THE SCOOP - Feb 2017

Volume 2, Issue 2 February 2017

issue

A Word From

THE SCOOP

Volume 2, Issue 2 | February 2017

WHITNEY

IN THIS

The Last 5 Years

Children Theatre Camp Pump Boys & Dinettes Styx

Duke Ellington Orchestra Three Tenors Plus One

The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra American Music The Russian National Ballet Theatre Don't Tell Nonnie

Whitney Morse, Artistic Director, The Sharon® L. Morse Performing Arts Center

The Last 5 Years Today I start rehearsals for The Last 5 Years, as I write this I have about thirty minutes until I need to walk out of my office and head to The Studio Theatre. I am very excited, but I will also admit I am a bit scared to start this process. It is a lifelong dream of mine to play Cathy and I just want to do her justice. She has some of the most beautiful lyrics and raw music in all of the musical theatre canon, in my opinion, and it will be an honor and a huge challenge to sing them.

I am often asked what my favorite songs to perform are, and for this show, I don’t yet know the answer to that question, but I can tell you the song I love to listen to is, “See I’m Smiling.” I love to listen to it because it is so incredibly active, even though it is a solo for Cathy, you can see everything that Jamie is saying in her reactions to him. I just love the magic of that kind of song writing. Jason Robert Brown is a true genius. That is why I picked this musical for this season. To me, Mr. Brown is one of the best living musical theatre composers. He has an incredible ability to capture emotion in song, and it is a true gift to get to perform them. It is his song writing ability that drew me to this piece for this season. It provides a lovely contrast to our other musical: Next To Normal. While Next To Normal, is a big rock and roll musical about large life and death issues, The Last 5 Years is an incredibly intimate and intricate examination of a modern young marriage. We get to see inside the minds and emotions of two young and ambitious people who are incredibly in love. It is this beautiful jewel of a musical, it is small, and lovely and sharp. I just love it. I hope our patrons come to love it as much as I do.

Taj Express The Hit Men The Staff Spotlight The Sharon Schedule Backstage at The Sharon The Sharon Performing Arts Academy

THE LAST 5 YEARS The Last 5 Years follows the characters of Jamie (an upcoming novelist) and his girlfriend/fiancé/wife, Cathy (a struggling actress). This powerful and intimate musical explores the journey of a New York couple in their twenties who succeed, struggle and succumb to the challenges and charms of married life. Utilizing a divergent plot structure, this two character musical simultaneously demonstrates a budding romance and a dissolving marriage.

Preview: FEB 20th-23rd | Opening: FEB 24th | Closing: MAR 19th

Tickets On Sale Now! $30 Performances The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol 806 San Marino Drive, The Villages, FL 32159 www.TheSharonStudio.com | (352) 751-7799

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If I didn't believe in you we wouldn't be having this fight.

Opening: FEB 24th 3

Closing: MAR 19th

The Last 5 Years With music and lyrics by three-time Tony Award winner, Jason Robert Brown, The Last 5 Years follows the characters of Jamie (an upcoming novelist) and his girlfriend/fiancĂŠ/wife, Cathy (a struggling actress). This powerful and intimate musical explores the journey of a New York couple in their twenties who succeed, struggle and succumb to the challenges and charms of married life. Utilizing a divergent plot structure, this two character musical simultaneously demonstrates a budding romance and a dissolving marriage. Follow Jaime's story in chronological order as it crashes into Cathy's side of the story told in reverse chronological order. See the Drama Desk award winning musical once named by Time Magazine as one of the ten best shows of the year!

