Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is amoung the most original forces in contemporary dance. Critically acclamed for its exuberant, athletic and innovative repertoire, HSDC’s dancers display unparalleled versatility and virtuosity in performances that inspire, challenge and engage audiences worldwide.

They perform at Sangamon Auditorium in April 2009 - Photo courtesy of Sangamon Auditorium

Hoogland Center for the Arts

Named after the family that nurtured Family Video stores to nationwide prominence, the former Masonic Temple began its new life on Dec. 31, 2003, as the city’s premier arts venue. As home base for more than 15 arts organizations, with four performance sites, two art galleries and meeting space galore, the Hoogland Center is a magnet for practitioners and supporters of the arts. In the confluence of variety, one hand washes the other. For example, the Prairie Art Alliance’s H.D. Smith Gallery is often open extra hours so that theatergoers may spend time savoring its exhibitions before the curtain goes up. Hoogland is also home to the Springfield Area Arts Council, a nexus of information for artists of all stripes. A variety of organizations hold meetings at Hoogland, thanks to its location,

flexible accommodations and helpful staff. Hoogland’s Web site provides an updated calendar of events and links to other area arts organizations.

Springfield Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523 2787, www.scfta.org.

Sangamon Auditorium

Since opening in 1981 on what is today the campus of the University of Illinois at Springfield, Sangamon Auditorium has hosted more than 2,000 events, including conferences, debates, major concerts, plays and musical shows. Among the legends who have performed at the 2,018-seat facility: everybody from Sara Vaughn to Willie Nelson, Ray Charles to Donny Osmond, Hal Holbrook to David Copperfield, George Carlin to Juliet Prowse. April’s offerings include Annie and Chicago’s Hubbard Street Dance.

To get to Sangamon Auditorium from Interstate 55, take exit 94 onto Stevenson Drive; proceed to the intersection of Stevenson and Taylor Avenue/West Lake Drive; go south on West Lake, which becomes Shepherd Road; turn right at the campus entrance, and follow the signs. For ticket information, call 217-206-6160 or 800-207-6960 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or visit www.sangamonauditorium.org.

Here are some other places for arts and entertainment:

Theater: Springfield Theatre Center, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787, www.springfieldtheater.com.

Musical theater: Springfield Municipal Opera Association, also known as

the Muni, presents locally-produced musicals in an outdoor amphitheater near the lake all summer long. This summer’s lineup includes Oliver!, The Producers, High School Musical, and Fiddler on the Roof. The theater is located at 815 East Lake Dr. For ticket information, call 217-793- 6864 or visit www.themuni.org.

Regional: Theatre in the Park at Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site. This summer’s lineup includes Little Women and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, as well as numerous Lincoln-themed offerings. The park is on Highway 97 two miles south of Petersburg.

For more information, call 217-632-5440 or 800-710-9290, or go to www.theatreinthepark.net.

Ballet: The Springfield Ballet Company performs at Sangamon Auditorium