Heat Up Your February at Raue Center For The Arts

Looking to heat up your February? Rate Center will bring a fun-filled month of fantastic shows to downtown Crystal Lake! From a romantic musical comedy and a 1980's heartthrob to a "Sex and the City" parody and a spirited celebration of Irish music and dance, Raue Center has a little something for everyone this February.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Williams Street Repertory's literary reading series February 9 at ! GET LIT(erary) is a monthly reading series based around select themed classic and contemporary literary works. The February reading will feature a special Valentine's Day theme. GET LIT(erary) is FREE to attend. Feed your mind and body, raise a glass and GET LIT!

Make a date with WSRep and the hit romantic musical comedy "First Date"! Ernest J. Varga from the "Northwest Herald" says "First Date" is "first rate." When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives? "First Date" runs select dates through February 12.

Get ready to rock! 1980's heartthrob and multi-platinum singer/songwriter Richard Marx takes the stage February 17 at 8 p.m. Known for smash hits like "Keep Coming Back," "Hold On To The Nights" and "Hazard," Marx has enjoyed countless highlights throughout his nearly three decade-long career, including an impressive total of 14 number one singles as a performer, songwriter and producer. Don't miss this multi-talented Chicago native as he rocks the Raue!

"One Woman Sex and the City: A Parody of Love, Friendship and Shoes" comes to Raue Center February 18 at 8 p.m. This loving tribute and send-up takes audiences through a laughter-infused version of all six seasons of the beloved show "Sex and the City." Everyone's favorite characters come to life as they brunch, banter, support each other and swoon over men and Manolos in this parody that promises puns, cosmopolitans and audience participation!

Raue Center's Artful Women artist series is excited to welcome Andrea Darlas and Patti Vasquez of WGN TV and Radio! Award-winning radio and TV news anchor and reporter, Darlas, and radio show host and stand-up comedian, Vasquez, sit down to discuss "Women in Broadcasting and Comedy" February 19 at 3 p.m.

WSRep Comedy Sketch & Improv brings the laughs February 23 at 8 p.m.! With a mixed set based on audience suggestions and original sketches, the WSR Comedy Troupe packs more laughs per minute in a single hour than most people can produce in a lifetime. Get in on the laughs with this funny group of shameless attention seekers unafraid of making fools of themselves in public!

Don't miss the best party in town! The Irish House Party returns for a fourth year after playing to a sold out crowd in 2012, 2013 and 2015! The Irish House Party brings a spirited celebration of authentic Irish music and dance to Raue Center February 24 at 8 p.m. Don't miss the intimate, playful and family-friendly party everyone will be talking about all year long!

Raue Center rounds out their fun-filled February with "An Evening of Percussion" February 25 at 7 p.m. The Crystal Lake Strikers All-Star Drumline will lead multiple groups from all over the region to present a high-energy evening of percussion and award a local high school drummer with the Tim Althoff Memorial Scholarship. Returning for a sixth straight year, this community fundraiser is always a sellout!

Tickets to February shows and more may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Visit rauecenter.org for more information.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 15 years, they have provided quality programming - striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional Showcase Theatre named for its benefactor-Lucile Raue-Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region's citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

About Williams Street Repertory

Williams Street Repertory is a non-profit theatre company located in the wonderful town of Crystal Lake, Illinois. Over the past 6 years, WSR has built a reputation for artistic excellence as one of Illinois' leading producing theatres. WSR is dedicated to sustaining an artistic process of innovative and emotionally charged work, telling diverse stories, and creating an in-house Production Company of well-respected artists. Since opening, WSR has presented more than 18 productions with a wide range of appeal: from Chicago premieres to international debuts to holiday favorites. In 2016, WSR entered into a contract with Actors Equity Association, making WSR the only professional theater company in McHenry County. Williams Street Rep is dedicated to its mission of producing diverse and emotionally charged stories that deepen the cultural richness of our community and our region. WSR was made possible through support provided by Susen Håakansson Berg and James C. Berg, the City of Crystal Lake, ComEd, McHenry County Community Foundation and Epic Repertory Theater Company. For additional information, visit wsrep.org.