Mexico's leading researchers and practitioners of folklore, dance, music, and costumes. BFNM has received numerous awards and accolades, and has performed across five continents. And as it happens, Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México was the very first show at Kirkland debuting 1970.
The Tempest
March 5, 2020, 7:30pm
Founded in 1975, Actors from the London Stage (AFTLS) is one of the oldest touring Shakespeare theatre companies in the world. They perform Shakespeare's plays with a very basic production, using minimal props, no set, and the actors never leave the stage. Each actor plays multiple roles and frequently shifts characters while on stage, offering an intriguing and comedic effect. Touring both in the fall and spring, AFTLS visits approximately 16-20 universities in a year, giving students and faculty a chance to experience their dynamic and enriching performing arts program. The vibrant hands-on nature of the program provides an extraordinary opportunity to engage faculty and students far beyond the confines of the English and theatre departments.
A Cappella Live!
March 27, 2020, 7:30pm
The past few years have been a Renaissance for a cappella - with a perfect storm of movies, television, youtube and radio - breathing new life and excitement into the world’s first musical form.
However, as great as it is to see and hear a cappella on screens large and small, the best way to experience vocal harmony is in person, which is why A Cappella Live was born.
Built on the classic Motown review tour model, A Cappella Live is bringing four of the nation’s greatest a cappella acts to performing arts centers around America:
The charming boyband sound and moves of The Filharmonic
The rich harmonies of gospel/r&b legends Committed
Chart-topping lead vocals and live-looping beatbox by Blake Lewis
Internationally-inspired songstresses Women of the World
Never before have four acts of this caliber been brought together on the same stage on the same night. Audiences will have an opportunity to hear each group perform their greatest and best-known hits as well as large-scale production numbers featuring all four groups, plus some additional special surprises.
The Official Blues Brothers Revue
April 4, 2020, 7:30pm
There have been many imitators, but there is only one duo in North America sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi to don the official hat and sunglasses and walk in the legendary footsteps of Jake and Elwood Blues. Discovered in Las Vegas, performers Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty capture the infectious humor and unbridled spirit of the Blues Brothers like no one since John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd walked the stage. Backed by a powerhouse band, they'll give you a show to remember, packed with classic hits from the Blues Brothers catalog, including Soul Man, Rubber Biscuit, Sweet Home Chicago, and more. For a night of laughter, dancing, and foot-stompin' fun.