THE SCOOP
In this issue... Lobby Lounge Cabaret Matt Fraser Jeff Allen The Texas Tenors Canadian Brass The Life & Music of George Michael Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra Glenn Miller Orchestra Four Phantoms Changemaker - Annie Griffiths Exclusive Interview! Justin Willman Homefree The Villages Philharmoic Orchestra Ruben & Clay Coming in February Subscriptions at The Sharon I Mustache You a Question Sharon Tours Cabaret The Roommate
JANUARY 2024
BREAK A LEG
shout outs
CALLING ALL THEATRE ENTHUSIASTS! ––––––––––
Show some love and support to the talented cast of a performance at The Studio with our brand new "Break a Leg" shout outs! For just $20, you can purchase a shout-out for someone in the show or the entire cast and crew. Your heartfelt messages will be printed in an insert that is placed in every program for a whole week!
GET MORE INFO
BREAK A
LEG
shout outs
Break a leg cast and cr ew! - Whitney Morse SO excited
to see you, Ja - Love Adam ckson!
Good luck ,
Mark! We know you’ ll do great! - Love Mom & Dad
Break legs Kristin! - Love The Fam You got th
is Canter! Break legs ! - Love You
Couldn’t be
prouder of you Russel l! - Love Sara
Would you lik Email: Mar e to send your own shout out? keting@Si gnificantPr Each ad ha oductions.o s a limit of rg 50 characte rs. Cost is $20 per ad
.
ADVERTISE
with us
Increase your visibility by marketing your message to The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center’s local, engaged audience, as well as advertise in The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol’s Programs and our monthly Digital Newsletter, The Scoop! For information on prices, ad sizes, and availability, please email us at marketing@significantproductions.org.
AN EVENING WITH
Lance Luce Breaks the Ice
STARRING LANCE LUCE ON THE THEATRE ORGAN LANCE LUCE IS AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED THEATRE ORGANIST. He has played hundreds
of concerts all over the United States, Canada, England and Australia. In 2014 he was awarded Organist of the year by the American Theatre Organ Society. He is also the head organist for the Detroit Red Wings at the new Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit. Luce has played concerts for numerous chapters of the American Theatre Organ Society and other affiliated theatre organ groups and clubs. He has played for National and regional conventions of the ATOS in the United States and TOSA in Australia.
Bring your lunch & a friend! Free entertainment provided by Gary Powell
JAN 23 • 12pm • Free
JAN 4 7PM $20
Seeing Matt LIVE is so much more than a show, it is the most powerful family reunion with Heaven ever to be experienced.
MATT FRASER is America's Top Psychic Medium, and star of the hit television series on E! Entertainment. His LIVE events, television appearances, and spiritual teachings have allowed him to bring healing, hope & laughter to a global audience of fans and followers from all around the world. From heartfelt emotional readings to stunning revelations, Matt Fraser has audiences on the edge of their seats with his outrageous personality and unique approach to mediumship. His readings lead guests through a rollercoaster of emotions from laughing to crying, turning skeptics into believers with stunning details. His dynamic readings frequently include names, dates, and locations he couldn't possibly know, only adding to his long-established reputation. Matt's uncanny abilities and extreme accuracy have allowed him to reach millions worldwide from A-list celebrities and influencers to everyday people looking to get in touch with those they have lost. Matt is a psychic phenomenon, having caught the attention of major media outlets across the nation including the New York Times, People magazine, and FOX TV, NBC, ABCplus CBS Radio and others. He has also been a sought-after guest on popular TV shows such as The Real Housewives, Botched, The Doctors, The Kelly Clarkson Show and many more. Matt's the most sought-after medium by celebrities and has done readings for popular stars such as Gloria Estefan, Jenny McCarthy, Donny Wahlberg, Dorinda Medley, Karamo Brown, the Botched TV stars Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Paul Nassif.
JAN 6 7PM $75
AND UP
| $45
LIMITED VIEW
n e l l a f jef ? t e y e r e h t e w Are
JEFF ALLEN is in his fifth decade as a working comedian. You may have seen him on America's Got Talent, Dry Bar Comedy, HBO, Amazon Prime, Huckabee, Pureflix, Comedy Central, VH-1, Showtime, TBN, CBN, Family Net and numerous other television networks and Podcasts. He can be heard regularly on SiriusXM's comedy channels, also Pandora and Spotify. He has performed for our troops on aircraft carriers and ships in the Indian Ocean. Look for him and on the fastest growing comedy internet sensation, Dry Bar Comedy where Jeff has surpassed 300 million views on Facebook, YouTube and other channels. Jeff has also produced and starred in his own sitcom pilot for Castlerock Television and in the critically acclaimed films, "Apostles of Comedy." On his new tour filled with new material, Jeff Allen 2.0, Jeff's sidesplitting comedy drives home the humor in everyday family life, the ups and downs of marriage, the challenge of raising children, the bliss of the empty nest (followed by the unexpected returns to said nest) and the joys of being a grandparent. Audiences will immensely enjoy taking this journey with Jeff.
