That's entertainment A guide to entertainment venues

By Heather Collier

You're never far from world-class entertainment in Southeast Missouri. Sure, you could drive to St. Louis or Memphis to see Broadway shows and concerts, but there's really no need thanks to the abundance of theater and concert venues in Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky.

Here, a look at some of the biggest venues in the area:

River Campus

Bedell Performance Hall: The Bedell is a state-of-the-art theater that is home to touring Broadway shows, symphony performances and university-produced shows. It seats 951 people on two levels and two balconies.

Rust Flexible Theater: This intimate space has seating for 190 and allows for several seating configurations. Dance recitals and student performances are often held in the Rust.

Shuck Music Recital Hall: The original chapel of the seminary has been converted into the acoustically and aesthetically stunning Shuck Recital Hall, home of small music ensemble performances, such as the Sundays at Three series.

Events: www.rivercampusevents.com

Box office: 573-651-2265

Show Me Center

Since opening in 1987, the Show Me Center has hosted everything from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and ballet performances to monster truck shows and professional wrestling. Big-name musicians and comedians such as Willie Nelson and Larry the Cable Guy have also taken the stage at the Show Me Center. It is home to the men's and women's Redhawks basketball teams and is the location for the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament and Missouri state volleyball tournament. Basically, whatever your interest, the Show Me Center has something for you.

Events: showmecenter.biz

Box office: 573-651-5000

The Carson Center

Paducah, Ky.'s Carson Center is a state-of-the-art performance facility with seating for 1,806 in the main hall. Located in downtown Paducah, overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, the Carson Center brings in everything from touring Broadway productions, ranging from "West Side Story" to "Shrek the Musical," to concerts from acts like Gordon Lightfoot and the Gaither Vocal Band. Comedians, music specials and motivational speakers round out the Carson Center's lineup.

Events: www.thecarsoncenter.org/events

Box office: 270-450-4444

Shryock Auditorium

Shryock Auditorium, the largest auditorium in Southern Illinois, seats 1,214 people, with the main floor and horseshoe-shaped balcony creating an intimate space between the artists and the audience. Located on the old campus of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, the auditorium is equipped to handle almost any type of event -- international touring productions, acoustic or sound reinforced music groups, meetings and large conferences.

Events: shryock.siu.edu/events

Box office: 618-453-6000

Sources: semo.edu, showmecenter.biz, thecarsoncenter.org, shryock.siu.edu

Be sure to check semoevents.com for shows held at smaller venues. Trust us: the size of the venue doesn't indicate anything about the size of the entertainment you'll find there!