Auditorium announces 2009-10 lineup

Though the 2009 school year is winding down, the IU Auditorium is giving students a reason to look forward to next fall.

It recently released its 2009-2010 schedule of events, which includes a variety of programs from Broadway hit “Avenue Q” to classical music genius Yo-Yo Ma. IU
Auditorium director Doug Booher said he thinks this season really has something for everyone.

“We are extremely excited about the upcoming season because I think it combines the best of all of the various genres we try to cover with the Auditorium’s season,”
Booher said. “From popular music and rock and roll favorites to Broadway shows, modern dance and classical music.”

Booher said he thinks “Avenue Q” and “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles” will draw large interest from the student crowds.

“‘Avenue Q’ is one that students will absolutely love,” Booher said. “It’s definitely one of the more hip shows that we’ve seen on Broadway in the last 10 years.”

“Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles,” a Beatles replica band that grew out of the long-running Broadway production “Beatlemania,” will be the homecoming concert for 2009.

“There is no recorded sound,” Booher said. “It’s a totally live Beatles concert you’re attending. It’s a cool opportunity for those of us who didn’t have an opportunity to see them live the first time around.”

Though Booher said he is genuinely excited for all of the shows, one he is particularly looking forward to is multiple Grammy Award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

“He only performs a handful of solo recitals each year and to be able to bring him here
for one of those is a great opportunity for our students and the community to hear one of the true geniuses alive today in the classic world,” Booher said.

Sophomore Daniel Robbin said the season has a few shows he is interested in, including “Beauty and the Beast” and Yo-Yo Ma.

“He’s a popular name, I’m familiar with his music, and I am more interested in classical music,” Robbin said, adding that he is glad to see the auditorium bring in more diverse shows than just musicals.

Sophomore Lucy Metzger said she is looking forward to the season. Metzger’s grandparents often took her to see musicals when she was younger and she enjoys
seeing them.

“I saw ‘Beauty and the Beast’ already and would like to see it again,” Metzger said.

Booher said tickets are already available for students and community members to purchase.

“We want to encourage people to go ahead and place their ticket orders now so that way when they get back in the fall they’ll already have great seats lined up,” Booher said.