The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol 806 San Marino Drive, The Villages, FL 32159 www.TheSharonStudio.com | (352) 751-7799

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PUBLIC PERFORMANCES: JUNE 9 & 10TH • 5PM • $10 5

PRESENT

Performed by local children from our community...

eir With help from th ctors wonderful Instr u

Cathlyn Melvin Glinda & Auntie Em Cathlyn is a co-founder of Compass Creative Dramatics and has worked with children and young adults as a tutor, forensics coach, theatre director, nanny, and as an ensemble member of GreatWorks Touring Theatre Company for children. She has had the opportunity to work with many wonderful theatres in Chicago and Milwaukee, including three awesome kids' shows with GreatWorks and the Jeff-Nominated productions Hickorydickory with Chicago Dramatists and The Count of Monte Cristo with Lifeline Theatre. www.cathlynmelvin.com

David Edward Smith The Wizard & Uncle Henry When not traveling the country, David is the resident actor for SociAbility, where he uses theatre to help children and adults on the autism spectrum. David has toured the country with National Theatre for Children and Missoula Children's Theatre, and has performed across Chicagoland with American Eagle Productions. During his spare time David enjoys playing basketball, reading, and spending his days along the shores of Lake Michigan.

What:

A week-long Children’s theatre camp

Where: The Sharon When: Who:

Cost:

June 5-9 | 9:30a-5pm

1st -8th graders

$100 (includes 2 tickets to public performance)

To Register

Visit our website at TheSharon.Com OR The Sharon Box Office

All Students will be cast as a role in the

performance. The roles will be selected the – first day of camp

Students eligible to apply will be any student entering 1st-8th grade.

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FEBRUARY 1ST & 2ND • 7PM • $20-$45 7

The Tony and Drama Desk Award nominated musical!

Set in a gas station and diner, the “Double Cupp Diner”, on Highway 57 somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, NC, the musical stars four gas station attendants (L.M., Jackson, Jim, and Eddie) and two waitresses (Prudie and Rhetta Cupp) who sing and play all manner of instruments including kitchen utensils. The music is a quirky, highly imaginative blend of country, rock-a-billy, swing, rock and roll and jazz.

Pump Boys and Dinettes was created by two friends, Jim Wan and Mark Hardwick who experimented with the concept while playing five nights a week at a New York steakhouse. The idea took off from there and with the help of contributors and fellow performers; John Foley, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, and John Schimmel they made their way from Off Broadway to the bright lights of Broadway and on to London’s West End. Subsequent productions have been seen across the country including long runs in Chicago and Minneapolis and an award winning run at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

ED AVILA (Eddie) Ed has performed nationally and internationally with various artists and musical productions. He enjoys playing all styles of music especially rock, funk and blues.

He has travelled all over the world as a showband bassist aboard luxury cruise lines. Past musical theatre credits include Troupe America's 2013 national tour of Ring of Fire: The Life and Music of Johnny Cash and Christmas My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash.

Ed resides in Long Branch, New Jersey.

JESSICA BRADLEY (Rhetta) is thrilled to be making her debut with Troupe America in one of her favorite rolls! Other favorites include Maggie in A Chorus Line, Trenna in Ring of Fire, and Marlene in Top Girls. Jessica is originally from Des Moines, IA and is now based in NYC. She received her BFA in musical theater performance from Wagner College in NYC. She sends love and thanks to Ryan, Babba, and all of her friends and family for their love and support.

BRANDON FILLETTE (L.M./ Music Captain) has been playing piano for as long as he can remember. He has performed at the Loessin Playhouse, The Palace Theater at Cedar Point and most recently at Circa 21 as Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet. Other roles include: Pippin (Pippin), Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit), Cain (Children of Eden), Bud Frump (How to Succeed...). Thanks to family and friends for supporting him and his dream of shaking hands with Billy Joel.

CANDICE LIVELY (Prudie) Originally from East Tennessee, Candice is excited to make her debut as "Prudie" in T.A.'s Pump Boys and Dinettes! Recently, she has been seen in North Dakota's The Medora Musical as a Burning Hills Singer. Previously, she has performed in several theatres in Pigeon Forge, TN, including The Smoky Mountain Opry, The Black Bear Jamboree, and Dollywood. Candice has also been a featured singer for Norwegian Cruise Lines, and performed in the national tours of Miracle on 34th Street, Ring of Fire, and Live From Nashville.

Candice would like send love to her family, and as always, she is excited to again share the stage with her husband Chet!

