The start of a new semester means another lineup of shows at the IU Auditorium to look forward to. Here’s a list of the shows coming to the auditorium this spring.
Cirque Kalabanté - Jan. 25
Put together by Yamoussa Bangoura, a Guinean multidisciplinary artist, “Afrique en Cirque” is a display of acrobatics inspired by daily life in Guinea. The performance will include colorful scenery, costumes and staging accompanied by live Afro-Jazz, percussion and kora.
There will also be a pre-show talk led by the Tavy Aherne, the associate director for the African Studies program at IU, discussing the culture of Guinea. Additionally, there will be a post-show talk with members of Cirque Kalabanté.
Blue Man Group - Feb. 4-5
The popular eccentric entertainment ensemble, Blue Man Group, will return to IU this February as part of their BLUEVOLUTION tour. The performance will feature classic Blue Man Group acts including music, art and science, but this tour also introduces a new member: “The Rockstar,” who will be performing percussion. The auditorium will also host a “Kids Night on Broadway” an hour before the show begins, where guests can participate in a variety of family-friendly activities.
Kinky Boots - Feb. 10-11
This Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical is returning to IU for two nights. The musical is inspired by true events and follows the story of Charlie Price (Noah Silverman), who inherited a shoe company from his dad, and Lola (Omari Collins), a drag queen in need of some snazzy boots. In order to save his shoe company, Charlie teams up with Lola to create a line of high-heeled boots for men and as they work together, they find they might not be as different as they first thought. The story is brought to life with songs written by Cyndi Lauper, sharing a message of acceptance and individuality.
Leslie Odom, Jr. - Feb. 15
Three-time Emmy and two-time Academy Award-nominated songwriter, actor and New York Times bestselling author Leslie Odom, Jr. will perform at IU for one night only.
The performer first grew to fame for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the original production of “Hamilton” on Broadway and has since continued acting on stage and in film and television, as well as releasing several albums. Odom will be accompanied by his band and the IU Philharmonic Orchestra, made up of students from the Jacobs School of Music and conducted by Thomas Wilkins.
Mariachi Herencia de México - Feb. 19
This Grammy-nominated contemporary mariachi band, made up of 14 young musicians, is aiming to reinvent mariachi music while also honoring its rich past. The band is known for bringing an electric energy to traditional mariachi music, transforming it into a more modern sound.
Mrs. Doubtfire - Feb. 28
The musical adaptation of the beloved film “Mrs. Doubtfire” is making its way to Bloomington for the first time. The story follows a divorced father (Craig Allen Smith) who creates an elaborate plan to get to spend time with his kids: pretending to be a Scottish nanny. This stage production brings the film to life in front of audiences’ eyes and is sure to be a fun time for all.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical - March 5-6
This jukebox musical, celebrating the world-renowned Tina Turner, will be making its IU debut for two performances. The musical recounts the life of Turner (Darilyn Burtley), using her most popular hits to tell the inspiring story. This performance is sure to get crowds dancing and grooving while also learning about a music legend.
Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens - March 12
Inspired by the strength and community found in music, Silkroad Ensemble’s most recent flagship program, “Sanctuary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual,” explores how music can help people better understand the world.
The show combines instruments and music from all around the world, including Sicilian tarantella, Moroccan gnawa, Indian classical music and American old-time banjo, to create a mosaic of interconnectedness between the performers and audience members.
The Philadelphia Orchestra - March 25
This Philadelphia-based orchestra aims to not only entertain but also transform audiences. Their performance will feature principal guest conductor Marin Alsop, who has already made a name for herself in the classical music world, becoming the first woman head of major orchestras in the United States, South America, Austria and Great Britain. The orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, Brahms’s Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn and Schumann’s Symphony No. 2.
Beetlejuice - April 10-12
Another musical adaptation of a classic film, “Beetlejuice” will be coming to IU for the first time, performing five shows. The story follows an eccentric teenager who discovers two ghosts in her house and accidentally summons a mischievous demon who tries to return to the living world by whatever means necessary.
Information about added shows can be found on the auditorium’s website. Tickets are on sale now both in person at the box office and online.
