BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — As it enters its 25th year of bringing nationally and internationally touring artists and performances to southwest Michigan, The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College has raised the curtain on its silver season celebration with the announcement of the 2016-2017 line-up.

“Since the Mainstage opened in 1992, The Mendel Center has established itself as the center for performing arts in southwest Michigan,” said Mike Nadolski, executive director of The Mendel Center. “This season we are celebrating and upholding the commitment this community made a quarter of a century ago to create a unique place for lifelong discovery, cultural understanding, artistic collaboration, and personal connections.”

The 25th Mainstage season begins Friday, Sept. 23, with Internet sensations ThePianoGuys when they bring their classical interpretation of today’s pop hits to the Mainstage. Among other season headliners are King Michael – A Glorious Tribute to the King of Pop, an evening of improv comedy with The Second City Hits Home, the Broadway musical Pippin, the Russian National Ballet Theatre presents Cinderella, and music legend Gordon Lightfoot.

This year’s lineup builds on 559 Mainstage season performances since the fall of 1992. During that time, nearly half a million patrons have attended Mainstage season performances.

“As the largest non-profit performing arts venue in the region, The Mendel Center has been and remains a window to the world for thousands of residents and visitors each year,” Nadolski said. “Its transformative impact on our region comes from the collective experiences of these adults, young people, and children who attend and participate in events here every year.”

To honor the 25th anniversary season, The Mendel Center is offering patrons and community members the opportunity to have a personalized Silver Anniversary nameplate permanently installed on a Mainstage seat with a donation of $500. Donations of $1,000 or more will entitle the donors to two nameplates. Naming opportunities throughout The Mendel Center are available starting at $2,500. All support benefits The Mendel Center Premiere Partner endowed fund which enhances the beauty, comfort, and operation of the facility.

Tickets for the 2016-2017 Silver Anniversary Season are available:

• Now through June 8 — Pre-sale for renewing 2015-2016 Series members who purchase three or more shows.

• June 9 to 13 — Presale for new and renewing Mainstage Series members who purchase three or more shows.

• June 14 — Individual shows go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. New and returning Mainstage Series member ticket packages are available throughout the season.

Mainstage Series member ticket packages are available by purchasing three or more shows, and come with a number of benefits including ticket pre-sale opportunities, discounts, exclusive services, and advance notice of ongoing additions to the season.

 

The Mendel Center Mainstage 2016-2017 Silver Anniversary season lineup is:

 

The Piano Guys

8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23

 

“King Michael — A Glorious Tribute to the King of Pop”

8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7

 

Gordon Lightfoot in Concert “The Legend Lives On…”

8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9

 

Enchantment Theatre Company presents Peter Rabbit Tales

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15

 

Aquila Theatre in Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile”

8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21

 

“The Second City Hits Home”

8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5

 

The Motortown All-Stars’ Christmas Spectacular

8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14

 

“Bryan Lubeck hosts Rejoice A Holiday Musical Tapestry”

8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22

 

The Russian National Ballet Theatre presents “Cinderella”

8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20

 

“Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen”

8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25

 

“Pippin”

8 p.m. Wednesday, March 15

 

“Odd Squad LIVE!”

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 18

 

“Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo LIVE!”

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22

 

Letters Home

4 p.m. Sunday, May 21

 

The Mendel Center is 30 minutes from Niles and 40 minutes from Kalamazoo and South Bend. It is located on the Lake Michigan College campus at 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan. The Mendel Center is one mile east of I-94 (Exit 30) and one mile west of the US 31 Bypass (exit 24).