Nathan Irwin

Corn Stock Theatre is celebrating it's 60th season this summer. Theatre Manager Cindy Hoey joins us to talk about some of the productions planned for the season, including a visit by guest artist, and Peoria native, Steve Vinovich. Corn Stock will also present "The Wiz" for the first time, with a new director. The season kicks off with "The Music Man," which runs May 31st to June 8th.

The Morton Civic Chorus is getting ready to present its annual spring benefit concert, with performances Tuesday through Sunday at the Hartmann Center at Bradley University. Director Denise Adams talks about the theme that runs through this year's concert, and some of the works on the programs. She also talks about the process leading up to performance week, and about watching her children grow up in the chorus.

The Peoria Symphony Orchestra brings its 2012-2013 to a close with this weekend's concert, "Visions of Beauty." Music Director George Stelluto talks about the concert, which  features a return visit by soprano Kara Shay Thomson. He talks about what he looks for when selecting soloists for each concert, and about the selections on the program: a Mozart overture, opera arias, and Mahler's Fourth Symphony. The concert is Saturday night at 8:00 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria.

Peoria Players Theatre closes its current season with the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” Marty Lynch has this review for Peoria Public Radio and the Live Theatre League of Peoria. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer, not those of Peoria Public Radio or the Live Theatre League.

We're talking with Bobbi Rice, from the Wheels O' Time Museum. Their 2013 season is now underway. This year, the museum has expanded to a fourth building. They've also develop a partnership with a local auto club to present a rotating display of antique cars. Bobbi also talks about some of the non-vehicular items in the museum's collection. The museum's 2013 season continues through the end of October.

This week, we're talking with Laura Garfinkel, the director of Peoria Players Theatre's upcoming production of "Fiddler on the Roof." She talks about the universal themes which permeate the show: the tension between tradition and modernity, the bonds of a small community, and the expectations family members have of one another. Those themes, and memorable score, help explain how the show has endured for almost fifty years. "Fiddler on the Roof" runs May 3rd through May 12th at Peoria Players Theatre.

This week, we're talking with Herrald Webster from Eastlight Theatre's production of "Dreamgirls." The musical tells the story of the Motown-era group "The Dreams." It closely parallels the real history of the Supremes, and features a score that ranges from R&B to early rock to disco. The Eastlight production opens tonight and continues through April 27th at the Byron Moore Auditorium in East Peoria High School.

The play “Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)” provides a comedic look at two well-known Shakespeare tragedies. Cara Rosson has a review of a production currently running at Illinois Central College, for Peoria Public Radio and the Live Theatre League of Peoria.

Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer, not those of Peoria Public Radio or the Live Theatre League.

Congressman Aaron Schock joins us this week to talk about the 32nd Annual Congressional Art Show and Competition. The show includes works of art submitted by young artists from across the 18th Congressional District; one of the pieces will be displayed in the U. S. Capitol for the next. The show opens with a reception tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Schock will deliver remarks and announce this year’s winner at 11:00 AM.

“Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” presents a musical look at the colorful and controversial 13th President of the United States. A production at Eureka College opened Tuesday night and continues through Saturday. Brian “Fox” Ellis has this review for Peoria Public Radio and the Live Theatre League of Peoria. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer, not those of Peoria Public Radio or the Live Theatre League.