ON SALE NOW
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS
RANDY ARMSTRONG AND VOLKER
NAHRMANN: BEYOND BORDERS
Sat., April 9 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Fusion pioneers Randy Armstrong and Volker Nahrmann bring their electrifying blend of jazz and world music traditions to The Music Hall for a captivating evening of global music.
Be the first to know about Just Announced shows! Sign up for enews at TheMusicHall.org
INTIMATELY YOURS CLUB D'ELF
FT. JOHN MEDESKI WITH SPECIAL GUEST VAPORS OF MORPHINE
Sun., April 10 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
Moroccan trance influences combine with a wide spectrum of styles, including jazz, hip hop, electronica, avant garde, prog-rock, and dub, in Club d’Elf’s music.
AN
HILARITY JIMMY TINGLE LIVE!
Sat., May 7 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Jimmy Tingle weaves the good, the bad and the ugly of the pandemic with the humor, hope and humanity the world so desperately needs in 2022
EVENING WITH COWBOY JUNKIES
Tue., April 12 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
Cowboy Junkies pull the rich tradition of country, folk, and blues from the earth, and make it their own by running it through an achingly heartbeat-paced psychedelia.
BANFF CENTER MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL
Wed., March 9 • 7pm & Thu., March 10 • 7pm Historic Theater
This world-renowned film festival invites attendees to get off the beaten path.
WENTWORTH-DOUGLASS FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE SEACOAST CULINARY CHALLENGE
Thu., March 31 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
Join us for the first-ever “mystery basket”-style, timed cooking competition in the Seacoast to benefit Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Effective 1/7/22: Before entering the building, everyone must wear masks, per the City of Portsmouth mandate, in addition to showing proof of vaccination OR a negative test for live events. For up-to-date information, go to TheMusicHall.org/CovidProtocols
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
MAGAZINE
Monte Bohanan
Mary Beth Johnson
Wesley Lovell
James Paone
Tina Sawtelle
Sara Turner
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
Brittany Wason
DESIGN
Kaitlyn Huwe
CURATOR’S CORNER
SEND IN THE CLOWNS
JAMES PAONE, Programming Manager
I don't know about you, but I can always use a laugh. And as we inch closer to spring, The Music Hall has plenty of options for comedy. We start off with longtime rental partner Mike McDonald who returns with his 21st Annual Comedy Extravaganza back on Fri., February 18. Joining Mike for this laugh fest are comedians Paul Gilligan, Corey Rodrigues, Maya Manion, and Chris D. On Thu., February 24, Charlie Berens brings his incredibly popular Manitowoc Minute experience to our stage. Don’t worry, it’s a full-length show and he’ll have you laughing the entire way through!
Rental partner and Maine comedian Bob Marley visits Portsmouth with two sets of wicked funny New England humor on Sat., March 12. Kevin Nealon will finally visit The Music Hall with his dry comedy and charming wit on Sat., April 16. If you loved him on Weeds, SNL, or any of his shows, don't miss this! Legendary Boston comic Jimmy Tingle brings his Humor for Humanity show to our stage on Sat., May 7, weaving the good, the bad, and the ugly of the pandemic with the humor, hope, and healing we all so desperately need this year.
And in case you missed it, film is back! Extraordinary Cinema, Exhibition On Screen, and Met at The Music Hall are all on the big screen with many one-night-only special screenings for our cinephiles. Keep an eye on the website and in our enews, as films, comedians, musicians, authors, and more are dropping in often!
HERE & NOW
Visit TheMusicHall.org/Blog for more behind-the-scenes info!
Welcome, Mary Beth Johnson!
In January, we welcomed a new Director of Development, Mary Beth Johnson. Relocating from Winston-Salem, NC, she said, “I fell in love with Portsmouth when I visited family over the summer and was absolutely delighted to be invited to join The Music Hall’s first-rate team. It is a magical place, and I’m honored to be a part of such a vibrant cultural gem.” Mary Beth is no stranger to New Hampshire, adding, “Moving to Portsmouth feels much like moving home. It’s just slightly colder.”
Mary Beth comes to us with 20 years of extensive fundraising, audience engagement, and development consultant background, having had key roles in arts organizations around the country. Prior to joining The Music Hall, Mary Beth had orchestral management positions in Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Winston-Salem. She has experience in major gift fundraising for major universities, and she managed sponsorship and membership for a number of prominent arts organizations.
She credits her passion for learning and the arts to her parents, who were thespians and raised her both on and off the stage in concert halls and theatres in Virginia. In her free time, Mary Beth loves outdoor activities like hiking, snowboarding, and kayaking, and playing the cello and fiddle. A lifelong learner, she is earning her Masters degree at Northeastern University in Organizational Leadership. Please join us in welcoming Mary Beth to The Music Hall family!
Appreciating Our Corporate Partners
A nonprofit organization, The Music Hall is here to entertain and inform —with a full roster of Grammywinning artists, comedic legends, literary giants, and incredible films —thanks to our generous supporters. That includes you, our members, as well as all of the local businesses who participate in our Corporate Sponsorship program. We are so fortunate to be enveloped by this group; we could not do what we do without them (and you!).
We hope you will join us in offering gratitude to our long-term supporters, including The Labrie Group; Carey & Giampa, Realtors; and Portwalk Place; and our Box Office Sponsor, B2W Software; as well as new friends like Novocure, who together play an important role in making all that we do possible. We are also grateful to Brown & Co., Chinburg Properties, and Market Square Architects, who have offered their services in the revitalization of the space formerly known as the Loft. We are pleased to collaborate with these and all of our partners to build economic and social stability for our community.
To see a full list of The Music Hall’s 80+ Sponsors, peruse the Season Playbill next time you’re in the Hall, or visit our Corporate Partners page next time you’re online!
Photo Credit: David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com
ON STAGE
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN:
PRESENTING SPONSOR: SERIES SPONSOR:
MEDIA PARTNER:
INNOVATION + LEADERSHIP SERIES SPONSORS:
Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine; Bangor Savings Bank
INNOVATION + LEADERSHIP THE FUTURE OF CALLING PORTSMOUTH HOME
Tue., February 15 • 6pm • Historic Theater
Join us for a screening of Communities & Consequences II, followed by an expert panel and audience discussion.
In collaboration with The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth, NH Housing Finance Authority, and Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast.
INTERCONNECTIONS
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE RETURNS TO THE THEATER! ERIK LARSON
Wed., February 16 • 7pm • Historic Theater
The author of The Devil in the White City delivers an “enthralling” (O: Oprah Magazine), #1 New York Times bestselling portrait of leadership in a time of crisis—now in paperback!
Per tour management, all ticket buyers are required to be vaccinated for this event, in addition to wearing a mask while in the building (per the City of Portsmouth mandate).
HILARITY CHARLIE BERENS
Thu., February 24 7:30pm Historic Theater
Charlie Berens is an Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, host, red carpet interviewer, and creator of the viral Midwest comedic news series Manitowoc Minute.
ON STAGE
HILARITY SERIES SPONSORS:
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
INTIMATELY YOURS BIG BAND OF BROTHERS: A JAZZ CELEBRATION
OF THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND
Fri., February 25 • 8pm • Historic Theater
The Big Band of Brothers features jazz interpretations of the Allman Brothers Band’s hits, with the likes of Jaimoe, Sammy Miller and The Congregation, Lamar Williams Jr, and Drew Smithers!
EVENING SPONSORS: Troiano Wealth Advisory Group; Vital; Whole Life Health Care
INTIMATELY YOURS AOIFE O’DONOVAN WITH SPECIAL GUEST YASMIN WILLIAMS
Tue., March 1 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
Grammy award-winning Aoife O’Donovan’s gorgeous genre-bending music shines through, whether performing solo, as part of several bands, or when collaborating with artists like Yo-Yo Ma or Chris Thile.
