S T O P K I S S
Volume 3, Issue 12 December 2018
issue
A Word From
THE SCOOP
Volume 3, Issue 12 | December 2018
IN THIS
WHITNEY
Whitney Morse, Artistic Director, The Sharon® L. Morse Performing Arts Center
Ronnie Milsap
Stop in at The Studio for Stop Kiss:
A Christmas Carol
The Studio Theatre’s third season keeps rolling on and we are now opening Diana Son’s Stop Kiss. Although it was written in 1998, this 20 year-old play still resonates today. That is one of the main reasons we selected it for this season on “Individuality.” It so delicately and thoughtfully shows two women discovering that they love each other, while at the same time handles how brutal the world can be to people who society deems, “outside the norm.” The script selection committee really loved that dichotomy, and of course, the writing itself is so lovely. The play goes from delightfully funny, to sad on the turn of a dime, and that is all thanks to the structure of Diana Son’s writing. The show follows two timelines: the first being the love story between Callie and Sara, and the second (dispersed every other scene) is the violent price the two ladies have to pay for expressing that love. The script is very moving and the cast and creative team we have put together are doing an amazing job. I was lucky enough to bring in one of my dearest friends from graduate school, Mary Ellen Moreno to play Callie, and our director is a new, but no less dear friend, Roberta Emerson who I met working on a show in Orlando. We also have Joe Llorens, who was our “almost Johnny” in Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune last year before he was thwarted by a car accident. He will be playing Detective Cole. The whole cast is a dream team, and so far the show is shaping up very nicely. I am so pleased to share this treasure box of a play with you for the next month.
The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra Rock of Ages
Monty Python's Spamalot Stop Kiss Backstage at The Sharon Staff Spotlight International Subscription
pg. 16
STOP KISS Diana Son 2
NOV 27TH - DEC 30TH TICKETS ON SALE NOW
See you at
THE SHARON...
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DEC 8
7PM
$25-$86
“the only thing that really counts, that really matters is love,” he says. “That’s the only thing that’s gonna get me through.”
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Ronnie Milsap Known for hits such as "Smoky Mountain Rain," "Pure Love," and "It Was Almost Like a Song." Ronnie Milsap – Ronnie Lee Milsap was born Jan. 16, 1943, in Robbinsville, N.C. A congenital disorder left him almost blind, and he was raised by his grandmother in the Smoky Mountains until the age of five, when he was sent to the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, N.C. Showing an interest in music early on, at the age of seven his teachers recognized that he had considerable musical talent. He began studying classical music and learned several instruments, eventually mastering the piano. His youthful passion for rock music led him to form a band with some high school classmates called The Apparitions. Briefly attending Young Harris College on a full scholarship, Milsap left before graduating to pursue a career in music.
benefiting:
In the early 1960s, Milsap played his first professional gigs as a member of J.J. Cale’s band. In 1965, he released “Total Disaster,” his first single as a solo artist, which achieved some local success in the Atlanta area. On March 18 of this year, Milsap released "Summer #17," his 31st album, which he describes as an homage to the music that inspired him. Hailed by USA Today, The Tennessean and NPR: National Public Radio, the set paid homage to the influences that shaped Milsap’s singular brand of soul-steeped country. With 40 No. 1 hits and more than 35 million albums sold, Milsap remains one of Country’ Music’s most successful and beloved crossover artists. At 71, he continues to tour the country, playing his music for multiple generations of music lovers.
Meet & Greet Pre-Show $50 5
$20-$60 7PM DEC 17 & 18 6
“Rare is a production that makes you feel you’re seeing and hearing the story for the first time.” – Ray Loynd, Los Angeles Times
See Charles Dickens' most beloved holiday story, A Christmas Carol, back at The Sharon by popular demand!
This celebrated Charles Jones adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol from Nebraska Theatre Caravan is rich with thrilling ensemble music, alive with color and movement and is created to tell this great and enduring tale in a manner that people of all ages will enjoy. Woven throughout this classic tale are beautiful new arrangements and moving renditions of holiday songs such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Wassail Wassail, Good Christian Men Rejoice, Away in a Manger, Greensleeves, The Boar's Head Carol and many more. Featuring a cast of 23 performers, live musicians, and Broadway-style scenery and costumes, audiences cherish this sumptuous holiday classic. In this adaptation for the stage, one actor plays Ebenezer Scrooge. Each of the 24 member ensemble supports both the story and the music with exceptional ensemble singing and dancing, while each taking on a significant character as the story unfolds. The current directors and designers of this production do not attempt to stray from Charles Jones' original concept. As stewards of the production they strive to convey to each company of players the integrity and the magic that are intrinsic to the piece.
