issue THE SCOOP
IN THIS
A Word From
Volume 3, Issue 10 | October 2018
WHITNEY
Whitney Morse, Artistic Director, The Sharon® L. Morse Performing Arts Center
Steel Magnolias
Come to the Cabaret
Trio Classique Lobby Concert
This November we are launching a new series at The Sharon: The Lobby Lounge Cabaret Series. If you aren’t familiar with “cabaret” style entertainment, the basic idea is this: A performer builds a show around a theme or idea using music and sometimes personal stories to share an idea or journey with the audience. Some of the best Cabarets I have seen have been of a personal nature, where the performer uses songs and stories to tell the audience about a personal journey or struggle they have had. I have one that I have done many times that is called Aphrodite Don’t Forget Me: Confessions of a Serial Monogamist that uses songs from the musical theatre to tell the story of my love life. This time around I am putting together a brand new show for you, called My Knocked Up Life: Songs about Pregnancy and Parenting. And yes, I will be pregnant at that time; 37 weeks pregnant to be exact. My cabaret will kick off The Cabaret Series on November 8th in the Lobby Lounge in The Sharon at 7pm. Second in the Cabaret Series in The Sharon’s Lobby Lounge is Heather Ard in her musical adventure of life, love, spirit, and siblings accompanied by Bill Doherty. Join us as we present our second event of this intimate series on December 12th! More about Heather Ard’s event on page 17.
VooDoo Bluez Rita Rudner
Better Together Moscow Ballet The Spinners
The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra Lobby Lounge Cabaret The Story of My Life
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Backstage at The Studio Staff Spotlight International Subscription
SEPT 28th - NOV 4th TICKETS ON SALE NOW
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$20-$60
Susan Albert Loewenberg, Producing Director Presents
Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
OCT 22
7PM
Steel Magnolias remains one of the great stories of female empowerment and resilience. The L.A. Theatre Works national tour features a diverse cast of six extraordinary women.
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In each of our lives, we encounter those with whom we share an indescribable bond. These special people could be siblings, childhood pals, a college roommate, a mentor—they are the ones we’d go to any lengths to support, with whom we can disagree strongly while loving deeply. They change our lives just by being in them. Our connections with them defy the limitations of distance and time. Within the walls of Truvy’s beauty shop, set in the deep Bayou of Louisiana, are six women whose lives increasingly hinge on the existence of one another. Together, they absorb the passing seasons, just like the weathered wooden structure of the salon “home” that they share. What if, like these six women, we didn’t have to go it alone? What if the comfort we’ve been searching for has always been there, right in our own backyard? At turns both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching, Steel Magnolias reveals the strength of the human condition and our shared need for companionship. Steel Magnolias was a popular film starring Sally Fields, Dolly Parton, and Julia Roberts. The play has had multiple New York City runs and performances staged around the globe. Steel Magnolias, a play full of memorable characters, is considered a tour de force for the all female cast.
Trio Classique’ Lobby Concert
d Trio No. 7, Trio in G Major by Joseph Haydn an Op. 97 by Ludwig van Beethoven
-1pm November 7th, 12pm at 11:30am
Doors open n lunch!) ow ur yo g rin (B n o si is m d Free A
aron® Lobby
Open to the Public in The Sh
Featuring
Sheryl Genco, Ellen Shertzer, & Paul Hoffmann 4
$20-$49 8PM OCT 27 Come to the Spanish Springs Town SquareÂŽ before the show for the Halloween Bash and see the VooDoo Bluez Performers out in the Square! 5
Featuring popular songs such as: Believer - Imagine Dragons At Last - Etta James I’ll Be Seeing You - Billie Holiday Superstition - Stevie Ray Vaughn Black Magic Woman - Fleetwood Mac
I Put A Spell On You - Annie Lennox Hoochie Coochie Man - Eric Clapton Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood And more!
Join us of for a night of Fun, Magic, and Music! We will take you on a journey through classic old and new Blues and Rock hits as this talented cast takes you on a magical and mysterious trip through the bayou at night. With mind blowing magic and talented aerial antics this fun musical is a perfect event at Halloween and certainly will include a trick or two! With great characters like the VooDoo King, The Sorcerer, and Queen of the Night, this immersive show will certainly be both a trick and a treat for the audience and maybe you can help "Angele" find her way home!
Starring a Mystifying Cast
Ava Mary Benjamin Carlos Boyd DeWitt Simms Torress
Kelley Connolly
"Young Angele" "The VooDoo King/ "The Human" Night Wolf"
"Angele"
Melissa Daily
Mike Westrich
"The VooDoo Queen"
"Vlad"
Mimi J. "The Songstress"
Neil Crosswell "The Sorcerer"
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NOV 1
5PM & 8PM
$40-$65
Named Las Vegas's "Comedian Of The Year" nine years in a row!
