Center for the Arts 21/22 Season Brochure

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON

’21 ’22

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WELCOME BACK TO LIVE PERFORMING ARTS cfa.gmu.edu

Center for the Arts at George Mason University

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON

’21 ’22 SEASON THE CURTAIN IS GOING UP We are thrilled to share the 2021/2022 season with you! We’ve come through an unprecedented time of darkened stages, and now we celebrate the return to live performing arts. Plan now to be at the Center for the Arts for the moment when you reconnect with live performances. A stunning arts experience is waiting for you.

Thank You Past Subscribers

2019/2020 subscribers receive a 20% discount on all fall Great Performances at Mason performances. Subscribers will receive an email with information on how to claim this discount.

MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP

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GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2021/2022 SEASON

TICK ETS ON SALE Tickets to all fall 2021 performances are available beginning on August 10. Tickets to spring 2022 performances go on sale on October 12.

Don’t Miss Out Be sure to get the most up-to-date information by checking the Center for the Arts website, cfa.gmu.edu, and signing up for email updates.

You’ll get updates about when tickets go on sale and reminders about upcoming performances.

Risk-Free Ordering During this time when things can change quickly, please know that you can order tickets without worry. During fall 2021, free ticket exchanges are available for Great Performances at Mason, Family Series, and College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) performances. If a performance is canceled, you will receive your choice of a full refund or account credit for future tickets.

We are committed to ensuring performances are accessible to all patrons.

Learn more about our accommodations on page 16.

Quality Time with the Family

Youth Discount: Half Price for Children and Youth Children and youth through Grade 12 qualify for half-price tickets for any Great Performances at Mason event.

Family-Friendly Performances Those events we deem as most suitable for families with younger children to enjoy together are identified by this family-friendly symbol.

PURCHASE TICKETS 703-993-2787 cfa.gmu.edu

Ticket Office

Check our website for updated hours of operation.

Subscriptions will not be available for events in 2021.

KEY ppd

= pre-performance discussion ppd = post-performance discussion

TABLE OF CONTENTS Special Event: Kristin Chenoweth

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Great Performances at Mason 5-12 Become a Friend

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Family Series 14-15 Seating & Accessibility

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Plan Your Visit

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Artists-in-Residence 18 CVPA Student Productions

ORDER YOUR TICKETS CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787

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This Emmy® and Tony Award-winning performer’s cheerful personality and versatile range shine brighter than her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

SPRING SPECIAL EVENT

Kristin Chenoweth in Concert For the Girls

Is there anything Kristin Chenoweth can’t do? The Emmy® and Tony Award-winning performer dazzles audiences in every role she tackles on stage and screen. She has left an indelible mark on Broadway with her performance as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, and as Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Her turns on The West Wing, Glee, and Pushing Daisies are absolutely binge-worthy. In this much-anticipated concert of Broadway favorites, pop classics, and American standards, Chenoweth’s cheerful personality and versatile range shine brighter than her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Her latest album, For the Girls, is a compilation of hit songs made famous by women who inspired her, including Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt. Don’t miss this endearingly down to earth and comedic performer that The New York Times calls a “perky performer with the powerhouse pipes.” $125, $85, $65 Saturday, February 12 at 8 p.m.

Tickets go on sale on October 12.

Discounted tickets are not available for this performance.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PERFORMANCE SPONSOR

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CARTOGRAPHY ➋

Sphinx Virtuosi

Co-created by Kaneza Schaal and Christopher Myers

Tracing Visions

Produced by ArKtype / Thomas O. Kriegsmann

Welcome the Detroit-based chamber orchestra dedicated to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in classical music for a dynamic program of music by women and composers of color. The evening begins with Xavier Foley’s Ev’ry Voice, a take on the Black national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” mirrored later in the program by Jessie Montgomery’s vision of the national anthem, Banner!

Montgomery’s creative genius is displayed again in the regional premiere of Divided, a cello concerto which is a musical response to the current American political climate. The program also features Four Novelletten, a beautifully crafted work by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor that infuses the modern string orchestra with romantic sentimentality. In addition, works by Cuban composer Guido López-Gavilán, Florence Price, and Alberto Ginastera are featured. $48, $41, $29 ppd

Five young refugees set out searching for a new place to call home in this “stunning” (The New York Times) and timely theatrical work. Inspired by the artists’ creative work with refugees worldwide, this interactive performance charts a new map for its characters using visual arts, storytelling, and filmmaking. Recommended for ages 10 and older. $46, $39, $28 ppd Saturday, October 2 at 7 p.m.

