2019-20 Curtain Up Series Program

2019-2020 CICCONE THEATRE SEASON

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400 PARAMUS ROAD, PARAMUS, NJ 07652 • TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU OR (201) 447-7428

WELCOME TO OUR NEW AND EXCITING 2019 – 2020 SEASON! Dear Friends, We’ve got another great season of Curtain Up! at The Ciccone Theatre.

We are kicking off the season with what could well be the most popular “oldies” group we’ve ever presented… The Duprees. I haven’t done any marketing or press yet, but somehow the word is out and tickets are already being gobbled up by their loyal fans. So, buy your tickets quickly. We are definitely going to be sold out… again.

The Duprees set the tone for a season big on nostalgia. Following them will be an incredible performance I traveled some distance to see for myself. And it was worth every mile! The Music of Bobby Darin starring an amazing Ron Gartner is simply incredible. Ron has captured every vocal nuance and performance gesture of one of the late and great crooner.

I happen to think that Darin, in his all too short life, was the heir apparent to Sinatra. Ron will surely make you understand why.

Of course we’ll present our annual Bergen Sinfonia Holiday Concert! Maestro Murray Colosimo will bring his 30-piece orchestra and a very, special guest soloist to our theatre and holiday spirits will soar.

Like Ron Gartner (Bobby Darin), I am absolutely certain Sherma Andrews’ Legendary Lady Singers will leave you amazed and dazed. This Caribbean-born music prodigy, has advanced degrees from Boston’s prestigious Berklee School of Music, has performed at places like Madison Square Garden and Lincoln Center. A singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, pianist and recording artist, she literally channels artists like Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Sade, Donna Summer, Natalie Cole, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Anita Baker, Beyonce and more.

And yes, we finally got The Infernos! They are so in demand, this band is almost impossible to book. They are America’s #1 show band featuring the incredible Kenny Simmons. If you think The Ciccone has rocked in the past, get ready for the roof to blow off!

And then there is Peter Yarrow. We are so honored to have him back.

Peter carefully chooses where he performs these days. He is literally approached by organizations and venues all over the world and he has certainly earned his celebrity. This icon of the Civil Rights Movement and peaceful soul has fought injustice and bullying with his quiet vengeance and the world is a better place with Peter Yarrow in it. As you can imagine, tickets will go quickly so don’t hesitate to get yours.

And, if that’s not enough, I am very pleased to announce a special season of…

Curtain Up! Special Events.

In October, look for a double celebration of Latino Heritage Month with Real Women Have Curves and Saudade. The first is a remarkable play, written by Josefina López and performed in Spanish by the Cruzando Caminos Theatre Group, directed by Linda Gould Levine.

The second is a truly wonderful exhibition in the lobby of The Ciccone by Leonardo “AVO” Vasconcelos O’Neill. AVO is former student of the Child Development Center at Bergen Community College and has performed with BergenStages. Saudade will be up for all of October. No admission fee for this, so please stop by Monday - Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM. In April, a New York radio legend, Dennis Elsas, brings his Rock ‘N’ Roll Never Dies to our stage. In the days when names like Scott Muni, Pete Fornatale, Allison Steele, Ted Brown and William B. Williams were a part of our everyday listening lives, Dennis Elsas brought us interviews with and insights to the biggest names in Rock music. In his live, multimedia show, Dennis will take us on a great walk down memory lane.

May 1 is an encore performance by our very own Brian Altano. Brian and his son, Dan filled the house last season and we couldn’t add a second performance of Just a Jersey Guy and Son then… but we can now!

And, keep your eyes on tickets.bergen.edu for updates on this years Cinema Ciccone offering.

We’re putting together another series of great films and filmmakers for you.

Finally, we always need your help to keep our theatre spaces and level of talent at the very best. Our patrons have been generous in supporting our efforts. If you would like to donate, please contact me directly. Email is best. Just use the subject: Support the Arts and send it to pledonne@bergen.edu.

As always, I look forward to seeing you at the theatre.

Best,

Peter A. LeDonne Director, Community and Cultural Affairs

THE DUPREES saturday, october 12 – 7:30 pm

Back at The Ciccone by overwhelming, popular demand, the Duprees are one of the all-time favorite golden oldies groups. Known all over the world for their romantic interpretation of some of the most beautiful love songs of the 1950’s, including “You Belong to Me,” “Have you Heard,” and “Why Don’t You Believe Me,” the Duprees’ performance will have you singing along to classic lyrics and reminiscing nostalgic memories.

TICKETS: $45 / SENIORS & BCC STAFF $35 / STUDENTS $10

FOR TICKETS: (201) 447-7428 OR TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU

A CURTAIN UP SPECIAL EVENT!

