issue THE SCOOP
IN THIS Jon Secada
Gary Lovini
The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra Dance to the Movies Chicago Howie Mandel Steel Magnolias Better Together Season 3 at The Studio Backstage at The Studio
Backstage at The Sharon
A Word From
Volume 3, Issue 8 | August 2018
WHITNEY
Whitney Morse, Artistic Director, The Sharon® L. Morse Performing Arts Center
The Story of our Script Selection: Time flies when you’re having fun; that is what they say, and this summer the old adage has proven very true for me. I simply cannot believe that in less than a month, we will be starting rehearsals for our first show of our third season at The Studio. It feels like we just wrapped up Red last week! But alas, here I sit, staring down the barrel of another eventful season at The Studio starting with The Story Of My Life. This is a script that has been simmering for me and my script selection team for about 2 years. We first en countered it two years ago when we were selecting Season 2. Everyone on the committee loved it, in fact it almost made it into our second season. It is such a unique piece, it is no wonder we loved it so much. In my experience, there aren’t many musicals that really examine deep life-long male friendships. Sure there are buddy musicals like The Book of Mormon, or Forever Plaid, but rare is the jewel that really takes a deep dive into male platonic love. I think societally it is something we tend to laugh off. In reality though, men stereotypically might not be wearing their emotions on their sleeves, but men possess a deep capacity for love, and it can be heartbreaking to watch them maneuver through those emotions in today’s societal landscape. They operate under the norms of being “real men” or “providing for their families,” when in fact there is so much more underneath that exterior the world expects them to construct. The Story of My Life really peels back those many tough layers and gets to the tender heart of one of the most unexamined relationships I know of, male platonic love. We are very excited to share this intimate two person musical with you. We hope you love it as much as we do.
Music & Lyrics by Neil Bartram Book by Brian Hill SEPT 25TH - NOV 4TH
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Grammy Award Winning Singer
AUG 17
7PM
$20-$70
Jon Secada With a career spanning over two decades, two Grammy Awards, 20 million albums sold, and starring roles on Broadway, the acclaimed, romantic sounds of Jon Secada, have resulted in numerous hits in English and Spanish, establishing him as one of the first bilingual artists to have international crossover success. Adored by millions around the world, he is recognized as an international superstar by both fans and peers alike for his soulful and melodic voice. Secada’s impact goes beyond music as he has devoted himself to assisting various charitable groups all over the world through his personal organization, "Jon Secada Charities.” He has been active with many causes to help Hispanic Americans, children, education, AIDS research, and child abuse. His commitment to education and helping others led him to create the Jon Secada Music Scholarship at the University of Miami. He’s also led an ongoing effort to raise awareness for Hepatitis C by partnering with pharmaceutical giant MERCK and The American Liver Foundation. For his efforts, The Pan American Health Organization recently honored Secada with an award that acknowledged him as a leader in Hepatitis C awareness around the world. In September 2012, Jon also headlined the "Miami Rocks The Troops" benefit concert, supporting US military veterans across the country.
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Hit Songs include: "Just Another Day" "If You Go" "Do You Believe in Us" "Angel" "I'm Free" "Mental Picture" "Too Late, Too Soon"
SHOW THIS FRIDAY! Tickets available now!
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$20-$45 7PM AUG 25 5
His music ranges from Classical Pop, Patriotic, Irish, Scottish, Country, Classic Rock and Disney Medley’s to Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, David Guetta and Avicci.
The Violin Showman
British TV Personality and International Violin Music Star Gary Lovini was the first UK violinist to successfully bridge the gap between classical and popular music. A true showman, he captivates audiences of all nationalities, ages and tastes in music and language is no barrier to the talents of the world class entertainer.
At just 17, Gary won a major British TV Talent Show and stole the nation’s hearts. He was catapulted into stardom and the public eye and could be seen performing internationally at theaters and concert venues. He became a regular guest on British TV talk shows and appeared regularly on British TV including Sunday Night at the London Palladium and performing at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance for Her Majesty the Queen. Alongside his theater shows and tours, Gary flies to Cruise Ships all over the world performing his amazing violin show to passengers. He was the youngest entertainer in Cunard history to fly on Concord to join the QE2 in Rio De Janeiro to perform alongside idols such as Neil Sedaka, Jack Jones, Dionne Warwick and Rod Stewart. He remains a major Head Liner act in the cruise industry to this day. Gary Lovini has become one of the most sought after violin star’s in the UK and is now bringing his award winning Headliner show to the USA. We are absolutely thrilled to have him perform for us at The Sharon!