CARTOGRAPHY was made possible by a generous grant from The Joyce Foundation, and is a cocommission of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, and Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH, with developmental support provided by Young People’s Theatre, Toronto, Canada and the Center for the Arts, Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. This engagement of CARTOGRAPHY is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Sunday, October 17 at 3 p.m.

Jessie Montgomery’s Divided is a commission by the Sphinx Organization. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Jerusalem Quartet Featuring

Pinchas Zukerman, violin/viola and Amanda Forsyth, cello Bruckner: Adagio from String Quintet in F major Dvořák: Sextet for Strings in A major, Op. 48 Brahms: Sextet for Strings in B-flat major, Op. 18

GRAMMY Award-winning conductor, violinist, and violist Pinchas Zukerman, and Canadian Juno Award-winning cellist Amanda Forsyth join forces with the Jerusalem Quartet for a trio of radiant Romantic-era works by Bruckner, Dvořák, and Brahms. Highly accomplished and much in demand in their own right, the husband and wife duo of Zukerman and Forsyth create a sextet with the four Israeli artists in a dazzling display of virtuosity. Widely recognized as one of the top international chamber ensembles, the Jerusalem Quartet has left its mark on stages worldwide, and now it brings its world-class musicianship to the Center. $60, $51, $36 ppd Sunday, November 7 at 4 p.m.

This performance is sponsored by The Mather.

ORDER YOUR TICKETS CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787

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Virginia Opera

La Bohème

Rodolfo Remembers Virginia Opera, the official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, returns with a condensed version of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème. The original four-act tragic romance has captivated since it premiered in 1896, and it has remained one of the most regularly performed operas in the world. Based on the episodic novel “Scènes de la Vie de Bohème” by French writer Henri Murger, the plot follows a band of passionate young Parisians seeking higher aspirations than material wealth through the pursuit of their art. La Bohème remains a sonorous work that continues to resonate with, and inspire, modern audiences around the globe, inspiring many other works including the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical Rent.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles, the production runs under two hours without an intermission. $110, $70, $40 Saturday, November 13 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 14 at 2 p.m.

This performance is sponsored by The Mather.

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Keyboard Conversations

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with Jeffrey Siegel

The Glorious Music of Chopin From stirring polonaises and dreamy nocturnes to virtuoso études and soulful mazurkas, savor The Glorious Music of Chopin! Acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel, in his signature Keyboard Conversations® series, combines dynamic performances of Chopin’s greatest works with the fascinating stories and insights into the composer’s life and place in history. Perfect for newcomers and aficionados alike, this program includes favorites such as the ever popular, “Heroic” Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 and the famous Étude Op. 10, No. 3 in E major. “Siegel’s programs strengthen the fragile bonds of communication between composer and listener and are as welcome as they are rare” (The Chicago Tribune). An interactive question and answer session will conclude this program. $48, $41, $29 Sunday, November 21 at 7 p.m.

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Canadian Brass Making Spirits Bright

Back by popular demand! The internationally acclaimed Canadian Brass returns this holiday season for an evening of impeccable music and witty repartee, perfect for your whole family. Renowned for joyous performances and their iconic white running shoes, this quintet will warm your heart with sparkling brass standards and toe-tapping holiday favorites. “After four decades, it’s great to see Canadian Brass—practically an institution at this point—still sounding fresh, still attracting young virtuosos and, above all, still having fun with the music” (NPR Tiny Desk Concert). $60, $51, $36 Saturday, November 27 at 8 p.m.

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Dianne Reeves

Christmas Time is Here Dianne Reeves, “the most admired jazz diva since the heyday of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday” (The New York Times), shares her timeless voice and improvisational prowess in an exceptional holiday program of seasonal sounds. Adored by audiences and critics alike, Reeves is considered one of the world’s preeminent vocalists. She is the recipient of five GRAMMY Awards, an honorary doctorate from Juilliard, and is designated a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts. $60, $51, $36 Saturday, December 4 at 8 p.m.

This performance is sponsored by ManTech.

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Vienna Boys Choir

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Christmas in Vienna

American Festival Pops Orchestra

Known worldwide for the angelic sound and incredible talent of its young singers, the ensemble is comprised of boy sopranos and altos from eight to 14, representing 31 countries. With more than six centuries of tradition, the Vienna Boys Choir is one of the world’s oldest and most adored choral groups, counting Joseph Haydn and Franz Schubert among its distinguished alumni. The group performs a wide range of music from Baroque classics to contemporary pop hits, Austrian folk waltzes to polkas, and beloved Christmas carols. $55, $47, $33

Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season

Friday, December 10 at 8 p.m.

