Season tickets are on sale now for our 6 mainstage productions (Oklahoma, Over the River and Through the Woods, Annie, Titanic the Musical, Big River, and Chicago). The season package may be purchased for $90 ($80 if you had a 2010-2011 season subscription). Please read about our season ticket package, below!

Oklahoma! – Directed by Bryan Blanks – The first musical written by composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II, Oklahoma! tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams. This classic musical plays on Peoria Players’ stage for the first time in its 93 year history!
7:30 pm September 9, 10, 14, 15, 16 & 17
2:00 matinees September 11 & 18
$18 adults, $12 patrons 18 and under, General public tickets on sale August 29

Over the River and Through the Woods – Directed by Liz Landes Reed – Over the River and Through the Woods is a warm, funny, and insightful play about two sets of Italian grandparents and their grandson, Nicky. The underlying thread is family and the old questions and situations related to the generation gap and how to repay your family for years of love, sweat and tears. A delightful play that has something for the whole family!
7:30 pm October 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15
2:00 matinees October 9 & 16
$12 adults, $9 patrons 18 and under, General public tickets on sale September 26

Annie – Directed by Mary Ellen Ulrich – Everyone’s favorite redhead stars in this family musical as the orphan who just wants a home and a family of her very own. It’s the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that made popular the memorable tunes “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” and of course “Tomorrow.”
7:30 pm November 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 & 19
2:00 matinees November 12, 13, 19 & 20
$18 adults, $12 patrons 18 and under, General public tickets on sale October 31

Titanic the Musical – Directed by Steve Bortolotti – Titanic the Musical features music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and a book by Peter Stone. It opened on Broadway in 1997 and won five Tony Awards including the award for Best Musical. Titanic the Musical is set on the ocean liner RMS Titanic which sank on its maiden voyage on April 15, 1912. The score is both beautiful and haunting. Set sail with Peoria Players in this regional premiere!
7:30 pm February 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 & 11
2:00 matinees February 5 & 12
$18 adults, $12 patrons 18 and under, General public tickets on sale January 23

Big River – Directed by Chip Joyce – Based on the Mark Twain novel, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Big River sweeps down the might Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful, and heartwarming. Propelled by an unforgettable score from Roger Miller, the king of country music, Big River won 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
7:30 pm March 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 & 24
2:00 matinees March 18 & 25
$18 adults, $12 patrons 18 and under, General public tickets on sale March 5

Chicago – Directed by Charles Killen – Chicago is a musical set in Prohibition-era Chicago. The music is by John Kander with lyrics by Fred Ebb and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse. The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the “celebrity criminal.” Bob Fosse choreographed the original production, and his style is strongly identified with the show. Another Tony Award-winning production to round out Peoria Players’ season, the score features several show-stopping numbers, including “Razzle Dazzle,” “Nowadays,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “All That Jazz.”
7:30 pm May 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 &12
2:00 matinees May 6 & 13
$18 adults, $12 patrons 18 and under, General public tickets on sale April 23

We are also pleased to announce our special events this season:
West Side Story – Directed by Peggy Breaux – Our 15th Annual Summer Youth Theatre! From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest, including “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “Somewhere.” West Side Story remains as powerful and timely as ever.
7:30 pm August 3, 4, 5 & 6
2:00 matinee August 7
$18 adults, $12 patrons 18 and under, All tickets on sale July 11

A Ring-A-Ding-Ding New Year! – This delightful musical revue celebrating the music of Frank Sinatra returns just in time to ring in 2012! The New Year’s Eve performance includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
7:30 pm December 31
2:00 matinee January 1
$15 all ages, All tickets on sale November 11

Beehive the 60’s Musical – Directed by Jimmy Ulrich – The lovely ladies are back by popular demand! This high-energy musical revue features 37 popular hits of the girl groups and solo singers of the 1960’s. Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin and many more are showcased!
7:30 pm March 30 and 31
2:00 matinee April 1
$18 adults, $12 patrons 18 and under, All tickets on sale February 3