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$25-$65 7PM
Classical CONCERT
Program
Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto n. 2 Op. 19
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony n. 3 in Eb Major, Op. 55
JAN 7
Featuring Laurent Boukobza, Guest Pianist
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Introducing Laurent Boukobza
Born in Villemomble, France, Laurent Boukobza made his entrance into the world of music at the age of 10 when he began studying with Catherine Collard. He continued his studies at the Paris Conservatory where upon graduation he worked as the Assistant Piano Instructor. He is the recipient of the First Prize of Piano and Chamber Music from the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique de Paris. Mr. Boukobza has studied with the respected instruction of Germaine Mounier, Yvonne Loriod and Michel Beroff. His background also encompasses studies of Chamber Music with Jean-Claude Pennetier, Christian Ivaldi, and the “Amadeus Quartet”. He made his first professional recording at the age of 21. Mr. Boukobza is the holder of several titles in multiple international competitions. Some of these include: First Prize of the International Piano Competition “Radio France” (Paris, France First Prize of the International Academy Maurice Ravel, Saint-Jean-de-Luz (France) First Prize of the “Forum musical du Havre” (France) Semi-Finalist of the Queen Elizabeth International Piano Competition (Brussels, Belgium) Prizewinner of the International Piano Competition (Senigallia, Italy): Best interpretation of Chopin piece; Best interpretation of French piece Prizewinner of International Piano Competition (Sofia, Bulgaria): Best interpretation of Chopin piece; Best interpretation of Bulgarian piece Prizewinner of Fifth International Piano Competition (Rome, Italy) Prizewinner of International Piano Competition George Enesco (Bucharest, Romania) Mr. Boukobza immigrated to the United States in 1998, and currently, Laurent Boukobza is the Professor of Piano and Chair of the Piano Studies at the University of Central Florida in Orlando FL. He is regularly invited to such prestigious festivals as Vichy, Fontevrault, Conques, Evian, Les Arcs, Les Ecrins (France), and Salzburg (Austria). Mr. Boukobza has performed in Belgium, Bulgaria, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Romania, Singapore, Taiwan, Poland (Warsaw radio recordings) and the USA (WCLV radio, Cleveland San Jose Ballet, Cleveland Museum of Art, WMFE radio). Mr. Boukobza is the pianist of the famous “Sirba Octet” featuring Principals of the world renowned “Orchestre de Paris”. His CDs can be found at www.AMAZON.com
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$45-$100 JAN 11, 7:30PM | JAN 12, 2PM & 7:30PM 10
"The Most Remarkable Broadway Experience Ever!" -Voice
Broadway's Best Party is turning up the volume to ten! The ROCK OF AGES Tenth Anniversary Tour is blazing across North America! Nominated for five Tony AwardsÂŽ, including Best Musical, ROCK OF AGES captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. Know What Love Is, Feel the Noise, and Take Your Best Shot at one of the Sunset Strip's last epic venues, a place where the legendary Stacee Jaxx returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies Featuring the music of hit bands such as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister, and Whitesnake among many others,
this Tenth Anniversary production features a dynamic new cast revisiting the larger than life characters and exhilarating story that turned ROCK OF AGES into a global phenomenon. This is one for the ages that will have you singing
"Here I Go Again."
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$50-$100 7PM JAN 16 & JAN 17 12
The Tony Award winning Best Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot, begins its search for the Holy Grail in the Fall of 2018. This outrageous musical comedy is lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" with a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen, and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences worldwide are eating up SPAMALOT!
"A new musical (Comedy) ripped off from the motion picture MONTY PYTHON and the Holy Grail."
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See you at
THE STUDIO...
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Up Next
Coming Soon h ou S t I
ld a n You B ee
Henrik Ibsen
A Doll's House
JUST MARRIED
Book & Lyrics Brian Hargrove
Music & Concept Barbara Anselmi
Preview: JAN 15 -JAN 17 Opening: JAN 18 Closing: FEB 24 $20 Previews $40 Performances
Opening: NOV 30 Closing: DEC 30 $15 Previews $35 Performances
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: MAR 19-MAR 21 Opening: MAR 22 Closing: APR 28 $15 Previews $35 Performances
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 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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TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
STOP KISS by diana Son
Urgency meets perfect timing when Callie and Sara form an unlikely friendship in New York City. Follow them as they discover themselves individually and together in Diana Son’s non-linear story of human relationships, culture, and romance.
Performances | NOV 30-DEC 30 | $35
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On Stage Now!
"To love is to declare oneself, and Stop Kiss should speak to anyone who has had to search deep within to find the strength and conviction to join hands with another. I can't remember when a love story has moved me more." - Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times Theatre Critic
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BACKSTAGE AT THE SHARON 18
Team Bowling & Holiday Painting
"The bond that links our true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life." - Richard Bach
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead 19
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Clayton Becker
Techincal Director at The Studio Theatre 20
What is your role at The Studio?
I am The Studio Theatre's Technical Director. I have the wonderful opportunity to oversee all the departments that make the stage magic happen, including set, lights, audio, props, and projections. Typically, I work more closely with the Scenic Designer, taking their creative vision of the scenery and creating construction drawings to make their design become a reality. It is also my responsibility to manage and schedule all work call and changeovers, which is when we take down the closing show, such as The Story of My Life and set up the next, Stop Kiss. Basically, I am a project manager who is hands-on alongside with my coworkers building, focusing or whatever else is needed to make the show go on.
What is your background and what got you started in Theatre?
I started this career path into theatre in 8th grade when my music teacher of my junior high had me run a tape deck for a Christmas musical pageant of sorts. I was hooked. Thankfully in high school, better equipment was to be had and I was absolutely fascinated by the lighting and audio possibilities. More importantly I was mesmerized by the construction of scenery. I’ve always loved working with power tools and shaping wood, but theatre brings a whole new creative element to a wood shop. It is completely unlike building a house and every production is completely different and repetition is minimal. I went to college at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas where I earned my BA in Theatre. I spent the past 5 years working as the Technical Director of Circa’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, Illinois and now I am happy to be here!
How did you find out about The Studio and what made you want to work here?
I was very lucky to find The Studio Theatre. I spent 5 years at my previous job and finally decided I wanted something new. I found The Villages after sifting through all the technical director postings on www.offstagejobs. com. I wanted to work in The Villages because it gives me the opportunity to work on more than happy-go-lucky musicals, and I would have a team of talented staff to collaborate with. Also, the Florida weather is a huge plus compared to west Illinois.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
I have not been here long enough yet to experience every task of my role yet, but so far my favorite part of the job has been the very welcoming, encouraging, and talented coworkers. Everyone is very helpful and more than willing to get any and all jobs done. They even showed up to help me unload my U-Haul!
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I look forward to producing 3 more fantastic shows at The Studio this season and starting on the 4 for the next season. The next season has yet to be decided, but I’m sure our script selection committee will pick amazing and thought provoking shows.
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Travel around the 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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a d a n a C
Irel
Cuba
Jan 24, 2019
Shanghai Opera Orchestra (Shanghai, China)
Feb 5, 2019 Farruquito (Spain)
e world from your seat at The Sharon!
land ia r t s u A Spain
Feb 18, 2019 Vienna Boys Choir (Vienna, Austria)
Feb 20, 2019 Havana Cuba All Stars (Havana, Cuba)
i a h g Shan
Mar 28, 2019
Canadian Brass (Canada)
Apr 1, 2019
Murphy's Celtic Legacy (Ireland)
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THE SHARON SCHEDULE
December 2018 1
2
3
4
5
7
8
13
14
15
On Sale Today! Symphony Orchestra Three Tenors plus one
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10
11
12
On Sale Today! JIM BELUSHI
Village Ringers 16
17
DAVIDFOSTER
Farruquito 18
On Sale Today!
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Holiday Concert
Holiday Concert
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21
22
27
28
29
DON McLEAN
23 30
24 31
25
26
On Sale Today!
Wayne Newton Vienna Boys Choir
24
6
January 2019 1
On Sale Today!
2
3
4
5
9
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Tony OrLando
6
7
8
On Sale Now
Julian Bliss
Classical Concert
13
14
Septet
7:30PM
16
15
17
18
24
25
On Sale Today!
2 &7:30PM
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Shemekia Copeland
CHARLIE DANIELS Bio 2018
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On Sale Today!
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From his Dove Award winning gospel albums to his genre-defining Southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor to young artists and still a road warrior at age 80, Charlie has parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children and others in need. Raised among the longleaf pines of North Carolina, Charlie began his career playing bluegrass music with the Misty Mountain Boys. After moving to Nashville in 1967, he began making a name for himself as a songwriter, session musician and producer. Elvis Presley recorded a tune Charlie co-wrote titled “It Hurts Me,” which was released on the flip side of “Kissin’ Cousins.” He played on such landmark albums as Bob Dylan’s Nashville Skyline and tried his hand at producing the Youngbloods’ Elephant Mountain and Ride the Wind. His own unique voice as an artist emerged as Charlie recorded his self-titled solo album in 1970 for Capitol Records. Two years later he formed the Charlie Daniels Band and the group scored its first hit with the top ten “Uneasy Rider.” Since then the CDB has populated radio with such memorable hits as “Long Haired Country Boy,” “The South’s Gonna Do It Again,” “In America,” “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” and of course, his signature song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1979 as well as single of the year at the Country Music Association Awards. The CDB performed 100+ concert dates in 2017, including performances on the Grand Ole Opry and will perform another full concert schedule in 2018. “I love what I do,” says Charlie of his 60-plus years in the music business. “I look forward to entertaining people. When show time gets here, I’m ready to go, ready to
Jay Leno
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29 JIM BELUSHI
www.charliedaniels.com www.twitter.com/charliedaniels www.youtube.com/charliedanielsvideos www.facebook.com/charliedanielsband www.instagram.com/thecharliedanielsband
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A midsummer Night's Dream
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Symphony Orchestra
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On Sale Today!
Judy Collins
And the board of Comedy
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GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE
Purchase at any of The Villages® box office locations. 26
#TheSharon
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.