JAN 9 7PM $30
AND UP
| $20
LIMITED VIEW
1 # D R A O B BILL S T S I T R A G R EC O R D I N 3 -T I M E E M
S R E N N I W D M Y AWA R
IC S U M Y R T UN O C S A X E 2 0 2 2 T F FA M E I N D U C T E E S HALL O
The Texas Tenors
Marcus Collins | JC Fisher | John Hagen featuring... Josh "4 Hands" Hanlon - Piano Larry Hanson - Guitars Ryan Hurn - Drums 15TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR The Texas Tenors invite you to celebrate a huge milestone with them... 15 years together! TTT is the most successful music group and third highest selling artist in the history of America's Got Talent! Since appearing on the series in 2009, JC, Marcus and John have performed over 2000 concerts, recorded 5 studio albums, produced 2 PBS Specials, and have written two hit children's book that have earned them impressive recognition including 3 Emmy Awards, The Gelett Burgess Award for Excellence in Children's Literature and the distinction of being Billboard Magazine's #10 Classical Artist in the World. The tenors' most recent albums "Outside the Lines", "Rise" and "A Collection of Broadway and American Classics" all debuted at #1 on the Billboard Charts. These classically trained, versatile tenors were recently honored to be included among the top 50 acts in the world and the only vocal group from the United States invited to appear on NBC’s America’s Got Talent: The Champions and are filled with pride to be inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. At this thrilling concert event you will hear new music along with rousing patriotic favorites and everything from Country to Classical!
JAN 11 7PM $45
AND UP
| $20
LIMITED VIEW
TRUMPETS: Joe Burgstaller & Ashley Hall-Tighe HORN: Jeff Nelsen TROMBONE: Achilles Liarmakopoulos TUBA: Chuck Daellenbach
THE BRASS has averaged two and a half full length recordings per year of its 52 years of existence for a total of 138 recordings. They have received a combined total of 24 Grammy and Juno nominations and won the German Echo Award for Goldberg Variations. A North American group taking Bach back to Europe and winning approval at the highest level was a crowning achievement! Most recently during the Covid era the Brass created another award-winning recording, Canadiana. The album features unique arrangements of many Canadian superstars including Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Bruce Cockburn, Drake and DeadMau5. For a comprehensive Canadian Brass biography, blend together the complete history of any random five musician ensemble and it will yield a year in the world of Canadian Brass. “We’ve created ballets, played Carnegie Hall, toured China during its 1977 reopening, and performed in front of five prime ministers, but most importantly performed for more than ten million friends, family and audiences worldwide so far. We did all this so we could play Bach,” says tubaist & founder Chuck Daellenbach.
JAN 12 7PM $35
AND UP
| $20
LIMITED VIEW
"THIS SHOW IS GOING TO HONOR GEORGE MICHAEL'S CAREER AND BE A CELEBRATION FOR HIS FANS," says producer Ralph Schmidtke. "Over the years, George's popularity has continued to grow and The Life and Music of George Michael will give fans a glimpse of his life and hear all the songs they have come to love." The Life and Music of George Michael captures the performance and sound of one of the biggest international stars of our time. The show will have fans on their feet dancing and singing along to blockbuster hits including "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go," "Freedom," "Faith," "Careless Whisper," "Father Figure," and many more. Michael sold over 115 million albums spanning four decades and rose to fame as a member of Wham! in the early 80's. He went solo in 1987 with "Faith," one of the biggest albums of all time. The album had four number one hits including "Faith," "Monkey," "Father Figure," and "One More Try." He won two Grammy Awards, three Brit awards, three American Music Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards. The producers of The Life and Music of George Michael will also be donating $1 per ticket sold to Gods Love We Deliver to help serve the community and those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses.
JAN 16 7PM $45
AND UP
| $25
LIMITED VIEW
Nayden Todorov, Conductor
THE REPERTOIRE OF THE SOFIA PHILHARMONIC comprises works from the entire historically available range of music - from classical to contemporary opuses, including premiere performances of numerous works by Bulgarian composers. The orchestra has garnered substantial recognition all over the world. It has guest-performed with great success in the major musical centres across Europe, Asia, and North America, and has received frenetic acclaim even from the most demanding of audiences. The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra was awarded many prestigious accolades including: "Musician of the Year" , "Golden Lyre", "Golden Stave", "Golden Quill", "Crystal Lyre", the Honorary Sign of Sofia, the Honorary Sign of the President of Bulgaria. From 2017, general director of the Sofia Philharmonic is maestro Nayden Todorov.