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change – Directed by Ryan Campen
The play’s tagline is “Everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit.” It features just 4 people performing in several different roles, taking the audience through hilarious and sometimes touching vignettes about dating, marriage, and the trials and tribulations of raising kids.
7:30 pm June 7, 8 & 9
2:00 matinee June 10
$18 adults, $12 patrons 18 and under, All tickets on sale May 4

Two fine examples of Hollywood’s panicked response to television in the 1950s will show Saturday, July 9 at downtown Peoria’s nonprofit Apollo Theater, where a “drive-in double feature” includes 1956’s “The Girl Can’t Help It” and 1958’s “The Blob.”

As TV increased its penetration into U.S. homes 60 years ago, attendance at theaters fell, so the motion picture industry responded in several ways, from Technicolor spectaculars and gimmicks TV couldn’t then mimic (like 3-D), to stars and stories targeting younger film fans, like monster movies and rock ‘n’ roll pictures.

Two stars who had their big-screen debuts then were Jayne Mansfield and Steve McQueen.

Mansfield, who acted like a “blond bombshell,” is featured in “The Girl Can’t Help It” as a no-talent girlfriend of a retired gangster who hires a desperate talent scout to promote her. Edmond O’Brien and Tom Ewell co-star, but a special attraction is the supporting musical cast: rock legends Eddie Cochran, Fats Domino, Little Richard, the Platters, and Gene Vincent.

McQueen in his starring debut plays a resourceful young rebel who helps a small town battle a gooey and growing invader from space in “The Blob.” Although a low-budget thriller, the picture became a campy classic. It costars Anita Corsaut (known as Helen Crump on TV’s “Andy Griffith Show”) and features music by a young Burt Bacharach.

Show times at the Apollo are at 7:00 p.m. Donations are $5 and $4 for kids, students and seniors. For details call (309) 673-4343.

Peoria marketing firm expands to better serve existing and new clients

Simantel announces the opening of a new satellite office in St. Louis, Mo., in the city’s historic Lafayette Square district.

Called “Simantel STL,” the addition marks the first time since Simantel opened in 1980 that the marketing communications firm will serve clients from a location other than Peoria.

The firm selected St. Louis for several reasons. Simantel wanted to offer a local presence to existing clients in the St. Louis metro area. The business landscape also aligned with Simantel’s marketing and branding expertise in a variety of industries—from finance to education to manufacturing. In addition, the firm’s growth over the past several years played a role in the decision to open the new office.

“Simantel STL is an exciting addition for us,” said Susie Ketterer, a majority owner and co-principal of Simantel. “The new office will make it much easier, logistically, to interact with and serve our clients there. It will also put us in a better position to access and establish relationships with potential new clients in the metro area.”

Located south of downtown in the Wire Works Building, the postal address of the 1,350-square-foot Simantel STL is 1435 South 18th Street, Unit 144, St. Louis, MO 63104.
The new office’s location and structure are similar to the distinct look and feel of Simantel headquarters at 321 SW Water Street—which also saw a recent expansion and renovation. Over the winter, Simantel converted a former dance studio at the corner of Water and Harrison streets into 1,300 square feet of office space.

Simantel is steadily and strategically enhancing its capabilities to better serve clients. This includes the growth of the firm’s Digital Department, Branded Products division, and Account and Creative staff. The firm employs about 60 people.

The Junior League of Peoria is pleased to announce the 2011-2012 Board of Directors. This team of women will lead the Junior League of Peoria organization and its projects and events in the Peoria community during the 2011-2012 year. 2011 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Junior League of Peoria.

Congratulations to the 2011-2012 Junior League of Peoria Board of Directors:
*President – Kris Coulter
*President-Elect – Erin Scherbinske
*Sustainer Advisor to the Board – Betsy Bladel
*Treasurer – Megan Russo
*Recording Secretary – Darcy Gibson
*Immediate Past President – Kelly Walz
*Vice President Fundraising – Andrea Tognetti
*Vice President Projects – Mandy Watson
*Vice President Membership – Sara McKee
*Placement Chair – Katie Madison
*Vice President Communications – Lisa Gates

The Junior League of Peoria is proud to recognize their 2010-2011 Volunteer of the Year, Julie Balkema. The Volunteer of the Year award honors an Active Member who has gone above and beyond in her service to the Junior League of Peoria.

