Behind the Scenes Magazine/The Hanover Theatre/Fall 2016 Winter 2017

Behind the Scenes

MAGAZINE Fall 2016/Winter 2017

SHOW CALENDAR CONSERVATORY NEWS SPECIAL EVENTS THEATRE DISTRICT

Behind the Scenes MAGAZINE Fall 2016/Winter 2017

Dear Reader, There’s no business like show business, that’s for sure! The Hanover Theatre celebrated its grand opening on March 14, 2008 and everyone involved, from the staff, board of directors, members, loyal patrons, donors, volunteers, business partners and the city of Worcester, never looked back.

The impact of the theatre on the surrounding area is undeniable. What is truly special, however, are the people who work tirelessly to make sure that everyone coming to Worcester and the theatre enjoy the experience so much they want to come back and share the magic with friends, family and business associates. Without their commitment, creativity and persistence our success in becoming one of Pollstar’s “Top Theatres in the World” wouldn’t be possible. What you’ll discover however, is that we’ve become so much more than a theatre. We’re also a place for people of all ages to gather for a wide variety of reasons. We’re a historic theatre, a stateof-the-art conservatory for the performing arts and an elegant event center featuring new spaces perfect for pre-show parties and special events that shine on their own.

Enjoy our inaugural issue and learn a little bit more about what’s happening Behind the Scenes. The purpose of this biannual magazine is to not just inform you, but to inspire you to get more involved with the cultural revolution and revitalization of New England’s second largest city. If that sounds a little radical for you, then simply enjoy the wide array of quality shows, educational programming and opportunities to experience something very special every time you visit us at The Hanover Theatre. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of the touring productions before they come to Worcester and this season is full of fabulous options with something for everyone.

See you at the theatre!

Lisa K. Condit Director of Marketing & PR P.S. You can see the artwork from our cover on the outside back wall of the theatre. The mural, created by Damien Mitchell during the summer of 2015 is just one of the city’s striking murals featured in Pow Wow, a recent international mural festival.

EXPERIENCE THE ARTS AT Saint John’s High School Visit us online to learn more about Open Houses, campus visits, school shows, and space rental.

RENTAL SPACE AVAILABLE • Cutting edge 350-seat Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center (pictured) • Black Box Theater • Music Practice Spaces •... and more!

OPEN HOUSES CLASS OF 2021

Sat. October 15, 2016 Sun. October 23, 2016

378 MAIN ST. SHREWSBURY, MA 01545 • WWW.STJOHNSHIGH.ORG • ADMISSIONS@STJOHNSHIGH.ORG The HanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

Hundreds of people gathered for The Hanover Theatre’s ribbon cutting ceremony for 551 Main Street and Theatre District Block Party. The theatre’s expansion and development of 551 Main Street houses its conservatory for the performing arts, event center and administrative offices overlooking Francis R. Carroll Plaza. Look for year-round activities in the plaza as well as a beautiful place to take a break from your day and enjoy a unique setting in the heart of the city’s new Theatre District. Photo: Erb Photography.

Inside Enjoy an Award-Winning Season of Broadway, Music, Dance & More .... 4 Have a Ball at Cinderella’s Soiree .... 6 Seductive, Spooky & Seriously Fun .... 8 The Hanover Theatre Conservatory for the Performing Arts is Born ....10 Share the Magic of the Holidays at The Hanover Theatre ....12 Planning Special Events that Steal the Show ....14 Creativity & Innovative Leadership Take Center Stage ....16 Ring in the New Year With One of Your Favorite Things ....18 Gathering community feedback and ideas for the Theatre District at the ribbon cutting.

Photo: Caitlin Cryan.

Beat the Winter Blues with Fantastic Fun for Everyone .... 20 Get Connected & Stay Connected .... 22

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre Fall/Winter 2016 - 2017

Enjoy an Award-Winning Season From Broadway hits to family favorites, rocking music to eye-popping spectacles, our 2016-2017 season offers something for everyone.

Sept 27 Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 9 Oct 11 Oct 13 - 16 Oct 18 Oct 22 Oct 28

Nov 2 Nov 4 Nov 5 Nov 11 Nov 15

Nov 19 Nov 25 Nov 25 - 27 Nov 30 - Dec 4 Dec 9

Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari: Silent film accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ + Unelectable You created by Slate and The Second City PBS kids: Odd Squad Live!

