‘Hairspray,’ Bill Cosby among this year’s headliners

Barber knives, symphonies of strings and cans of hairspray will fill the auditorium this season for audiences to see.

This year’s auditorium season features a diverse range of programs targeted at the students, faculty and staff around campus.

Bill Cosby kicks off the season during Freshman Family Weekend, followed by performances by Vince Gill and the world’s oldest continuously operating orchestra, the Dresden Staatskapelle. The season also features musical performances such as “Sweeney Todd,”  “Hairspray” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”

The goal of booking these performances was to create a glimpse of a different, cultural experience for audiences, said Doug Booher, director of the IU Auditorium.

“We wanted to make it as diverse and exciting as possible,” Booher said.

With everything from concerts to musicals to comedic performances, the season covers a wide range of fresh and new performances, he added.

“I’m happy there’s something cultural,” said freshman Kristina Kuzma, who thinks the shows at the auditorium might be a refreshing alternative to the typical college events.

Not only are there the planned season shows, but the IU Auditorium also hosts added programs and facility rentals such as concerts run by other organizations on campus.

The auditorium puts much of its efforts into catering to students and their needs. “One thing that students may not know is that about 50 percent of our audience is made up of IU students, so we really try hard to schedule performances to enhance their college experience,” said Maria Talbert, IU Auditorium events manager.

Students can purchase season packages or ordering tickets online at www.iuauditorium.com, Booher said. Students can preorder before the general public and have the tickets billed directly to their bursar bill when they purchase them, Booher said.

“Students are a very important constituency to us,” Booher said. “We aim to have a wider variety for kids looking for affordable entertainment.”

Ticket prices range from seat to seat; However, students can save up to 50 percent on every show. Booher encourages students to take advantage of these programs because it’s an experience many do not have in their hometown.

“It’s really nice to have something close, because we’re from a small town,” said freshman Lauren Anderson.

"Sweeney Todd"
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is based on the legend of a murderous barber who seeks revenge after being wrongly taken from his family. The musical has received eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and has been reproduced into a movie starring Johnny Depp. The musical will show two nights, 8 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Student tickets start at $19, and general public tickets start at $37.

"Hairspray"
“Hairspray” will show for one night only to dance and sing for its Bloomington audience. This popular and funky musical tells the tale of a heavy-set teen whose one desire is to dance, and she conquers obstacles in doing so. The fun-filled songs and energetic characters will keep toes tapping. The performance is at 8 p.m. Oct. 21. Student tickets start at $19, and general public tickets start at $37.

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” is an acclaimed, hilarious musical based on the comedy starring Steve Martin and Michael Cain. This comedic musical portrays two men competing to live as the only “scoundrel” on the Cote d’Azur. Students looking for laughs would enjoy the two-night performance at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19. Student tickets start at $19, and general public tickets start at $37.

Bill Cosby
For the many students who grew up watching the reruns of the “The Cosby Show,” his comedic performance will spark humor and enlighten all. Kicking off the season during Freshman Family Weekend, the stand-up comic performs at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. Student tickets start at $30, and general public tickets start at $45.

Vince Gill
For country music fans, An Evening with Vince Gill is an event that should not be missed. The artist has sold more than 26 million records and has received 18 Country Music Association awards. His performance will be at 8 p.m. Sept. 24. Student tickets start at $18, and general public tickets start at $34.

Dresden Staatskapelle
The Dresden Staatskapelle comes straight from Europe to Bloomington with the orchestra’s 90-plus participants. Founded in the 16th century, this orchestra is the longest-running symphony in the world. The performance will feature pianist Yundi Li. Open one night only, the orchestra performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 17. Student tickets start at $15, and general public tickets start at $29.