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The Hett Celebrates 20 Years, Announces 2025-2026 Season

by Tina Napper

Lebanon, IL (07/24/2025) — The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (the Hett) at McKendree University is celebrating its 20th season, marking two decades of unforgettable performances, educational enrichment, and cultural impact in the southern Illinois region. Since opening its doors in 2006, the Hett has played host to countless student performances, guest artists and speakers, university-based events, and much more. This special season will feature acclaimed performers and returning favorites.

Reserved seats for all programs, except for the USAF Band of Mid-America, may be purchased by the general public starting Monday, Aug. 11 at noon. Friends of the Hett will be able to purchase their tickets beginning Monday, Aug. 4 at noon. Buy tickets online at theHett.com, the box office, or by calling (618) 537-6863 (1-800-BEARCAT, ext. 6863). All events are open to the public and held at the 479-seat performance arts center on campus. Ticket prices vary per event with discounts for seniors, students, and Friends of the Hett.

"Since the gala grand opening in the fall of 2006, the Hett has become the premier performing arts venue in the Metro East. In this, our 20th season, the Hett continues to share the gift of high-quality performances with our community," said Michelle Magnussen, director of the Hett at McKendree University. "We have wonderful things in store for you this season, including performances by some of your favorite artists from the past and new artists who will become your favorites. In addition, we will be commemorating this season throughout the year with special events, donor recognition, and some surprises to be announced at a later date."

Preview the new season online at theHett.com. The 2025-2026 season features the following acts:

Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m.: Neil Berg: 100 Years of Hollywood is back by popular demand, and with an all-new show. This show brings the beloved music of Tinseltown to the Hett for a memorable evening that audiences of all ages will enjoy. It's an evening of classic songs from the movies sung by five of the finest singers on Broadway, including stars of such hit Broadway musicals as The Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables, and more. Generously sponsored by Salvatore Macaulso, Frank Wojcik and Judith Wojcik '70.

Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m.: The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is America's premier large brass ensemble. A family-owned and operated group with beginnings on the streets of New Orleans, this ensemble has created a concert format that breaks the usual barriers between genres and creates an unforgettable connection between the audience and the performance.

Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.: Eternamente is a Dia de los Muertos spectacular filled with lively music and dance, gorgeous costumes, and a virtual altar to those whom we have lost. This show blends graceful traditional dance with vibrant storytelling that also tips a hat to the great Mexican singers of yesteryear such as Vicente Fernandez, Pedro Infante, Lucha Villa, and more. Join this unforgettable fiesta, where tradition and spectacle converge, and the spirit of Dia de los Muertos is celebrated. Generously sponsored by anonymous friends.

Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.: Brass Transit brings together eight of the most talented and accomplished award-winning musicians to pay tribute to one of the world's greatest and most successful pop/rock groups of all time: Chicago. This group has dazzled audiences with their flawless performances and spectacular attention to every detail of the Chicago songbook. Brass Transit goes far beyond just imitating the songs - they embody the music. Generously sponsored by Lynn Cornell, the late Brig. General David Cornell, Gerald Cornell '74, and Sharon Cornell.

Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.: Jenny Tolman is a critically-acclaimed country music singer and songwriter and the breath of fresh air that the genre needs now. Sweet yet sassy, vintage yet fresh, and an old soul with a new vision, Tolman weaves the story of her life into her music, creating music that ties up all that life has handed her thus far - the good, the bad, and the downright tragic - and makes it sound beautiful.

Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.: Ryan & Ryan: Merry & Bright: Last season, Barron Ryan appeared on the Hett stage for the first time and wowed the crowd with his impeccable musicality and charming demeanor. Now he and his father, Donald Ryan, are taking to the stage to bring a classical, calypso, and funky take on holiday music with their program "Merry & Bright: Songs of Christmas Cheer." Attendees get to join in the music-making with a rousing sing-along, completing an experience that will leave everyone exhilarated and eager to more fully enjoy the spirit of the season. Exclusively sponsored by George Obernagel '78.

Dec. 7, 4 p.m.; Dec. 8, 10 a.m. (Arts Ed., grades K-12) and 7 p.m.: The USAF Band of Mid-America Concert Band presents a stunning concert that will bring holiday cheer to concertgoers of all ages. This fan favorite sells out quickly each year. Tickets will be available beginning Oct. 27 for Friends of the Hett and Nov. 3 for the general public.

Dec. 12, 10 a.m. (Arts Ed., grades K-12) and 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.: The Hett and State Street Dance Company co-present The Nutcracker, a cherished and timely holiday classic featuring local dance talent and principals from leading professional companies.

Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m.: Fake News is a St. Louis-based tribute to the incomparable Huey Lewis & The News. This powerhouse of a group emphasizes recreating the energy of the band's live performances when accompanied by the Tower of Power horns. Get ready to be transported "Back In Time" as Fake News plays all of Huey's greatest hits the way you remember them.

Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.: Taylor Made Presents: Long Live is a theatrically-inspired, high-energy celebration that brings Taylor Swift's incredible career to life through the very songs that made her a global icon. This immersive show takes fans on a musical journey through every album, reliving the real-life moments that inspired Taylor's iconic songs, from her country roots to pop superstardom and beyond. Swifties can sing, dance, and scream along to all their favorite Taylor Swift hits, performed live by the tribute band that does it best. Generously sponsored by McKendree University President Dan Dobbins '81 and Mickey (Macaluso) Dobbins '81.

Feb. 12, 10 a.m. (Arts Ed., grades K-12): Metro Theatre Co. presents "Life Doesn't Frighten Me," an original play inspired by Maya Angelou's powerful poem of the same name. Multi-disciplinary hip-hop artist Paige Hernandez brings to life the everyday fears we all face - and the courage within us to rise above them.

Feb. 22, 3 p.m.: Christine Brewer's Musical Journey, featuring acclaimed pianist Alla Voskoboynikova, showcases her warm, brilliant, and vibrant personality and emotional honesty, reminiscent of the great sopranos of the past. Brewer is a 1976 alumna of McKendree University and has been named one of the top 20 sopranos of all time by BBC Music. Her range, golden tone, and boundless power and control make her a stage favorite and highly sought-after recording artist. Generously sponsored by Kay Gauble '66.

Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Aquila Theatre: Hound of the Baskervilles is a theatrical experience that invites the audience to step out onto the fog-shrouded moors of England and immerse themselves in this spine-tingling mystery, which can only be solved by the legendary Sherlock Holmes and his trusted companion, Dr. Watson. They must investigate the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, rumored to be the victim of supernatural and savage hounds. As they uncover chilling secrets and dark family histories, Holmes must use razor-sharp intellect to solve a case where logic and superstition collide. Generously sponsored by the Robert and Grace Renner Welch Endowment.

April 10, 7:30 p.m.: Jukebox Saturday Night captures the exciting sounds of great melodies and lyrics performed by an energetic group of instrumentalists and vocalists who will keep audience-goers moving in their seats, tapping their toes, and clapping their hands. Join Jukebox Saturday Night as they bring back songs from America's Swing Era, including hits by Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, and many more. Generously sponsored by David R. Philip '70 and Mary Philip '66.

April 25, 7:30 p.m.: Gone 2 Paradise is the ultimate Jimmy Buffett experience that has captivated audiences across the United States and internationally. As seen on NBC and WGN TV, this group's high-energy performances and unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of Buffett's music have made them the go-to band for Parrotheads everywhere. Generously sponsored by Mark Waltermire, Pamela Waltermire, Adam Sampson, and Dr. Jean Sampson '83.

May 3, 3 p.m.: The St. Louis Academy Brass Band, along with the St. Louis Academy Brass and the St. Louis Youth Brass, come to the Hett for an afternoon of terrific music. Under the direction of Dr. John Bell, the St. Louis Academy Brass Band placed second in their section at the 2024 North American Brass Band Association Championships. Audiences will be treated to delightful music ranging from standard brass band repertoire to lighter toe-tapping tunes and beautiful ballads.

The George E. McCammon Memorial Distinguished Speaker Series includes the following:

Sept. 30, 7 p.m.: Rudy Ruettiger is an Emmy Award-winning motivational speaker and the inspiration behind the blockbuster film RUDY. From underdog to legend, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger's story captured hearts worldwide. He shares his powerful message of perseverance and hope, which comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph.

April 14, 7 p.m.: Dr. Rebekah Taussig is a disability advocate, educator, and the best-selling author of Sitting Pretty. A storyteller at heart with a great sense of humor, Dr. Taussig has held talks and workshops on disability representation, identity, and community. Her writing appears in publications from TIME to Refinery29, and she's been a guest on a myriad of podcasts.

The Hett has also launched a new series called The Heartland Music Series, which shines a spotlight on a wide variety of local artists found right in the Heartland of America. The Heartland Music Series includes the following:

  • Nov. 22: Jenny Tolman
  • Jan. 24: Fake News: A Tribute to Huey Lewis
  • Jan. 31: Taylor Made Presents: Long Live
  • May 3: The St. Louis Academy Brass Band

Visit thehett.com for more information about these shows and the student performances from McKendree Theatre and the Department of Music.

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