JAN 18 7PM $35
AND UP
| $20
LIMITED VIEW
THE FIRST GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA did not make it at all. It was a total and absolute economic failure. But Glenn knew what he wanted, held to that dedication and relentlessly worked to succeed. He launched his second band – the one that lives on today – in March of 1938. The Glenn Miller Orchestra has been a “hit” ever since. The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all dance bandleaders back in the Swing Era of the 1930’s and 40’s. A matchless string of hit records, the constant impact of radio broadcasts and the drawing power at theatres, hotels and dance pavilion, built and sustained the momentum of popularity. With the release of the major motion movie The Glenn Miller Story featuring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson in 1954, interest and popular demand led the Miller Estate to authorize the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra. On June 6, 1956, and under the direction of drummer Ray McKinley who had become the unofficial leader of the Army Air Force Band after Glenn’s disappearance, the reformed Glenn Miller Orchestra performed its first concert and has been on the road ever since. Other leaders have followed Ray including clarinetists Buddy DeFranco and Peanuts Hucko, trombonists Buddy Morrow, Jimmy Henderson, Larry O’Brien and Gary Tole, and tenor saxophonist Dick Gerhart. Since January 2012, vocalist Nick Hilscher leads the band. Today, the 18-member ensemble continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements both from the civilian band and the AAFB libraries. Additionally, it also plays some more modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound. Just as it was in Glenn’s day, the Glenn Miller Orchestra today is still the most sought-after big band in the world.
JAN 19 7PM $55
AND UP
| $25
LIMITED VIEW
BRENT BARRETT JOHN CUDIA FRANC D’AMBROSIO CIARÁN SHEEHAN GUEST ARTIST: KALEY ANN VOORHEES
AN EXTRAVAGANT CELEBRATION of the iconic music of Broadway and more, The Four Phantoms In Concert brings together four Phantoms from the Tony Award-winning The Phantom of the Opera for an unforgettable night of entertainment. The Four Phantoms features an extraordinary quartet of performers, including Brent Barrett, John Cudia, Franc D’Ambrosio, and Ciarán Sheehan under the music supervision of two-time Grammy Award-winner David Caddick and music direction of Ryan Shirar.
"Sometimes you wish that a concert would never end – a fantastic, do not miss night of entertainment." –––––––––– "This was one of the best shows I have been to in a long time. The phantoms were unbelievable. The music/ singing was better than many Broadway shows I have been to. I would recommend this performance to anyone who want to be entertained with professional singers and they aren't too bad looking."
JAN 21 7PM $35
AND UP
| $30
LIMITED VIEW
Through the Lens: Creating a Ripple
Annie Griffiths Photographer
JANUARY 23 • 7pm
UP $25 AND | $20 LIMITED VIEW
ANNIE GRIFFITHS One of the first women photographers to work for National Geographic, Annie Griffiths has photographed in more than one hundred countries during her rich and varied career. She has worked on dozens of magazine and book projects for National Geographic, including stories on Lawrence of Arabia, Galilee, Petra, Sydney, and Jerusalem. In addition to her editorial work, Annie is deeply committed to using photography to support aid organizations. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Ripple Effect Images, a collective of prize-winning photojournalists and filmmakers who are documenting programs that empower women and children in the developing world.
NEW DUO DEAL! SAVE $25 WHEN YOU BUY BOTH! The Search for Longevity
David McLain Photographer
APRIL 19 • 7pm
UP $25 AND | $20 LIMITED VIEW
DAVID MCLAIN honed his photographic chops shooting feature length assignments around the world for National Geographic magazine. The stories varied but the mandate was always the same: work with every kind of person under any kind of condition and create timeless yet contemporary images for a client with the highest visual standards on earth. One story he has documented for more than 15 years is called The Blue Zones project. Together with author Dan Buettner, David travels the world to study and document those five places in the world where people are living the longest and staying the healthiest. This work has produced a number of books, including a best-selling cookbook, and stories for Nat Geo, Smithsonian, and others.
