Arts

For its 50th anniversary and 27th student-run production, Parkland commissioned a local playwright before handing it over to a student director and crew. Jordan interviews the creative force behind Kazam! Intrepid Inspector Ingrid of Interpol and the Crimson-Caped Killer Caper

Follow the Fail Family in their (mis)adventures in 1920s Chicago before they are gone for good.

Parkland Theatre announces its 2017-18 season, as well as the retirement of Artistic Director Joi Hoffsommer – who will not be replaced due to budget cuts. Rebecca chats with two folks in the know and details what’s in store.

Local a capella groups take to the stage for a concert in support of Unit 7 Schools’ music programs.

Marika indulges a fascination for puppetry during the Celebration Company's current production at the Station Theatre. Her youthful obsession ventures deep into adult territory. 

Next weekend, a talented trio brings a youthful sound to KCPA's Great Hall. 

The Russian National Ballet Theatre presents just a few of ballet's favorite things in the most beautiful and expressive way possible this week, starting tonight. 

Hand to God brings a demonic sock puppet to the cozy confines of the Station Theatre this week.

Mike Rogalla sits on the nominations committee for one of the biggest literary awards for children’s books: The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal. 

Speculative dino-fiction comes to C-U by way of a self-published paleontologist author. 

Rebecca goes in intentionally ignorant to meet Repetition by James Tadd Adcox, which ends up being somewhat familiar and farcical at the same time.

Marika explores the point of drawing and interviews the guest curator of the drawing invitational exhibition at Parkland. 

Our vibrant arts community wouldn't be possible without direct support from donors, so Rebecca's providing a rundown of some worthy outlets for your end-of-year giving. 

Marika glimpses what the U of I faculty have been producing at the School of Fine Art +  Design. 

Through abstraction, photographer and graphic designer Lynn Anderson creates ethereal dreamscapes from the natural world around her.

A live-action version of a beloved holiday television special brings heart and warmth to the forefront this winter season.

This local artists interprets the world through a mix of photography, digital design, and quilting. Check out her unique pieces. 

Meghan reviews Every Brilliant Thing, a show that successfully strived to remind us all of life's little joys through depression by a list of brilliant things.

The Penny Dreadful Players present Romeo and Juliet – after the curtain falls.

Tattoos, backdrops, face painting and puns. See where this local artist creates all of the latter. 

Rebecca speaks with director Latrelle Bright about staging Snoopy at Parkland’s Theatre. Things get philosophical about that pathetic little tree. 

After two fairly dark dramas, Rebecca finds out more about Every Brilliant Thing, the one-man comedy about depression that should lift our spirits. 

Let dreams of sugar plums and other sweet treats from The Nutcracker spark your imagination this winter season.

The Anomaly Problem is a science-fiction action story that follows multiple characters in a not-too-distant- future. Jordan reviews local author Roy Claflin's debut novel. 

Drummer, teacher, father, Artist. Check out what this local artist's profile.

Maria discusses this recent exhibit at the IMC in Urbana.

The Krannert Art Museum and Spurlock Museum bring you more Medieval manuscript mayhem than you can shake a stick at this fall.

Away Running is a mix of teenage drama, American football, French slang, and tense discussions about race and ethnicity.

Sam highlights Deborah Fell and her artful quilts as well as shows you photos from the craft fair last weekend in Urbana. 

Friday, November 11th, brought the CUDO Pro Show’s 2016 opening night reception to downtown Champaign. This year’s event was a special one, dedicated to the late Matthew Farrell.

This week, we are going talk about Say Uncle, an experimental residency and nomadic exhibition program.

Opening Thursday November 17th, Zina Saro-Wiwa: Did You Know We Taught Them How to Dance? explores the rich cultural, social, and economic facets of the Niger Delta. But what do we know about this exhibition and its featured artist? 

Conor McPherson’s adaptation of The Birds by Daphne du Maurier tries to rival that of Alfred Hitchcock’s famous 1963 movie starring Tippi Hedren. But is the play as frightening as the movie or original story?

For its 34th year, the Craft League of Urbana-Champaign brings the community together with local artists and crafters. The 34th Annual Art Fair promotes local artists and interests as well as sharing knowledge about various crafts and the fine arts.

The amount of sex and intrigue in the first opera at Krannert is nearly equal to a thrilling TV series, so Rebecca gets the dirt from visionary director Madeline Sayet about re-creating Poppea. 

Rebecca chats with the cast of The Birds, opening tomorrow at the Station theatre, and lets them assuage her fears. 

Preisdent of CUDO shows Smile Politely his WorkSpace. Check it out!

Meghan reviews The Minotaur at Krannert Center of Performing Arts, where the classical Greek myth gets a modern take.

Check out a Canadian ex-archaeologist, ex-touring musician, and current amateur comedian.

Shelly previews Lucky Plush's high-flying dance production about superheroes fighting for social justice. 

Jordan talks with program director Jason Pankoke about what people can expect if they attend the New Art Film Festival. Also, a few filmmakers talk about the challenges of getting their work accepted at a film festival.

The Minotaur brings the drama of Ariadne the princess of Crete, Theseus the Athenian hero, and the legendary half-man, half-bull creature in his labyrinth to the present day.

There were a lot of surprises but hardly any answers when Rebecca went to see Mr. Burns, a post-electric play.

Jeff Nelson previews the upcoming collaboration between two prestige groups of faculty performers. 

Strong, yet overlooked women, get to tell their stories during First Lady Suite.

Check out this local artist who explores themes of migration, diaspora, and cultural identity specifically referencing her upbringing as an Indian born American.

Four Dubliners, muddling through life’s hardships, briefly live under one delipidated roof and help each other to find some meaning and purpose in life. That is, until reality comes barreling down upon them.

After a nuclear fallout, it only makes sense to entertain one’s self with remembering quotes and episodes from The Simpsons.