2013-2014 Performing Arts Brochure

2013~2014

PERFORMING

ARTS

make it yours!

THIS IS FOR YOU! We could tell you how superb the artistry is, how intimate the performance venues are, how every seat is the best seat, how the experiences are entertaining, engaging, and unlike any other. We could (because it is all true)—instead, we want you to know that this season is for you.

The year ahead includes favorites from previous seasons and exciting new artists selected with you in mind. From outdoor concerts to thought-provoking films, from laughout-loud stage productions to dazzling flamenco dancers, you will find something for all ages and nearly every taste.

We invite you to make it yours. Curate your own calendar of performing arts; select individual events or purchase season tickets. Explore new horizons and enjoy familiar territory. Then, make it more than a performance; come early to stroll through the galleries, shop in ARTspace, and dine in the ARTcafe. So much happening under one roof, and it is all waiting for you at your Arts Center!

Thank you—we could not do it without you!

The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is deeply grateful for the support of the Arts Center’s members, season ticket holders, patrons, donors, and the following organizations.

Footlights is supported in part by Quasius Construction, Inc., Lakeland College, and Associated Bank.

Sossy Mechanics and Lucky Plush Productions are made possible in part by support from the Performance Residency Program of the National Performance Network (a partner of the Arts Center) with major contributions from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Arts Center coproduces Community Cinema with the Independent Television Service.

The printing of this brochure was made possible by Zimmermann.

Buzz Monkeys is a proud marketing partner of John Michael Kohler Arts Center.

Summer Theatre 4 Footlights 6 Festive Fridays 10 M.I.K.E. 14 Family Festivals 16

Cover: Serena Aurora Above: Courtesy of Lois Greenfield

Community Cinema

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Membership and Tickets

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Ordering Information

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Summer Theatre

Summertime is play time!

This summer, the Arts Center stage becomes a dance floor for comedy, storytelling, romance, and boxing with two entertaining plays.

Photo: Ed Bock

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WHY I’M SCARED OF DANCE Written and performed by Jen Childs Tuesday–Saturday June 25–29, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

A moving and self-effacing comedy about turning the choreography life gives you into the dance that only you were born to do. This charming one-woman show mixes storytelling with reminiscences of personal dance experiences and parodies of iconic dances. Childs presents a hilarious history of her relationship with dance, from the joys to the pitfalls, and reveals why working at the barre is not quite as much fun as working at the bar.

In between cracking jokes, we get hints at the pain of awkward adolescence and the absolute joy of parenthood. This is a piece so full of feeling that by the end, everyone…is a little misty-eyed.—Phillyist

TRICK BOXING Written and performed by Sossy Mechanics Tuesday–Saturday July 23–27, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

David Danielovich, a down-on-his-luck apple seller, is bamboozled into becoming a boxer by a shady hustler. With the aid of a wily dance hall girl named Bella, David swings his way to the championship. The dynamic duo of Sossy Mechanics play multiple roles, delivering a vaudevillian-style technical knockout of a show full of rapidfire dialogue, high-energy dance numbers, ridiculous puppetry, and, of course, boxing.

Since its premiere at the 2002 Minnesota Fringe, critics from New York to London have called Trick Boxing “a tiny treasure of a show,” “a sweet little love story from a bygone era,” “a beautiful piece of comic storytelling performed with infectious charm,” and the show that sends the audience out of the theatre with “a spring in their step.”

TICKET PRICES MEMBERS-ONLY COMBINATION SPECIAL: $110 for season tickets to both Summer Theatre and the Footlights Performance Series

SEASON TICKETS: $34 ($28 member/student*)

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $19 ($16 member/student*) *Includes current members and full-time students through age 21. Ticket prices include sales tax.

SUMMER THEATRE DINING and PRESHOW Enjoy the flavors of summer in the ARTcafe before Summer Theatre performances. Dine outdoors on the Café Terrace or indoors in the former Carriage House. Choose from delightful dinner specials or the daily summer menu. Dinner service begins at 5:00 p.m. For reservations, call the Arts Center at 920-458-6144.

An hour prior to Summer Theatre showtime, enjoy live music, a cash bar, and connect with the land by strolling through the Arts Center’s beautiful gardens and the UNCOMMON GROUND exhibitions in the galleries.

Following the opening-night performances of both shows, there will be a talk-back with the artists.

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footlights

See, hear, feel the passion!

Five performances of music, dance, and theatre to delight and inspire you.

Lucky Plush Productions Photo: Cheryl Mann

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Photo: Tim Doyle

THE INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS Live-Action Graphic Novel FAMILY SERIES: Monday, October 14, 2013, 6:30 p.m.

PERFORMANCE SERIES: Tuesday, October 15, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

Something you must see if you’re a fan of awesome!—collider.com

A mash-up of old-time radio drama and comic-book art, Book One: Target Earth has all the makings for a fascinating yarn—a crackerjack woman reporter, her intrepid assistant, an evil hypnotist, a time-traveling librarian, and alien sludge monsters. Add live actors, a sound-effects guy, a keyboardist, and thousands of original, hand-drawn graphic-novel images projected on a screen, and you have a spectacle that leaves audiences in a state of “Wow!” Performances recommended for ages 7 and up.

Photo Courtesy of Angelica Escoto

FLAMENCO VIVO CARLOTA SANTANA Spanish Dance and Music FAMILY SERIES: Tuesday, November 12, 2013, 6:30 p.m.

PERFORMANCE SERIES: Thursday, November 14, 2013, 7:30 p.m. …an infectiously joyful celebration of music and dance.—The New York Times

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana returns with The Soul of Flamenco, a fierce and eclectic program of Spanish dance and music featuring lamenting solos, sizzling duets, and festive company dances. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the ensemble presents newly created pieces and a remount of Luz y Sombra, which revels in the light, joy, and shadows of life. Olé!

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Photo: William Frederking

Photo: Aaron Seid

TAIKOPROJECT all-stars

LUCKY PLUSH PRODUCTIONS

Japanese Drumming and Music FAMILY SERIES: Tuesday, February 18, 2014, 6:30 p.m.

PERFORMANCE SERIES: Thursday, February 20, 2014, 7:30 p.m.

Dance Drama FAMILY SERIES: Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 6:30 p.m.

PERFORMANCE SERIES: Thursday, March 13, 2014, 7:30 p.m.

…not your mama’s taiko, but it may be your hip, younger cousin’s.—LA Weekly

…a breakneck pace, skipping like a spinning stone across its surfaces like a perfect piece of pop art.

—Time Out Chicago

America’s premier taiko company blends the sweet sounds of the bamboo flute, marimba, and koto (Japanese harp) with a dazzling and heart-pounding display of percussion. Mingling Japanese tradition and American innovation, incorporating next-generation sound and choreography, TaikoProject All-stars transforms the ancient art of drumming.

Based on a lively spin-off of the 1944 noir film classic Gaslight, Lucky Plush Productions’ The Better Half is a playful look at contemporary relationships, combining dance and theatre in a work that is emotionally rich, funny, and full of revealing surprises.

Enjoy dinners in the ARTcafe as sublime as the performances!

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Succumb to culinary delights this Footlights season as the ARTcafe’s trained chefs tango with your taste buds. Experience the unique flavors of Spain, Japan, and West Africa as well as a fun twist on traditional American cuisine with an out-of-this-world, four-course dining experience.

Savor new tastes, and set the stage for the exhilarating performance to follow with a decadent dessert. New wine varietals are available. Order dinner and your first glass is on us! $24.95 member; $29.95 public. Price does not include sales tax.

FOOTLIGHTS TICKETS The Performance Series features eveninglength shows. The Family Series offers earlier, shorter experiences for all ages.

SEASON TICKETS MEMBERS-ONLY Combination SPECIAL: $110 for season tickets to the Footlights Performance Series and Summer Theatre

Footlights Performance Series Photo: Youri Lenquette

$116 ($96 member/student*)

by August 1 $130 ($108 member/student*) after August 1

FOOTLIGHTS FAMILY SERIES $56 ($40 member/student*)

by August 1

FATOUMATA DIAWARA Malian Singer/Songwriter FAMILY SERIES: Tuesday, April 8, 2014, 6:30 p.m.

PERFORMANCE SERIES: Thursday, April 10, 2014, 7:30 p.m.

Fatoumata Diawara has been taking the world by storm with her smooth and soothing voice.

—World Music Network

Carrying on Mali’s rich musical traditions, Fatoumata Diawara performs a joyous amalgamation of the vivacious and the understated. Named to Time Magazine’s 2012 list of “the best in world music,” Diawara’s work blends elements of jazz, pop, and funk to create vibrant songs about love, politics, and empowerment.

$63 ($45 member/student*) after August 1

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS (available August 1)

PERFORMANCE SERIES $29 ($24 member/student*)

FAMILY SERIES $14 ($10 member/student*) *Includes current members and full-time students through age 21. Ticket prices include sales tax.

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festive fridays

You asked for it!

You got it—a night that revolves around you! Okay, actually there are six such nights, each filled with live music and dancing, complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, free dance instruction, and many ways to mix and mingle. Call the babysitter, tell your boss you won’t be in tomorrow (it’s Saturday anyway), and make plans to hang out at your Arts Center; it’s FESTIVE FRIDAYS!

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SPANGLISH

THE GET DOWN

Latin Friday, October 4, 2013 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Your requests for salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, reggaeton, funk, and R & B are fulfilled! Performing in English and Spanish, Spanglish adds just the right spice to the Festive Friday lineup through the universal language of music.

Soul and Funk Friday, November 1, 2013 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Before you get down, start the evening with The Bluetones performing Motown classics and contemporary R & B. Then, it is a DJ dance event as The Get Down spins rare, original soul and funk vinyls from the ’60s and ’70s.

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COPPER BOX

SWING-O-MATICS

Accordion Swamp Rock Friday, February 7, 2014 6:30–9:30 p.m.

A recipe to heat up the night: a pinch of polka, a smidge of zydeco, a dollop of roots rock. Mix it all together, and you have a crowd-pleaser…at least that’s what our Festive Fridays’ audiences say.

Swing Friday, March 7, 2014 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Time to press your zoot suit and shine those dance shoes as this popular band channels the swingin’ spirit of the ‘40s and ‘50s to the dance floor.

FESTIVE FRIDAYS TICKETS SEASON TICKETS $60 ($48 member)

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS $11 ($9 member) in advance $13 ($11 member) at the door Ticket prices include sales tax.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Attendees must be 21 or older.

VO5 Disco Friday, April 4, 2014 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Be the dancing queen (or king) and make sure to put on your glitter and sequins for a night of unforgettable disco. Yes, the disco ball will be hung for this one!

THE GOLDEN HORSE RANCH BAND Western/Square Dance Friday, May 2, 2014 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Tell Ma and Pa that you are going to be out late tonight. This band plays a raucous set of square dances, polkas, waltzes, contra, and swing dances in the tradition of the old-time barn dance. Caller Annie Coleman will be on deck to get your swing on for this one.

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M.I.K.E. 14

MEET M.I.K.E. (Musically Integrated Kiosk Environment) Do you have a song to sing, a poem to read, or family stories to tell? Record them this summer or fall in the most unique sound studio imaginable. Built in the summer of 2006 by artists Richard Saxton and Stuart Hyatt and over 30 community members, M.I.K.E. is a dynamic public sculpture, digital recording studio, and performance stage. Call the Arts Center for details about scheduling a recording session. A one-hour session costs $25 ($20 member) and includes a CD of your performance.

Free M.I.K.E. House Concerts M.I.K.E. likes to open up and host free house concerts, in addition to being an ingenious work of public sculpture and a recording studio. This summer, join us on the Festival Green for two special evenings of entertainment. vinyls, voices, and very tall rock Thursday, June 20, 2013 6:00–9:30 p.m.

The evening starts with DJs Era and Neil spinning some of their favorite vinyls. Then, M.I.K.E. welcomes back a familiar favorite, Cedarwell, performing acoustic-pop music.

Following that, the Great Lakes Storytellers share yarns about the first day of summer.

Closing out the evening is Sean Michael Dargan with a rousing set of very tall rock.

BLUE GRASS and GREEN FIRE Thursday, August 15, 2013 6:00–9:30 p.m.

Tapping into the Arts Center exhibition theme of UNCOMMON GROUND, this evening features high-energy, old-time bluegrass music performed by Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. When the sun goes down, Aldo Leopold biographer Curt Meine will introduce the film Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time. A meet-and-greet time with Meine follows the film screening.

All M.I.K.E. House Concerts are FREE and open to the public. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs as seating is limited. Pack a picnic or purchase food at the Arts Center. No alcohol carry-ins allowed; however, beer, wine, soda, and water will be on sale. In case of rain (which will not happen), the House Concerts move inside the Arts Center.

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family festivals

A series about you (and your community) A few years ago, we launched a series with you in mind. Festivals filled with performances, art-making activities, demonstrations, storytelling, and authentic food celebrating the cultures and customs that make up your community. Each event is planned with community members who want to share their traditions. So join in the festivities; after all, it’s all about you!

Norway Saturday, November 23, 2013 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Situated in northern Europe, the Kingdom of Norway has a culture as dynamic as its landscape of verdant forests, majestic mountains, and beautiful fjords. Make plans to learn more from local partner, the Sons of Norway Lodge Vennskap 622, about this land of the midnight sun and northern lights, and see the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers. All we can say is, ”Alt for Norge” (Everything for Norway)!

Thailand Saturday, January 18, 2014 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

In the mid-fourteenth century, a unified Thai kingdom was established. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never ruled by a European power. Known as Siam until 1939, the nation is known today as the Land of Smiles.

Egypt Saturday, April 26, 2014 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Known for the Red Sea coast, Nile River, Giza pyramids, and the Great Sphinx, Egypt is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations. Come experience some of the traditions that comprise its culture today.

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FAMILY FESTIVALS TICKETS $8 ($6 member/full-time student through age 21) Ticket prices include sales tax. There is a nominal extra charge for the ethnic foods.

community cinema

If you are interested in sharing your cultural traditions, please contact the Arts Center.

We welcome your ideas as we plan these and future Family Festivals.

COMMUNITY CINEMA September 2013 through May 2014 Enjoy powerful documentary films selected by the creators of the Emmy Awardwinning series Independent Lens. Facilitated discussions to encourage community conversations about the issues addressed in the film follow each free screening.

Each film is shown twice—Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. The slate of films will be available September 1 at www.jmkac.org (click on “Performing Arts”) and in the September/October Arts Center newsletter.

Community Cinema, Wonder Women: The Untold Story of American Superheroines. Photo Courtesy of Vaquera Productions

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membership and tickets

TICKET INFORMATION

FIVE WAYS TO PURCHASE TICKETS: 1. MAIL: John Michael Kohler Arts Center 608 New York Avenue Sheboygan, WI 53081 2. ONLINE: www.jmkacstore.org/tickets.aspx 3. PHONE: 920-458-6144 4. FAX: 920-458-4473 5. IN PERSON: At the Arts Center’s Atrium Reception Desk, you can purchase tickets during business hours or one hour prior to the performance.

ARTS CENTER HOURS Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Save on tickets! Become a member today.

Member benefits include:

• Discounts on performances, classes, and more • Invitations to exhibition previews • 10% discount on purchases at both ARTspace shops

• FREE admission to members-only Holiday Continental

• Subscription to the Arts Center’s bimonthly newsletter

Members contributing $100 or more receive additional benefits, including reciprocal membership at more than 650 participating museums.

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All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. No reservations without payment in full. Programming is subject to change without prior notice. The Arts Center is accessible to persons with disabilities. Please notify the box office in advance of any special accommodations that may be necessary.

Did you know that as a John Michael Kohler Arts Center member, you can purchase your tickets to all performing arts events at reduced pricing? An Arts Center membership not only saves you money on tickets, but also entitles you to substantial savings on classes, workshops, the Arts Center’s arts-based Preschool, and purchases at the ARTspace gift shops, among other benefits.

As a member, you help support the discovery of emerging contemporary artists and the preservation of work by artist-environment builders. You also ensure the Arts Center remains free and accessible to the entire community.

Join us! Call the Arts Center at 920-458-6144 or visit www.jmkac.org/index.php/give.

MEMBERSHIP Individual: #______ x $48 = $______

Senior Citizen Individual: #______ x $40 = $_______

Family: #______ x $60 = $______

Senior Citizen Couple: #______ x $55 = $_______

(Benefits for one)

(Benefits for 1, age 62 and over) (Benefits for 2, age 62 and over)

(Benefits for 2 adults, and their children under 18)

Student: #______ x $30 = $_______

(Benefits for 1 full-time student, through age 21)

I would like to make an additional tax deductible contribution of $ _________ Subtotal: $______

Summer Theatre

Why I’m Scared of Dance: June 25 26 27 28 29 Trick Boxing: July 23 24 25 26 27

#______ #______

Circle your show date above

2-Show Season: #______ x $34 public/$28 member______ All Other Individual: #______ x $19 public/$16 member______ Members-Only Combination Special: Summer Theatre and Footlights (7 shows): #______ x $110 member

FESTIVE FRIDAYS

Spanglish: Oct. 4 #______ Bluetones and The Get Down: Nov. 1 #______ Copper Box: Feb. 7 #______ Swing-O-Matics: March 7 #______ VO5: April 4 #______ The Golden Horse Ranch Band: May 2 #______ 6-Show Season: #______ x $60 public/$48 member______ Individual: #______ x $11 public/$9 member______

Subtotal: $______

FOOTLIGHTS Family Series

Subtotal: $______

FOOTLIGHTS Performance Series

The Intergalactic Nemesis: Oct. 14 #______ Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: Nov. 12 #______ TaikoProject All-Stars: Feb. 18 #______ Lucky Plush Productions: March 11 #______ Fatoumata Diawara: April 8 #______

The Intergalactic Nemesis: Oct. 15 #______ Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: Nov. 14 #______ TaikoProject All-Stars: Feb. 20 #______ Lucky Plush Productions: March 13 #______ Fatoumata Diawara: April 10 #______

5-Show Season: #______ x $56 public/$40 member______

5-Show Season: #______ x $116 public/$96 member______

5-Show Season: #______ x $63 public/$45 member______

5-Show Season: #______ x $130 public/$108 member______

All Other Individual: #______ x $14 public/$10member______

All Other Individual: #______ x $29 public/$24 member______

Subtotal: $______

Subtotal: $______

(Season tickets purchased by August 1)

(Season tickets purchased after August 1)

FAMILY FESTIVALS

Norway: Nov. 23 #______ Thailand: Jan. 18 #______ Egypt: April 26 #______ Individual: #______ x $8 public/$6 member______

(Season tickets purchased by August 1)

(Season tickets purchased after August 1)

GROUP RATES

Get a group of 10 or more together to any performance, and receive a savings of 15% off the ticket price. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Contact the Arts Center to make arrangements.

Subtotal: $______

Payment information Grand Total $ _________ (Please add together all of your subtotals) PAYMENT TYPE (circle one) Check MasterCard Visa Discover American Express Credit Card Account # Expiration Date Signature Make checks payable to: John Michael Kohler Arts Center Mail to: John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 608 New York Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53081 Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your order so that we may send you your tickets.

Orders received within one week of the first selected performance date will be held at the box office.

personal information Your Name Street City State Zip Phone: Daytime ( ) Evening ( ) Email Membership Number

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Why I’m Scared of Dance Photo: Mark Garvin