Blumenthal Performing Arts OnStage 2014-15 Spring/Summer by Blumenthal Performing Arts

onstage

Spring/Summer 2015

2015-16 PNC Broadway Lights Set to Wow Audiences p. 12

Motown The Musical: Get Ready 'Cause Here We Come p. 6

KNIGHT THEATER Levine Center for the Arts

Breakin' Convention: Festival of Hip-hop Dance Theater p. 10

BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Belk Theater â&#x20AC;˘ Booth Playhouse Stage Door Theater

SPIRIT SQUARE

McGlohon Theater Duke Energy Theater

onstage

BOARD of TRUSTEES

Spring/Summer 2015

Breakin' Convention

A Beautiful Broadway Light

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Collaborative internship program to nurture cultural and scientific rts in Charlotte.

Get ready for Motown The Musical – the story behind the music that shattered barriers.

International festival of hip-hop dance theater is heading to the Queen City this fall.

2015-16 PNC Broadway Lights season brings the thrill of Broadway home.

The fourth annual Blumey Awards is where talent and opportunity meet onstage.

onstage

New scholarship rewards students who want to work behind the scenes.

Onstage magazine is produced by the Blumenthal Performing Arts marketing staff. Vice President of Marketing Wendy Oglesby

Two feel-good musicals – that were also hit films – stop in Charlotte this summer.

Writer and Content Coordinator Elise Esasky, communications manager Production assistance: Lindsey Burton Robert Wilds

Freedom Schools students will get a chance to see Annie – and a message of hope.

Facebook.com/NCBPAC

Editor and Graphic Designer Mark Wallace, creative services manager

Get your groove on when National Dance Day ignites in uptown in July.

Twitter.com/BlumenthalArts

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

Riaz H. Bhamani Amy Rice Blumenthal Kristin Hills Bradberry, chair-elect James Bullock Joni Y. Davis James F. Downs Edmund H. Driggs J. Porter Durham Jr. Charlie Elberson David M. Goodman Molly B. Griffin Timothy L. Gunter Greg Haislip Jeffrey S. Hay, secretary Lloyd E. Johnson Steve Kinney Dr. Edith Valladares McElroy Edwin B. Peacock III Joy Pinchback Rick D. Puckett, chair George A. Raftelis Ed Rose Anne Stolz Bill Sullivan, treasurer Catherine Warfield V. Curtis Watkins Amy Wooden

Dirty Dancing comes to the stage

YouTube.com/NCBPAC

BlumenthalArtsBlog.org

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Contributing writer: Brandon Carter Editing support: Lorrie Henry John Luebke Cover photos: Original Broadway Cast of Matilda The Musical, photo by Joan Marcus; The Temptations in Motown The Musical First National Tour, photo by Joan Marcus, 2014; and dance group The Ruggeds.

PRESIDENT’Swords TOM GABBARD Dear Friends:

e care about our kids. Reading through this issue of Onstage, you’ll learn some of the ways that Blumenthal Performing Arts works to nurture and inspire our kids. We want them to dream big dreams, and to aim high in all facets of their lives.

Nurturing Big Dreams

In four short years, The Blumey Awards has become one of the top programs in the country. This high school musical awards program is helping to strengthen the role of theater in the annual slate of activities at schools.

Many of the participating students feel an extra measure of pride as their Blumey Award is displayed in the hall of honor usually reserved for athletics at their school. That encourages them to show up to school and work a little harder in class. The Blumey Awards are four years young. Keep a close eye on how this wonderful program continues to grow and have a positive impact on our kids. People might know us best for the thrill of watching shows in our six venues, but increasingly you’ll see programs that encourage active participation. Open Mic has been a huge hit, and National Dance Day is an opportunity to try out all sorts of dance moves with your friends. These types of programs are a priority for us, so watch for more. One of the most exciting new programs headed to Charlotte for the first time is Breakin’ Convention – An International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre. Breakin’ Convention has been hugely popular for 12 years in London at our peer venue, Sadler’s Wells. We are bringing it to the United States where it also will travel to Apollo Theater in Harlem after playing at the Levine Center for the Arts, Oct. 9 and 10.

The Next Big Thing

This is the first of what we hope will be an annual festival for us. Other cities across the U.S. are watching this carefully, and our hope is that eventually we will have a network of five or six cities across the country where the festival will occur on back-to-back weekends. Collaboration with our arts colleagues around town has become more important than ever. We are blessed to have a rich variety of venues in Charlotte. As you read through this issue of Onstage, you’ll see ways in which we are trying to connect programmatically with our colleagues, as well as physically use these sites in new and interesting ways.

Arts Partners

Be sure to go see Motown when it comes to town. This show works on so many levels. Most of all, it is great music and a great party. But Motown is also a story about the incredible social change that occurred in our country at the same time the music rose to popularity.

Don't Miss Motown!

Charlotte is uniquely connected to the show, thanks to the director, Charles Randolph Wright, who grew up nearby in Chester, S.C. Wright is a remarkably talented performer and now director. He’s a living example of why we should care about our kids, and why encouraging them to dream big dreams will have beautiful results.

While hip-hop started in the streets, Breakin’ Convention showcases these artists on the stage in the kind of theatrical manner you’d expect to see from a great company like Alvin Ailey. Along with the international groups will be a variety of local groups and artists. On Saturday, Oct. 10, there will be a free festival with numerous outdoor stages, including several for spontaneous dancing where you can get out and strut your stuff. Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Tom Gabbard President tgabbard@ncbpac.org onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

NEWSbriefs Camp Blumenthal: An Adventure in Imagination Special programming for area Girl Scouts opens a new world of discovery and creativity through the wonder of theater

hillis Cardwell, Girl Scout troop leader for Davidson area Brownie Troop 574, was thrilled to share the imaginative world of live Broadway Theater with 15 young ladies from her troop this past fall. The girls, including Cardwell’s 7-year-old daughter, Ava, spent an entire day at Camp Blumenthal – a very special program offered to area Girl Scouts that included a matinee performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. “Our girls just loved it,” said Cardwell. “Exposing them to an entirely new cultural experience was very exciting for them. The opportunity to creatively play, receive special patches and meet other area scouts was something that captured their imagination.” Cardwell’s troop was one of nine area troops in attendance. A total of 166 Daisies, Brownies and Juniors enjoyed the funpacked event organized by Blumenthal’s Wanita Latta, group sales manager. “Camp Blumenthal is an opportunity for us to reach out in the community and share the magical experience that only live Broadway Theater can deliver,” said Latta. “The program has evolved over the past few years with our kid-friendly productions. For Cinderella, we worked with the Girls Scouts

to create a unique workshop that helped the girls work toward a special badge.” “Playing the Past” was the theme for the day, and the workshop had the girls create their own “period character,” create diary entries, wardrobe choices and even imagine what their daily lives would entail. “Lunch and the performance followed Girl Scouts participate in a Cinderella workshop. the workshop,” said Latta, “and as a special treat, we gave each girl a Cinderella and Blumenthal patch as keepsakes.” Latta noted that Blumenthal is planning a similar experience for the upcoming spectacular in July, Annie, and offers the camp experience to other groups, as well. “We’re working with a group of home-schooled kids for an upcoming performance,” said Latta. “We’re always thrilled to ignite kids’ passion for the theater.” n – Article by Michael J. Solender

Blumenthal Welcomes New Board of Trustees Members

“I was fortunate to be raised in an environment he new year marked the approval of a few new where exposure to the arts was important and fostered members and positions for Blumenthal Performing a strong family bond. My parents saved from limited Arts’ board of trustees. In 2015, Blumenthal is funds to afford piano and dance lessons and to bring excited to welcome the following new members: us to musical and theatrical performances whenever • Kristin Hills Bradberry – chair-elect possible,” Meeks said. “I am drawn to Blumenthal • Jeff Hay – secretary Kristen Hills because the arts are a critical part of who I am and I • Bobby Chesney and Barbara Meeks – trustees Bradberry can’t imagine my life without them. Blumenthal • Ed Driggs – City Council appointee trustee has a significant impact on our community as an • Joy Pinchback and Steve Kinney – attractive place to live and work, so it is critical apprentice trustees to our future that we continue to build upon this Bradberry will take over Rick Puckett’s position success.” as board chair in 2016. She will spend much of Hay, new board secretary, looks forward to 2015 preparing for her future role and is excited to the new way in which Blumenthal will be able see how that preparation manifests. Jeff Hay Bobby Chesney to enrich the community in 2015 through the “To have the opportunity to be in a leadership Sadler's Wells’ Breakin’ Convention event, position with this organization is both humbling sponsored by Sprite. and stimulating. I have worked in the nonprofit “It is in its 12th year in London and attracts arena my entire adult life, and I think Blumenthal hip-hop stars from all over the world,” he said of operates in such an effective and powerful way Breakin’ Convention. “The festival will only play at that I’m eager to be closer to the organization and New York’s Apollo Theater and in Charlotte this learn more,” Bradberry said. Barbara Meeks Ed Driggs year, and the fact that Blumenthal can attract a One of Bradberry’s biggest draws to Blumenthal show like this is a testament to the diversity of the is the organization’s commitment to bringing the arts community that we have in Charlotte.” arts to children who might otherwise not have The board of trustees oversees a complex access to them through Arts for All initiatives like business with six venues hosting hundreds of ticket scholarships and formal partnerships. performances and thousands of events each year. n The same goes for new trustee Meeks, who believes the arts should be a part of every child’s life. Joy Pinchback Steve Kinney – Article by Diana Palka

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015 Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Nurturing Cultural, T Scientific Arts in Charlotte

By Michael J. Solender

Collaborative internship program designed to inspire future leaders

his summer, between 30 and 40 area high school and college students will experience a unique, behind-thescenes look at what it takes to operate a major cultural or science organization. Together with the Levine Museum of the New South, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Discovery Place, Blumenthal Performing Arts is set to host the students in a newly developed, weeklong program called The North Tryon Cultural Collaborative, which is designed to expose them to the inner workings and potential career opportunities that exist in the nonprofit cultural arena. “In developing this internship program,” said Ralph Beck, director of education for Blumenthal Performing Arts, “we’ve established an overarching goal for interns to understand the intersection of and become lifelong ambassadors for literacy, history, STEM and the arts. A secondary goal is to engender in the interns a sense of pride in Charlotte’s cultural and scientific community and a desire to return to Charlotte after college to live, work and invest here.” Discovery Week Representatives from each participating organization are planning the following activities for the interns: • a special day of on-site activities; • discussions with senior staff members; • briefings on their respective missions, visions and goals; • facility tours; and • functional overviews of key departments. At Blumenthal, that means exposure to departments such as programming, accounting, box office, development, marketing, human resources, technical and volunteer services. “We want our interns to see the world of possibilities that exist in operating these institutions,” said Beck. “So much of what we do happens beyond the stage or exhibition space. There are a number of great opportunities, each requiring specialized skill sets. With this program, young adults from our area can see the possibilities and be inspired by the types of career paths available.” Beck noted that in addition to enjoying behind-the-scenes experiences, the interns will have plenty of opportunities for fun interaction and exchanging ideas with each other. “There will be group meals and sessions where the interns will have the chance to share what they’ve experienced and learned from their peers,” said Beck. Charlotte Cultural Fellows A smaller group of summer interns will have an opportunity to continue their learning experience through the Charlotte Cultural Fellowship. For this expanded six-week program, two interns from each of the four organizations will meet with civic and community leaders to discuss real-life cultural challenges facing our community and collaborate on viable solutions. With a mission of raising social awareness of youth leadership and providing mutual benefit to Charlotte’s cultural organizations and the community, these eight area young people will have a chance to make a lasting impact through their work. “We’re excited to share the possibilities,” said Beck. “We want great talent to stay in the region.” n

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

GET READY,

‘CAUSE HERE WE COME. Motown The Musical tells the story behind the music that shattered barriers

t began as one man's story, became everyone's music, and is now Broadway's hottest musical. Motown The Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown was founded in 1959 when Gordy secured a loan for $800 from his family savings fund and started his own record company in Detroit. Within a few years, the label was selling more singles and released more hits than any other record company. Motown became the most successful African-American owned

and operated record company – and business – in the U.S. Now, the Motown story is live onstage in the recordbreaking smash hit Motown The Musical! Here’s what Gordy had to say about his story.

Motown The Musical

Aug. 25-Sept. 6, 2015 Belk Theater

On Motown’s Rise to the Top “I am often asked, ‘How did you do it? How did you make it work at a time when so many barriers existed for black people and black music?’ There are many answers to those questions, but at the base of them is atmosphere," Gordy said. "Hitsville had an atmosphere that allowed people to experiment Continued on Page 7

Reed L Shannon as Michael Jackson, center, with the Jackson 5 in Motown The Musical First National Tour.

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015 Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS, 2014

Continued from Page 6

creatively and gave them the courage not to be afraid to make mistakes. In fact, I sometimes encouraged mistakes. Everything starts as an idea, and as far as I was concerned, there were no stupid ones.” From Songwriter to Publisher and Producer “Songwriting was my love, and protecting that love, in many ways, was the motivation for everything I did in the early years of my career," said Gordy. "Producing the artists who sang my songs was the next logical step to making sure my songs were done the way I wanted. Publishing came about when I couldn't get my songwriter's royalties from a New York publisher. Protecting my songs was also the reason I got into publishing and eventually the record business.”

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS, 2014

Krisha Marcano as Florence Ballard, Allison Semmes as Diana Ross, and Trisha Jeffrey as Mary Wilson in Motown The Musical First National Tour.

played the tambourine or clapped their hands. Any employee who could carry a tune or keep a beat was used. “The love we felt for each other when we were playing is the most undisputed truth about our music. I sometimes referred to our sound as a combination of rats, roaches, soul, guts and love.” PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS, 2014

Clifton Oliver as Berry Gordy in Motown The Musical First National Tour.

On Creating the Motown Sound “The ‘Hitsville’ sign over the door let it be known that if you set foot inside, you were expected to sing, dance, write, produce, sell or manage. That name kept our mission in focus," Gordy said. “Our artists sang background on each other’s sessions, or

On Reaching White Audiences “We released some of our early albums without showing the artists’ faces on them," said Gordy. "The Marvelettes’ album ‘Please Mr. Postman’ had a picture of a mailbox on it; ‘Bye Bye Baby’ by Mary Wells, a love letter. We put a cartoon of an ape on the cover of the Miracles’ ‘Doin’ Mickey’s Monkey’; and an Isley Brothers album had two white lovers at the beach on its cover. This practice became less necessary as our music’s popularity started overcoming the prejudices.” Visit BlumenthalArts.org for tickets. Motown The Musical plays in Belk Theater for two weeks only, Aug. 25-Sept. 6. n

Think You Know Motown? Play 'Finish That Lyric' Motown shattered barriers, shaped lives and made us all move to the same beat. See if you can finish the following lyrics from some of Motown’s greatest hits! “Dancing in the Street” “Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear. Just as long as you are there. So come on, every guy, grab a girl … _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.”

“A B C” “A B C, easy as one, two, three. As simple as do re mi. A B C, one, two, three … _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.”

“My Girl” “I've got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside I've got the month of May. Well I guess you'd say … _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _?”

“Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” “Reach out and touch somebody's hand. Make this world a better place …” _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.”

“I Can’t Help Myself” “You know that I love you. I can't help myself … _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.”

ANSWERS: 1. everywhere around the world 2. what can make me feel this way? 3. I love you and nobody else 4. baby, you and me girl. 5. if you can.

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

Blumenthal Honors Partners With 2015 Center Stage Awards

Blumenthal’s Annual Meeting was held in Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center on Jan. 14, 2015.

Charlene McMoore

Rebecca Henderson

Mary Nell McPherson

uring its Annual Meeting, Blumenthal Performing Arts presented three Center Stage Awards to well-deserving community leaders. The event took place Jan. 14 in Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Center Stage Awards are presented to individuals or organizations whose service or partnership has furthered Blumenthal’s mission and reach, and improved the programs Blumenthal provides to the community. Charlene McMoore Charlotte native Charlene McMoore is a project manager in the IT department at Duke Energy. She was a volunteer at Spirit Square in the ’90s before Blumenthal Performing Arts came into existence in 1992. Soon after, she joined Blumenthal’s newly formed volunteer program. She has been a committed and faithful volunteer who always works more than her required number of events each month, and she provides excellent customer service to Blumenthal patrons. Last year alone, McMoore provided more than 200 hours of volunteer service. She says she enjoys volunteering at Blumenthal because it provides a great atmosphere to meet and be of service to a variety of people in the community who attend events in Blumenthal’s six theaters. Rebecca Henderson Rebecca Henderson, formerly executive vice-president

and deputy general counsel at Wells Fargo, is completing six years of service as a Blumenthal Performing Arts PHOTO BY trustee. During her tenure, she JESSICA CLELAND served on the Facility and Governance committees. She steadfastly worked as a volunteer fundraiser every year on the corporate campaign. Over the past six years, during the most challenging economic years in memory, Henderson helped raise more than $500,000 for Blumenthal’s education and outreach programs. Freedom School Partners (accepted by Mary Nell McPherson, executive director) Freedom School Partners is a nonprofit organization that provides Charlotte-area literacybased summer education programs to prevent summer learning loss for students in grades K-12. It is the largest provider of Freedom Schools in the nation. Each summer, they incorporate performing arts opportunities to broaden their scholars’ creativity, social and emotional development and to inspire them to dream big. Thanks to the support of generous local and corporate donors, 1,640 Freedom Schools scholars and other students were able to attend Disney's The Lion King free of charge. n

Blumenthal Performing Arts Helps Fight Hunger in Charlotte

lumenthal Performing Arts named Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina as the beneficiary of the organization’s most recent employee food drive. The strong participation from employees generated enough food donations to create 2,945 individual meals in the Charlotte area. This will help supply the neediest in the surrounding community of over 19 counties in North and South Carolina. “We have a generous and caring team,” said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community alongside Second Harvest." Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina serves nearly 650 charities. In fiscal year 2013-2014, the organization provided more than 45 million pounds of food and essential grocery items to soup kitchens, shelters, emergency pantries, low-income day care centers, group homes for individuals with disabilities and other similar programs. “It was all due to the forethought, kindness and spirit of giving of people like your group,” said Second Harvest Community Development Coordinator Lisa Marie Nisely in an email expressing her gratitude to Blumenthal employees. “Thank you so very much

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

Above left, Ticketing Operations Manager Carl Bailey gladly carries bags of donations to a collection area in Spirit Square, above.

for supporting our program and our mission of feeding the hungry in our community. There are no words to convey the importance of your kindness.” As Second Harvest’s motto states, "together we CAN end hunger." For more information on how to support the efforts of Second Harvest Food Bank, visit the website at SecondHarvestMetrolina.org or call 704-376-1785. n

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

– Article by Otto Reynolds

NEWSbriefs Blumenthal Hosts Fun, Engaging Community Events

harlotte is full of talent. From singers to dancers to poets to musicians, some of the best amateur talent in the Queen City takes the stage at Blumenthal’s Open Mic. Presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts as part of the organization’s Whirl initiative, to give the general public the chance to actively participate in the performing arts, Open Mic nights take place regularly throughout the year at McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. Whirl programs are sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas. The free Open Mic Local singer-songwriter Alan Gilbert performs at Open Mic on Jan. 3 at McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. events give local talent the chance to perform on a professional stage and arts fans the opportunity to discover up-and-coming local artists. “I’ve performed four times as a singer-songwriter,” says

past Open Mic performer Alan Gilbert. “I’ve played at many open mics in the Charlotte area, and McGlohon Theater is very professional with a large audience that pays attention. It is a great experience, and I feel like I've had a lot of support.” Join other fans looking to discover new talent or take the stage at the next Open Mic. For information about Whirl and upcoming Open Mic nights, visit BlumenthalArts.org/whirl. Another free gathering that attracts hundreds of arts fans is the annual Tony Awards Viewing Party, celebrating its 11th year in 2015. The Tony Awards program celebrates the best of Broadway, and Charlotte fans have the chance to join other theater lovers for a viewing party in McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. Emceed by WBTV news anchor Kristen Miranda, the night features a live telecast of the award show, free appetizers and beverages, a raffle for show tickets and Broadway memorabilia, a sneak peek at the upcoming PNC Broadway Lights series and a chance to be photographed WBTV anchor Kristen with one of Blumenthal’s several Tony Miranda emcees the 11th annual Tony Awards Viewing Awards. Join Blumenthal for the 11th annual Tony Party. Awards Viewing Party at McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square on Sunday, June 7. Admission is free and doors open at 7 p.m. n

Getting Together Affin y Groups Offer Exciting Opportunities to Charlotte Arts Fans

ne way Blumenthal Performing Arts connects with fans in the Charlotte area is through its affinity groups. Affinity groups are informal social clubs that gather arts fans around select shows throughout the Broadway season, many of which offer educational programs to cultivate members and make them ambassadors for the arts. Club Blume Club Blume is a group for young professionals. Discount tickets are provided for select performances, and pre-show mixers give participants a chance to mingle with others before the shows. Club Blume members can also get a behindthe-scenes look at select Broadway shows with “informances” weeks before the performance. Local professionals host unique programs highlighting various topics ranging from costume design to the history of Broadway to show trivia. For information, visit BlumenthalArts.org/ClubBlume or email webmaster@clubblume.com.

affordable R & R. For information, visit BlumenthalArts.org/ TeachersLounge or email teacherslounge@ncbpac.org. Charlotte Live Charlotte Live hosts middle and high school students at various performing arts events, students-only activities and pre-show pizza parties. Charlotte Live also allows students to experience Broadway at a lower price with exclusive student offers. Visit BlumenthalArts.org/CharlotteLive or email charlottelive@ncbpac.org.

Club Blume participants attend the informance for Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which included an exclusive backstage tour of Belk Theater.

Teachers Lounge Teachers Lounge gives Charlotte-area teachers the chance to gather before the show for dinner. Exclusive promotions are frequently offered to the group in gratitude for their service to the community and to provide for some well-deserved,

Out on the Town Out on the Town is the premier arts group for the LGBT community and supporters. With parties before and after select Broadway performances, this group gathers approximately eight times a year. Cast members often make appearances at the group’s post-show mixers. For information, visit BlumenthalArts.org/OutontheTown or email outonthetown@ncbpac.org.

“There’s definitely something special about getting together with other people who are going to the show. It makes the experience all that more amazing,” says Broadway fan Anna Dobbs. For information on all of Blumenthal’s affinity groups, visit BlumenthalArts.org/Affinity. n

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

International Festival of

DANCE THEATER Heads to the Queen City

lumenthal Performing Arts is proud to bring Breakin’ Convention – An International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre, created by London’s Sadler’s Wells, to Charlotte’s Levine Center for the Arts this October. The event is sponsored by Sprite. “We are very excited to be hosting Breakin’ Convention this fall,” said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard. “This is only the second time this incredible event has traveled to the United States, and this will mark the first time it has appeared in the Southeast. It’s going to be an exceptional experience that brings all the energy and excitement of hip-hop dance onto the stage, showcasing it as the dynamic art that is it. We are honored to bring the festival here from London.” The two-day festival will feature hip-hop artists from around the world, as well as artists from Charlotte’s own neighborhoods and the surrounding region. Along with ticketed performances in the Knight Theater on the evenings of Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10, Breakin’ Convention will offer many free activities and daytime

performances Saturday at the Levine Center for the Arts grounds and Knight Theater. Breakin' Convention has been produced and presented annually at Sadler's Wells London since 2004. The festival comprises stage performances of the very best in hip-hop dance theater from around the world … and around the corner. Breakin' Convention is a true celebration of hip-hop culture. It’s regarded as one of the defining new stories of dance in the U.K. in the past decade and is the only event of its kind worldwide. “We launched Breakin’ Convention in London 12 years ago, riding a wave of interest in hip-hop as an artistic form that could be as compelling onstage as more traditional dance forms such as ballet,” said Sadler’s Wells CEO and Artistic Director Alistair Spalding. “The festival has returned annually, choosing new artists and touring throughout the U.K. We are delighted to bring Breakin’ Convention to Charlotte’s Levine Center for the Arts for the first time, following huge success at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 2013.”

SPONSORED BY

An audience watches a performance during Breakin' Convention.

PHOTO BY BELINDA LAWLEY

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

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Continued from Page 10

Alongside the international and national acts, an integral part of the Breakin’ Convention program are the local acts. These dance crews and artists will come from the Charlotte area. The aim is to unearth emerging artists and give them a unique opportunity to perform at a major venue and be inspired by the other artists performing alongside them. Jonzi D, the artistic director of Breakin' Convention and Jonzi D Projects, has been actively involved in British hiphop culture, rapping and B-Boying since its genesis in the early ’80s. Since graduating from the London Contemporary Dance School, Jonzi has been committed to the development of hip-hop theater, creating Lyrikal Fearta in 1995 and Aeroplane Man in 1999. He was an associate artist at The Place Theatre and has performed and created dance theater pieces all over Europe, North America, Russia, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, Uganda and Southern Africa. He is currently a Sadler’s Wells associate artist. Jonzi D has also taken part in the Def Poetry Jam. Recent works include “TAG ... Just Writing My Name” and “Markus The Sadist,” featuring Bashy; “Lyrikal Fearta: Redux”; and “The Letter.” As an emcee, Jonzi has worked with The Roots, Steve Williamson, MC Mell'o', Wordsworth and Hymphatic Thabs, and he toured Europe with Jeru Da Damaja and Gangstarr in the early ’90s. “Jonzi D is the visionary who has driven this project from its inception and is our guide for the launch in Charlotte,” said Gabbard. “Jonzi has great taste and is working to place hiphop dance in the art zone in which a company like Alvin Ailey resides. Using the hip-hop dance vocabulary to tell narrative stories is a new concept here in the States, and Jonzi is one of those international visionaries who is pushing it in that direction. He also understands the

PHOTO BY PAUL HAMPARTSOUMIAN

Jonzi D, artistic director of Breakin' Convention, has been committed to the development of hip-hop theater since graduating from London Contemporary Dance School.

power art has to transform lives and build community.” Jonzi D said: “Breakin’ Convention has had a seismic effect on not only the hip-hop community across the U.K., but also the contemporary dance theater community that has begun to question what it means to do modern dance. Breakin’ Convention is a platform designed to give awareness and value to the advance made within hip-hop dance. Blumenthal has acknowledged the skill within their local community through their excellent spoken word development for over 10 years. I’m excited to see the hip-hop movement in Charlotte and the local areas representing hip-hop theater this fall.” n

"We are delighted to bring Breakin’ Convention to Charlotte’s Levine Center for the Arts for the first time, following huge success at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 2013.” Alistair Spalding Sadler's Wells CEO and Artistic Director

Dance group The Ruggeds perform.

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

2015-2016

New Season Brings Home

THE THRILL OF 2015-2016 PNC Broadway Lights set to wow audiences

roadway’s hottest new shows will be onstage in Charlotte next season in the 2015-2016 PNC Broadway Lights lineup. From contemporary mega hits like Matilda The Musical, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical and If/Then, to a beloved favorite, The Sound of Music, the season will mesmerize audiences with one smash hit after another. “We are proud to bring some of Charlotte’s favorite titles to our theaters next season, along with some exciting twists that we are certain show fans will love,” said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard. “We strive to bring nothing but the best of Broadway here to the Queen City, and thanks to our fans, we are able to do it year after year as a top 10 touring market!” The new season brings a total of eight fantastic productions, including: • The Sound of Music, a new production directed by

three-time Tony Award®-winning director Jack O'Brien. • Matilda The Musical, Time magazine’s No. 1 show of the year and winner of 50 international awards. • Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom. • If/Then, the contemporary Broadway musical about living in New York today and all the possibilities of tomorrow. • The Wizard of Oz, an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic reconceived for the stage, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. • First Date – A Musical Comedy, the hysterical and hopeful new Broadway musical about the chances we all take to find love. • Cabaret, direct from Broadway – the Tony Award-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses its way. Continued on Page 13

The Broadway cast of Matilda The Musical.

