Idaho Falls Arts Council is excited to present the 2014-2015 Colonial Theater season. Its 16 upcoming main stage shows range from Broadway-quality plays and musicals to tribute bands, from comedians to acrobats, and from solo artists to large bands. There is truly something for everyone and every interest.
This season will include a mainstage show at the incredible Civic Auditorium. This Idaho Falls institution allows IFAC to bring Cirque Dreams Holidaze to an even larger audience and utilize one of the great existing facilities in town. In addition to the main stage shows, there will also be a couple of smaller shows in the Carr Gallery that offer a more personal experience. IFAC is also hosting a series of educational solo performances in the new MC Theater, an intimate theater on the second floor of the brand new ARTitorium on Broadway.
With this new addition, the Idaho Falls Arts Council is able to offer an even greater variety of shows, as well as expand its ability to bring visual arts to the community. While IFAC will continue to host incredible national and regional artists in the Carr Gallery and Hall Community Gallery, the ARTitorium on Broadway will offer a completely different take on art.
The ARTitorium is an innovative and interactive adventure in the arts for children, families, and the young at heart featuring a wide variety of art and art-making tools, with a focus on 21st-century applications. The ARTitorium includes an extensive virtual gallery, the MC Theater, recording studios, a green screen, creation stations for digital art, tune-up stations, stop-frame animation equipment, a magnet wall, as well as found art sculpture and traditional art classes.
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An Evening with Alex Boyé
- September 27, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $35 | $30 |$20
Award winning singer and songwriter Alex Boyé is best known for putting his African twist on American pop music and ethno-classical music. His mix of hits and new ethnic sound, combined with his commanding voice, make for powerful, unique performances.
The Hot Sardines
- October 7, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $35 | $30 | $20
One of New York’s hottest jazz bands, The Hot Sardines and their electrifying sound promise an unforgettable evening of music. Their blend of French influences and unique tap dancing percussion, with songs that recall the early 1900’s, breathes new life into old jazz.
The Colin and Brad Show
- October 15, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $50 | $45 | $35
A comedy improv show featuring the talented and hilarious Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood ofWhose Line is it Anyway? fame. With some audience participation required, you never know what to expect, although hilarity is guaranteed.
Wuthering Heights
- November 1, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $40 | $35 | $25
Based on the classic novel by Emily Brontë, this production from the Aquila Theater in New York promises to bring the same heart-wrenching passion that is found in the book. Come experience Heathcliff and Catherine’s story of jealousy, love and revenge live on the stage.
Gaelic Storm
- November 15, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $35 | $30 | $20
This international group brings their rock sensibility to Celtic tradition along with indie-folk and world grooves influences. Get ready for an exciting evening of musical tales and joyful entertainment by talented musicians.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
- December 2, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $50 | $45 | $35
Kick off the holiday season by discovering its magic in a whole new way. See holiday characters perform astounding acrobatic feats to an original score and seasonal favorites in stunning costumes. Don’t miss the flipping gingerbread men and tight-rope walking toy soldiers!
White Christmas, presented by the Playmill Theater
- December 4-6, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $34 | $29 | $19
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is the classic holiday tale of mix-ups, romance, and, of course, song and dance. This production, put on by regional favorite The Playmill Theater, promises to bring the magic of the Vermont Inn to life right in front of you!
Paula Poundstone
- January 16, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $40 | $35 | $25
Prolific comedian, regular panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me, and published author, Paula Poundstone has brought her unique, spontaneous brand humor around the world, and now brings it to the Colonial Theater. This uproarious and intelligent comedy is only amplified by Poundstone’s distinctive personality.
Marc Cohn
- January 20, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $40 | $35 | $25
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Marc Cohn is best known for his song “Walking in Memphis,” but his distinctive voice suits many styles, including his favorite 70’s classics. His connection to music and story is obvious in the organic emotion that comes through in all of his songs.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
- January 30, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $45 | $40 | $30
This Broadway quality rendition of the classical musical tells the story of a young bride, her rowdy brothers-in-laws, and her attempts to marry them off. Their misadventures result in humor and romance, although the neighboring town doesn’t always see it that way.
Pear
- February 7, 7:30 PM
- $33 | $28 | $18
Country duo and talented fiddlers, Pear have taken their impressive songwriting across the world and worked with top musicians from several genres. Their multi-instrumental performances and her clear voice make for nuanced and crisp country music.
The 5 Browns
- February 13, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $35 | $30 | $20
This quintet of talented siblings breathe new life into classical music through complex multi-piano arrangements and passionate performances. Their energy and connection to the music make their take on classical pieces unique and exciting while still retaining the emotion and complexity of the compositions.
Hotel California – The Original Eagles Tribute
- March 7, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $35 | $30 | $20
Pairing their impressive vocals with classic rock hits, Hotel California pride themselves on creating the illusion that The Eagles are performing live in front of you. Their recognizable tunes over a range of genres make this a show for any music fan.
ABBAmania
- March 20, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $35 | $30 | $20
This twelve-piece group recreates the excitement and enchantment of ABBA through authentic costumes, stunning stage presence, and impressive vocal collaboration. ABBAmania is sure to bring back memories and create new ones with some of the most iconic pop songs from the disco era.