This performance is sponsored by The Mather.

A beloved tradition with our audiences, this heartwarming evening of holiday favorites includes a festive audience singalong. Maestro Anthony Maiello leads Northern Virginia’s own American Festival Pops Orchestra as it ushers in the season with a lively performance filled with musical good will and cheer. $60, $51, $36 Saturday, December 11 at 8 p.m.

This performance is sponsored by ManTech.

ORDER YOUR TICKETS CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787

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Camille A. Brown & Dancers Called “one of the most sought-after choreographers of her generation” by The New York Times, Camille A. Brown is reclaiming the cultural narratives of AfricanAmerican identity through dance. This BessieAward winning company showcases Brown’s choreography and artistic vision through styles including modern, hip hop, African, ballet, and tap. Brown crafted the Broadway choreography for A Streetcar Named Desire (2012), Once on this Island (2017) and Choir Boy (2019) for which she received a Tony nomination and The Metropolitan Opera’s Porgy & Bess. Brown makes her directorial debut with the Broadway revival of for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf and Fire Shut Up in My Bones for The Met (co-directed with James Robinson). Her bold work taps into ancestral stories and contemporary culture, capturing a range of deeply personal experiences. As Artists-in-Residence, the company will hold masterclasses and engage with the community. $46, $39, $28 ppd

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Keyboard Conversations

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with Jeffrey Siegel

Fantastic Fantasies Take an extraordinary journey through classical music with this Keyboard Conversations® performance. Virtuoso pianist Jeffrey Siegel will guide you through the humorous Fantasia in C major of C.P.E. Bach, the brooding Fantasia No. 3 in D minor by Mozart, and Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat major by Chopin in which he infuses Fantasy with the distinctive character of a Polonaise. Learn the compelling stories behind each piece and then enjoy each work played in its entirety. “An unusual gift for commentary as well as extraordinary pianism bring Siegel’s audience wholly into the musical experience” (Los Angeles Times). An interactive question and answer session will conclude this program. $48, $41, $29 Sunday, January 23 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, January 22 at 8 p.m.

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Vasily Petrenko, music director Kian Soltani, cello Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes Elgar: Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances

Celebrate the diamond jubilee anniversary of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) with a program featuring one of the world’s most sought-after cellists, Kian Soltani. The RPO’s 75th Anniversary program showcases a trio of 20th century gems, including Benjamin Britten’s sublime Four Sea Interludes and Rachmaninoff’s spirited Symphonic Dances.

Elgar’s Cello Concerto will be played by cello virtuoso Soltani, praised by The Times as a “remarkable cellist,” and described by Gramophone as “sheer perfection,” Soltani’s virtuosity is characterized by a depth of expression, technical mastery, and emotional connection with the audience. $75, $60, $45 Saturday, January 29 at 8 p.m.

This performance is sponsored by The Mather.

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➏ Virginia Opera

Three Decembers

by Jake Heggie with libretto by Gene Scheer Virginia Opera’s production of Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s Three Decembers is a two-act chamber opera about family—the ones we are born into, and those we create. Based on Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally’s unpublished play, Some Christmas Letters, the story follows Broadway Star Madeline Mitchell as she enters the twilight of her career and life.

Madeline, estranged from her children Charlie and Bea, shares a secret she has kept, and over three Decembers in 1986, 1996, and 2006, more hidden truths are brought to light as they struggle to find their identities as part of a family and in their lives. This new addition to the repertoire grapples with contemporary issues wrapped in timeless music. Sung in English with English surtitles. $110, $70, $40 ppd

Saturday, February 5 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, February 6 at 2 p.m.

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Pilobolus

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BIG FIVE-OH! A 50th Anniversary Celebration

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the MMDG Music Ensemble

For this 50th anniversary celebration, Pilobolus questions its own “givens,” turns its traditions sideways, and brings its past into the future in a thoroughly engaging new way. As fresh and vibrant as ever, Pilobolus puts the “Oh!” in BIG FIVE-OH!, continuing to morph its way thrillingly into audiences’ hearts and minds. The evening includes pieces ranging from the vintage and visionary to the recent and electrifying, wowing audiences with its irresistible mix of wit, sensuality, and stunning physical acumen. $50, $43, $30 ppd

Sunday, February 20 at 7 p.m.

Mark Morris Dance Group The ever innovative and compelling Mark Morris Dance Group is on every arts lover’s must-see list. They return to the Center with a medley of lively works. The performance opens on a playful note with Sport, called “cute, engaging…charming, bright” by Broadway World. Following is the passionate duet work Jenn and Spencer with musical accompaniment by one of Morris’s favorite composers, Henry Cowell. Suite for Violin and Piano provides a rich and turbulent musical landscape for the dancers. Pas de Poisson lightens the mood with a work for a trio of dancers set to music by Satie. The, set to one of the most famous Baroque compositions, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, rounds out the exuberant evening of dance created by “the most successful and influential choreographer alive” (The New York Times). $55, $47, $33 ppd Saturday, February 26 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

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Ladysmith Black Mambazo Sharing a heartfelt message of love, peace, and harmony, Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs an uplifting concert showcasing traditional South African vocal styles. Already successful in their own right in South Africa, the group rose to worldwide prominence in 1986 when they collaborated with Paul Simon on his hit album Graceland. Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s richly harmonious vocals take inspiration from isicathamiya, a traditional music that developed in the mines of South Africa. The group has won five GRAMMY Awards, more than any other world music group in GRAMMY history as well as being nominated 19 times. They have recorded with Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, Andy Grammer, and many others. Their music has been featured on many film soundtracks, including Disney’s The Lion King. $55, $47, $33 Sunday, February 27 at 7 p.m.

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The Chieftains Irish Goodbye Tour

After their tour cancelation in March of 2020, we are thrilled to finally welcome back Irish music legends, The Chieftains!

This powerhouse ensemble returns to the Center for a thrilling night of its signature blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic music on “The Irish Goodbye” tour. The six-time GRAMMY Award winning group is celebrated for reinventing traditional Irish music and popularizing the form on a global scale.

The group has made numerous crossover collaborations with artists like The Rolling Stones, among many others. Since forming in Dublin over six decades ago, these cultural ambassadors have been linked with seminal historic events, such as being the first ensemble to perform a concert in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Don’t miss your chance to experience a memorable evening of music, song, and dance on this final journey. $75, $60, $45 ppd Monday, March 14 at 8 p.m.

This performance is sponsored by ManTech.

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Swing Out

A Joyce Theater Production The fire, fight, and sheer joy of swing dance inhabits the Center for the Arts in Swing Out. Live music by Eyal Vilner’s Big Band accompanies the dancing and choreography created by the acclaimed Caleb Teicher with Lindy Hop champions Evita Arce, LaTasha Barnes, and Nathan Bugh. The dancers will also participate in community events and classes during their time as Artists-in-Residence in the week surrounding the performance. The lively evening will conclude with a chance for everyone to join in and get swinging! $50, $43, $30 ppd Saturday, March 19 at 8 p.m.

Swing Out is co-commissioned by The Joyce Theater’s Artist Residency Center, The O’DonnellGreen Music and Dance Foundation, the Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Northrop at The University of Minnesota, and the Charles and Joan Gross Family Foundation. Support for the creation of Swing Out is provided by the Mason Artist-in-Residence program, which is funded, in part, by the National Endowment for the Arts, New England Foundation for the Arts, and the George Mason University Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Impact.

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Edgar Meyer and the Scottish Ensemble Five-time GRAMMY Awardwinning bassist and composer Edgar Meyer joins the acclaimed Glasgow-based Scottish Ensemble for a unique program that spans the ages from the Baroque to the present day. The concert features works by J.S. Bach, Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Edgar Meyer, including a new commission performed by Meyer. Hailed

by The New Yorker as “…the most remarkable virtuoso in the relatively un-chronicled history of his instrument,” he is a frequent collaborator with Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, and Chris Thile. $50, $43, $30 Sunday, March 27 at 4 p.m.

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Cirque Éloize ➏ Keyboard HOTEL Conversations

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Cirque Éloize’s 25th anniversary creation is an immersive, high-flying Art Deco universe—HOTEL. The stage is transformed into a multi-storied grand hotel of a bygone era where acrobatics and dance are performed to live music.

The hotel’s lobby doors swing open and a kaleidoscope of characters perform for you.

This impressive work celebrates Cirque Éloize’s quarter century as contemporary circus arts pioneers traveling the world.

