After Broadway went dark in March 2020, it was difficult to tell when in-person theater would return. Now IU Auditorium is opening its doors to patrons for the first time since March 2020 and will bring numerous touring companies and events to Bloomington this semester.
Masks are currently required at all indoor events on campus, including the auditorium. The auditorium will also continue to use enhanced cleaning and sanitizing and ask guests to stay home if they feel sick.
September
7:30 p.m. Sept. 13: “Napoleon Dynamite”
Rescheduled from its original April 2020 date, this screening of “Napoleon Dynamite” will include a moderated talk-back with actors Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez and Jon Gries.
October
7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6: “Waitress”
“Waitress,” the Broadway musical based on the 2007 movie of the same name, is a fan-favorite for its heartwarming plot and upbeat soundtrack written by Sara Bareilles. Follow Jenna – a baker from a small town in Indiana – as she navigates life, love and baking pies in this 2016 show.
7 p.m. Oct. 27: “Dennis James Hosts Halloween”
Bloomington favorite Dennis James will host a Halloween screening of the 1929 film “The Mysterious Island.” The event is family friendly.
8 p.m. Oct. 30: Kristin Chenoweth
Broadway veteran and recording artist Kristin Chenoweth will join fans for a concert. She will perform covers of her personal favorites, including works from Dolly Parton, Barbara Streisand and Lesley Gore.
November
7:30 p.m. Nov. 3: “RAIN — A Tribute to The Beatles”
Rescheduled from March 2020, this tribute performance will celebrate the iconic “Abbey Road” album. Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy songs from the Fab Four’s legendary catalogue.
7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10: “Anastasia”
This Broadway show, inspired by the animated film of the same name, brings audience members to the 1920s during the Bolshevik Revolution. A mix of history and magic, “Anastasia” looks into the rumors surrounding the disappearing princess of the Romanov family.
December
2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4: “Chimes of Christmas”
The Grammy-nominated IU music group Singing Hoosiers will have their annual holiday performance, “Chimes of Christmas.” A Bloomington classic, the group performs alongside Jacobs School of Music artists, making for a beautiful holiday show.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 8: David Sedaris
New York Times bestseller and NPR contributor David Sedaris will come to Bloomington for a Q&A and signing for his newest book, “Calypso.” Sedaris will “entertain with his wit and in-depth looks at his works, showcasing his humor along the way.”
8 p.m. Dec. 10, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11 and 2 p.m. Dec. 12: “BEAUTIFUL — The Carole King Musical”
For six years, “BEAUTIFUL” entertained Broadway with its classic Carole King score and timeless charm. The musical is filled with many of King’s hits, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day” and “Up on the Roof”.
8 p.m. Dec. 17: Straight No Chaser
IU alumni and a cappella group Straight No Chaser is back. As a stop on their Back in the High Life Tour, the group is making their way “back home again.” Join them to hear their best hits and more during their holiday performance.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misspelled Kristin Chenoweth’s name. A previous version of this article misspelled Lesley Gore’s name.
