Overture Onstage 2010/11 Season

2010/11 Season

Overture

OnStage

a performing

arts series for students

welcome

to

overture’s

performing Arts series

Overture OnStage is sponsored by

for

students

OnStage By Grade Level Pre-K & Kindergarten Harold and the Purple Crayon Strega Nona: The Musical Ferdinand the Bull Giggle, Giggle Quack The Very Hungry Caterpillar Perô, or the Mysteries of the Night American Girl’s Fund for Children

is a philanthropic foundation created to support programs and services for school-age children in Dane County. Since its founding in 1992, American Girl’s Fund for Children has supported programs in the arts, culture and environment.

Additional funding provided by contributions to the Ovation Fund. Learn how you can be part of supporting Overture’s community and education programs at overturecenter.com/contribute

on the cover: Momix, March 30, 2011

Elementary School Mariachi Los Camperos Strega Nona: The Musical Drumline Live!

Parsons Dance with East Village Opera Company Popovich Comedy Pet Theater UW Varsity Band Ferdinand the Bull Giggle, Giggle Quack Acoustic Africa The Very Hungry Caterpillar Star Trek Live Momix Perô, or the Mysteries of the Night Middle School Mariachi Los Comperos Drumline Live!

Parsons Dance with East Village Opera Company Popovich Comedy Pet Theater UW Varsity Band Acoustic Africa Star Trek Live Momix Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre High School Mariachi Los Camperos Drumline Live!

Parsons Dance with East Village Opera Company Momix Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre

Overture Center is pleased to announce our 22nd OnStage Performing Arts Series for Students. This series offers a diverse range of performing art forms from various cultural perspectives. The series encompasses all grade levels and connects to content across curriculum subjects. We are thrilled to present some of the finest local, national and international companies, committed to presenting performances for young audiences.

One of Overture’s largest programs, this series draws over 43,000 students, teachers and parents from public, private and home schools throughout Wisconsin, western Iowa and northern Illinois. This program demonstrates Overture’s commitment to the importance of arts education and assurance that all children have access to high-quality artists and art. We value the critical role the arts play in education.

Study guides are developed for each performance, providing educators with resources to extend the learning beyond the performance.

As you review the season, you will find Madison premieres, some favorites back by popular demand, and some one-of-a-kind experiences. Performances take place in the historic Capitol Theater and Overture Hall. These performances will surely delight, entertain and educate as they bring together students from all over the area to share in unforgettable experiences.

All performances are 50-60 minutes in duration unless noted.

Curriculum Key connections based on Wisconsin Academic Standards

Photo by Michael Zinn

Tue, Oct 5 10 am & 12:30 pm

Capitol Theater Grades Pre-K–3 Curriculum Key

Literature & English Language Arts, Theater Education, Relationships & Family, Character Education, Visual Arts

p 4 | overturecenter.com

Enchantment Theatre Company

The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon Based on the book series by Crockett Johnson Enchantment Theatre’s production will take your students on a wild ride as Harold jets to Mars (shooting stars, space ships!), joins a circus (he walks a tightrope!) and meets a king in an enchanted garden (of course, there’s a dragon).

The “Harold” books have captivated families for more than fifty years, celebrating the imagination of children and the unique way they see the world.

Wed, Nov 10 10 am & 12:30 pm

Capitol Theater Grades 4–12 Curriculum Key

Social Studies, Foreign Languages, Dance, Music Education, Character Education

Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano A traditionalist and a visionary, Nati Cano has both mirrored and shaped the history of mariachi music. He and Los Camperos, the group he founded and directs, have been a fixture in the Los Angeles area and a driving force in the mariachi tradition in North America for nearly 50 years. His longtime association with Linda Ronstadt, backing her up in live performances and on her milestone Canciones de Mi Padre album, helped catapult mariachi music to unprecedented national prominence.

overturecenter.com | p 5

mon, Nov 22 & Tue, Nov 23 10 am & 12:30 pm

Capitol Theater Grades Pre-K–4 Curriculum Key

Literature & English Language Arts, Music & Theater Education, Character Education

Tomie de Paola’s

Strega Nona: The Musical Based on the award-winning children’s book series Based on the beloved children’s books by “creative visionary” (Boston Globe) Tomie de Paola, this is the rich and colorful tale of a friendly witch who strives to cure the everyday ills of her tiny Italian town. Featuring an energetic score by composer Aron Accurso, the use of traditional Commedia dell’arte and a set design inspired by the Strega Nona pop-up book, this enchanting production illustrates the importance of the adage “be careful what you wish for — you just might get it!”

Mon, Nov 29 10 am & 12:30 pm

Drumline LIVE!

Overture Hall This incredible new show, created by the music team Grades 4–12

Music Education, Character Education

© Littlestar

Photo by Joshua Posamentier

Curriculum Key

behind the hit movie Drumline, brings black marching band tradition to the theatrical stage for the very first time. With riveting rhythms, bold beats and ear-grabbing energy, their “inspired and energized” (Newark Star-Ledger) show is an adrenaline-laced tribute to the historically black college and university experience. Incorporating original compositions and soul-infused interpretations of top 40 hits, group performances range from colorful, choreographed routines to heavy doses of drum riffs and cadences. overturecenter.com | p 7

Thu, Feb 17 & Fri, Feb 18 10 am

UW Varsity Band

Overture Hall Always a favorite, the University of Wisconsin Varsity Grades 4–8 Curriculum Key

Music Education, Character Education

Fri, Feb 4 10 am & 12:30 pm

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater

Capitol Theater It’s raining cats and dogs — and clowns and jugglers!

Grades 1–6 Curriculum Key

Theater Education, Physical Education

p 8 | overturecenter.com

Gregory Popovich, heir to the storied Moscow Circus legacy, brings his highly unusual, family-oriented blend of unique comedy and juggling and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets. Each of the show’s 15 cats and 10 dogs were once strays, rescued from animal shelters. This extravaganza of European-style clowns, amazing juggling and balancing acts, and of course, very talented performing pets will delight adults and kids alike.

Band treats audiences to a spectacular show of many musical styles. Medleys of jazz, rock and roll, pop and Broadway musicals take audiences through a multi-view perspective of musical styles. Conductor Mike Leckrone arranges most of the music and leads the band in a hand-clapping, foot-stomping show of musical excellence, energy and fun.

wed, feb 23 10 am

Capitol Theater Grades 4–12 Curriculum Key

Dance, Music Education, Physical Education

mon, Feb 21 10 am & 12:30 pm

Capitol Theater

Childsplay Productions

Ferdinand the Bull

Grades K–5 Meet Ferdinand, an unusual bull who prefers picking flowers Curriculum Key

Literature & English Language Arts, Foreign Languages, Dance Education, Theater Education, Character Education

p 10 | overturecenter.com

to joining the bullfighters in the ring, and Danilo, a young nobleman whose father Duque Dodo has big dreams for him. Watch what happens when Danilo, the reluctant matador, meets Ferdinand in the bullring. You’ll cheer for them as they refuse to go along with the crowd and strike a blow for individuality and celebrating our differences.

This production integrates Spanish, flamenco dancing and original music to create a memorable theatrical experience perfect for young audiences.

Parsons Dance with the East Village Opera Company Remember Me

See an all-new version of the rock dance opera that sold out New York’s Joyce Theater for six solid weeks.

Remember Me features Parsons Dance and the lead vocalists and music of the Grammy-nominated rock opera band, East Village Opera Company (EVOC). New choreography, all-new costumes by “Project Runway” designer Austin Scarlett and dramatic new lighting by Tony Award-winning lighting designer Howell Binkley turn up the passion and embolden David Parsons’ electrifying dance.

mon, Mar 7 10 am & 12:30 pm

Overture Hall

Grades Pre-K–4 Curriculum Key

Photo © Linda Blase 2009

Literature & English Language Arts, Music Education

mon, Feb 28 10 am & 12:30 pm

Capitol Theater Grades Pre-K–4 Curriculum Key

Literature & English Language Arts, Theater Education, Relationships & Family, Character Education

Dallas Children’s Theater

Giggle, Giggle, Quack Based on the barnyard series of books by Doreen Cronin When the farmer’s away, the animals will play! In this hilarious sequel to the barnyard blockbuster, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, good ol’ Farmer Brown has left his city-slicker brother in charge of his farm while he takes a much-needed vacation. He’s left detailed instructions on how to take care of the animals so that nothing will go wrong, including the important warning “Keep an eye on Duck.

He’s Trouble.” But when the instructions fall into the wrong hands (or wings!), the result is madcap musical mutiny.

p 38 | overturecenter.com

Phantom Limb Company

Lemony Snicket’s The Composer is Dead Based on a book by Lemony Snicket The show must go on? But the actor is mute, the director is crying, the dancer is lazy — and the composer is dead! In this new theatrical adaptation of the wildly popular book, the Phantom Limb Company brings us a live stage production with a score by Nathaniel Stookey (who remains alive, thankfully) and a few uppity puppets. Dirty work is afoot: Where exactly were the violins on the night in question? Did anyone see the harp? Aren’t the trumpets protesting a bit too boisterously?

Every instrument gets its due (flutes are wimpy, Snicket explains, and second violins are more fun at parties) as the murderous mystery weaves its way around a musical education like no other.

Thu, Mar 10 & Fri, Mar 11 10 am & 12:30 pm

Capitol Theater Grades Pre-K–2 Curriculum Key

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites Eric Carle’s wildly colorful collages and true love of nature combine with Mermaid Theatre’s masterful puppetry and music to create a truly memorable event. After much demand, that little caterpillar is returning, along with an assortment of favorite puppet characters. The triple-bill includes the wonderful story of the Very Hungry Caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly; the fanciful account of Little Cloud’s travels through the sky and the Mixed-Up Chameleon’s discovery of his own unique nature. These tales have enchanted several generations.

Photo by Jeffrey Machtig

Literature & English Language Arts, Storytelling, Science, Nature, Theater Education

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia

Wed, Mar 9 10 am & 12:30 pm

Acoustic Africa

Capitol Theater One of Africa’s most exciting performers, Habib Koite

plays music that reflects the diverse musical traditions of

Grades 4–8 his Malian homeland. Accompanied by his band Bamada, Curriculum Key

Social Studies, Music Education

the concert will be a musical journey across the continent of Africa, performing culturally significant songs in their respective languages. Often identifying similarities across the various cultures, Mr. Koite will provide context for the concert by explaining the meaning and origins of the songs.

p 14 | overturecenter.com

thu, Mar 24 10 am & 12:30 pm

Capitol Theater

Mad Science

Star Trek Live

Grades 2–8 Mad Science Productions proudly presents Star Trek Live, Curriculum Key

Science, Physical Science, Technology Education

an out of this world, interactive adventure based on the most popular science fiction franchise of all time. Audience members join Starfleet Academy only to be unexpectedly whisked into an adventure steeped in the grand tradition of Star Trek itself. The performance combines cuttingedge special effects, unmatched audience interaction and cool science to create an exhilarating and unforgettable theatrical experience.

p 16 | overturecenter.com

Wed, Mar 30 10 am

Capitol Theater

Momix Botanica

Back again is the very popular and internationally

Grades 4–12 recognized Momix, a dance company known for presenting Curriculum Key

Dance, Music Education, Physical Education, Nature

works of astonishing inventiveness and physical beauty.

Hot on the rise following national exposure (thanks to a wonderfully inventive series of Target ads) Moses Pendleton’s illusionist dance company Momix brings its dazzling new show that conjures up a world of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body. Botanica features colorful costumes, marvelous moves and that signature Momix moxie.

overturecenter.com | p 17

Thu, Apr 14, 10 am & 12:30 pm fri, apr 15, 10 am

Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre

Capitol Theater Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Native American culture. Founded at the Rosebud Reservation with the

Grades 4–12 support of traditional Lakota elders and community leaders,

Photo by Jeffrey Machtig

Curriculum Key

Social Studies, Geography & History, Dance Education, Music Education

championship pow-wow dancers, singers, musicans and storytellers. They perform Cokata Upo! (Come to the Center), an elaborate and captivating theatrical work celebrating the culture of the Lakota people. Live traditional, sacred and courting songs accompany traditional dances set against a backdrop of spectacular video imagery interwoven with stirring narratives and wisdom-filled creation stories.

mon, may 2 10 am

Capitol Theater

Speeltheater Holland

Perô, or the Mysteries of the Night

Grades K–3 This sweet, simple, tender tale has only gotten richer since Curriculum Key

Theater Education, Storytelling, Foreign Languages, Social Studies

its beginnings centuries ago in the storied tradition of Italian Commedia dell’arte. She does laundry by day; he bakes by night. Will they ever find true love? Find out in this charming musical adaptation from the Netherlands that blends artistry, creativity and a European sensibility to create what ParentMap calls “sparkling, tour-de-force theater.”

overturecenter.com | p 19

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Overture

OnStage A Performing Arts Series for Students