IU Auditorium director announces new season

After a year and a half in the making, organizers have announced the 2008-2009 season at the IU Auditorium. \nAuditorium Director Doug Booher said this season’s diverse mix of Broadway, dance ensembles and musical performances will expose students to world cultures and thought-provoking experiences.\n“We are very excited to unveil this season,” Booher said. “Students will be excited about seeing the best in live arts and entertainment.”\nThe success of previous seasons came with the hard work and dedication of the IU Auditorium staff and members, Booher said. The process, which takes a year and a half, involved IU Auditorium board members and a student marketing team working closely with a network of booking agents, Booher said. After vigorous research, reading reviews and compiling a list of 100-120 acts able to come to Bloomington, members at iuauditorium.com are sent a list and vote so a season can begin to take shape.\nEighteen months later, the Auditorium has compiled a lineup of 15 events that will bring classic favorites and unknown performances to the IU audience. The first of these events will be a return stand-up performance by comedian Bill Cosby. While talking about his childhood and life as a family man, Cosby is expected to get laughs from people of all ages. Junior Jheremy Perkins is especially excited to see Cosby speak.\n“I have been a Cosby man my entire life,” Perkins said. “I will absolutely be going to see him. Not even a question.”\nAfter Cosby kicks off the season Sept. 19 for Freshman Family Weekend, a diverse array of shows will follow. The first of which, Booher said, is most anticipated this season. An Evening with Vince Gill will bring the country singer-songwriter to perform on the IU stage. Gill has won 19 Grammy Awards, more than any other male country artist, as well as 18 Country Music Association Awards and two Entertainer of the Year Awards. \n“We are very lucky to have such a well-known performer come to Bloomington,” Booher said. “This event will undoubtedly be a unforgettable one.”\nAfter Gill makes his stop at the Auditorium, a few world-class Broadway hits will make their way to the stage. “Sweeney Todd” and “Hairspray,” which is back by popular demand, will likely bring in a large student attendance. Freshman Lanna Bagley said she couldn’t be more excited about the two musicals.\n“I can’t believe that these two shows are coming to Bloomington,” Bagley said. “I love them both and will definitely be going to see them. That’s really something to look forward to.”\nThe Auditorium’s planning process can be understood by the placement of a performance coming to IU on Oct. 30, just in time for a Halloween scare. “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” will bring IU graduate Dennis James back to Bloomington to play the Auditorium’s famous Roosevelt pipe organ simultaneously with the a classic horror film. \nTo continue a holiday tradition for Bloomington, the Chimes of Christmas will return Dec. 10, featuring performances by the Jacobs School of Music Wind Ensemble, Trombone Choir and Singing Hoosiers. \nBooher said the Auditorium was focused this year on bringing in acts that would draw in audiences of all ages, targeting the younger crowd especially. As part of this focus, “Bob the Builder: Spud’s Big Mess” will make for a family-friendly evening and a new kind of feature Jan. 29 at the Auditorium.\nOther shows throughout the season include a cappella singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, “Mamma Mia!,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” the musical “The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee,” the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange and several others. The IU Auditorium allows up to 50 percent off every show for students. Students will be given another convenience this year.\n“This season, students can charge tickets to their Bursar accounts,” Booher said. “We figured it would make things easier and give students the best seats possible.”\nTickets are now available for purchase and can be ordered at iuauditorium.com.