Community Calendar

Artists Ensemble Theater of Rockford presents "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd," murder mystery adapted by Margaret Raether from the novel by Agatha Christie, May 8-25 in Rockford University's Cheek Theatre.

When Dr. Sheppard gets a phone call that Roger Ackroyd is dead, he grabs his medical bag and rushes to Roger’s home. A bewildered butler insists that no such call was made. In fact, Ackroyd is in his study, door locked from the inside, and quite dead. Only Hercule Poirot can unmask the killer in this locked room mystery.

The production is directed by AET Producing Artistic Director Richard Raether and features Russell Konstans, David A. Gingerich, Shannon Coltrane, Charlie Rasmann, Emmarie Wilson and Ian Garthwaite. This is the world premiere of local playwright Margaret Raether’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery.

Performances are Thursday – Saturday at 7:30, with matinees at 4:00 on Saturday and 2:00 on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at artistsensemble.org or by calling 815-394-5004. This play is recommended for middle school ages and up.

Artists’ Ensemble is the state line area’s resident professional theater, performing in residence at Rockford University.

Artists Ensemble Theater of Rockford presents "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd," murder mystery adapted by Margaret Raether from the novel by Agatha Christie, May 8-25 in Rockford University's Cheek Theatre.

When Dr. Sheppard gets a phone call that Roger Ackroyd is dead, he grabs his medical bag and rushes to Roger’s home. A bewildered butler insists that no such call was made. In fact, Ackroyd is in his study, door locked from the inside, and quite dead. Only Hercule Poirot can unmask the killer in this locked room mystery.

The production is directed by AET Producing Artistic Director Richard Raether and features Russell Konstans, David A. Gingerich, Shannon Coltrane, Charlie Rasmann, Emmarie Wilson and Ian Garthwaite. This is the world premiere of local playwright Margaret Raether’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery.

Performances are Thursday – Saturday at 7:30, with matinees at 4:00 on Saturday and 2:00 on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at artistsensemble.org or by calling 815-394-5004. This play is recommended for middle school ages and up.

Artists’ Ensemble is the state line area’s resident professional theater, performing in residence at Rockford University.

Artists Ensemble Theater of Rockford presents "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd," murder mystery adapted by Margaret Raether from the novel by Agatha Christie, May 8-25 in Rockford University's Cheek Theatre.

When Dr. Sheppard gets a phone call that Roger Ackroyd is dead, he grabs his medical bag and rushes to Roger’s home. A bewildered butler insists that no such call was made. In fact, Ackroyd is in his study, door locked from the inside, and quite dead. Only Hercule Poirot can unmask the killer in this locked room mystery.

The production is directed by AET Producing Artistic Director Richard Raether and features Russell Konstans, David A. Gingerich, Shannon Coltrane, Charlie Rasmann, Emmarie Wilson and Ian Garthwaite. This is the world premiere of local playwright Margaret Raether’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery.

Performances are Thursday – Saturday at 7:30, with matinees at 4:00 on Saturday and 2:00 on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at artistsensemble.org or by calling 815-394-5004. This play is recommended for middle school ages and up.

Artists’ Ensemble is the state line area’s resident professional theater, performing in residence at Rockford University.

Suggested Audience: All Ages

Dive into a vibrant, all-singing & dancing extravaganza with The SpongeBob Musical! When a volcano threatens to destroy Bikini Bottom, it’s up to SpongeBob and his crew to unite and save their beloved undersea home. As tensions rise and hope seems lost, an unlikely hero emerges, proving that the power of optimism can truly change the world. Based on the iconic animated series, this sensational musical features a dazzling score by legendary artists like Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, and more. This deep-sea adventure is a joyride for all ages. The future is bright; the future is bold—join us under the sea this summer for an unforgettable adventure with The SpongeBob Musical!

Suggested Audience: All Ages

Dive into a vibrant, all-singing & dancing extravaganza with The SpongeBob Musical! When a volcano threatens to destroy Bikini Bottom, it’s up to SpongeBob and his crew to unite and save their beloved undersea home. As tensions rise and hope seems lost, an unlikely hero emerges, proving that the power of optimism can truly change the world. Based on the iconic animated series, this sensational musical features a dazzling score by legendary artists like Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, and more. This deep-sea adventure is a joyride for all ages. The future is bright; the future is bold—join us under the sea this summer for an unforgettable adventure with The SpongeBob Musical!

Suggested Audience: All Ages

Dive into a vibrant, all-singing & dancing extravaganza with The SpongeBob Musical! When a volcano threatens to destroy Bikini Bottom, it’s up to SpongeBob and his crew to unite and save their beloved undersea home. As tensions rise and hope seems lost, an unlikely hero emerges, proving that the power of optimism can truly change the world. Based on the iconic animated series, this sensational musical features a dazzling score by legendary artists like Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, and more. This deep-sea adventure is a joyride for all ages. The future is bright; the future is bold—join us under the sea this summer for an unforgettable adventure with The SpongeBob Musical!

The Spongebob Musical
June 4-7 & July 9-13
Suggested Audience: All Ages

Dive into a vibrant, all-singing & dancing extravaganza with The SpongeBob Musical! When a volcano threatens to destroy Bikini Bottom, it’s up to SpongeBob and his crew to unite and save their beloved undersea home. As tensions rise and hope seems lost, an unlikely hero emerges, proving that the power of optimism can truly change the world. Based on the iconic animated series, this sensational musical features a dazzling score by legendary artists like Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, and more. This deep-sea adventure is a joyride for all ages. The future is bright; the future is bold—join us under the sea this summer for an unforgettable adventure with The SpongeBob Musical!

Suggested Audience: All Ages

Dive into a vibrant, all-singing & dancing extravaganza with The SpongeBob Musical! When a volcano threatens to destroy Bikini Bottom, it’s up to SpongeBob and his crew to unite and save their beloved undersea home. As tensions rise and hope seems lost, an unlikely hero emerges, proving that the power of optimism can truly change the world. Based on the iconic animated series, this sensational musical features a dazzling score by legendary artists like Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, and more. This deep-sea adventure is a joyride for all ages. The future is bright; the future is bold—join us under the sea this summer for an unforgettable adventure with The SpongeBob Musical!

Grease
June 11-14 & July 16-20
Suggested audience: Pre-teen and up

Welcome to Rydell High, class of 1959! The stage sizzles with the swagger of the “T-Birds” and the sass of the “Pink Ladies” in Grease, the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll musical. Head greaser Danny Zuko and sweet newcomer Sandy Dumbrowski attempt to rekindle their “Summer Nights” romance while the gang revs up the fun with unforgettable hits like “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night,” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie.”Channeling the iconic sounds of Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley, Grease is a celebration of the 1950s that has captured hearts on Broadway and beyond. Join us this summer for nights of bobby socks, leather jackets, and pure nostalgia—because summer nights never felt so good.

Grease
June 11-14 & July 16-20
Suggested audience: Pre-teen and up

Welcome to Rydell High, class of 1959! The stage sizzles with the swagger of the “T-Birds” and the sass of the “Pink Ladies” in Grease, the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll musical. Head greaser Danny Zuko and sweet newcomer Sandy Dumbrowski attempt to rekindle their “Summer Nights” romance while the gang revs up the fun with unforgettable hits like “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night,” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie.”Channeling the iconic sounds of Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley, Grease is a celebration of the 1950s that has captured hearts on Broadway and beyond. Join us this summer for nights of bobby socks, leather jackets, and pure nostalgia—because summer nights never felt so good.