Homecoming is always a great time for alumni to return to campus, and this year the College of Fine Arts has a number of outstanding activities that will add to the fun.

First up is the musical Spring Awakening by Duncan Sheik and Steven Slater, winner of eight Tony Awards, including “Best Musical,” and based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial play about the time of maturation from adolescence to self-discovery. According to Director Matt Campbell, “This iconic contemporary alt-rock musical tears down the walls of classical styles and aims to hit the visceral center of our collective knowledge; the knowledge of growing, changing, hurting, loving, and finally acceptance. So let this be our story.” Music Director Pete Guither will perform the musical with an eight-piece orchestra onstage. The production is recommended for mature audiences.

Homecoming week performances of Spring Awakening will be held at 7:30 p.m. October 1–5 (Tuesday through Saturday) in the Center for the Performing Arts.  Tickets are available by calling (309) 438-2535 or through Ticketmaster.

Additional Fine Arts events Homecoming week

Rural Documentary Collection Exhibition—On view throughout the week at University Galleries. (Free)

Artist talk by Rhondal McKinney—4 p.m. October 2 at University Galleries, followed at 5:30 p.m. by a Friends of the Arts Gallery Gallop. (Free)

The Forever Waltz (play by Glyn Maxwell inspired by the Orpheus story)—7:30 p.m. October 3, 4, and 5 in 207 Centennial West lab theatre. Tickets available by calling (309) 438-2535.

Faculty Jazz Recital—8 p.m. October 3 in University Galleries. (Free)

College of Fine Arts Tailgating Tent—11 a.m.–2 p.m. October 5 in the Redbird Tent Zone. Stop by and join us for some food and conversation. (Free)

Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Bands Concert—3 p.m. October 6 in the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall. Tickets available by calling (309) 438-2535.

Evening of Brass—7 p.m. October 6 in the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall. Tickets available by calling (309) 438-2535.