Prince George’s
Publick Playhouse for the Performing Arts 2012-2013 SEASON
Captivating A facility of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of parks and recreation, prince george’s county
the season of
Superlatives
Dear Playhouse Patrons, Welcome to the 35th season of magical performances.
We’ve searched the nation to bring you wonderful theatre, dance and music for all ages (and all at affordable prices), so please bring the whole family, and tell your neighbors they’re invited too. From September through June, we’ve planned an anniversary Season of Superlatives, so sit back and enjoy; we are your Publick Playhouse of the Performing Arts. Throughout the year our season will be exciting, colorful, inspirational and superlative, so we hope to see you often!
Curlen Lee, Managing Director
PHILADANCO
weekend performances
Saturday, September 22, 8 pm
Yesterdays: An Evening with Billie Holiday
National Black Touring Circuit featuring Vanessa Rubin brings concert drama to the stage depicting the jazz star’s final appearance in New York. Tickets: $30/person (including pre-show wine & cheese reception at 6:30 pm)
Sunday, September 30, 4 pm
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company
Mexico’s rich regional dance traditions and diverse cultural history are celebrated by a large professional company of dancers and musicians in dazzling costumes. Tickets: $15/person; $12/seniors, students & groups of 15 or more; $10/children 12 & under
Friday, October 26, 8 pm
Philadanco
The leggy, jet-propelled Philadelphia Dance Company brings an exciting program of modern dance by famous choreographers that include New York’s Ronald K. Brown, hip-hop’s famous Rennie Harris, and George Faison using the music of Otis Redding. Tickets: $25/person; $20/seniors, students & groups 15 or more
Saturday, November 3, 1 pm
Short Dragon’s Code
As part of Washington DC’s Kids Euro Fest, an interactive theatre, music and puppet theatre from Greece presents a performance with a wise dragon and crocodile family who stumble on a chest with hidden secrets. Tickets: Free; advance registration requested.
Friday, November 30, 8 pm
Red Baraat
Brooklyn’s popular dhol Indian drum and brass big band mixes funk, go-go, Latin and jazz for a fiery performance that gets the audience dancing along. Tickets: $15/person
Sunday, December 2, 3 pm
Nego Gato Afro-Brazilian Music & Dance Ensemble
From samba to capoeira, a twirling, leaping, dizzy, rhythmic carnival of color and fun is performed to percussion and traditional instruments. Tickets: $15/person; $12/seniors, students & groups of 15 or more
Friday, December 28, 8 pm
Kwanzaa Celebration
Richmond’s Elegba Folklore Society’s dancers and drummers celebrate African and African-American cultures and the Diaspora experience to understand the present by valuing the past. Tickets: $10/person; $8/seniors, students & groups of 15 or more
Saturday, January 26, 8 pm
Saturday, February 16, 8 pm
Soul In Motion Players
John Amos in Halley’s Comet
Founded in 1984, this outstanding and exciting African dance, drumming and spoken word troupe is invited to represent American dance companies in Africa. Tickets: $10/person; $8/seniors, students & groups of 15 or more
Tuesday, February 5, 7 pm
Peking Acrobats
Festive pageantry decorates an edge-of-the-seat performance of Chinese acrobatics with tightrope walkers, jugglers, tumblers and contortionists, accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments. Tickets: $15/person; $12/ seniors, students & groups of 15 or more
The famous actor of stage and screen presents a warm, humorous and dramatic performance spanning a lifetime of love, family and war in a thought-proving journey of the American experience. Tickets: $25/person; $20/seniors, students & groups of 15 or more
Sunday, February 24, 4 pm
PRAISE
Reserve your tickets early for the popular annual liturgical dance festival featuring exceptional dance troupes from area churches. Tickets: $15/person; $12/seniors, students & groups of 15 or more
Friday, March 1, 7-10 pm
Café Groove
In this fast-paced annual face-off contest, the young Café Groove audience names the best area dance crew. Please Note: This is a teen-only event limited to ages 13-18. Tickets: $3/person
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provocative
Nai-ni chen dance company
Saturday, March 16, 8 pm
World Dance Showcase
The metropolitan area’s finest multi-cultural companies are selected to appear in this annual world dance festival. Tickets: $12/person; $10/seniors, students & groups of 15 or more
Friday, April 12, 7 pm
Rumpelstiltskin
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Art Reach tour brings a mad-cap version of the classic fairy tale with a troll coming to the rescue and lots of audience participation. A performance for the whole family to enjoy! Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
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Friday, April 26 & Saturday, April 27, 8 pm and Sunday, April 28, 4 pm
Dallas Black Dance Theatre
The internationally renowned modern dance company has planned a special program in celebration of their 10th anniversary in residence at the Publick Playhouse. Tickets: $25/person; $20/DancePass holders, seniors, students & groups of 15 or more
Saturday, May 18, 8 pm
Nai-Ni Chen & The Ahn Trio
Performing to live music, Nai-Ni Chen surprises and captivates the audience with an exciting mix of sleek contemporary and colorful traditional Asian dance. Tickets: $25/person; $20/DancePass holders, seniors, students & groups of 15 or more
joyful
dallas black dance theatre
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Entertaining, educational programming for the enrichment of area students is an important part of each Playhouse season. Productions run 45–60 minutes to fit field trip schedules, and teacher guides are available for most programs. Everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket. General seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and many performances sell out, so advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.
