Fine & Performing Arts

North Central College in Naperville celebrated the grand opening of its spectacular new Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center at 171 E. Chicago Ave. with a Dedication Convocation on Saturday, October 18, during Homecoming Weekend. The event featured music by North Central College’s Concert Winds, Women’s Chorale and Concert Choir, and the presentation of North Central’s Fine Arts Medals to several distinguished guests in recognition of their leadership and efforts in supporting the Fine Arts Center and advancing the fine and performing arts at North Central College and in Naperville. The Fine Arts Medals were presented to:

• Judy G. Meiley Stevenson: College life trustee and president and treasurer of Magnetrol International, Inc., for her visionary philanthropy in support of the arts.
• Donald Hackl: College life trustee and president of Loebl Schlossman & Hackl architects who designed the Center.
• Rita Harvard: College life trustee and partner of Harvard Management Associates, for co-leading a community-wide campaign effort.
• David Kelsch: College trustee and president and CEO of Advanced Data Technologies, Inc., for co-leading a community-wide campaign effort.
• Ray Kinney: College trustee and principal of Minuteman Press, for co-leading a community-wide campaign effort.
• Stephen Sturk ’72: North Central alumnus and acclaimed composer who wrote the music for the processional “Joyful Noise.”
• The late Gus ’48 and Connie ’50 Schoenherr: Naperville residents and North Central alumni, who gave a gift enabling purchase of the property site for the Fine Arts Center. Beverly Schoenherr Speery accepted the award for her parents.
• Bartley and Maricela ’99 Madden: Naperville residents and alumna, who supported the Fine Arts Center and donated their historic home—the A.A. Smith House, which was the home of the first president of North Central College.
• Dr. Myron Wentz: College trustee, alumnus, successful entrepreneur and founder of three health-related companies, helped launch the building of Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center with his vision and lead gift.

We invite you to share in the celebration of this landmark achievement:

• View photos from the October 18 dedication;
• Read local and regional media coverage about the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center;
• Enjoy video of the October 18 building dedication ceremony. Video includes performances by the Concert Winds, Women’s Chorale and Concert Choir (87 minutes).

North Central College’s 2008-2009 Inaugural Fine and Performing Arts season is sponsored by:
Sara Lee Foundation: Wentz Concert Hall Inaugural Season
USG: Pfeiffer Hall Performing Arts Series
J.P.Morgan: Schoenherr Art Gallery Inaugural Exhibit
JPMorgan and Minuteman Press: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Concert
Office Max: Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concert
Harris Private Bank: Chicago Jazz Orchestra Concert
Illinois Arts Council: Performing Arts sponsor

North Central College presents the timeless production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” in a premier performance in the College’s new Madden Theatre, a showplace in the new Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center. Directed by North Central professor of theatre emeritus and Naperville theatre legend Donald “Doc” Shanower, the classic play chronicles the life of a young Jewish girl and her family’s concealment from the Nazis during the Holocaust. “As North Central was planning its first production in the new Madden Theatre, we felt it was only right that our pioneer get to use the space first,” says Carin Silkaitis, assistant professor of theatre. “We’re thrilled he’s back. And students and the audience will benefit from his extensive knowledge of theatre as well as his life experience; Doc lived through the time in history of this play.” 

For decades, theater in Naperville was synonymous with Doc Shanower. He joined North Central College in 1955 as its first full-time instructor of theatre and in 1969 founded Naperville’s community Summer Place Theatre. Even after his retirement, both ventures have continued to thrive and impact the cultural landscape of the College and Naperville community.   

Shanower says he chose “The Diary of Anne Frank” because of its powerful plot and emotional storyline. “This play strikes a chord in the hearts and minds of people, especially Jewish people, who had undergone this terrible experience. We’re telling their story and I’m remaining as honest with the playwriting as I possibly can,” says Shanower. “The Diary of Anne Frank” opens in the Madden Theatre, a 2,500-square-foot black box performance space that seats up to 150 patrons in a variety of seating and staging configurations to suit the production. “The Diary of Anne Frank” will be performed on a thrust stage, bringing actors and audience up close and personal during the play.