Julie is an outstanding member of the Junior League of Peoria who has demonstrated both dedication and leadership in the many years of exemplary service she has given to the Junior League organization. She has taken on many leadership roles, including 4 years of service on the Board of Directors, serving as President in 2009-2010. In every role, Julie provides the vision and direction needed for the Junior League to exceed its goals and reach new levels of success.

Her commitment to the Junior League’s largest project, the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, is unmatched. Julie has not only served on the PlayHouse Committee from its earliest years, she has co-chaired the committee and played a critical advisory role on the Strategy Team.

Julie’s positive attitude and bright smile make her one of the Junior League’s greatest cheerleaders and ambassadors. She is the type of leader that others are inspired by and want to work with. When faced with obstacles, Julie’s willingness to collaborate and problem-solve make it a pleasure to work with her, even in challenging or stressful situations. Her enthusiasm is contagious and inspires those around her to do more and complain less!

Prairie Technology Alliance is proud to announce Rev. Jerry J. Trecek, Executive Director of Peoria Rescue Ministries the winner of the IPad 2 giveaway. The prize was awarded in conjunction with last months Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase, where businesses network and display the newest products and services offered in the Peoria Metro Region. Brian Ford, Facet Technologies and Brad Juergens, Seico Security presented Mr. Trecek with the prize at the ministries downtown location. (Pictured in photo) Mr Trecek indicated he was looking forward to using the new IPad 2 in conjunction with his current technology systems at Peoria Rescue Ministries, where they provide many Christ based programs to those struggling with life challenges.

Prairie Technology Alliance is made up of six local companies that offer Central Illinois area businesses a single source solution for all technology needs. Facet Technologies offered the prize to highlight their recent status as a Mac Authorized Repair Center, through the Nerds On Call Division. Other Prairie Technology Alliance member companies include: Confidential Security Corporation (CSC), OIC Group, Seico Security, United Security Communications and US Laser.

The Peoria chapter of Mended Hearts will meet Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 6:00 PM at the RiverPlex in Peoria.

Mended Hearts, a national nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Heart Association, has been offering the gift of hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers for more than 50 years.

Because Mended Hearts is made up of the very kinds of people it serves—heart patients, their families, and others impacted by heart disease, its members draw on personal experience as they help others. Recovery involves not only physical healing, but emotional and psychosocial healing as well. Mended Hearts support groups help people understand that there can be a rich, rewarding life after heart disease. Members listen, share their experiences, learn from healthcare professionals and volunteer to talk to other heart patients about what they may face including lifestyle changes, depression, recovery, and treatment.

For more information about Mended Hearts, contact nurse practitioner Tammy Sarmiento at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center at (309) 655-7292.

Students interested in learning about and entering the entertainment industry now will have a unique opportunity to prepare for their careers at Bradley University.

Bradley will offer the “Hollywood Semester,” an intense, residential semester-long program in Los Angeles, California, starting in the spring semester of 2012. The program will provide a combination of internships with well-known companies, academic courses, and guest lectures by prominent industry experts.

“This is an exciting initiative that will give Bradley students the skills and contacts to help them develop a career in entertainment,” said Dr. Jeffery Huberman, Dean of the Slane College of Communications & Fine Arts. “Students will translate theory into reality through this program and come away well-versed on how the entertainment industry operates and with a professional network established.”

Courses focus on the business, operational and creative components of the entertainment industry and are taught by accomplished professionals with extensive experience; visits to major Hollywood studios and production houses are an essential part of the curriculum.

Another key component for students will be participation in an internship course in a wide range of areas, including production, post-production, creative, screenwriting, casting, acting, public relations, advertising, and more.

