Fall/Winter 2016 In the Spotlight Guide

IN THE

Sp tlight

Fall/Winter 2016

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING SHOWS AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder

Bonnie Raitt

First Date

Don’t Miss the “Spotlight Specials” on Page 14.

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Fall/Winter 2016

1

WILLKOMMEN TO 50 YEARS AT CABARET

S

ince its premiere 50 years ago, Cabaret has pushed the envelope of mainstream Broadway musicals.

Roundabout Theatre Company’s sultry revival takes the stage at Belk Theater Nov. 8-13. Before the curtain opens, take a look behind the scenes at the history of Cabaret.

OPENING ACT The original production debuted on Broadway Nov. 20, 1966, with Roundabout Theatre Company reviving the show in 1998 and 2014 to rave reviews.

ORCHESTRATION All of the music is performed by the actors, who serve as the orchestra.

These quadruple threats sing, dance, act and play instruments for every single performance.

AND THE WINNER IS ...

The 2016 National Touring cast of Roundabout Theatre Company’s Cabaret, photo by Joan Marcus.

This production won four Tony Awards® including Best Revival of a Musical. How perfectly marvelous!

TOP BILLING Over the years, many famous faces have appeared in Cabaret in the roles of the Emcee and Sally Bowles. The tour visiting Charlotte is fronted by Randy Harrison, star of the hit TV series Queer as Folk.

Cabaret 2

Andrea Goss as Sally Bowles in the 2016 National Touring production of Roundabout Theatre Company’s Cabaret, photo by Joan Marcus.

NOV. 8-13 BELK THEATER

AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Fall/Winter 2016

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Boy Meets Girl … on a Blind Date … in a Musical

W

hen Aaron meets Casey, a casual drink turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner with a few special guests including Grandma Ida, an opinionated best friend, a therapist and a slew of broken-hearted exes. Can this couple turn a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives? First Date is a hysterical and hopeful new Broadway musical about the chances we all take to find love.

Blumenthal’s first-ever self-produced musical will welcome Broadway’s top creative teams and brightest stars. The production will also include a new song and feature an elaborate set – created by, and specifically for, the people of Charlotte.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT QUIZ The Perfect Date in Charlotte Based on Your Personality You always feel more comfortable when you’re in your element! Go to BlumenthalArts.org/FirstDateQuiz and answer a few questions to find out your ideal Queen City date activity!

Share your results on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #myFirstDatepersonality to be entered to win a pair of tickets to opening night of First Date.

First Date IN THE

SEPT. 27-NOV. 20 BOOTH PLAYHOUSE

AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Sp tlight

SeptemberDecember 2016

Produced by Marketing at Blumenthal Performing Arts Wendy Oglesby, vice president Mark Wallace, creative services manager Brandon Carter, marketing and publicity manager

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

On the Cover DESIGNER: Lindsey Burton WRITER/COORDINATOR: Brandon Carter

From top, A Gentleman’s Guide National Touring Company, Kristen Beth Williams as Sibella Hallward, Kevin Massey as Monty Navarro and Adrienne Eller as Phoebe D’Ysquith, photo by Joan Marcus; Bonnie Raitt, photo by Marina Chavez; and Caroline Nicolian & Luke Halferty of Pittsburgh CLO cast for First Date, photo by Laura Petrilla.

Fall/Winter 2016

3

MEET THE ILLUSIONISTS COMING TO OVENS AUDITORIUM IN OCTOBER

T

hink you can’t be fooled? Think again. The mysterious, hyper-talented performers of The Illusionists, coming direct from Broadway to Ovens Auditorium Oct. 21-23, have all had dazzling careers, thanks to the many tricks up their sleeves.

Here’s a little bit of information about some of them.

THE TRICKSTER

THE ESCAPOLOGIST

SPECIALTY: Probably the only man who can make you laugh as he clandestinely snatches your watch.

HOW YOU KNOW HIM: He is best known for his hilarious hosting in Las Vegas and his own one-man shows. He has been featured on HBO, FOX Family’s “Masters of Illusion,” and NBC’s “World’s Greatest Magic.”

SPECIALTY: Death-defying escapes.

THE INVENTOR

THE DEDUCTIONIST

SPECIALTY: Amazing illusions infused with quirky humor.

HOW YOU KNOW HIM: Starting in 2005, he was the headliner of “The World’s Greatest Magic Show” in Las Vegas. Previously, he had starred in a production at the Crazy Horse in Paris. He has performed for the Prince of Monaco, the Sultan of Dubai and recently President Barack Obama and family.

SPECIALTY: Hyper-aware feats of mind reading.

HOW YOU KNOW HIM: With a background in forensic science, he crafted a magic career through shows at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival Fringe. His ability to recall specifics about audience members has earned him praise from the likes of Simon Cowell and ITV’s Jonathan Ross, as well as the title “the real-life Sherlock Holmes.”

