1/19
Intimately Yours CITIZEN COPE 1/25* Intimately Yours AN EVENING WITH COWBOY JUNKIES 2/4
Intimately Yours PINK TALKING FISH WINTER CARNIVAL
2/5 & 2/6
ON SALE NOW
CHECK OUT THE REST OF OUR 2022 SEASON ON PAGES 10-13
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.
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS DAN BROWN’S WILD SYMPHONY WITH PORTSMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Sat., April 2 • 2pm • Historic Theater
Join bestselling author Dan Brown and the PSO for a roaring afternoon of orchestral music!
RECYCLED PERCUSSION
Sat., January 15 • 4:30pm & 7:30pm Historic Theater
The legendary New England drumming group returns with a turbo-charged performance.
MIKE
IL CINEMA RITROVATO
March 25-27 • Historic Theater
Every summer, the Cineteca of Bologna presents a festival of restored films, early silent cinema, and director’s portraits. The Music Hall is partnering with UNH to bring a number of films from Il Cinema Ritrovato to New Hampshire. Stay tuned for more festival details!
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE AMOR TOWLES
Tue., May 10 • 7pm • Historic Theater
A propulsive new novel from the bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow.
MCDONALD’S 21ST ANNUAL COMEDY EXTRAVAGANZA
Fri., Feb. 18 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
Mike McDonald brings his Comedy Extravaganza back to The Music Hall for its 21st year of big laughs.
COVID-19 UPDATES
COMEDIAN BOB MARLEY
Sat., March 12 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Maine native Bob Marley is one of the most sought-after comedians in the country.
For up-to-date information about what we're doing to keep you safe and what to do when you visit, go to TheMusicHall.org/CovidProtocols
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Monte Bohanan
MAGAZINE
Lauren Hodge
Wesley Lovell
Tina Sawtelle
Sara Turner
Brittany Wason
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
DESIGN
Kaitlyn Huwe
CURATOR'S CORNER
NOTES FROM NEW YORK: LOOKING TO 2022
LAUREN HODGE, Talent Buyer
Hi there! I’m Lauren Hodge, Talent Buyer here at The Music Hall. I am based in New Jersey just outside the Big Apple, but as an alumni of Berklee College of Music, New England is my second home. Having just hit six months at The Music Hall in December, I’m so excited to play a role in bringing entertainment to the Seacoast and for what 2022 has in store!
We have quite a mix of shows for a wide variety of interests already on sale in 2022! A few of my must-see shows in early 2022 are Drew Lynch, Aoife O’Donovan, and Rachael & Vilray. I’ve had Aoife O’Donovan on heavy rotation on my work playlist; her new song “Phoenix” is always stuck in my head. If you’ve never heard of comedian Drew Lynch, you can check out his recent special Concussed on YouTube. Whatever event you attend in our Historic Theater, I hope you have a night full of great music and laughter, two of my favorite things!
Right around the corner on January 15, we are attending the Association of Performing Arts Professionals conference (APAP) in NYC. I’m eager to be representing The Music Hall at the conference, as it is one of the biggest in the country for Performing Arts Centers. In meeting with agents and attending showcases, it is a great opportunity to start working on events we can bring to Portsmouth later in 2022 and 2023. I’m looking forward to having Tina and James in my neck of the woods, and I can promise they will not leave without a NY slice of pizza.
As we progress into 2022, the goal at the forefront of my work is to bring in artists who frequent big cities like New York City, so our members can see world-class shows right at home. I’ll be up to visit again soon and I hope to see you in the theater this year!
BIG CHANGES TO OUR SMALL SPACE
TINA SAWTELLE, Executive Director
Big changes are happening at our smaller venue, the Loft! You may have seen the paper up in the windows along Congress Street—we are thrilled to announce a major renovation is underway and demolition is in progress.
We heard you! Feedback from our patrons is driving the transformation. You can look forward to cabaret-style, comfortable seating; a more open concept for the entire space; an easily accessible bar area; and upgraded technology including improved sound, lighting, and video capabilities. These new elements will transform the Loft space into a versatile, contemporary venue that can accommodate up to 125 people.