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS, 2013

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

2015-2016

PNC BROADWAY LIGHTS TRIVIA Play our trivia game to find out how much you already know about some of our 2015-16 PNC Broadway Lights shows. 1. In late 2013, the classic story of The Sound of Music was introduced to thousands of fans around the world in the record-breaking live-action NBC musical special The Sound of Music Live! featuring which female vocalist in the lead role of Maria? PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

Jessie Mueller as Carole King and cast in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. Original Broadway Cast. Continued from Page 12

Fans who want maximum value can opt for an eight-show Season Ticket package and enjoy The Bridges of Madison County, a stunning new production and two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical featuring gorgeous, soulful music by composer Jason Robert Brown. In addition to these season shows, Blumenthal will present an extraordinary lineup of Broadway Extras, including the blockbuster hit, The Book of Mormon, plus a return engagement of the hit show Kinky Boots. “We’re ecstatic to bring these shows back to Charlotte,” said Gabbard. “They completely fill the houses and leave our fans on an all-time high.” Also included as Broadway Extras are Motown The Musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Ragtime, The Hip Hop Nutcracker and STOMP. Along with guaranteed seats for shows in the series, Season Ticket holders receive access to the very best seats since they are seated before single-ticket buyers. Season Ticket buyers also get the best prices. Ticket prices often increase as availability declines. This season, most Blumenthal Broadway engagements had only limited seat availability, if any, by their opening performance. n

For more information on the 2015-2016 PNC Broadway Lights shows, see Page 14

a. b. c. d.

Kelly Clarkson Carrie Underwood Kristin Chenoweth Jessica Simpson

2. Matilda The Musical is an adaptation of the 1988 Roald Dahl book, “Matilda,” which features an intelligent young girl with a bright personality and her teacher who takes an immediate liking to her. What is the teacher’s name? a. b. c. d.

Miss Honey Miss Butter Miss Sugar Miss Flowers

3. The career of hit maker Carole King takes the spotlight in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. Which song, originally recorded by The Shirelles and featured in the Tony Award-winning musical, helped launch King’s legendary songwriting career? a. b. c. d.

“Baby Love” “Chain of Fools” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” “You’re So Vain”

4. If/Then comes to Charlotte straight from Broadway, where it starred powerhouse vocalist Idina Menzel and featured a score from Tony Award-winner Tom Kitt. Which other contemporary musical features a score by Tom Kitt? a. b. c. d.

Next to Normal Spring Awakening Honeymoon in Vegas In the Heights Answers: 1B, 2A, 3C, 4A

PHOTO BY KEITH PATTISON

Original London cast of Wizard of Oz.

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

2015-2016

Broadway's Best Onstage in Charlotte Next Season THE SOUND OF MUSIC Nov. 24-29, 2015 • Belk Theater The hills are alive! A new production of The Sound of Music, directed by three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O'Brien, is coming to Belk Theater. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy® and Academy award-winning score, including "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Edelweiss" and the title song. The Sound of Music enjoyed extraordinary success as the first live television production of a musical in more than 50 years when The Sound of Music Live! aired on NBC in December 2013 and was seen by more than 44 million people. 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history. MATILDA THE MUSICAL Feb. 9-14, 2016 • Belk Theater Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny. It is Time magazine’s No. 1 show of the year and winner of 50 international awards, including four Tony awards and a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards including Best Musical. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda is a charmer full of adorable children with British accents. The Wall Street Journal says, “The makers of Matilda have done the impossible – triumphantly! It is smart, sweet, zany and stupendous fun.” BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL April 19-24, 2016 • Belk Theater Beautiful – The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music; she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil – including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song – Beautiful took home two 2014 Tony Awards and a 2015 Grammy Award. THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY May 3-8, 2016 • Knight Theater The Bridges of Madison County, one of the most romantic stories ever written, first captured the nation’s attention as a best-selling novel by Robert James Waller and is now an irresistible, two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Awardwinning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that the Daily News hails as “one of Included in the 8-Show Package Broadway’s best scores in the last decade.” With a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman (The Secret Garden, The Color Purple) and direction by Tony winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza), The Bridges of Madison County is the unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more. The Bridges of Madison County is part of the eight-show Season Ticket package. THE WIZARD OF OZ July 5-10, 2016 • Belk Theater "We're off to see ..." the most magical adventure of them all. This new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage. Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this production contains the beloved songs from the Oscarwinning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew www.wizardofozthemusical.com

Continued on Page 15

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

2015-2016

Continued from Page 14

FIRST DATE – A MUSICAL COMEDY Sept. 27-Nov. 20, 2016 • Booth Playhouse First Date is a hysterical and hopeful new Broadway musical about the chances we all take to find love. When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious highstakes dinner. As the date unfolds in real time, the couple quickly find that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening. In a delightful and unexpected twist, Casey’s and Aaron’s inner critics take on lives of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through icebreakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives? CABARET Nov. 8-13, 2016 • Belk Theater Direct from Broadway, this masterpiece returns to Charlotte! As part of its 50th anniversary season, the critically acclaimed and award-winning Roundabout Theatre Company is proud to present the Tony Award-winning production of

Feb. 23-March 6, 2016 Part of the 2014-15 PNC Broadway Lights

Live On Stage! NETworks presents

IF/THEN July 19-24, 2016 • Belk Theater If/Then is a contemporary Broadway musical about living in New York today and all the possibilities of tomorrow. With unforgettable songs and a deeply moving story by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Awardwinning creators of Next to Normal, this "fascinating, ambitious and original new musical” (New York Post) simultaneously follows one woman's two possible life paths, painting a deeply moving portrait of the lives we lead, as well as the lives we might have led.

Cabaret. It is produced by Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) and Rob Marshall (Into the Woods and Chicago, the films). Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theater history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” Leave your troubles outside – life Mature Content is beautiful at Cabaret, John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff’s Tony-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses its way. n

MOTOWN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF UMG RECORDINGS, INC.

Lloyd Webber. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts' desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for the whole family.

Aug. 25-Sept. 6, 2015

Sept. 29-Oct. 4, 2015

Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 2015

Dec. 29-Jan. 3, 2016

April 5-10, 2016

THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION

STOMPONLINE.COM

... AND MUCH MORE!

Order Now With Your Season Tickets Purchase 704.335.1010 BlumenthalArts.org/Broadway

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onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

4th Annual

BLUMEY Where Talent and AWARDS Opportunity Meet By Liz Rothaus Bertrand

ig talent and another sellout crowd were expected when Blumenthal Performing Arts hosted the fourth annual High School Musical Theater Awards, presented by Wells Fargo, on May 17. Fondly known as “The Blumey Awards,” it has become one of Blumenthal’s signature programs as students compete for top honors in 12 categories. The program recognizes the outstanding work of local young artists and provides many opportunities for them to practice their Presenting Sponsor craft in a professional setting. of The Blumey Awards This year’s competition included 39 local high schools, having doubled in size since its inaugural season. The show resembles the Tony Awards®, with performances and awards interspersed throughout the evening. It’s the culmination of months of hard work for students who have participated in their own schools’ spring musicals as well as for the team of judges who evaluate them. There are six nominees for each award, spanning performance and production design categories. Winners are announced the evening of the event. Among the most coveted awards are the ones for best actor and best actress. Recipients go on to compete at the National High School Musical Theater Awards (a.k.a., the Jimmy Awards™) in June and enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City. For a week, they join other regional winners to rehearse, attend master classes and receive private coaching from professionals. Remarkably, in just the four years the Charlotte program has existed, two of its local winners have already been among the finalists at the national Jimmy Awards. One of them, Eva Noblezada, a former Northwest School of the Arts student, was actually discovered there. At age 19, she now stars as Kim in London’s West End production of Miss Saigon. During The Blumey Awards, each of the best actor and best actress nominees perform in a medley, and select students

from every school appear in the opening and closing numbers. Nominees for the Wells Fargo Best Musical Award also perform an excerpt from their spring productions. “Giving students and teachers the chance to connect with their peers is another important aspect of the program. The week leading up to The Blumey Awards is especially busy with students gathering for multiple rehearsals. “It is amazing to see how fast these students bond with each other and how friendships are built out of a mutual love for musical theater,” says Michelle Youngs, assistant director of Education and co-director of The Blumey Awards. The event also offers unique experiences for students who contribute in other ways to the creation of musical theater. For example, The Blumey Awards’ live orchestra, which is made up of professional musicians, welcomes two student musicians to join in on a few numbers. Budding writers compete for the chance to serve as one of 12 Blumey Critics for The Charlotte Observer. Each student’s best review appears on The Observer’s website. The winners of two major scholarship programs were announced during The Blumey Awards. The Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship Fund grants two graduating seniors a $10,000 annually renewable scholarship. The Gordon Hay Scholarship Fund awards a merit-based $5,000 scholarship to one graduating senior planning to pursue a career in a nonperformance field of the performing arts. This award is not for tuition, but for the pursuit of other enriching opportunities – such as unpaid internships, workshops or conferences that might not be otherwise accessible to the awardee. For a list of this year's winners, please visit www. BlumenthalArts.org/ blumeyawards.n

2014 Blumey Awards.

PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

2015 Blumey Awards Participating Schools A.L. Brown High School Les Miserables: School Edition

Charlotte Latin School The Secret Garden

Ardrey Kell High School 42nd Street

Covenant Day School Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Butler High School The Addams Family Cannon School Carousel Carmel Christian School Cinderella Central Academy of Technology and Arts Into the Woods Central Cabarrus High School The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee cfa Academy Annie Get Your Gun Charlotte Christian School Shrek the Musical Charlotte Country Day School A Connecticut Yankee

Kings Mountain High School Little Shop of Horrors Lake Norman High School The Drowsy Chaperone

Parkwood High School Clue Providence Day School Into the Woods

Cuthbertson High School Curtains

Lincolnton High School Godspell

Providence High School The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Davidson Day School Return to the Forbidden Planet

Marvin Ridge High School How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

South Mecklenburg High School Guys and Dolls

East Gaston High School Leader of the Pack

Mountain Island Charter School High School Musical

South Pointe High School Aida

Nation Ford High School Hairspray

Southlake Christian Academy Oklahoma!

Hickory Ridge High School Fame Highland School of Technology The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee

North Lincoln High School Into the Woods

Hough High School Beauty and the Beast

Northwest Cabarrus High School Little Women

Independence High School Guys and Dolls

Northwest School of the Arts Peter Pan

Jay M. Robinson High School Lucky Stiff

Northwestern High School The Addams Family

Stuart W. Cramer High School Tarzan Sun Valley High School Pippin Weddington High School Hairspray

Where Are They Now?

ver wonder what happens to these extraordinary performers after the competition? You’re not alone! We checked in with some of our past winners to see what they are up to these days. 2012 BLUMEY AWARDS Best Actor Winner Kyle Conroy is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill, double-majoring in advertising and dramatic art. Recent credits include starring roles in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Avenue Q. He also performs a cappella and is a varsity member of the cheerleading team. Best Actress Winner Taylor Neal is a freshman at Winthrop University in Rock Hill. She starred in their recent production of Into the Woods. Majoring in theater performance, she also sings with two ensembles and continues to pursue her passion for film editing. 2013 BLUMEY AWARDS Best Actress winner Eva Noblezada has been starring in London’s West End production of Miss Saigon since May 2014. She was recently named best leading actress in a musical by the 2015 WhatsOnStage awards. Miss Saigon swept the competition with nine wins – an unprecedented victory for any show in the 15-year history of these audience choice awards. Noblezada is also featured on the new live cast recording of this acclaimed 25th anniversary production. Best Actor winner Areon Mobasher is at N.C. State University, where he won Rookie of the Year and Best Leading

A small group from Blumenthal Performing Arts catches up with Eva Noblezada over lunch at the National Portrait Gallery restaurant in London, after seeing her star in Miss Saigon.

Actor for his role as Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors. Best Supporting Actress winner Kelly Kapur is now a sophomore Musical Theater major at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C. She recently starred in the university’s production of Little Women. 2014 BLUMEY AWARDS Best Supporting Actor winner Phillip Johnson is a freshman at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), majoring in musical theater. Recent credits include Legally Blonde at CCM and a touring production of Debbie Allen’s Brothers of the Knight. He will appear in The Music Man with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra later this spring. n

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

BACKSTAGE PASS New scholarship rewards students who want to work behind the scenes

lumenthal Performing Arts recently announced The Gordon Hay Scholarship, an endowed scholarship that will be awarded to a Charlotte-area high school senior planning to pursue a nonperforming career in the performing arts field. Each year the Gordon Hay Scholarship Committee will select one exceptional high school senior to receive a onetime award in the amount of $5,000. “We are thrilled to be able to create this new opportunity for area students,” said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard. “We are committed to providing an array of scholarships to young people pursuing careers in the performing arts, and this is another great example of that.” The scholarship is in memory of Gordon Hay, an organizational development professional who was passionate about creating transformational change through the authentic engagement of people’s hearts and minds in the strategic work of business. He believed passion and fire from within fueled exceptional results. Hay created a life filled with music and light. His family and friends believe providing opportunities to students who have passion for the performing arts is a fitting tribute to that life. The award is designed for special learning opportunities related to the recipient’s career interest in a nonperforming area within the performing arts. Examples include but are not limited to professional conferences, seminars or workshops, participation in an unpaid internship program, professional theater/music performances and technology needs. Blumenthal recently launched a dedicated Web page where students can go for information and to apply for scholarship opportunities through Blumenthal Performing Arts. The Web page is www.BlumenthalArts.org/scholarships. Winners of the Gordon Hay Scholarship and the Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship, which is awarded to a student planning to pursue a degree in a discipline related to the performing arts, were announced at the May 17 High School Musical Theater Awards, also known as The Blumey Awards. “We want our students to reach high, to be successful in school, and to be inspired to do great things,” said Gabbard. “Thanks to generous donors who have funded scholarships, like the Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship, we’ve been able to make tremendous strides in helping young people pursue their dreams. We are confident the Gordon Hay Scholarship will do amazing things for students in our region.” The Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Mary Doctor, a Charlotte area

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

Zeinab Caskey, left, received the Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship in 2013 and went on to pursue her dreams of studying stage management.

business owner and a tremendous supporter of young people and Blumenthal Performing Arts. At the discretion of the Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship Committee, two Charlotte-region high school seniors are selected each year to receive annually renewable scholarships of up to $10,000 each. Zeinab Caskey, one recipient of the Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship in 2013, is currently a sophomore at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts working on her degree in stage management. “The scholarship I received through Blumenthal Performing Arts has changed my life completely,” said Caskey. “It has given me an opportunity to study my craft at a top-ranked school. It has allowed me to work on shows that I don't think I would have gotten to otherwise. I've been able to work with guest directors and choreographers and to extend not only my experiences but my name as well. More personally, I have had the opportunity to show people that theater is two-sided. There is another whole show backstage, and it is quite a ride!” n

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

A Clear Improvement Blumenthal upgrades listening assist systems for guests

PHOTO BY JESSICA CLELAND

Blumenthal's new listening assist systems offer a theatergoers a discreet way to hear programs clearer.

lumenthal Performing Arts welcomed an upgraded listening assist system for three of its flagship theaters at the start of 2015, and show fans are already noticing quite a difference. “When patrons return to coat check to turn in the devices after a show, I see nothing but huge smiles on their faces,” said longtime Blumenthal volunteer Cathey Winfield. “Not only can people hear the show without static or dropouts, but their own hearing aids will fit into the receivers, eliminating the need to use our headphones. This seems to be a huge hit among users!” Devices are now available in Belk, Knight and McGlohon theaters. The upgraded technology provides an overall better user experience because it does not require a line of sight to the transmitter and, as a result, allows receivers and patrons to be positioned comfortably. Additionally, users are able to use personal headphones with the receiver to optimize comfort. The new system provides vastly improved

audio quality. According to Blumenthal Director of Front of House Operations Tommy Cantrell, the predecessor system had a lot of static for the user. Dialogue is clearer with the new technology, and a wider frequency response yields a more natural sound when listening to music. “Several guests used the equipment for the very first time during Newsies,” Cantrell said. “It was amazing to see their reaction. They could hear every word without static and expressed their gratitude for the upgrade. We are thrilled to be able to enhance the experience for all of our fans!” Patrons looking to use the new listening assist system can access the devices by checking them out at the coat check in the Belk and Knight theaters. To access the devices at McGlohon Theater, ask the box office staff or an usher to locate the house manager. The service is free. n –Article by Diana Palka

Springboard for Collaboration Cultural arts institutions explore creative ways to celebrate at Levine Center

As an example, Gabbard shared plans for expanding on the evine Center for the Arts has gained national recognition Jazz Arts Initiative and Charlotte Jazz Festival launched last fall as a shiny gem in Charlotte’s cultural crown. It more than at Levine Center for the Arts. At the festival, jazzy fun was had delivered on the promise of an illuminating and diverse by all, with educational programming, array of arts and cultural offerings kids’ events, local artist showcases upon its opening in 2010. Grouping the and a variety of performances. Next Mint Museum, the Bechtler Museum of April, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center Lincoln Center Orchestra will headline for African-American Arts + Culture and a multiday festival with all manner of Blumenthal Performing Arts’ Knight coordinated programming planned. Theater on the same campus has proven Dance Theatre of Harlem comes to be a winning combination for city to the Levine Center through the residents and thousands of visitors who partnership of the Gantt Center and enjoy the variety of cultural offerings. Blumenthal. The Gantt Center will host After an initial focus on operations a major exhibition on the history of and facilities, these organizations the internationally acclaimed dance are working even more closely to up company. Knight Theater will be the the ante, finding innovative ways to hub for a week of performances and showcase arts and cultural events residency activities. and happenings that build upon each Breakin’ Convention, an international other’s strengths. festival of hip-hop dance theater “We are just beginning to realize the scheduled for Oct. 9 and 10, is another full potential of this incredible site,” said Knight Theater is located at Levine Center for the Arts with other arts and showcase opportunity for the campus. Blumenthal Performing Arts President cultural venues, which opens up the door for many diverse programming opportunities. Great artists from around the globe, and CEO Tom Gabbard. “The CEOs of and around the corner, will be featured. the member institutions meet regularly Visitors will experience graffiti art demonstrations, workshops and to explore programming opportunities and ways that our public performances over a weekend they will long remember. n respective audiences can enjoy broader exposure to events, artists and experiences.” – Article by Michael J. Solender Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

big screen FROM STAGE TO

(and Vice Versa)

Two feel-good musicals – that were also hit films – stop in Charlotte

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS, 2014

From left, Gabrielle Mirabella, Georgia Kate Haege and Sarah Smith from the Mamma Mia! North American Tour.

down rhythm and blues.” The movie that launched Swayze’s career (and Jennifer Grey udiences embraced Mamma Mia!, the stage musical, into the air in that now-famous lift) gave the world “She’s Like and Dirty Dancing, the movie. So, the same fans were the Wind” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” But the movie’s predisposed to love Mamma Mia (the film) and Dirty popularity isn’t just due to its soundtrack. There’s an enduring Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage. coming-of-age story. The romance between upper-crust “Baby” Dirty Dancing, part of the PNC Broadway Lights, heats up Houseman and blue-collar dance instructor Johnny Castle is a Belk Theater from June 16 through 21, followed by Mamma Mia!, triumph over class differences. the smash hit musical, which plays at Knight Theater June 30 Love also triumphs in Mamma Mia!, a celebration of ABBA’s through July 5. extensive repertoire – those best-loved songs like “Dancing Lawrence Toppman, The Charlotte Observer’s longtime film Queen,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You” and “S.O.S.” and theater critic, says it’s easier to turn a stage musical into Musicals have the advantage over movies in a couple of a film (as was the case with Mamma Mia!) than the other way ways, Toppman says. “In movies, people are often cast for their around. star value. Onstage, you’d never have Pierce Brosnan cast in “When you’re adapting a musical for film, you’ve got to please a musical because he can’t sing. But he was cast in the movie a very small audience of devoted fans,” he says. When you’re version of Mamma Mia!” converting a beloved film to a musical (as with Dirty Dancing), Musicals, as with any stage production, also have a built-in there are a lot more people to please. “wow” factor. Anything can happen A lot more. “When Dirty Dancing was during a live performance. Musicals released in 1987, 20 million people saw feature tight choreography, leaps, spins it in theaters,” Toppman says. On its and occasionally acrobatics. “We’re 10-year anniversary, it was rereleased, meant to be in awe of live performers’ and millions more saw it then. Still more expertise,” Toppman says. “There’s have seen Patrick Swayze’s character nothing exciting about those things in a say, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” on movie because you know the director did video. multiple takes.” “Those people are going to be picky But live singing and dancing? That (about the musical),” Toppman says. dazzles us. “Fidelity to the original source is the As does a good story. When Mamma main thing. If the creators of a musical Mia! was being written, Bjorn Ulvaeus, take liberties, fans will be angry. If one one-fourth of ABBA, insisted the musical of their favorite songs – “Hungry Eyes,” be more than a collection of songs. He for instance – doesn’t make it into the wanted a narrative. Playwright Catherine musical, they’re not going to be happy.” Johnson, who wrote the book for Fortunately, “Hungry Eyes” is in the Mamma Mia!, delivered. She gave the musical. show its themes – a search for identity, So is Toppman’s favorite song from the desire to escape (and the desire to the movie: The Contours’ “Do You Love return) and the generation gap – and Me?” The 1962 Motown hit plays in the created the dynamic former girl group background during a pivotal scene. Donna and the Dynamos. Toppman says, “The scene where that Both upcoming musicals offer the song’s playing is the first time we see opportunity to sing along to songs you the ‘dirty’ in Dirty Dancing – to the PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY know by heart, dance in your seat and, like extent we see it in a PG movie. It says Samuel Pergande (Johnny) and Gillian Abbott (Baby) in the North the song says, have the time of your life. n ‘transgressive.’ They’re dancing to low-

By Page Leggett

American tour of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage.

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015 Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Blumenthal Talk Back Answers to burning questions at our theaters Can I take food and drink into Belk Theater? For many performances, guests are allowed to take into the theater snacks and drinks that are purchased from our concessions, as well as outside beverages with lids. The seats now have cup holders tucked underneath, giving patrons a safe place to hold their beverages during the performance.

Stage Door Snapshots

Do you offer services for the blind or hearing-impaired at Broadway shows? In a typical Broadway engagement, one Sunday matinee will offer audio description and sign language interpreters. Further information can be found on the “Accessibility” tab located on each Broadway show’s event page. Our box office (704-372-1000) also knows when these services are offered. For those needing a little help to hear every word, we recently installed a state-of-the-art listening assist system that is available in all our venues for every performance. For information on the new listening devices and how to obtain them, see the feature story on Page 19.

Broadway fan Della Erwin, front, poses with the cast of The Phantom of the Opera.

How many theaters does Blumenthal manage? Blumenthal currently manages six theaters on three campuses in uptown Charlotte. Blumenthal’s main campus is Blumenthal Performing Arts Center at 130 N. Tryon St., and it houses three theaters – Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse and Stage Door Theater. The recently renovated Belk Theater is the hottest spot for Broadway in Charlotte and is our largest theater, seating over 2,100 patrons. Booth Playhouse, which has an entrance in Founders Hall, seats 440 and hosts the yearly Charlotte Squawks. Offering a more intimate setting, Stage Door Theater features a small and flexible layout, making it the perfect place to get up close and personal with performers or hold a meeting. Spirit Square, at 345 N. College St., houses McGlohon Theater, an intimate venue featuring classic red velvet seats and stained-glass windows, and Duke Energy Theater, a black-box theater ideal for small stage performances and receptions. Blumenthal’s newest venue, Knight Theater, is located at 430 S. Tryon St. in uptown’s premier cultural hub, Levine Center for the Arts. Knight Theater hosts a wide variety of programming, including Charlotte Ballet, Charlotte Symphony and select Broadway shows, accommodating nearly 1,200 people. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and Mint Museum Uptown can also be found at Levine Center for the Arts. For information on all of Blumenthal’s venues, please visit BlumenthalArts.org/visiting.

Siblings and Newsies fans Jessie and Jordan Hull pose with newsies from the cast.

Broadway actors often sign autographs for fans after the show. Does that happen with touring productions? While there is no scheduled time or place for actors to appear for autographs after the performance, Broadway fans often wait by the Belk Theater stage door. At right, take a look at a few photos of Broadway fans posing with their favorite stars at the stage door. n

Lisa Ramirez, center, meets Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo, stars of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

Upcoming Shows and Attractions JUNE 5-28 6 16-21 18 19 20 25 27 30 30-July 5 30-July 19 JULY 9 10 11 14-19 17 17 25 25 25 AUGUST 5 21 21 23 25-Sept. 6 SEPTEMBER 13 16 18 19 26 29-Oct. 4

Charlotte Squawks: The 11th Glower Booth Playhouse An Evening With Chris Botti Belk Theater Dirty Dancing Belk Theater The Jazz Room Jazz Arts Initiative The Stage Door Theater SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam Booth Playhouse Beatles Tribute Night Tosco Music Parties, Inc Knight Theater Natalie Cole Belk Theater An Evening With The Rippingtons The Jazz Diva Knight Theater Merle Haggard Belk Theater Mamma Mia! Knight Theater Dixieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tupperware Party Booth Playhouse

Natalie Cole

Merle Haggard

The Temptations and The Four Tops Belk Theater Floetry The Sol Kitchen Knight Theater Paula Poundstone Knight Theater Annie Belk Theater The Jazz Room Jazz Arts Initiative The Stage Door Theater SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam Booth Playhouse National Dance Day Wells Fargo Plaza QC Summerfest Mid-Day Concert McGlohon Theater QC Summerfest Uptown Belk Theater

Dixie's Tupperware Party Adult language and content. Not recommended for children.

Boz Scaggs Knight Theater The Jazz Room Jazz Arts Initiative The Stage Door Theater SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam Booth Playhouse Melissa Etheridge Knight Theater Motown The Musical Belk Theater An Evening With Michael W. Smith Knight Theater Lisa Fischer McGlohon Theater The Jazz Room Jazz Arts Initiative The Stage Door Theater Tosco Music Party Knight Theater An Evening with The Bob James Quartet The Jazz Diva Knight Theater Disney's Beauty and the Beast Belk Theater

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

Boz Scaggs

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Melissa Etheridge

Groove FIND YOUR

National Dance Day to ignite in uptown in July

partnerships that include dance as a means to increasing lumenthal Performing Arts will host National Dance Day physical activity, decreasing stress and promoting overall at Wells Fargo Plaza in uptown Charlotte Saturday, July wellness," says Shawn Spohn, corporate community relations 25. This free community event, presented by Carolinas manager from Carolinas HealthCare System. "National Dance HealthCare System, is part of Blumenthal’s participatory arts Day is a great annual event to celebrate all things dance, that program, Whirl, which is sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas. can also influence living a healthy lifestyle.” National Dance Day is a celebration of the art of dance in Dance District founder Ana Ogbueze has cities across America. Since Blumenthal “National Dance Day is attended National Dance Day in Charlotte made it a mission to bring the party to so important because it’s a both years. In fact, she led last year’s the Queen City, Charlotte dancers – National Dance Day dancers in the national time for all dancers of all skill trained, amateur, young and old – have routine choreographed exclusively for the joined to celebrate National Dance levels to come together and celebration. Day for the past two years. With an celebrate each other.” “National Dance Day is so important ever-growing attendance, the event Ana Ogbueze because it’s a time for all dancers of all skill features performances from local dance Dance District founder levels to come together and celebrate each studios, churches and schools, as well as other,” says Ana. “Celebrating community is what it's all about. interactive dances that teach attendees a new form of dance. Dance brings people together in a way that no other art form National Dance Day was launched in 2010 by “So You can. It's active, healthy and, most importantly, fun!” Think You Can Dance” co-creator Nigel Lythgoe and Dizzy Last year’s event featured many different styles, including Feet Foundation. The mission of the event is “to encourage salsa, hip-hop, Zumba, Bollywood and many more. This year’s Americans to embrace dance as a fun and positive way to event is sure to grow and offer an even wider variety of dance to maintain good health and fight obesity.” participants. For more information about National Dance Day, “Carolinas HealthCare System is proud to support visit BlumenthalArts.org/danceday online. n community arts and culture programs through a variety of

Harmony Dance Center students deliver a stunning performance at National Dance Day 2014.

