It’s the world’s oldest company-sponsored chorus—76 years young this year—and still going strong, with over 100 members today. The Caterpillar Employees Mixed Chorus has entertained audiences in and around Peoria—and enhanced relationships in the workplace—since its formation in 1941.
“Then and now, it is an outlet to foster and promote employee creativity and the love of music for the enjoyment of its members, all employees, their families and the community,” says Rachel Emmett, asset control analyst at Caterpillar Inc. and a Chorus member. “[It] is a great way to network with others at Caterpillar—building friendships with new contacts as well as strengthening existing relationships by getting to know each other better in a more relaxed and social setting. Being on stage is also an opportunity to enhance presentation skills for work-related meetings.”
Each fall the Chorus offers five performances of a popular stage show; this year it will present The Addams Family at Eastlight Theatre in East Peoria. Based on the original characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams, the musical focuses on a challenge faced by all families: the kids are growing up. It seems Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with a “normal” boy, and the family must face up to “the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations: change.”
So don’t miss the fall musical, but if you do… “We also sing at various places around the holidays,” Emmett adds, “and our spring show tours local retirement homes and includes 10 to 14 performances.” iBi
Performances of The Addams Family take place October 12-15, 2017, with 7:30pm shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2:00pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Visit eastlighttheatre.com to purchase tickets, and keep up with the Chorus at facebook.com/CatChorus.