Masters of Soul
- April 11, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $35 | $30 | $20
This ten piece band has been recreating the powerful music of the past for decades with their impressive vocalists and musicians. Masters of Soul bring the incredible harmonies this genre is known for to their high energy show that is sure to delight.
TorQ
- April 24, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: $33 | $28 | $18
TorQ Percussion Quartet brings new vitality to percussion through their ever changing repertoire. These accomplished musicians promise to provide an exciting and energetic show featuring a wide array of instruments in unique combinations.
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CARR GALLERY SHOWS
The Best of Vegas
- October 18, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Price: $45
The Best of Vegas showcases the “Golden Age of Vegas” with songs and stories about legends like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and more. By adding histories and anecdotes to this musical performance, Mitch Seekins creates an experience that celebrates these classic and beloved entertainers.
The Kite Runner
- March 13, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Price: $45
This adaption of the powerful novel by Khaled Hosseini portrays a young man’s journey through friendship and betrayal in a society of severe class division. The Kite Runner is a remarkable solo performance presented verbatim from much of the novel.
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MC THEATER SHOWS -- Living Voices Series
Within the Silence
- December 4, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Price: $28
Within the Silence follows one family’s struggle when Japanese Americans are placed in internment camps during World War II. It portrays the conflict between a country’s betrayal and loyalty to that land, experienced by innocent people during a portion of history many prefer to overlook.
Through the Eyes of a Friend
- January 9, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Price: $28
The story of Anne Frank told from the point of view of a fictional best friend based on accounts from people who knew her. An educational and inspiring story brought to life by a single actress and archival film, Through the Eyes of a Friend tells the story of going into hiding and being sent to concentration camps in World War II.
La Causa
- February 19, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Price: $28
The story of Marta Hernandez, the daughter of Mexican American migrant workers and her role in the Farm Worker’s Movement led by Cesar Chavez in the 60’s and 70’s, results in an emotional look at the Latin American workers who fought for civil rights against racism and unsuitable working conditions.
Native Vision
- April 17, 7:30 PM
- Ticket Price: $28
Following the journey of a young Navajo girl through her displacement to government boarding schools and her experiences as a nurse in World War II, Native Vision displays the conflict between cultural traditions and Western medicine and learning.
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2014-2015 EXHIBITIONS
A Unique Perspective: Teton Panoramas by Lynn Melander
- June 5 – September 21, 2014
- Hall Community Gallery
Area artist Lynn Melander creates stunning and unique panoramas of Grand Teton National Park. Each view shows a typically unseen vista taken from the summit of major peaks within the park, and are presented along with details of the physical challenge involved in obtaining the photographs.
Idaho Watercolor Society
- September 4 – November 16, 2014
- Carr Gallery
This annual exhibition features a range of watercolor artworks by artists living throughout Idaho, in addition to prize-winning pieces from the Society’s Annual Juried Membership Exhibition. This year’s featured artist will be Gloria Miller Allen.
Wonderful WAC: Recent Work by Resident Artists
September 25, 2014 - January 4, 2015
Hall Community Gallery
The Willard Arts Center is home to nine resident artists from the area who work in a variety of mediums. This will be their inaugural annual exhibition and will feature 1-2 recent works from each artist. Current resident artists are Amber Deschamps, Amber Marie Carmichael, Bernadette Regnier, Dennis Obert, Georgina Goodlander, Helen Farrell, Marina Griggs, Mary Ann Cherry, and Sarah Freeman.
Belinda Chlouber: Words and Paint; A Collaboration with Family Writings
- November 20, 2014 – January 11, 2015
- Carr Gallery
Belinda Chlouber creates mixed media paintings inspired by the endless cycle of life, beauty, death, and decay. These works are a “collaboration” backward through time, inspired by the writings and poetry of her mother and grandfather. Belinda begins with scraps of family history and combines fabric, embroidery, printmaking, and paint to create beautiful illustrations of her past.
Haunting Views: Photography and Multimedia by Eric Demattos and Ariel LaFontaine
- January 25 – March 15, 2015
- Carr Gallery
This exhibition features two award winners from the Sixth Annual Idaho Falls National Exhibition at the Willard Arts Center. Eric Demattos creates stunning photographs and mixed media images of abandoned buildings and eerie landscapes. Ariel LaFontaine’s photographs of circus performers use historical processes to create ghostly images that appear to be from a different time.
Lighting the Way to Literacy
- January 8 – March 15, 2015
- Hall Community Gallery
This reprised exhibition is presented by the Idaho Falls chapter of the Rotary Club and features lampshades turned into works of art by local artists. The lampshades will be auctioned off to benefit literacy programs in the region.
The 7th Annual National Exhibition
- March 19 – June 7, 2015
- Carr Gallery
The annual juried exhibition is a community favorite, highlighting area talent as well as contemporary art from across the country. Artists working in all mediums are invited to submit up to three works for consideration and the Arts Council offers a variety of awards and cash prizes.
WAC Artist Studios - Open Evenings
The WAC Artist Studios hold open evenings before season shows at the Colonial Theater. Theater patrons are invited to browse the artwork on view and to meet the resident artists.