Orly KG, Bad Momz of Comedy founder — laughs coming to The Orpheum

Allie Bryan, Connor Atwell, Lorie Larsen & Kenny Knox preview Prairie Players' Cinderella

The stage floor is cement, so don't expect a trap door — but Prairie Players Civic Theatre found other ways to make the magic happen. Allie Bryan, Connor Atwell, Lorie Larsen, and director Kenny Knox joined Galesburg's Morning News ahead of the July 17 opening of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. They talked about: Why this version of Cinderella is closer to the original fairy tale than the Disney film The intimate "box theater" setting, and how it puts the audience right in the middle of the action How the cast pulls off costume transformations on stage without a traditional trap door Allie's return to musical theater after several years away, and the challenge of learning the waltz Prairie Players' upcoming "A Night of One Acts" this September   Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella runs July 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees July 19 and 26 at 2 p.m., at Prairie Players Civic Theatre, 160 S. Seminary St., Galesburg. Tickets are available at prairieplayers.com. 🎧 Subscribe to Galesburg's Morning News: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Fran Moore and Tim Holmes — Altona's historic stage returns after 92 years

A stage that's been dark since 1934 is putting on a show again. Fran Moore of the Altona Historical Society and Tim Holmes of the Galesburg Performing Arts Academy joined Galesburg's Morning News on Thursday, July 9, to talk about the restored Ransom Memorial Library Hall and the free Oklahoma! Youth Edition performance marking its reopening. They talked about: The restoration of Ransom Memorial Library Hall, and why the project grew from a simple museum into a full community center The unexpected challenge that means the hall's new elevator won't be working for Saturday's reopening How more than $500,000 in restoration costs came entirely from community support Why Oklahoma! Youth Edition was chosen for the reopening performance What else is happening around Altona Day, including a parade, softball, and fireworks   Related story: After 92 years, Altona's historic stage hosts a show again 🎧 Subscribe to Galesburg's Morning News: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Taste of Galesburg raffle to help Riverbend Food Bank

United Way is matching every dollar raised by this year's Taste of Galesburg raffle, up to $5,000, and sending all of it straight to Riverbend Food Bank. Jeannie Weber, Anthony Law, and Pippi Ardennia joined Galesburg's Morning News on Wednesday, July 8, to talk about it. Listen to the full interview below. They talked about: This year's Taste of Galesburg raffle prizes, and why winners no longer need to be present How to buy raffle tickets in advance, plus two separate bonus prize drawings United Way's merger and expansion into Knox, Henderson, and Mercer counties The 211 crisis line and Imagination Library literacy program What to expect from Pippi Ardennia's performance at this year's Taste   Related story: United Way raffle at Taste of Galesburg to benefit Riverbend Food Bank 🎧 Subscribe to Galesburg's Morning News: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Orly KG, Bad Momz of Comedy founder — laughs coming to The Orpheum

Orly KG, founder of Bad Momz of Comedy, joined Galesburg's Morning News on Tuesday, July 7, ahead of Saturday's show at The Orpheum. Listen to the full interview above. Orly KG founded Bad Momz of Comedy in 2022 after a career as a TV news reporter and 15 years running her own public relations firm. What started as a search for something to do once her kids became teenagers has grown into a touring comedy brand with more than 80 female comics nationwide, featured on NBC's Kelly Clarkson Show. Saturday's Galesburg show features a four-comic lineup, including Orly KG, ahead of what she calls a "no drama allowed" green room culture built around supporting each other rather than competing. Orly KG talked with WGIL's Tyler Gumm and Jay Redfern about: What to expect from Saturday's R-rated, 18-and-over show How a mom of two ended up doing stand-up comedy in her 40s The "no drama allowed" culture backstage with the Bad Momz of Comedy lineup Her comedy influences, including Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers, Carol Burnett, and her own mother What she's expecting from a historic venue like The Orpheum   Bad Momz of Comedy performs Saturday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. at The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg. Tickets are available at GalesburgOrpheum.org or by calling (309) 342-2299. 🎧 Subscribe to Galesburg's Morning News: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Lillian Rogers, Mila Nolan & Ensley Ball — 2026 Knox County Fair Queens

The 2026 Knox County Fair Queens joined Galesburg's Morning News on Monday, July 6, 2026 — opening day of the 175th Knox County Fair. Lillian Rogers of Gilson was crowned Miss Knox County Fair Queen, Mila Nolan of Knoxville was crowned Junior Miss Knox County Fair Queen, and Ensley Ball of Knoxville was crowned Little Miss Knox County Fair Queen — all at The Orpheum Theatre on June 27. Topics covered in this interview include: What it felt like when their names were called at The Orpheum Lillian's goal of becoming a criminal investigator Mila's small business and love of competitive cheer and volleyball Ensley's favorite ride at the fair Must-have fair food — all three queens weigh in The 175th Knox County Fair runs July 6 through July 11 at the Knox County Fairgrounds in Knoxville. Read the full pageant results: 2026 Knox County Fair Queens — full results For the full 175th Knox County Fair preview, visit our fair preview story. For schedules and tickets, visit knoxfair.com. 🎧 Subscribe to Galesburg's Morning News: Apple Podcasts Spotify