Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway featuring Vanessa Williams

VIRTUAL EVENT

TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS

Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway featuring

Vanessa Williams DEC 5

The Show Must Go Online Thank you for supporting Texas Performing Arts as we navigate the challenge to safely connect our community to live performance.

Your participation is an investment in the programming we look forward to bringing you in our theaters on the University of Texas at Austin campus in the future.

Texas Performing Arts Executive Director and Tony AwardŽ winning producer, Bob Bursey, is excited to bring Austin’s Broadway fans critically acclaimed actress and singer Vanessa Williams live from New York.

Thank you for spending time with us.

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Photo by Trent Lesikar

We are dedicated to providing access to amplify, connect, and explore a safe and inclusive creative home for the broadest possible expression of artists and audiences.

In this issue

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“go, listen, and be changed” — the Boston Globe

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About Vanessa Williams

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Building a Bridge with Robots

Vanessa Williams

Live from the West Side

Email your questions for Vanessa Williams prior to the show at askvanessawilliams@gmail.com.

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Dec 5, 2020 Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway

Vanessa Williams PROGRAM Tonight’s Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway performance features critically acclaimed actress and singer Vanessa Williams in the final performance in a three-part virtual concert series streaming live from New York’s Shubert Virtual Studios on Manhattan’s West Side. The show will feature a mix of Broadway showtunes, pop songs, and personal stories from Williams’ life.

Photo by Rod Spicer

Your purchase supports Texas Performing Arts’ reopening and recovery efforts. Thank you.

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ABOUT VANESSA WILLIAMS

Having sold millions of records worldwide, Vanessa has also achieved numerous #1 and Top 10 hits on various Billboard Album and Singles charts: Pop, Dance, R&B, Adult Contemporary, Holiday, Latin, Gospel, and Jazz.

Her critically acclaimed work in film, television, recordings, and the Broadway stage has been recognized by every major industry award affiliate including 4 Emmy nominations, 11 Grammy nominations, a Tony Award® nomination, 3 SAG award nominations, 7 NAACP Image Awards, and 3 Satellite Awards. Her platinum single “Colors of the Wind,” from Disney’s Pocahontas, won the Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

A graduate of Syracuse University, Vanessa is a strong advocate for equal rights, especially concerning

the gay community and minorities. She was honored with the Human Rights Campaign “Ally for Equality” Award for her humanitarian contributions. Vanessa also achieved a career pinnacle with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.

Bubble Kisses, Vanessa’s first picture book for children, released in 2020, tells the story of a young girl with the ability to transform into a mermaid.

This effervescent, lively tale is based on a song which is also available with the book and as a download.

Her autobiography, You Have No Idea, co-written with her mother Helen Williams, was a New York Times Best Seller in 2012.

Vanessa’s recent Broadway credits include co-starring with Cicely Tyson in The Trip to Bountiful, (the #1 play of the 2013 season), After Midnight (2014), and a special limited engagement in Hey, Look Me Over at New York City Center in 2018.

Vanessa is the mother of four — Melanie, Jillian,

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Photo by Gilles Toucas

Vanessa Williams is one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in the entertainment industry today.

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Devin, and Sasha. Her charitable endeavors are many and varied, embracing and supporting such organizations as Concerts for America, Special Olympics, and several others.

Vanessa is exclusively managed by the Sterling Winters Company (SWC) / kathy irelandÂŽ Worldwide.

Photo by Mike Ruiz

Vanessa is one of the world’s most accomplished concert artists, appearing

regularly with the most prestigious symphony orchestras in the world, most recently with the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center.

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Join us online every Wednesday @ 7 pm CT Win fun prizes like tickets to shows like these or autographed show posters!

New theme every week!

RSVP at texasperformingarts.org

Work Smarter Ricoh’s innovative business services are empowering Texas Performing Arts, on and off the stage.

Spotlight on Ricoh's Interactive Whiteboard, which encourages innovative, engaging, hands-on collaboration.

Photo courtesy of ©Park Street Photography

Our experience and cutting-edge technology allows the real-time exchange of information and the ability to collaborate whenever, wherever and however—helping Texas Performing Arts to work smarter.

www.ricoh-usa.com

Proud Workplace Technology Provider of Texas Performing Arts

© 2020 Ricoh USA, Inc. Ricoh® and the Ricoh logo are registered trademarks of Ricoh Company, Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

TEXAS MIXTAPE: Vol. 3

A Curated Series by Graham Reynolds

Dec 11 at 7 pm Featuring Josh Baca Orion Garcia Andre Hayward Beto Martinez

You’re invited to the Texas Big Top — a new outdoor performance space on the Bass Concert Hall Plaza. To kick off public shows under the tent, we invited Austin composer and bandleader Graham Reynolds to put together a series of concerts with artists who are inspiring him right now. We’re calling it Texas Mixtape, and we hope to see you (from a social distance of course) for this wide-ranging artist’s perspective.

TICKETS SOLD IN PODS AT texasperformingarts.org

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line upon line percussion

Dec 17 & 18

Live Under the Texas Big Top

Austin trio line upon line percussion will kick off their eighth season with two socially-distanced performances live under the Texas Big Top! upstream was commissioned, workshopped, and written over the last couple of months and will feature the works of Kelley Sheehan, Isaac Blumfield, and David Bird.

TICKETS SOLD IN PODS AT texasperformingarts.org

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Building a Bridge with Robots University of Texas at Austin students enrolled in the Performance Robots course will collaborate with AISD Metz-SĂĄnchez Elementary School to design robots that can be controlled remotely via the internet. On top of an already busy virtualclass-filled schedule, Eva Rosenthal, 2nd grade teacher at Metz-SĂĄnchez, enthusiastically agreed to be the robot club sponsor, and developed a STEAM-centered lesson plan for the club.

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The elementary students will create initial drawings and stories, and the UT Austin students will bring these robot designs to life in consultation and collaboration with their young design partners. Controllability and expressiveness to tell these robots’ stories will guide all automation and fabrication decisions of our UT student team. The robots will make their debut performance in December, with their elementary school

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designers controlling them remotely via the web.

This project unleashes creativity in the UT students as well as young learners. In this especially challenging time, we want to explore how simultaneously investing and elevating children and UT students’ creativity might support the mental well-being of all ages and inspire all those who watch the collaborative performance. Through this virtual collaboration, building hands-on, IoT (internet of

things) connected projects, our multi-generational community of students will practice artistic expression, design, and storytelling. In these uncharted times, these little robots remind us of the power of collaboration and play, raising the spirits of us all.

Follow their work on the Texas Performing Arts Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

This program is part of the Texas Performing Arts mission to enlighten, educate, and inspire young artists.

To support work like this, visit texasperformingarts.org/support

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2020–21 ART EXHIBITION

Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon

​ ollywood’s Sistine Chapel: H Sacred Sets for Stage & Scene

Sep 10–Apr 4

McNay Art Museum San Antonio, TX CO-ORGANIZED BY THE MCNAY ART MUSEUM AND TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS

Six hand-painted, sound-stage backdrops from MGM Studios will “guest star” alongside exquisite artworks from The Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts. The backdrops, on loan from Texas Performing Arts, were created for MGM’s 1968 papal drama, The Shoes of the Fisherman. Nearly discarded, more than 200 backdrops were saved through the 2017 Art Directors Guild’s Backdrop Recovery Project.

Texas Performing Arts owns 50 backdrops from Hollywood’s Golden Age of film for use in support of our educational mission.

Learn More MUSEUM TICKETS AT MCNAYART.ORG | FREE WITH UT STUDENT ID texasperformingarts.org

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“Working at TPA has helped me build my leadership and communication skills, not only in the scene shop, but across campus. Doing everything online during the pandemic has been very strange. I miss those quick conversations with people about the things I’m working on — the amazing projects in the TPA scene shop.”

— Julio Muñoz ’21

Photo by Vanessa Valle

Theatre and Dance student and 3-year TPA student employee

As you enjoy the performance tonight, we’d like to pause for a moment and thank you for helping make possible all of the wonderful things that happen on the stages and behind the scenes at Texas Performing Arts.

You can help Julio and students like him by making your tax-deductible gift today! texasperformingarts.org/support

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VIRTUAL EVENT

Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol

Dec 19 at 7 pm Dec 20 at 3 pm

In this world premiere online event created for audiences of all ages, interdisciplinary performance collective Manual Cinema takes on Charles Dickens’s holiday classic with a visually inventive adaptation made to broadcast directly to your home. Each show will be performed live in Manual Cinema’s Chicago studio in a socially distanced manner. In signature Manual Cinema fashion, hundreds of paper puppets, miniatures, silhouettes, and a live original score will come together to tell an imaginative reinvention of this cherished holiday classic.

TICKETS AT texasperformingarts.org

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Texas Inner Circle Texas Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges the financial support of our donors. Each year, thousands of students throughout the region enjoy the performing arts thanks to your generosity.

Donations made as of Sep 29, 2020 Please note that the donor acknowledgment page is updated each semester. Texas Performing Arts values every gift received.

However, we regret that limited space does not allow us to list every donor. For information on ways to give, please call the membership office at 512.232.8567 or email us at support@texasperformingarts.org

BENEFACTOR’S CIRCLE $6,000+

Julie and Steve Avery Jannis and Robert B. Baldwin III Dianne and Robert Brode Marianne and Mario Davila Joanne Guariglia Julia Marsden Eric and Angie Mischke Stephanie Perkins PRODUCER’S CIRCLE $3,000–5,999

Drs. Lynn Azuma and Brian Hall Christie and Jason Barany Carolyn R. Bartlett Edwina P. Carrington Suzanne and Bill Childs Matthew B. Ely Jessica and Marc Evans Susan and Lee Gammill Susan and Barry Goodman Juan M. Guerrero, M.D. Gladys M. Heavilin Chuck Ross and Brian Hencey Dan Jackson and Jeremy Guiberteau Gary C. Johnson Chris and Melissa Knox Cathy and James Kratz Gretchen and Lance Kroesch Colin Lapin Sheryl and Daniel McNichol Janis and Joe Pinnelli Linda and Robert Rosenbusch Kenneth Sandoval Carolyn and Marc Seriff Syd Sharples Barry Smith Kathleen and Gilbert Soto Laura and David Starks Shari and Eric Stein Louann and Larry Temple Carole Tower and Matthew St. Louis Rebecca and Scott Van Den Berg Annie Zucker

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DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $1,500–2,999

Deepika and Somdipta Basu Roy Becky Beaver Robert Bloemhof Dave and Nancy Bourell Kara and Shelby Brown Kim and Thomas Reed Brown Shellie and Martin Campos Carol and Shannon Casey Sue and Kevin Cloud Anita and William Cochran John and Kim Coers Barbara Ellis and Alex McAlmon Kevin Espenlaub and John Hampton Laura L. Estes and Joyce A. Lauck Jim Ferguson and Art Sansone Pamela and David Frager Dr. Billy Franklin Sandra Freed Cheryl and R. James George, Jr. Sharon and Bruce Golden Melissa and Rick Gorskie Karen and Rowland Greenwade Sven and Robin Griffin Cheryl Gross Richard Hartgrove and Gary Cooper Mary Ann and Dr. Andrew Heller Anne and Thomas Hilbert Amy and Jeffrey Hubert Admiral and Mrs. B. R. Inman Margaret Denena and Cliff Knowles Kelley Knutson and Carol Walsh-Knutson Sheila Kothmann Calvin and Donna Lee Sue and Larry Lewellyn Ellen and Richard Leyh Suzanne Lima Alaire and Thomas Lowry Gayle and Scott Madole Leora Orent and Art Markman Charles and Leslie Martinez Delores Massad Molly McDonald and Chad Hartmann Tom and Alexandra McKeone Monica and Robert Meadows Jennifer and Jim Misko Mary and Lynn Moak Amy Wong Mok Miriam and Jim Mulva Jennifer Nall Carol Nelson Meri and Don Nelson Paul Nelson and Jessica Shadoian Jeffrey Neumann texasperformingarts.org

Cathy Oliver Wayne Orchid Connie and Samuel Pate Michele and Roy Peck Shari and John Pflueger Javier Prado Debbie and Jim Ramsey Alyssa Russell Nina and Frank Seely Tracey Sharples Trish and Brian Sierer Lorri Stevenson Austin Stitzer Bruce Stuckman Peter and Joan Swartz Nancy and Dr. Brent Talbott Erin Vander Leest and Tom Pyle Daniel and Sara-Jane Watson Chrissie Welty Susan and Chris Wilson with Bonita Grumme Dr. Lucas Wong and Dr. Lisa Go CENTER STAGE $600–1,499

Mark Aitala The Ballon Family Jana and Barry Bandera Travis and George Baxter-Holder Dr. Steven A. Beebe April Berman Carolyn and Jon Bible Carolyn and Andrew Birge Tim and Grizelda Black Denis Blake Stephanie and Michael Blanck Robert Bracewell Steve and Jen Braud Brook and Gerald Broesche Christopher and Tira Brom Janice and Charlie Brown Kimberly Brown Scott Brown and Cheri Lafrinea Kelli and John Carlton Sam and Alison Clare Sarah Compton Jeanette Cortinas Elaine Daigle Wilma Dankovich Lorraine and John Davis Lisa and Paul Delacruz Lucy Ditmore Susan and David Donaldson Sharon Duboise Maria Dwyer Susan and David Eckelkamp Sheila Ellwood

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Carol and Clint Fletcher Jane W. Fountain Katina and Matthew Gase Jon and Joanna Geld Sharon and Richard Gibbons Glenn and Nancy Gilkey Jana and John Grimes Maria Gutierrez and Peter Nutson Tizzle Bizzle Hallock Cindy and John Hanly Amy and Peter Hannan Darcy and Rick Hardy Family Jennifer and Randall Harris Michael Herman Robbi Hull Kathleen and Jim Jardine Susan and Richard Klusmann Jan and Orion Knox Amy and David Lambert Melanie C. Lewis Nancy and Dale Lowe

Peggy Manning Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Masullo Sherry McKinney, PhD. Ford McTee Frances Ellen and Paul Metzger Pauline and Alfred Meyerson Mark Miller Natalia Morgan James W. Moritz Philip Neff Brian Neidig Margaret and Brian Nilson Dan and Deborah O’Neil Augustine Park Robert Pender Cindy Perez Tami Pharr Kari and Brian Phenegar Suzanne Pickens and Douglas Hoitenga Wanda Potts Kate and Scott Powers

Eric Rabbanian Dawn and Thomas Rich Susan E. Salch Julie and Richard Schechter Drs. Stacey and Andy Silverman Raymond Smith Steven Smith Nancy Whitworth Spong Karin and Robert Stern Geeta and David Suggs Judy and Jay Tarwater Bri Thatcher and Andy Modrovich Stacy and Michael Toomey Keith Uhls Cody Ulmer Saradee and Melvin Waxler Marie and Phil Wendell Leslie and Bryan Weston Michael Wilen Michael Wynn Timothy Young Micka and Richard Ziehr

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Director’s Council Volunteer Leadership in Action

The Texas Performing Arts Director’s Council is a group of dedicated donors, sponsors, and volunteers committed to presenting world-class performances, providing students access to every performance we present, and building the next generation of audiences, artists, and presenters.

We are grateful for their extraordinary support and dedication.

2020–21 COUNCIL MEMBERS Robert and Jannis Baldwin Becky Beaver Edwina Carrington Marianne and Mario Davila Laura Estes and Joyce Lauck Cynthia Glover and Dwight Williams Joanne Guariglia Stephanie Guariglia Rob Hagelberg Rhonda Hall Dan Jackson and Jeremy Guiberteau Julia Marsden Ashlee Olsem Stephanie L. Perkins Rachel Tocker Rebecca Van Den Berg Annie Solomon Zucker Brian Zucker

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The Team Bob Bursey

PRODUCTION

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Executive Director

Seb Boone

Amber Goodspeed

Tara Vela

Master Electrician

Events Manager

Scott Bussey

Tim Rogers

Technical Director

Assistant Director, Education & Engagement

Associate Director BUSINESS OFFICE

Kristi Lampi

Sarah Cantu

Business Operations Manager

Master Electrician

Leigh Remeny

Phoebe Greene

Administrative Associate, Business Operations

Event Operations Manager

DEVELOPMENT

Stage Supervisor

Sarah Weidler Young

Carolyn Hardin

Associate Director of Development

Natalia Morgan

Conrad Haden

Assistant Prop Shop Supervisor

Jason Huerta

Development Associate

Associate Scenic Studio Supervisor

GUEST SERVICES

J. E. Johnson

Sarah Andrews

Yvonne Kimmons

MARKETING

Assistant Director, Performance Logistics

Senior Graphic Designer

Erica De Leon Marketing Specialist, Digital Media

Talent Buyer

Brenda Simms Program Coordinator, Education & Curriculum Development TICKET OFFICE

Margaret Badasci Assistant Ticketing Services Manager

Dianne Whitehair Ticketing Systems Manager

Scenic Studio Supervisor

Guest Services Manager

Lizzie Choffel

Will Shirey

Kenny Kuykendall Assistant Audio Supervisor

Karen Maness Scenic Art Supervisor

Romina Jara

Ashton Bennett Murphy

Marketing Coordinator, Media Buying & Settlements

Hank Schwemmer

Assistant Scenic Charge Artist Master Carpenter

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Dinner, drinks and a show - Can tonight get any better?

Located down the street from Bass Concert Hall, The University of Texas Club is the perfect spot for dinner or a drink before your show.

Contact us today to to see how we can enhance your show experience.

512.477.5800

*Some restrictions apply. See Club for details.ŠClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 46661 1119 AJ

Support The 2020–21 Texas Performing Arts Season is made possible by generous support from our corporate and foundation partners.

As an educational institution committed to the free exchange of ideas, Texas Performing Arts is proud to present a rich array of performing arts for the Austin and Central Texas community. Sponsorship of Texas Performing Arts does not imply endorsement of artists or their performance content by sponsors or their representatives.

For Information on Corporate Sponsorship Contact Sarah Weidler Young, Interim Director of Development 512.471.1195 | syoung@texasperformingarts.org 26 texasperformingarts.org

THE FUTURE IS HERE THE NEW

SOUTH END ZONE

OPENS FOR THE 2021 TEXAS FOOTBALL SEASON. Donors can secure new premium seating opportunities today!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON: Premium box seating Field club seats Contact the Longhorn Foundation at 512-471-4439

Become a Corporate Circle Member Members of the Corporate Circle enjoy VIP benefits while providing jobs for up to 70 students at Texas Performing Arts each year. With your support, students gain real work experience in every field from accounting to stage management, as well as professional mentoring, rĂŠsumĂŠ and job search support, and a paycheck to help cover the cost of a world-class education at The University of Texas at Austin.

The Corporate Circle is a great way to enjoy everything that Texas Performing Arts has to offer today, align your brand with the cultural leader in Central Texas, and help students build a strong foundation for the future!

OVATION

Frost Bank ChemCentric APPLAUSE

K Friese and Associates Richie & Gueringer, P.C.

For information on the Corporate Circle contact Development at 512.232.8567

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@H-E-B 19-3609