Hoogland Center For The Arts — Attraction in Springfield

The Hoogland Center is a cultural gem for all of Springfield.

The Hoogland Center has its hits and misses, but last night's performance of "Dreamgirls" was a blockbuster. The entire cast has wonderful voices starting with Calia Cole as Effie White. I don't know much about her beyond what's in the cast notes, but I would guess she once was in a gospel choir; she sang like she was the lead singer in the choir of a Black church. She can sing! Liyah Orielle, Jasmine French, and especially Reggie Guyton also gave stunning performances. There are lots of great songs, but my favorite was "Cadillac Car." It's particularly meaningful if you remember the movie, "Cadillac Records" where the payoff to artists came in the form on a new Cadillac.

The Hoogland has three theatres, and the LRS theatre may be the best of them, though the Peggy Ryder theatre, a bit small and more intimate, is also a fine venue.

"Dreamgirls" is on next weekend. Catch...

As a first timer, I was happily surprised. The facility is clean, easy to find, and I love that the parking garage is right next door (cost $2 and they accepted cash & card). I was able to purchase tickets at the window just before the show. The drink policy was a shocking and pleasant surprise. Yes I will pay $2 for your plastic cup so I can take a drink (water, soda, wine, &/or liquor) inside the theater! There didn't seem to be a dress code, at least not one that was enforced. Business casual was appropriate. Leg room was definitely an issue because I'm a leg crosser. Isle seat was necessary for me, though it looked like the ground level seats had a bit more leg room. I wish they would have provided a little more information about the show ahead of time (aka family friendly, adult content, adult language, etc.). All things considered, I had a great time and I will...

I went with my daughter's to the play but only after we was to go be seated we were told by a usher who was to help people be seated & where that one of us would be seated upstairs one daughter would be seated with me. My daughter who had bought three tickets was told before we ever arrived that we would be seated together that wasn't the case I was asked if I could go upstairs but cause of walking I said no that I couldn't so one of my daughters had to go by herself to seating upstairs I Honestly wonder if we will go back to see another play or not but the play was great was able to meet those who preformed in that play they did a...