Welcome to “one of Canada’s national treasures” (The Globe and Mail) in this exciting production. $55, $47, $33 Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 2 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

with Jeffrey Siegel

Evocative Visions Pianist Jeffrey Siegel is popular with classical music lovers and newcomers alike. In his final Keyboard Conversations® concert of the season, he plays the visually inspired masterpieces of Debussy, plus Rachmaninoff, Liszt, and Grieg.

This “concert with commentary” makes connections about the works and the context in which they were composed to bring these piano masterpieces to life. “Jeffrey Siegel is a pianist who literally overflows with music” (Berlin Die Welt). An interactive question and answer session will conclude this program. $48, $41, $29 Sunday, April 3 at 7 p.m.

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Virginia Opera

The Marriage of Figaro Mozart’s beloved four-act comic opera, The Marriage of Figaro, is a mad and frantic bedroom farce. It is all driven by the music of Mozart at his most spirited and conceived in collaboration with his most entrusted and successful librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte.

Full of scheming and wooing, flirting and folly, Figaro’s hilarious and absurd twists and turns pile the outrageous on top of the scandalous to joyful effect. This 2022 staging is conducted by Adam Turner with live music by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. $110, $70, $40 ppd Saturday, April 9 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 10 at 2 p.m.

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Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra

Featuring Maria Schneider, conductor GRAMMY Award-winning composer, conductor, and Artist-in-Residence Maria Schneider leads Northern Virginia’s own Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in a night of cool, expressive jazz. The evening’s repertory includes instrumental excerpts from Winter Morning Walks, a set of song cycles composed by Schneider.

Witness jazz perfection with NEA Jazz Master, Schneider, and the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, comprised of the most remarkable jazz performers in the metro region, in this highly anticipated event. “To call Schneider the most important woman in jazz is missing the point...She’s a major composer–period” (TIME Magazine). $46, $39, $28 ppd Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m.

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Fairfax Symphony Orchestra

Christopher Zimmerman, music director and conductor Featuring

Simone Dinnerstein, piano The Center for the Arts is proud to co-present a thrilling classical music program by the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra featuring piano virtuoso Simone Dinnerstein, who The Washington Post has praised as “an artist of strikingly original ideas and irrefutable integrity.” A highlight of the concert is Dinnerstein’s performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, popularly known as the Emperor Concerto. The evening will also include the regional premiere of Robert Carl’s White Heron, inspired by the birds of the Florida Keys, as well as Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2. $65, $55, $40 Saturday, April 23 at 8 p.m.

This performance is a co-presentation by the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University.

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Lila Downs Lila Downs is one of the most influential artists in Latin America. Whether it’s a full-throated mariachi song, an achingly tender bolero, or sultry jazz tune, this GRAMMY Award-winning singersongwriter draws audiences in with her unmistakable charisma and inspiring storytelling. Singing in Spanish, English, and several Native American languages, Downs is known for her impressive range and joyous performances with her longtime band. She grew up in both Minnesota and Mexico, the child of a Scottish-American father and Mixtec mother. Drawing from her multicultural heritage, Downs’ songs often focus on justice, immigration, and women’s issues.

“Downs is a consummate performer whose three-octave vocal range shines in songs of comedy or tragedy, be they from Central America or Glasgow” (The Guardian). $60, $51, $36 Sunday, April 24 at 7 p.m.

This performance is sponsored by ManTech.

Welcome back to campus for a one night only family-friendly extravaganza full of arts, food, and community to celebrate the return of the arts to campus and the 20th anniversary of Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts! $10 General Admission Free tickets for Mason students Saturday, September 25 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Student and alumni showcases and exhibitions outside the Center for the Arts 8 to 9 p.m.

Mainstage student and alumni performance in the Center for the Arts Learn more at cvpa.gmu.edu/ arts-emerging Sponsorships begin at $1,800 For more information, email Emily Rusch at erusch2@gmu.edu or call 703-993-3872.

Proceeds support student scholarships in Mason’s College of Visual Performing Arts, Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts.

PLAY A LEADING ROLE Support the Great Performances at Mason Season at the Center for the Arts

As a Member of the Friends of the Center for the Arts, you: Support Arts Education & Community Outreach Programs Your membership gift helps make the Pre-Performance Discussions preceding Great Performances at Mason events possible and open to all ticket holders at no additional charge.

Enjoy Member-Only Benefits to Enhance Your Experience Members receive invitations to special events, including the Artists in Conversation events, which offer the unique opportunity to interact with guest artists and local experts.

Receive Access to Exclusive Ticket Presales Friends receive access to exclusive presales and have the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public.

