The Rockford Symphony Orchestra spent an evening at Hononegah High School

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) opens the 2025/2026 season with Broadway and Beyond, starring Broadway Star and vocalist Ben Crawford, on Saturday, October 18th, at 7:30 pm, at the Coronado Theater in Rockford. Due to logistical problems, the orchestra rehearsal was moved from the Coronado Theater to Hononegah High School, 307 North Salem Street, Rockton, Illinois.

Ben was raised in Tucson, Arizona, and earned a degree in Musical Theater at the University of Arizona. He eventually arrived on Broadway in New York, where he starred in the Broadway revival of Les Misérables and was the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera.

He has played the role of the bully in Big Fish, acted On the Twentieth Century, and performed Mr. Salt in Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. Check out his EP, Electronic Pandemic, on all streaming platforms. Ben is married and is the father of two children. He splits his time between New York and Tucson. "I am excited to be here and am really looking forward to performing at the Coronado Theater."

Kevin Stites is the new Principal Conductor of the Pops Series. He said he is thrilled to be returning to his "hometown" Orchestra. Stites grew up in Pecatonica, Illinois. After graduating with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in music from the University of Illinois, he made his way to Broadway in New York City. He returned to Pecatonica when COVID - 13 emerged. "My parents both died and left their house to me, so I decided to live in both New York and Pecatonica."

Kevin has conducted orchestras throughout the United States. He recently made his Chicago Symphony and Ravinia Festival debut conducting Yours Stephen Sondheim. He spent six seasons as Music Director for the Radio City Christmas Specialty.

Locally, he has conducted the July 4th concert at Starlight Theater in Rockford and the annual Rockford Symphony Holiday Pops in 2024. He will return for the 2025 holiday concert, Saturday, Dec.20, 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 21, 3:00 pm.

Broadway and Beyond vocalist Ben Crawford and Kevin Stites are good friends. "I cast Ben in his first Broadway show. In fact, we lived together in New York for three or four years."

According to Julie Thomas, Executive Director of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, tickets are still available for the Broadway and Beyond concert tonight, October 18, at 7:30 pm.

Call the Box Office at 815-968-0595 for ticket information. The Coronado Theater is at 314 North Main Street in Rockford, Illinois.

Images provided by Alan Mohring Photography - See all is work and book him for your photography needs HERE.