EVENING SPONSOR: UNH Conferences & Catering
INTIMATELY YOURS THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH
Fri., March 4 • 8pm • Historic Theater
The Tallest Man On Earth comes to the Historic Theater following the release of his first album in 4 years, I Love You. It’s A Fever Dream., which was recorded almost entirely in his apartment in Brooklyn, NY.
EVENING SPONSORS:
The Friendly Toast; Petersen Engineering
ON STAGE
SCHOOL DAYS
SERIES SPONSOR:
GENEROUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY: D.F. Richard Energy; Demoulas Foundation;The Fabulous Find; The French Foundation
INTERCONNECTIONS
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER & FRIENDS
Wed., March 9 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater
In the new musical based on Andrea Beaty’s books, Ms. Greer's class has three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers: Rosie Revere, the engineer; Iggy Peck, the architect; and Ada Twist, the scientist.
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS MEDIA PARTNER:
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES THE ADVENTURES OF HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON
Mon., March 14 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater
Follow Harold on his zany adventures as he creates the world he wants to explore, using nothing more than a big purple crayon and his sky’s-the-limit imagination.
RENTAL PARTNER/RESIDENT ORCHESTRA PORTSMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WINTER CONCERT
Sun., March 13 • 3pm • Historic Theater
The PSO’s Winter Mainstage Concert features the internationally renowned pianist Ya-Fei Chuang and a sublime trio of works that highlight the symphony’s capacity for melodic richness.
INTIMATELY YOURS CARLY PEARCE: THE 29 TOUR (ALMOST SOLD OUT)
Fri., March 18 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Country music’s “it” girl, Carly Pearce is fiercely confident and rooted in the classics, boasting multiple Platinum tracks and touring alongside Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, and Luke Bryan.
EVENING SPONSOR: Market Square Architects
ON STAGE
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS MEDIA PARTNER:
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS THE MOTH MAINSTAGE
Sat., March 19 8pm
Historic Theater (SOLD OUT) & Livestream True stories, told live, no notes. This flagship program featuring a mix of national voices makes its return to The Music Hall for one magical night.
Livestream tickets are still available!
EVENING SPONSORS:
Riverworks Printing; Petersen Engineering
COMMUNITY
PARTNER
WENTWORTH-DOUGLASS FOUNDATION PRESENTS
THE SEACOAST CULINARY CHALLENGE
Thu., March 31 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
Join us for the first-ever cooking competition in the Seacoast to benefit Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Four renowned chefs from across the Seacoast will compete in an intense “mystery basket”-style, timed cooking competition eager to win the vote of the celebrity judges.
DON'T MISS THIS APRIL CONCERT!
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS DAN BROWN’S WILD SYMPHONY BENEFIT CONCERT
Sat., April 2 • 2pm • Historic Theater
Join New York Times bestselling author Dan Brown and the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra for stunning orchestral music from Wild Symphony, Brown's illustrated children's book! Proceeds benefit Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra and The Music Hall.
CINEMA
MET AT THE MUSIC HALL SERIES SPONSOR: RiverWoods Exeter
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA DRIVE MY CAR
Thu., February 17 7pm
Two years after his wife’s death, Yusuke, a renowned stage actor and director, meets Misaki, a taciturn young woman assigned to chauffeur him in his beloved red Saab 900. Winner of three prizes at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA NIGHTMARE ALLEY
Sat., February 19 • 7pm
An ambitious carny with a talent for manipulating people with a few well-chosen words hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous than he is.
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD
Tue., February 22 • 7pm
Chronicling four years in the life of Julie, The Worst Person in the World examines one woman’s quest for love and meaning in the modern world.
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA WOMEN'S ADVENTURE FILM TOUR
Fri., March 11 • 7pm & Wed., March 16 • 7pm
A celebration of the inspiring women around us who are doing extraordinary things in the name of adventure.
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA A FINE LINE
Wed., March 23 • 7pm
A Fine Line explores why less than 7% of head chefs and restaurant owners are women, when traditionally women have always held the central role in the kitchen.
A panel discussion follows the film.
Schedule subject to change. Check TheMusicHall.org for updates.
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA THE FRENCH DISPATCH
Sat., February 19 • 3pm
A love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional twentieth century French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in The French Dispatch Magazine.
THE MET AT THE MUSIC HALL RIGOLETTO (VERDI) Sun., February 20 • 12:55pm
Tony Award–winning director Bartlett Sher resets the opera’s action in 1920s Europe, with Art Deco sets by Michael Yeargan and elegant costumes by Catherine Zuber, themselves boasting a combined 11 Tony Awards.
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA OSCAR SHORTS DOCUMENTARY
Wed., March 2 • 7pm ANIMATED Sat., March 5 3pm LIVE ACTION Sat., March 5 • 7pm
THE MET AT THE MUSIC HALL ARIADNE AUF NAXOS (R. STRAUSS) Sun., March 20 • 12:55pm
Soprano Lise Davidsen makes her Live in HD debut as the mythological Greek heroine of Strauss’s enchanting masterpiece.
OPERA CONNECTION ARIADNE AUF NAXOS Sun., March 20 11am
Join us for a discussion led by opera expert/ writer-producer Dennis Neil Kleinman.
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA IL CINEMA RITROVATO
March 25-27 • Historic Theater
Every summer, the Cineteca of Bologna presents restored films, early silent cinema, and director’s portraits, called Il Cinema Ritrovato The Music Hall is partnering with UNH to bring a number of films from Il Cinema Ritrovato to NH.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Our New Presenting Sponsor: Novocure®!
Is it too early to start thinking about the holidays? Dedicated Music Hall fans already are; now’s the time to start wondering about the Ogunquit Playhouse holiday collaboration. As you anticipate that announcement, let’s celebrate our new Presenting Sponsor of Holiday Programming at The Music Hall: Novocure.
Striving to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer, Novocure is a global oncology company that also happens to be our neighbor. Their new facility on Vaughan Mall will provide space for their growing employee base in Portsmouth and house a world-class training and development center. Novocure’s commitment to supporting initiatives that positively impact patients, employees, and communities led the company to make a three-year pledge to The Music Hall. We are eager to acknowledge their generosity in the coming years. We also look forward to welcoming partners from around the world to our community to experience beloved holiday traditions like the Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall.
“We are happy to support The Music Hall, an organization that enriches the community through the arts,” said William Burke, Novocure’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “Along with aspiring to make a difference in cancer, we believe it’s important to make a difference in the communities where we live and work. Portsmouth is a special part of Novocure’s past, present and future, and we are proud to be a part of and support our community.”
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
BOOK CLUB: THE 7 1/2 DEATHS OF EVELYN HARDCASTLE by Stuart Turton moderated by Wesley Lovell Mon., 2/7 • 6pm Portwalk Place, Portsmouth
BOOK CLUB: CLOUD CUCKOO LAND by Anthony Doerr moderated by Lara Prescott Mon., 3/14 • 6pm Portwalk Place, Portsmouth
For more info, contact Wesley Lovell at 603.766.2182 or WLovell@themusichall.org
BOOK CLUB SPONSOR: Sheehan Phinney
AT A GLANCE
FEBRUARY 2022
Innovation + Leadership
The Future of Calling Portsmouth Home
Tuesday, February 15 • 6pm
Writers on a New England Stage
Erik Larson
Wednesday, February 16 • 7pm
Extraordinary Cinema
Drive My Car
Thursday, February 17 • 7pm
Rental Partner
Mike McDonald's 21st Annual Comedy
Extravaganza
Friday, February 18 • 7:30pm
Extraordinary Cinema
The French Dispatch
Saturday, February 19 • 3pm
Extraordinary Cinema
Nightmare Alley
Saturday, February 19 • 7pm
The Met at The Music Hall Rigoletto (Verdi)
Sunday, February 20 • 12:55pm
Extraordinary Cinema
The Worst Person in the World
Tuesday, February 22 • 7pm
Hilarity
Charlie Berens
Thursday, February 24 • 7:30pm
Intimately Yours
Big Band of Brothers: A Jazz Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band
Friday, February 25 • 8pm
Rental Partner
Another Tequila Sunrise - Eagles Tribute Saturday, February 26 • 8pm
MARCH 2022
Intimately Yours
Aoife O'Donovan
Tuesday, March 1 • 7:30pm
Extraordinary Cinema
Oscar Shorts (Documentary)
Wednesday, March 2 • 7pm
Intimately Yours
The Tallest Man on Earth
Friday, March 4 • 8pm
Extraordinary Cinema
Oscar Shorts (Animated)
Saturday, March 5 • 3pm
Extraordinary Cinema
Oscar Shorts (Live Action)
Saturday, March 5 • 7pm
School Days Series
Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends
Wednesday, March 9 • 9:30am & 11:30am
Schedule subject to change. Check TheMusicHall.org for updates.
