Lewis Planning 2013 Performing Arts Series

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Lewis University will host six performances as part of the Lewis University’s Spring 2013 Performing Arts Series. Performances include a variety of entertainment from short plays to concerts that will delight audiences. All performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the university’s main campus in Romeoville.

The first performance is "The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs" written by Mike Daisey and directed/performed by Lance Baker. Daisey turns his razor-sharp wit to America's most mysterious technology icon in this hilarious and harrowing tale of pride, beauty, lust and industrial design. He illuminates how the former CEO of Apple and his obsessions shape our lives, while following the trail all the way to China to investigate the factories where millions toil to make iPhones and iPods. Daisey's dangerous journey shines a light on our love affair with our devices and the human cost of creating them. The performance will be held on Jan. 22 in the Philip Lynch Theatre.

Held on Jan. 30 in the Sancta Alberta Chapel, Kim and Reggie Harris are two consummate musicians and storytellers. Kim and Reggie Harris are a mini festival of diversity, combining traditional African-American Spiritual and Freedom songs with original folk. They sing of life, love, the quest for freedom and care for the environment.

Guitarra Azul is the third performance in the series. Fusing Rumba Flamenco, Latin Jazz and classical Spanish music, this group of six musicians invigorates the spirit and soothes the soul. The group is composed of Stefano (Guitarist-Composer), David (Guitarist), Miguel (Percussionist), Antonio (Bass Guitar), Ruben (Percussion) and Javier (Percussion). This performance will be held on Feb. 18 in the Sancta Alberta Chapel.

The South Boulevard Blues Band will perform on March 14 in the Philip Lynch Theatre. The South Boulevard Band is a dynamic group of Chicago music scene veterans. In the rhythm section Steve Flugum (bass) and Steve Capillo (drums) provide a tight, funky bottom while guitarists Willie Shields and Chris Discher lock in tough, tight rhythms and heartfelt solos. Tying all this music together are the raspy, deep, soulful vocals of Dudley Fair. The South Boulevard Blues Band promises to bring audiences to their feet.

Held in the Sancta Alberta Chapel on April 10, "Songs of a Catholic Childhood" by Jamie O’Reilly and Michael Smith are a combination of stories and songs. O’Reilly and Smith perform a winning group of songs and talk about life in parochial schools during their formative years. 

The sixth and final performance is "Living Large in a Mini Kind of Way." The hilarious and sharp exploration of the American Dream focuses on two sets of Mexican-American sisters; one assimilated into U.S. mainstream culture, the other still struggling with their immigration status. Mingling a sassy comedy with a thought-provoking atypical immigration drama, Los Angeles-based Obie Award-winning Playwright Diane Rodriguez illuminates pressing, universal issues about identity and privilege. Based on a real-life story, “Living Large” is presented in English with a sprinkle of Spanish. The high-energy performance is directed by Ann Filmer and includes Amanda delaGuardia and Miranda Gonzalez as cast members. The performance will be held on April 23 in the Philip Lynch Theatre.

Admission to all events is $10. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling (815) 836-5500.

The Performing Arts Series is being presented as a part of Lewis University’s Arts & Ideas Program, providing cultural and educational programming for students and the community. A portion of the Arts & Ideas events is sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. For additional information, please contact Dr. Michael Cunningham, director of Arts & Ideas, at (815) 836-5385.