CELEBRATING LATINO HERITAGE MONTH

WRITTEN BY

JOSEFINA LÓPEZ

omen, who work in a small, sewing factory in east LA in 1987.

DIRECTED BY

LINDA GOULD LEVINE

7KLV SOD\ LV SHUIRUPHG LQ 6SDQLVK E\bWKH &UX]DQGR &DPLQRV WKHaWHU JURXS

FRIday, OCTOBER 18 – 7:30 pm ALL TICKETS: $25 / STUDENTS $10

FOR TICKETS: (201) 447-7428 OR TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU

the music of Bobby Darin starring

RON GARTNER saturday, october 26 – 7:30 pm

Vegas style singer, Gartner, a New York City entertainment showman, will perform fingersnappin’ hits like “Mack the Knife,” “Splish Splash,” “Dream Lover,” “Beyond the Sea,” and more. Gartner honors and celebrates the music, life, and times of the legendary singer, songwriter, movie star and nightclub performer, Bobby Darin. Gartner shares fascinating backstage stories about the entertainment phenomenon, Darin, making this a must-see show.

TICKETS: $45 / SENIORS & BCC STAFF $35 / STUDENTS $10

FOR TICKETS: (201) 447-7428 OR TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU

A

C U R T A I N

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S P E C I A L

E V E N T !

SAUDADE

BY LEONARDO AVO

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S T U N N I N G

P H O T O G R A P H I C

E X H I B I T I O N !

Leonardo “AVO” Vasconcelos O’Neill is a multimedia artist. His photography focuses on perceptions of reality and questioning the abstract rules of nature.

He collages and juxtaposes different mediums in order to evoke and emphasize the inconsistencies throughout our social lives.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 THROUGH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 T H I S I S A N O P E N -T O -T H E - P U B L I C E X H I B I T, 1 0 A M – 8 P M M O N DAY T H R O U G H F R I DAY. N O A D M I S S I O N C H A R G E .

400 PARAMUS ROAD, PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY

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ON THE CAMPUS OF BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BERGEN SINFONIA ORCHESTRA MURRAY COLOSIMO, CONDUCTOR

ANNUAL

HOLIDAY CONCERT

FEATURING international violin soloist Vladimir Tsypin saturday, DECEMBER 21 – 7:30 pm Under the baton of conductor Murray Colosimo, the orchestra will perform works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Kreisler, Smetana, and Gimenez. Notable highlights of the holiday concert include Beethoven’s triumphant Egmont Overture, Op. 84a and Tchaikovsky’s dazzling Valse Scherzo, Op. 34. The performance will also feature international violin soloist Vladimir Tsypin. A preshow in the theatre lobby will feature Canadian brass carols. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. A perfect event for the entire family, Ciccone audiences are thrilled with this traditional annual holiday event every year.

A perfect event for the entire family! Always a Curtain Up! sell out! Order your tickets early.

TICKETS: $45 / SENIORS & BCC STAFF $35 / STUDENTS $10

FOR TICKETS: (201) 447-7428 OR TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU

CINEMA CICCONE Film Series 2019-2020 Dates, films and ticket prices To Be Announced.

The Cicconee Theatre is equipped equ with state-of-thestate-of-the-art screen, projection and sound enhancements. e

ns will include: in Documentary, classic, cla Presentations silent films with guest filmmakers and speakers.

We are very pleased to be able to offer our Bergen County audiences a night out at the movies‌ and so much more!

LEGENDARY LADY SINGERS

SHERMA ANDREWS saturday, JANUARY 11, 2020 – 7:30 pm

Gifted with skills known only to a few artists, Andrews performs passionately and authentically in many different genres and styles, leaving her audience stunned and captivated every time. The Legendary Lady Singers concert showcases some of the greatest female singers and their hit songs in a way that only Andrews can deliver.

TICKETS: $45 / SENIORS & BCC STAFF $35 / STUDENTS $10

FOR TICKETS: (201) 447-7428 OR TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU

AMERICA’S #1 SHOW BAND FEATURING KENNY SIMMONDS, FORMERLY OF THE COMMODORES

THE INFERNOS saturday, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 – 7:30 pm

With three decades of musical magic from “Doo Wop” to “Disco” to today’s “Hot Sounds,” audiences will be up and dancing to the tunes of this amazing group. Featuring lead vocalist Kenny Simmons, also formerly of The Commodores, the Infernos have risen in the music world to the #1 Show Band in America. Simmons and Bobby Wells, the Infernos alumni leader, have been writing and producing over 20 years with The Infernos’ latest achievement being the release of their CD entitled “A Musical Odyssey.”

TICKETS: $45 / SENIORS & BCC STAFF $35 / STUDENTS $10

FOR TICKETS: (201) 447-7428 OR TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU

A CURTAIN UP SPECIAL EVENT!

Join legendary New York radio personality, Dennis Elsas, for this live, multimedia experience featuring highlights from his history making interviews with John Lennon, Elton John, Jerry Garcia and more. As one of the pioneers of the progressive FM radio revolution at WNEW-FM, he’s had a front row seat for rock’s greatest era and shares his favorite stories and experiences in this fascinating show.

saturday, APRIL 25, 2020 – 7:30 pm TICKETS: $35 / SENIORS & BCC STAFF $25 / STUDENTS $10

FOR TICKETS: (201) 447-7428 OR TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU

A CURTAIN UP SPECIAL EVENT!

BACK BY UNPRECEDENTED POPULAR DEMAND! FRIday, MAY 1, 2020 – 7:30 pm

WITH

BRIAN AND DAN ALTANO Enjoy an evening of storytelling and stand-up comedy as Brian Altano, the Raconteur of the Garden State is joined by his son Dan, a stand-up comic based in New York City.

Brian Altano’s story “Making the Sauce,” is an ode to the Sunday-morning Italian tradition.

Irreverent and hilarious, yet heartfelt, it pokes fun at escapades so dear to simple Jersey folk.

TICKETS: $35 / SENIORS & BCC STAFF $25 / STUDENTS $10

FOR TICKETS: (201) 447-7428 OR TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU

PETER YARROW saturday, MAY 16, 2020 – 7:30 pm

American singer and songwriter, Yarrow, is famous for his 1960’s folk music with Peter, Paul and Mary that has helped changed America through song. Yarrow has stood out as one of the most important voices in American music and social reform alongside artists like Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and others. Honored to have Yarrow back to perform at the Ciccone Theatre, audiences will be sure to stand up and sing along with this musical icon.

TICKETS: $45 / SENIORS & BCC STAFF $35 / STUDENTS $10

FOR TICKETS: (201) 447-7428 OR TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU

Sponsorship and Donations To The Ciccone Theatre • Sponsorship of Curtain Up! and Special Events on our stage provides businesses and individuals with great entertainment events for clients, colleagues and employees. Benefits include premium seating at sponsored events, access to VIP reception spaces and brand association with artists.

• Special Events at The Ciccone and Ender Hall Lab Theatres can raise funds for organizations and specific initiatives. Unique and exciting opportunities can bring together a dynamic crowd of philanthropists and business leaders from Bergen County to celebrate and support the arts.

• Arts and Educational Programming bring together outstanding artists with focused educational programs to primary, middle and secondary school children throughout the county.

For more information contact

Peter LeDonne pledonne@bergen.edu

400 PARAMUS ROAD, PARAMUS, NJ 07652 | ON THE CAMPUS OF BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Exterior: The Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre

Bergen Community College has two wonderful and distinctly different performance spaces.

THE ANNA MARIA CICCONE THEATRE and THE ENDER HALL LAB THEATRE.

T

he Ciccone is unique, in many ways, for a college theatre. The stage and backstage space rivals many Broadway houses, but with 300

seats, it's an incredibly intimate space.

No matter what a production's size and technical requirements, the audience is always up close and personal. The design, of course, was intended to put students and learning experience first and foremost, but our community patrons are so, very much the beneficiaries as well.

The expression, “There's not a bad seat in the house.� seems coined specifically for The Ciccone.

Interior Lobby: The Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre

The Ender Hall Lab Theatre

The Ender Hall Lab Theatre wears many hats and they all fit superbly. lt's what theatre folks call a “Black Box” or sometimes “Experimental Theatre” space. lt's a simple, unadorned, performance space, but it's also incredibly versatile. lf needed, it's fine for a full production, an intimate cabaret or, as will happen this season, theatre-in-the-round.

From Left: Peter LeDonne, Susan Williams, Joyce Becker, Tom O’Neill

WE LOOK FORWARD TO PERSONALLY GREETING YOU!

CURTAIN UP! THE 2019/20 SEASON AT THE CICCONE

HOW TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE: TICKETS.BERGEN.EDU

BY PHONE: (201)-447-7428 BOX OFFICE: The Box Office is open 8:30 AM -5:30 PM in Room A-130 adjacent to the Theatre Lobby .

BOX OFFICE WINDOW (Theatre Lobby) Opens 60 minutes before each performance

Please call the Box Office at 201-447-7428 for group discounts and more information.

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THE CICCONE THEATRE is located on the campus of Bergen Community College 400 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ 07652 U.S.

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