AKA JEFF HOBSON

AKA ANDREW BASSO

AKA KEVIN JAMES

The Illusionists 4

Fall/Winter 2016

HOW YOU KNOW HIM: With performances in famed arenas like Sydney Opera House and London’s Hammersmith Apollo, the Italian escape artist has gained worldwide acclaim. His most lauded trick combines Houdini’s famed escape and the world’s first full-view water torture cell.

AKA COLIN CLOUD

OCT. 21-23 OVENS AUDITORIUM Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Brighten Your Season With These Exciting Holiday Shows!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Mannheim Steamroller returns to Belk Theater with its holiday spectacular that’s fun for the whole family! Expect to hear “Deck the Halls” and more from the group that’s recognized as the biggest purveyor of holiday music in the industry.

NOV. 25 • BELK THEATER The Hot Sardines: Holiday Stomp New York’s hot-jazz darlings, The Hot Sardines, get into the big, brass-filled spirit of the holiday season. You’ll hear hits like “White Christmas” infused with their unique twist on New York, Paris and New Orleans jazz.

DEC. 5 • McGLOHON THEATER Marc O’Connor: An Appalachian Christmas Get in the holiday spirit with “An Appalachian Christmas,” which Grammy-winning fiddler Mark O’Connor recalls as a wondrous mixture of Christmas carols, fiddling, bluegrass and other traditional American music.

DEC. 7 • McGLOHON THEATER Jim Brickman: Comfort and Joy Holiday Tour Piano sensation Jim Brickman celebrates his 20-year Christmas concert tradition with holiday classics and modern favorites. Revisit yuletide memories with Brickman’s hits like “The Gift,” “Sending You a Little Christmas,” “Peace,” and “If You Believe.”

DEC. 14 • McGLOHON THEATER

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Fall/Winter 2016

5

FOUR

0

0

l u f l u o S s e i d a L TO GRACE OUR STAGES

OCT. 5 • McGLOHON THEATER

OCT. 7 • BELK THEATER

Rumer Willis Over the Love Tour (A Post Modern Cabaret)

OCT. 26 • OVENS AUDITORIUM 6

Fall/Winter 2016

OCT. 29 • McGLOHON THEATER Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

L

evine Center for the Arts harbors Blumenthal Performing Arts’ newest theater, Knight Theater. Featuring a sleek, state-of-the-art design, Knight Theater offers excellent sightlines from any seat in the house and amazing acoustics that make the venue perfect for any type of performance. Join us at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts for one of these upcoming shows!

nn e Jeabertson Ro

SAVION GLOVER’S

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Fall/Winter 2016

7

E L U D E L SCH

IVA T S E F 2016 MONDAY, SEPT. 26-FRIDAY, SEPT. 30

SATURDAY, OCT. 1

FREE Lunchtime Performances 11:30AM-1PM Obey Your Verse stage at Levine Center for the Arts Plaza Food Trucks on site.

Details at BlumenthalArts.org/Breakin2016.

Street JAM 2016 10AM-4PM Spirit Square FREE fun for the whole family: Graffiti, dance cyphers, live DJ’s, workshops and more activities that focus on hip-hop culture. Food trucks available.

Details at BlumenthalArts.org/JAM.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30-SATURDAY, OCT. 1 FREE FUN for All Ages 5-7:30PM and Show Intermission • Performances on the Obey Your Verse Stage at Levine Center for the Arts Plaza.

• DJ and dance cyphers.

• Kids Night dance workshop.

• FREE graffiti area in Knight loading dock.

• Food trucks and vendor booths open.

Details at BlumenthalArts.org/Breakin2016.

Breakin’ Convention Live Onstage Featuring International Hip-hop Stars 7:30 PM (45 minute intermission to enjoy Free festival activities) Knight Theater Save $5 on tickets at BlumenthalArts.org/SPRITE.

Street Jam 2015

8

Fall/Winter 2016

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

WHAT’S IN YOUR SUITCASE? W e know that packing for months on the road can be tricky, so we asked cast members from a few of our upcoming Broadway shows to dish on what they can’t go on tour without. See what they had to say!

Andrew Basso

Ben Roseberry

The Escapologist

Chief Inspector Pinckney

The Illusionsts: Live From Broadway

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder

“Italian pasta! And I would say my deck of cards! Shuffling cards in many different ways is my way to relax during traveling.”

“I travel with a small

Tommy McDowell

Herman, Customs Official, Max Cabaret “The one thing I couldn’t

midi keyboard which

do without, now that

plugs into my computer

I have it on tour, is my

and allows me to play

induction cooktop and

piano anywhere. I

5-quart sauté pan.

creatively can’t live

Okay, so that’s two

without it.“

things, but they always travel together. You’d be amazed at the meals you can cook with just one pan!”

