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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
Holiday Fun!
Inside:
iMPACt A look2019 behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center winter
Starlight Ball Recap Become a Member in December here comes nutcracker! MayoArts.org | WINTER 2019
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It’s our favorite time of the year! We love to share the holiday
spirit with our members and patrons. The holidays are a chance for us to thank you all for your generous support all year long. From the MPAC family to your family, we hope you have a joyous holiday season and a great 2020!
Fall highlights
Seen and heard around MPAC
25th Anniversary Party: Over 1,000 patrons attended a free concert by the BStreetBand in celebration of MPAC’s 25th anniversary on September 27.
Great Knight: Gladys Knight was one of the many world class performers who took the stage this fall.
White Hot: It Was 50 Years Ago Today featured an all-star line-up celebrating The Beatles White Album.
Abracadabra: MPAC patrons came dressed to scare at a screening of Hocus Pocus, featuring Kathy Najimy, in October.
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.
Connect with us
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org | WINTER 2019
Theatre of Light Illuminates the Cultural District
Photos by Katharine Boyle
On Saturday, December 7, The
Morristown Cultural District was transformed into a magical “Theatre of Light” featuring song and celebration set against the backdrop of a unique and beautiful lighting display along MPAC, the Vail Mansion, and the surrounding grounds.
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This free event featured performances by the MPAC Performing Arts Company, storytelling by Chad Leinaweaver of the Morristown/ Morris Township Public Library, participatory events and more. Attendees were encouraged to write down their individual
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
wishes at the Wishing on a Star display. Dozens of wishes, ranging from “Peace on Earth” to “Ice Cream” were attached to the display.
high-quality and cuttingedge event production services that have been showcased at festivals and events in the tristate area and beyond.
The lighting display was created by Pulse Lighting, a leader in the field of lighting production and design. Pulse Lighting provides a full range of
In addition, free hot chocolate was provided by Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen and treats by The Artist Baker.
MayoArts.org | WINTER 2019
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Member News
Starlight Ball a Mardi Gras Smash!
Mayo Performing Arts Center raised critical funds for its
Arts Education programs at its annual Starlight Ball, held on Friday, November 15 at the Park Savoy in Florham Park. Nearly 300 guests turned out for a Mardi Gras themed evening that featured a sit down dinner, dancing to the Tom Costello Orchestra, a dazzling performance by PAC’s Performing Arts Company, a silent auction and more. Unjeria C. Jackson, MD was the recipient of the Starlight Award, which is given to an honoree each year for outstanding dedication and service to MPAC’s mission. Dr. Jackson has been a member
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org | WINTER 2019
of MPAC’s Board of Trustees since 2009 and is rotating off the Board at the end of the year. Over $530,000 was raised at the event. Additional funds have been raised through an online auction in December. MPAC is dedicated to providing exceptional arts education opportunities to children and adults of all ages and abilities through a variety of education programs. Each program strives to make the performing arts a vital component of every child’s upbringing and to spark a lifelong interest in music, dance and culture. photos, page 4: Greg Supron, Chair, Board of Trustees, MPAC; Honoree Unjeria C. Jackson, MD, MPAC president; and CEO Allison Larena MPAC’s Performing Arts Company puts on a dazzling show
photos, This page: The Starlight Ball Committee Members of Private Advisor Group get their Mardi Gras on Photos by Anne Van Druff
Become a Member this December Membership brings you closer to the heart of MPAC’s mission — closer to world-class artists who grace our stage and closer to other enthusiastic patrons who share your love of the arts. Members enjoy early access to tickets and other exclusive perks available at various support levels created to engage all members of our community. Membership gifts strengthen MPAC’s performances, allowing for performing arts genres of all kinds to be presented in Morristown. They
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also support MPAC’s fine arts education programs and stimulate the local economy. In addition, members can receive discounts at select local business when they present their MPAC Membership Card.
For more information, please contact Lana Missaggia at lmissaggia@mayoarts.org or 973-539-0345, ext. 6526.
Click here to watch a video where you can learn more about the benefits of membership from some of our members themselves.
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org | WINTER 2019
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News & Notes The Performing Company onstage at Radio City Music Hall in 2018
Performing Arts Company Holiday Tour Our teen musical ambassadors, the MPAC Performing Arts Company (PAC), is in the middle of a busy holiday season. Made up of over 30 talented young performers, the PAC has performed at a variety of holiday events this season, including onstage at MPAC at the Holiday for Toys performances, at the Theatre of Lights, at the Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green, the tree lighting at Hyatt and more. One of the highlights of the season will be a return to New York City to perform prior to the Friday, December 27 1:30 pm performance of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular! All children in the company volunteer their time each week to rehearse and put on these performances. In the process they learn the value of using their gifts to bring joy to people’s lives. Over the course of the season, they will provide entertainment at over three dozen events at senior centers, nursing homes, nonprofit fundraisers, on the MPAC stage and much more.
Holiday Food Drive MPAC is holding its annual food drive this holiday season with all donations going to nourish.NJ (formerly known as Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown). Patrons attending events are encouraged to donate nonperishable 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.). Area students were honored as November Music Students of the month — Outstanding Vocalists — prior to the November 8 Sara Evans concert. The Music Student of the Month student recognition program honors area music students for their dedication to local school music programs.
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MPAC’s Miracle Project program was the recipient of the Ann Klein Award at the Community Health Law Project annual gala in October.
MayoArts.org | WINTER 2019
On the MPAC Stage
holiday fun! New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to the MPAC stage for 14 performances beginning Friday December 13. Featuring musical accompaniment by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Nutcracker is the family event of the season. Nutcracker photos: Irina Leoni
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org | WINTER 2019
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On the MPAC Stage
New and recently added
See our full lineup of events at MayoArts.org
Dennis DeYoung (April 18) A celebration of The Grand Illusion plus other Styx hits.
Cash Cab’s Ben Bailey (April 4) Stand-up comedy from the host of TV’s Cash Cab.
Performance Pick:
Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald is to musical theatre is what Meryl Streep is to movies — a tour-de-force performer who is recognized as the best in her field. McDonald has won an astounding six Tony Awards (Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill), two Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award. Join us on Saturday, January 18 as she makes her MPAC debut, a concert that is sure to be remembered!
Brit Floyd (April 21) The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show!
Click here for more information
Happy Together 2020 (June 27) Back again to celebrate the greatest hits of the 60s and 70s.
Gift certificates Share your love of MPAC with friends, family and co-workers. MPAC gift certificates make great stocking stuffers!
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org | WINTER 2019