JUSTIN WILLMAN wants to melt your brain while making you laugh. He’s best known as the star and creator of the hit Netflix series Magic For Humans. But you may recognize him from one of his many television appearances (The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Ellen, Conan…). Or maybe you know his work as a host (Cupcake Wars; Halloween Wars; Win, Lose or Draw…). Or maybe he’s the child magician you hired in suburban St. Louis in the ‘90s. If you don’t know Justin, he’s a magician and comedian who’s mastered the art of turning cynics into believers (or at least getting them to laugh). His live show is simultaneousl mind-blowing and hilarious, and will likely keep you up at night wondering how the heck any of it was possible. Justin is also a proud father, a loving husband, and has zero experience as a licensed boat mechanic (that’s a different Justin Willman). Here’s what the press has to say about Justin’s live show: “A new breed of magician who’s making magic cool again.” -LA Times “His live show is a MUST SEE!” -Time Out “Like a magician, but cooler.” -USA Today “The perfect magician/ comedian hybrid.” -IndieWire “Magic designed to bring people together.” -TV Guide
JAN 25 7PM $40
AND UP
| $20
LIMITED VIEW
AN EVENING WITH
ALL-VOCAL COUNTRY ENTERTAINERS HOME FREE have made their mark on the music scene, racking up nearly 600,000 album equivalents globally; embarking on major international tours; amassing 630+ MILLION views and over 1.6-MILLION Subscribers on YouTube; and being declared “Country music fans’ favorite a cappella group” (Taste of Country). In 2023, they continue a global tour in support of their most recent studio album, So Long Dixie, (released November 2022) and will embark on their Home Free for the Holidays tour this Winter. SO LONG DIXIE vaulted to the top spot of the Billboard Charts for Country Album Sales and Independent Album Sales in its release week, topping some of the biggest names in country music. The release extends their run of Top-5 Billboard Country chart appearances total to 7 in the last 6 years. The 2023 holiday tour will showcase songs off previous albums, including WARMEST WINTER (2020, Home Free Records), which features 12 festive staples,
memorable collaborations and Home Free originals – all guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. With praise rolling in from the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone, FOX & Friends and American Songwriter the extraordinary showmen have continued to build a loyal fanbase with their harmony-laden versions of hits by John Mayer, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Maren Morris, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more. Join us for a perfect evening mixed with upbeat, Nashvilledipped pop hits, country and western standards, incredible harmony, and quick witted humor.
JAN 27 4 & 7PM $45
AND UP
| $35
LIMITED VIEW
CLASSICAL CONCERT SERIES PROGRAM: Sergei Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 Symphony No. 9 in E minor "New World Symphony" Op. 95, by Antonin Dvořák GUEST ARTIST: Helena Hkyanovs, Pianist
PASQUALE VALERIO, MAESTRO
JAN 28 7PM $35
AND UP
| $25
LIMITED VIEW
23/24 SEASON SEPT 3 - MAY 6
CHOOSE AT LEAST 4 SHOWS GET 10% OFF
~ 20TH ANNIVERSARY ~
Fundraiser Gala THE VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS AN EVENING OF COCKTAILS, DINNER, AND DANCING This Gala is the yearly fundraiser to help support our fantastic Villages Philharmonic Orchestra's ongoing purpose which is to nourish hearts, minds and souls with glorious orchestral music! Featuring Music from The Villages Philharmonic Ensemble Silent Auction | Live Auction
Dinner Served in The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center's Historic Lobby
Dancing Until 9:00pm
Suggested Attire Black Tie or Cocktail
Tables will be assigned in advance, upon ticket purchase a phone number will be provided for seating requests and confirmations. Please call this number to be assigned a table for the evening.
FEB 27 5PM $150
RUBEN & CLAY are thrilled to reunite twenty years after captivating audiences during their historic run on the second season of Fox's American Idol in 2003. Both plucked from the relative obscurity of their hometowns in the South, the unlikely pair quickly became audience favorites instrumental in helping propel Idol to the top of the Nielsen ratings, nearly tripling the viewership of the previous season, and securing its place as one of the most consequential TV series in American history. Over 38 million viewers tuned in to hear the results of more than 124 million votes cast during their finale making it the most watched Idol episode in history and the highest rated regularly scheduled, live, non-sporting television episode of the 21st century. Combined they have recorded twelve albums, sold more than eight million albums worldwide, toured the country 14 times, starred together on Broadway, won four Billboard Music Awards, an American Music Award, and have been nominated for two Grammys. Twenty | The Tour will highlight the music that made Ruben & Clay American Idol favorites and household names. From Clay's iconic rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" to Ruben's soulful single "Sorry", join America's favorite odd couple for an unforgettable evening of music and memories, spanning two decades, delivered as only these true superstars can.
