Auditorium season brings performances from across the board

The IU Auditorium will attempt to surpass its previous successes with this year’s offerings. The auditorium will open its season Sept. 6 with the popular New York-based rock group Vampire Weekend, presented by Union Board and Spirit of ’68 Promotions.

Maria Talbert, events coordinator for the auditorium, said in choosing this season’s shows, the auditorium gauged audience interest in shows through their annual survey sent to patrons and students.

“We always keep in mind what the audience wants to see,” she said. “Subscription sales have been really great this year. People in the community are really excited for this season.”

The auditorium will have a number of Broadway’s most esteemed shows, as well as performances from a number of theaters’ highly-regarded classical groups. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or at www.iuauditorium.com.

“Expect high quality, entertaining shows. Expect the best artists from around the world. We have culture performance in Kodo, and wonderful performers like the Chieftains, who have been around for a while,” Talbert said. “Also expect things that have never been seen here. Blue Man Group, ‘Legally Blonde,’ ‘Spring Awakening’ and ‘Spamalot’ are all making their Bloomington debuts.”

David Sedaris (Oct. 6)
Armed with an astute knack for cynical observation, Sedaris, the author of “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and “When You Are Engulfed In Flames,” will perform a selection of work from his numerous essays and books. A frequent contributor to Public Radio International’s “This American Life,” he has long been hailed as one of literature’s most accomplished humor writers.

Legally Blonde (Oct. 19-20)
Based on the wildly popular 2001 film of the same name, Legally Blonde follows Elle Woods, a sorority girl accepted into Harvard, in an attempt to earn herself some dignity.

Dennis James Hosts Halloween (Oct. 27)
Acclaimed organist and IU alumnus Dennis James makes his annual return as part of a University tradition. James will perform an original score accompanying the 1926 silent horror film “The Bat.”

John Mellencamp (Oct. 29-30)
‘The Cougar’ returns to Bloomington to kick off his fall tour in support of his new album, “No Better Than This.” One of Indiana’s favorite sons, Mellencamp has made a critically successful reputation for himself with iconic American anthems like “Jack and Diane” and “Small Town.”

DRUMLine Live (Nov. 13)
Inspired by the 2002 film, DRUMLine Live combines the historic tradition of black college marching bands with theater performance, showcasing original pieces inspired by artists ranging from Kanye West to Earth, Wind & Fire.

A Chorus Line (Nov. 16-17)
One of Broadway’s most revered shows, “A Chorus Line” follows a group of aspiring dancers through the audition process to join the ranks of Broadway greats. The show has garnered numerous awards and a series of revivals since its 1975 debut.

Chimes of Christmas (Dec. 8)
A longstanding IU tradition, “Chimes of Christmas” rings in the holiday season with performances by the IU Wind Ensemble, the Singing Hoosiers and the Trombone Choir.