A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914
Saturday, December 4, 2010 • 3pm & 8pm • Tickets: $38, $30
The acclaimed men’s a capella group Cantus and award-winning Theater Latté Da sing European carols and war-songs – a testament to the power of music to make peace even in wartime. Written by Peter Rothstein, musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach, and now broadcast internationally, All Is Calm recalls the remarkable World War I truce between Allied Forces and German soldiers in No Man’s Land on Christmas, 1914. When we premiered this national production two years ago, the message of peace resonated with a town known for its singular role in the 1905 Treaty of Portsmouth that ended the Russo-Japanese War.
“genius…magic…superb execution” – M I nn EA pol IS S T pAul M AGA z I n E
SPONSORS: Seacoast Media Group
Saturday, December 11, 2010 • 2pm & 7pm
Tickets: $40, $29
From sold out shows at the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston to The Music Hall stage – a Christmas spectacular! Top flight Irish performers join Brian O’Donovan, host of the wildly popular weekly National Public Radio program, Celtic Sojourn, in this festival of ancient Christmas melodies and contemporary music and dance from the Celtic countries and England. Don’t miss this New England holiday favorite!!
“Our new Christmas tradition!” – DAMAMMA.Co M
SPONSORS: Optima Bank & Trust; The Port Inn; Regal Limousine Service; Willis Insurance
“The
A Merry Funny New England Christmas Juston McKinney & Friends with the Gaudy Baubles
Sunday, December 19, 2010 • 7pm • Tickets: $40, $28
Comedy Central star Juston McKinney is back in New England and does he have the holiday show for you! Featuring top young comics from both coasts and the effervescent Gaudy Baubles, a band on the lam from Las Vegas. Down-home Yankee sensibility collides head on with a glittery showbiz Christmas! Recommended for ages 14+.
“Juston McKinney is destined for stardom” – n EW Yo RK TIMES
SPONSORS: Centrix Bank; Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center - Louis F. Clarizio, DDS
Messiah Sing!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 • 7:30pm
Tickets: $14
Bring your own score and ring in the holidays with friends and family at the Seacoast’s largest Messiah Sing, pulling together best-loved area choruses and conductors. Guest soloists and string accompaniment further enhance this Music Hall tradition! A beloved part of the holiday musical scene.
SPONSOR: Dowling Corporation; Seacoast Media Group
INSIDE JOB
Rated PG-13 • 120min • US a • 11/26 - 12/2 daily @ 7pm • no show 11/30
The first film to provide a comprehensive analysis of the global financial crisis of 2008 – the worst recession since the Great Depression. Through research and interviews with key financial insiders, politicians, journalists, and academics, the film traces the rise of a rogue industry which has corrupted politics, regulation, and academia.
“This movie has the rare gifts of lucid passion and informed rage.”
TAMARA DREWE
R ated R • 111min • UK • 12/5 - 12/10 daily @ 7pm • no show 12/9 • discussion follows 12/8 show
From the graphic novel by Posy Simmonds and one of the favorites at Telluride by the Sea this year, Stephen Frear’s (High Fidelity, The Queen) latest features Gemma Atherton in the title role. When Tamara sashays back to the bucolic village of her youth, life for the locals is thrown into chaos. As jealousies, affairs and ambitions collide, a contemporary comedy of manners is set into play using the oldest magic in the book, sex appeal.
“Tamara Drewe is one in a million” –WASHI n GTon po ST
MY DOG TULIP
n Ot R ated • 83min • US • 12/20 - 12/23 daily @ 7pm • no show 12/21
Written, directed and animated by award-winning filmmakers Paul and Sandra Fierlinger, My Dog Tulip is the first animated feature ever to be entirely hand drawn and painted using paperless computer technology. Based on the book by British author and distinguished man of letters J.R. Ackerley who, in middle age, came to adopt a beautiful yet intolerable 18-month-old German shepherd. To his surprise, she turned out to be the love of his life.
“One of the most sophisticated dog movies ever created.” – n EW Yo RK TIMES
THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST
Rated R • 147min • SW eden • 12/26 - 1/5 daily @ 7pm • no show 12/29, 12/31, 1/1 • 2pm matinee 12/26 & 1/2
discussion follows 1/4 show
The dramatic conclusion to the Millennium Trilogy. Lisbeth is recovering in a hospital and awaiting trial for three murders. Mikael must prove her innocence. Meanwhile, Lisbeth is plotting her own revenge against the people who put her in this situation. In Swedish with subtitles.
“Breathtaking climax and final confrontation that is positively soul satisfying” – H ollYW oo D RE po RTER
My Dog Tulip
“Transforms the relationship between pet and owner into something singular, inimitable, sacred.”
– nEW YoRK TIMES
A CHRISTMAS STORY
This vignette-laden, nostalgic view of Christmastime in 1940s Indiana follows nine-year-old Ralphie, who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas – and is waging an all-out campaign to convince his reluctant parents that the toy will be safe in his hands. By turns warped and winsome, the comedy follows Ralphie as he prepares for the big day with his rather idiosyncratic family.
“There is a real knowledge of human nature beneath the comedy.” – ROGER EBERT
SPONSORS: Avery Insurance; Great Island Realty; LunaChics; J. Hilburn Men’s Custom Shirts & Apparel; Holloway Automotive Group; Roundabout Diner & Lounge; NH Gazette
Smash hits from the London stage straight to The Music Hall screen!
– THE nEW YoRKER
production of Verdi’s most ambitious
Directed by Nicholas Hytner, featuring Rory Kinnear in the title role, David Calder as Polonius, Clare Higgins as Gertrude, Patrick Malahide as Claudius and Ruth Negga as Ophelia.
the music hall in the seacoast Community
Shows, Strolls & Stayovers
Presented by The Music Hall & Strawbery Banke Museum
Grab your friends and make plans to head to downtown Portsmouth the first three weekends of December for Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth! Walk through streets dressed with wreaths of greens on each iron lamppost. Hop on the free trolley to get your overview before choosing your first destination – The Music Hall for great live shows, HD broadcasts and film? Strawbery Banke Museum for its 31st Candlelight Stroll? Distinctive boutiques sprinkled throughout 19th century brick storefronts in a streetscape designed for window-shopping? Over 200 restaurants that make this a culinary destination? It’s all here in Portsmouth, “one of America’s Prettiest Towns” (Forbes Traveler). For more information, visit www.vintagechristmasnh.org.
Sat., Dec. 4
1:30pm-10:30pm Vintage Christmas trolley, 15 min. route
2pm & 8pm a Christmas Carol, a musical Ghost Story, Seacoast Repertory theatre
3pm & 8pm all is Calm: the Christmas truce of 1914, the music Hall
5pm-9pm Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
5pm Holiday tree Lighting, market Square
6pm illuminated Holiday Parade
Sun., Dec. 5 1:30pm-10:30pm Vintage Christmas trolley, 15 min. route
2pm Screen Classic: A Christmas Story at The Music Hall
2pm a Christmas Carol, a musical Ghost Story, Seacoast Repertory theatre
4pm & 8pm Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
Sat., Dec. 11 1:30pm-10:30pm Vintage Christmas trolley, 15 min. route
2pm & 7pm a Christmas Celtic Sojourn at the music Hall
2pm & 8pm a Christmas Carol, a musical Ghost Story, Seacoast Repertory theatre
5pm-9pm Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
Sun., Dec. 12
12:30pm the met: don Carlo (Verdi)
1:30pm-10:30pm Vintage Christmas trolley 15 min. route
2pm a Christmas Carol, a musical Ghost Story, Seacoast Repertory theatre
4pm-8pm Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
Sat., Dec. 18 Great Bay academy of dance Presents: an 1836 Portsmouth nutcracker (also 12/16, 17)
1:30pm-10:30pm Vintage Christmas trolley, 15 min. route
2pm & 8pm a Christmas Carol, a musical Ghost Story, Seacoast Repertory theatre
5pm-9pm Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
Sun., Dec. 19
1:30pm-10:30pm Vintage Christmas trolley, 15 min. route
2pm & 7:30pm a Christmas Carol, a musical Ghost Story, Seacoast Repertory theatre
4pm-8pm Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
7pm a merry Funny new england Christmas Juston mcKinney & Friends with the Gaudy Baubles at The Music Hall
Don’t miss these events, during the rest of the month!
Tues., Dec. 21 7:30pm the music Hall Presents messiah Sing! Thurs., Dec. 31 First Night Portsmouth
For information on additional performances of An 1836 Portsmouth Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, please visit www.VintageChristmasNH.org.
Holiday Gift Ideas
by LAUREN LENOX, Membership Manager and MEGHAN DURKEE, Development Associate
It’s the holiday season, and The Music Hall has a number of gift giving options for that music, theater, history or literary friend, or the loved one who has everything. We invite you to be creative with your gifting, and here are some ideas we can help you with:
• Looking to get into the Holiday spirit?
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 or A Christmas Celtic Sojourn is just the ticket. After the show, hop on the Vintage Christmas trolley for a ride, or stroll through Strawbery Banke to explore holiday magic of the 17th Century on the New Hampshire seacoast.
• For those who enjoy a hearty laugh, the holiday extravaganza A Merry Funny New England Christmas, featuring Juston McKinney is here for one night only – treat those pals who appreciate witty music and holiday humor!
• Our gift certificates come in any denomination and can be used for all Music Hall Presents performances and historic tours. There are also gift certificates available specifically for films. The box office makes it easy – call to purchase tickets or gift certificates at (603) 436-2400.
• You can also give the gift of Membership! – gift memberships to The Music Hall are perfect for arts enthusiasts who want to purchase their tickets before the general public. Memberships are available at all levels and come with a variety of benefits. Call 603-433-3100 x28 to get started.
Don’t Forget Your Neighbors! During the holiday season, remember to take care of the community by contributing to The Music Hall’s Holiday Appeal. Appeal dollars will help keep our education and outreach programs affordable to all patrons. With your help, we have kept School Days Series seats at $5, we’ve maintained free participation in Master Classes, and we’ve donated a number of tickets to local nonprofit fundraising events each year. Do your part and help keep the arts affordable on the Seacoast!
Contact the Development Office at (603) 433-3100 x 28 or email llenox@themusichall.org.
The City of Portsmouth free Vintage Chrismas Trolley, a 15-minute route, runds from 1:30-10:30pm the first three Saturdays and Sundays of December, from parking lots, hotels, and in between The Music Hall and Strawbery
Hard Hat Tour: A Peek Backstage
Money, Money, Money
by PATRICIA LyNCH, Executive Director
We recently spoke with Board Treasurer Harry Schult and CFO, staffer Kris Briggs. Both are CPAs, the former, an Ernst + Young partner for 28 years, an experienced CFO and treasurer of Trinity Repertory Theatre; the latter an MBA with 15 years with nonprofits and the arts.
What is the most challenging aspect of The Music Hall’s finances?
HS: You are only as good as your last show! Operations provides only 60% of operating income, the remainder must be fundraised.
KB: Juggling priorities: managing human resources, tracking two budgets (operating and capital campaign), planning cash flow, monitoring construction finance and monthly closings. Ticket sale receipts are liabilities until a show occurs which means revenue and expense recognition is tied to skillful marketing.
The Music Hall recently developed a financial dashboard under your collective guidance. How does this help board members?
KB: In addition to monthly financial statements, Board members now can see a concise, one-page summary that helps them assess and steward the organization’s financial health. What advice can you give other nonprofits when thinking about their financial house?
HS: A nonprofit organization needs a competent CFO with business acumen – we have that in Kris Briggs – also the involvement of the E.D. and the
It’s a small miracle each time The Music Hall’s production staff puts together a show. What you don’t see when you sit in the theater is that all the backstage rigging is circa 1901 – it’s that antique in design. Imagine trying to write a book today with an oversize ledger and a quill pen. Everyone knows you can’t be a century behind and be effective in your work. It takes us days longer than a modernized theater to get our show “load-ins” accomplished. It’s a fact, it’s compelling, it’s part of that long term sustainability.
Any other favorite projects in this campaign?
One critical project is the green room where we are hosting artists like Margaret Atwood and Chris Botti in the dingiest of conditions – it’s pretty embarrassing. I am really excited about starting to recapture the historical finishes of the staircases and upper lobby, but the one project that I (and I believe everyone) most looks forward to is the chandelier. It’s the finish line, and the reward for a lot of hard work.
All photos this page: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo
URGENT NEED: Theater Restoration A chandelier!
Board in financial affairs.
The year end is rapidly approachingwhat vehicles can people can use to give to The Music Hall or its capital campaign?
HS: Dickens’ immortal Scrooge reminds us each Christmas of the joy of giving generously. We all can enjoy this experience by donating to the campaign! Seriously, as we approach year end, many people plan their finances and think of charitable giving. A portion of my campaign gift is a donation of my 401(k). If I were to designate an individual, that money would be taxable to them, not so a donation to the Music Hall. We can assist you in being creative.
KB: Give Music Hall memberships as gifts, and friends and relatives can save money on upcoming shows for a year! Or support our Master Classes by contributing a cash gift to our annual appeal. For prudent tax planning, donate appreciated stock to The Music Hall capital campaign by 12/31 and get a 2010 charitable gift deduction. If only Scrooge had known!
Technical Director Quentin Stockwell and Director of Institutional Advancement
Laura Smith lead Music Hall supporters on a tour of urgent needs, 10/28.
Margaret Atwood, NHPR host Virginia Prescott and authors Joe Hill (crouching), and Stephen King in the green room, 9/21.
