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Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre Announces 2011-2012 Series


Abraxas
Abraxas performs at the Casino Del Sol, Sept, 2009, Tucson, AZ (SUPPLIED)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Freedom Hall announces the 2011-2012 Series for the intimate 280-seat Nathan Manilow Theatre in Park Forest. For 35 years, internationally renowned performers have graced the stage to the acclaim of appreciative audiences. Inexpensive tickets, free parking, and a convenient location have brought patrons to Freedom Hall to experience live theatre. Tickets are on sale now, seats are reserved, and savings are available through series discounts.

Pleases visit the website at www.FreedomHall.org or call 708-747-0580 to order tickets or for more information.

2011 – 2012 Season

Main Series

Abraxas-Santana Tribute Band Friday, October 14, 2011 8 p.m.
A musical tribute to Carlos Santana covering five decades of Santana hits. Inspired by the incredible intensity of his music, Abraxas shares a passion for recreating the electrifying sounds of Carlos Santana. Audiences, without exception, have been awed by the authentic Santana sound that Abraxas delivers during their stunning shows. With Abraxas, it’s all there: the propulsive Latin percussion, the fiery lead guitar work, the “groove” that connects to the soul of the audience.  Special guest, former Santana lead singer Alex Ligertwood, joins Abraxas for the concert!  

The Marcya Daneille "6" featuring Chris Greene in  All of Me 
Saturday, November 19, 2011  8 p.m.
Park Forest native Jazz vocalist Marcya Daneille and her sextet "6" return to Freedom Hall along with featured artist, Chicago area rising star saxophonist Chris Greene. Marcya’s melodious voice has been described as “…the perfect blend of Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan with a dash of Billie Holiday,” Chris Green described as “…an almost impossibly nimble sax player…”  "All of Me" promises a soulful journey through classic Jazz Standards, heartfelt Gospel and Contemporary  crowd pleasing grooves.

Peter Mayer – “Stars and Promises”   Friday, December 2, 2011   8 p.m.

Stars and Promises 2011, Echoes of Christmas 2011 marks the 11th year of touring for Peter Mayer’s annual celebration of Christmas, “Stars and Promises”. “Echoes of Christmas” will be a celebration of the Christmas season in story and song, featuring a tight knit group of superb musicians that include; R. Scott Bryan, Marc Torlina, Mark Holland, Chris Walters, and Maggie Estes, plus state of the art production. Truly a night of inspiring music that will lift your spirits for the Holiday season!   

Hot 8 Brass Band Friday, February 10, 2012  8 p.m.

New Orleans’ own Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans street music for over a decade playing the traditional Second Line parades and performances filled with funk and energy!  The members of the Hot 8 Brass Band were born and raised in New Orleans, they ‘ve performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival,  and festivals across the US and Europe, and were featured in both Spike Lee documentaries When the Levees Broke and If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise. Hot 8 has released three critically acclaimed recordings and is featured on the latest Blind Boys of Alabama recording. “First-rate” The Village Voice

Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago   Saturday, March 3, 2012 8 p.m.

When the drum calls, the soul responds. Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago celebrates the human spirit through traditional and social African and African American dance.  Muntu strives to create an atmosphere of communal participation while inspiring the audience to join in the celebration. The concert includes work from Muntu’s repertoire of West African and contemporary dance, music and song designed to invigorate, enliven and celebrate the collective human spirit.

LUMA Friday, April 13, 2012  8 p.m.
LUMA is a state of the art, cutting edge show that uses the dark as a canvas and light as the brush by combining rhythmic gymnastics, juggling, magic, puppetry, physics, dance and experimental methods with hi-tech self-illuminated objects. LUMA has astonished audiences of many world cultures with its innovative, creative and revolutionary approach. “[LUMA] will take you to far out galaxies; Quite simply out of this world.” The Herald (UK) “Beguiling, bedazzling…truly magical. Turns an audience of adults into a bedlam of kids” SF Chronicle

Senior Series

3 Blonde Moms Tuesday, October 18, 2011 11 a.m.
If you have a family, or know a family, this show is for you! This top-notch high energy standup comedy show is jam packed full of hysterical material about being a mom, having a mom, kids, husbands, neighbors, in-laws and more. 3 Blonde Moms resume includes performing at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal to four sold out audiences at Theatre Gesu. The show has been voted “hit of the festival” and “most buzzworthy”, and featured in entertainment publications including the Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety.