midweek matinees
GEICO invites Title 1 schools to receive free tickets to selected shows on a first-request basis. The GEICO Gecko logo identifies the shows in this special series.
Thursday, September 27, 10:15 am & 12 noon
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Stories
Take a merry musical and literary twirl through favorite books with Theatreworks USA of New York. Recommended for grades K-4 Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Monday, October 1, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company
Tour Mexico through colorful dance and music that features several of the country’s historic cultures. Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Tuesday, October 9 & Wednesday, October 10, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Treasure Island
Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver and crew take you on a daring musical adventure based on the classic novel. Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Friday, October 26, 12 noon
Philadanco
The Philadelphia Dance Company brings energy and excitement to the stage, showing the audience how magical one of the top modern dance companies can be. Recommended for grades K and up Tickets: $7/person; $6/groups of 15 or more
Thursday, November 1, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Guess Who Signed the Constitution?
A 10-year old in 1810 Philadelphia and some clever giant puppets discover the importance of compromise and the ability to vote. Recommended for grades 1-5 Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Tuesday, December 18, 10:15 am
Kwanzaa, Kwanzaa
Melvin Deal’s African Heritage Dancers & Drummers and The Honorable Baba C present a program of cultural heritage, music, dance and griot storytelling. Recommended for grades K and up Tickets: $5/person
Thursday, January 10, 10:15 am & 12 noon Monday, November 19, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon
Arts Power’s musical theatre presents the best-seller about life as a third-grader. Recommended for grades K and up Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Freedom Train
Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and the creation of the Underground Railroad is a true story of self sacrifice and survival, laced with warmth and humor, and told through drama, dance and gospel music by TheatreWorks USA.
Tuesday, December 4, 10:15 am & 12 noon
When Theatre IV’s new musical asks if Santa is real, you find yourself in a blizzard and take shelter in an old gas station, where a guy named Nick just might have the answer. Recommended for grades K-5 Tickets: $5/person
Tuesday, December 11, 10:15 am & 12 noon
One Appalachian Christmas
The year is 1936. Christmas is coming but Santa might not make it to this poor mountain town. Two kids work to make it a special time, and the whole town learns that the best holidays don’t come from a mail order catalog. Recommended for grades 1 and up Tickets: $5/person
PHOTO: jean-marie guyaux
Santa’s Enchanted Workshop
Recommended for grades 3-9 Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Tuesday, February 5, 10:15 am Wednesday, February 6, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Peking Acrobats
Cultural immersion that puts you on the edge of your seat describes this awe inspiring hour of Chinese acrobatics accompanied by musicians on traditional instruments. Recommended for grades K and up Tickets: $8/person; $6/groups of 15 or more
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Thursday, February 21, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Friday, April 12, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Warriors Don’t Cry
Rumplestiltskin
The tumultuous and terrifying experience of being one of the Little Rock Nine, the first black teens to integrate to a white high school in the Deep South grabs the audience. “This play is one of those rare few that entertains, educates and enlightens.” Dallas Magazine Recommended for grades 5 and up Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Tuesday, February 26 & Wednesday, February 27, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Bella Under the Bullying Big Top
Behind the scenes at the circus, a new monkey would rather bully performers than build friendships. Ringmaster Bella works with the audience to come up with a number of anti-bullying tools to help stop this bad monkey business through teamwork, compassion and respect. Recommended for grades Pre-K-5 Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Tuesday, March 12, 10:15 am & 12 noon
The Butterfly Story
Hudson Vagabond Puppets bring their larger-than-people dancing butterflies for a beautiful science lesson, following the monarch as it grows from caterpillar through metamorphosis and onto an incredible 1,500 mile journey to Mexico. Recommended for grades K-2 Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
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Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati brings their mad-cap version of the classic fairy tale with a troll coming to the rescue and lots of audience participation. Recommended for grades K-5 Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Tuesday, April 16, 10:15 am & 12 noon
The Ugly Duckling
Sign Stage on Tour presents Han Christian Anderson’s wonderful fable about finding beauty within a drama presented in both spoken word and American Sign Language. Recommended for grades K-3 Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Thursday, April 18, 10:15 am & 12 noon
The Civil War
Theatreworks USA’s production focuses on individual stories to present the lives of ordinary soldiers who were there during this defining time in our history. Zak is a runaway slave who demands the right to fight his own fight; Will is his former best friend and “master;” Johnny is an Irish immigrant who volunteers to defend his new home; and Jackie is a girl who becomes a drummer boy. Recommended for grades 3-9 Tickets: $6/person; $5/groups of 15 or more
Friday, May 10, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Dallas Black Dance Theatre Lecture/Demo
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Just back from a European tour, Dallas Black celebrates its 10th year in residence at the Playhouse with an inspiring and entertaining lecture demonstration. Recommended for grades 1 and up Tickets: $7/person; $6/groups of 15 or more
Wednesday, May 8, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Food Play
There’s lots of audience participation when this Emmy-winning TV show comes to stage with juggling, motivational rap messages, music and magic to get kids caught up in having a good time with healthy nutrition. Recommended for grades K-5 Tickets: $5/person
PHOTO: patrick dwyer
Thursday, April 25, 10:15 am
Theatreworks USA makes this popular book a wonderful musical showing that bad days can be hilarious. Recommended for grades Pre-K-4 Tickets: $5/person
Friday, May 17, 10:15 am & 12 noon
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company
The wonder of traditional Chinese festival dances and amazing costumes combine with modern dance to take the young audience on a cultural adventure spanning centuries. Recommended for all ages Tickets: $5/person
energizing
9 African Heritage Dancers
Thursday mornings feature monthly performances geared to entertain
tiny tots thursdays
children who are in pre-K through 2nd grade.
Thursday, September 13, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
The Mother Goose Caboose
Bob Brown Puppets entertain with nursery story characters performing silly puppet antics. Tickets: $3/children; $4/adults
Thursday, October 18, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Circus on a String
The Robert Rogers Puppet Company leaps into circus fun to the tune of beautiful classical music. Tickets: $3/children; $4/adults
Thursday, November 15, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
The Bugtown Follies
Singing, dancing insects come to town with the Robert Rogers Puppet Company. Tickets: $3/children; $4/adults
Thursday, December 20, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
The Magic Show
You never know what to expect with this magical, sure-to-make-you-laugh holiday show of Bob Brown Puppets. Tickets: $3/children; $4/adults
Thursday, January 17, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Tangle of Tales
Grey Seal Puppets begin with a zany ballet that leads into three favorite folk tales. “The Frog Prince” from Germany teaches the importance of a promise, “Three Billy Goats Gruff ” from Scandinavia warns against gluttony, and “The Three Little Pigs” from England is all about doing the job right. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/children; $4/adults
Thursday, February 14, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Jack & the Beanstalk
Crabgrass Puppet Theatre’s hilarious version of this favorite tall tale includes a beanstalk that grows before your eyes, leading Jack up to the giant with life-size puppets and giant-size entertainment. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/children; $4/adults
Thursday, March 7, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Punch & Judy Show
Professor Horn captivates toddlers and makes parents laugh along with clever comedy, magic and America’s own version of the world-famous British Punch & Judy show. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/children; $4/adults
Thursday, April 4, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Animala
Hobey Ford’s Golden Rod Puppets investigate the fascinating natural world of animals and insects large and small with storytelling, beautiful scenery, and life-like puppets that may even wander into the audience. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/children; $4/adults
Thursday, May 9, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Clowning Around
Bob Brown’s most popular production gets young audiences shouting with laughter as merry marionettes perform feats of skill, daring and silliness. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/children; $4/adults
Thursday, June 13, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Magpie’s Living Planet
Sing and dance along with Magpie, learn some sign language, and have a wonderful time discovering differences in animals around our world. Recommended for grades pre-K-2 Tickets: $3/children; $4/adults
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platinum series for seniors
Special events and monthly movies just for seniors ages 60 & better.
Tuesday, September 11, 11 am Platinum Movie
Skin
The moving, true story of a black girl who was born to white Afrikaner parents in South Africa during the apartheid era. Tickets: $2/person
Tuesday, October 16, 11 am Platinum Movie
Joyful Noise
Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton lead the joyful voices in this tale of choir director troubles and national competitions. Tickets: $2/person
Tuesday, November 13, 11 am Platinum Movie
Cabin in the Sky
A gambler who dies during a shootout gets another chance to make up with his wife in the 1943 classic starring Ethel Waters, Eddie Rochester Anderson and Lena Horne. Tickets: $2/person
Tuesday, December 18, 12 noon Platinum Live
Kwanzaa, Kwanzaa
Enjoy a special performance for seniors by African dancers, drummers and storytellers in an audience participation program that celebrates the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Tickets: $5/person
Tuesday, January 15, 11 am Platinum Movie
Good Deeds
Tyler Perry’s contemporary romantic film is about two people on opposite ends of the economic ladder who find love can be the answer to solving most problems. Tickets: $2/person
Tuesday, February 5, 12 noon Platinum Live
Thursday, April 25, 12 noon Friday, April 26, 11 am
Peking Acrobats
Platinum Live
A special one-hour performance for seniors by the renowned company of tightrope walkers, jugglers, somersaulting tumblers and gravity defying contortionists, accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments. Tickets: $8/person; $6/groups of 15 or more
Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dallas Black’s return to the Playhouse with a special performance for seniors. Tickets: $7/person; $6/groups of 15 or more
Tuesday, May 14, 11 am Platinum Movie
Tuesday, March 5, 11 am Platinum Movie
Red
When a black ops agent in retirement has his life threatened, he gathers the old team together for one last stand. Tickets: $2/person
Waiting for Superman
Sundance Festival featured this documentary that puts a glaring light on the state of education today by following several bright kids making their way through the discouraging system. Tickets: $2/person
Tuesday, June 4, 11 am Platinum Movie
Flipped
This is a heartwarming tale of two eighth graders, with nothing in common, who fall for each other. Tickets: $2/person
dazzling
13 dallas black dance theatre
Workshops Saturday, February 16, 10 am-12 noon
Adult Acting Class
Pick up some tips from the master by treating yourself to an acting class with John Amos. Tickets: $30/person
Wednesday, April 24, 7:30-9 pm - Modern Dance Thursday, April 25, 7:30-9 pm - Liturgical Dance
Dallas Black Master Classes
These two workshops give area dancers the opportunity to train with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre company for the evening. (For advanced dance students only) Tickets: $15/workshop (No observers)
NATIONAL FITNESS MONTH DANCE WORKSHOPS Please wear comfortable clothing. (One workshop per person) Tuesday, May 21, 7-8:30 pm
Rumba
Have fun and get fit with this Latin style dance that originated in Cuba. Ages 16 & up Free; advance reservations required
Thursday, May 23, 7-8:30
Line Dancing
You’ll be leading the fun at wedding parties after this choreographed dance workout. For ages 16 & up Free; advance reservations required
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intriguing
Nai-ni chen dance company
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The Friends of the Publick Playhouse
In 1976, The Friends organization was formed to promote and support the new performing arts center. In this 35th anniversary year, we want to recognize their valuable assistance and thank the following Board of Directors members, many of whom have served in this capacity for several years.
Marcia E. Porterfield, President L. Christina Coles Waddler, Vice President Nancy Percentie, Treasurer Ronya Lee Anderson-Thompson Dorothy Carroll Constance Gasch Leon Harvey Jeannye Thorton Hencke Marion Hoffman Warren Hoffman Helen Moro Veronica Moss Anna Nicknadavich Marjorie E. Perdue Carol Rahbar Hon. Sarah C. Potter Robbins Richard Robbins Roney Shawe
radiant
Calpulli Dance Company
For more information about Friends activities and membership opportunities, please contact the theatre at 301-277-1710 or publickplayhouse@gmail.com
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weekend performances
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. (Effective January 2013 - The box office will also be open on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.) 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
Publick Playhouse Ticket Order Form Name Address
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Please contact the theatre a minimum of two weeks in advance of the event date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
COVER: Nai-ni chen dance company
PPC PR-ACHD-9/12
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.
5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD 20784 301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312 http://arts.pgparks.com
Permit #1083 Riverdale, MD
PAID
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage