iMPACt
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
Inside: Starlight Ball Recap 80 Years and Going Strong The Arts Mean Business
iMPACt A look2017 behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center winter
MayoArts.org
20182017 Gift Guide | winter 1
Happy holidays from the staff and Board of Trustees of MPAC! We hope that this holiday season creates lots of magic for your family, and we hope that you share some of those moments at MPAC. Our elves have been working extra hard to make every event extra special during the holidays and throughout the year. As a non-profit organization serving the region, our goal is to provide incredible entertainment, quality arts education and impeccable customer service. Thank you for choosing MPAC. Have a fantastic 2018!
Fall highlights
Opening Night: Tony-winning actress Sutton Foster poses with MPAC President and CEO Allison Larena after her sold out performance on Opening Night October 6.
Seen and heard around MPAC this fall!
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band put on a memorable performance on November 14. (For images from other events, click here)
A Broadway Holiday: Students from The Miracle Project classes perform “Jingle Bell Rock� at A Broadway Holiday on December 3.
Air Force Band Free Concert: On November 6, The Air Force Heritage of America band performs a free concert in honor of Veterans Day. Over 1,000 people attended this annual community event.
Photos (clockwise from top left: MPAC Staff; Katharine Boyle; Katharine Boyle; Courtesy USAF
OUR MISSION: Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit performing arts organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey.
2
iMPACt
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
Connect with us
MayoArts.org
| Winter 2017
Starlight Ball: An Affair to Remember
Starlight Ball honorees Patrick Sullivan and John Hyland of Private Advisor Group
Starlight Ball committee MPAC Board of Trustees Chairman Joseph M. Goryeb and his wife, Jeanne
Photos: Anne Van Druff
The Gatsbys may not have been present,
theater arts program for children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs.
but over 250 people donned their best 1920s outfits and celebrated the Theatre at MPAC’s 19th annual Starlight Ball, held at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park on Friday, November 17.
MPAC’s Performing Arts Company and Broadway performer Kevin Kern put on a magnificent performance during dinner. Attendees were also treated to music by the Tom Costello Orchestra and partook in a silent auction.
John Hyland and Patrick Sullivan of Private Advisor Group were honored with The Starlight Award for their long-time support of MPAC and their work in the community. Monies raised from the gala, MPAC’s largest fundraising event of the year, go to help support MPAC arts education programs, including The Miracle Project, a
iMPACt
Next year’s Starlight Ball returns to the Park Savoy Estate on Friday, November 16. Click here to see additional images from the evening.
MPAC’s Performing Arts Company puts on another memorable performance
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
Click here to watch a video of the performance
MayoArts.org
| Winter 2017
3
80 Years and Going Strong MPAC celebrates the 80th year of the opening of our historic building on December 23.
In the 80 years since our theatre opened its doors in 1937, first as a movie theatre and then as a top-50 ranked non-profit performing arts center, millions of people have enjoyed countless memorable experiences. From Gone with the Wind to Ringo Starr, if our walls could talk, there’d be amazing stories of great moments shared with family and friends. When The Community Theatre originally opened in 1937, here was what was written in The Daily Record: “Morristown’s new theatre, the Community, at South and Pine streets — which may proudly be called on the most beautiful in America — opened last night with a buffet and reception to leading citizens of the Town followed by the initial picture performance before an audience of a thousand. All proceeds of the opening night go to the Morris Community Chest, Walter Reade, head of the enterprise announced.…”
Here’s a look at some historical photos from the early days of the Theatre in 1937.
Even then, from the very first night, what was then The Community Theatre and now MPAC has sought to be a vital community partner. Our mission remains to entertain, enrich and educate, as well as be an economic engine for the region. Eighty years and many upgrades later, MPAC continues to be where our community comes together to be inspired, entertained and uplifted by the passion and power of the performing arts.
Photos (top to bottom): Exterior of Theatre 1937; Interior of theatre 1937; downstairs lobby (where today’s bar currently resides)
Click here for more historical photos of our theatre
And the best is yet to come! We hope to provide you with many more remarkable performances over the next 80 years.
4
iMPACt
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org
| winter 2017
Photos (top to bottom): Newspaper ad for the first movie shown (Nothing Sacred); construction workers from August 1937; Theatre decked out for opening night, Dec. 23, 1937.
The Arts Mean Business in Morris County The nonprofit arts and culture industry
generates $31.8 million in annual economic activity in the Morris County area, supporting 982 full-time equivalent jobs and generating over $3.1 million in local and state government revenues, according to the Americans for the Arts Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 (AEP5) national economic impact study (FY 2015). The results of the study were presented at a press conference held at MPAC in October. “The AEP5 study emphasizes that the arts not only build community by inspiring, delighting and uniting us — but it builds our community economically as well,” said Tom Werder, Executive Director, Morris Arts, who spoke at the press conference. “The arts are not only food for the soul, but they put food on the table for people who work in the industry and in businesses who thrive when arts events take place. Art is a fundamental component of our humanity — but we can also think of the arts as an industry — one that supports jobs, generates government revenue and is a cornerstone to tourism.” Nationwide, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 reveals that the nonprofit arts industry produces $166.3 billion in economic activity every year, resulting in $27.5 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues. In addition, it supports 4.6 million full-time equivalent jobs and generates $96 billion in household income. Americans for the Arts is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. Click here for additional information
iMPACt
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org
| winter 2017
5
MPAC News Briefs Public Wifi Now Available
mpac in the community “Mutt & Greet” Raises Funds for St. Hubert’s
We have listened to your suggestions and MPAC has enabled free public wifi in our auditorium. Wifi access requires registration. Check it out the next time you are at a show!
