PRINCE GEORGE’S
Publick Playhouse for the Performing Arts
2011-2012 SEASON
Welcome to the 34th Publick Playhouse season. The Playhouse is going green with a full season brochure. Instead of separate spring and fall listings, we’re emailing news updates. To add your name to the email list, please send email to publickplayhouse@pgparks.com. Exceptional theatre, music and dance from across the nation and around the world will be on stage at the Playhouse this season. From September 2011 to June 2012, we present a glittering, multicultural season full of soul & sparklers, joy & glamour, fire & laughter... a season of stars and celebrations! Whatever your age, we have something special for you, and it’s all affordably priced, so join us often. Thanks for being a friend and patron of the Publick Playhouse. Please join us for the Open House on Saturday, September 17, 1–4 pm to kick off the season.
Curlen Lee, Managing Director
Contents Weekend Listings
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Midweek Matinees
7
Tiny Tots Thursday
11
Open House
13
Platinum Senior Series 14 Dance Series
17
Did You Know?
18
Art Exhibitions & Community Art
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Playhouse Information 20
Weekend Performances
Saturday, September 17, 8 pm
Latin Dance Party
An exciting, interactive Latin Dance Party with a DJ spinning the latest beats. It’ll be two hours of nonstop fun beginning with dance lessons while learning the hottest Latin moves. Come dance the night away! Tickets: $10/person Sunday, October 2, 4 pm
GEICO Gecko Series for families
Yellow Brick Road
Celebrate the National Hispanic Festival with a new bilingual musical version of The Wizard of Oz presented by TheatreWorks USA of New York City. Clicking her heels together tres veces with a hot Latin beat, Dora and her dog meet the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. Follow the classic tale of a young girl’s search for home. Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more, seniors & students Saturday, October 15, 8 pm
Atlantic Starr
The rockin’ 1980s R&B band famous for “Always” and “Secret Lovers” is hotter than ever and touring the globe. Making a rare D.C. area fullband appearance, the Lewis brothers will be at the Playhouse with their eightpiece ensemble for a full concert performance. They’ll blow you away with “My First Love” and will have everyone up and dancing “Circles” in the aisles. Tickets: $30/person Saturday, October 22, 1-4 pm
Messiah Sing-Along Auditions Calling all singers! Whether you have a trained voice, are a choir member, or just love to sing in the shower, you’re invited to audition for the onstage chorus that will be backed by professional soloists and musicians at the Messiah Sing-Along holiday performance on December 11. All ages are invited to participate, from kids to seniors. Sunday, October 23, 4 pm
Piip and Tuut at the Concert As part of the Kids Euro Festival, 27 European Union nations present a free performance for families at the Publick Playhouse. “Piip and Tuut at the Concert” is a clown show performed by Piip and Tuut from Estonia. Come out and enjoy original clown routines, slapsticks, acrobatics and singing. 2
Free
PHILADANCO, PHOTO: LOIS GREENFIELD
Friday, November 18, 8 pm
PHILADANCO!
Philadelphia Dance Company, a leggy jet-propelled troupe with soul, presents a mesmerizing new program of modern, jazz and spiritual dance. One of the top modern dance troupes in the nation, Philadanco gets the holiday season off to a highflying and joyous start. Tickets: $20/person, $15/person in groups of 15 or more Saturday, November 19, 10 am-1 pm
Praise Auditions
Liturgical dance groups are invited to audition for the popular annual Liturgical Dance Festival to be held on February 26. Dancers of all ages are welcome to participate. Please bring a CD of your music and be prepared to perform one or more excerpts from your repertoire.
Friday, January 6, 8 pm
Moscow Festival Ballet Cinderella Founded in 1989 by Sergei Radchenko, a legendary principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, the Moscow Festival Ballet of Russia presents the highest classical elements of the famed Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to see one of the world’s foremost ballet companies, as its North American tour comes to the Playhouse to present a magnificent and magical performance of everyone’s favorite tale. Tickets: $20/person, $15/person in groups of 15 or more, seniors, students & DancePass holders
Sunday, December 11, 4 pm
Messiah Sing-Along
The Publick Playhouse and Maestro Darryl Winston invite you to add your voice and sing along in the audience to the majesty of Handel’s Messiah. This is a full audience participation production backed by live musicians, a large on-stage choir and professional soloists. Tickets: $12/person, $10/seniors & students
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Sunday, January 22, 10 am-6 pm
Annual World Dance Showcase Auditions
Saturday, February 4, 10 am & 12 noon
Nimbaya! Drum & Dance Workshops
ELIGIBILITY: Open to performers of
traditional, culture-specific dance styles, ages 16 and older. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, January 20 AUDITION LOCATION:
The Publick Playhouse CONCERT DATE: Saturday, March 17, 8 pm ENTRIES: Any traditional work not exceeding 15 minutes in length, in any culture-specific dance style. Work must be auditioned in finished form with costumes. Six dance groups will be selected to perform in concert. Selected groups will receive an honorarium of $500. Application form available online at http://arts.pgparks.com/Community_Arts_ Services/Artist_Resources.htm For additional information call 301-446-3232, TTY 301-446-6802. Saturday, January 28, 11 am
GEICO Gecko Series for families
Charlotte’s Web
TheatreWorks USA presents a musical version of the novel about the renowned friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte, along with other madcap and endearing farm animals in this tale of bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship. Bring the whole family to see this famous book come to life on stage. Tickets: $6/person, $5/seniors & students
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Here’s a wonderful opportunity for African drummers and dancers ages 13 and up to train with the amazing Women Master Drummers of Guinea. Space is limited. AFRICAN DRUMMING WORKSHOP:
10-11:30 am (participants supply their own drum) AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOP:
12 noon-1:30 pm (dress to move) Fee: $15/class Saturday, February 4, 8 pm
Nimbaya! Women Master Drummers of Guinea Formerly called “Amazones,” the world famous women’s drum and dance company returns on its first US tour in several years. These talented, brave women break ancient traditions by playing the instruments, singing the songs, and doing the dances, that for centuries, were only performed by men, and doing it better than the men! Their energy-driven performances have won international awards and made them role models throughout Africa for women trying break through age-old social barriers to independence and economic freedom. Tickets: $20/person, $15/person in groups of 15 or more, seniors, students & DancePass holders
Sunday, February 26, 4 pm
Saturday, March 10, 2 pm
The popular annual liturgical dance festival features performances by several exceptional dance troupes from area churches and by the exceptional gospel singer Cora Harvey Armstrong of Richmond.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, renowned radio hosts Audrey Chapman of WHUR-FM and Lonnie Hunter of PRAISE-FM will lead a relaxed, interactive forum with the audience on the topic “Surviving Romance & Relationships.”
PRAISE!
Tickets: $12/person, $10/person in groups of 15 or more, seniors & students Friday, March 2, 7-10 pm
Bust a Move with Café Groove
Teen dance crews battle for cash prizes and the title “Prince George’s Best Dance Crew.” There’s also a visual arts contest with prizes. Ages 13-18 Tickets: $3/person Sunday, March 4, 4 pm
Love 2 Dance Teen Showcase
Hot dancers from area schools and studios bring the latest moves and steps to a highenergy performance. Tickets: $12/person, $10/seniors & students
An Afternoon with Audrey Chapman and Lonnie Hunter
Tickets: $20/person, $15/person in groups of 15 or more, seniors & students Saturday, March 17, 8 pm
Annual World Dance Showcase The 10th annual gathering of Washington area dancers highlights the broad cultural richness of talent found in our nation’s capital. Tickets: $12/person, $10/seniors & students Saturday, April 14, 11 am
GEICO Gecko Series for families
School House Rock Live! TheatreBam Chicago presents an acclaimed production of the Emmy Award-winning series. In this performance, when a nerve-wracked school teacher, nervous about his first day of teaching, tries to relax by watching TV, various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music. Tickets: $6/person, $5/groups of 15 or more
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Friday, April 27 & Saturday, April 28, 8 pm and Sunday, April 29, 4 pm
Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Dallas Black returns to the Playhouse with a fiery new show of contemporary dance. The professional touring ensemble of 12 dancers presents a mixed repertory of modern, jazz, ethnic and spiritual works by famous choreographers in a program of leaping energy and flashing color. Tickets: $20/person, $15/person in groups of 15 or more, seniors, students & DancePass holders Wednesday, April 25 & Thursday, April 26, 7:30-9 pm
Dallas Black Dance Theatre Master Classes Area dancers are invited to train with one of the nation’s top dance troupes. WEDNESDAY: Modern Dance Workshop for advanced dancers. THURSDAY: Liturgical Dance Workshop for intermediate and advanced liturgical dancers. Fee: $15/class for participants and observers
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“The performers are feisty, fearless and well trained…it was a pleasure to see... Dallas Black Dance Theatre goes for the beat, the thrust and overall excitement of jazz dance’s magnetic presence.” THE NEW YORK TIMES
the enrichment of area students. Teacher guides are available for most programs, and productions run 45-60 minutes to fit field trip schedules. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged. For reservations, call 301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312. For Title 1 schools coming to see Yellow Brick Road, Winter Wonderland, Charlotte’s Web, Rosa’s Ride, or School House Rock Live!, ask for the Ride with GEICO option to receive free tickets from GEICO on a first-request basis. * Denotes eligible performances
Monday, October 3, 10:15 am & 12 noon
GEICO Gecko Series
Midweek Matinees
THE PLAYHOUSE presents entertaining, educational performances for
Yellow Brick Road Celebrate the National Hispanic Heritage Month watching a new, bilingual musical version of The Wizard of Oz presented by TheatreWorks USA of New York City. Clicking her heels together tres veces with a hot Latin beat, Dora and her dog meet the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. Follow the classic tale of a young girl’s search for home. Recommended for grades 1-5 * Tickets: $6/person; $5/person in groups of 15 or more Thursday, December 1, 10:15 am & 12 noon
A Beatrix Potter Holiday
Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth from Florida presents the famous author at her annual holiday party. Stories including The Tailor of Gloucester and The Rabbit’s Christmas Party come to life on stage with the help of the audience, and Peter Rabbit may even make a surprise appearance. Recommended for grades K-5 Tickets: $5/person Tuesday, December 6, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Gift of the Magi
ArtReach touring productions from the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati brings a memorable contemporary holiday musical based on O. Henry’s moving tale about the couple who each secretly give up their most prized possession to surprise the other with a special gift. Recommended for grades K-6 Tickets: $5/person
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Thursday, December 8, 10:15 am & 12 noon
A Christmas Carol Mr. Scrooge, the ghosts, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the whole Dickens gang gather for a spirited musical version of the holiday classic performed by Theatre IV of Richmond. Recommended for all ages Tickets: $5/person Tuesday, December 13, 10:15 am & 12 noon
GEICO Gecko Series
Winter Wonderland Flying Ship Productions of New York presents a new holiday musical based on “Alice in Wonderland.” Alice has a life full of designer jeans and video games, but she also clings to what is familiar and is reluctant to accept the many different multicultural customs and celebrations of her friends. In a dream, she follows the White Rabbit to Wonderland, discovering how the unusual characters she meets there enrich her life, making her realize that embracing differences is truly the holiday spirit. Recommended for grades K-6 * Tickets: $5/person
Tuesday, December 20, 10:15 am
Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa!
African dancers, drummers and storytellers present an entertaining, audience participation program about the seven principles of Kwanzaa celebrating human dignity, African American history, culture, family, community, environmental conservation, and the importance of spreading good throughout the world. Recommended for all ages Tickets: $5/person Friday, January 13, 10:15 am & 12 noon
The Color of Justice
A brilliant fighter for human rights and a brave little girl take on the doctrine of “separate but equal.” The PHOTO: PATRICK DWYER audience follows their case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in this gripping drama about Thurgood Marshall’s struggle against school segregation resulting in the nation changing decision of Brown v. Board of Education. Recommended for grades 3-9 Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more Friday, January 27, 10:15 am & 12 noon
GEICO Gecko Series
Charlotte’s Web
TheatreWork’s musical, based on E.B. White’s beloved tale, features singing, dancing farm animals. The play follows the book, exploring bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship, as spider Charlotte spins the words “some pig” into her web to help save her friend Wilbur. 8
Recommended for grades K-5 * Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more
Tuesday, January 31, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Tuesday, February 7, 10:15 am & 12 noon
This award-winning dance company, whose artistic director and music director are both from Senegal, exposes students to traditional African culture by introducing the history, terminology, and techniques of the music and dance being performed in this audience participation event that introduces Black History Month.
Illstyle & Peace Productions, Philadelphia’s young multicultural hiphop dance company, travels worldwide bringing a positive message of individual expression. They present the history of hip-hop with jaw-dropping dance, audience participation and a compelling Q&A session.
Kankouran West African Dancers
Recommended for all ages Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more Friday, February 3, 10:15 am & 12 noon
History of Hip-Hop
Recommended for all ages Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more
Nimbaya! Women Master Drummers of Guinea
Thursday, February 9, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Formerly called “Amazones”, the world famous women’s drum and dance company returns with its first US tour in several years. These talented and brave women break ancient traditions by being the first to play the instruments, sing the songs, and do the dances that for centuries were only performed by men. They are an internationally award-winning company and role models for women throughout Africa who want to break through age-old social and political barriers to female independence and economic freedom.
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s ArtReach touring company presents an engrossing performance about the man who legends claim could throw a ball so fast that it would disappear into thin air before it ever reached the catcher’s mitt. His pro career began in the Negro Leagues in 1926, and he joined the Major Leagues in 1948. Along the way, he effected major changes in sports and government.
The Satchel Paige Story
Recommended for grades 3-12 Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more
Recommended for all ages Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more
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Wednesday, March 21, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Magic School Bus
Wednesday, February 15, 10:15 am & 12 noon
GEICO Gecko Series
Rosa’s Ride
Using jazz, blues and gospel music and drama, Flying Ship Productions from New York creates a powerful theatrical experience that follows the struggles of a young girl through the indignities of prejudice, as she gains the strength of conviction to work for basic human rights. Rosa’s simple act of civil disobedience on a bus gave birth to the civil rights movement. Recommended for grades 2-8 * Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more Wednesday, February 22, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Frederick Douglass
Bright Star Theatre of North Carolina presents the leader of the abolition movement, and one of our nation’s most vibrant figures. From his escape from a Maryland plantation to his days as a newspaper publisher and his role as a presidential advisor, Douglass promoted education as the key to success, always bravely fighting to make America a better place for all. Recommended for grades 3 and up Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more
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Buckle your seat belts! The Magic School Bus celebrates its 25th anniversary with an all new musical adventure about global warming. Bay Area Children’s Theatre of San Francisco takes Ms. Frizzle’s students and the audience on a whirlwind tour from the Arctic to the equator, learning with laughter how conservation, recycling and alternative energy can make a difference. Recommended for grades K-3 Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more Thursday, April 12 & Friday, April 13, 10:15 am & 12 noon
GEICO Gecko Series
School House Rock Live! TheatreBam Chicago brings an acclaimed production of the Emmy Award-winning series teaching history, grammar, math and science. In this performance, when a nerve-wracked school teacher, nervous about his first day of teaching, tries to relax by watching TV, various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music. Recommended for grades K-5 *Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more Tuesday, May 8 & Thursday, May 10, 6:30-8 pm
National Fitness Month – Big Girls Dance Workshops
Ladies in dress size 14w and up are invited to join in spirited dance workouts. Come dressed to get down and loose, and ready to learn some feel-good moves that will make you smile. TUESDAY: African Dance workshop THURSDAY: Belly Dance workshop FREE/one workshop per person Advance registration required.
