The Clark State Performing Arts Center (PAC) will raise the curtain on live performances after more than a year of cancelations due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The PAC will welcome patrons to the venue at 300 South Limestone Street, on Friday, September 10 with a Welcome Back celebration.
“(Scheduling this season) was by far the most challenging due to all the uncertainties around the pandemic and when and if tours would be going out on the road,” said Adele Adkins, executive director of the Clark State Performing Arts Center. “It is by far the most emotional and exciting season I have ever announced and the most meaningful. About half of the season are rescheduled dates from this past year and half the season are new shows.
The 2021-22 PAC season includes theatre, live music, and multi-media experiences. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com beginning in mid-July.
Adkins said “Waitress” was rescheduled from May 2020.
It worked out better that the date changed because now all of the rehearsals and the technical period will be held at the Kuss,” she said. “A huge added benefit to the technical weeks is the economic impact that has on our downtown. About 60 people will be here for three weeks and along with them all eating downtown, it is about an $84,000 boost to the downtown Marriott Hotel.”
Adkins also said “Hairspray” is a long-awaited tour that is finally launching.
“Due to the major markets rescheduling their season, we were able to get a date for this show before the big markets which is really exciting,” she said.
“Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar” is a gospel group that Adkins heard a few years ago and has been trying to get on the schedule. “They group had me laughing, crying and dancing all within 90 minutes,” she said.
“The British Invasion” is a new tour coming out of the United Kingdom and Springfield, Ohio was the first venue to submit an offer in the United States.
“Because of that, the producers and Sony Music are going to do something special in our market,” said Adkins. “They want to surprise us, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what it is.”
As always, the health and safety of patrons, staff and volunteers will be priority at all PAC events. Those in attendance will be required to follow current health department guidelines at that time.
The complete 2021-22 PAC Season includes:
Welcome Home - PAC Celebration for Our Community Friday, September 10 | 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
We’re kicking-off the season and welcoming everyone back with a celebration focusing on local artists and our community! Beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy a delicious dinner from a selection of area food trucks followed by performances on the Kuss stage by local artist including Wyatt McCubbin, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet and more.
Waitress National Broadway Tour Saturday, October 2 | 8 p.m.
Brought to life by a groundbreaking, female-led creative team, this “warm, witty, wise and hilarious” (NY Times) hit features “one of the best scores in years” (The Stage) by 7-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland).
Diamond Rio Thursday, October 7 | 7 p.m.
A night of country hits with the one-and-only Diamond Rio and opening special guest Wyatt McCubbin. Formed in 1989 in Nashville, TN the band consists of Gene Johnson (mandolin, tenor vocals), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo), Brian Prout (drums), Marty Roe (lead vocal), Dan Truman (keyboards), and Dana Williams (bass guitar, baritone vocals). The band is known for their hits “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” “Unbelievable,” “In A Week or Two,” and more.
Hairspray National Broadway Tour Tuesday, December 14 | 7 p.m.
“If life were everything it should be, it would be more like HAIRSPRAY. It’s irresistible!” – The New York Times
You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon that inspired the blockbuster film and live television event, is back on tour! Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” “It Takes Two,” and incorporating “Ladies Choice” from the musical film adaption, HAIRSPRAY is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times).
Mannheim Steamroller Monday, December 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Do you remember the first time you heard the Christmas sounds of Mannheim Steamroller? Experience the music that has become the hallmark of the holidays and a tradition for multi-generational families when they bring their annual holiday tour to Springfield!
Anaïs Mitchell And the Bonny Light Horseman Thursday, February 10 | 8 p.m.
Enjoy traditional folk songs infused with a contemporary twist as Anaïs Mitchell and the Bonny Light Horseman perform this one-of-a-kind tour. Anaïs Mitchell, the esteemed singer-songwriter whose Broadway smash hit "Hadestown" won eight Tony® awards in 2019 including Best Musical, is joined by two-time Grammy nominated Bonny Light Horseman. This folk super group includes Eric D. Johnson (best known for his project Fruit Bats and stints with The Shins), and Josh Kaufman (instrumentalist and producer known for his work with Hiss Golden Messenger, Bob Weir, The National).
Trey Mclaughlin And the Sounds of Zamar Saturday, February 26 | 8 p.m.
Trey McLaughlin and The Sounds of Zamar have carved a unique place for themselves in the music industry through soul-stirring arrangements of contemporary gospel, musical theater, and rich original compositions. The ensemble, organized in 2009, has performed with gospel greats such as William McDowell, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, Richard Smallwood, VaShawn Mitchell, Earnest Pugh, and James Fortune.
Aquila Theatre Company of London – The Great Gatsby Tuesday, March 1 | 7 p.m.
Aquila Theatre’s Desiree Sanchez has created a new theatrical adaptation of The Great Gatsby that speaks to how this book resonates within our current culture. Written in 1924, the story is a deeply moving and honest portrayal of class, racism and prejudice, painting a vivid picture of how the quest for the American dream in the absence of true equality can lead to devastating effects. Clark State president, Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, will present a pre-show lecture about this classic book.
Fiddler on The Roof Wednesday, March 9 | 7 p.m.
Tony®-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacific bring a fresh and authentic vision to this beloved theatrical masterpiece from Tony® winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family.
The TEN Tenors – Love Is in The Air Saturday March 26 | 8 p.m.
The TEN Tenors are an Australian music ensemble that has toured extensively nationally and internationally and released 15 albums and 4 DVDs. Love Is in the Air show is a feel-good, fun, and upbeat show that fills the room with love and happiness.
The British Invasion – Live on Stage Saturday, April 30 | 8 p.m.
THE BRITISH INVASION - LIVE ON STAGE is an immersive, multi-media show that will place you at the front and center of pop culture during the Swingin’ 60’s! Huge projection period photos and original film footage recreate the era’s excitement, fashion and headlines; all with an incredible live band performing the iconic British pop sounds that swept across America and the world.