PEORIA MAGAZINE November 2023

MAXAM building owner Andy Driscoll with Irfan Mohammed and wife Shagufta “Muskan” Shaikh

DRISCOLL RETURNS TO STAGE For the first time in nearly 20 years, Andrew Driscoll will take the stage on Dec. 23 for the 25th anniversary reunion performance of What I Am . Released on Conundrum Records in December 1998, What I Am is the first of Driscoll’s three self-produced solo recordings and features 17 songs from various theater performances and songwriters. Driscoll’s performance will take place at The Waterhouse at the MAXAM Building, 316 SW Washington St., Peoria.

A scholarship granted him the oppor tunity to study at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City, where he graduated and entered the professional world at just 19. Driscoll originated principal roles off-Broadway and made his Broadway debut in Miss Saigon at the age of 21. Afterward, he pursued a diverse ca reer, recording solo albums and per forming in regional theaters. Following the events of 9/11, Driscoll returned to Peoria to be closer to family and estab lished the Apollo Professional Theatre. Later, he purchased The Waterhouse, transforming it into the Peoria Cabaret Theatre (PCT) and producing a variety of stage shows, improv comedies and musical revues. In 2005, he launched Central Illinois Dueling Pianos, which has hosted over 500 shows. Driscoll’s businesses moved to the MAXAM Building, where he manages ADJD Management LLC. Additionally, he’s producing an original solo show starring Greg Batton

called Life. In Boxes , which debuts at the Illinois Center College Performing Arts Center on Nov. 4. Driscoll’s journey from Broadway to Peoria reflects his enduring commitment to the arts and entertainment industry, culminating in his current role and involvement with Peoria Pitch. THE NEXT PERFORMANCE Driscoll hopes to promote round two of Peoria Pitch toward the end of the year. He’s working to find at least two other properties. “Part of the struggle is convincing other property owners to engage in this. They’re being asked to put a little skin in the game,” Driscoll said. It’s all about introducing new busi nesses to Downtown to help make Peo ria a destination spot for tourists and locals alike. “The goal of this is not to have a successful business move in and put somebody else out of business,” said

For ticket information and performance times, visit WaterhousePeoria.com.

Driscoll. “We need everyone who’s here now to continue to succeed and grow.”

Lisa Coon is a Peoria native who had a long career in the newspaper industry before moving into marketing and communications

26 NOVEMBER 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE