Sierra Boggess Returns to Alma Mater, Millikin University, Tonight

Millikin University will welcome Broadway star Sierra Boggess '04 back to campus for a special benefit performance tonight, Oct. 11, 2014, at 8 p.m. in Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Sierra's performance will feature members of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (MDSO) as well as Millikin Theatre and Dance undergraduates.

Since her Broadway debut as Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," 2004 Millikin graduate Sierra Boggess has become one of the most sought after young artists in the New York and London theatre markets. Referred to by Tony Award-winning Producer and Director Harold Price as "one of the most talented and intelligent artists in the musical theatre today," Sierra dazzles audiences with her unique brand of charm, humor and virtuosity.

Sierra returns to Millikin directly from her recent engagement as Christine Daaé in Broadway's "The Phantom of the Opera" to present a one-night only performance sure to delight patrons of all ages. Based on her critically acclaimed cabaret appearance at New York's 54 Below, this eclectic mix of theater and pop songs brings Sierra back to the Millikin community that first recognized her star potential.

Titled "Part of OUR World," Sierra's performance will help benefit the campaign to create a new facility for Millikin's nationally recognized Theatre and Dance program.

Proceeds from the following ticket packages will provide additional financial support for Millikin's new Center for Theatre and Dance. For more information, visit online at bit.ly/sierra-MU.

BENEFACTOR: 6:30 P.M: Best available seating, backstage pass to post-performance dessert reception with Sierra, plus entrance to a pre-show hors d'oeuvres and open bar reception. Also includes a signed souvenir CD and photo opportunity with Sierra. $250 per person.

PATRON: 9:30 P.M: Best available seating, plus backstage pass to a post-performance dessert reception with Sierra. Cash bar offered. $100 per person.

Millikin boasts one of the oldest and most respected undergraduate theatre programs in the country. Nationwide, Millikin's respected alumni are routinely hired for projects in television, film and live theatre, including top Broadway shows.

You can help set the stage for continued excellence by supporting the campaign to create a new Center for Theatre and Dance at Millikin. To learn more or to donate, visit millikin.edu/transform.

General ticket prices for the event also benefit the campaign; they sell for $20-$30 for adults and may be purchased at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center Ticket Office, by phone at 217.424.6318 or online at kirklandfinearts.com. A $2.50 fee will be charged for credit card purchases. This is a per transaction fee, not per ticket, and applies to online and Ticket Office orders. Kirkland Ticket Office hours are Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more information on Kirkland Fine Arts Center, please visit kirklandfinearts.com. Events at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and the Midwest Arts Council.