Kevin James

Christopher Tierney

The Inventor

Johnny Castle

The Illusionsts: Live From Broadway

Dirty Dancing

“The one thing that I cannot leave home without is my stuffed toy unicorn. It is the source of all of my powers.“

“My sense of adventure ... or clean socks and underwear, both are pretty key.”

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Fall/Winter 2016

9

H

enry Rollins, the punk rock singer turned spoken word poet, comes to McGlohon Theater on Oct. 18 with the kind of current events and anecdotal commentary only he can deliver.

Onstage, Rollins is known for his energy and quick wit, but here are a few lesser-known facts about him.

Rollins’ spoken word album, “Get in the Van: On the Road With Black Flag” won a Grammy in 1995, which is the same year his band, Rollins Band, was nominated for Best Heavy Metal Performance.

On top of his musical achievements and poetry, Rollins runs his own record label and publishing company and hosts a weekly show on Los Angeles’ NPR affiliate radio station, KCRW. Rollins received the 2014 Ray Bradbury Creativity Award in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the arts and advocation for literacy.

While he was attending a Black Flag show in New York, Rollins jumped onstage and sang a song with the band. Shortly after the impromptu performance, he was asked to become the group’s lead singer.

Henry Rollins 10

Fall/Winter 2016

OCT. 18 McGLOHON THEATER AT SPIRIT SQUARE

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

THE MAN BEHIND THE DRUMS: AN EXCLUSIVE PROFILE OF ANTONIO SANCHEZ

G

rammy Award®-winning composer Antonio Sanchez will play his acclaimed drum score during a screening of the visually stunning film Birdman on Oct. 30 in McGlohon Theater.

The film stars Michael Keaton and won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Here are some things you ought to know about the man behind one of film’s most talked about soundtracks.

MUSICAL MASTERMIND

Sanchez picked up his first drumsticks at only 5 years old. He went on to study classical piano at Mexico’s National Conservatory and then earned a degree in jazz studies from Berklee College of Music in Boston.

COOL COLLABORATIONS

He has worked with acclaimed guitarist Pat Metheny for over a decade, recording eight albums as a duo. Additionally, he has worked with numerous jazz greats including Gary Burton, Chick Corea and Michael Brecker.

DREAMING UP THE DRUM SCORE

Filmmaker Alejandro Gonzales Iñarritu invited Sanchez to bring his drumming to the forefront of his film Birdman, shot as one continuous scene. Sanchez’s profoundly kinetic score was nominated for both the Hollywood Music in Media Awards and a Golden Globe, and it won the Sound Stars Award for best film score.

BiRDMAN - Film + Live Drum Score

OCT. 30 McGLOHON THEATER AT SPIRIT SQUARE

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Fall/Winter 2016

11

IN THE

Sp tlight Calendar

SEPTEMBER 24 24

John McCutcheon Stage Door Theater

SEPT. 27NOV. 20

Hannibal Buress: The Hannibal Montanable Experience Belk Theater

SEPT. 30OCT. 1

First Date Booth Playhouse Breakin’ Convention Knight Theater

OCTOBER 1

Street Jam Spirit Square

2

Peppa Pig Live!

Belk Theater

The Illusionists Ovens Auditorium

23

Unelectable You McGlohon Theater Loreena McKennitt Knight Theater

5

Esperanza Spalding Presents: Emily’s D+Evolution McGlohon Theater

24

6

Kathleen Madigan: The Mermaid Lady Tour McGlohon Theater

26

Bonnie Raitt – Dig in Deep Tour with Special Guests The California Honeydrops Ovens Auditorium Jordan Smith: Something Beautiful Tour McGlohon Theater

7

Jennifer Nettles Belk Theater

27

7

Howie Day Stage Door Theater

28

Mandolin Orange with Special Guests Dead Horses McGlohon Theater

An Evening with Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen Knight Theater

29

Rumer Willis: Over the Love Tour (A Post Modern Cabaret) McGlohon Theater

14

Griffin House Stage Door Theater

30

BiRDMAN Film + Live Drum Score McGlohonTheater

18

Henry Rollins McGlohon Theater

12

12

21-23

Fall/Winter 2016

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

IN THE

Sp tlight Calendar

NOVEMBER 4

Odd Squad Live!