Receive an Invitation to the Annual Season Preview Event

Grand Tier Society Members of the Grand Tier Society play a visionary and leadership role in ensuring that the Great Performances at Masonand Family Seriescontinues to remain vibrant and a.ordable today and for future generations.

In grateful acknowledgement for their leadership support, the Friends of the Center for the Arts o.ers its Grand Tier Society members exclusive bene-ts to further enrich their participation in the life of the Center for the Arts including: •

Grand Tier Society acknowledgement in performance programs and on a special recognition wall located in the Concert Hall Lobby all season long

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Invitation to two Grand Tier Society events each season featuring special guest artists from the Washington Metro area

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Grand Tier Society pin

FRIENDS OF THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS Friends Make a Difference.

For more information, email fcfa@gmu.edu or visit fcfa.gmu.edu.

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FAMILY SERIES

2021/2022 Season o Tickets g on sale 0 August 1

Tickets g o on sale August 1 0

The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!

Witness the impossible with top illusionist Bill Blagg in his mind-bending and hilarious magic show The Magic of Bill Blagg Live! “Unbelievable!” raves USA Today, and “Absolutely Incredible!” echoes The Chicago Tribune. The whole family will rub their eyes in disbelief as the “Houdini Times Ten” (NBC), makes objects disappear, teleports across the theater, levitates in mid-air, and so much more.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this thrilling, actionpacked, and interactive show that will leave you and your family breathless. Bill Blagg is changing reality one city at a time, and Fairfax is next!

Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Saturday, October 16 at 7 p.m.

LIGHTWIRE THEATER

A Very Electric Holiday Make your season bright with Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Holiday. Gather the whole family for this imaginative story cleverly told with cutting edge electroluminescent puppetry, live dancers, and a lively mix of classical, jazz, and pop music. Follow a young bird, Max, who gets separated from his flock while flying south for the winter during a snowstorm. Lost and alone in the North Pole, Max embarks on an odyssey to be reunited with his family, and along the way encounters dancing poinsettias, caroling critters, Nutcracker soldiers, mischievous mice, and an evil rat king. Lightwire Theater has been featured as semi-finalists on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Treat the whole family to this breathtaking live production that will leave everyone in awe and filled with a sense of wonder, by the company Rolling Stone calls “absolutely incredible.”

Recommended for ages 4-12.

Sunday, November 28 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Tickets for fall performances will be offered in seating groups of varying sizes in order to maintain 3-feet of physical distancing between parties. We encourage patrons to purchase tickets in seating group locations that match the size of their party.

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cfa.gmu.edu/family

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Tickets g o on sale October 12

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater Direct from the Vegas Strip, it’s Popovich Comedy Pet Theater! The whole family will be awe-struck by the juggling feats of Gregory Popovich along with the circus tricks of his adorable and spotlight-stealing furry and feathered friends.

A fifth-generation circus performer, Popovich developed his skills and love of animals performing with the Moscow Circus, Ringling Brothers, and Barnum & Bailey Circus. His popular act, voted the “Best Family Attraction in Las Vegas,” gives his motley crew of more than 30 rescue animals, including dogs, cats, geese, doves, parrots, and even a Shetland pony, a whole new “leash” on life. Witness dogs pretending to be students in a classroom, cats jumping hurdles, and more. The animal antics, clowns, jugglers, and acrobats round out the circus fun.

Recommended for all ages.

Saturday, February 19 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

ENCHANTMENT THEATRE COMPANY

The Adventures Of

Harold and the Purple Crayon “One evening, after thinking it over for some time, Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight.” So begins Harold and the Purple Crayon, which follows the zany adventures of an inventive young boy. Resourceful and brave, Harold creates the world he wants to explore, using nothing more than a big purple crayon and his sky’sthe-limit imagination. Enchantment Theatre Company’s production takes you on a wild ride as Harold jets to Mars, joins a circus (he tames a lion!) and rescues a princess in an enchanted castle. Combining life-size puppets, pantomime, dance, magic and original music, Harold and the Purple Crayon will delight and amaze audiences of all ages, from children to grandparents—anyone, in fact, whose heart is young and adventurous.

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Sunday, March 6 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.* *Sensory-friendly performance

Performances will be held in the Concert Hall. All patrons must have a ticket. Each seating group must include one adult (18+).

ORDER YOUR TICKETS CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787

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SEATING CHART & ACCESSIBILITY

Seating Chart

Our Commitment to Accessibility

A detailed version of the seating chart can be viewed at cfa.gmu.edu/tickets/seating-charts.

