McAninch Arts Center

The MAC is a very beautiful space with fantastic acoustics. The entrance is really beautiful, and the rows are incredibly spacious with even enough legroom for my 6'4" boyfriend to be comfortable. My only gripe with the MAC is that the rows extend from one end of the theater to the other, which means that if you are seated toward the end like I was, you will have to stand up for people getting to their seat about a dozen times. I thought it was modern and clean, but at the performance of the New Philharmonic this past weekend, they announced plans for a complete interior remodel for even better acoustics and comfier seats set to be completed sometime next school year.  

I am not from the area, but it's easy to take a trip out to the burbs for dinner and a show and make a night out of it. If you go to see a show by the New Philharmonic, you get to spend an evening with the conductor, Kirk Muspratt. With long, curly blonde hair and an "Ask Kirk" segment during intermission, this guy is a total character who spices up the show and makes it a fun, unique experience.

For those who are huge Disney fans like myself, you will be pleased to know that the MAC will be doing a Disney in Concert, which was thankfully advertised for people of all ages. With Kirk leading the way, it might be enough for me to make the drive out again.

Also, the College of Dupage sometimes posts cheaper tickets to events at the MAC on <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2FGoldstar.com&s=76cc9aa92bd759a8dc9e077a998598e2c4afa6464d1300f45ee39998180df705" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://Goldstar.com</a>, so check them out before you buy!

I can recall when the MAC was opened and was impressed from the start. There are no bad seats in the house. The acoustics are so solid it's unreal (some places WISH they had acoustics like the MAC does). This is a wonderful place to see an event. I've seen several events over the years. Good views all over and very intimate setting. If you get the chance to see an event here, go. PLENTY of parking as well. The MAC is the Swan Swan for former COD Presiden Hal McAninch, which opened just before he retired. Job well done.

Wonderfully intimate space with excellent acoustics. I can't imagine there's a bad seat in the house. Five rows up and just right of center was an amazing place to see Kurt Elling and his boys put on quite the show. I especially appreciated the lax rules on beverages and was surprised with the large variety of wine and spirits available for purchase (reasonably priced, no less) with no lines, right outside the theater doors.

The performance was inspiring. The smiles Elling's crew had on their faces the whole time spoke volumes. Ulysses Owens, Jr. has a ridiculously infectious smile, not to mention awesome skills on the drums. The hushed banter between one another just barely audible made me feel like part of the production as I wondered who was having more fun - me, or the band.

Parking was plentiful, and traffic wasn't an issue coming or going. It was surprising to find Kurt Elling at the MAC, but it seems they play host to many best-of-class performers.