Broadway hit 'Jersey Boys,' Jay Leno, Straight No Chaser highlight IU Auditorium 2014-15 season

  • May 4, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University Auditorium has announced its 2014-15 season, which includes some of the most in-demand touring Broadway shows, classical and contemporary musical performances, comedy, holiday traditions and more. The season begins Sept. 25 and will run through April 2015.

From The Peking Acrobats to the return of Straight no Chaser, the 2014-15 season includes a variety of performance genres that will appeal to a wide range of people. The season also includes Broadway favorite “Jersey Boys” and performances by Rosanne Cash, Jay Leno and The Cleveland Orchestra.

“We are thrilled to announce this amazing list of popular icons, Tony Award-winning Broadway hits and awe-inspiring cultural dance and music for our 2014-15 season,” said Doug Booher, director of IU Auditorium. “We always strive to present a diverse and inspiring assortment of world-class entertainment, and we’re proud that this will be yet another season of the highest quality performances.”

Patrons can receive the best seats by becoming Gold or Silver subscribers, which can be purchased through a variety of payment plans, including payroll deduction for IU employees and bursar billing for IU students. For information on subscriber benefits, visit IUauditorium.com or call 812-855-1103.

The 2014-15 season features:

Rosanne Cash
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25
Cost: General public: $35 to $50; IU Bloomington students: $18 to $40
Synopsis: One of the most compelling figures in popular music, with a body of work encompassing country, rock, roots and pop influences, Rosanne Cash inherited a reverence for song and profound artistry, and an equal duty to find insights of her own. The oldest daughter of country music icon Johnny Cash and stepdaughter of June Carter Cash of the legendary Carter Family, she holds a lineage rooted in the very beginning of American country music, with its deep cultural and historical connections to the South.

Cash is coming to IU Auditorium with the new songs from her album "The River & the Thread" -- a reflective collection of tunes evocative of the many flavors of the American south, which was inspired by road trips from Alabama to Tennessee. According to a review on AllMusic, “She’s learned to make every word and every note count ... she’s matured into a singular artist with the talent and the vision to make these stories of her travels in the South come to vivid and affecting life.”

Jay Leno
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17
Cost: General public: $49 to $70; IU Bloomington students: $35 to $65
Synopsis: During a talk show host career that spanned over 20 years, Jay Leno has become one of the most recognizable and lauded comedy personalities in the United States. Completing his 22-year run in February 2014 as "The Tonight Show" host, his farewell drew a record-breaking audience of more than 14 million viewers. Using his newly found freedom from the nightly television routine, Leno returns to the place that started it all -- alone on stage, armed with only a mic and his wits -- for a stand-up performance that has been decades in the making.

Dennis James Hosts Halloween 2014
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25
Cost: General public: $16 to $21; IU Bloomington students and children: $8 to $16
Note: Family friendly
Synopsis: The world’s greatest cinema organist is coming back to his alma mater to host a unique theatrical event. IU alumnus Dennis James provides live organ and theremin accompaniment to the playfully spooky 1924 silent film "The Hands of Orlac" in this season’s Dennis James Hosts Halloween. This event is a Bloomington Halloween tradition, and audiences of all ages can enjoy James’ musical prowess and captivating presence, as well as the annual costume contest hosted by B97.

"The Hands of Orlac" follows the tale of a famous concert pianist who is severely injured in a train wreck that fractures his skull and mutilates his hands. After having his ruined hands replaced with the hands of a recently executed murderer, the pianist falls into melancholy, constantly questioning his sanity. As New York cultural historian Peter Mintun said, “Dennis James' choice of music subconsciously guides the listener into many moods, tension, bliss, excitement, despair, terror and hilarity.”

"Nice Work If You Can Get"
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30
Cost: General public: $39 to $63; IU Bloomington students: $21 to $42
Synopsis: Get ready for this 1920s-era feel-good musical, complete with extravagant dance numbers, glittering costumes and an unlikely love story between a wealthy playboy and a rough-and-tumble female bootlegger. This lighthearted crowd-pleaser is set against the backdrop of classic Gershwin hits like “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Fascinating Rhythm.” Featuring an ensemble cast, direction and choreography by three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall and book by Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro, "Nice Work If You Can Get It" harkens back to the golden age of American musical comedy.