STEVEN ROMERO SCHAEFFER (Jackson) (Chicago, IL) is excited to be a part of his first Troupe America National Tour. He has performed regionally with Texas Family Musical (Galveston, TX), the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival: Youth Tour (Auburn, NY), the Straw Hat Players (Moorhead, Minnesota), and the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival (Vermillion, SD). A graduate from the University of South Dakota Acting program, Steven is also a singer/ songwriter who performs throughout the Chicago area.

CHET WOLLAN (Jim) Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Chet is thrilled to be a part of T.A.'s Pump Boys and Dinettes!

Most recently, he hosted "The Greatest Show in the West" as "Cowboy Chet" in North Dakota's Medora Musical. Previously, he has been seen in the national tours of Miracle on 34th Street, Ring of Fire, and Live From Nashville. Â He has also spent several years performing at Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, TN, where he met his wife, Candice. Â Chet would like to thank his family for their continued support! Enjoy the show!

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FEBRUARY 3RD • 7 PM • $55-$125 9

The six men comprising Styx have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide by entering their second decade of averaging over 100 shows a year, and each one of them is committed to making the next show better than the last. Styx draws from over four decades of barnburning chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts. Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a Styx set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is “The Grand Illusion” to the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the “Blue Collar Man,” from the majestic spiritual love for a special “Lady” to the seething indictment of preening, primping pageantry for pageantry’s sake of “Miss America,” from an individual yearning for true connection as a “Man in the Wilderness” to a soul-deep quest to achieve what’s at the heart of one’s personal vision in “Crystal Ball,” from the regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of “Come Sail Away” to the grainy all-in gallop of that rugged “Renegade” who had it made, the band draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one’s mind and body in their signature sound.

After more than a decade together on the road, this incarnation of Styx is looking forward to performing as many shows as it can as long as it can. “It all comes back to the chemistry,” says bassist/vocalist Ricky Phillips.

“The legacy of this band will be that it brought joy to millions of people,” notes drummer Todd Sucherman.

Observes keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, “We’ve always tried to explain why this is this happening.

It’s obviously a multitude of factors, but the main one is that our show is really good! And if it’s really good, they’re going to come to see it again.” Styx hopes it’s a wave that never crests. “Music is this amazing force that comes from a higher place. I'm humbled for this band to have the great success that it has,” says cofounding guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young. The jig is up, the news is out: The Esprit de Styx is alive and well, and now it’s time to see for yourself. Welcome to the Grand Evolution.

As both a composer and a band leader, Duke Ellington influenced millions of people both around the world and at home. Ellington led his band from 1923 until his death on May 24, 1974 at the age of 75.

At this point, his son Mercer Ellington took leadership of the band. Mercer was an accomplished trumpet player and composer who wrote many songs for his father’s orchestra including the standard "Things Ain't What They Used to Be." Under his direction he toured and recorded the Orchestra for the next 22 years until his own death in 1996.

FEBRUARY 8TH • 7PM • $25-$60

Duke Ellington called his music "American Music" rather than jazz, and liked to describe those who impressed him as "beyond category.” He remains one of the most influential figures in jazz, if not in all American music, and is widely considered as one of the Twentieth century's best known African American personalities.

At this point the baton was passed to Mercer’s youngest son Paul Mercer Ellington who has been leading the orchestra and fearlessly preserving the music and legacy of the great Duke Ellington. The Duke Ellington Orchestra has been performing worldwide for the past 88 years under the guidance of three generations of the Ellington family and will continue to do so for many years to come

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FEBRUARY 11TH • 3 PM & 7 PM • $20-$40 11

THREE TENORS +1 Accompaniment by Sean Pollack Bill Doherty

Devin Eatmon

A Graduate of Juilliard and Manhattan school of Music, Doherty began his career as an Operatic tenor. He sang with the Mohawk Valley Opera and the Tri-Cities Opera, and was later mentored by the legendary soprano Licia Albanese (Metropolitan Opera and La Scala). Expanding his talents as a pianist and conductor, he has performed at Lincoln Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral, throughout the Italian Riviera and Japan.