July 25, 2015 Wells Fargo Plaza

Ana Ogbueze leads the crowd in an exciting routine at National Dance Day 2014.

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onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow

More than 1,000 Freedom Schools scholars will get a chance to see a special performance of Annie – and a message of hope By Page Leggett

nnie, the story of a plucky kid who overcomes hardships, is the perfect tale for Freedom Schools' kids. In some ways, Annie’s story is their story. “Our children overcome incredible odds,” says Mary Nell McPherson, the school’s executive director. “And kids who survive tough things make fabulous grown-ups. They have resilience and grit. “Our kids know how to persevere,” she continues. “They just need academic support and the kind of arts enrichment Blumenthal is giving them.” The kids who attend any of 19 Freedom Schools locations in Charlotte generally come from low-income, high-poverty neighborhoods. Summer camp is not likely to be part of their experience. The Freedom Schools program helps fill the gap. The innovative program offers six weeks of summer learning and focuses on literacy as well as social and emotional skills development. In the summer of 2013, Freedom Schools scholars were treated to a performance of Disney’s The Lion King in Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The kids – kindergartners through eighth-graders – had never seen anything like it, says McPherson. “Some of our college student interns, who serve as camp counselors, mentors and role models, had never seen a live performance,” she says. “One of those college students was sitting right behind me, and he kept nudging me to ask, ‘Did you see that?’ “Everyone was smiling,” she says. “They were on the edge of their seats.” Freedom Schools scholars will see Annie when the show comes to Charlotte in July. A special matinee performance of the joyous musical has been added to accommodate 1,100 Freedom Schools scholars, including about 200 students from Bennettsville, S.C., as well as some of their parents. Bennettsville, about 90 minutes from Charlotte, is the hometown of Marian Wright Edelman, founder of Freedom Schools and the Children’s Defense Fund. Freedom Schools scholars in Bennettsville don’t have the same field trip opportunities the students in Charlotte have. So Charlotte’s Freedom Schools program partners with its Bennettsville counterparts to bring the kids here. “For these kids to come to the big city is an incredible opportunity,” says McPherson. And it’s all possible through the generosity of donors. “We do a broad fundraising appeal to our ticket buyers,” says

Generous donors can help Freedom Schools scholars have a chance to see Annie this summer in Belk Theater, at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

A young Freedom Schools scholar anxiously waits outside Belk Theater to see Disney’s The Lion King in August 2013

Cindy Rice, vice president of development for Blumenthal Performing Arts. When purchasing a ticket to Blumenthalsponsored events by phone, online or in person, you’ll be asked if you’d like to give a little more to help fund the Freedom Schools trip. Blumenthal trustees have given generously, too. One trustee matched up to $10,000 in donations. Area churches and schools, including UNC Charlotte, provide crucial funding and space for the summertime school. “We appreciate all gifts to this effort – big or small,” says Rice. “All are given with love. “We believe every child should have an opportunity to experience the magic that’s on our stage,” she says. “But not every child is born into a family or situation where that’s available.” McPherson says of the kids in the Freedom Schools program, “These children belong to all of us.” Freedom Schools is devoted to “sowing seeds and adding fertilizer,” McPherson says. She and her staff intend to inspire dreamers and create possibilities. After the special performance of The Lion King, McPherson heard an anecdote about how well the Freedom Schools program fulfills that mission. Someone told her about one young scholar who, upon seeing the awe-inspiring opening of The Lion King, whispered to a friend, “We can do this.” That’s dreaming big. And that’s what a performance like this is meant to inspire. “The message of Annie is to believe in yourself,” WANT TO HELP? McPherson says. It's a message of optimism – You can help send the Freedom that no matter how hard Schools scholars to Annie by the knocks were today, giving directly to the effort at the sun’ll always come out blumenthalarts.org/inspire. tomorrow. n

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015 Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

The Gift That Keeps Giving

tribute gift to Blumenthal Performing Arts’ Spirit of Service Scholarship could be the perfect gift for someone, or a way to remember a friend or loved one. The Spirit of Service Scholarship provides merit-based awards to high school seniors who volunteer for Blumenthal’s Junior Ambassador program. Rip and Cathey Winfield, passionate volunteers since 2003, felt strongly that Blumenthal Performing Arts was important to the city. Rip believed in the way

Blumenthal energizes uptown by bringing the best shows and concerts to the region. Because of Rip’s passion for Blumenthal’s impact and mission, Cathey designated Blumenthal as the recipient for gifts in Rip’s memory last year. Blumenthal is proud to honor Rip by helping students achieve their dreams in their first year of college. More information about tribute gifts can be found on the website at www. blumenthalarts.org/tribute, or call Tara Spil at 704-379-1353.

Cathey Winfield, right, designated Blumenthal as the recipient of gifts in memory of Rip, left, last year.

MEMBERSHIP To become a member and start taking advantage of the great benefits, visit us online at BlumenthalArts.org/Individuals then “Make a Gift,” or call Tara Spil at 704.379.1353.

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE members Chairman

Peg and Jay Adamczyk Dr. Milton and Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund Kristen and Joseph Brown Jannie and James Brown Victoria and Porter Durham Vickie and Tom Gabbard Barbara and David Goodman Laura and Jeff Hay Renee and Chris Hobart Mr. and Mrs. William B. McGuire, Jr. Michael, Jaime and Allie Monday Jeanne and Rick Puckett In Memory of Jane Mary Reilly Director

Belinda and Timothy Gunter David and Nancy Hauser Wendy and Michael Kahn Lynn and Bill Sullivan President

Anonymous (2) Cathy and Jim Baily Mr. William M. Barnhardt and Mrs. Nancy B. Thomas Christine and Arthur Becker The Blumenthal Foundation Amy and Philip Blumenthal Betsy and Alfred Brand Mr. William K. Diehl, Jr. Elizabeth and James Faulkner Dorlisa and Peter Flur Sandra and Stephen Godofsky Beverly and Jim Hance Diane and Chuck Harrington Kearns Saldinger Charitable Foundation Julie and Howard Levine Mr. Michael McGuire Eva and George Raftelis Jean and Matt Salisbury Karen and Edgar Whitener Benefactor

Anonymous (1) Julie and Riaz Bhamani Robin and Lea Burt Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chesney Nan and Hal Clarke Amy and Alfred Dawson Terri and Mark DeBoo Ms. Jennie Derby

Jim Donahue Charlie Elberson Sandra and Stephen Godofsky Douglas R. and Elizabeth G. Goldstein Mrs. Gail Grim Lisa and Greg Haislip Patti and Mark Hawley Rebecca S. Henderson and J. Michael Booe Nora and Thomas Hughes Susan and David Jamison Juanita and Lloyd Johnson Ronald Kahn Dr. Shannon Moran and Mr. Joseph Lovallo Hedy and John Manry Barbara and Josh Meeks Anna and Tom Nelson Linda and Tony Pace Wendy and Frank Rosen Brenda and Bill Ryan Rose and Tom Sherard Lisa and Glenn Sherrill Norma and Rodney Short The Levine-Sklut Family Foundation - Lori and Eric Sklut Anne and Robert Stolz Jacqueline A. Tucker Sandy and Greg Vlahos Ed Weisiger, Jr. and Betsy Fleming Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. White Lisa and Kenny Wilson Amy Wooden and Joe Kolodziej Joan and Robert Zimmerman Investor

Anonymous (1) Holly and Jeff Atkins Ms. Elizabeth Austin Anne and John Barry Joyce and Andrew Berger The Donald H. and Barbara K. Bernstein Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Alan Blumenthal Peggy and Ray Bouley Kristin and Buck Bradberry Barbara and William A. Branch Pat and Tim Brier Laura and David Brodsky Katy and James Bullock Jeff and Anne Brady Carlson Karmen Cassell

Elaine and Steve Coats Gloria and Peter De Arcangelis Lee Ann and Steve DeCarlo Michele Durkin Beth and Jonathan Feit Landrum and Kathie Fisher Jennifer and Scott Fuller Todd E. Garner, MD In Memory of Judy Gerhart Todd Glenham Randy Griffin Pamela Hanna, M.D. Robin and Blaine Hawkins Mandy and Todd Houser Carol and Chris Horn Peggy and Jim Hynes Michelle Johnson Dr. Marie-Claire MarroumKardous Mary Jean and Howard L. Kushner Patty and Chris Lambert The Leon Levine FoundationSandra and Leon Levine George and Wandra Mackie Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Ashley Mattei Jill Maxwell Kristy and Tadd Morganti Janet and Peter Nixon Emily and Jacob Norris Dr. Helene Keyzer and Dr. Richard Pollard Gregory Price Jim Putnam Cindy and Randy Rice Lisa and Robert Rollins Ken Rothmel Mr. and Mrs. Jason C. Schmidly Roger Shaul, Jr. Peggy and Pope Shuford June Silver Sherry and Tom Skains Judith Smith Cindy and David Soliday Ingrid and Walter Steele Dia and Paul Steiger Patricia and John Stewart Carrie and Jeff Teixeira Lee and George Veltri Catherine and Scott Warfield In loving memory of my Rip – Cathey Winfield

Grand Patron

Larry Adams Valerie and Bill Alexander Leslie Alston Dr. and Mrs. Edward S. Baum Renee and Mike Baumbach Marinn and Scott Bengel Mark Bernstein Lakana and Tony Bikhazi Crandall and Erskine Bowles Kathleen Britton Jerod Brown Peter and Cynthia Buck Dr. Chris Burkett Bret Burquest Brent Clevenger Delane and Walter Clark Lori and Roger Cuddy Rose and Bill Cummings Karin and Sean Davies Joni and Aaron Davis Donna and Al de Molina Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Deaton Lori and Jeff Deming Lisa Dixon Betty Doria Pepper and Roddey Dowd, Sr. Brigid and James Downs Marcia and Bob Dynko Bryan Edmiston and Felipe Gonzalez Minna and Michael Elliott Rachel and Jonathan Ellis Kathy and Tom Ewing Michele and Walter Fisher Joyce Staley Ford Anne and George Goodyear Molly and Robert Griffin Heather and Dana Hanson Ellen and Ned Hardison Carolyn and Tim Hilton Larissa and Ken Huber Kathy and Charlie Izard David S. Jacobson Lynn Jeffrey Janet and Neil Kaplan Linda and Kerry Kenner Virginia A. Kern Debra and Steve Kinney Janice S. Ladley Eleanor Ehrhart and Dominick Landi Beverly and John Lassiter

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

James Ledbetter Marc and Xhenis Levack Cathy and Fred Littlejohn Sarah Hollar and Peter Macon Laura and Alfred Laura Marshall Laura and Joseph Maxim Stephen P. McClure Jane and Hugh McColl Betsy and T. Bragg McLeod Ms. Marie Mitchell Jared Mobley Charlotte and Arthur Mott William Newcomb Jill and Ed Newman Iris Nolan Mr. and Mrs. Edwin B. Peacock III Donna and Steve Pernotto Joy Pinchback Susan and Dale Pond Laura and Fidel Prieto Mary and Dave Pylipow Mrs. Jon Richardson Sally and Russell Robinson William R. Rollins Carla and Ed Rose Michael Serulneck Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Shelton, Sr. Cheryl Barringer and Mike Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Sherrill Rita and Pat Shevlin Deanna and Norman Shue The Marc and Mattye Silverman Foundation Tom E. Smith Rosemary and Paul Smith Claudia and David Strickert Suzanne and Michael Stritch Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Thomas Christina and John Trainor Ellen and Ron Vilas Drs. James and Jackie Wheeler Teresa and Stick Williams Joanna and Landirs Williams Pat and Bill Williamson

Contributions received from April 6, 2014, through April 6, 2015.

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

American Airlines – Something Special in the Air

Students attend three Broadway shows, ach year 12 fortunate students meet cast and crew in talk backs, see NYC and three faculty chaperones are landmarks, have lunch at Sardi’s, and selected to participate in Blumenthal’s come home exhausted but exhilarated. Broadway Experience program. In this The program is the brainchild of supporter program, students are flown on an allDon Doctor, who saw it as a life-changing expenses-paid trip to New York for a threeopportunity to inspire students to dream big day weekend to experience theater, culture dreams for their future. and, for many, their first airline flight. As Blumenthal’s official airline, American It’s indeed something special, as Tana Airlines provides the flight for the students Stamper, a participant from Students and chaperones huddle during their Broadway and chaperones for the Broadway Cuthbertson High School, Experience trip in New York. Experience. Blumenthal is proud to partner expressed: “It was extremely with American Airlines (formerly US Airways) to make an educational, but also an incredible trip in impact in students’ lives. general. It provided real-life perspectives and To discuss how your company can partner with Blumenthal was a very positively encouraging trip.” to support educational programming and community Nominated by teachers and then selected through a outreach efforts, please contact Corporate Relations and competitive interview process, the students must have a Sponsorship Manager Susan Yarber at syarber@ncbpac.org financial need along with a desire to study a career in the or 704-379-1355. n performing arts to be selected for the Broadway Experience.

CORPORATE partners LEADERSHIP gifts

SIGNATURE

gifts

THE DOCTOR FAMILY FOUNDATION

Education Programs and Student Scholarships

Broadway Lights Sponsor

MAJOR

gifts

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ticket Sponsor an Arts for All Initiative

Official Airline of Blumenthal Performing Arts

Presenting Sponsor The Blumey Awards

$15,000+ CEO partners

Duke Energy Ticket Scholarship Fund an Arts for All Initiative

Preferred Dining and Catering Partner

Preferred Caterer

$10,000+ PRESIDENTIAL partners

LEADERSHIP grants The Arts & Science Council supports Blumenthal Performing Arts’ 2014 fi cal year budget with a Basic Operating Grant in the amount of $312,092.

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

Blumenthal Performing Arts receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Preferred Caterer

Corporate Partner Campaign Congratulations to Rob Vail! In his second and final year as the Corporate Campaign chair, Rob and his team of volunteers took a lead role and surpassed the 2014-2015 Corporate Partner Campaign goal. To join our campaign team, please contact Corporate Relations and Sponsorship Manager Susan Yarber at syarber@ncbpac.org Rob Vail or 704-379-1355.

Feeding the Arts

ptown Catering Company, preferred caterer of Blumenthal Performing Arts, is often called upon to feed the cast and crew of visiting shows. In the restaurant industry for 43 years, 35 as a chef, Uptown Catering President Mike Ingersoll has cooked for (and met some) U.S. Presidents, astronauts, kings, heads of state and many celebrities. Legendary musicians can now be added to the list of people Mike and his crew have impressed. Playing a two-hour set at the Knight Theater on Sunday, Feb. 22, The Time Jumpers were fueled by fare from

Uptown Catering Company. Vince Gill made mention of the fabulous dinner the first time he took the microphone. As The Time Jumpers broke for intermission, Vince Gill asked the audience to excuse them because they had to â&#x20AC;&#x153;go eat some more of that pork tenderloin.â&#x20AC;? Mike began his generous support of Blumenthal in 1992. Uptown Catering Company operates out of a 3,500-square-foot, state-of-theart production kitchen. For information on becoming a Blumenthal Restaurant Partner, please contact Susan Yarber at syarber@ncbpac.org or 704-379-1355. n

Blumenthal recognizes the following sponsors and corporate partners for their generous support. $7,500+ Directing Partners Ernst & Young LLP Granite Sky Design Publix Super Markets Charities Team Creatif USA $5,000+ Executive Partners Belk, Inc Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP British American Business Council CliftonLarsonAllen Cousins Properties Crescent Communities, LLC Deloitte InterCon Building Corporation King & Spalding Lincoln Harris LLP Mayer Brown Midrex Technologies, Inc. North Highland Company

RESTAURANT

NUCOR Rodgers Builders Inc. SPX Corporation SteelFab, Inc. The Leon Levine Foundation Troutman Sanders LLP UTC Aerospace Systems Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice PLLC $2,500+ Managing Partners Baird Private Wealth Management Bryan Cave C design Inc. Charlotte Paint Co. Inc. Charlotte Pipe and Foundry CohnReznick LLP Commercial Flooring Solutions Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP Little McGladrey

McGuire Woods, LLP Moore & Van Allen PLLC PMMC Preferred Electric Co., Inc. Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson P.A. White Knight Engineered Products, Inc. $1,000+ Associate Partners Balfour Beatty Construction Cabarrus Glass Company, Inc. Chicago Title Insurance Company Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Crosland Southeast Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP DTH IT Consulting Galvan Industries Inc Garmon & Company, Inc. Commercial Flooring Hoopaugh Grading Company, LLC

Howard Brothers Electric McGrann Paper Corporation McKenney's, Inc. McNeary Inc. McVeigh & Mangum Messer Construction Company NC Interiors Contracting, Inc. Odell Associates Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. Robert Pittenger Company Rogers Unloading Service Schindler Elevator Corp. Terri DeBoo Ideas@Work Trinity Consulting Velligan Medical Services, PC Willis Contributions received from April 6, 2014, through April 6, 2015.

partners

704.927.2583 bluerestaurantandbar.com

704.602.2750 caffesienacharlotte.com

704.601.4141 chima.cc

704.643.1664 deandeluca.com

704.334.2739 rockbottom.com

704.348.1400 thecapitalgrille.com

Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

onstage | Spring/Summer 2015

onstage

Spring/Summer 2015

BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS 130 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202

PHOTO BY LUNAHZON PHOTOGRAPHY

A hilarious musical parody of the Queen City

“OUTRAGEOUSLY ”

FUN! – Gaston Gazette

JUNE 5-28 BOOTH PLAYHOUSE AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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