PERFORMING ARTS SEASON

Each academic year, our Performing Arts department produces a collection of theater productions open to our campus community and the general public.  In addition, Artists’ Ensemble, Rockford’s only professional theater company, is in residence on our campus and performs in our theatres in the Clark Arts Center.

The following list includes this year’s Rockford University productions. Single ticket admission for adults $12, seniors age 55 and up, and students is $9 unless otherwise noted. Group rates are available. Dates and locations are subject to change.

Rockford University Performing Arts Season: 2018-2019

Carrie, the Musical
October 4-7, 2018 (Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Sunday 2 pm)
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, music by Michael Gore.
directed by Professor Jeff Hendry

Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, Carrie focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by her mother, an oppressive religious fanatic. Carrie tries in vain to escape her unhappy home life and be accepted by her schoolmates but to no avail. When she is grossly humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she unleashes her wrath in a reign of destructive chaos on everyone and everything in her path.

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
November 15-18, 2018 (Thursday-Saturday,  7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.)
Cheek Theatre, Clark Arts Center

By Alan Ball
directed by Deborah Mogford

An irreverent and funny look at the intricacies of friendship and the power of similar dressing. It is summer and five women wearing identical unique bridesmaids dresses have survived the elaborate wedding ceremony to find themselves at the ostentatious wedding reception being held on the estate of the bride. There is only so much they can take, so they seek sanctuary in an upstairs bedroom. Each woman has her own reason for avoiding the proceedings below. As the afternoon wears on these five very different women are surprised to discover a common bond. This wickedly funny and touching celebration of life explores the nature of sisterhood and the ever-present question about the behavior of men. You can’t live with them, but can you live without them?

Winter Concert
Wed., Dec.5, 2018, at 7:30 pm
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Professor Timm Adams, conductor/director
no tickets required, free will donations accepted at the door

Our choral/vocal concerts in December and May each year highlight the impressive work of our choral groups: Regent Singers, Vocal Collective, Women’s Ensemble, and Gospel Choir. These compelling programs feature a broad variety of music from classical choral repertoire and contemporary a cappella to jazz and musical theater works. 

Orchesis & Rockford City Dance Concert
Thur. – Sat., Jan. 31, Feb. 1-2, 2019, at  7:30 p.m. 
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center

Produced in collaboration with various local artists under the direction of our Rockford University Dance instructor, Penna Broman ’86, in honor of Jayne Poor. Rockford University Dance Company, Orchesis was originally founded by the late Professor Jayne Poor, who is remembered for her passionate dedication to dance as an artist and educator at our institution and in the Rockford community.

TBA
February 28 – March 3, 2019 (Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.)
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
By TBA
Directed by TBA

All Shook Up
April 25-28, 2019 (Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.)
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Book by Joe DiPietro
directed by Kyle Donahue, Rockford University Performing Arts alum ’03

This happy musical is inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. It’s 1955, and into a “square” little town in a “square” little state rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.

Spring Concert
Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 7:30 pm
Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Professor Timm Adams, conductor/director
no tickets required, free will donations accepted at the door

Seasonal music featuring Regent Singers, Women’s Ensemble, and the Rockford University Vocal Collective a cappella group.