MARCH 2022
Rental Partner
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Wednesday, March 9 • 7pm & Thursday, March 10 • 7pm
Extraordinary Cinema
Women's Adventure Film Tour
Friday, March 11 • 7pm
Rental Partner
Comedian Bob Marley
Saturday, March 12 • 5:30pm & 8pm
Rental Partner
Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert
Sunday, March 13 • 3pm
School Days Series
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon
Monday, March 14 • 9:30am & 11:30am
Extraordinary Cinema
Women's Adventure Film Tour
Wednesday, March 16 • 7pm
Intimately Yours
Carly Pearce: The 29 Tour
Friday, March 18 • 8pm
The Music Hall Presents The Moth Mainstage [Live & Livestream]
Saturday, March 19 • 8pm
Opera Connection
Ariadne auf Naxos
Sunday, March 20 • 11am
Met at The Music Hall
Ariadne auf Naxos (R. Strauss) Sunday, March 20 • 12:55pm
Extraordinary Cinema A Fine Line
Wednesday, March 23 • 7pm
Il Cinema Ritrovato
Friday, March 25 - Sunday, March 27
Community Partner
Wentworth-Douglass Foundation presents the Seacoast Culinary Challenge
Thursday, March 31 • 7:30pm
APRIL 2022
The Music Hall Presents
Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony Benefit Concert
Saturday, April 2 • 2pm
Opera Connection
Don Carlos
Sunday, April 3 • 10am
Met at The Music Hall
Don Carlos (Verdi)
Sunday, April 3 • 12pm
APRIL 2022
Intimately Yours
Straight No Chaser
Monday, April 4 • 8pm
The Music Hall Presents Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann:
Beyond Borders
Saturday, April 9 • 8pm
Intimately Yours
Club d'Elf ft. John Medeski with special guest Vapors of Morphine
Sunday, April 10 • 7:30pm
Intimately Yours
An Evening with Cowboy Junkies
Tuesday, April 12 • 7:30pm
Hilarity
Kevin Nealon
Saturday, April 16 • 8pm
Intimately Yours
An Evening with Angélique Kidjo
Saturday, April 30 • 8pm
MAY 2022
Met at The Music Hall
Turandot (Puccini)
Saturday, May 7 • 12:55pm
Hilarity
Jimmy Tingle Live!
Saturday, May 7 • 8pm
School Days Series
PSO presents Dan Brown's Wild Symphony
Tuesday, May 10 • 10am & 12:30pm
Writers on a New England Stage Amor Towles
Tuesday, May 10 • 7pm
Rental Partner
Gordon Lightfoot: 80 Years Strong Tour
Wednesday, May 11 • 8pm
Opera Connection
Lucia di Lammermoor
Saturday, May 21 • 11am
Met at The Music Hall
Lucia di Lammermoor (Donizetti) Saturday, May 21 • 12:55pm
JUNE 2022
Rental Partner
Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert
Sunday, June 5 • 3pm
Met at The Music Hall Hamlet (Dean)
Sunday, June 12 • 12:55pm
February