Devin M. Eatmon is an operatic tenor from Ocala, FL. Devin has had the pleasure of performing two full seasons with Maestro Bill Doherty and the Central Florida Lyric Opera (2013-2015). His most recent lead role was Lorenzo, in William Bolcom's comic opera "Lucrezia" as a part of FSU Opera's mainstage season (2016). Devin was the 2013 winner of the Harold Schwartz Music Scholarship awarded by the Opera Club of the Villages.

Soprano Corinne Bach is a criticallyacclaimed recording artist in the "NeoClassical/Popera" genre.. She has sung with National Broadway tours, operas, revues, and her solo show throughout the U.S. and on luxury cruise lines.

The Popera Diva performs songs From Adele to Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bach to Broadway, Cole Porter to Puccini, Corinne has a vocal repertoire of 11 languages in multiple genres.

Fanyong Du

Fanyong Du, lyric tenor, is currently in the Professional Studies Program at Mannes college of Music. He was recently the winner of the New York Career Bridges's Cerpuetti first prize, representing the USA in Italy next April. He was educated in the Ukraine, performed extensively in Italy, and throughout the USA. Fanyong was a winner in the Licia Albanese Puccini Foundation International Opera Competition in 2016.

All proceeds go to the

This professional orchestra will present musical masterpieces to our local community that will enlighten and entertain. Their purpose is to nourish the hearts, minds and souls of families with the glorious gift of music while inspiring the next generation to pursue this same noble tradition.

2017 Season Schedule Tuesday

2/14/2017

2pm

American Music

Tuesday

2/14/2017

7pm

American Music

Tuesday

3/14/2017

7pm

Classical Concert

Wednesday 3/15/2017

7pm

Classical Concert

Tuesday

4/4/2017

7pm

Opera Celebration

Wednesday 4/5/2017

7pm

Opera Celebration

American Music Program Carousel orchestra medley

Sound of Music orchestra medley "Impossible dream" from Man of La Mancha "Maria" from West Side Story "America" from West Side Story Balcony scene "Tonight Tonight" from West Side Story "Somewhere" from West Side Story "Bachianas brasileiras" by Heitor Villa Lobos INTERMISSION Aaron Copland "Fanfare for the common man " George Gershwin "Rhapsody in blue " - Giuseppe Bruno, pianist

Series prices available at box office windows or call 352-750-5411

FEBRUARY 14TH • 2PM & 7PM • $21-$39

The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra is back at The Sharon for the 2016/2017 season!

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RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET THEATRE

FEBRUARY 21ST - 23RD • 7PM • $20-$75

Presents

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Don Quixote

Artistic Director: Elena Radchenko The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded in Moscow during the transitional period of Perestroika in the late 1980s, when many of the great dancers and choreographers of the Soviet Union's ballet institutions were exercising their new-found creative freedom by starting new, vibrant companies dedicated not only to the timeless tradition of classical Russian Ballet but to invigorate this tradition as the Russians began to accept new developments in the dance from around the world.

The company, then titled the Soviet National Ballet, was founded by and incorporated graduates from the great Russian choreographic schools of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Perm. The principal dancers of the company came from the upper ranks of the great ballet companies and academies of Russia, and the companies of Riga, Kiev and even Warsaw.

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Presents

Cinderella

Today, the Russian National Ballet Theatre is its own institution, with over 50 dancers of singular instruction and vast experience, many of whom have been with the company since its inception. In addition to their extensive tour history, beginning in January 2017 the company will embark upon a four-month coast-to-coast tour of the United States.

In 1994, the legendary Bolshoi principal dancer Elena Radchenko was selected by Presidential decree to assume the first permanent artistic directorship of the company. Ms. Radchenko is the founder of the Russian National Ballet Theatre, and she has focused the Company on upholding the grand national tradition of the major Russian ballet works and developing new talents throughout Russia, with a repertory of virtually all of the great full works of Petipa: Don Quixote, La Bayadere, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Raymonda, Paquita, Coppelia and La Sylphide, as well as productions of, among others, The Nutcracker, Sylvia, and La Fille Mal.

