Wortham Center Presents 20/21 Season

A SWANNANOA SOLSTICE

PILOBOLUS: BIG FIVE-OH!

Sunday, December 20, 2020 • 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, January 8 & 9, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre

In 2020, A Swannanoa Solstice celebrates 18 years of delighting Western North Carolina audiences with a world-class display of folk, ushering in the winter season and drawing in more fans each and every year. A beloved local holiday tradition, A Swannanoa Solstice welcomes renowned multi-instrumentalist Robin Bullock and Grammy-winner David Holt to the stage, along with special guests Ellie Grace, Doug Orr, Phil Jamison, E.J. Jones, and — joining the lineup for the first time — renowned Madison County fiddler, Josh Goforth. These creative, charismatic musicians perform a mix of Celtic, American-roots and world-influenced music to dazzle audiences during the annual event, reflecting the heritage of the hills and spreading a peaceful, united and uplifting message perfect for the holiday season.

This performance is rescheduled from the 19/20 season.

Diana Wortham Theatre In their 50th anniversary celebration, Pilobolus turns its traditions sideways and brings its past into the future in a thoroughly engaging new way. As fresh and vibrant as ever, Pilobolus — an Asheville favorite — puts the ‘Oh!’ in BIG FIVE-OH!, and continues to morph its way thrillingly into audiences’ hearts and minds. The celebration includes the vintage classic, Untitled, the high-voltage Megawatt, signature shadow works, and a few concepts that have never been seen before!

828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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SHANA TUCKER

Wortham Center’s 19/20 Artist-in-Residence

Thursday, January 14, 2021 • 7 p.m.

Shana Tucker’s performance is supported by the Come Hear NC campaign through the North Carolina Arts Council.

This performance is rescheduled from the 19/20 season.

Diana Wortham Theatre Cellist and singer-songwriter Shana Tucker exudes musical magnetism, making fans from critics wherever she goes. With a deep respect for lyrical storytelling, her breathtaking, often intimate performances are steeped in a sound uniquely her own, a new genre the rising star calls chamber-soul. Both on and off stage, she charms her audiences, weaving melodies together from a mix of music — classical and jazz, strong hints of soulful folk, acoustic pop, a touch of R&B — creating a musical tapestry with distinctive rhythmic patterns. Often described as a blend of Dianna Reeves, Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman, with a complexity reminiscent of Bill Withers, Shana’s style and sound is internationally renowned by fans of all genres, touted as a talent “whose imprint and vitality has already been quite visible,” in JazzTimes Magazine

AMERICAN SPIRITUAL ENSEMBLE Tuesday, January 19, 2021 • 7 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre

A critically acclaimed group comprising more than a dozen of the finest singers in the classical world, American Spiritual Ensemble has thrilled audiences across the globe with a dynamic and soul-stirring repertoire that highlights the black experience. With a mission to keep the American Negro spiritual alive, the group’s live performances — combining the singers’ talents with an accompanist and an African drummer — range from spirituals to jazz, dance and Broadway numbers. Each of the group’s vocalists are accomplished soloists in their own right, performing with the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala and New York City Opera, and, together, they create musical magic that “holds listeners in a joyful spell” (Sewanee Today).

The American Spiritual Ensemble performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council.

828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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PHILADANCO!

THE PHILADELPHIA DANCE COMPANY

Friday & Saturday, January 22 & 23, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre

Internationally renowned for its innovation, creativity and electrifying performances, The Philadelphia Dance Company and its superbly trained dancers carry forward a decades-long legacy of breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides — preserving predominantly African American traditions in dance. Described by Dance Magazine as “a miracle of skill and energy,” the nonprofit dance company, founded in 1970, was created to provide opportunities for black dancers, who were systematically denied entrance to many local dance schools. Now in its 50th season, PHILADANCO! continues to serve as a beacon of opportunity, inclusion and hope, representing people from widely diverse backgrounds and communities.

The presentations by PHILADANCO! are made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

THE WORLD OF MUSICALS Saturday, January 30, 2021 • 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre

This captivating production takes you on an emotional journey through the very best of musical theatre, leaving you spellbound by compositions both old and new. With beautiful and emotional ballads from Evita, Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, along with great upbeat favorites from Dirty Dancing, We Will Rock You and Mamma Mia, this show brings a little bit of something for everyone. Featuring highlights from the newest musicals such as Rocky and Sister Act II, along with the classics from the Golden Age of American Musical Theatre, The World of Musicals is an enthralling, unforgettable show for the entire family. Get ready to sing along!