Knight Theater

6

Bob Dylan and His Band Belk Theater

8-13 9 14

18

Cabaret Belk Theater

20-21 25

Eric Johnson McGlohon Theater Savion Glover’s STePz Knight Theater

NOV. 22DEC. 4

Marc Maron: The Too Real Tour Knight Theater Fela! The Concert Belk Theater Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Belk Theater A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder Knight Theater

DECEMBER 5

The Hot Sardines: Holiday Stomp McGlohon Theater

7

Mark O’Connor: An Appalachian Christmas McGlohon Theater

11 14 27-30

An Evening with George Winston

McGlohon Theater Jim Brickman: Comfort and Joy Holiday Tour McGlohon Theater The Hip Hop Nutcracker Knight Theater

Fillininthe theblanks, blanks,then thenuse useyour youranswers answersto Fill to fill fill in in the the mad mad lib lib on on page Page5.

15.

VERB __________________________________ NOUN _________________________________ DIRECTION _____________________________ EMOTION _____________________________ TIME OF DAY ___________________________ BODY PART (PLURAL)___________________ ARTICLE OF CLOTHING _________________ NOUN (PLURAL) ________________________ VERB __________________________________ NUMBER ______________________________

For a complete list of upcoming shows, visit

BlumenthalArts.org Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Fall/Winter 2016

13

IN THE

Sp tlight Specials

SAVE $10 ON THESE GREAT SHOWS*

YOU’LL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.

SEPT. 27NOV. 20

SEPT. 23-25 OVENS AUDITORIUM

“MAGICʼS CIRQUE DU SOLEIL”

BOOTH PLAYHOUSE

Offer valid for Price Zone 10 at select performances.

*

Offer valid for Price Zone 10 at select performances.

*

OCT. 21-23

OCT. 23

OVENS AUDITORIUM

McGLOHON THEATER

–THE TIMES OF LONDON

“A HIGH-TECH MAGIC EXTRAVAGANZA” –THE NEW YORK TIMES

Offer valid for Price Zone 10 at select performances. *

www.TheIllusionistsLive.com

NOV. 4 KNIGHT THEATER

Offer valid for Price Zone 10. *

SAVION GLOVER’S

T

S EPZ

Offer valid for Price Zone 10.

NOV. 14 KNIGHT THEATER

Offer valid for Price Zone 10.

*

*

Call now for these specials, or visit SEPT. 23 • KNIGHT THEATER BlumenthalArts.org/Spotlight for the latest offers AT LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org Group Sales: 704.348.5752

14

Fall/Winter 2016

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

E

Play for a Chance to Win Tickets

nter to win! Complete the mad lib below with your answers from Page 13 for a chance to win free tickets. Simply snap a photo of your completed mad lib and, using subject line “Mystery Mad Lib,” email it to marketing2@ncbpac.org with your name and contact information. Then, you’ll be entered to win a pair of tickets to opening night of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

You may also enter to win via mail. Remove this page with the mad lib completed, add your contact information, and mail it to us at: Gentleman’s Mad Lib c/o Blumenthal Arts Marketing 345 N. College St. Charlotte, NC 28202 Deadline for entries to be received is Sept. 23.

TONY AWARD

TEA TIME LESSONS

WITH A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER Teayour Timeanswers Lessons Fill in the blanks with from Page 13! with A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder

Tea Time Lessons

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love &the Murder When sipping tea, with one must always _______________ cup. Furthermore, VERB

When sipping tea, one must always _______________ the cup. Furthermore, VERB the _______________ seated to your ______________ must be ________________ at tea time.

NOUN

EMOTION

DIRECTION

the _______________ seated to your ______________ must be ________________ at tea time.

NOUN

EMOTION

DIRECTION

When hosting _____________ tea, one must shake __________________ with each guest TIME OF DAY

BODY PART (PLURAL)

When hosting _____________ tea, one must shake __________________ with each guest TIME OF DAY a _________________ made BODY (PLURAL) unless the guest arrives wearing of PART _______________.

At which point said ARTICLE OF CLOTHING

NOUN (PLURAL)

unless the guest arrives wearing a _________________ made of _______________. At which point said ARTICLE OF NOUNminutes (PLURAL) before their first sip of tea. guest is required to ________________ onCLOTHING the staircase for _______ VERB

NUMBER

guest is required to ________________ on the staircase for _______ minutes before their first sip of tea.

VERB

NUMBER

Fill in the blanks, then use your answers to fill in the mad lib on page 13.

Fill in the blanks, then use your answers NOV. 22-DEC. 4 A Gentleman’s Guide to fill in the mad lib on page 13.

KNIGHT THEATER VERB

to Love & Murder

AT LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

NOUN VERB 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org Tickets: DIRECTION

Fall/Winter 2016

15

16

Fall/Winter 2016

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Dirty Dancing

SEPT. 23-25 OVENS AUDITORIUM

See Page 14 for a special offer on this show and more.

YOU’LL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.

For tickets or information, call 704.372.1000 or visit BlumenthalArts.org

Fall/Winter 2016

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Charlotte, NC Permit No. 3036