FEB. 24TH • 7PM FEB. 25TH • 2PM & 7PM • $20-$75

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RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET THEATRE

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Come sing with us!

February 27th, 2017 Show Time: 7:30pm to 10:30pm (arrive and exit at any time) Doors Open at 7:00pm Bring sheet music or peruse our collection, sing a song and cheer for your friends, and in between Whitney Morse and Gary Powell will perform some of their favorite cabaret numbers.

Cost is $15 which includes a free drink at the bar.

Guests are to bring their own sheet music in their key (or choose a song from Gary's selections) and sing in the lobby while accompanied by Gary.

Everyone is welcome to get their chance in the spotlight or just come and be entertained

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Try the Nonnie Sour, Our Signature Drink

MARCH 2ND • 7PM • $20-$85

Taj Express explodes with the sounds of India and Bollywood, capturing the vibrant, expressive spirit of the world of Bollywood movies that have been entertaining billions of people in India for generations. Through a fusion of film, dance, and music, this dazzling international sensation takes audiences on a live cinematic journey through modern Indian culture and society. The production is a high energy celebration of new India’s pop music, Bollywood culture, and deep traditions featuring colorful costumes, joyful dance, and thrilling live music.

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MARCH 5TH • 7PM • $20-$40 17

Legendary Performers with Frankie Valli, Carole King, Cat Stevens & more!

Lee Shapiro

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Carly Simon, Elton John, Barry Manilow, Carole King, Tommy James & The Shondells, Sting, Paul McCartney, Three Dog Night, Christopher Cross and Alan Parsons were among the most beloved and influential pop music artists of the second half of the 20th century. And all share another common denominator: at some point during their careers, each had at least one of THE HIT MEN playing behind them on the road or in the studio.

THE HIT MEN – a supergroup consisting of Lee Shapiro, Jimmy Ryan, Larry Gates, Russ Velazquez and Steve Murphy – either played, sang or did both on some of the most memorable hits of the era, including “Who Loves You”, “Oh What a Night”, “The Loco-motion”, “Peace Train”, “Mony Mony”, “Joy to the World” and other songs in which they used their talents to spin wax into gold and platinum.

Lee Shapiro is a producer, arranger and musician who not only arranged some of the Four Seasons biggest hits, but also collaborated with artists ranging from Barry Manilow, Tony Orlando, and Tommy James.

Jimmy Ryan began his career in the 1960s as lead guitarist, singer and a songwriter for The Critters. He’s been a backup singer, arranger and occasional co-writer with Carly Simon, and his guitar is heard on albums by Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney and Elton John.

Larry Gates is a singer, lyricist and composer who has worked with an eclectic array of artists including Carole King, Janis Ian and Rick Derringer. His music and voice can be heard on numerous national television commercials.

Russ Velazquez is a singer, composer and arranger whose credits read like a musical Who’s Who. He has collaborated with everyone from Sting, The Ramones, and LL Cool J to Luther Vandross, Korn and Paul Abdul. He’s been nominated for four Emmy Awards for his work on Sesame Street and his song “2BA Master” hit the top of the children’s music charts and Radio Disney.

Steve Murphy is a drummer, singer, producer and engineer who has toured with The Alan Parsons Project, Jack Bruce, Eric Burdon and the Animals, Chuck Negron, Felix Cavaliere, Dave Mason, Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Mark Farner, The Turtles, Mickey Dolenz, Gary Puckett, Mitch Ryder and over a dozen more major artists from the 60's, 70's and 80's.

Jimmy Ryan

Reliving the magic they created on stages around the world & in recording studios with some of our most cherished musical artists, when THE HIT MEN take the stage today, it’s easy to see why their music has transcended generations. Now touring across the country, they have performed at prestigious theatres such as Town Hall in New York City, the Barbara Mann in Ft. Myers FL, the Gallo Theatre in Modesto and with symphony orchestras in Grand Rapids MI, Allentown PA, and Des Moines, IA.

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THE STAFF SPOTLIGHT 19

Cathy Stark

Assistant House Manager "Working at The SharonÂŽ with its young and talented staff has been so delightful and rewarding. There are over 200 volunteers that assist us with doing our job to make the patrons comfortable and happy with The Sharon. I feel very blessed to have this position as Assistant House Manager."

What is your role for The SharonÂŽ?

I came to work at The Sharon before its first season to be Rebecca Morse’s Assistant House Manager. Together, we trained the new volunteers as ushers for the theatre outlining their duties and responsibilities to maintain the house before, during, and after theatre performances.

It was a great experience to see the season unfold and work with the many volunteers who assisted with house management. It was a wonderful time for me to be a part of the staff and work with them on the shows. Each show needed 32 volunteers and their participation was a great opportunity to learn about them and about our patrons. It’s been fun and rewarding to be a part of The Sharon team.

What has been your favorite moment?

There have been many wonderful moments. To choose one would be difficult, but I can say that the first performance of the opening of The Sharon. It was an unforgettable spectacular moment.

What got you started in Theatre?

I lived in Manhattan for 10 years having all kinds of theatre available to me. I took advantage of this situation at every opportunity. I was fortunate to be able to attend theatre performances since I was a teenager. My first Broadway theatre performance was Peter Pan starring Mary Martin; you see how far back I go. I never worked in theatre, but given the opportunity to work at The Sharon and see backstage in action is a big thrill.

Oscar Feliu was instrumental in helping me work at The Sharon.

Who is your favorite artist?

The one artist that stands out for me was Johnny Mathis. He was here twice and each time I was taken back to my teenage years and felt 16 years old again. I was fortunate enough to be able to meet him in person and received hugs and kisses. How great is that!

What was your favorite experience so far?

I never attended concerts when I was a teenager and now seeing them face to face has been a great experience in my life. I have been up close with some of my favorite stars. Am I dreaming?

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THE SHARON SCHEDULE 21

RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET THEATRE

Cinderella

February 24th-7pm • February 25th-2pm & 7pm • $20-$75

-Jeanne Robertson

The Rocking Chair Jeanne has luckily recovered from her previously broken femur, but she still prefers to sit in a Cracker Barrel certified rocking chair throughout most of her performances. She has affectionately themed this her, “Rocking Chair Tour!” Each rocking chair that she performs in, she gives away to one lucky show-goer. In each city she tours, the chair she leaves behind is commemorated with her autograph.

At her January 15th performance at The Sharon, the lucky rocking chair winner was: Elizabeth Gualfetti! Who was ecstatic and thrilled to have won.

During the performance Jeanne made jokes about her recovery and the chair.

She mentioned our previously sold out show for her at The Sharon back on March 9, 2016. That was around the time of her accident so the show had to be canceled and everyone was given refunds with the expectation that she would reschedule.

She joked how all The Villagers must love her (because she sold out twice) and yet, as she sat in the hospital not ONE Get Well card came to her from The Villages... hmmm…

Elizabeth Gualfetti

BACKSTAGE AT THE SHARON

"Because of a broken leg, I'm doing my shows in Rocking Chairs. We buy 'em at a local Cracker Barrel, I use at show, audience members enter contest through computer by noon the next day & we give it away. No, Cracker Barrel is not involved. They're just around & have nice chairs. (Plus, I like Uncle Herschels.)"

Someone recently asked her, “Jeanne why do you buy a new Cracker Barrel chair for every venue you tour? Why don’t you just bring the same one with you, it’ll save money!” and Jeanne responded “Because a Cracker Barrel rocking chair doesn’t fit in an airplane’s overhead bin!”

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FREE professional photography* available in The Sharon® Lobby! * For select shows

Look for the photographer at your next show.

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© 2017 The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center. All Rights Reserved.

The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center has a mission to provide quality entertainment to The VillagesÂŽ and its surrounding communities. www.TheSharon.com #TheSharon

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. www.TheSharonStudio.com #TheStudioTheatreTDS Š 2017 The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center. Prices and availability subject to change without notice.