Accessible Seating Accessible seating is available through all avenues of ticket sales on a first-come, first-served basis.

The accessible seating locations consist of a space appropriate for a patron-provided wheelchair. Patrons requesting accessible seating are acknowledging that they or a member of their party require accessible seating due to a mobility disability as defined by the ADA or they require the features of an accessible seating location. Please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at (voice) (703) 993-8882 or (text) cfatix@gmu.edu with any accessibility requests beyond wheelchair accessible seating.

Row V (wheelchair spaces)

Accessible Services Requests for audio description, captioning, or interpretive services must be made at least two weeks prior to the event; more advance notice is appreciated.

Assistive listening devices and large print programs are available at the Courtesy Desk prior to each performance. For optimal assistance with accessible seating, please contact the Ticket Office.

Due to ongoing health concerns related to COVID-19, seating locations and venue capacity may change to reflect government/health agency specifications/recommendations.

Please note: Row E is the first row of the orchestra level for Virginia Opera events and other select performances.

Wheelchair accessible seats and spaces are in Rows G, N, and V.

Group Sales Group discounts are offered for groups of 10+.

Contact (voice) 703-993-8881.

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GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2021/2022 SEASON

Questions or Concerns About Accessibility Services?

Contact our Accessibility Coordinator at (voice) 703-993-8882 or (text)

cfatix@gmu.edu

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Directions

Performance Times

The Center for the Arts is located on Mason Pond Drive on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University, six miles west of the Beltway exit 54, at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123. For more information, visit cfa.gmu.edu.

Center for the Arts strives to start all performances on time. Please allow extra time to reach the Fairfax campus and be seated. Patrons arriving after the start of a performance will be seated at the discretion of house management and as dictated by artists’ requirements.

Most performances will have an intermission.

Parking for Great Performances at Mason

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Youth Discount Tickets Half-price tickets are available for children and youth through Grade 12 for all Great Performances at Mason events. (No discounts are available for the Kristin Chenoweth performance.) Children through Grade 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Students Grades 9–12 may attend without an adult, but must have a valid student ID.

Pre and Post-Performance Discussions ➊ Free Parking ➋ Adjacent Paid Parking

➌ Accessible Parking ➍ 15-minute Ticket Office Parking

Unused parking vouchers from the 2019/2020 season will be accepted at Great Performances at Mason events during the 2021/2022 season.

Visiting the Ticket Office Purchasing or exchanging a ticket? 15-minute temporary parking is located at the end of Mason Pond Drive across from the Center.

Cancelations Extraordinary circumstances, such as weather or public health concerns, may cause an event to be canceled or rescheduled. Change announcements are emailed to all ticket holders and posted on our website.

Some performances are accompanied by a lively forum led by local experts or the artists themselves. Discussion format will vary in fall 2021. The pre-performance discussions begin one hour prior to the performance start time, and are designed to provide a deeper understanding of the forthcoming performance. These are sponsored by the Friends of the Center for the Arts and are free for all ticket holders.

KEY ppd ppd

= pre-performance discussion = post-performance discussion

Questions?

Contact the Ticket Office

703-993-2787 or cfatix@gmu.edu

ORDER YOUR TICKETS CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787

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ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE CONNECTING ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES

Each year, the Center for the Arts invites several artists and ensembles with distinctive and innovative artistic voices to make Mason their home for a residency.

21/22 Season Highlights 21/22 21/22 Season Highlights

Artists-in-Residence participate in a variety of activities, designed to engage and inspire the diverse audiences both on and off the campus of George Mason University. The residencies foster meaningful exchanges between our communities and the Artists-in-Residence, creating opportunities for transformational experiences to happen.

MEET OUR 21/22 ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE CARTOGRAPHY

Co-created by Kaneza Schaal and Christopher Myers Produced by ArKtype / Thomas O. Kriegsmann Five young refugees set out searching for a new place to call home in this “stunning” (The New York Times) and timely theatrical work. Learn more on p. 5

Season Highlights BEETHOVEN'S "ODE TO JOY" BEETHOVEN'S Symphony No. 9 BEETHOVEN'S "ODE JOY" with theTO Fairfax Choral Symphony 9 Society "ODE TO No. JOY"

Saturday, October 2 at 7 p.m.