TINY TOTS THURSDAYS Designed with little ones in mind, these performances are 30-45 minutes. Thursday, September 22, 9:30 am & 11 am
Kinderman
The Tiny Tots season begins with the singing, dancing, TV superhero for toddlers who presents a crowd pleasing, foot-stomping show full of enthusiastic audience participation. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/person Thursday, October 13, 9:30 am & 11 am
Grimm ‘n Grits
Storyteller Jon Spelman is joined by musician Tina Chancey to present some favorite classic tales with a country-fried twist. The Brothers Grimm’s Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and Rumplestiltskin come at you with homespun humor that will have the young audience laughing as they learn some history and geography with each colorful story. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/person Thursday, November 10, 9:30 am & 11 am
Mr. Derby’s Nursery Jam
Tots are invited to a jumping, joyful, sing fest led by this popular fair and festival performer who gets the audience up and participating with glee. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/person Thursday, December 22, 9:30 am & 11 am
Bob Brown Puppets’ Holiday
The master puppeteer presents his acrobatic troupe of snowmen, ice skaters, skiers and elves in a new holiday marionette extravaganza that will have the young audience laughing and cheering along. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/person Thursday, January 19, 9:30 am & 11 am
Native Voices
Story teller Dovie Thomason presents traditional Indian stories told to her by her grandmother. Dovie’s animated style and many voices for characters, including the talkative turtle and bossy buffalo, keep the young audience spellbound while learning about the diverse cultures of North America’s First Nations. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/person
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Thursday, February 2, 9:30 am & 11 am
Fancy Nancy & Other Story Books
TheatreWorks USA brings a musical review of favorite, funny children’s books: Fancy Nancy; PHOTO: JOAN MARCUS Baby Mouse, The Musical; Duck for President; I Have to Go!; Leonardo, the Terrible Monster; and Pirates Don’t Change Diapers. Recommended for grades Pre-K-2 Tickets: $5/person Thursday, March 8, 9:30 am & 11 am
DinoRock Junkyard Pirates Singing, dancing Junkyard Pirate puppets made from recycled materials sail the urban seas on the lookout for ways they can recycle, reuse and reduce, as they confront the trash-hungry monster Landfill. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/person Thursday, April 19, 9:30 am & 11 am
Milkshake
This children’s rock ‘n roll duo won two Parents’ Choice Awards and a NAPPA Gold Award, and they’re seen on PBS’ KIDS, Discovery Kids and Noggin. They present a lively and inspiring interactive performance that encourages kids to be part of the band by joining in the music making, responding to singing games that introduce beat, tempo and rhythm. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/person
Thursday, May 24, 9:30 am & 11 am
Butterfly Story
Hudson Vagabond Puppets brings their larger-than-life puppets in the form of dancing butterflies on stage. The young audience follows the monarch as it grows from caterpillar stage, making an amazing metamorphosis to become a butterfly that goes on an incredible 1,500-mile journey to Mexico. This is a beautiful science lesson showing small children one of life’s wonders. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/person Thursday, June 7, 9:30 am & 11 am
How the Elephant Got Its Trunk & Other Animal Tales Rudyard Kipling’s famous tale comes to life with Jim West’s large-scale puppet extravaganza, followed by colorful rod puppets performing a madcap barnyard opera to Mozart, Strauss, Rossini and other classical greats. The program is a young audience pleaser full of music and laughter. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/person
you’re invited! Publick Playhouse Open House
Saturday, September 17, 1-4 pm Help us welcome the new season! Enjoy live entertainment, theatre tours, and fun for the whole family. FREE admission
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Platinum Series for Seniors
Special events and monthly movies just for seniors 60 & better! Tuesday, September 13, 11 am PLATINUM MOVIE
Carmen Jones As magical now as it was when it was filmed in 1954, the screen classic starring Harry Belafonte, Dorothy Dandridge and Pearl Bailey is an Americanized version of Bizet’s colorful urban opera with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. (105 minutes) Tickets: $2/person Tuesday, October 11, 11 am PLATINUM MOVIE
