Set your phasers to stun! Prepare to be beamed up for an unforgettable night with the original ‘Captain James T. Kirk,’ award-winning actor William Shatner at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14, as part of the Lake Michigan College Speaker Series.
The audience will embark on a cosmic adventure like no other when Shatner leads a journey through time and space; sharing fascinating and humorous behind-the-scenes stories from his life and illustrious career, including answering audience questions. VIP tickets are available, which include a post-show photo opportunity with Mr. Shatner.
Mr. Shatner and the producers at Mills Entertainment support SAG/AFTRA and have worked with them to adjust this event to adhere to the guidelines of the ongoing and necessary strike.
7:00 p.m. - Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Screening**
9:00 p.m. - William Shatner LIVE On-Stage
**This screening is a complimentary offering from the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center for all ticket holders of William Shatner LIVE On-Stage.
Released in North America on June 4, 1982, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” set a world record for its first-day box office gross and ended up earning $97 million worldwide. It is considered by many to be the best film in the “Star Trek” series and is often credited with reviving widespread interest in the franchise.
Shatner has cultivated a career spanning over 50 years as an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist, and horseman. He is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures and a major philanthropist. His accomplishments in television, film, and stage would take a great deal of time and more space than allotted here.
In 1966, Shatner originated the role of “Captain James T. Kirk” in the television series “Star Trek.” The series spawned a feature film franchise where Shatner returned as Captain Kirk in seven of the “Star Trek” movies, one of which he directed.
Shatner played the title role in the hit television series “T.J. Hooker” before hosting television’s first reality-based series, “Rescue 911.” He won Emmys and his first Golden Globe for his portrayal of eccentric lawyer “Denny Crane” on both “The Practice” and “Boston Legal.” He received four more Emmy nominations as well as other Golden Globe and SAG Award nods.
“Shatner's Raw Nerve,” which aired on Bio, was his own edgy, celebrity interview series. Each episode showcased Shatner getting to know his guest on an intensely personal level, touching upon subjects not normally visited on other talk shows. Guests have discussed topics such as addiction, grief, childhood, marriage, combat, and parenthood.
His love of music inspired him to record the critically acclaimed album “Has Been.” The Milwaukee Ballet performed “Common People,” a dance presentation set to several numbers from the record; the event and its preparations are featured in the documentary “Gonzo Ballet,” which played to sold-out houses at film festivals worldwide.
In August 2018, Shatner released the country music album, “What About Me,” with Heartland Records. Following the album release, Shatner experienced much success with “Shatner Clause,” a holiday album released in October 2018 which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard chart. Shatner’s musical project, “Ponder the Mystery,” with lyrics by William Shatner and music by Billy Sherwood was released October 2013. It followed the well-received, space-inspired album “Seeking Major Tom,” which featured songs by U2, Frank Sinatra, Queen, and Pink Floyd and was released in October 2011.
Off the screen and broadcast waves, Shatner has authored nearly 30 best-sellers in both the fiction and non-fiction genres. His autobiography, “Up Till Now,” was a New York Times best-seller and was followed by “Shatner Rules” which was released in October 2011. William Shatner’s book, “Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man,” was released in February 2016 appearing on the New York Times Bestseller list. William Shatner’s newest book, “Live Long And…What I Might Have Learned Along the Way,” was released in September 2018.
In April 2011, Shatner launched his hugely popular one-man show, “Shatner’s World” on Broadway. He toured in Australia and New Zealand, followed by tours in Canada and over 50 cities in the United States. The show is currently touring in the United States and abroad.
Tickets for William Shatner LIVE On-Stage start at $45 and are on sale now. A limited number of Club Mendel stage side table seating tickets are also available. Order tickets online at www.TheMendelCenter.com/events, by calling the box office at 269-927-8700 option 1, or in person one hour before event time at the Mendel Center box office in the Mainstage lobby.
Mendel Center series ticket packages are available by purchasing three or more season events. Series package benefits include a 10% discount on eligible events. Those who also contribute $100 or more to the Mendel Center before purchasing a series ticket package receive a 15% discount on eligible events plus donor benefits based on giving level.
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Mendel Center 2023-2024 Season Sponsors
Stage Side Sponsors: Meijer, Sturgis Bank, TPC Technologies, Wales Wealth Management Group,
Platinum Sponsor: CK Catering, Forte Coffee
Media Partners: 97.5 Y Country, 98.3 The Coast, The Herald Palladium, The Lake 95.7 MailMax, News/Talk 94.9 WSJM, Rock 107 WIRX, SuperHits 103.7
Preferred Partner Hotel: The Boulevard Inn & Bistro
Artistic Partners: Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Twin City Players
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About the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center
The Lake Michigan College Mendel Center raised the curtain on its first Mendel Center season performance in the fall of 1992. Since then, it has presented performances and guest speakers to more than half a million patrons in the 1,559-seat Mendel Center Mainstage Theatre. Grand Upton Hall, first opened in 1979 and fully renovated in 2019, is a 13,700-square-foot venue serving the community as the host site for meetings, banquets, trade shows, weddings, and other celebrations. The 229-seat Hanson Theatre, which was renovated in 2020, hosts numerous Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department performances as well as a variety of Mendel Center and community events.
The Mendel Center is 30 minutes from Niles and 40 minutes from the Kalamazoo and South Bend areas. It is located on the Lake Michigan College campus at 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan, one mile east of I-94 (Exit 30) and one mile west of the US 31 Bypass (exit 24). Its GPS mapping address is 1100 Yore Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI.
Posted August 22, 2023