Sphinx Virtuosi Tracing Visions

with the Fairfax Symphony No. Choral 9 Society with the Fairfax Choral THE NUTCRACKER Society with the Fairfax Ballet

This Detroit-based chamber orchestra is dedicated to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in classical music. Learn more on p. 5 Sunday, October 17 at 3 p.m.

THE NUTCRACKER with the Fairfax Ballet THE NUTCRACKER TCHAIKOVSKY

Camille A. Brown & Dancers

Camille A. Brown is reclaiming the cultural narratives of African-American identity through dance. Learn more on p. 8

with Fairfax Ballet Pianothe Concerto No. 1 TCHAIKOVSKY Sofya Gulyak, piano Piano Concerto No. 1 TCHAIKOVSKY Sofya Gulyak, piano Piano Concerto No. 1 LESHNOFF Sofya Gulyak, Symphony No.piano 4

Saturday, January 22 at 8 p.m.

Swing Out

A Joyce Theater Production The fire, fight, and sheer joy of swing dance inhabits the Center for the Arts in Swing Out. Learn more on p. 10

LESHNOFF (Regional Premiere) Symphony No. 4 LESHNOFF (Regional Premiere) Symphony No. 4 BEETHOVEN'S (Regional Premiere) "EMPEROR" BEETHOVEN'S Piano Concerto No. 5 BEETHOVEN'S "EMPEROR" Simone Dinnerstein, Piano "EMPEROR" piano Concerto No. 5

Saturday, March 19 at 8 p.m.

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra Featuring

Maria Schneider, conductor GRAMMY Award-winning composer and conductor Maria Schneider leads Northern Virginia’s own Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in a night of cool, expressive jazz. Learn more on p. 12

Piano No. 5 SimoneConcerto Dinnerstein, piano Simone Dinnerstein, piano

Subscriptions and full season

WWW.FAIRFAXSYMPHONY.ORG

Subscriptions and full season 18

Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m.

Learn more about the Mason Artist-in-Residence program at cfa.gmu.edu/about/mason-artists-residence

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2021/2022 SEASON

WWW.FAIRFAXSYMPHONY.ORG

Subscriptions and full season

STUDENT PRODUCTIONS

See the stars of tomorrow in these exciting student productions presented by our Dance, Music, and Theater students in Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Tickets are available beginning on August 10.

School of Theater ➊

A Concert Presentation of

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FOOTLOOSE Stage Adaptation by DEAN PITCHFORD and WALTER BOBBIE Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford Music by TOM SNOW Lyrics by DEAN PITCHFORD Additional Music by ERIC CARMEN, SAMMY HAGAR, KENNY LOGGINS and JIM STEINMAN Directed by Erin Gardiner Musical Direction by Joe Walsh Choreography by Ahmad Maaty Based on the 1984 film of the same name, FOOTLOOSE the musical celebrates the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness. Kick off our new season with exuberant singing and dancing as everybody cuts footloose! $30 adults; $15 students, faculty/staff, and seniors FOOTLOOSE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

October 28-30 at 8 p.m.

October 30 at 2 p.m.

October 31 at 2 p.m.

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Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music ➋

Mason Symphony Orchestra and Choirs Holiday Concert

Join us for a joyous concert celebration by the Dewberry School of Music as we ring in the holiday season! Showcasing Mason’s Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, this evening will feature holiday favorites and festive new works performed by extraordinary student artists. $20 adults; $15 seniors; $5 youth through Grade 12 December 5 at 7 p.m.

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School of Dance

Mason Dance Company Gala Concert The Gala Concert is Mason Dance Company’s crowning season event featuring a program of works by contemporary professional choreographers. $28 adults; $15 students, faculty/staff, and seniors

March 25-26 at 8 p.m.

ORDER YOUR TICKETS CFA.GMU.EDU OR 703-993-2787

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NON-PROFIT ORG.

4400 University Drive MSN 2F5 Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 703-993-2787 cfatix@gmu.edu

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID FAIRFAX, VA PERMIT NO. 1532

CAMILLE A. BROWN & DANCERS

Tickets on Sale August 10 for All Fall 2021 Performances Spring 2022 Tickets on Sale October 12 Ticket Office

Check our website for updated hours of operation.

Stay Up-to-Date Join our email list at cfa.gmu.edu

Ensure your tickets are authentic. Only purchase tickets from cfa.gmu.edu

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Thank You 2021/2022 Season Sponsors

Please Note: Program artists and dates are subject to change without notice. All patrons must have a ticket. Due to ongoing health concerns related to COVID-19, seating locations and venue capacity may change to reflect government/health agency specifications/recommendations.