August 22, 2023 – Millikin University has announced the lineup for this school year’s performing arts season, packed with live entertainment, arts and music for all ages.
“We’re mixing things up at Kirkland Fine Arts Center this year with a roster of huge talent and beloved favorites hand-picked to delight the Decatur community,” Bryan Diver, the Kirkland Fine Arts Center’s Director, said in a press release. “Laugh it up with the uproarious Janelle James, be awed by the beauty and athleticism of the Nutcracker, fall in love again with All-4-One, and then chill out in the spring with Marcy Playground. What a season!”
At Kirkland, the season will start on a strong note by welcoming two-time Emmy-nominated comedian and actress Janelle James, who currently plays Principal Ava Coleman in the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary. Coleman will perform her live comedy set on Saturday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. ‘NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet’ will also make a stop at Millikin on its international tour for the first time since 2019. On Monday, December 11 at 7 p.m., a cast from across the world will bring the Christmas season alive onstage through the story of a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a battle against the Mouse King.
The fun will continue at Kirkland with the California-based quartet All-4-One on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. With a Billboard 100 chart-topping single, seven albums and over 20 million records sold, the band will make a stop at Millikin as they travel across the nation. 90s hit alternative band Marcy Playground will round out Kirkland’s featured series on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. with a repertoire ranging from modern folk to classic rock.
Millikin’s slate of student and local professional performances is sure to offer a performance for everyone, too. The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra will return for a new season of ‘Masterworks,’ School of Faculty music recitals will present chamber selections of various genres and several off-campus ensembles will entertain audiences throughout the year. As always, Millikin’s annual holiday choral celebration, Vespers, will be held December 2 and 3.
Student-produced plays, musicals and operas will be held throughout the year in the Albert Taylor Theatre and Virginia Rogers Theatre, including classic favorites like the Halloween percussion festival and a stage adaptation of ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.’ The School of Theatre & Dance will also present the world premiere of ‘The Spell of Red River,’ an original musical commissioned by Millikin’s New Musicals Workshop.
The fun doesn’t stop onstage, however. The School of Art & Creative Media will host student, faculty and guest exhibits at the Blue Connection Gallery in downtown Decatur and Kirkland’s Perkinson Gallery. Millikin artists will host First Friday gallery walks at the Decatur Area Arts Council, featuring spotlights on student films and other projects. The School of Art & Creative Media’s newly appointed interim Dean, Jessica Wilcoxen, said she’s excited the School’s programming is joining other art forms at the university.
“We strive to create programming that appeals to a wide range of tastes while offering performance learning opportunities for our students that can translate from Millikin to the global arts community,” Wilcoxen said in a press release. “This year’s season is a great showcase of Millikin’s talent, as well as artists important to the wider culture.”
Single ticket sales for these events and more, excluding Vespers, will be available starting September 5. Vespers tickets go on sale on November 7. Tickets can be purchased online anytime or via phone or at the Kirkland Box Office between noon-4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. Discounted rates and handicapped seats are not available online.
Check out the Kirkland Box Office by clicking HERE, calling 217.424.6318 or stopping by at 1184 W Main St. For a complete list of season events, click HERE.