Rita Rudner A mainstay of the comedy scene for over 30 years, Rita Rudner, known for her epigrammatic one-liners brings her legendary comedy to The Sharon. A house-filling favorite in Las Vegas since she opened as one of the hottest tickets in town. Over the course of her fourteen year run of 2,000 plus shows, Rudner has sold one and a half million tickets and become the longest-running solo comedy show in the history of Las Vegas. She has been named Las Vegas's "Comedian Of The Year" nine years in a row! After her early beginnings as a dancer on the Great White Way in the '80s, Rudner took a full-time leap from chorus lines to punch lines and was soon a regular guest on both Late Night with David Letterman and The Tonight Show. Rita's first solo HBO special, Rita Rudner's One Night Stand, was nominated for several awards, as was her eponymous English BBC television show that later appeared in the USA on A&E. Rudner's two one-hour specials for HBO, Born To Be Mild and Married Without Children, were ratings standouts and she performed all over the country, filling Carnegie Hall in New York three times and the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles twice. In 2008 Rita Rudner: Live From Las Vegas was PBS's first ever stand-up comedy special. Comedienne, best-selling author, actor, producer, and writer; Rita Rudner has done it all!
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$30-$65 3PM & 7PM
r e tt Be ether Tog An intimate evening with Fernando Susan and Zeke Varela
A family that sings together, stays together!
NOV 3 & 4
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!
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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!
Share your holidays
with The Sharon ! ®
Purchase at any of The Villages® box office locations. #TheSharon
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NOV 6
4PM & 8PM
$45-$85
Back at The Sharon, by popular demand!
Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls - Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages. "Kids wide-eyed with delight!" says the New York Times. Experience the Dove of Peace Tour, spreading goodwill in over 100 cities across North America. Get seats now for the whole family and make memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker!
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NOV 10
5PM & 8PM
$45-$65
C BA
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TT A K
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H ES
A
N RO
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Smash hits like “I’ll Be Around” and “Then Came You."
Most often thought of as a Motown recording act, the classic group sound of legendary R&B recording artists, The Spinners has never lost its universal appeal. Throughout the years they have sold millions of records and topped both the Pop and R&B charts with smash hits like “I’ll Be Around” and “Then Came You.” Today, original member Henry Fambrough is joined onstage by lead singer Charlton Washington, high tenor Marvin Taylor, tenor Ronnie Moss, and bass singer Jessie Peck; a soul-infused 5-piece band, led by Keith Ferguson, backs them up. After a brief time at Motown, The Spinners signed to Atlantic Records in 1972. There, under the helm of producer and songwriter Thom Bell, The Spinners charted five top 100 singles (and two top tens) from their first post-Motown album, Spinners (1972), and went on to become one of the biggest soul groups of the 1970s. A partial list of their hit singles on Atlantic include “Mighty Love,” “Then Came You,” “I’ll Be Around,” “One Of A Kind (Love Affair),” “Games People Play,” and “Could It Be.” In 1979, The Spinners completed their first collaboration with producer Michael Zager, and by early 1980, the single, “Working My Way Back to You,” was topping Pop and R&B charts giving the group its 12th gold record. The Love Trippin’ album’s release included “The Cupid Medley,” one of the fastest selling records in The Spinners career. The follow-up album, Labor of Love, featured such stand-out tunes as “Yesterday Once More,” and “Long Live Soul Music.” With the release of “Can’t Shake This Feeling,” their fourth LP in just over two years, the quintet entered a brand new phase of their remarkable career as they joined the award winning producing/writing/ playing team of James Mtume and Reggie Lucas. Other past releases include songs on the motion picture soundtracks of “Twins” and “Spaceballs,” and a single on Arista Records with Dionne Warwick entitled “Then Came You.” The Spinners have six Grammy nominations and have performed twice during the awards ceremony. Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999, they have also been awarded the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Award for their contribution to the genre. The group has performed for presidents, received a star on the Hollywood “Walk of Fame,” and has appeared in numerous network and cable television specials paying tribute to the music of the 70’s. In September 2011, 57 years after forming in Detroit and 50 years after That's What Girls Are Made For, the group was announced as one of 15 final nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, their first nomination.
Today, this legendary R & B group maintains an active touring schedule, performing for fans of all ages in sold out houses around the world.
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$25-$65
Messiah FEATURING
NOV 13
7PM
G. F. Handel "Messiah" (HWV 56) Part One
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W. A. Mozart "Ave Verum Corpus" K.618 W. A. Mozart "Laudate Dominum"
The Maestro
Pasquale Valerio is the creator, nurturer, mentor and guiding light for The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale. Pasquale was born in Naples, Italy and began his music studies at the age of 9. He began studying Trumpet Performance at The N. Piccinni Conservatory of Music graduating in 1985. His studies were not limited to trumpet but included Applied Complementary Piano Studies, Harmony, and Lectures from Maestro Filippo Venire, who was his guide and mentor from 1976 to 1989. His adult musical career began during his national service as a member of the Carabinieri (Italian Military Police). Fortunately for his musical development most of this was with the Band. After his discharge he began playing trumpet at the Naples Opera House and he began studying conducting. Pasquale Valerio served as an apprentice under Sir Antonio Pappano for 6 years. Pasquale followed him all around the world from 20062011 and learned directly from the Conductor of the Royal Opera House in London. To that end, Pasquale believed fully in the magic of education through music, and that children are never too young to start discovering the power of harmony.
In 1996, Pasquale relocated to the United States continuing his conducting studies with J. Whitney and Gßnter Schmidt. In 2004, he became the Founder and Music Director of The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra where he continues to serve today. Maestro Valerio was also the founder of Lake Sumter Chamber Orchestra as well as co-founder and conductor of The Florida Lake Symphony from 2005-2006. Pasquale has been regularly invited as guest conductor at the Orchestra Filarmonica 900’, Teatro Regio, and the Viotti International Music Festival.
Share your Holidays with The Sharon at these upcoming concerts performed by The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra: Thursday, December 13, 2018: Holiday Concert Friday, December 14, 2018: Holiday Concert
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$25
My Life IS a Musical: Songs About Everday Life. Starring Heather Ard
DEC 12
7PM
& featuring accompanist Bill Doherty
Come to the Cabaret! Second in the Cabaret Series in The Sharon’s Lobby Lounge is Heather Ard in her musical adventure of life, love, spirit, and siblings accompanied by Bill Doherty. Join us as we present our second event of this intimate series on December 12th! Join Heather as she sings about her life living in The Villages, attending mass, raising three beautiful children, and operating through life always with a song on her lips.
Doors open at 6:30pm
TICKETS ON SALE OCT 17! All tickets are general admission Content Advisory - Adult Language.
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TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Diana Son
Music & Lyrics by Neil Bartram Book by Brian Hill
h ou It S
S T O P K I S S
Henrik Ibsen
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
Opening: SEPT 28 Closing: Nov 4 $20 Previews $40 Performances
ld a n You B ee
Music & Concept Barbara Anselmi
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
Translated by Christopher Hampton “A Doll's House (Hampton, trans.)” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
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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Music & Lyrics by Neil Bartram Book by Brian Hill This intimate two-person musical celebrates the balance necessary for a lasting friendship and the consequences when life gets in the way. SEPT 28th - NOV 4th | Tickets $40 21
On Stage Now!
We are excited to announce that Actor Michael Ursua will be playing the role of Thomas Weaver starting on Oct 23, 2018 for the remainder of the run.
"Seeing The Story Of My Life was such a surprising experience. I wasn't expecting to be so emotionally moved. The acting so sincere and touching. This is a must see!" -Mary, Village of Country Club Hills
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BACKSTAGE AT THE STUDIO 23
CHEERS TO SEASON THREE! On Friday, Sept 28th, The Story of My Life officially opened and also kicked off Season Three! True to The Studio Theatre's traditions, there was great food, even better company, a post show meet and greet with the cast & crew, an inspiring speech, and a champagne toast!
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Nick Erickson
Audio/Visual Tech 2 & Sound Designer 25
What is your role at The Sharon?
At The Sharon I am the Audio/Visual Tech 2. I take care of everything Audio/Visual that happens here, whether that’s tripping over myself backstage or troubleshooting an incoming show’s Qlab. At The Studio Theatre I am the Resident Sound Designer. The sound designer is responsible for imagining and creating the sonic world of a play. This involves everything from designing the sound system, to finding, recording, and editing all the audio that goes into a production.
What is your background and what got you started in Theatre? I started in theatre as an actor the summer after 8th grade and continued acting and building sets all the way through high school. I had also been editing sound and making music all the way through high school. During my sophomore year of college, I was acting in a production that had hired an outside sound designer because there were no students that were interested. I went to the school’s Technical Director and told him I was interested, and the next semester I was designing sound for five one-act plays. I haven’t gone back since.
when he found out I was getting a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in sound design for theatre he called me. He was the first one to tell me about The Sharon. What really sold me on it was the mission for our season selection at the Studio. I get excited by the opportunity to work on pieces that challenge our audience and push expectations of what we see onstage.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
The people make this place. I’ve really fallen in love with the amazingly supportive and collaborative community that makes The Studio Theatre and The Sharon run.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I’m looking forward to building up the role of sound in our local theatres and pushing our community toward a more creative, collaborative, ethically responsible and nurturing future.
How did you find out about The Sharon and what made you want to work here?
I knew The Sharon's Technical Director, Kenny Constant, through a summer theatre conservatory that I was involved with, first as a student and eventually as an intern. He was a teacher there when I was a student. We reconnected on Facebook almost a decade later, and
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INTRODUCING
International Subscription Your passport for Destination Evenings in
Choose at least 5 Shows! 20% Off Ticket Prices Ticket Includes Featured Drink or Non-alcoholic Drink of Choice Get your Passport Stamped at Each Show!
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Travel around the
a d a n a C Cuba
Irel
e world from your seat at The Sharon!
land ia r t s u A Spain
g n i j i e B i a h g an
Sh
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Upcoming Shows THE SHARON SCHEDULE
October 14th
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Steel Magnolias
November 17th
On Sale Today!
Rita Rudner
Betterether Tog
Betterether Tog
On Sale Today!
John Tesh
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GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE
Purchase at any of The Villages® box office locations. #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.