“The cast is SUPREMELY talented and an absolute joy to watch.”

— Jordan Higginbotham, Broadway World “Emotional ballads, stunning solos and rousing ensemble performances.” —Main Echo “The World of Musicals puts on a colourful, inspiring mix from memorable musicals – presented by an outstanding cast.” —Reset Productions 828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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Aquila Theatre in

DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Friday, February 5, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre

One of the great horror classics of world literature is brought to life by one of the most inventive and daring theatre companies in the country. The good doctor, Edward Jekyll, has been experimenting with a personality changing formula to release his dark side, Mr. Hyde. As Mr. Hyde grows more powerful and dangerous — terrorizing all of London — those closest to Dr. Jekyll prepare to confront him. Contemporary even today, this classic Gothic novella from 1886 explores the notion that there is good and evil in everyone.

Aquila Theatre in

MACBETH

by William Shakespeare Saturday, February 6, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre

On a deserted moor shrouded in mist, a warrior returning from the battlefield is met by three old women who deliver a chilling prophecy — that one day he will be crowned King of all Scotland. So begins one of Shakespeare’s most exciting plays, The Tragedy of Macbeth — a thrilling tale of ruthless ambition, deadly deception, intense paranoia, and ultimately, insanity. This is a world where “fair is foul and foul is fair.” Read by millions each year, Macbeth offers timeless lessons about motivation and human nature.

828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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EPHRAT ASHERIE DANCE presents ODEON

THE OPERA LOCOS

Wednesday & Thursday, February 10 & 11, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Sunday, February 14, 2021 • 7 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre

First introduced to Asheville through Dorrance Dance in 2018, Ephrat Asherie is back, and, this time, she’s bringing her own unique flair. Explore the complex narratives, innovative imagery and expressive movements of global street and social dance in this New York City-based company’s visionary new work, Odeon. Set to the music of Brazilian composer Ernesto Nazarath, known for mixing early 20th century romantic music with samba and other popular Afro-Brazilian rhythms, this work takes a hybrid approach to movement in more ways than one. The second collaboration between sister-and-brother team Ephrat and Ehud Asherie (choreographer and musical director, respectively), Odeon brings together different styles of street and club dance — only to pick them apart, pull them back together and create an all-new, remixed mode of expression.

2016 Bessie Award Winner for Innovative Achievement in Dance These performances are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council.

Diana Wortham Theatre

Five eccentric opera singers take the stage for an unforgettable (and unexpectedly hilarious) evening of physical comedy and repertoire from the greatest composers of their genre. Taking some of the most well-known operatic hits — music from The Magic Flute, The Barber of Seville, La Traviata, Turandot and more — and combining them with a bit of clownery and well-known pop classics. Throughout the performance, this eclectic ensemble reveals their hidden passions, personalities and desires, many of which bring about unpredictable and often side-splitting consequences. This fresh and original take on opera brings a new perspective to the art form, while, at the same time, maintaining the international high standards for technique and artistic discipline.

The Opera Locos was awarded the Best Musical at the MAX Awards for the Performing Arts in 2019. The Max Awards is considered to be the most important performing arts award in Spain, comparable to the Tony Awards.

828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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THE PEKING ACROBATS

DANÚ

Wednesday & Thursday, February 24 & 25, 2021 • 7 p.m.

Friday, March 5, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Whether they’re performing daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs or displaying their technical prowess at trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling or somersaulting, The Peking Acrobats astound audiences everywhere with utmost bravery and dexterity. For the last 32 years, this stunning troupe of world-class artists has redefined perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. Accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments, this time-honored tradition fuses Chinese music and awe-inspiring acrobatic feats with high-tech special effects to create an exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival.

Known for its high-energy performances, this outstanding ensemble — one of the leading traditional Irish outfits of today — fuses a glorious mix of ancient Celtic music with brand-new repertoire, packing venues across its home country for its lively, standing room-only concerts. For more than two decades, Danú’s virtuosi players on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki and vocals (both in Gaelic and English) have performed around the globe to critical acclaim. Hailing from counties Waterford, Dublin, Donegal and Cork, this authentic ensemble takes its audiences on a musical journey to the emerald hills of Ireland, offering a moving and memorable concert experience.

Diana Wortham Theatre

Diana Wortham Theatre

“The Peking Acrobats are pushing the envelope of human possibility, combining agility and grace in remarkable feats of pure artistry.” - The New York Post 828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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THE JOSHUA SHOW

VITALY: AN EVENING OF WONDERS

Friday & Saturday, March 5 & 6, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 7 p.m.

Tina McGuire Theatre

Everyone has a unique superpower, and they can each be wielded to spread joy to those around us. If we use our collective abilities, the world will change for the better. In a show that’ll make you smile from ear to ear, Joshua Holden delivers pure happiness to adults and children alike. Described as a modern day Mr. Rogers with hipster appeal, Joshua creates heartwarming entertainment using live music, puppetry, physical comedy and tap-dancing to make the world a better, happier place. With a message of celebrating our differences, finding joy in everyday life and respecting the feelings of others, The Joshua Show aims to spread kindness, love and warmth to audiences age 6 to 106.

“Mr. Holden has dedicated his shows to lightening the mood of all in the theatre, puppets and humans alike.” - The New York Times

This performance is rescheduled from the 19/20 season.

Diana Wortham Theatre Step into the world of Vitaly Beckman, where photographs suddenly spring to life, brushes paint on their own and items vanish before the audience’s eyes. Brace yourself for the magic of Vitaly, hailed as one of the most unique and innovative illusionists in the world. Recently, Vitaly appeared on Penn & Teller’s hit TV show Fool Us and stumped the hosts with one of his diabolically clever creations. Blending art and illusion with his captivating style, Vitaly’s one-of-a-kind theatrical experience retraces his journey from a boy with a dream to a man with a vision, who finds beauty and wonder in everyday life and in all living things.

828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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LÚNASA

RYAN KEBERLE & THE CATHARSIS TRIO

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 • 8 p.m.

March 19 & 20, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Known for stunning shows and superb musicianship, Lúnasa is internationally recognized as one of traditional Irish music’s finest instrumental groups. With inventive arrangements and bass-driven grooves, Lúnasa drives the acoustic Irish genre into surprising new territories. Since rising to the scene in 1997, Lúnasa has performed in more than 36 countries — appearing at globally renowned venues like The Hollywood Bowl, Dublin’s National Concert Hall, the Sydney Opera House and the Moscow International House of Music. Innovation, virtuosity and passion have brought the quartet to the forefront of the Celtic scene, while their recordings have been hailed as some of the best and most important albums in world music.

In a special bites-and-drinks experience in the Henry LaBrun Studio, discover a stunningly innovative, out-of-the-box take on the classic jazz trio, rich in melodic invention, rhythmic grooves and “songs that swell and recede,” creating “gorgeous weaves of musical textures” (Wall Street Journal). This supergroup of up-and-coming artists is fronted by trombonist and composer Ryan Keberle, who has performed with a jaw-dropping roster of legendary musicians — from jazz greats Maria Schnieder and Wynton Marsalis to R&B superstars Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake — even playing in the house band on Saturday Night Live. Together with his Catharsis Trio, a pared-down and intimate version of his regular band, Catharsis, Ryan combines that wealth of influence with the talents of some of the most compelling, creative and groundbreaking jazz musicians today.

This performance is rescheduled from the 19/20 season.

Diana Wortham Theatre

Henry LaBrun Studio

828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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THE CAPITOL STEPS

COMPAGNIA BACCALÀ presents PSS PSS

Friday & Saturday, March 26 & 27, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Thursday, April 1, 2021 • 7 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre

Take a break from the heavier side of politics and get ready to laugh like crazy at this political farce. It all began in December 1981, when a group of Senate staffers turned their office party’s traditional nativity play into a parody of the very people and places that employed them. Returning to the Wortham Center once again, in yet another election year, this group of brilliant comics bring a new perspective to 2020’s political climate — and no politician is safe from their witty antics. No matter what or who is in the headlines, you can bet the Capitol Steps will tackle both sides of the political spectrum and all things equally foolish.

This performance is rescheduled from the 19/20 season.

Diana Wortham Theatre Winners of 15 international prizes, including the Cirque Du Soleil Trophy at Paris’ prestigious Festival Mondial De Cirque Du Demain, Compagnia Baccalàs Pss Pss brings enthralling acrobatic feats together with inventive, delightful and often ridiculous visual storytelling that keeps you laughing long after leaving the theatre. Inspired by Chaplin, Keaton and the stars of silent films, modern-day clowns Camilla Pessi and Simone Fassari ran away from one circus to start a circus of their own — and, in doing so, they created a world that is timeless and tender, hilarious and ingenious and beloved around the world.

828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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GOD IS A SCOTTISH DRAG QUEEN

RYAN & RYAN

Saturday, April 3, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Thursday, April 15, 2021 • 7 p.m.

In an unforgettable comedy of biblical proportions, God, dressed in a floral powersuit, has descended to Earth to let off some steam — and, in the process, he skewers everything from Justin Bieber to the Pope. The work of acclaimed Canadian comedian Mike Delamont, God is a Scottish Drag Queen has won 18 “Best of Fest” awards at festivals across the continent, prompting some audiences to wait hours in line for tickets to this not-to-miss show. In a thick Scottish accent, God attempts to clear up a few misconceptions about himself and his role as the Almighty — and, peering over the rim of his reading glasses, he struggles to remain calm about his creation’s misdeeds.

From Rachmaninoff to Gershwin to Billy Joel, dynamic father-son piano duo Donald and Barron Ryan combine their talents to create a dazzling blend of old and new. Their expertise in classical, jazz, ragtime and funk allows these musicians to create exciting new music and give fresh interpretations of old. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Donald came to the United States to study music, eventually becoming one of the most accomplished pianists in the world as a Steinway Artist. Following in his father’s footsteps, Barron began playing piano at age 4 and is an award-winning soloist in his own right. Together, they pair a charming father-son rapport with unstoppable musical energy to create an enthralling concert experience that mixes classical with contemporary.

Diana Wortham Theatre

Diana Wortham Theatre

828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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IAN SHERWOOD

THE KINGDOM CHOIR

Friday, April 16, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 • 7 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre

Armed with a guitar, a saxophone and a velvety voice, Ian Sherwood is a natural on stage, making each concert feel like an intimate experience. Dancing the line between folk and pop, the born storyteller and musical innovator “entertains as much with his wit and stories as his songs” (CBC Radio), and his magnetic energy and stage presence earn him new fans wherever he goes. Winner of a 2013 Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer of the Year, Ian captivates his audiences with a display of impressive guitar work, witty banter and sensational songwriting.

This performance is rescheduled from the 19/20 season.

Diana Wortham Theatre At the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, British gospel group The Kingdom Choir sang a moving rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” their voices ringing through Windsor Castle and captivating all 1,900 guests in attendance, plus an estimated 3 billion viewers around the globe. Led by Karen Gibson, one of the U.K.’s most respected gospel tutors and choir conductors, the London-based choir is a tight-knit community of talented vocalists dedicated to harnessing the raw power of the human voice. From their inspiring ode to Britain’s young royals to performances in concert halls around the globe, The Kingdom Choir is known for their breathtaking harmonies, warm energy and infectious enthusiasm on stage, serving as a sterling example of love, hope and unity.

828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

HELEN SIMONEAU DANSE

Tuesday & Wednesday, April 27-28, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Friday, May 7, 2021 • 8 p.m.

These performances are rescheduled from the 19/20 season.

Diana Wortham Theatre Born in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement, the Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Its founders, Karel Shook and Arthur Mitchell — the latter of whom made history in 1955 as the first black principal dancer in New York City Ballet, believe that the most impactful art is born in moments of extreme injustice and frustration. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the 17-member, multi-ethnic company celebrates half a century of dance, performing forward-thinking, impassioned repertoire that celebrates African American culture through the language of ballet. Through moving performances, community engagement and arts education, the Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century.

The presentations by Dance Theatre of Harlem are made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Diana Wortham Theatre

Experience the intimate and complex language of dance in DARLING, a work that’s equal parts powerful and passionate. Throughout the piece, tension builds between its dancers as relationships unravel and unfold, and the hidden double-meaning in its title is revealed — on the surface, DARLING is a term of endearment, but, later, it becomes a doubleedged sword. Founder and Québécoise choreographer Helen Simoneau sculpts each of her dancers’ movements to relay the intricate, beautiful and often messy story of human interaction. In this brand-new piece, she explores vulnerability and intimacy through the presence and absence of touch — seeking to redirect the assumptions many make about strength, power, and gender.

DARLING at the Wortham Center is presented through Momentum, an intensive professional development program through South Arts, and is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council.

828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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BLACK BOX DANCE THEATRE presents PATRIOT 2020/2021 Artist-In-Residence Saturday, May 15, 2021 • 8 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre

A living memorial of emotionally charged, virtuosic choreography, PATRIOT examines the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans, active duty military and their families, turning real, submitted accounts into moving stories told through modern dance. This stunning work uses dance, multimedia, theater and storytelling to address the ongoing mental wellness challenges of military life. Black Box Dance Theatre pushes the limit physically, technically and artistically, telling powerful stories through movement and creating meaningful work of the highest quality.

The choreography for PATRIOT is presented in partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council and the USO. 828.257.4530 • www.worthamarts.org

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