Patrons attending the performance Mutts Gone Nuts had the opportunity to take their photo with one of the canine stars of the show. All proceeds of the “Mutt and Greet” went to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center. A total of $575 was raised.
New Look to Website Coming in 2018 Look for an all-new and improved MayoArts.org coming in early 2018! We will be relaunching our website with a beautiful new design and easy navigation that will make your web experience on your computer and phone vastly improved.
MPAC Wins Honors!
MPAC recently took two “Golds” and three “Silvers” in the NJ Stage Awards.
We took the Gold for: 4 Best Place to See a National Act 4 Best Place for Live Comedy …and Silver for: 4 Best Place for Classic Music 4 Best Place to See a Touring Production 4 Best Place to see Live Dance Morristown also received the Gold for Best Town for an Arts Night Out. In another honor, Sustainable Jersey has recognized MPAC for its achievement as a registered Sustainable New Jersey Business, and the first among Performing Arts Centers in the region. MPAC was honored for demonstrating a strong, proactive approach to environmental management, and a commitment to our community.
6
iMPACt
holiday Food Drive MPAC is hosting our annual holiday food drive through December 24. All donations go to the Community Soup Kitchen, based in Morristown. Patrons attending events are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items and personal care items at shows. Donations may also be dropped off at the box office during regular business hours (10 am – 6 pm Mon-Sat.). “MPAC is proud to work with Community Soup Kitchen every year to help to provide necessary food and supplies to those individuals in need,” said Allison Larena, President and CEO. “We encourage our patrons to help us in this effort to make the holiday season a joyous time for everyone.”
Caroling for a Cause
Morristown Cultural District (MCD) presented the 2nd Annual “Caroling For A Cause” event on Sunday, December 10, following the performance of The Nutcracker. Featuring carolers from a joint choir of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church of Morristown, the MCD raised funds to support and bring the message of the One Love Foundation to students in Morristown in an effort to foster positive relationships among young people and prevent the verbal and physical confrontations that seems to appear daily within the news media.
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org
| winter 2017
Education Spotlight
Area students meet ukulele great Jake Shimabukuro as they are honored as October Music Students of the Month.
‘Tis the Season to Give… and to Get!
The Performing Arts Company helps to usher in the holiday season by performing at the tree lighting ceremony at Hyatt Regency Morristown.
2016 Spring musical West Side Story
MPAC invites you to “Become a Member this December!” Give $150 or more and get MPAC Membership Benefits including early access to tickets, discounts at local businesses, ticket exchange privileges, and much more. Explore Starlight Membership which entitles you to first access to tickets and admittance to our newly updated VIP Starlight Lounge. Already a Member? Consider upgrading or making a general year-end, taxdeductible donation to support our world-class performances, arts education, and other communityenriching activities. Thank you for supporting our venue in our 80th year serving the community! Click here to donate
iMPACt
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org
| winter 2017
7
Holiday Gift Guide
There are many great events coming in 2018. Now’s the perfect time to purchase tickets as holiday presents for friends, family and co-workers. Here are a few of the recent shows we’ve added to our schedule that would look great stuffed into any stocking:
Rick Springfield (January 6) The ’80s pop icon performs a solo show of his hits. Charles Esten and Clare Bowen (March 31) The stars of TV’s Nashville perform music inspired by the series and other country music. Daughtry (April 3) Rock hitmakers (“It’s Not Over,” “Waiting for Superman,” “Feels Like Tonight” and “Over You”).
Happy Together Tour 2018 (June 28) An evening of hit after hit after hit that will have you heading home whistling the soundtrack of the ’60s and ’70s. Yanni 25 (July 18) International superstar Yanni returns — with his full band — to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his famous concert at The Acropolis.
David Foster (April 6) The renowned pop hitmaker (You’re the Inspiration,” “The Prayer,” “The Glory of Love”) and music producer to stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé and Josh Groban.
For additional ideas, read our online holiday gift guide.
Maks, Val and Peta Live! (April 13) Three Dancing with the Stars favorites perform a dynamic dance spectacular! Rob Lowe: Stories I Only Tell My Friends Live (May 12) From the Brat Pack to The West Wing and beyond, Rob Lowe reflects on an iconic four-decade career. Tyler Henry (June 7) The popular clairvoyant and star of TV’s Hollywood Medium talks about his unique gift and the lessons he’s learned from the departed. See the full lineup of events at MayoArts.org
8
iMPACt
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
Gift certificates MPAC gift certificates make great stocking stuffers. Purchase gift certificates for family, friends and coworkers and share your love of the performing arts. Gift certificates can be purchased online or in person.
MayoArts.org
| winter 2017