(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University’s Doudna Fine Arts Center will host a variety of different shows in October that appeal to both music and theatre fans. Doudna performances in October will include:

· The 39 Steps: Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance. Sunday, October 1, 2023; Black Box / 2 p.m. / Tickets: $15 General Admission/$6 EIU Students, Employees & Seniors.

· Wind Symphony & Concert Band: Come and witness EIU’s Wind Symphony and Concert Band students’ first performance of the year. This is sure to be an excellent night of music showcasing the extraordinary talent of our Music Department students. Friday, October 6, 2023; Dvorak Concert Hall / 7:30 p.m. / Tickets: $10 General Admission/$5 EIU Students, Employees & Seniors.

· Choral Ensembles: Join EIU’s Choir Ensembles for an afternoon of beautiful choral music. Sunday, October 8, 2023 / Dvorak Concert Hall / 4 p.m. / Tickets: $10 General Admission/$5 EIU Students, Employees & Seniors.

· Duo Recital Featuring Magie Beck & Rebecca Johnson: Don’t miss this performance by two of EIU’s very own Music Department faculty members. Thursday, October 12, 2023; Recital Hall / 7:30 p.m. / Free.

· Abilene: Featuring Chloë Agnew: Abilene is a collective of artists whose cinematic compositions marry classical and modern elements with an emphasis on narrative storytelling. Agnew has been touring with top Irish artist Nathan Carter for the past five seasons has been the headline guest for the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, performing in arts centers throughout the Southeast and Midwest. She has become a “Voice of the Irish” for the University of Notre Dame. Her versatility has enabled her to perform with IBMA award winning bluegrass Entertainers of the Year Balsam Range and John Driskell Hopkins of Zac Brown Band. Saturday, October 14, 2023; Recital Hall / 7:30 p.m. / Tickets: $25 General Admission/$20 EIU Employees & Seniors/$15 EIU Students. Groups of 4 or more save $5 per ticket—call the Box Office for details.

· Jazz Combos: Come out for a night of jazz performed by multiple student combo groups. Tuesday, October 17, 2023; Dvorak Concert Hall / 7:30 p.m. / Free.

· Panther Marching Band Live: People often see the Panther Marching Band at EIU sporting events or in parades, but now they can be seen perform in concert. This special event is also going to honor former professor Johnny Lee Lane in celebration of his endowment. Sunday, October 22, 2023; Dvorak Concert Hall / 2 p.m. / Tickets: $10 General Admission/$5 EIU Students, Employees & Seniors.

· Percussion Ensemble: Looking for a fun and exciting night out? Come and experience the EIU Percussion Ensemble. This intimate concert will be fun for the whole family. Tuesday, October 24, 2023; Black Box / 7:30 p.m. / Tickets: $10 General Admission/$5 EIU Students, Employees & Seniors.

· Eastern Symphony Orchestra: The Original PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Experience the 1925 Lon Chaney silent film of this classic, haunting story – accompanied live by full symphonic orchestra! Follow the story to its dramatic outcome – and guests can come dressed in their favorite costumes for the fun of it! Friday, October 27, 2023; Dvorak Concert Hall / 7:30 p.m. /Tickets: $15 General Admission/$10 EIU Employees & Seniors/$5 EIU Students.

Those interested in purchasing tickets or learning more information about these events can do so by visiting www.eiu.edu/doudna. EIU’s Doudna Fine Arts Center is located on EIU’s main campus, at 600 Lincoln Avenue in Charleston.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.

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