Prairie Fire Theatre

Prairie Fire Theatre Founded in 1997, Prairie Fire is a theatrical group dedicated to bringing professional, first-rate musical theatre and light opera to the local community.

Prairie Fire Theatre is a unique musical experience. The brainchild of local artist Robert Mangialardi, Prairie Fire is a theatrical group dedicated to bringing professional, first-rate musical theatre and light opera to the local community. Prairie Fire has staged three to four musical theatre events each year since incorporating in 1998, and has produced the works of such composers and librettis

ts as Gilbert and Sullivan, George and Ira Gershwin, and Irving Berlin. All Prairie Fire events are performed and directed by local talent, drawing from a largely untapped but highly skilled pool of professional artists many of whom are affiliated with Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University. The majority of Prairie Fire Theatre's performances are held on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University, but the company takes pride in taking musical theatre to non-traditional community settings.

From Nancy Steele Brokaw! Don’t forget your last chance to see a FREE public performance of this charming show is Friday...
05/19/2026

From Nancy Steele Brokaw!

Don’t forget your last chance to see a FREE public performance of this charming show is Friday, May 22 at 6:30 PM at the Hansen Center, Illinois Wesleyan University, 300 E Beecher St, Bloomington.

You have THREE opportunities today to catch the FREE public performances of our 2026 children’s opera, “Quack-a-Doodle-D...
05/16/2026

You have THREE opportunities today to catch the FREE public performances of our 2026 children’s opera, “Quack-a-Doodle-Doo!”

10:00 am
Bloomington Public Library
205 E Olive St, Bloomington

1:00 pm
Normal Public Library
206 W College Ave, Normal

3:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church
1613 E Emerson St, Bloomington

And if you can’t make today, there is one more chance Friday, May 22 at 6:30pm in the Hansen Center at Illinois Wesleyan University at 300 E Beecher St, Bloomington.

Our 2026 Children’s opera “Quack-a-Doodle-Doo!” is currently touring to 51 schools! This delightful, 40-minute operatic ...
05/11/2026

Our 2026 Children’s opera “Quack-a-Doodle-Doo!” is currently touring to 51 schools!

This delightful, 40-minute operatic romp written by Nancy Steele Brokaw and directed by Rhys Lovell, looks at how to reach out and talk to people, how to make a plan, and why community matters.

Not an elementary school student? No worries! YOU have four opportunities to catch one of our FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES! Bring out the kids or grandkids, or just come to enjoy yourself!

Schedule:

Saturday, May 16, 10:00 am
Bloomington Public Library
205 E Olive St, Bloomington

Saturday, May 16, 1:00 pm
Normal Public Library
206 W College Ave, Normal

Saturday, May 16, 3:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church
1613 E Emerson St, Bloomington

Friday, May 22, 6:30pm
Hansen Center, Illinois Wesleyan University
300 E Beecher St, Bloomington

05/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to support us at our 2026 Garden Party Gala! We had a wonderful turnout in support of our efforts and our upcoming season! If you were unable to attend, here is a sampling of what you missed! Visit us at prairiefiretheatre.org to find out about our upcoming programs, including four FREE performances of our delightful children’s opera “Quack-a-Doodle-Doo!” on May 16 and 22.

Setup is underway for tonight’s Gala fundraiser for our 2026 season! Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store! Tickets are av...
05/09/2026

Setup is underway for tonight’s Gala fundraiser for our 2026 season! Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store! Tickets are available at prairiefiretheatre.org.

ONE DAY MORE! (But, alas, we do not have a selection from Les Misérables planned this year.) Here’s a sneak peek of the ...
05/08/2026

ONE DAY MORE! (But, alas, we do not have a selection from Les Misérables planned this year.) Here’s a sneak peek of the wonderful shows and artists that will be represented on our Gala stage tomorrow night. Tickets are still available at prairiefiretheatre.org!

Let’s give a shout out to the immensely talented accompanists who will be making our Gala vocalists shine! Join us in TH...
05/06/2026

Let’s give a shout out to the immensely talented accompanists who will be making our Gala vocalists shine! Join us in THREE DAYS to enjoy the keyboard virtuosity of Charles Berggren, Sarah Dale and Lu Witzig!

We are ONE WEEK away from this year’s Gala fundraiser. Today we’re sharing the news release that went out to the press! ...
05/02/2026

We are ONE WEEK away from this year’s Gala fundraiser. Today we’re sharing the news release that went out to the press!

Prairie Fire Theatre Announces Its 2026 Garden Party Champagne Gala and Fundraiser

Prairie Fire Theatre invites members of the Bloomington-Normal community to join us at 6:30pm Saturday, May 9, for a magical evening of music, laughter, and entertainment at Prairie Fire Theatre’s Garden Party Annual Champagne Gala and Fundraiser! This special night showcases Central Illinois’ top musical talent, as dedicated singers and pianists generously donate their immense talent to support our mission. This year’s vocal lineup includes Nate Douglas, Pat Gaik, Aaron Hayes, Andy Kreiss, Petra Lyon, Mindy Mangialardi, Bob Mangialardi, Sarah Mayo, Mina McIntire, Kenny Prince, Rusty Russell, Adam Schofield, and Katherine Starr with a special appearance by the cast of Prairie Fire Theatre’s 2026 Children’s Opera. Performers will be accompanied by the extraordinary pianists Charles Berggren, Sarah Dale and Lu Witzig.

We’ll gather once again at the Hansen Student Center on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University for this unforgettable event. Individual tickets are $85 in advance, $95 at the door; or sponsor a table for 8 for $640, a savings of $5 per ticket. Tickets are available for purchase at prairiefiretheatre.org. Your ticket includes an abundant buffet of sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres, a variety of alcohol and alcohol-free beverages, and the opportunity to take home exciting live auction items and raffle prizes.

Please join us in raising a glass to the arts!

04/30/2026

Thank you, Susan at WBNQ for hosting Ken and Bob to talk about our upcoming Gala May 9 and our 2026 season!

Here's a rundown of info for this year's fundraising Gala on Saturday, May 9 at 6:30 in the Hansen Center and IWU! We've...
04/29/2026

Here's a rundown of info for this year's fundraising Gala on Saturday, May 9 at 6:30 in the Hansen Center and IWU! We've made a few changes this year, but you can expect the same great time. For tickets, visit prairiefiretheatre.org.

Address

PO Box 964
Normal, IL
61761

Telephone

+13098088558

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Prairie Fire Theatre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Prairie Fire Theatre:

Shortcuts

Share

Category