Jim Belushi, Spamilton Conclude Heritage Center’s 9th Anniversary

The University of Dubuque's John & Alice Butler Hall Heritage Center is about to wrap up its ninth anniversary season with two huge shows taking place over the next couple of weeks.

The Heritage Center's Executive Director Tom Robbins stopped in studio today to discuss the final two spring shows. On April 14th at 7:30pm, Jim Belushi and the Board of Comedy take the stage of the Heritage Center for a night of improv comedy fun!

Of course, Belushi is known for headlining the ABC sitcom According to Jim, in addition to his work on Saturday Night Live and the relaunched series Twin Peaks.

"Jim will be here with three other improvisationalists, one of which was a co-star of his on According to Jim, Larry Joe Campbell," Tom said. "Jim actually said Larry Joe was the real star of the show."

Being that the show is improv, audience participation is encouraged as the show takes on a Second City-vibe according to Tom. Tickets can still be purchased here.

You can check out a special video Jim Belushi ahead of his appearance in Dubuque!

The Heritage Center's final show of the season is set to be Spamilton: An American Parody. Right off the bat, you can probably tell its source of inspiration. The musical is a spoof of Lin-Manuel Miranda's acclaimed, wildly popular musical Hamilton. Gerard Alessandrini, the mastermind behind the long-running hit show Forbidden Broadway, is the creator of this wacky yet endearing send-up.

"Yes, they're gonna be spoofing Hamilton, but they'll also be alluding to, like, 50 other Broadway musicals along the way," Tom noted. "So, there's gonna be references musically to all these other Broadway shows. If you're a Broadway fan, you're gonna hear a lot of your favorites, at least a little sampling..."

Tom also added that legendary stage and screen performers like Barbara Streisand and Cher are the targets of some jabs as well. Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda even saw Spamilton and gave it probably the only review you need to read if you're considering seeing it: "I laughed my brains out."

Spamilton hits the Heritage Center on Tuesday, April 19th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Following Spamilton, that'll be a wrap for the Heritage Center's ninth anniversary. Tom promised, however, that he and his loyal team are already planning a great winter and a memorable 10th anniversary for next year!

You can listen to my full interview with Tom below!