I'll preface this by saying I am a Member of the Presidents Club and a resident in the Historic District which North Central College is a close neighbor. The shows and performances at Pfeiffer Hall and Wentz Hall are great values. Well done events in venues that keep one really engaged. Pfeiffer Hall is eclectic and historic, but has great acoustics. Wentz Hall is a new feature for NCC that has a more modern theatre feel but with more infancy.
a generous alum paid for this world class auditorium to hear first class performers.acoustics as god as anywhere in usa
This complex includes the Wentz Concert Hall, Madden Theater, Pfeiffer Hall and Meiley-Swallow Theater. The Wentz and Madden are new constructions (mid 2000s) with interesting, modern architecture, located on Chicago Avenue just as the road tips to go into the Downtown Area. The Wentz, which seats approx. 600 people, has world class acoustics and design and attracts big names - Chicago Symphony Orchestra - as well as smaller performing musicians. The Madden Theater - the Blackbox Theater - is located in the same building on the west side and is used for contemporary theater and jazz performances. The Pfeiffer Hall is a much older classical stage theater (with curtains/wings). Some local performers say it is past its best from a performance perspectives, although the audience side of the theater is still attractive. It is located in the heart of the North Central College area on Benton Avenue. The final venue is a converted church. The Meiley-Swallow Theater seats about 300 in an intimate setting due to the Thrust Stage, and offers smaller plays, musicals and individual performers play here. All of the venues are excellent from an audience perspective, are close to downtown for pre- or post-dining or drinking and between them offer a real great menu of choices. Almost every night there is something going on somewhere.
The North Central college offers a great theater experience. The quality of the experience is far and above the price you pay. We go to 3-4 offerings every year with friends. Many very talented alum return to add a professional quality to many plays.
The Wentz Hall and the Performing Arts Center at North Central College in Naperville is a real gem....Look in the paper for upcoming events as there are some very good musical and arts events with "bigger names" for a small college.
Great shows at a great price. No bad seats and no problem parking. Nice variety of shows to pick from all year.
North Central College invested in a wonderful performing arts center a few years ago and we have attended several events there. They have both high quality offerings presented by local and collegiate groups as well as professional musicians. The venue is first class and it is in downtown Naperville, so it is easy to walk a few blocks and share a great meal before or after a performance.
Lots of well known performers- also check out the college shows; some great new talents there as well
We always enjoy the performances at North Central College, especially at Wentz or Pfeiffer. The ticket prices are fair- even when the performance is a "biggger name". The student productions are generally not crowded and the quality is superb.
We took grandchildren (ages 6-12) and they loved it There were only four actors and they did the narrative in addition to their role. No problem.