John Mellencamp: Plain Spoken Tour Made possible through the support of Polar Beverages BROADWAY SERIES: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella « + Dream Theater Presents The Astonishing Live The Australian Bee Gees Show The 40th Anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Film Screening Party with Barry Bostwick + The Moth Mainstage Sponsored by FLEXcon Warren Miller Entertainment’s Here, There & Everywhere * Get The Led Out: The American Led Zeppelin Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic « Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Dracula Presented by Music Worcester Sponsored by College of the Holy Cross + Union Bound Tour: A One of a Kind Experience Black Friday One Day Sale and Open House + The Nutcracker Sponsored by Commerce Bank + BROADWAY SERIES: Kinky Boots « + Boston Pops Holiday Concert Sponsored by The Hanover Insurance Group +

Once Feb 2 - 5 Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his love songs. Tickets start at just $39.

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of Broadway, Music, Dance & More!

Dec 16 - 23 Dec 18 Dec 20 Dec 28 - Jan 1 Jan 26 - 27 Jan 28 Jan 31 Feb 2 - 5 Feb 10 Feb 25 Mar 8 Mar 15 Mar 30 - Apr 2 April 4 April 7 April 11 April 14 April 15 April 21-23 May 5 May 23 - 28 June 8 - 11

A Christmas Carol Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts «+ Sensory-friendly performance of A Christmas Carol « + WGBH presents A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan + BROADWAY SERIES: The Sound of Music Sponsored by Commerce Bank & Reliant Medical Group « + Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy * + Decades Rewind Elvis Lives + BROADWAY SERIES: Once « + Menopause the Musical Adam Savage and Michael Stevens: Brain Candy * PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” * WGBH presents A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan * BROADWAY SERIES: Pippin Sponsored by Bank of America Merrill Lynch« One Night of Queen Golden Dragon Acrobats Celtic Woman 2017 Tour * Russian National Ballet’s Cinderella Presented by Music Worcester David Sedaris * The Music Man presented by Assumption College Theatre Department * Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music” * BROADWAY SERIES: Motown The Musical Sponsored by UniBank & Worcester State University « BROADWAY SERIES: Riverdance The 20th Anniversary World Tour Sponsored by Commerce Bank Tune in to Behind the Scenes radio program Saturdays on WCRN AM 830 for cast and creative interviews this season. See page 22 for full schedule.

Commitment to Accessibility All of our shows are wheelchair accessible.

When purchasing tickets, please be sure to mention if you require any special accommodations, including wheelchair accessible seating, visual or hearing impairment, limited mobility, etc.

«Denotes ASL and/or Audio Description services are available at select performances of this show. * Some shows may not be on sale at the time of this printing. Sign up for weekly emails at TheHanoverTheatre.org to receive information about when tickets go on sale and new show announcements. We never sell or share our lists, so your information is always safe with us. + Read on for featured content.

Photo © Joan Marcus

Behind Behind the the Scenes Scenes at The Hanover Hanover Theatre Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2016 2016 -- 2017 2017

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Have a Ball at Cinderella’s Soiree Glass slippers are optional, but get ready to kick off the season with a magical show and a memorable experience. Before each performance of Cinderella, subscribers to the 2016-2017 Broadway Series are invited to a very special event.

They will be among the first to experience the elegance and grandeur of The Myles & C. Jean McDonough Room and tour our conservatory for the performing arts on the ground floor. Everyone gets the royal treatment including unique photo opportunities and activities to delight kings and their queens, along with their royal subjects and heirs to the throne.

At The Hanover Theatre, subscribers are guaranteed the best seats, best value and best benefits. The 2016 - 2017 Broadway Series includes Cinderella, Kinky Boots, The Sound of Music, Once, Pippin, Motown The Musical and the 20th Anniversary World Tour of Riverdance.

Together, the series won 25 Tony Awards, 14 Drama Desk Awards, two Grammy Awards, an Emmy and an Academy Award.

easy to budget. They also enjoy all the benefits of a complimentary Friend Level membership.

Besides early access to tickets and discounts for most shows throughout the season, members also receive complimentary ticket exchanges, tours of the theatre and specials at over 15 restaurants participating in our Gourmet Program.

Most people want to enjoy a nice meal or perhaps dinner and a drink as part of their trip to the theatre. After all, lively conversation and tasty treats always enhance the experience!

Enjoy the unique flavor of Basil n’ Spice Thai Cuisine located at 299 Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. Thai chefs prepare each authentic dish using the freshest ingredients and employing all aspects of definitive Thai cuisines including flavor, color, aroma and arrangement.

Visit our website for more information about subscriptions and membership benefits, including a full list of participating restaurants in our Gourmet Program.

Participating restaurants offer special deals to members and are listed on our website.

You’ll be pleased to see some of the most popular, as well as unique, establishments Visit www.BasilNSpice.com for hours and dates on the list including our for live music. You can also call 774.317.9986 for newest addition, Basil reservations to enjoy spectacular food, smooth jazz, n’ Spice Thai Cuisine. light rock and much more. Photo: Mass Foodies.

Make your reservations In addition to and start planning guaranteeing the best your next escape to seats in every section, subscribers save $80experience the new Worcester today! $115 per person and payment plans make it

The HanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Oct 13 - 16 Cinderella is the Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Tony Award®winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love... the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more... plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including In My Own Little Corner, Impossible/It’s Possible and Ten Minutes Ago, in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes. Tickets start at just $39.

2016 - 2017 Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre Fall/Winter 2016-2017

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Seductive, Spooky & Seriously Fun! As soon as the leaves start to change, we all shift to the season of ghosts and ghouls and The Hanover Theatre is ready to delight without too much fright and a lot of fun.

October starts with a throwback to the era of silent movies with The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari on Saturday the 1st at 7pm. This 1920 silent horror film, directed by Robert Wiene is one of the most influential of German Expressionist films. Accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, the effect is unusually creepy.

If you haven’t been to one of our silent movies yet, come and be intrigued.

The 40th Anniversary Rocky Horror Picture Show film screening party with Barry Bostwick is on Friday, October 28 at 7:30pm.

It’s the event that will have you shivering with antici…pation, complete with a costume contest, audience partici…pation and a special treat at the end. Bring your friends and celebrate the 40th anniversary with the oneand-only “Brad Majors” himself, Barry Bostwick.

Hear him dish on all his best behind-the-scenes stories, working with Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon and so much more. Brad! Janet! Dr. Scott! Rocky!

Burned into the public psyche over the past one hundred years, the name Dracula evokes dread and horror but most of all, fascination.

Dracula is brought to life once again with Mark Godden’s inventive choreography when the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Dracula presented by Music Worcester and sponsored by College of the Holy Cross will be on stage Tuesday, November 15 at 7:30pm. Complete with flying bats, dancing gargoyles and mysterious transformations, Mark Godden’s Dracula is contemporary ballet at its atmospheric finest.

Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s principal dancers in Dracula, Sophia Lee and Liang Xing. Photo: Rejean Brandt.

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The HanoverTheatre.org HanoverTheatre.org •• 877.571.SHOW(7469) 877.571.SHOW(7469) The

Kinky Boots Nov 30 - Dec 4 Kinky Boots is Broadway’s huge-hearted, highheeled hit! Coming to Worcester from Nov 30 Dec 4, with songs by Grammy® and Tony® Award winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. With direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award-

Photo: Matt Murphy

winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray) and a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), Kinky Boots is the winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography. Tickets start at just $49.

There is a student matinee available on December 1 at 10am for school groups.

Special rates may apply. Call the theatre’s education department at 508.471.1765 for more information.

Behind - 2017 Behindthe theScenes ScenesatatThe TheHanover HanoverTheatre TheatreFall/Winter Fall/Winter2016 2016-2017

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The Hanover Theatre Conservatory This past summer The Hanover Theatre expanded its Youth Summer Program to include two new age groups, 6 - 8 year olds and pre-teens. Daily classes for students ages 6 - 18 featured theatre games, dance, music appreciation, voice, visual arts and much more. As students mature, their instruction becomes more tailored to developing their skills in music, drama and dance with the opportunity to participate in performances at the end of each session.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony on June 2, Meghan Montaner, director of education, spoke about how we are reacting to the need for arts education downtown. The Hanover Theatre Conservatory for the Performing Arts, made possible through the generosity of the Eppinger Family, represents the core of our mission to foster a love and appreciation for the performing arts in audiences of today and tomorrow.

We believe education is a lifelong pursuit and therefore strive to provide accessible experiences for a diverse population of all ages.

on training with industry professionals and access to state-of-the-art equipment in our worldclass venue allows students to gain real world experience in the performing arts field.

In the months ahead, look for a conservatory with passionate teaching artists, a variety of performing arts classes and master classes with visiting productions. Our new space also features labs fully equipped to conduct classes in technical theatre. The goal is for these spaces to be a hub for creativity and design for every student, from ages 3 to 103!

Since the theatre’s grand opening in 2008, arts education has been an integral part of the organization. Whether it’s strengthening their talents in a class at our new conservatory, attending a student matinee performance with their classmates, discovering new meaning in a history lesson through our AdoptA-School program or taking center stage in a production of our Youth Summer Open Studios Program, our students are experiencing the power Sat, Nov 19 • 10am-2pm Through our new of the performing arts Mon, Dec 19 • 4pm-7pm conservatory, the theatre to reveal their infinite cultivates each individual potential. The Hanover to ignite creativity and Theatre Conservatory Enjoy tours and inspire confidence. The will use its resources to hands-on activities! arts play a pivotal role in strengthen the role of arts helping individuals develop in the lives of students self-esteem, compassion and problem-solving throughout central Massachusetts and New skills. Students involved in the arts have proven England. Look for more exciting developments academic success. They find their voice and as we share our vision for the future of arts discover new avenues for creative expression. education in the new Theatre District. To hear It is our goal to maximize a student’s social and past Behind the Scenes interviews with staff and emotional development while introducing them students of the Youth Summer Program, check to theatre, dance and music. In addition, handsout our blog or visit us on YouTube!

The HanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

for the Performing Arts is Born

Photos: Erb Photography

Education assistant, Kelly Rourke, helps students with their technique in the Mary C. DeFeudis Performance Studio.

The new conservatory also houses a tech lab, three practice rooms, a costume lab, a wardrobe room, a resource room and an additional performance studio. All spaces offer ADA accessibility.

Behind the the Scenes Scenes at atThe The Hanover HanoverTheatre Theatre Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2016 2016-2017 Behind - 2017

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Share the Magic of the Jump start the holiday season November 25 - 27 with The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Arts Worcester (BAW), the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra and sponsored by Commerce Bank. Share the magic and beauty of this beloved Worcester production with your favorite loved ones!

For the ballet lovers in your life, come meet Clara on the theatre’s promenade on November 13.

You’re invited to her tea party and can enter her magical world of The Nutcracker. Reservations are required and space is limited, so call Ballet Arts Worcester at 508.791.3233 to reserve your seat at the table for Cookies & Tea with Clara.

Black Friday Open House Friday, Nov 25 10am - 2pm

One-Day Sale Website will reflect ticket discounts.

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Holidays at The Hanover Theatre Thanksgiving weekend is the official launch of the holidays and a perfect time to visit The Hanover Theatre. Stop by the box office on Black Friday to enjoy festive treats and tempting savings on shows to delight everyone on your list. The deals are available online at TheHanoverTheatre.org for 24 hours but you can save even more by avoiding handling fees that day at the box office. The theatre is hosting an open house from 10am - 2pm so you can talk to the box office and select your seats in person.

enjoys the Boston Pops signature pieces, holiday classics and of course the sing-a-long.

Find out how Keith Lockhart got his start in one of his Behind the Scenes interviews at www.

TheHanoverTheatre.org/Blog/ Interviews.

Brian O’Donovan’s A Celtic Sojourn has thrilled radio audiences for 28 years. For the last 14, the Christmastime live version of the show A Christmas Celtic Sojourn has drawn on Celtic, Pagan, and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of the season. Coming to The Another treasured tradition Hanover Theatre on Tuesday, Get ready for a special visit from Keith is to join the Boston Pops December 20 at 7:30pm, Lockhart and Santa this holiday season.

Esplanade Orchestra with with legends of music, song Photo courtesy of Boston Pops. conductor Keith Lockhart and dance from the Celtic for their sparkling and world and beyond poised beloved Boston Pops Holiday Concert on to take the stage together, this year’s show Friday, December 9 at 8pm. Sponsored by The promises to build its reputation as one of the Hanover Insurance Group, this event captures chestnuts of live holiday music in the region. the magic of the Christmas season and the winter charms of New England. Everyone

Photo: Niko Alexandrou

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre Fall/Winter 2016-2017

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Planning Special Events that Steal the Show

Whether you’re looking to create an intimate cocktail party or a large-scale corporate event, we have options to fit a wide variety of needs. The Hanover Theatre, winner of a National Trust for Historic Preservation Award for its renovation and restoration, combines the best of both worlds here in the heart of New England.

Experience grand elegance in a sophisticated setting where oldworld charm meets state-of-theart technology to entertain and engage 40 to 2300 people.

For more information Mark Steina, special events coordinator 508.731.0121 mark@thehanovertheatre.org TheHanoverTheatre.org/function-spaces page 14

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Pictured is one of the four original leaded glass recessed lights installed under the theatre’s balcony and manufactured by Rambusch Stained Glass Studio circa 1925. The fixtures were removed from the building in the early 1970s and then lovingly and meticulously restored to their original glory by Michael Oates and Dr. Ronald Bidinger. The magnificent piece of functional art spans six feet and graces the landing outside of the new event spaces on the second floor of 551 Main Street. Photos of this amazing restoration can be found on our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/ photos/thehanovertheatre/albums/ Interested in more in-depth historical or architectural info on the theatre?

Check our online calendar of events for dates of our docent-led tours throughout the year.

Photo: Erb Photography

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre Fall/Winter 2016-2017

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Creativity & Innovative Leadership Take Center Stage If you’re an active member of the cultural community, business leader or philanthropist within central Massachusetts, chances are that you’ve met Troy Siebels, The Hanover Theatre’s president & CEO. It’s been his vision, together with theatre founders, board members and enthusiastic supporters, that has helped to shape the success of what is now one of the brightest jewels in central New England. He is often called to speak and present his vision for a thriving cultural destination.

You can hear him for yourself at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Game Changers Business Conference & Expo on Friday, October 14, where he was selected as one of the experts and innovators transforming the city’s skyline and garnering regional and national attention for the vibrant revitalization of Worcester’s downtown and beyond. Get more information and register online at GameChangersExpo.com.

If you attended the ribbon cutting on June 2, then you heard Troy speak about how the theatre is committed to stewarding positive change beyond our current footprint. Troy chairs the boards of directors of Discover Central Massachusetts and the Mass Performing Arts Coalition; and serves on the boards of the Worcester Cultural Coalition and MassCreative, and as a member of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Worcester’s Economic Development Coordinating Council.

What you may not know is that Troy is also the creative force behind New England’s most spectacular production of A Christmas Carol.

Troy’s adaptation of Dickens’ novella has received critical acclaim from the Boston Globe, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and many local reviewers. Among the elements that make this The HanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

production unique are its storytelling style in which the cast members give action to Dickens’ masterful language; and its use of The Hanover Theatre’s mighty Wurlitzer organ to accompany a vocally talented cast. “People come to see the show as a family tradition,” notes Siebels, “and it’s important to me that however they’re feeling when they arrive at the theatre, they leave with a smile on their face and full of the Christmas spirit.”

This large-scale production features elaborate period costumes and scenery and a host of special effects, on par with the theatre’s Broadway touring shows. Many people think that if they’ve seen A Christmas Carol at another venue, it will be similar, but until you’ve experienced this magnificent production, you really haven’t experienced the magic and joy that brings back more than eighteen thousand people each December. The Hanover Theatre strives to make A Christmas Carol accessible to all. Tickets for kids and students are always half price, and through the generous sponsorship support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the theatre donates tickets to many who would otherwise not be able to attend.

The staff also works closely with the New England Chapter of Autism Speaks, Audio Journal and Worcester Community Action Council to provide benefits and support within the community each organization serves. Student matinees are available December 16, 20 and 21 at 10am – to book student groups contact the education department, at 508.471.1765. The December 18, 11am performance will be sensory-friendly, for young children and those on the autism spectrum; and the December 18, 4pm performance offers ASL interpretation and enhanced audio descriptive services. A portion of proceeds from the December 21 performance support programs of Worcester Community Action Council.

««««

“A Christmas Carol is a perfect holiday package” Telegram & Gazette

Photo: Erb Photography

A Christmas Carol Dec 16 - 23 “God Bless us, everyone!” Continue our family tradition and get in the holiday spirit with Troy Siebels’ ninth annual lavish and innovative adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. You know the story, you love the message of Christmas redemption and the love for mankind that the season brings. Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, adult tickets start at just $28.

Behind the the Scenes Scenes at atThe The Hanover HanoverTheatre Theatre Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2016 2016-2017 Behind - 2017

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Ring in the New Year with One of Your Favorite Things

Kerstin Anderson as ‘Maria Rainer’ and the von Trapp children. Photo: Matthew Murphy.

The week before New Year’s is a time when everyone is looking for festive fun. Whether you’re looking for a great way to entertain a group or spend some time escaping the hectic holidays with a special someone, the national tour of The Sound of Music hits all the right notes.

Opening on Wednesday and running through a matinee performance on New Year’s Day, the theatre is a great option for celebrating new beginnings.

In the words of director, Jack O’Brien “When I read the deeply intelligent and carefully crafted words of Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse, it felt as if some lost vault was opening up. I found the drama breathtaking, the characters dimensional, and, curiously enough, the dilemma of a girl barely The HanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

out of her teens, and thrust into the midst of a very sophisticated social situation, something I never had seen or thought about in any previous production I knew. This is indeed a brand-new production of what has become the world’s most popular musical. Enjoy revisiting an old friend, or if this is your first time, welcome to the world of American musical theater at its absolute best.”

Gather your loved ones together and join us for an early countdown after both performances on Saturday, December 31. Audience members will receive a free party favor. We are also planning kid-friendly and adult-festive drink specials to mark the occasion. Visit TheHanoverTheatre.org for more details or email mark@thehanovertheatre.org. to coordinate your own special event or corporate function.

The Sound of Music Dec 28 - Jan 1 The Hills are Alive! A brand new production of The Sound of Music, directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien, is coming to Worcester from December 28 through New Year’s Day. Sponsored by Commerce Bank and Reliant Medical Group, this spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, Edelweiss and the title song.

The Sound of Music features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics

by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp. Tickets start at just $39.

Ben Davis as ‘Captain Georg von Trapp’ with Kerstin Anderson as ‘Maria Rainer’ and the von Trapp Children. Photo: Matthew Murphy.

Behindthe theScenes ScenesatatThe TheHanover HanoverTheatre Theatre Fall/Winter Fall/Winter2016 2016-2017 Behind - 2017

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Beat the Winter Blues with Fantastic Fun for Everyone!

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy Jan 26 - 27 Created and directed by Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy is an exotic encounter inspired by nature’s unpredictable creations that are brought to life by an international cast of soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. The astounding feats performed in this action packed Cirque Dream are enhanced with spectacular costumes that come to life in a fantastical jungle setting ignited by striking visual effects. From the breathtaking soaring aerial butterflies to the balancing giraffes, gigantic flowers, trees and kings of the jungle, this world-class explosion of athleticism, theatre and imagination will exhilarate and entertain audiences of all ages.

Just when the winter might be getting you down, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy is the perfect escape at the end of January.

COMM UNITY NEUROSCIENCE SERVICES WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

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CommunityNeuroServices.com 508-898-0055

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THE STAFF OF THE HANOVER THEATRE AND CONSERVATORY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Administrative President & CEO Troy Siebels Executive Assistant Bethany Strothers Director of Finance & Human Resources Janine Diliberto Finance & Human Resources Asst.

Gerry Baeder Marketing & Public Relations Director of Marketing & PR Lisa Condit Design Manager Monica Wagner Elefterion Senior Sales Manager Diane Pieciak Digital Marketing Specialist Jacob Poplaski Marketing and PR Coordinator Lillian Irwin Development Director of Development Nel Lazour Associate Director of Development Carolyn Ambrose Membership Coordinator Kelly Hobson

Facilities Facilities Manager Lewis Symynkywicz Facilities Associates Brian Anderson Dan Friend Danielle Friend Manuel Morales Stan Tarka Box Office Director of Ticketing Genevieve Shappell Assistant Box Office Manager Brendan Donnellan FSS Ticketing Manager Nadia Naco Box Office Associates Julie Carlson Cheryl Lindsay Cathy Mezynski Jean O'Halloran Sonya Richards Education Director of Education Meghan Montaner Education Assistant Kelly Rourke

Production Production Manager Jon Rosbrook House Electrician Brenda Shepard House Sound/Audio Engineer Nick Joyce Stage Crew IATSE Local 96 Operations Operations Manager David MacArthur Special Events Coordinator Mark Steina House Managers Pete Belsito Joyce L. Gully Ellen Santimaw Mark Steina Salon Maître D’s Sue Shimeall, Ray Trifone Mighty Wurlitzer Team Resident Organist Len Beyersdorfer Curator Don Phipps Assistant Curators

We want to share our gratitude with all the volunteers, proof readers, brand ambassadors, tours, advertisers, ushers, staff, family and friends for your help with this inaugural project.

Behind the Scenes

is a publication of The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts,which is published twice a year.

All rights reserved. All images, unless otherwise noted ©The Hanover Theatre.

Editor: Lisa K. Condit Editorial Asst: Lillian Irwin Design: Monica Wagner Elefterion Advertising Sales: Diane Pieciak Cover image: Muralist, Damien Mitchell and @illamasqua.

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre Fall/Winter 2016 - 2017

Get Connected & Stay Connected. . . . . . for the latest news and contests to win tickets, prizes and more!

Tune in

Contests and Promotions

Listen to Behind the Scenes radio program on WCRN AM 830 every Saturday from 1-1:30pm for more in-depth interviews and conversations with cast members, creative teams and corporate sponsors committed to supporting the performing arts in central New England. New guests are scheduled all the time, but make sure you mark your calendars for these lively specials:

Make sure you like us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Snapchat to stay up-to-date on chances for you to win tickets to our amazing shows! Join our mailing list to be the first to know about the new shows constantly added to our season and exclusive discounts, contests and promotions.

Sept 10 Tim Murray previews Game Changers Oct 8 The Australian Bee Gees Show cast interviews Oct 29 What to expect with Dracula as a fully staged ballet Nov 5 Hear from this year’s Clara and her journey to

center stage in The Nutcracker Nov 12 Kinky Boots cast interview Nov 26 Brian O’Donovan shares the latest on the new

singers, dancers and musicians performing in his annual A Christmas Celtic Sojourn Dec 10 The Sound of Music cast interview Dec 17 A Christmas Carol cast interviews and insight Jan 7 Neil Berg, director of Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy

discusses his creative process Jan 17 The story behind the cast of Elvis Lives Check our blog (www.TheHanoverTheatre.org/blog/ interviews) and YouTube channel for past conversations and exclusive interviews with Keith Lockhart, Troy Siebels, Jennifer Agbay, the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Team and more!

Connect with Us @thehanovertheatre

@hanovertheatre

@hanovertheatre

@thehanovertheatre

@thehanovertheatre @thehanovertheatre #Tag us to Keep the Conversation Going #bwayworcester #broadway #worcesterma #THTparty #BTSatTHT #hanovertheatre #THTconservatory #VisitCentralMA #theatredistrict Conveniently located less than an hour from Boston, Providence, Hartford and Springfield, The Hanover Theatre offers easy parking and an affordable experience. Tickets are reasonably priced and generally start at under $40 for most shows. Members and groups of ten or more typically receive additional discounts. You may purchase tickets 24-hours a day by visiting TheHanoverTheatre.org or call 877.571.SHOW(7469). Stop by the box office during hours of operation with questions and to save on handling fees.

Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event Jan 31 Elvis Lives, on stage Tuesday, January 31 at 7:30pm, is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis’ life. The show is narrated by Elvis himself, in his own voice and words, through restored footage direct from the Graceland Archives. Elvis Lives celebrates the King’s iconic style and remarkable talent that continues to intrigue audiences of all generations. Featuring finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises’ worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, audiences “Can’t Help Falling In Love”® with this phenomenal theatrical concert experience.

Make sure you get connected and stay connected for your chance to win one of the exclusive prize packages for this show, including a limited edition acoustic guitar direct from Graceland, a limited edition Sony/RCA Records box set of Elvis Presley – The Album Collection and a Grand Prize Graceland Getaway!

The HanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

2 Southbridge Street • Worcester, MA 01608

TheHanoverTheatre.org

Discover what’s happening at one of the top theatres in the WORLD . . .

. . . right here in Worcester!

Worcester Center for Performing Arts is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts and Conservatory. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.