Out and About

On this episode of Out and About, seasoned Broadway performer Bart Shatto and Cindy Dermody join host Jenn Gordon to talk about “Peoria Notre Dame Alums Have Talent."Bart has starred in numerous roles on Broadway including the lead role of Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables." He will be joined by other alums who have excelled in the performing arts including Cheri Beever (BHS '74), Mike Reams (AOL/SI '84), Alex Palkovic (PND '07), Rusty Brost (PND '13), Annie Carroll (PND '15), Laurel Cramer (PND '16), Will Church (PND '22), and Carissa Phan (PND '22)."PND Alums have Talent" will be held one night only on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Livingston Auditorium. Get your tickets now for the performance.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Chip Joyce joins host Jenn Gordon to talk about the "practically perfect" musical “Mary Poppins.”

On this week’s episode of Out and About Ryann Pugh and Marie Nelson join host Jenn Gordon to talk about The Penguin Players upcoming production of “Back to the 80’s”. The Penguin Players is an extension of The Penguin Project, a national non-profit organization founded by Dr. Andrew Morgan in Peoria, Illinois with the vision of creating unrestricted access for children with special needs to the performing arts. The Penguin Players provides performing opportunities for adults who have aged out of The Penguin Project. Performances will take place at the ICC Performing Arts Center on August 19 through August 21. For tickets and information visit https://icc.edu/arts/.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Sarah Marie Dillard and Brandon Mooberry join Jenn Gordon to talk about Ignite Peoria, central Illinois’ premiere arts and makers fest designed to spark creativity in the community. The Aug. 13 event includes two performance stages, a live fashion photo shoot, over 90 arts and makers booths, and Sensory Ignite, a unique area designed for guests with sensory sensitivities. Learn more about the event.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Jerry Kolb joins Jenn Gordon to talk about the concert celebrating the release of The Accidentals and the Kaboom Collective’s album, Reimagined.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Kelleen Nitsch, founder and director of Nitsch Theatre Arts, joins Jenn Gordon to talk about upcoming productions as well as NTA’s unique teaching model and their new artist residency at Illinois Central College. Their summer Shakespeare production, ‘Canned Hamlet’ happens July 31 - August 1. The Stage Kids Summer production of ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’ runs August 2 – August 9. And ‘The Adams Family – The Musical’ runs September 9 – September 11. All performances take place at the ICC Performing Arts Center. To buy tickets or to sign up for fall classes visit: nitschtheatrearts.org

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Jennifer Davis joins host Jenn Gordon to talk about arts and cultural events coming up at the Peoria Public Library. Classical Indian Music Festival happens on Saturday, July 23 at the North Branch. Deepashri Phatak will perform Raag or raga, a unique and central feature of the classical Indian music tradition, which has no direct translation to concepts in classical European music. On Sunday, July 24, the library’s popular Music in the McKenzie series continues with a concert by Harvest Sons, a Peoria based band known for their blend of Americana, folk, and rock.

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Willis Barber and Jada Davis from Community Children’s Theatre join host Jenn Gordon to talk about their current production Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. based on the 1992 Academy Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills this new adaptation of the beloved story will open up “a whole new world” for young performers and their audience! Featuring a cast of over 60, the show runs July 6 through July 10 at Peoria Players Theatre. For more information or to purchase your tickets visit cctil.booktix.com

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Connie Tomczyk joins Jenn Gordon to talk about the Summer History Tours offered through the Peoria Historical Society. Walking and bus tours are available and cover a wide variety of themes including: “Roll Out the Barrel,” “Naughty to Nice,” “Notable Women,” “Historic Springdale,” “World’s Most Beautiful Drive,” and more. For more information or to purchase tickets visit the Peoria Historical Society's website.

On this week's episode of Out and About, Wes Hunt and Selah Schertz join Jenn Gordon to talk about Corn Stock Theatre’s current production, "All Shook Up – The Musical."Featuring the music of Elvis Presley and a storyline inspired by Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night," you won’t want to miss this crowd pleaser directed by Mary Ellen Ulrich. Wes and Selah star in the production that runs June 24 through July 2 at the Big Tent in upper Bradley Park.For tickets and information visit Corn Stock's website.