"Anything Goes"
When: 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 17 and 18
Cost: General public: $39 to $63; IU Bloomington students: $21 to $42
Synopsis: Winner of three 2011 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival and Best Choreography, "Anything Goes" is based on the celebrated Roundabout Theatre Company’s production. The New York Times hails it a “musical-comedy joy,” and USA Today calls it “glorious and exuberant.” "Anything Goes" is an example of classic musical theater, complete with amazing tap numbers, campy jokes, unlikely happy endings and eminently hummable songs.

"Chimes of Christmas"
When: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Cost: General public: $17 to $22; IU Bloomington students and children: $12 to $17
Note: Family friendly
Synopsis: Started in the 1950s, "Chimes" provides performances by IU Jacobs School of Music ensembles, including the Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble the Singing Hoosiers. Led by acclaimed vocal jazz conductor Steve Zegree, "Chimes of Christmas" has been updated with a new look and an innovative repertoire. "Chimes" is a family-friendly event with special discounts for children, and it offers both a matinee and evening performance. The dance numbers, unparalleled vocal range and upbeat music give audience members a memorable Christmas experience.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical"
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
Cost: General public: $24 to $44; IU Bloomington students and children: $16 to $36
Note: Family friendly
Synopsis: A beloved, stop-motion television classic springs to life in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical." Adapted from the world’s longest-running and highest-rated holiday television special, the stage version offers a faithful recreation of the beloved original short film, while reinforcing the message of acceptance and diversity. This heartwarming production will make audiences of all ages fall in love with Rudolph.

Straight No Chaser
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18
Cost: General public: $37 to $55; IU Bloomington students: $20 to $50
Synopsis: Tight vocals and loose humor have catapulted these IU-born musical masterminds from local legends to international superstars -- leaving in their wake a slew of chart-topping albums including 2008’s "Holiday Spirits," 2009’s "Christmas Cheers," as well as 2010’s "With a Twist," which debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 29.

This year saw the release of "Under the Influence," the group's first full-length departure from holiday music, followed by "Under the Influence: Holiday Edition." This album collection features guest appearances by stars including Paul McCartney, Colbie Caillat, Cee Lo Green and Otis Redding. This year’s concert, just in time for the holidays, will fill the night with festive holiday favorites, surprising pop arrangements and vocals that will knock your socks off.

The Cleveland Orchestra
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21
Cost: General public: $38 to $60; IU Bloomington students: $20 to $41
Synopsis: Under the guidance of music director Franz Welser-Möst, this stellar ensemble is considered one of the world’s top orchestras -- bringing its signature style to a repertoire that spans the breadth of the classical catalog. The orchestra continues its commitment to artistic excellence, educational outreach and community service through the ensemble’s biennial residency with IU’s Jacobs School of Music.  This season brings a whole new experience for fans of the ensemble, as it is headed by one of the world’s most up-and-coming young conductors, Jakub Hrůša -- who is best known for his work as music director of the Prague Philharmonia -- as the special guest conductor. The performance will also include a performance of Dvořák’s Violin Concerto with violinist and IU alumnus William Preucil as the featured soloist.

"Sister Act"
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 27 and 28
Cost: General public: $39 to $63; IU Bloomington students: $21 to $42
Synopsis:  Broadway's "Sister Act" is the musical comedy that the New York Post calls “ridiculously fun.” This uplifting production features original music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken ("Newsies," "Beauty and the Beast," "Little Shop of Horrors," "Enchanted"), filling the musical with gospel-inspired tunes built to lift audiences. A tribute to the universal power of friendship, this heartwarming musical is the perfect feel-good night of theater for audiences of all ages.

