Photo:
Yo-Yo Ma, Photo by Stephen Danelian
Indiana University Auditorium Director Doug Booher actually began his career at the Auditorium as a student volunteer during his undergraduate days. He very much enjoyed the variety and the style that the Auditorium sought to present. Today he’s very much the leader as he works on the schedule and leads the staff.
When asked about about the focus of the 2009-2010 season, Booher said, “Well, there are some new faces and some that have been here before,” said Booher. “For instance the three musicals offer new features with the bawdy puppets of Avenue Q and the opportunity to see Beauty and the Beast live, but Jesus Christ Superstar,” though it’s been years, does bring back Ted Neeley, the original star.”
Booher went on to talk about the season’s classical offerings. Again there’s a new group and a return. “We’re very proud to be bringing in the Cleveland Orchestra. It’s great to offer this on our season. Yo-Yo Ma is indeed returning, but when he was here before it was in a piano trio. We’ve been working with his agent for four years to make this happen.
Booher went on to talk about the other musical acts, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Beatles tributes group Rain and then the Punch Brothers. “Frankie Valli is probably known to all our audience and Rain is a show that does a terrific job of honoring and presenting the Beatles. The Punch Brothers led by Chris Thiele who was with Nickel Creek is the new offering of our groups. They’re right on the cutting edge. They have lots of influences, but they’re melding them into their own voice and style. “
