Out and About Podcast

This week, we're talking with George Stelluto, Music Director of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Their concert Saturday night features music of Mozart, Rossini, Maurice Ravel and Jacques Ibert. Stelluto talks about the pieces on the program and how they fit together. The concert will also feature a performance by winners of the Peoria Symphony Guild's young artist competition.

A murder trial becomes the basis for questions about credibility and truth in the classic play “Rashomon.” A production of the play opened last weekend at Illinois Central College Theatre. Cara Rosson has this review for WCBU, and the Live Theatre League of Peoria. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer, not those of WCBU or the Live Theatre League.

This week, we talk with William Butler from the Contemporary Art Center. They're hosting their annual Fine Art Auction Saturday night from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The event includes both a silent and a live auction, along with musical entertainment. Butler talks about some of the works featured in the auction, how it's designed to benefit both the Center and the participating artists, and some of the other ongoing activities at the CAC.

This week, we're talking with Chip Joyce. He' s playing the title role in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," which continues tonight and tomorrow night at Corn Stock Theatre. Joyce talks about the origin of the show, the process of "becoming Hedwig" each night, and what it's like fronting the Angry Inch -- the on-stage band that peforms during the show.

Corn Stock Theatre presents a rock-and-roll story of gender identity, set to music inspired by 1970s “glam” rock, with its production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Douglas Okey has this review for WCBU and the Live Theatre  League of Peoria. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer, not those of WCBU or the Live Theatre League. 

This week, we're talking with Jade Simmons, The former Miss Illinois is appearing with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra in their concert, Saturday night at the Peoria Civic Center Theatre. Simmons will the soloist in two pieces by George Gershwin -- the Second Rhapsody and the Concert in F. She talks about what draws her to Gershwin's music, and about her role as a youth advocate.

Peoria Players Theatre presents the classic musical “Mame.” Marty Lynch has this review for WCBU and the Live Theatre League of Peoria. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer, not those of WCBU or the Live Theatre League.

This week, we talk with singer/songwriter Barry Cloyd. He's performing his 10th Anniversary Show at Forest Park Nature Center on Saturday, February 9. Over the years, it's grown from a solo concert to one that features a full band. We also listen to a few selections from his latest CD, "Spirit Dance;" a new CD will be out later this year.

Director Jeff Driscoll talks with Nathan Irwin and Suzette Boulais about  Arc Light Productions' upcoming performance of “Songs for a New World.” Part song cycle, part musical revue, the show consists of songs which depict characters on the precipice of a critical decision. It will be performed dinner theater style at The Waterhouse over Valentine’s weekend, February 15th and 16th.

This week, we're talking with Cindy Hoey, about the Peoria Live Theatre League. The League was formed two years ago, as a means of providing wider exposure for, and promotion of, local theatrical productions. Since then, it's led to increased cooperation among the participating theatres -- and some plans for greater collaboration in the future. Hoey also talks about Corn Stock's upcoming new play festival -- Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the Winter Playhouse.