By: Ann Fink
The McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage is proud to announce its 2023-2024 Performance Series filled with the best music, dance, comedy and theater from around the world.
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The 10th season under the direction of MAC Director Diana Martinez includes a diverse array of artists making their MAC debut, including R&B/funk band Tower of Power, The Barricade Boys, National Jazz Museum in Harlem’s “When You Wish Upon a Star: A Jazz Tribute to Disney,” Cirque FLIP Fabrique and America’s Got Talent star iLuminate, plus Rupert Holmes’ “All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” and more. Voctave, Broadway’s Nathan Gunn, The Texas Tenors, Danú and The Second City are among those returning by popular demand.“It’s a thrill to present these talented artists and exciting shows,” Martinez said. “This season features a delightful mix of new faces plus audience favorites, but it all is a continuation of the MAC tradition of presenting the best entertainment to enlighten, engage and above all, entertain!”
Broadway and Theater highlights include "The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John," starring Michael Cavanaugh of the Broadway hit “Movin’ Out” (Nov. 12), award-winning baritone Nathan Gunn (Nov. 19), The Midtown Men, featuring stars of the original Broadway cast of “Jersey Boys” (Dec. 2), stars of “Les Miserables” in The Barricade Boys (Feb. 18) and Rupert Holmes’ Tony Award-winning play “All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” (March 3). Audiences also will have the opportunity enjoy performances made famous by two pop music legends with “The Life and Music of George Michael” (Feb. 25) and “The Beat Goes On” Starring Lisa McClowry as Cher (May 11).
Children’s and family programming returns to the MAC this season with TheaterWorksUSA’s “Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical” (Oct. 20), Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s “The Rainbow Fish” (Feb. 12), Cirque FLIP Fabrique’s “Blizzard” (Feb. 3) and more. Dance lovers will be thrilled with performances by Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl (Nov. 11), Hiplet Ballerinas (Feb. 17) and iLuminate, named “Best New Act in America” by America’s Got Talent, (April 6).
Once again, the MAC will be the place for the holidays with festive programs including The Second City’s hilarious “What the Elf?” (Dec. 9), the return of Voctave, the popular a cappella group (Dec. 10) and Salt Creek Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” with New Philharmonic performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score live (Dec. 16 and 17).
The MAC is home to Buffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE) and New Philharmonic. BTE’s season opens Nov. 16 with “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley," a charming sequel to “Pride and Prejudice.” New Philharmonic’s season opens Sept. 23 with “Tchaikovsky and Beethoven,” featuring awarding winning guest violinist Esme Arias-Kim.
Select events will be accompanied by a free pre- and post-show MAC Chat, providing the opportunity to engage with artists and learn more about the featured works.
In addition to its season of professional productions, the MAC will host more than 60 College of DuPage Theater, Music and Dance performances and concerts. The MAC also offers free programming for the community throughout the year, including the Global Flicks series and Lakeside Pavilion outdoor summer concert series, which returns in summer 2024. Visit atthemac.org for more information about these and other events. Events, dates, artists and prices are subject to change.
Subscriptions (purchases of three or more shows) are available now. Subscribers can save up to 20% and receive special perks and benefits. Single show tickets for the MAC’s Performance Series go on sale beginning at noon Thursday, July 27.
For more information call (630)942-4000 or visit atthemac.org.