Kelsey Grammer | Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
CARTHAGE, Ill. — The Legacy Theater has announced its live performance series for the first half of 2025, with a performance by television star Kelsey Grammer headlining the list.
“An Evening with Kelsey Grammer: Remembering the Life and Legacy of John Mahoney” is set for 6 p.m. on June 21, 2025. In an intimate fireside chat, Grammer brings his signature wit and charm to the stage while celebrating memories of Mahoney, who played his father, Martin Crane, in the series “Frasier.” The late Mahoney has family and college ties in the region served by the Legacy Theater.
Grammer has excelled at the highest levels in theatre, television and film as an actor, producer and director. He has won six Emmys, three Golden Globes, a SAG Award and a Tony Award. A role as Dr. Frasier Crane on “Cheers” developed into the cornerstone of the Juilliard-trained actor’s career. Grammer played the celebrated character in three different television series (“Cheers,” “Wings” and “Frasier”) over 20 years, tying a record for longest-running television character. Grammer can be seen in Paramount Plus’ long-awaited and critically acclaimed “Frasier,” which marks the third act of his beloved character. That show premiered in the fall of 2023.
Other live performance shows on the schedule are:
Saturday, Feb. 1 — The Wizard of Oz presented by Missoula Children’s Theatre — 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Kids perform for kids! The story is as familiar as it is beloved. That nasty tornado carries Dorothy and her canine pal Toto from the friendly confines of her Kansas home to a fabled fantasy of mystery in the land of Oz. The story begins with the Illusionists who set the scene for the tale you are about to witness. With the help of the Munchkins and Glinda herself, the young Miss Gale and her loyal pooch join forces with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and, of course, the Cowardly Lion. Off they go down the Yellow Brick Road–side-stepping a Wicked Witch and her ferocious Kalidahs, Sprouts that are far nicer-looking than they act, and the loyal Green Guard-on their perilous journey to find the Wizard and ask for his help. They are sure his Wizness will grant their wishes and send Dorothy and Toto back to their home — or will he?
Saturday, Feb. 15 — ComedySportz Quad Cities — 2 p.m.
ComedySportz is a family-friendly all-ages improvisational comedy show. Using audience suggestions, the red team and blue team compete for the audience’s laughter and approval. The audience is the ultimate winner when our “actaletes” compete. High energy and hilarious, this highly interactive show gets the entire audience into the act. ComedySportz has been a household name in the Midwest since 1984 and in the Quad Cities since 1990.
Friday, Feb. 28 — Pam Tillis — 7 p.m.
As the daughter of country music royalty, Pam Tillis was determined from a young age to find her own way in music as a singer and songwriter. Her 1991 album “Put Yourself In My Place” yielded two No. 1s, two top-five singles and one top 20 hit, and in its first year, the album was certified gold. Tillis followed with three platinum albums on Arista Records — “Homeward Looking Angel” in 1992, “Sweethearts Dance” in 1994 and an Arista “Greatest Hits” in 1997. Tillis achieved six No. 1 songs during this time — “Shake the Sugar Tree,” “Mi Vida Loca,” “When You Walk In The Room,” “In Between Dances,” “Don’t Tell Me What To Do” and “Maybe It Was Memphis.” Fourteen of her other singles landed in the top 10 and top 20.
Friday, March 14 —“How Sweet It Is,” Steve Leslie sings James Taylor — 7 p.m.
Recording artist Steve Leslie, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter for Kenny Rogers, George Strait, Darius Rucker), performs the music of James Taylor, along with his five-piece band. Leslie’s warm baritone and exceptional guitar technique (as well as his uncanny resemblance) will have audiences singing along to such classics as “Carolina In My Mind,” “Shower the People,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Fire and Rain” and “Up On the Roof.”
Sunday, March 30 — “Alice in Wonderland,” performed by Lexington Children’s Theater — 2 p.m.
Join Alice as she chases the White Rabbit and journeys into a topsy-turvy world of fantastical adventures. Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s story jumps from page to stage in this unique theater adaptation of this audience favorite.
Saturday, April 12 — Riders in the Sky — 2 p.m.
Winners of two Grammy Awards, “Riders in the Sky” stands hats and shoulders above the rest of the purveyors of comedy and western. For more than 40 years, they have kept the flame passed on by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, becoming modern-day icons with their wacky humor, western wit and cowboy way of life. “Riders in the Sky” pays tribute to and poke gentle fun at the classic cowboy songs of the 1930s and 1940s. The group is made up of lead singer Ranger Doug (born Douglas B. Green), Woody Paul (born Paul Chrisman) on fiddle and vocals, Too Slim (born Frederick Owen LaBour) on string bass and guitar, and, since the mid-1990s, “Cowpolka King” Joey Miskulin on accordion.
Saturday, May 10 — Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Broadway” — 7 p.m.
“100 Years of Broadway” recreates the greatest moments from the finest shows of the century featuring the actual stars of shows such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “Cats,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Jekyll and Hyde.” Backed by Berg and a small musical combo, three amazing Broadway performers light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from Broadway’s newest hit shows.
Saturday, May 31 — “Tribute to the Music of John Denver” starring Jim Curry — 7 p.m.
National touring performer Jim Curry will have you clapping your hands and singing along to hit after hit. Curry was cast to be the voice of Denver in the CBS movie“Take Me Home: The John Denver Story.” Curry also was chosen as a key performer in the induction of Denver into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame show and hosted the official John Denver Estate show that toured the United States and Australia.