Mac Frampton Tuesday, November 15, 2011 11 a.m.
Back by popular demand! Mac Frampton’s credits include The Van Cliburn Competition…The Boston Pops…22 albums…10 original revues…reams of critical raves…unprecedented return engagements, accolades abound.  This concert will include a stirring, evocative homage to our homeland  including America The Beautiful,  God Bless America, The Battle Hymn Of The Republic, Dixie, The Music of Stephen Foster, Scott Joplin’s Greatest Hits, The Stars And Stripes Forever….and many more!

Maureen Christine’s Holiday Harmonies – A Caroling Trio Tuesday, December 13, 2011  11 a.m.
Beautiful three-part harmony, traditional Victorian attire, well-known carols and holiday favorites are the perfect combination to ring in the holiday with musical cheer. Led by award-winning vocalist Maureen Christine, Cecilia Adams and Cathy Robel blend their angelic voices and bring you musical fun and holiday charm. Enjoy traditional carols, holiday favorites and even a few Hanukah selections! Accompanied by full band, this warmhearted and exciting program is sure to put everyone in a very merry spirit.   

Ryan DeHues February 7, 2012 11 a.m.
Ryan DeHues is the abundantly gifted singing prodigy who ignites audiences with his impressive vocal styling and incredible command of the stage. Ryan valiantly keeps the flame burning for singing in the tradition of his influences—Jack Jones, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme featuring songs from the great American songbook. While still in high school, Ryan was the uncontested winner of the national “Search For America’s Next Great Crooner” sponsored by singer Pat Boone. “A New Young Voice for the Timeless Classics”

The Dooley Brothers March 6, 2012   11 a.m.
For twenty-five years the brothers have entertained many at gatherings in virtually every setting! The four brothers have been singing and playing together all of their lives, and have absorbed into their music incredibly diverse styles, including Benny Goodman and the Mills Brothers, Debussy and Ravel, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, the Coasters, the Kingston Trio, topped off with a wealth of Irish music. Join us for a fun-filled concert!

The New Invaders   April 10, 2012 11 a.m.

The New Invaders are truly “New”, as this inspirational 60’s rock review ushers back in the fabulous era beginning with the British Invasion and ending with Woodstock and beyond with everything in between. Hold onto your seat as you head back to a historical time period unlike any other!

Children’s Theatre

Michael Cooper: Masked Marvels & Wondertales  Saturday, October 29, 2011  7 p.m.

Michael Cooper is an eye-popping visual artist and virtuoso mime whose exquisite performances have dazzled audiences for almost thirty years.  His one-man extravaganza combines breathtaking handcrafted masks, stories of courage and wonder, outlandish stilt dancing and a physical repertoire that ranges from the madcap to the sublime.  The result is a “moving sculpture” and tales and stories using an unusual and colorful cast of characters. A show for all ages and an unforgettable experience!

Paper Masks Workshop with Michael Cooper   Saturday, October 29, 2011 3 p.m.

Masks are FUN! Everyone loves to play “dress up”. Why? Becoming another person or animal gives children and adults a freedom seldom found in the regular world. Along with body and voice, masks are one of the oldest and most important tools in theatre. Each participant will make their own paper mask, learning how to conceptualize 3 dimensions, the essence of sculpture.

The Great Green Adventures of: R-man   Friday, April 20, 2012   10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Founded in 1978, Child’s Play Touring Theatre was the first theatre company to realize the value of children’s own writing and perform exclusively stories and poems written by young authors.  "The Great Green Adventures of R-Man" is a wonderful, imaginative play that shows how kids believe we can save the planet and the importance of taking care of the world around us.  Filled with super heroes, super villains and a lot of litter, this comic book style show is sure to be entertaining and informational for everyone.

Again, for more information and to order tickets, please visit www.FreedomHall.org.


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