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A diverse offering of live entertainment is packed into a new year of performing arts at Dominican University.

Concerts, dance, live theater and a one-man mentalist show are all part of the first full-season of in-person programming since 2019.

"We've really focused on diversifying our programs,” said Leslie Rodriguez, executive director of the Performing Arts Center, noting the line-up consists of many performers of color and under-represented artists. “These are extremely talented artists doing really fantastic work. I'm proud of what's going to be on our stage."

All shows will take place in the university’s Lund Auditorium in River Forest and are open to the public.

“These programs are one of the ways we extend the university mission to the community beyond our campus borders,” Rodriguez said. “We have thousands of people coming through our doors each year who might not otherwise have a reason to visit the campus.”

Check out the exciting season below. To purchase tickets for any shows, visit dom.universitytickets.com/w/ or contact the box office at 708-488-5000.

Performances are free for Dominican University students with valid ID.

Nella: An Evening of Latin Jazz, Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m.

The winner of the 2019 Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist, Nella’s music merges Venezuelan folklore with modern production and Andalusian inspiration.

Tickets: $28-$43.

A Midsummer Night’s Cirque, Nov. 18-19, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 20, 3 p.m.

Based on a Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, this adaptation incorporates movement and circus routine into a tale of enchanted sprites who cast spells on four young lovers and an unsuspecting clown troupe of amateur actors.

Tickets: $18

Joy to the World: A Christmas Musical Journey, Dec. 11, 4 p.m.

Damien Sneed, a composer, conductor, musician, and vocalist accompanied by singers and musicians, will present unique arrangements of traditional and original Christmas songs, as well as folk, spirituals and more.

Tickets: $28-$43

Ladama, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.

This ensemble of women with origins in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and the United States will perform Latin alternative music using traditional and non-traditional instruments.

Tickets: $28-$43

Hiplet Ballerinas, Feb. 19, 4 p.m.

Rhyming with ballet, Hiplet is an innovative dance company infusing classical pointe ballet with African, Latin, hip-hop, and urban dance styles. Rhythms range from African drums to Tchaikovsky to tango.

Tickets: $28-$43

Black Opry Revue, March 4, 7:30 p.m.

With a revolving roster of musicians, Black Opry Revue performs a mix of country, folk, blues, and Americana music, amplifying the work of Black artists.

Tickets: $28-$43

Retrospective Revue: 20 Years of Songs and Stories with Krista Hansen and Guests, April 1, 7:30 p.m.

Current students, alumni and special guests will perform selections from the last two decades of Theatre Arts productions at Dominican to mark Artistic Director Krista Hansen’s 20th season.

Tickets: $18

Borders of the Mind, April 22, 7 p.m.

Mentalist Joshua Kane will present an interactive, one-man show introducing the audience to telepathy, lie detection and psychic phenomena in this first-of-its-kind program on Dominican University’s stage.

Tickets: $28-$43

Dominican University is located at 7900 W. Division St. in River Forest.

 

About Dominican University    

Founded in 1901, Dominican University is a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic institution offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences, the Borra College of Health Sciences, the Brennan School of Business and the College of Applied Social Sciences. The university also offers doctoral degrees in information studies and applied social justice. U.S. News & World Report ranks Dominican University among the top 15 of all Midwest regional master’s level universities, and #1 in Illinois for innovation, best value, undergraduate teaching and ensuring the social mobility of its graduates.