'The Nutcracker' tradition continues

A Christmas tradition will take place again this weekend in the Peoria area when "The Nutcracker" ballet is performed.

This year, however, it will be performed in two different venues by two different...

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A weekend of one-act comedies at Corn Stock

When three of America's top comedic playwrights put some one-act plays together in a package titled "Relatively Speaking," Corn Stock Theatre saw it as an opportunity to give some new directors a shot and likely find new actors, as well.

But a funny thing happened: Yes, the directors are making their directorial debuts; but whereas one-act plays usually attract actors with less experience "Relatively Speaking" attracted a bevy of experienced...

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Hall of Fame trio to play Peoria

Crosby, Still & Nash, the rock-and-roll Hall of Fame group that first performed together at Woodstock, will play at the Peoria Civic Center on March 12.

The concert, part of the group's limited 13-date spring tour that starts March 4, will be in the Civic Center Theatre. Tickets will be $103, $93 and $83 and go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at the Civic Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800)...

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The Barn II is 'Decking the Halls'

In what has become a holiday tradition, Conklin's Barn II Theatre is presenting a holiday revue of music, comedy and merriment, now through New Year's Eve.

"Deck the Halls" will also have Wednesday night performances through the month of December.

The show is a fast-paced revue of music, comedy and audience participation...

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Gordon: They're giving away the Civic Center!

There is something unprecedented planned in Peoria for next August; now it is up to local arts organizations for which it is planned to take advantage.

The Peoria Civic Center will be given away for a full weekend. That's right; given away, free of charge.

The purpose is so the inaugural IGNITE Peoria! event can take place, showcasing anything and everything...

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Knight: Spenser lives! A holiday gift

An early and unexpected Christmas present on bookshelves continues the ongoing gift of a beloved crime-novel character, Spenser, outliving his creator, Robert B. Parker.

Parker, who died in January 2010, started "Silent Night: A Spenser Holiday Novel," but it was up to his longtime literary agent Helen Brann to finish the 229-page book.

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'Joseph' ready for another run at Eastlight

What would Christmas be without the one musical that has come to signify the Christmas season in central Illinois, even though it isn't a musical about Christmas?

"It just isn't the same, especially for those people who are involved in the show," said Jeremy Kelly, who is director of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" for the second consecutive year.

Added Steve Cordle, executive director of Eastlight Theatre in East...

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Symphony to offer 'Allure of Paris'

It will be a decidedly French affair Saturday when the Peoria Symphony Orchestra presents "Allure of Paris" for its November concert at 8 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria.

Guest artists' violist Katherine Lewis and harpist Nichole Luchs will perform with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra during its third concert of the season.

The concert, said the Symphony,...

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