The Grace Card Mac McDonald experiences 17 years of pain and bitterness, which erode his love for his family and relationship with God, after losing one of his sons in an accident. His attitude puts his job as a policeman and father on halt until he is partnered with a rising officer who is a part-time pastor and a big family man. Can these two men join forces to help one another and look past their differences? (101 minutes) Tickets: $2/person Tuesday, November 8, 11 am PLATINUM MOVIE
For Colored Girls An all-star cast, featuring Janet Jackson, Anika Noni Rose, Whoopie Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Oprah Winfrey and others, appears in this 2010 film version of the award-winning play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,” based on a collection of 20 poems exploring issues impacting women of color. (2 hours) Tickets: $2/person Friday, November 18, 11 am PLATINUM LIVE
Philadanco The wonderful, athletic, high-energy Philadelphia Dance Company presents a special one-hour program for seniors featuring selections from its repertory of modern, jazz and spiritual dance. Tickets: $6/person, $5/person in groups of 15 or more PHOTO: LOIS GREENFIELD
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Tuesday, February 28, 11 am PLATINUM LIVE
My Grandmother Told Me: A Tribute to Black Women
Tuesday, December 20, 12 noon PLATINUM LIVE
Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa! African dancers, drummers and storytellers present an engaging, entertaining program about the seven principles of Kwanzaa celebrating human dignity, African American history, culture, family, community, environmental conservation, and spreading goodwill throughout the world. Tickets: $5/person
Tickets: $5/person Tuesday, March 13, 11 am PLATINUM MOVIE
Tuesday, January 10, 11 am PLATINUM MOVIE
Jumping the Broom
The Taylors are Downtown. The Watsons are Uptown. It’s a collision of worlds when two African-American families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds get together one weekend in Martha’s Vineyard for a wedding. (113 minutes) Tickets: $2/person
Actress Debra Mims searches through an old trunk in her attic, pulling out memories of days past and of courageous black women and their struggles to be free, to vote, and to get an education. Using monologues, poetry, and songs, Debra leads the audience in an interactive walk through important history.
Stormy Weather The 1943 musical based loosely on the life of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, stars Robinson and Lena Horne. There are 20 musical numbers in this treasure trove of mid-century stars that also features Dooley Wilson, Ada Brown, Cab Calloway and his band, Katherine Dunham and her dance troupe, the Nicholas Brothers, and Fats Waller performing “Ain’t Misbehavin’” in his final film appearance. (78 minutes) Tickets: $2/person
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Wednesday, April 25, Thursday, April 26 & Friday, April 27, 11 am
Tuesday, May 22, 11 am PLATINUM MOVIE
PLATINUM LIVE
Madea’s Big Happy Family
The sensational modern, jazz, and spiritual dance troupe from Dallas returns for its 35th anniversary tour. Enjoy a new, inspirational, highflying, one-hour presentation for seniors that features the work of national and international choreographers performed by the 12-member professional dance ensemble.
When getting the family together for help bubbles over with trouble from all ages, it’s up to outrageous Tyler Perry as Madea and rambunctious Aunt Barn to cool things down with tough love, laughter and a too-long-buried family secret. (106 minutes)
Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Tickets: $7/person, $6/person in groups of 15 or more
Tickets: $2/person Tuesday, June 12 11 am PLATINUM LIVE
Bill Thomas Blues Band After many years performing in Europe to critical acclaim, Bill Thomas has returned to Appalachia and is a staple at blues festivals and concert halls across America. A sensual and emotional player, Thomas electrifies audiences with a mix of classic blues and original tunes drawn from rural and urban blues cultures. This is a welcome-to-summer concert that will have you tapping your feet and wishing for more. Tickets: $5/person
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PHILADANCO, PHOTO: LOIS GREENFIELD
Dazzling Dance Series Order tickets for the entire four show dance series by November 18, and you’ll get one show at half price!
Advance Ticket Savings!
$20/each performance, $15/seniors, students & DancePass holders
DANCE COMPANIES APPEARING THIS SEASON:
MOSCOW FESTIVAL BALLET OF RUSSIA
Friday, November 18, 8 pm Philadanco Friday, January 6, 8 pm “Cinderella” by the Moscow Festival Ballet of Russia
NIMBAYA
Saturday, February 4, 8 pm Nimbaya! Friday/Saturday, April 27 & 28, 8 pm & Sunday, April 29, 4 pm Dallas Black Dance Theatre
DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE
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Did you know?
First opened as the Cheverly Theatre in 1947, the Publick Playhouse was designed by the architectural firm of John Eberson. For many years the Cheverly, as it was known, was a neighborhood institution, the flagship of the Sidney Lust chain of movie houses. It had ornate sky scenes in the ceiling, plush seating for more than 900, and air conditioning. Into the 1960’s, the theater remained a popular cinematic destination but eventually fell into decline and closed. In 1975, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission acquired the Cheverly and began a restoration of the former movie house. It reopened as the Publick Playhouse thirty years to the day that the Cheverly had its first grand opening in 1947. Additional renovations were undertaken in 1984 and 2006 and the theatre continues to serve as a venue for the performing arts, concerts, dance, theater and community events. Although considerably altered from its original appearance, the theatre is one of the two surviving Art Deco theatres in Prince George’s County.
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ART EXHIBITIONS AT THE PUBLICK PLAYHOUSE For the enjoyment of Playhouse audiences, the theatre’s inner lobby is also a gallery showing the work of a juried selection of exceptional Prince George’s County visual artists. We are pleased to present the following exhibitions during the 2011-2012 season.
Friday, September 2–Friday, October 28
Evgenia Luzhina-Salazar
Evgenia Luzhina-Salazar is an accomplished costume designer who has worked for theaters throughout Russia and the United States. Her creative spirit is too big to be contained by any one field, however. The Publick Playhouse presents her vibrant and sometimes extravagant paintings that are rich with deep explorations of storytelling and bright, energetic colors.
Tuesday, November 1–Friday, January 6
Stephanie O’Grady
Stephanie O’Grady’s paintings are characterized by texture and layers of transparent color, expressing her interest in intimate landscapes, especially the translucency of leaves and the motion of sunlight on earth and water. The Publick Playhouse presents new work that expands these motifs in abstract forms.
Monday, January 9–Friday, March 2
Charles Sessoms
Charles Sessoms uses photography and digital media to create art that expresses arcane tidbits about life and living as they come about with ordinary people and ordinary circumstances in settings. While many subjects end up as traditional photographs, many are developed and composed into rich digital collages.
Monday, March 5–Friday, April 27
Pete and Alison Duvall
Pete and Alison Duvall are well known throughout the area, especially within the arts community, for the photographic services and teaching they provide through their company, Anything Photographic. The Publick Playhouse presents their own artworks, a chance to see the incredible knowledge required for their company expanded into deeply expressive photos and photomontages.
Community Arts As the premiere showcase for central Prince George’s County, the Publick Playhouse is available for rent and serves as the performance home for many area arts groups. A listing of upcoming community arts programs and rental information can be found at arts.pgparks.com. 19 For more information, call 301-277-1710.
Information & Directions
THEATRE HOURS: Administrative offices are open Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm. BOX OFFICE HOURS: Monday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm and two hours before every performance. People of all ages must have a ticket, including children on parents’ laps. A $25 fee will be assessed for returned checks. A $3 handling fee will be added to credit card orders. ACCESSIBILITY: The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. RENTING THE PLAYHOUSE: For information about renting the theatre, call 301-277-1710 or TTY 301-277-0312. LOCATION: 5445 Landover Road (Route 202), Cheverly, MD at the intersection with Route 450. Take F2 Metrobus from Cheverly Metro Station or T18 Metrobus from the New Carrollton Metro Station. DIRECTIONS: From MD, take I-495 to the Baltimore/Washington Parkway South, exit at “Cheverly, Route 202” and turn right on Route 202. The theatre is 1/2 mile on the left. From DC or VA, take New York Avenue or I-295 to the Baltimore/Washington Parkway and exit on Route 202. Turn left on 202. The theatre is 1/2 mile on the left. Parking behind and beside the theatre is free. CONTACT: Phone 301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312; Fax 301-277-8816; arts.pgparks.com
TO GET EMAIL UPDATES about special events, programs, and performances, please send an email to PublickPlayhouse@pgparks.com 20
Publick Playhouse Ticket Order Form NAME ADDRESS
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MAIL TO: Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD 20784 FAX TO: 301-277-8816 TO ORDER BY PHONE: 301-277-1710 for credit card orders or group sales
Please contact the theatre a minimum of two weeks in advance of the event date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
Saturday, September 17 1–4 pm
Printed on recycled paper.
PPC PR-ACHD-8/11
The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
Presented by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division.
301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312 http://arts.pgparks.com
5445 Landover Road Cheverly, MD 20784
Open House
ve the date Sa Permit #1083 Riverdale, MD
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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage