Behind the Scenes Magazine | Fall 2019/Winter 2020

Behind the Scenes

MAGAZINE

Fall 2019/Winter 2020

SEE BROADWAY HITS SHARE NEW TRADITIONS ENJOY CONCERTS & COMEDIANS CELEBRATE THEatARTS Behind the Scenes The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Fall 2019/Winter 2020 page 3 Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Fall 2019/Winter 2020

The riskiest financial move is doing nothing.

Your wealth plan should keep up with the changing circumstances of your life, as well as with the cycles in the financial markets. A new career, a new grandchild, a new business, a significant shift in your portfolio — any of these events could necessitate a fresh look at your strategy.

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The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor ’s individual circumstances and objectives. © 2019 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

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Behind the Scenes MAGAZINE Fall 2019/Winter 2020

Dear Reader, As the days get shorter and there is an unmistakable chill in the air, it’s time to plan for those bright and merry moments with family and friends so you can keep the warm feelings flowing through the long winter. With over 90 conservatory classes and hundreds of performances throughout the season, there is most definitely something for everyone to enjoy at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

With easy access, convenient parking and competitive pricing, there’s every reason to make The Hanover Theatre your home for Broadway, dance, comedy, concerts and family favorites. Take the time to create lasting memories and shared experiences that inspire both conversation and action.

When you make your next trip to the theatre, envision the plaza directly in front of the theatre as a completed project, with its extended pedestrian courtyard and outdoor stage. It may be a blank slate in the months to come, but the future is bright and full of possibilities for our patrons, conservatory students and the general public.

At The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory, we believe in providing access to the arts for all. The growth, expansion and continued success of our organization wouldn’t be possible without our supporters and ticket buyers. Thank you to our promotional and cultural partners as well, who bring us amazing shows that delight, surprise, inform and move audiences of all ages.

We look forward to welcoming you to an internationally recognized performing arts center … right here in Worcester!

See you at the theatre,

Lisa K. Condit, Director of Marketing & PR PS Did you know that only $3 out of every ticket goes to operate the theatre? Please consider becoming a member or donating today…where every dollar helps to support our nonprofit organization’s mission.

Groups have more fun & save!

Inside Bold New Expansion Contributes to Vitality of Theatre District.............................................4 Our Season at a Glance.............................................6 Rock the House............................................................8 Beautiful – A Note from the Playwright......................9 Something to Delight Everyone This October.........10

Girls Night!

Hilarious! Nonstop Pandemonium...........................12

Smiles Ev eryone!

No matter what your “Girls Night” looks like, groups save between $10-$14 per ticket!

Call Amy at 508.471.1763 to reserve seats today. No deposit required!

Member Spotlight Giving Back to the Community................................13 Make Memories to Last a Lifetime...........................14 Broadway Designers Transform The Nutcracker.....16 Celebrate with Classics of the Season ...................18 Speaker Series Brings Renowned Adventurers to Worcester.........................................20 Top Staff Picks.............................................................22

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Fall 2019/Winter 2020

Bold New Expansion Contribut

Bank of America’s funding will help provide improved open space designed and built as part of the city of Worcester’s Main Street Reimagined Project. This preliminary rendering by Beta Group includes a pedestrian plaza and outdoor stage in front of the theatre. The project supports the vision of a growing cultural center downtown, adding to the vibrancy of the area and giving out-of-towners another reason to visit the city and take advantage of what it has to offer.

Bank of America Supports Outdoor Stage Bank of America recently announced a $250,000 grant to finance the expansion of The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts through its Theatre District Campaign. Recognized as a worldclass performance space, the theatre is also touted as a key part of the revitalization of downtown Worcester and a catalyst for economic development, a perfect fit for a Bank of America Charitable Foundation Anchor Grant.

Bank of America believes that vibrant communities are essential to an individual’s overall economic mobility.

Anchor Grants support local and regional revitalization efforts, taking a holistic approach to building thriving communities and creating economic opportunity and livable neighborhoods. This includes support of economic drivers, such as art and cultural institutions TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

that contribute to the overall vitality of the community.

Bank of America has been a benefactor of The Hanover Theatre for many years, but this is the single largest grant in the history of their relationship. In recognition of the gift, Bank of America will be given exclusive naming rights of the outdoor stage on the new plaza, which the theatre will program during the temperate months of the year.

“The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory touches well over a quarter million patrons every year and is a staple in the local arts community. Aside from the positive impact the performing arts can have on the community, we also recognize the importance the theatre plays in the rebirth of downtown Worcester,” said Edwin T. Shea, president of Bank of America’s central Massachusetts market.

tes to Vitality of Theatre District

“We can and should be a cultural asset to the full diversity of Worcester, not just those who purchase a ticket to come inside for a show. With Bank of America’s support, the new outdoor stage will give us the opportunity to bring performances outside our traditional walls and a whole new level of vitality to the Theatre District for those that live, work and visit downtown.”

- Troy Siebels, president and CEO The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory

New Conservatory Studios Coming Soon As a key priority of the Theatre District Campaign, the conservatory has offered a wide variety of classes in the performing arts since its opening over two years ago. The conservatory has grown from 197 students its first year to 543 in its third. This continued growth created a need for even more studio space to accommodate additional classes and their students.

Construction will soon begin on three new studios, as well as a vocal rehearsal space located on the first floor of The Hanover Theatre Conservatory & Event Center.

Acting Company is modeled after the conservatory’s existing resident dance company, the Youth Ballet Company. Housing two performance groups will increase the demand for rehearsal space, and these additional studios will provide ample room.

These new spaces come at the perfect time as the conservatory’s class offerings continue to expand in dance, drama, design, music and technical theatre for students of all ages. The new ground level studios will be the perfect extension of the state-of-the-art facilities with sprung floors and increased ceiling height, as well as easy access to the new plaza being developed right outside the front door. The additional space will allow for more flexibility in the conservatory schedule and help to accommodate longer, 90-minute classes for select offerings.

“As a theatre it’s really important to us to be outward facing, and that’s true for the conservatory as well.

Coupled with a new outdoor plaza and performance space, bringing our conservatory studios to street level helps to demonstrate some of the vitality we bring to the Theatre District and celebrate the great work our students are doing,“ said Troy Siebels, president and CEO of The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory.

More Performance Opportunities The fall semester also brings with it the introduction of the conservatory’s Youth Acting Company, a resident dramatic performance group comprised of select students between the ages of 12 and 19. The Youth

Having arts education visible at street level will continue to ignite the Theatre District. The success of the conservatory means that hundreds of students and parents are populating Worcester’s downtown six days a week and, with that, activating space that otherwise did not experience much foot traffic.

This year, the fall semester begins September 7 at the conservatory. There are over 90 different classes for student of all ages, ranging from technical theatre and design to music and dance. Learn more about class offerings and the many benefits at TheHanoverTheatre.org/conservatory.

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Fall 2019/Winter 2020

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Sept 26-29

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

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Jan 16-19 A Bronx Tale

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Broadway, Music and So Much Mor Sept 15 A Night with Janis Joplin Sept 18 Alan Parsons Live Project Sept 20 Catapult: Mouzart & Magic Shadows Sept 26-29 Beautiful – The Carole King Musical sponsored locally by Fidelity Investments Oct 3 REO Speedwagon with special guest Charlie Farren sponsored by Herb Chambers Toyota of Auburn Oct 6 The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Silent film accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Oct 8-9 PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” Oct 11 Countess Luann and Friends Oct 13 So You Think You Can Dance Live! 2019 Oct 15 Cirque Mechanics: 42FT - A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels Oct 17 Carol Burnett: An Evening of Laughter and Reflection Where the Audience Asks Questions

sponsored by Country Bank for Savings Oct 31 - Nov 3 The Play That Goes Wrong Nov 7 Get the Led Out Nov 8 Warren Miller’s Timeless presented by Volkswagen* Nov 10 Cookies & Tea with Clara from The Nutcracker Nov 15 Dance Theatre of Harlem presented by Music Worcester* Nov 17 SiriusXM The Pulse Presents: O.A.R. - The Mighty Fall Tour Nov 29 - Dec 1 The Nutcracker sponsored by Commerce Bank, a Division of Berkshire Bank Dec 6 2019 Boston Pops Holiday Tour sponsored by The Hanover Insurance Group Dec 7 Diane Kelley presents Holiday Spectacular 2019 Dec 8 Lewis Black: The Joke’s On US Tour Dec 15-23 A Christmas Carol starring Jeremy Lawrence co-sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Assumption College Dec 17 WGBH presents A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan Dec 22 A Christmas Carol Relaxed Performance co-sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Assumption College Dec 29 The Hip Hop Nutcracker Jan 6 Full year dance classes resume in the conservatory Jan 13 Spring semester classes begin in the conservatory Jan 16-19 A Bronx Tale supported by Bank of America Jan 26 The Simon & Garfunkel Story Jan 30-31 The Illusionists: Live from Broadway Feb 8 VIVA MOMIX Feb 28 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

March 19-22 Bandstand

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Feb 29 Titans of ‘80s Rock* March 1 A Carnival of Animals in collaboration with Worcester Chamber Music Society* March 3-8 Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sponsored by Reliant Medical Group March 10 RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles March 12 WGBH presents A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan* March 13 The Russian National Ballet performs Giselle presented by Music Worcester* March 16 National Geographic Live Speaker Series with paleontologist Nizar Ibrahim Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous presented in partnership with the EcoTarium March 19-22 Bandstand sponsored by UniBank April 2 Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll Part 3* April 5 Student Choreography Recital* April 9 National Geographic Live Speaker Series with Dr. Kara Cooney, professor of Egyptology When Women Ruled the World presented in partnership with the EcoTarium April 17 My Little Pony Live April 19 The Capitol Steps presents The Lyin’ Kings April 23-26 An American in Paris co-sponsored by Worcester State University and Commerce Bank, a Division of Berkshire Bank April 30 The Moth Mainstage* May 2-3 Shen Yun* May 7 Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! Neighbor Day May 10 The Kid Brother: Silent film accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ* May 14 National Geographic Live Speaker Series with photographer Joel Sartore Building The Photo Ark presented in partnership with the EcoTarium May 17 The Hanover Theatre Conservatory Spring Reflection* May 27-31 Miss Saigon sponsored by Bay State Savings Bank*

New shows added all the time. Please note that shows, dates, pricing and times are subject to change.

* This show may not be on sale at the time of this printing.

The More You Buy the More You Save Become a seven-show Broadway subscriber and save 15% or choose four or more Broadway shows and save 10% on a FLEX Package.

Interest-free monthly payment plans are available online.

Join the All Access Club for the ultimate theatre experience and VIP season pass to the best the theatre has to offer. It includes premium seats to approximately 75 shows at a significant discount, plus a Franklin Square Society membership at a 20% discount. Contact Diane at 508.930.2424 for more details.

Rock the House with Music, Magic and Even a Mouse!

A Night with Janis Joplin Sunday, September 15 at 2 pm and 7 pm

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Take a musical journey during A Night with Janis Joplin on September 15 and celebrate one of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest legends along with her biggest musical influences, including trailblazers like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith. Like a comet that burns far too bright to last, Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and became the queen of rock ‘n’ roll almost overnight.

Her unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, made Joplin a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. Hear the music that defined a generation. Tickets start at just $35, with limited VIP meet and greet packages available.

Alan Parsons Live Project Wednesday, September 18 at 7:30 pm

Sept 18 Alan P arsons Live Pr oject

Rock out with the unforgettable sounds of record producer and Grammy®-nominated performer Alan Parsons on September 18! Whether you’re a fan of his work on Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” or his biggest hit, “Eye in the Sky,” you will be blown away by this live performance and Alan Parsons’ musical genius. Tickets start at $29.50, with limited VIP packages available. The Alan Parsons Meet and Greet Package includes a seat in the first 10 rows, an exclusive meet and greet, a personal photograph with Alan Parsons, access to the pre-show sound check, a collectible “Eye in the Sky” lyric print autographed by Alan Parsons and more!

Catapult: Mouzart & Magic Shadows Friday, September 20 at 8 pm

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TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

Transport yourself into fantastical worlds made simply out of light and the human body when Catapult, as seen on America’s Got Talent, presents Mouzart & Magic Shadows on September 20. You know the story of Mozart, child prodigy and genius composer, but did you know he had a genius sister, Nannerl? This is the true story of Mozart’s sister, whose brilliance and heartbreak have been overlooked by history. The imaginary part of our tale is a third genius in the house, a mouse named Mouzart. This is a great entrée into the music of Mozart for kids and parents alike, complete with magical shadow transformations as only Catapult can do. It’s a funny and compelling story of what it means for a child to have a dream that challenges his parents’ beliefs and the very culture around him. Tickets start at just $22.

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical: A Note from the Playwright

Sept 26-29 Sponsored locally by Fidelity Investments Four Friends. (l to r) Sarah Bockel (“Carole King”), Alison Whitehurst (“Cynthia Weil”), Jacob Heimer (“Barry Mann”) and Dylan S. Wallach (“Gerry Goffin”). Photo by Joan Marcus.

When Paul Blake, the producer of Beautiful, asked me to write a Broadway musical about Carole King, her husband and lyricist, Gerry Goffin, and their fellow songwriters, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, I said no. I admired the songwriters immensely but had no idea how to tell their story.

Then Paul reminded me that the songwriters had their offices at 1650 Broadway. This building was once the province of the classic American songwriters of the Tin Pan Alley age and then in the ‘50s became the place where kids came to create rock and roll. Maybe there was something in that clash, the old being ousted by the new?

So I met the songwriters and told them my idea about kids chasing out the old guard. Carole’s face lit up. I knew I had nailed it. “That,” she said, “is completely wrong!”

“What?” I said.

“We idolized Gershwin and Cole Porter,” she explained. “We studied their music.“ Now I was really interested. Carole and her friends had changed the sound of popular music but they were traditionalists at heart. I said I would write the show and I interviewed the four songwriters at length to learn everything I could about them.

One feeling hovered above everything: a feeling of friendship. Friendship infuses much of Carole’s music.

Many of her listeners feel she is their friend. Her music is marked by forgiveness, compassion and warmth.

The show had to mirror that.

In fact, the theme of the show itself comes from a song. Early on, Carole says, “You know what’s so funny about life? Sometimes it goes the way you want and sometimes it doesn’t. And sometimes when it doesn’t, you find something beautiful.”

By Douglas McGrath

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Fall 2019/Winter 2020

From Classic Rock and Acrobats to Age There’s Something to Delig

Prepare to be dazzled as Cirque Mechanics, described as the American circus, reinvented with timber, steel and ingenuity, proudly presents 42FT - A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels on October 15. At the center of every circus rests a 42-foot ring full of thrills, laughs and excitement. Tickets start at $25 for the spectacle The New York Times calls “engrossingly entertaining” and the Anchorage Press describes as full of “daredevil antics, circus acrobats and mechanical wonders.” Photo by Maike Schulz.

Kick off October with an unforgettable night of classic rock hits when REO Speedwagon with special guest Charlie Farren performs fan favorites including “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Time For Me To Fly,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Take It On the Run” and many more.

Generously sponsored by Herb Chambers Toyota of Auburn, the band is set to bring their timeless hits and rock staples to The Hanover Theatre stage on October 3.

Looking for a great afternoon activity this fall to share with family and friends of all ages? Check out The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the silent film will be accompanied by live music on New England’s largest TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

theatre pipe organ on Sunday, October 6. This is a fabulous way to experience the breadth of sound and effects created by The Hanover Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.

If there’s a younger member of your circle, they are going to want to join their favorite pups for a heroic musical adventure when PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue,” takes center stage October 8-9. It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger. Using their unique skills and teamwork, the pups show that “no job is too big, no pup is too small,” and share lessons for all ages about citizenship,

eless Stories and the Queen of Comedy, ght Everyone This October! social skills and problem-solving. The show engages audiences with Bunraku puppetry, an innovative costuming approach that brings the PAW Patrol characters to life on stage with their vehicles and pup packs. The performance features up-tempo music and a cleverly written script that is a wonderful introduction to live theater for kids. Classic theatrical scenery, along with a high-tech video wall, visually transports families to an authentic PAW Patrol environment, including locations from the TV series.

Special interactive video allows the audience to participate via interviews, solve clues with the pups and much more. Tickets start at just $22 and are available through the box office or online at TheHanoverTheatre.org.

During the show, the award-winning actress and bestselling author will take questions from the audience and show video clips from her shows in a format that harkens back to the legendary openings of “The Carol Burnett Show” where her studio audience had an unfiltered opportunity to engage Carol with questions and receive spontaneous answers. Presented by Ed Atamian and generously sponsored by Country Bank for Savings, tickets for this opportunity to see one of the most beloved performers in entertainment and one of comedy’s most admired women start at $68. Contact the box office at 877.571.7469 for more information.

Perhaps you’ve moved from pre-school “I’m so glad we programming to watching one of the most had this time successful franchises in television history, “The Real Housewives of New York.” Original cast together…” member Luann de Lesseps was just ranked the - Carol Burnett number 1 Housewife by TV Guide and, as the hit show is entering its 11th season, Luann is just hitting her stride. The model-turned-countess has transformed herself into an author, philanthropist, actor and bona fide cabaret star. This past year de Lesseps started packing venues with her show, #CountessandFriends, to rave reviews from venerable publications such as Vanity Fair and The New York Times. #CountessandFriends is filled with hilarious stories, one-of-a-kind anecdotes and songs in her inimitable style. Her globally known dance hits “Money Can’t Buy You Class,” “Chic C’est La Vie” and “Girl Code,” resulted in her own Pandora station.

See her hit tracks performed live at The Hanover Theatre on Friday, October 11.

Following the continued success of the hit summer competition series and 16 Emmy® wins, “So You Think You Can Dance” is packing up its best dancers of 2019 and touring the country this fall. Enjoy performances from the show’s top 10 finalists and the winner of season 16 when So You Think You Can Dance Live! 2019 tears up The Hanover Theatre’s stage Sunday, October 13. Tickets start under $40 and there are a variety of meet and greet packages available through the box office or online at TheHanoverTheatre.org.

Take advantage of the opportunity to see one of the greatest legends in comedy during Carol Burnett: An Evening of Laughter and Reflection Where the Audience Asks Questions on Thursday, October 17.

Hilarious! Nonstop Pandemonium in The Play That Goes Wrong

Oct 31 - Nov 3 Angela Grovey, Yaegel T. Welch and Jamie Ann Romero. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

If ever there was truth in advertising, it’s the hit British comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, says producer Kevin McCollum. “I’ve got to tell you, it’s been a pleasure having a show that I can market and it is exactly what it says it is!” Kevin McCollum (RENT, Avenue Q) has teamed up with famed writer and producer J.J. Abrams (“Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” “ Lost”) to present this international sensation about a hilariously disastrous production of a murder mystery here in the United States.

There are ten actors onstage, but McCollum says the eleventh character is the set. “It is a set with a personality,” he says. “It actually is the antagonist of the show.” The characters in the play struggle with tiny things at first. . . a stuck door, a mantlepiece which keeps falling down and pictures and other objects which keep falling off the walls. But as the play goes on, the set malfunctions become more and more sidesplittingly spectacular.

U.K.-based set designer Nigel Hook has worked not only on several murder mysteries, but has attended more than his share of theatrical disasters over the years. He recalls attending an “incredibly dull Charley’s Aunt,” which was unwittingly improved when “on the first night literally the furniture started TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

falling apart.” So watch for the same kind of mayhem to ensue in The Play That Goes Wrong.

There’s quite an art to making things appear to be broken, says Hook. “Basically, you don’t make it so it will break, you make it broken,” he explains. “And you make it very well, so it will go back together again very quickly.” Without trying to give away too many trade secrets, the designer says much of what “goes wrong” involves magnets, hooks, levers and “the forces of gravity.”

Part of the fun of the set is that, at times, what happens onstage looks genuinely perilous. “We’re really, really precise with all the slapstick,” says coauthor Henry Shields. “We want it to look dangerous, but be absolutely safe for the actors doing it.”

When The Play That Goes Wrong opened on Broadway, Hook’s set design was singled out in most of the reviews. Jesse Green, in Vulture, wrote: “Nigel Hook’s booby-trapped set should get either a Tony® Award or a cease-and-desist order from OSHA.” And when the Tony® Awards were handed out a couple of months later, Hook received the Tony® for best scenic design of a play. “I was terrified,” Hook recalls. A little bit like the seemingly hapless actors who get conked on the head and buffeted about on his brilliant set.

Member Spotlight Giving Back to the Community The theatre’s role in the revitalization of the whole downtown area continues to be a major motivator for UniBank’s support, not only as a major donor to the Theatre District Campaign, but as a Franklin Square Society member, subscriber to the Broadway Series and, most recently, a sponsor of the touring production of Bandstand March 19-22. “Part of our mission is to serve the community and we do that very well through our partnerships with The Hanover Theatre and all the different types of nonprofit agencies we work with, as well local business people and the consumer,” explains Justine DeNorscia, executive vice president of UniBank.

Bandstand is “both a peppy celebration of can-do spirit and a more somber exploration of what American servicemen experienced when they marched home from World War II. It’s a great argument for why theater can sometimes tell a story more boldly and more

Diane Kelley presents

viscerally,” according to The New York Times.

Veterans and their families have an evening to look forward to with Bandstand. For the first time, The Hanover Theatre is hosting a Veteran’s Night on Thursday, March 19. Military families can save 20%* on tickets with code VETS if purchased by December 31, 2019.

Consider becoming a theatre member and share the experience with family, friends and associates.

As DeNorscia reveals, “that’s the fun of it! Exposing and inviting people who may not have been to the theatre before is a huge benefit.” And we all know that everything is more fun with a friend or even a group! For more information on how to become more involved or to order tickets, visit TheHanoverTheatre.org.

Bandstand takes the stage this spring.

March 19-22 Bandstand Sponsored by UniBank

*Cannot be applied to previously purchased tickets.

Holiday Spectacular!

a New Holiday Tradition

Saturday December 7 at 6pm See Worcester County’s Finest Singers and Dancers • Dancing Elves • Santa • Snowmen • Angels • Gingerbread Men • Tumbling Toys • Dancing Dolls

“Festive, Uplifting & Magical” Tickets available at

A holiday tradition the whole family will enjoy!

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Fall 2019/Winter 2020

Make Memories to Last a Lifetime

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Remember your first big concert? Looking for ways to connect with friends and loved ones?

November offers a wide variety of reasons to unplug and share the experience of a live performance with the people who matter most.

From the epic sounds of Get the Led Out on November 7 to the breathtaking sights in Warren Miller’s Timeless on November 8, these events promise back-to-back fun to the extreme! If you’re looking to ignite a bold, brilliant and inspired new chapter in music, then make sure you get tickets to see “The Mighty” O.A.R. on November 17.

Then there’s Worcester’s dance scene. Quite simply, it just keeps getting better! Music Worcester is bringing the internationally acclaimed Dance Theatre of Harlem to The Hanover Theatre for the first time Friday, November 15 for the leading dance company’s only performance in Massachusetts this season.

Ballet enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to in November, including a unique opportunity for Cookies & Tea with Clara that includes a special meet and greet with cast members while guests enjoy a tea party on Sunday, November 10.

This is a perfect way to extend the enjoyment TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

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of The Nutcracker, returning for its annual performances Thanksgiving weekend with even more magic than ever before!

Tickets for all performances are available online at TheHanoverTheatre.org. Stop by or call the box office at 877.571.7469 with questions.

Gather a group of ten or more friends, family or co-workers and save even more!

Visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/group-sales for details.

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Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Fall 2019/Winter 2020

Broadway Designers Tra into a Dazzling Pop-Up

Nov 29 - Dec 1 Sponsored by Commerce Bank, a Division of Berkshire Bank The Hanover Theatre Conservatory’s annual production of The Nutcracker is undergoing a major transformation with the help of internationally recognized scenic designer Christine Peters and lighting designer Paul Miller. Now in its 12th year, audiences will be delighted, mesmerized and surprised by the design duo’s collaboration on The Nutcracker, playing Thanksgiving weekend.

When Ballet Arts Worcester became part of the conservatory three years ago and The Nutcracker became a conservatory production, redesigning the show was an early discussion. Jennifer Agbay, the conservatory’s director of dance and the artistic director of The Nutcracker, always envisioned the show as a pop-up book come to life onstage.

When the national tour of ELF the Musical came to the theatre last year shortly after The Nutcracker ended its run, the show’s inspired design caught the attention of the theatre’s general manager, Glen Grusmark.

TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

Grusmark found that the set of ELF had a similar popup and whimsical quality to what Agbay imagined for The Nutcracker. After reaching out to Peters in early 2019 and officially bringing her on board in March, the redesign was set in motion.

Peters is an accomplished scenic designer most wellknown for her work on ELF the Musical, although she has also worked on numerous other Broadway shows including Miss Saigon, The Book of Mormon, Newsies, The Addams Family and Bonnie and Clyde. Her national tour credits include Aladdin, Dirty Dancing, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Wizard of Oz, The Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins, Les Misérables and Beauty and the Beast.

This year’s production of The Nutcracker will also feature a new lighting design by Paul Miller, who collaborated with Peters on ELF the Musical. His Broadway work includes Amazing Grace, The Illusionists, Legally Blonde, Freshly Squeezed, Laughing

ansform The Nutcracker p Book Brought to Life Room Only and other Off-Broadway and national touring productions.

Miller’s lighting projects include every internationally televised live performance during the New Year’s Eve celebration in New York’s Times Square for the last 17 years.

When approached with the project, Peters was excited at the possibility of making this magical world come to life on The Hanover Theatre’s stage.

“Before The Nutcracker was one of the most famous ballets, it was a children’s book. We wanted to go back to its roots, which felt like a very good fit especially for a production with so many children involved. The large illustrative quality of a pop-up book come to life gives a nod to the original story while adding a sense of whimsy and imagination as the characters travel to the different fantasy lands,” said Peters.

The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet based on the stories of E.T.A. Hoffmann and Alexandre Dumas that was first performed in Russia in December 1892.

The story revolves around Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift and enters a magical world where it and other characters come to life.

For Agbay, this project fulfills a longstanding wish. “Finally after 12 years, my dreams of designing the production from scratch are coming Christine Peters’ preliminary sketches illustrate the layering of different elements that create the illusion of a pop-up book set in motion. true!” she said. “After speaking with several designers, no one understood my artistic ideas more than Christine Peters. Right from the start, she was on the The theatre is excited to embark on this new chapter same page about my needs for magic and for The Nutcracker and is looking forward to unveiling whimsy. Her designs emulate my vision of a realthe new design. As one of the theatre’s annual holiday life pop-up book with childlike charm, but not in productions, we are thrilled that this new design will delight a cartoonish way. She shared my desire to make audiences for years to come. “This production provides these designs enthralling so that children and adults alike will be transported into Clara’s magical world to take part in her voyage while experiencing their own special journey through this timeless story.”

so much to the city of Worcester and takes us on a sweet adventure, reminding us of the power of magic,” says Agbay. “The city can declare this treasured production as its own, and it will only get better over time.”

Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Fall 2019/Winter 2020

Celebrate with Classics of the Season and New Traditions with a Twist Dec 15-23 A Christmas Carol Co-sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA and Assumption College A Christmas Carol is a holiday tradition that has touched the lives of more than 200,000 and one that has grown significantly over the past several years. From the unexpected humor Jeremy Lawrence has brought to the role of Scrooge to the partnership with Technocopia to enhance and reimagine the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, this production is unlike any you’ve ever seen before. Photo by Erb Photography.

Make your season bright with the Boston Pops and conductor Keith Lockhart on December 6 for the 2019 Holiday Pops Tour at The Hanover Theatre.

Capturing the magic of the season and the winter charms of New England, the Boston Pops will perform their signature “Sleigh Ride,” as well as other holiday classics and new arrangements of seasonal favorites.

Generously sponsored by The Hanover Insurance Group, tickets start at $59 for the sparkling and beloved Holiday Pops concert.

Saturday, December 7, the whole family will enjoy Diane Kelley’s Holiday Spectacular 2019, an upbeat variety show featuring Worcester County’s finest singers, dancers and actors of all ages. With dancing snowmen, reindeer and singing elves, the whole family will be singing carols and tapping their toes. Discounts are available for kids, students, members and groups. Tickets start at $28 online at TheHanoverTheatre.org.

Warm your heart with the return of Troy Siebels’ lavish and innovative adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring Jeremy Lawrence in his final year as the critically acclaimed Scrooge.

Generously co-sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Assumption College, the 12th annual production continues to feature the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ and thrill audiences with its timeless music, colorful costumes, spectacular scenery and special effects.

Tickets start at just $28 and there are a variety of special performances during its run December 15-23. Visit our website for more information on a performance to benefit Worcester Community Action Council that also includes a talk-back with the cast on December 19, audio descriptive services and ASL interpretation Dec 6 to make the matinee on Holida y Pops Saturday, December 21 Tour Take a break and finish your more accessible and finally weekend with a hysterical a relaxed (sensory friendly) night out to see Lewis Black: performance on Sunday, The Joke’s On US Tour. The December 22 at 11 am. For king of rant and Grammy® Award-winning standaudiences who enjoy the thrills and chills, fear not … up comedian returns to Worcester with an all-new this year’s production is sure to surprise and delight! show Sunday, December 8. Laugh your anger and Call the box office at 877.571.7469 to discuss the disillusionment away with an evening of comedic option that’s best for you and your party. commentary on current events, social media and anything else that exposes the hypocrisy and madness On Tuesday, December 17, Brian O’Donovan and his in the world by a performer who is more of an angry spectacular line up of top-level musicians, singers and optimist than a mean-spirited curmudgeon. dancers from around the Celtic world return to TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

Dec 8 • The Jok Lewis Black e’s On U S Tour

as A Christm Dec 17 • h it w urn Celtic Sojo onovan ’D O Brian

take over the stage when WGBH presents A Christmas Celtic Sojourn for one night only. Come and enjoy a show that draws on Celtic, Pagan and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of the season.

Close out the month with a new twist on a holiday favorite with The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Sunday, December 29. Celebrate love, community and the magic of the holiday season with this re-mixed and reimagined version of the classic. Described as “a truly one-of-a-kind experience, filled with high-powered choreography and a very modern storyline” by Elle

© Tim Nor

ris

Dec 29 The Hip Ho p Nutcrack

er

Magazine, this holiday mash-up takes the characters of Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince into a contemporary setting. Tickets start at $42.50 for a unique and joyful event featuring a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a vionlinist and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers.

This deserves a standing ovation!

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1 This offer is available for new accounts only and we may decline those who have had an Intelligent Checking account within the last 12 months. Offer is only available to persons in IC’s Field of Membership, and cannot be combined with other offers. You must be 18 years or older to open an online account. This is a one-time bonus offer, per person, only. If qualifying criteria is met, Behind the Scenes The isHanover Conservatory FallIRS 2019/Winter 2020 the bonus will be credited to your account within 10 days after the third full statement cycle. at A bonus considered Theatre interest andand therefore will be reported • to the on Form 1099-INT. Minimum monthly balance not required. Rates effective as of 8/1/19 and may change without notice. Offer may be withdrawn at any time; valid for online account opening only.

Speaker Series Brings Renowned Adventurers to Worcester The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, in partnership with the EcoTarium museum of science and nature in Worcester, are proud to present National Geographic Live, National Geographic’s touring speaker series, featuring Nizar Ibrahim, Dr. Kara Cooney and Joel Sartore.

Nizar Ibrahim contemplates a skull. ©Nizar Ibrahim.

Nizar Ibrahim examining a fossil in Morocco. © Kat Keene Hogue.

Dr. Cooney in the conservation lab. ©Marissa Stevens.

When Women Ruled the World. ©Fernando G. Baptista.

TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

Paleontologist Nizar Ibrahim brings Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous to Worcester on Monday, March 16 at 7:30 pm. Ibrahim, a postdoctoral scholar in vertebrate anatomy and paleontology at the University of Chicago and 2014 National Geographic Emerging Explorer, scours the deserts of North Africa for clues to life in the Cretaceous period, when the area was a large river system teeming with a profusion of diverse life. In addition to unearthing many huge dinosaur bones, he has discovered fossil footprints and a new species of flying reptile with an 18-foot wingspan that lived 95 million years ago. Ibrahim’s remarkable story and the findings of an international team of scientists were published in the journal, Science, and as a cover story for National Geographic magazine. What has been unveiled appears to be the first truly semiaquatic dinosaur, Spinosaurus aegyptiacus.

In 2014, Ibrahim was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and, in 2015, he was named a TED fellow, the first paleontologist in the history of the program.

Dr. Kara Cooney, professor of Egyptology at UCLA, brings When Women Ruled the World to Worcester on Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 pm.

Cooney’s academic work focuses on death preparations, afterlife beliefs and gender studies. She has participated in digs with the Metropolitan Museum of New York at the Royal Pyramid complex of Senwosret III and the Theban Necropolis with Johns Hopkins University.

Cooney appeared as a lead expert in the popular Discovery Channel special, “The Secrets of Egypt’s Lost Queen,” and is a recurring team member of the History Channel’s “Digging for the Truth.” Her book, “The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut’s Ride to Power in Ancient

Egypt,” was published in 2014, and she also wrote, “When Women Ruled the World: Six Queens of Egypt,” which was published by National Geographic in 2018.

Photographer Joel Sartore concludes the speaker series with Building The Photo Ark on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 pm. Sartore is the founder of The Photo Ark, a multi-year project to document every species living in captivity.

In the first 11 years of the project, Sartore traveled the world to photograph more than 6,000 animals, many of which are critically endangered or have since gone extinct. Sartore is also the author of “THE PHOTO ARK: One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals” (National Geographic Books), and

“We are thrilled to help bring three inspiring and diverse speakers to share their stories.

Especially in a live format, when science is always more captivating.”

- Lucy Hale, president & CEO EcoTarium

Joel Sartore with assistant at work. ©Joel Sartore.

his first series on PBS, Rare: Creatures of the Photo Ark, premiered in July 2017.

In addition to The Photo Ark, Sartore is a regular contributor to National Geographic magazine and has written several books. Sartore and his work regularly appear on “National Geographic Channel’s Explorer”, “NBC Nightly News” and “NPR’s Weekend Edition”. He is also a contributor on “CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood.”

Tickets for all three of the National Geographic Live speakers are $95, or purchase VIP seats, including a meet and greet with all speakers, for $175. Single tickets for the individual speakers go on sale in December.

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Behind the Scenes at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory • Fall 2019/Winter 2020

Top Staff Picks From Real Life to Pure Imagination Staff Broadway Picks This season is filled with so many musical masterpieces that it’s hard to pick favorites but, when push comes to shove, we are most looking forward to A Bronx Tale January 16-19 and Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory March 3-8.

Roald Dahl’s classic story reimagined and live on stage, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the sweetest show of the season. Tipping its hat to the original film starring Gene Wilder, this show is your golden ticket to relive the magic and wonder of Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Brought to you by a powerhouse creative Staff Tip: Noble Bar App team including Robert If you’re looking to make De Niro, Chazz Palminteri your trip to the theatre Order from your phone and skip the line with our new Noble App. and Sergio Trujillo, A Bronx more enjoyable, avoid Tale is Palminteri’s true life the lines at the bar and story adapted for the stage. Bursting with high-energy download the Noble Bar App today. Order your dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes by Alan drink right from your phone and receive a notification Menken, A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of when it’s ready for pickup. Not only that, but you can loyalty and family. order your drinks and have them waiting for you at intermission!

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TheHanoverTheatre.org • 877.571.SHOW(7469)

Behind the Scenes

Magazine is published twice a year by The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. All rights reserved.

Editor: Lisa K. Condit Designer: Monica Wagner Elefterion Contributors: Lillian Irwin, Hillary Jacobson, Meghan Montaner, Kelly Rourke, Harmony Wheeler.

Plan now to advertise in our spring 2020 issue.

Contact Diane Pieciak,senior sales manager, at 508.930.2424 or diane@thehanovertheatre.org Cover image: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Lindsey Croop in Change.

Photo by Kent Becker.

All images, unless otherwise noted, copyright © 2019 The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

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