We will continue to host intimate music and comedy performances, author talks, panels, livestreaming, hybrid meetings, and more. The Loft will be still available for rentals as well.
Join us for the grand re-opening in the spring of 2022! Stay tuned for sneak peeks coming up at TheMusicHall.org/Loft2022 and on our socials for the latest construction updates and new features!
Credit:
Chris Keeley Photography
Credit:
ON STAGE
HILARITY SERIES
SPONSORS:
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
HILARITY DREW LYNCH
Wed., January 19 • 7pm
Historic Theater
Drew Lynch captured the hearts of America with his performance on America’s Got Talent, where he finished in second place. Since, Drew has appeared on IFC’s Maron and CONAN, and amassed over 2 million subscribers on YouTube.
INTIMATELY YOURS CITIZEN COPE
Tue., January 25 • 8pm
Historic Theater
Citizen Cope takes us all on a journey with his unique brand of urban-folk.
EVENING SPONSOR: Popzup Popcorn
ON STAGE
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
INTIMATELY YOURS KEB' MO' Fri., January 28 • 8pm • Historic Theater
This five-time Grammy Award winner draws upon his bottomless roots-music expertise to make deeply expressive, highly personal music.
EVENING SPONSORS: Market Square Architects; Northeast Delta Dental; Petersen Engineering; Popzup Popcorn
INTIMATELY YOURS RACHAEL & VILRAY
Sat., January 29 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive and guitarist-singer-composer Vilray return to Portsmouth with their jazz, old vinyl duo, adding a new chapter to the American Songbook.
EVENING SPONSOR: Office Resources, Inc.
ON STAGE
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
INTIMATELY YOURS AN EVENING WITH COWBOY JUNKIES
Fri., February 4 • 8pm • 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 heartbeatpaced psychedelia.
EVENING SPONSOR: Carpe Diem Coffee Roasting Co; Office Resources, Inc.
ON STAGE
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES SPONSOR:
GENEROUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY: D.F. Richard; Demoulas Foundation; The Fabulous Find; The French Foundation
INTERCONNECTIONS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
INTIMATELY YOURS PINK TALKING FISH WINTER CARNIVAL
Sat., February 5 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Pink Talking Fish is a hybrid tribute-fusion act that takes the music from three of the world’s most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans.
INTIMATELY YOURS PTF 4 KIDS
Sun., February 6 • 1pm • Historic Theater
An interactive, kid-friendly concert experience full of singing, dancing, gadgets, prizes, and more!
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES WARRIORS DON'T CRY
Mon., February 7 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater
School Days Series is back! Join Ya Girl and all the young warriors who raise their hands and make a difference in the fight for social justice. Based on the Little Rock Nine memoir.
Check out the rest of our season on page 11 and online at TheMusicHall.org/SchoolDays.
ON STAGE
STAGE DOOR CABARET
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
STAGE DOOR CABARET TAYLOR O'DONNELL
Fri., February 11 • 6pm & 8pm • Historic Theater
Taylor O’Donnell mixes her unique sound and background with R&B, folk, jazz, rock, and classical music.
STAGE DOOR CABARET KAT WRIGHT
Sat., February 12 • 6pm & 8pm • Historic Theater
Kat Wright, Bob Wagner and Josh Weinstein lean into their trio formation, showcasing their folky/rootsy selves, all stripped down, a triangulation of their strengths, their bareness, their imperfect humanness, their voices, their ferocious tenderness, their love of songs and singing and story.
CINEMA MOVIES ARE BACK!
EXHIBITION ON SCREEN SERIES SPONSOR: Sheehan Phinney
MET AT THE MUSIC HALL SERIES SPONSOR: RiverWoods Exeter
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA
C'MON C'MON
Fri., Jan. 7 • 3pm & 7pm • Historic Theater
SWEETHEART
Sat., January 8 • 7pm • Historic Theater
THE NOVICE
Wed., January 12 • 7pm • Historic Theater
LICORICE PIZZA
Fri., Jan. 21 3pm & 7pm Historic Theater
LOVE IT WAS NOT
Sat., Jan. 22 • 3pm & 7pm • Historic Theater
HIVE
Thu., January 27 • 7pm • Historic Theater
NEW WORLDS
Wed., February 2 • 7pm • Historic Theater
THE MET AT THE MUSIC HALL EURYDICE (AUCOIN)
Sat., January 8
• 12:55pm • Historic Theater
Rising composer Matthew Aucoin presents a new take on the familiar tale from Eurydice’s point of view, with a libretto by Sarah Ruhl.
