Photo: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo
NOW
An American Treasure for the Arts @ the music hall
live events november
SIMON WINCHESTER
Monday, November 8 • 7:30pm
Tickets: $13 • Vouchers for signed book: $25.20 in advance, $27.99 day of
The celebrated author of The Professor and the Madman, Krakatoa, and The Map that Changed the World visits us with another sure bestseller. Atlantic is a magisterial saga of the ocean and humankind’s evolving relationship with it – a blend of history and anecdote, geography and reminiscence, science and lore.
“Winchester is such a fantastic storyteller” – ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
SERIES PARTNERS:
JUST ANNOUNCED! ELIZABETH GILBERT
Tickets on sale to members Sat., Oct. 30 at noon. On sale to the public Fri., Nov. 12 at noon. Six ticket limit.
JOSEPH J. ELLIS
Tuesday, November 30 • 7:30pm
Tickets: $13 • Vouchers for signed book: $25.15 in advance, $27.95 day of
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author presents his latest history, First Family: Abigail and John Adams, masterfully bringing to life America’s pre-eminent first couple in a narrative that is both intimate and panoramic.
“humane, learned, radiant with a calm intelligence and wit”
– NY T IME s BOOK REVIEW
ELIZABETH GILBERT
Thursday, February 3 • 7:30pm • Tickets: $13
Vouchers for signed book: $14.60 in advance, $16.00 day of
The bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love presents her latest book, Committed, which also topped the NY Times bestseller list. This true “love story” is a clear-eyed celebration of the complexity and consequence that real love, in the real world, actually entails.
“Entertaining and illuminating.”
– NY T IME s BOOK REVIEW
“Smart but unpretentious, funny, warm and generous…By the end...you feel as if she is your friend, too.” – s AN FRANCI s CO CHRONICLE
SPONSORS:
Dan Zanes and Friends
Saturday, November 20, 2010
11:30am & 3:30pm Tickets: $25, $18
With a new album (76 Trombones!), Dan Zanes dives into a vital part of America’s musical heritage introducing a new generation to classic Broadway everyone knows and loves. These and other American traditional songs form the foundation of the exuberant all ages dance party concerts –“Woodstock for Kids” – that Zanes is known for.
SPONSOR:Albert P. Stowe, CPA, PLLC; Portsmouth Regional Hospital; Seacoast Media Group; Clear Channel
SERIES
Best Western Wynwood Hotel & Suites; Calypso Communications; New England Audio Tech; Piscataqua Landscaping Company, Inc.; RMC Research Corporation; Haunted Milk Design
Simon Winchester
Elizabeth Gilbert
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
“Thoroughly entertaining...” – MINNEAPOLIs sTAR TRIBUNE
KINGDOM
Welcome to the terrifying Melbourne crime underworld, where tensions are on the brink of exploding between felons and renegade cops. The Cody brothers, a gang of armed robbers, are in the process of initiating their teenage nephew Joshua into their frightening world after the death of his mother.
“A naturalistic approach to an underworld story is a welcome relief from exaggerated Hollywood fare.”
– HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
MAO’S LAST DANCER
R ated PG • 117min • aUS t R a L ia • 11/6 - 11/10 daily @ 7pm • no show 11/8
From Academy Award nominee Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy, Tender Mercies) comes the inspiring true story of Li Cunxin and his extraordinary journey from a poor upbringing in rural China to international stardom as a world-class ballet dancer. Based on the bestselling autobiography and starring Chi Cao as Li Cunxin.
“A funny, soulful movie about love and other agonies...” –WALL s TREET JOURNAL
THE CONCERT
R ated
An uplifting comedy about a true band of misfits. The renowned conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Now a cleaning man at the Bolshoi, he learns that the orchestra will play in Paris and hatches a plan to gather his former musicians to perform in their place. In French and Russian with subtitles.
“A warm, witty fairy-tale.” – HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
YOU W ILL M EET A TALL DARK S TRANGER
Rated R • 100min
11/19 - 11/21 daily @ 7pm
Woody Allen‘s latest follows a pair of married couples, Alfie (Anthony Hopkins) and Helena (Gemma Jones), and their daughter Sally (Naomi Watts) and her husband Roy (Josh Brolin), as their passions, ambitions, and anxieties lead them into trouble and out of their minds. Also starring Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto and Lucy Punch.
“Touching, as well as entertaining” – WALL s TREET JOURNAL
KIDS RULE! MOVIE: RAMONA AND BEEZUS
Rated G • 103min • US a • 11/21 @ 2pm • One Show Only!
In this new film based on the best-selling books (over 30 million...and counting) by Beverly Cleary, the adventures of young Ramona Quimby (newcomer Joey King) and her big sister Beezus (Selena Gomez) come to life. Her irrepressible sense of fun, adventure and mischief come in handy when she puts her mind to helping save her family’s home.
“bright and imaginative” – WA s HINGTON PO s T
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.” – THE NEW YORKER
D ON PAS q UALE (D ONIZETTI )
Saturday, November 13 • 1pm
Tickets: $27.50; 18 & under $15
Anna Netrebko returns to the role that made her a Met star, with Matthew Polenzani, Mariusz Kwiecien, and John Del Carlo. James Levine conducts.
The Daily Portsmouth: A Retrospective The Local Photography of Philip Case Cohen Thursday, November 18 • 5-7pm Bar opens at 5pm • Show begins at 5:30
Join us in the Founders Lobby for cocktails, music and fine photography. Hundreds of photos by TheDailyPortsmouth.com founder Phil Cohen will be shown on multiple screens. Lifelong New Englander, now Portsmouth resident, Cohen brings a bright and sensitive eye to capturing the sights, flavors and spirit of our port town. Look back at The Daily Portsmouth’s first year-and-a-half. The Music Hall’s own Mike Marchand will set the mood with some ambient grooves. Celebrate our community, celebrate good art, celebrate Fall – just plain celebrate! $2 cover charge (members free).
Photo by
Here&Now
The music Hall and the Seacoast Community
Coming Spring 2011: The Music Hall Loft
The new creative learning and performance space offering the same high quality programs in a smaller, more intimate, recycled space
We recently interviewed Patricia Lynch, Executive Director
How long has the Loft been in the works? Since 2004, and even earlier, the need for education, office and meeting space along with a smaller more flexible venue was identified. As our signature offerings flourished and our outreach and audiences grew, the need for a space like the Loft became very apparent. During the fall of 2009 and winter of 2010 a talented and multi-disciplinary group of board, staff, and community members, including strategic planners, banking and financial leaders, facility committee members, marketing experts, small business owners, food and beverage experts, curators, artists, and theater people came together over a period of eight months to flesh out the business plan and space layout for the Loft. Brown &
Company awarded The Music Hall a year’s worth of work for the branding and rollout. TMS Architects, J2 Studios and Diane Hart Designs were selected by the Facilities Committee, which includes Quentin Stockwell, Staff Lead, and chaired by board member Doug Nelson, to carry out the collective vision along with general contractor DeStefano & Associates.
What should we expect to see in the Loft?
Master classes, writers workshops, meet and greets with artists, Opera Society discussions, art films, best of the local scene, emerging artists, discoveries, special events, creative learning opportunities for teens and kids and more. We will be working with community partners, sponsors and businesses for high quality rental events and festival offerings.
Any new signature offerings?
We will be leveraging our signature series and expanding them into the Loft. Expect more writers with our new partnership with RiverRun bookstore to bring Writers in the Loft to downtown Portsmouth, smaller more intimate author gatherings with fresh literary stars and A-list writers. Expanded Telluride by the Sea programming next year with shorts, documentaries, and restorations in the works, along with discussions. Live @ the Loft, a new collaboration with New Hampshire Public Radio, a live broadcast radio show in the Loft featuring national and
Deborah Pickett: 13 seasons, 350 volunteers,
thousands of batches of popcorn!
by SASA TANG, Intern
As one of my first tasks as an intern here at The Music Hall, I got to interview Deborah Pickett, the Coordinator of Volunteers and House Manager, sometimes described as the “important-looking woman with the ear-piece” during events.
How many volunteers do you work with?
We have over 350. With so many shows and such a wide range of programming, it’s great to have lots of people with diverse interests who are excited about filling different niches. We’re incredibly fortunate to have a fabulous group of volunteers who truly care about making a difference as the first people patrons encounter.
How did you start working here?
A friend signed me up to volunteer for a Bruce Hornsby show. I immediately fell in love with everything about the theater and by the end of the
evening I mentioned to the House Manager that I was envious and “wanted her job.” Within a week, I was thrilled to be given a job and a key to The Music Hall!
If you could make one wish for The Music Hall, what would it be?
I’d love to see The Music Hall continue to thrive at the heart of the community that supports it, and in turn, for the theater to have all the resources it needs to keep giving back.
regional singer-songwriters. These new signature offerings will be great for audiences, sponsors, and the community.
What about those offices?
Our current offices are cramped and expensive rental space with no places to gather. We are looking forward to a more creative and professional space to welcome partners and donors, and get the best work out of our talented staff and incredible board.
What do you think this means to downtown Portsmouth and the Seacoast?
The Music Hall is known for its collaborative spirit, economic impact, and high quality programs. The Loft is going to be a multiplier, bringing more people to downtown, offering more education opportunities and helping to cement Portsmouth as an arts and cultural capital for the region.
Have you raised all the money for this project?
As we move forward with our vision to make The Music Hall a performing arts center for the 21st century, (think regional Lincoln Center) we’re going to need everyone’s help. If you’d like more information about how you can help please contact Laura Smith at The Music Hall (lsmith@themusichall.org) to learn about the campaign.
How can someone start volunteering at The Music Hall?
How do you feel about popcorn-making?
This being my “lucky 13th” season, I’ve made thousands of batches of popcorn. What’s fun about that is thinking of all the people who’ve eaten it – the new faces and the wonderful people I’ve come to know over the years, all here for the unique experience of enjoying a film in an historic theater.