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7PM
It is both my honor and a great privilege to present the opening of another exciting season of the Villages Philharmonic Orchestra to this special audience that welcomes us into their hearts as family. Family spends the most important moments together and we invite you to share those with us this season for each of our performances.
SEPT 2
$25-$65
Pops Concert
This hall is a monument to the legacy of love and passion the Morse family has established and nurtured in the Villages. I hope to see you all at all of our home performances and invite you to support the Philharmonic by purchasing a season subscription and by inviting all your friends to share in the transformative power of music with us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting this fine orchestra and the world class artistry we craft for you.
This season, your Villages Philharmonic will present a variety of programs, including pops, opera, and powerful masterworks, featuring guest artists from England, Italy, and the world over. I could not think of a more beautiful venue to share these concerts with you, and if you are our family, the Sharon Morse is most certainly our home.
Pasquale Valerio Your Maestro,
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Featuring Chris Horn
Family Affair
Marcela Richardson
Mark Antonio de Villiers
Norman Lee
Sean Stork
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SEPT 10
5PM & 8PM
$20-$70
Starring performers from Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Got Talent and American Idol.
Dance to the Movies is the new, high octane stage hit!. You'll want to Dance to the Movies! Hollywood's Best Musical Moments - Celebrated and Reinvented Live, Onstage! Seven of TV and stage's top choreographers bring to life the classic movie dances of yesterday with a fresh new vision! Starring Dancing with the Stars Celebrity Pros, So You Think You Can Dance top finalists, America's Got Talent aerialists and combining forces with singing stars from American Idol. Dance to the Movies recreates some of the most iconic characters and memorable musical moments. From movies like West Side Story, Grease, Chicago, and Moulin Rouge. With new, stunning dances to scores from such movies as Singin' In The Rain, Titanic, The Matrix and Willie Wonka. A perfect family-friendly evening of cinema magic LIVE onstage. *Dance to the Movies is not sponsored by or affiliated with Dancing with the Stars in any capacity.
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$50-$100 VARIOUS SEPT 24-26 11
CHICAGO is a production not to be missed, and all the reviewers agree! Time Magazine calls it “A Triumph,” Newsweek raves “Smashing”, and Entertainment Weekly sums it up by calling CHICAGO “Broadway’s Most Electrifying Show.”
WINNER OF SIX 1997 TONY AWARDS INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL
Chicago, which opened to rave reviews on November 14, 1996 and now in its 20th year on Broadway is the longest running AMERICAN musical shows no sign of ever slowing down! Chicago is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy. Award for Best Musical Cast Recording. Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids. The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the "celebrity criminal." Chicago is produced by the Tony Award Producing Team Barry and Fran Weissler and legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
BROADWAY'S RECORD-BREAKING, TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL SMASH
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OCT 12
5PM & 8PM
$55-$85
Howie Mandel With Opening Act Preacher Lawson
ABOUT PREACHER LAWSON: Preacher Lawson was born In Portland, Oregon, but raised most of his adolescence in Memphis, TN. He moved 20 times before the age of 10, but if you asked him what city he's from he'd say Orlando, FL. Because that's where he grew as a comedian. He started writing jokes when he was 16, then decided to perform for the first time a year later on a bet with his mother. Best decision of his life. In 2015 Preacher won the title of Funniest Comedian In Florida, in 2016 he was crowned the winner of the Seattle International Comedy Competition. He's continued the wave of momentum on into 2017 and he's on quite a roll this year so far - having made his television debut on NBC's Last Call with Carson Daly followed by an appearance on Comedy Dynamic's Coming To The Stage soon after. He is also currently making a big splash on NBC's America's Got Talent which recently beat the MLB All-Star game in ratings!
HOW HOWIE GOT HIS START: Howie started his career on a dare in Toronto in 1979 and then one night during a trip to Los Angeles he was at the legendary Comedy Store on amateur night and Howie was coaxed by his friends to get up and try his luck. As fate would have it, there was a producer in the crowd who immediately hired him to appear on the comedy game-show Make Me Laugh. His appearance on the show led to talk show appearances, a stint as Diana Ross' opening act and eventually to the television series St. Elsewhere, where Howie spent six seasons as "Dr. Wayne Fiscus" on the award-winning NBC drama.
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$20-$60
Susan Albert Loewenberg, Producing Director Presents
Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
OCT 22
7PM
LA Theatre Works has announced an impressive and diverse cast for the 18-19 tour of Steel Magnolias.
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The production will feature television, film and theater actresses including; Emily Kuroda (Clairee) starred as Mrs.Kim on Gilmore Girls and has a long list of theater and television credits including performances at the Public Theater and Seattle Rep and on television in Drop Dead Diva, Grey’s Anatomy, and Six Feet Under among many others. Inger Tudor (M’Lynn), the excellent film and television actress, has been seen in Goliath and The Social Network. Truvy will be played by Elisa Bocanegra whose theater performances include those for the Goodman Theatre in Chicago and the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York and on television in Undecided and Gilmore Girls. Returning LA. Theatre Works actors include Shannon Holt (Judgment at Nuremberg) as Ouiser and Cerris Morgan-Moyer (Pride & Prejudice) as Annelle. Monica McSwain will play the role of Shelby and Brian Kite will direct.
You may have seen LATW's production of The Mountaintop on The Sharon Stage last season!
Starring
ELISA BOCANEGRA
SHANNON HOLT
EMILY KURODA
MONICA McSWAIN
CERRIS
INGER TUDOR
as Truvy
as Shelby
as Ouiser
MORGAN-MOYER as Annelle
as Clairee
as M'Lynn
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NOV 3 & 4
3PM & 7PM
$30-$65
r e tt e B ether g o T
An intimate evening with Fernando Susan and Zeke Varela
A family that sings together, stays together! After touring the world with Sarah Brightman and David Foster, Fernando returns home to sing with his favorite artists: his family. Don’t miss Zeke Varela’s singing debut with his parents! Fernando, Susan and Zeke are extremely excited to bring this heartwarming show to the best patrons in the world. The show features some of your favorite duets and some very new trios, with the couple's 8 year old son Zeke taking the stage for the first time. You definitely won't want to miss this magical show, coming this November to The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center!
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See you at
THE STUDIO...
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3 N O S A SE
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Diana Son
Music & Lyrics by Neil Bartram Book by Brian Hill
h ou l d a S t I n You B ee
S T O P K I S S
A Doll's House
JUST MARRIED
Book & Lyrics Brian Hargrove
THE STORY OF MY LIFE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.MTIShows.com
Preview: SEPT 25-SEPT 27 Opening: SEPT 28 Closing: Nov 4 $20 Previews $40 Performances
Henrik Ibsen
Music & Concept Barbara Anselmi
Translated by Christopher Hampton “A Doll's House (Hampton, trans.)” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Preview: NOV 27 -NOV 29 Opening: NOV 30 Closing: DEC 30 $15 Previews $35 Performances
Preview: JAN 15 -JAN 17 Opening: JAN 18 Closing: FEB 24 $20 Previews $40 Performances
Preview: MAR 19-MAR 21 Opening: MAR 22 Closing: APR 28 $15 Previews $35 Performances
The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol 806 San Marino Drive, The Villages, FL 32159 www.TheSharonStudio.com | (352) 751-7799 #TheStudioTheatreTDS
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BACKSTAGE AT THE STUDIO
Backstage at
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The Studio
The Studio Theatre Cast House Each show is commemorated at The Studio Theatre’s Cast House in a special way! The Studio Team paints an image inside the backyard fence that embodies each show and incorporates the actor’s (and sometimes crew member’s) initials. We plan to continue this tradition each and every season so that all new upcoming actors can see where we’ve been and what the future holds for our special venue! Please see these behind-the-scene photos of what is there so far!y Te
Backstage
The Sharon’s New Usher Training occurred in early August, led by House Manager Rebecca Morse and Assistant House Manager, Heather Ard. Additional ongoing trainings for existing Ushers will continue this month, as we re-train all Ushers every year to ensure the utmost stellar customer service experience for our guests! New applications will be received June 2019. We are no longer accepting more applications at this time.
BACKSTAGE AT THE SHARON
at The Sharon
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THE SHARON SCHEDULE
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FREE professional photography*
available in The SharonÂŽ Lobby! * For select shows
Look for the photographer at your next show. Download & Share It
#TheSharon
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Theatres in Performing Arts Theatres of The VillagesÂŽ
1545 N Buena Vista Boulevard
1051 Main Street
806 San Marino Drive
Download The Villages App
for directions to all 3 theatres! Š 2018 Holding Company of The Villages, Inc., 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 2018 The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center. Prices and availability subject to change without notice.