Crystal Lake Raue's in-house theater company goes pro, expands productions

Crystal Lake’s Raue Center for the Arts is expanding its summer programming for one simple reason: To keep up with consumer demand.

Patrons have been clamoring for more, and Raue Center is ready to deliver, said Richard Kuranda, executive director.

What exactly does “more” entail?

More outdoor programs, more theater, more big-name acts – all available in the heart of McHenry County.

“When Raue Center first came into being 15 years ago, [it] didn’t do any programming in the summer – it essentially took the summer off,” said Melissa Thomfohrda, director of marketing.

But in the summer of 2014, Williams Street Repertory – Raue Center’s in-house theater company – produced “Suds,” and the jukebox musical was a smash hit.

“We didn’t know what to expect, and it really took off. It was probably one of the most successful shows they had done up to that point,” Thomfohrda said. “Since then, we’ve been trying to program more and more [summer activities]. It’s a lot of programming, but there’s a little something for everyone, so I think we’ll see a good turnout.”

Now in its sixth season, Williams Street Repertory has a contract with the Actors Equity Association, a labor union representing about 50,000 actors and stage managers, making it the only professional theater company in McHenry County. The contract places Williams Street Rep under the same designation as Chicago-based theaters such as Steppenwolf, Theatre WIT and Victory Gardens Theatre. Its upcoming season reflects that step forward.

June

To kick off its summer programs, Raue Center will host an inaugural Williams Street Festival: In part a concert, in part a fundraiser for Williams Street Repertory.

Modern Day Romeos, a popular Chicago-area cover/party band, will headline the free outdoor festival on June 4, and Kuranda expects between 2,000 and 4,000 patrons.

Raue Center’s annual gala, the Stargazer’s Ball, will move from its traditional fall slot to June 24, specifically so the celebration can take place outside. Hosted at Bull Valley Country Club, the red, white and blue theme will fit in nicely with the outdoor venue, Kuranda said.

The next night, on June 25, rock legend Jim Peterik will grace the stage of Raue Center as a solo act, performing as part of Raue’s annual National Piano Conference. Peterik, who founded the band Survivor, still is touring with his band, Ides of March, a regional favorite group best known for its horn-driven classic “Vehicle,” Kuranda said.

Throughout the month, several area dance companies will host their year reviews at Raue Center.

“Most studios don’t have enough space to hold all the people who want to come see the kids do their thing,” Thomfohrda said. “It’s kind of a cool time at the theater. We’ve got all these local people and community members coming in to watch [our] local dancers.”

July

In July, Williams Street Repertory will produce an inaugural TheatreFest at Raue Center. Multiple shows – Yasmina Reza’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winning comedy “ART,” the hit Broadway musical “[title of show]” and award-winning playwright Jeff Sweet in “You Only Shoot the Ones You Love” – will run simultaneously for the first time.

The fest will run July 8 through August 6 with two main stage shows rotating dates on Raue Center’s stage.

In the midst of the rotating shows, Williams Street Repertory Comedy will host late night comedy routines on select Saturdays in July, with 10 p.m. curtains. Locations will be determined at a later date.

Two ancillary acts will round out Theater Fest, including a late-month visit from comic Louie Anderson and a comedic performance by Jeff Sweet of New York.

August and beyond

For more than seven years, Raue Center has tried to collaborate with contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith.

On Aug. 20, Smith finally will debut on the Raue Center stage.

“He’s an icon,” Kuranda said. “He’s sold 15 million albums; the guy is just prolific.”

“We think it’s a really eclectic way to spend the summer,” Kuranda said of the new programming. “You can spread it out over several weekends if you want.”

The season also will include Steve Martin’s comedy “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “A Christmas Survival Guide,” “First Date” and “Any Other Name.” And the season will close with the hit Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls,” opening April 21, 2017.

For a list of all events, visit www.rauecenter.org.