JAN 31 7PM $30
AND UP
| $20
LIMITED VIEW
Coming to The Sharon
this february
International Subscription
Your passport for Destination Evenings in The Villages!
CANADA
CANADIAN BRASS JAN 12 • 7pm AND LIMITED $35 UP | $20 VIEW
BULGARIA
SOFIA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA JAN 18 • 7pm AND LIMITED $35 UP | $20 VIEW
CENTRAL AMERICA BALLET HISPANICO FEB 4 • 7pm AND LIMITED $45 UP | $20 VIEW
15% OFF 3 SHOWS OR 20% OFF 5 SHOWS! VIENNA
VIENNA BOYS CHOIR FEB 13 • 7pm AND LIMITED $38 UP | $20 VIEW
CHINA
PEKING ACROBATS MAR 4 • 7pm AND LIMITED $35 UP | $20 VIEW
AFRICA
STEP AFRIKA MAR 14 • 7pm AND LIMITED $30 UP | $20 VIEW
QUIRKY INTERVIEWS WITH A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE SHARON & THE STUDIO THEATRES!
FOLLOW US TO TUNE IN!
BEHIND THE
curtain tour Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite shows at The Sharon? Want to share footprints with some of the world’s biggest stars? Back by overwhelming demand... The Sharon: Behind the Curtain Tour!
Visit SignificantProductions.org for more information.
SPAC395_1123
SEASON 8
In here, life is beautiful. CABARET is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Meet the Cast
Zummy Mohammed* Emcee /
Dance Captain
Sally Bowles
Clifford Bradshaw
Joseph Carrier
Russell Stephens
Maya Rowe
Ernst Ludwig
Herr Schultz
Frauline Schneider
Regina Harbour
Whitney Morse*
Logan Farley
Jaylon Jazz
Stella Schwartz
Oliver Ball
Kate Carpenter
Mark N. Miller
McCraven Bobby
Lulu
Ariya Hawkins Frenchie
Frauline Kost
Rosie
Victor
Texas
Alexander
Sovronsky* Max
Previews: JAN 30-FEB 1 | Opening: FEB 2 | Closing: MAR 2 $25 Preview Performance | $45 Performances |
TICKETS
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.
SEASON 8
An off-beat comedy about an even odder couple. THE ROOMMATE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
With a recent divorce and her son living across the country, 50-something Sharon posts a listing for a roommate to fill the empty space of her Iowa home. Enter Robyn also in her mid-fifties, a fascinating woman who needs a place to hide and the chance to start over. Sharon is Walmart and white bread, book clubs, and leaving your door unlocked. Robyn is black leather boots, a motorcycle jacket, and cigarettes she’s trying to quit. When Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, they encourage her own deepseated desire to abandon her comfort zone and live a life of danger and adventure. Come along for this wild ride of a comedy that can only be described as The Odd Couple meets Breaking Bad. The Roommate cleverly navigates the rocky roads of change and hilariously examines what happens when the wheels come off.
Previews: MAR 26-28 Opening: MAR 29 | Closing: APR 27 $20 Preview Performance $35 Performances TICKETS
Last show of Season 8 Get your tickets today!
Shhh...
only for The Sharon® ticket holders! Show your ticket stub* from The Sharon at these participating restaurants & order from an exclusive
Secret Drink Menu!
990 Del Mar Dr, The Villages 352-268-3701
1045 Old Camp Rd, The Villages 352-750-6000
2738 Brownwood Blvd, The Villages 352-571-5344
1542 Water Tower Cir, The Villages 352-751-4501 *Ticket stub must be from a show in the last six months. It may be shown digitally or printed.
STUDENT DISCOUNT
10 OFF
$
You read that right! The Studio™ Theatre now offers Student Discounts! Just present your valid Student ID at any of The Villages Box Offices and you get tickets at a discount. $35 Musicals & $25 Plays
Significant Productions is a Not-for-Profit Arts organization that operates The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center (The Sharon) and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol (The Studio). SignificantProductions.org #SigPro marketing@significantproductions.org 1000 Main Street, Suite 208, The Villages, FL 32159
The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center has a mission to curate and present a variety of world-class performing arts in order to enrich the cultural offerings of The Villages® and surrounding communities. TheSharon.com | #TheSharon 1051 Main Street, The Villages, FL 32159
Our mission is to inspire the residents of Central Florida to examine relevant issues by elevating them through innovative and intimate storytelling. Think outside the box, inside the box at The Studio Theatre™. TheSharonStudio.com | #TheStudioTheatreTDS 806 San Marino Dr, The Villages, FL 32159 © 2023 Significant Productions, LLC.