The Hett to Kick Off 20th Season with Neil Berg, Big Brass, Build-a-Bear Founder, Award-Winning Motivational Speaker
Lebanon, IL (08/28/2025) — The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts (the Hett) at McKendree University will be starting its 20th season by hosting two concerts and an award-winning public speaker this September. Additionally, the founder of Build-a-Bear Workshop will be visiting campus as this year's Lanter Lecture speaker. For tickets or more information on all shows, please visit theHett.com or call the box office at (618) 537-6863.
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. Tickets are $55 for adults, $50 for seniors, and $27.50 for youth with discounts for Friends of the Hett.
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. Tickets are $45 for adults, $40 for seniors, and $22.50 for youth with discounts for Friends of the Hett.
Sept. 25, 3 p.m.: Maxine Clark is the founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, a teddy bear-themed retail entertainment experience. In 2004, Build-A-Bear became a public company traded on the NYSE. Today, there are nearly 500 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide and over 250 million stuffed animals have been sold worldwide. Inaugurated into the International Toy Hall of Fame in 2025, Clark now helps unleash the potential of women and minority entrepreneurs and uses her entrepreneurial skills to create platforms and places that give access to more St. Louis families. Admission is free; however, tickets are required for entry.
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. This is part of the George E. McCammon Memorial Distinguished Speaker Series. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for youth with discounts for Friends of the Hett.
Friends of the Hett can see shows at discounted prices. Please visit theHett.com for more information on how to become a Friend of the Hett.