It’s easy. We have volunteer orientation the first Tuesday of every month. We meet in the lobby at 5:30, talk about the basic responsibilities and rewards of being a Music Hall Volunteer and tour the theater. Generally, by the end of the tour, people can’t wait to get started. Anyone who’s interested can contact me at dpickett@themusichall.org.
At right: Deb Pickett (third from left) with volunteers and performers from Circo Comedia.
Photo: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo
THE EVENT
Exotic.
Mysterious.
Spellbinding.
The Music Hall transforms itself into the Voodoo Lounge for one night only: Look for Cajun potions, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a one of a kind Silent Auction. Come in your richest velvet for a wicked night!
Dance
Hands down the dance party of the year! Where else do you get to move, groove and dance your heart out on one of the most recognizable stages in New England?
Music
Mike Marchand aka datajockey d{~_~}b, will be playing upbeat dance music and fantastic tunes from ‘80s hits to world beats “an evening of solid grooves, great conversation, and rare unadulterated FUN...”
SPONSORS: Bellman’s Portsmouth; Great Bay Triumph Ducati and Vespa North Hampton; LunaChics
Memories are made in Portsmouth!
by KATHLEEN SOLDATI, Director of Marketing
Make your holiday plans now! Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. It’s Strolls, Shows and Stayovers – that’s the irresistible Candlelight Stroll that Strawbery Banke Museum has hosted for 31 years, the live holiday shows, opera broadcasts and films in The Music Hall’s unforgettable Victorian theater, and the unparalleled stays in the elegant and delightful holiday downtown. Get ready to cuddle up with a trolley ride through red-bricked Market Square, stroll through the snowflakes to the many eclectic shops, and sample Portsmouth’s famous culinary specialties!
And, we’ve got some terrific holiday shows. If you’re looking for a classical Christmas, All is Calm (Dec. 4) is just the ticket. Last time, patrons were wowed by the strikingly simple set filled with beautiful world class voices and an uplifting message of peace – the experience of the Truce of 1914. Next up – straight from sold out shows at the Cutler Majestic in Boston – Brian O’Donovan, host of the wildly popular weekly National Public Radio program, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, (Dec. 11) brings top
GOURMET HORS D’OEUVRES BY...
Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café
F LATBREAD C OMPAN y RUDI’S PORTSMOUTH
The 100 Club Seacoast Catering
Billingsgate Event Catering
AJ’s Wood Grilled Pizza 106 Ki TCHEN & B AR
Si LENT A UCT i ON iTEMS iNCLUDE ...
Raleigh Mountain Bike • Cape Neddick Beach House
Sugarbush Ski Home • Wine Tasting on Private Boat
Loon Ski House • Surfboard with Lessons • Sports Tickets
Amy Palmer Artwork • Piaggio Fly 50 Motorscooter Forum Destroyer snowboard • Golf Packages
Ladies Night at Helene M. • AND MORE!
We spoke recently with Don Jeka (left), of Great Bay Triumph Ducati & Vespa North Hampton, sponsor for The Event.
You have supported The Music Hall for many years now, why and what does The Music Hall mean to you?
I believe strongly in supporting the arts, especially locally. The Music Hall is a natural fit because many of our customers attend events there, and it’s a great way we can contribute to our community. I attended my first concert at The Music Hall over 21 years ago, and fell in love with it. I have been to many events there since, and I consider The Music Hall a critical component of our Seacoast culture.
What trends do you see in your business?
We sell some of the finest motorcycles (Ducati
and Triumph) and scooters (Vespa/Piaggio) in the world today, and gear that complements those products. Customers are very particular about spending their money on high quality products that last. This has benefited our business because the motorcycles and scooters we sell are designed and built in the United Kingdom and in Italy by manufacturers who place a premium on enduring design and quality. We are an enthusiasts’ dealership staffed by enthusiasts. Our customers choose us to add some style and excitement to their lives. When you’re dancing on stage at The Event, what kind of music will you be looking for?
As a passionate lover of music, I have been known to dance to a very wide variety, and most music can make me move. That being said, I love rhythm and great drumming, so funk, gumbo, and reggae are at the top of my dance list.
flight traditional and contemporary musicians and dancers from the Celtic countries and England –a New England holiday favorite! But, if it’s funny you’re looking for, check out Juston McKinney’s A Merry Funny New England Christmas Juston will be joined by top young comics from both coasts and the effervescent Gaudy Baubles, (a band on the lam from Las Vegas). It’s a hilarious holiday extravaganza! Finally, Messiah Sing is a
wonderful opportunity to get into the action – 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 soloist and string accompaniment further enhance this Music Hall tradition! A beloved part of the holiday musical scene! Visit VintageChristmasNH.org for more information!
Photo: David Murray/Clear Eye
Photo
Above: The magic of the Candlelight Stroll provided the perfect setting for a memorable proposal.
When you purchase your Event ticket, pre-register for the silent auction by calling the Box Office and be entered into a drawing for two Gold seats for Chris Isaak!