CLEAN
Thu., February 3 7pm Historic Theater
CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE
Mon., February 14 • 7pm • Historic Theater
EXHIBITION ON SCREEN THE DANISH COLLECTOR
Tue., January 18 • 7pm • Historic Theater
THE MET AT THE MUSIC HALL CINDERELLA (MASSENET)
Sun., January 16 • 12:55pm • Historic Theater
Laurent Pelly’s storybook staging is presented with an all-new English translation with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as its princess.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Spotlighting Our Intimately Yours Sponsors
The Intimately Yours concert series is a perennial favorite at The Music Hall, providing you, our members and patrons, with opportunities to get up close and personal with the most talented musicians of our time. For The Music Hall, Intimately Yours realizes the greatest earned revenue each year through ticket sales and concessions, leverages memberships, and creates a value proposition for major support from individuals as well as corporate partners. For our community, Intimately Yours brings foot traffic downtown and into the dozens of businesses surrounding the Historic Theater.
We have been delighted to welcome so many of you back into the house this fall for Melissa Etheridge, Lindsey Buckingham, Elvis Costello, and so many other great IY shows. We hope to see you in the audience this month for Citizen Cope, Rachael & Vilray, and Keb' Mo', and for shows in February, March, and beyond. Your support of this series (and The Music Hall in general) has been incredible, in the true meaning of the word. Our Intimately Yours series sponsors have also been incredible, and we thank The Lighting Center at Rockingham Electric, Raka Creative, 92.5 the River, and our newest IY sponsor, Hampton Ford Hyundai, for their continued generosity. Our reemergence would not be possible without your support!
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
We’re excited to welcome back Book Club and Director’s Club events in 2022! For information, please visit our website or contact Wesley Lovell at 603.766.2182 or WLovell@themusichall.org
WINTER SHOWS TO WARM YOU UP
HILARITY SERIES SPONSORS:
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
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.
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; Whole Life Health Care
INTIMATELY YOURS NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY
Sun., February 27 • 4pm • Historic Theater
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy’s electrifying performances on the fiddles have propelled their dazzling careers since childhood while cementing their status as Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music.
EVENING SPONSORS: Northeast Delta Dental; Piscataqua Savings Bank
LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
SCHOOL DAYS
SERIES SPONSOR:
GENEROUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY: D.F. Richard; Demoulas Foundation; The Fabulous Find; The French Foundation
INTIMATELY YOURS AOIFE O'DONOVAN
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
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.
INTERCONNECTIONS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
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 SPONSOR: The Friendly Toast
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.
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES PSO PRESENTS DAN BROWN’S WILD SYMPHONY
Tue., May 10 • 10am & 12:30pm Historic Theater
The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra presents an abbreviated version of Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony, a whimsical adventure for children about the symphony orchestra and its instruments.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS MEDIA PARTNER:
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
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.
SPRING CONCERT
Sun., June 5 • 3pm • Historic Theater
Join the PSO for a colorful and vibrant Spring Mainstage Concert with a wide range of performances.
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS THE MOTH MAINSTAGE Sat., March 19 • 8pm • Historic Theater
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.
EVENING SPONSORS: Riverworks Printing; Petersen Engineering
IL CINEMA RITROVATO
March 25-27
• Historic Theater
The Music Hall is partnering with UNH to bring a number of films from Il Cinema Ritrovato to New Hampshire. Stay tuned for more festival details!
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS DAN BROWN’S WILD SYMPHONY WITH PORTSMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Sat., April 2 • 2pm • Historic Theater
Join New York Times
and
bestselling author Dan Brown
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.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING
HILARITY
SERIES SPONSORS:
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN:
INTIMATELY YOURS STRAIGHT NO CHASER
Mon., April 4 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music, having built a reputation as an unforgettable live act.
EVENING
SPONSORS:
AC Hotel Marriott; BANKW Staffing, LLC; Leone, McDonnell and Roberts, PA
INTIMATELY YOURS ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO
Sat., April 30 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Four-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo is one of the greatest artists in international music today, a creative force delivering highenergy, rousing live performances around the globe.
EVENING SPONSOR: Petersen Engineering
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
SERIES SPONSORS:
MEDIA PARTNER:
HILARITY KEVIN NEALON
Sat., April 16 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Best known for his time on SNL and for his role on Weeds, Kevin Nealon sets himself apart from other comedic performers with his unique sense of humor, dry wit, and likable demeanor.
EVENING SPONSORS:
The Friendly Toast; Prime Buchholz & Associates, Inc.
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE AMOR TOWLES
Tue., May 10 • 7pm • Historic Theater
Join us in person for the bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow and master of absorbing, sophisticated fiction returns with a propulsive novel set in 1950s America—now a #1 New York Times bestseller!
bringing the arts home...
The Ar T s A re T he A nswer to vibrant and prosperous communities where we treasure our heritage, celebrate our diversity and nurture our ingenuity.
AT A GLANCE
JANUARY 2022
The Met at The Music Hall
Eurydice (Aucoin)
Saturday, January 8 • 12:55pm
Rental Partner
Recycled Percussion
Saturday, January 15 • 4:30pm & 7:30pm
The Met at The Music Hall
Cinderella (Massenet)
Sunday, January 16 • 12:55pm
Hilarity
Drew Lynch
Wednesday, January 19 • 7pm
Intimately Yours
Citizen Cope
Tuesday, January 25 • 8pm
Intimately Yours
Keb' Mo'
Friday, January 28 • 8pm
Intimately Yours
Rachael & Vilray
Saturday, January 29 • 8pm
FEBRUARY 2022
Intimately Yours
An Evening with Cowboy Junkies
Friday, February 4 • 8pm
Intimately Yours
Pink Talking Fish Winter Carnival
Saturday, February 5 • 8pm
Intimately Yours
Pink Talking Fish 4 Kids
Sunday, February 6 • 1pm
School Days Series
Warriors Don't Cry
Monday, February 7 • 9:30am & 11:30am
Stage Door Cabaret
Taylor O'Donnell
Friday, February 11 • 6pm & 8pm
Stage Door Cabaret
Kat Wright
Saturday, February 12 • 6pm & 8pm
Rental Partner
Mike McDonald's 21st Annual Comedy
Extravaganza
Friday, February 18 • 7:30pm
The Met at The Music Hall
Rigoletto (Verdi)
Sunday, February 20 • 12:55pm
Hilarity
Charlie Berens
Thursday, February 24 • 7:30pm
LEGEND: At the Historic Theater | Loft | Offsite/Online
FEBRUARY 2022
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
Intimately Yours
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
Sunday, February 27 • 4pm
MARCH 2022
Intimately Yours Aoife O'Donovan
Tuesday, March 1 • 7:30pm
Intimately Yours
The Tallest Man on Earth
Friday, March 4 • 8pm
School Days Series
Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends
Wednesday, March 9 • 9:30am & 11:30am
Rental Partner
Comedian Bob Marley
Saturday, March 12 • 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
The Music Hall Presents The Moth Mainstage
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
Il Cinema Ritrovato
Friday, March 25 - Sunday, March 27
APRIL 2022
The Music Hall Presents
Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony with Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, April 2 • 2pm
Opera Connection
Don Carlos
Sunday, April 3 • 10am
Met at The Music Hall
Don Carlos (Verdi)
Sunday, April 3 • 12pm
Intimately Yours
Straight No Chaser
Monday, April 4 • 8pm
Hilarity
Kevin Nealon
Saturday, April 16 • 8pm
Intimately Yours Angélique Kidjo
Saturday, April 30 • 8pm
MAY 2022
Met at The Music Hall
Turandot (Puccini)
Saturday, May 7 • 12:55pm
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
UPCOMING SHOWS
January
February 5 & 6
JAN./MID-FEB. 2022
RACHAEL