The Peking Acrobats
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5
Cost: General public: $22 to $40; IU Bloomington students and children: $12 to $35
Note: Family friendly
Synopsis: Since their Western debut in 1986, The Peking Acrobats have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers; they are experts at trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting and gymnastics; and they push the envelope of human possibility with incredible balancing feats.  A performance by The Peking Acrobats will give audiences the opportunity to view the epitome of a rich and ancient folk art tradition, highlighted by melding the ancient and traditional with the modern wonders of the 21st century. As the Seattle Times reported, "nearly everything The Peking Acrobats did last night was amazing -- and stunning and breathtaking and WOW!"

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24
Cost: General public: $39 to $63; IU Bloomington students: $21 to $42
Synopsis: Witness the world’s most beloved rock ‘n’ roll artists spring to life in this mesmerizing display of music, melody and emotion. Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles revives the sensation of the four lads from Liverpool with look-alike, sound-alike performances that astound even the most versed of Beatles fans. The show will transport the audience back to the 1960s -- complete with the hair, costumes and a full range of Beatles discography. This multimedia spectacular takes the audience on a musical journey through the life and times of the world’s most celebrated band. Rain performs all the legendary songs live on stage, paired with historical TV commercials and video footage from the 1960s, to put the audience back in the time of the Beatles.

"Jersey Boys"
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, March 3 to 6; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 7; and 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, March 8
Cost: General public: $48 to $69; IU Bloomington students: $25 to $59
Synopsis: Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical on Broadway, as well as Best Musical awards in London and Australia, this blockbuster phenomenon will take audiences up the charts, across the country and behind the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. South Central Indiana residents will have the opportunity to witness this record-breaking musical spectacle for a full week of eight performances.

This major-market attraction is loaded with performances that will transport the sound and spirit of the Four Seasons' solid-gold hits that took these blue-collar guys all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Audiences around the world have been blown away by the spot-on renditions of hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don't Cry,” “Can't Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” “My Eyes Adored You” and more.

Pilobolus Dance Theatre
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 14
Cost: General public: $22 to $40; IU Bloomington students: $12 to $35
Synopsis: This groundbreaking troupe has constantly amused, engaged and inspired its audiences with the performers' physical prowess and emotional breadth. With more than 40 years of history, this one-of-a-kind modern dance company has toured 115 choreographic works in more than 64 countries around the world, and has been featured on the Academy Awards, "Oprah" and "Late Night With Conan O’Brien."

Acrobatics, dance, drama and biological imagination meet and melt into their trademark representation of versatility and strength. Pilobolus continues to develop diverse collaborations that break down barriers between disciplines and challenge the way we think about dance. Physically and intellectually, the company engages and inspires audiences around the world through performance, education and consultation.

"Memphis"
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, April 15 and 16
Cost: General public: $39 to $63; IU Bloomington students: $21 to $42
Synopsis: From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tenn., comes a Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame, forbidden love and a fight to change the world. Inspired by true events, Memphis is about a white radio DJ driving to break the music world free of its racial prejudices, and a black club singer who is ready for her big break.

Loved by audiences and critics alike, "Memphis" is the winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical, and it features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan.

The IU Auditorium 2014-15 season is presented by Curry Auto Center, B97, the Herald-Times and Cook Medical Group.

To see the complete list of shows for the 2014-15 season, visit IUauditorium.com. The website features video clips and a selection of songs from next season’s performances, in addition to a direct link to the IU Auditorium Facebook page, Twitter page and email club, whose members receive exclusive benefits throughout the year. Tickets are also available on the IU Auditorium website or by visiting the IU Auditorium box office, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne Cash | Photo by Clay Patrick McBride

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"The Hands of Orlac"

Dennis James Hosts Halloween features the 1924 silent film "Tha Hands of Orlac."

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"The Chimes of Christmas"

"The Chimes of Christmas"

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"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical"

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical"

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Straight No Chaser

Straight No Chaser

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The Peking Acrobats

The Peking Acrobats

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The Cleveland Orchestra

The Cleveland Orchestra | Photo by Roger Mastroianni

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Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles | Photo by Cylla Von Tiedemann

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"Jersey Boys"

"Jersey Boys"

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Pilobolus Dance Theatre

Pilobolus Dance Theatre

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Media Contacts

Karyn McNay

  • IU Auditorium
  • Office 812-855-0640
  • knmcnay@indiana.edu