The “Hollywood Semester” will be conducted at The University of Texas at Austin’s West Coast hub, the UTLA Center in Burbank. A limited number of students will be admitted to the Bradley program each semester. To be eligible, students must be junior or senior level, have a grade point average of 2.5 or better, and have completed a prerequisite course. Interested students should contact the office of the associate dean of the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts at 309-677-2368.

The Hollywood Semester will expand Bradley’s commitment to providing students residential experiences in communication and fine arts professions. Since 1988, short-term expedition classes in Los Angeles, Hollywood and Chicago have been offered to Bradley University students to explore the entertainment, sports, and communication fields.

The Slane College annually hosts a networking event in Los Angeles for students and the more than 350 alumni working in those industries. The Slane College’s alumni are recipients of major international honors including 45 Emmy Awards, 3 Academy Awards, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and a Pulitzer Prize. Among Bradley’s notable alumni are consumer advocate David Horowitz; Charley Steiner, play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers; Academy Award winner Tami Lane; Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Renee Byer; Lisa Helfrich Jackson, co-executive producer of The New Adventures of Old Christine and Everybody Loves Raymond; and Jim Tanker, who has directed Big Brother and the Academy Award broadcasts.

Cooling Center Available To Assist In Beating The Heat

Forecast temperatures in the mid 90’s has prompted The Salvation Army Family Service Center to remind folks they can seek relief from the summer heat at its Sylvia Fites Family Services Center. The Center is available as a cooling center Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“With high humidity and temperatures in the middle and upper 90s, residents of the local neighborhoods can find relief from the heat at The Salvation Army,” says Major Evie Diaz, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Heartland Division.
“The elderly and those with small children especially are vulnerable in the heat, so please encourage them to utilize the Sylvia Fites Family Services Center for relief,” said Diaz. The Fites building is at 417 NE Jefferson.

The Salvation Army Lunch With Love program is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and additionally, a Friday night dinner is served by Ministries of Mercy at 6:00 p.m. at the Fites Building.

For more information, please contact The Salvation Army Family Service Center at 655-7272.

Due to the upcoming holiday, all collections during the week of July 4 will be delayed by one day. If your normal garbage and yard waste collection day is on Monday, PDC will collect on Tuesday and so on for the rest of the week. Friday collection will be done on Saturday. Please have your garbage and yard waste out by 6:00 a.m.

Recycling will be collected on Saturday, July 9, at households that normally have their recycling collected on the second Friday of each month.

The Peoria Public Library Board of Trustees has announced that Lakeview and Lincoln Branches will close temporarily as of July 25 so that construction projects can be completed. McClure Branch is also closed for remodeling, however both Peoria Public Library North Branch and Main Library are completed and open regular hours. Many library services such as renewals, downloadable books and research are also available at www.peoriapubliclibrary.org.

McClure Branch is slated to be the first of the closed branches to reopen with service resuming this fall. Lincoln Branch, which will have a 12, 000 square foot addition, will close so that restoration work on the original Carnegie portion of the library can be completed while the addition is being furnished and materials shelved. It will reopen in late 2011. Lakeview Branch will remain closed until sometime in the first quarter of 2012.

The North Branch, located at 3001 W. Grand Parkway, just off Allen Road behind Menards, is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. but closed on Tuesdays. It is open Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. all year. A drive-up book drop for returning materials is located in the parking lot.

Peoria Public Library Main Library is on the corner of Main and Monroe Streets and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout the year. A drive-up book drop is located on the back of the building in the alley.

Library customers will want to use the library website at www.peoriapubliclibrary.org from any internet-connected device 24/7 to reserve or renew materials. Audio and ebooks can also be downloaded from the Alliance Digital Media Library located on the site and research can be conducted on many subjects. Full text articles, genealogy information, information about companies and more can all be accessed through the website. Tumblebooks Library provides interactive reading experiences and games for children on the website as well.

Customers may also renew materials or ask questions by calling the Peoria Public Library at 309-497-2000. During the remainder of the construction project, information about a closings is available by phone or on the website.