Tag: sing

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A Celebration of Song: BIG SING 2026 Comes to Appleton on April 25th

A Celebration of Song: BIG SING 2026 Comes to Appleton on April 25th

At 7:00 pm Saturday, April 25th, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (P.A.C.) in Appleton will resonate with the powerful harmonies of male voices from across the Upper Midwest as the BIG SING 2026 takes center stage. This highly anticipated choral event—hosted by the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus—promises an evening of uplifting, community-focused music in the heart of the Fox Cities. This is a chance to experience the power and richness of male choral singing within one of northeastern Wisconsin’s premier performing arts venues, an ideal setting for this large-scale choral production!

A Rich Tradition of Community and Harmony

The BIG SING is an annual event begun in 1949 by the Associated Male Choruses of America (AMCofA), bringing together male choruses from across the Upper Midwest for performance, skill development, fellowship, and shared musical experience. This year, with Steve March-Tormé serving as Compere, over 260 singers from the 14 choruses that make up AMCofA are scheduled to join voices as one chorus in a celebration of song that highlights both choral excellence and community spirit. The performance is particularly special in 2026 as it aligns with celebrations honoring America’s 250th anniversary, adding a patriotic and reflective element to the evening’s repertoire.

A list of AMCofA member choruses is posted on www.macdowellchorus.com and on https://www.facebook.com/MacDowellChorus.

Hosted by Appleton’s Own MacDowell Male Chorus

The Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus—an ensemble with deep roots in the Fox Valley musical community—serves as the host for this year’s BIG SING. Founded in 1934, the chorus has a long history of bringing people together through song, contributing to local events, educational programs, and charitable causes. Their role as host continues this tradition, inviting both seasoned choral singers and enthusiastic members of the public to take part in a memorable evening of music.

An Evening at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Tickets are ideally available in-person at the P.A.C. Ticket Office, by calling them at (920) 730-3760, or online at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of choral music or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience in the Fox Cities, BIG SING 2026 offers something for everyone—an evening where song, community, and celebration come together in harmony.

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Christmas Stars ticket sales are open online and at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre box office!

Christmas Stars ticket sales are open online and at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre box office!

Box office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from noon until 3pm.  Come and be delighted by a spectacular Broadway-style revue featuring religious and secular holiday music performed by a cast of singers, dancers and actors ages five to senior citizen. 

Experience the dazzling Christmas parade, a visit from Santa and the breathtaking “Living Nativity” finale.  All performances will be held at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre, 1600 Prospect Avenue, Appleton from December 4th through 7th and from December 11th through 14th.

An American Sign Language interpreter will be provided at the 1:00 pm performance on December 6th. The fully accessible theatre is equipped with a hearing loop.

For performance times, ticket purchases or questions, please call 920-733-8840 or visit www.christmasstars.org.

To visit the Xavier Theatre box office, please use the main theatre entrance, Door #1, located under the arched canopy.  10 minute courtesy parking along the curb is available during box office hours.

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Christmas Stars – Open Auditions on May 13th

Christmas Stars – Open Auditions on May 13th

Christmas Stars, an annual holiday-themed musical revue, will hold an open audition on Tuesday evening, May 13th at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre located at 1600 W. Prospect Avenue in Appleton.

Students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade in the 2025-2026 school year and adults of all ages who enjoy singing and dancing are invited to audition.

An online application and audition scheduling instructions are available at the “Join Our Cast” link on the production’s website:  www.christmasstars.org.  Auditions are by appointment.  Music and accompaniment are provided by the producers.

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The men of the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus welcome Janet Planet to our 91st Anniversary Season performance stage!

The men of the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus welcome Janet Planet to our 91st Anniversary Season performance stage!

“The men of the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus welcome Janet Planet to our 91st Anniversary Season performance stage. She will join us in song as we present a concert of hope and inspiration for a fast-moving world. 

Two concerts remain in Appleton: 

May 3rd at 7 pm in the Xavier High School Fine Arts Theatre 

May 4th at 2 pm in the Lawrence University Memorial Chapel 

Tickets are available for $20 from all chorus members, at the door, and on our website: www.macdowellchorus.com. Follow us on Facebook for details about the chorus, joining the chorus, and future events.”

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ALL RISE! The Northeast Wisconsin Passion Play Open Auditions

ALL RISE! The Northeast Wisconsin Passion Play Open Auditions

Open auditions for ALL RISE! The Northeast Wisconsin Passion Play, a dramatic musical based on the life of Christ, will be held on Thursday evening, January 30th and Saturday morning, February 1st, at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre, 1600 W. Prospect Avenue, Appleton.

Adult and student performers, grades three through twelve, of all faiths are invited to audition.

Director Jim Romenesko seeks singers, dancers and actors for the community production. 

Performances dates for the 2025 season are April 10th through April 13th, with a special performance for Religious Education / Faith Formation groups on April 9th. 

Chorus, lead and supporting roles, both singing and non-singing are available.  Those auditioning will also be asked to do a simple movement/dance audition.

Performances and rehearsals are held at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre, 1600 W. Prospect Avenue Appleton on Sunday evenings with soloists & actors in leading roles also rehearsing on some Sunday afternoons. Peter Leschke is the show’s musical director. Mary Doverspike, Jr. is the choreographer.

For more information visit the production’s website: www.newpassionplay.org and click or tap the “Join Our Cast” button near the top of the page.

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Christmas Stars 2024 is just around the corner!

Christmas Stars 2024 is just around the corner!

Come and be delighted by a spectacular Broadway-style revue featuring religious and secular holiday music performed by a cast of singers, dancers and actors ages five to senior citizen.  Experience the dazzling Christmas parade, a visit from Santa and the breathtaking “Living Nativity” finale.

All performances will be held at the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre located at 1600 Prospect Avenue in Appleton from December 5th – 8th and 12th – 15th. An American Sign Language interpreter will be provided at the 1 pm performance on December 7th. 

The fully accessible theatre is equipped with a hearing loop.  Get tickets at www.christmasstars.org or the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre box office at (920) 733-8840.  Hours are expanded to Monday through Friday from noon until 3pm and one hour before each performance.

If going to the Xavier Theatre box office in-person, please use the main theatre entrance, Door #1, located under the arched canopy, and ring the bell.  10 minute courtesy parking along the curb is available during weekday, daytime box office hours.