Presented to the community by
FEBRUARY 2018
BELK THEATER AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Shine a Light on Your Existing Talent Set the Stage for Brilliance Partner with Northeastern University to tailor a professional development program that fits the needs of your organization. From leadership and innovation to business fundamentals, we deliver programs anywhere—your site, our campus, online, or in a combination of formats.
Reveal Your Rising Stars Discover the emerging talents of your workforce while developing them to fill critical positions. Our unlimited customized content allows employees to enhance their skills, prepare for increased leadership roles, and earn academic credit—all within the context of your business processes and priorities.
Orchestrate a Dream Ensemble Take your cue from forward-thinking employers whose talent strategy goes beyond recruitment to developing employees from within. Build your dream team by contacting a Charlotte campus talent consultant today. ACTION! 980.224.8468 northeastern.edu/charlotte talentsolutions@northeastern.edu
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Board of Trustees
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Returns to Charlotte in April.......... 4 Deepak Chopra: The Future of Wellbeing............................................. 6 Charlotte Symphony Announces 2018-19 Season............................... 8 Tablao Flamenco to Transform Booth Playhouse This Spring............12 Opera Carolina to Begin Innovative Arts Education Partnership........16 What Makes The Most Incredible Thing So Incredible?.........................18
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE: Facebook.com/ NCBPAC
Twitter.com/ BlumenthalArts
Instagram.com/ BlumenthalArts.org/ BlumenthalArts News
ADVERTISING AVAILABILITY: Chase Law, director of development 704.379.1359 • claw@ncbpac.org Backstage employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.) Local 322.
Program printed by Loftin & Company Printers
2
Richard Battle Reginald Bean, marketing & community relations chair Riaz Bhamani Amy Rice Blumenthal Kristin Hills Bradberry Bobby Chesney Brian Cromwell Dena Diorio Bobby Drakeford J. Porter Durham Jr., governance chair Charlie Elberson Jonathan Feit Erin Lavely Fisher David Goodman Jeffrey Hay, board chair Renee Hobart, education chair Jerri Kallam Michelle Lee Barbara Meeks, development chair Gail Sharps Myers George Raftelis Matthew Salisbury Anjali Shah Scott Tozier Kevin White, finance & audit chair Amy Wooden
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Costume Design | Band | Jazz Band | Chorus Dance | Technical Theater | Acting | Musicals
Christ the King Catholic High School ctkchs.org
Discover The Arts
at Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools
Charlotte Catholic High School gocchs.com
Visit discovermacs.org/arts for information on all nine catholic schools
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
3
Blumenthal Performing Arts
BlumenthalArts.org
It’s ‘Some Kind of Wonderful!’
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical returns to Charlotte in April
L
ong before she was Carole King, chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah. She fought her way into the record business as a teenager and, by the time she reached her 20s, she had the husband of her dreams and a flourishing career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll. But it wasn’t until her personal life began Carole King, played by Sarah Bockel, performs at Carnegie Hall. to crack that she finally managed to find her true voice. “It's a story of ambition, heartbreak, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical redemption. Carole King's tale is touching tells the inspiring true story of King’s and empowering and will resonate with remarkable rise to stardom, from anyone who has ever had their heart being part of a hit songwriting team broken.” with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her Featuring a stunning array of beloved relationship with fellow writers and best songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, becoming one of the most successful including “I Feel the Earth Move,” “One solo acts in popular music history. Along Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A the way, she made more than beautiful Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got a Friend” music, she wrote the soundtrack to a and the title song, Beautiful has a book generation. by Tony® Award-nominee and Academy® “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is Award-nominated writer Douglas more than a jukebox musical. It's a very McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni, and personal glimpse into the life of a woman choreography by Josh Prince. It took who shaped American music,” said home two 2014 Tony® Awards and a 2015 Courtney Symes, with BroadwayWorld. Grammy® Award.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical April 17-22 • Ovens Auditorium 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org 4
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Credentialed advisors are part of our core values.
The fact that each and every Parsec Financial advisor is certified sets us apart from the competition. Getting these credentials with organizations that require rigorous continuing education encourages career-long learning of industry and investment needs. Always with a non-biased, non-commission fee structure. When you succeed, we succeed. Individuals | Businesses | Trust Services | parsecfinancial.com
STEAKS
THIS GOOD ARE
RARE
UPTOWN | 227 W. Trade St. 704.333.2602 | Mortons.com 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
5
Blumenthal Performing Arts
BlumenthalArts.org
Deepak Chopra
Deepak Chopra: The Future of Wellbeing
Developing a road map for 'higher health'
T
here is a new revolution occurring in health today. That revolution is you, says New York Times bestselling author Deepak Chopra. In the face of environmental toxins, potential epidemics, superbugs and the accelerated aging process, achieving optimum health has never been more crucial. It requires individuals making the right lifestyle choices every day. Join Chopra March 19 at Belk Theater as he shares new insights from his latest work “The Healing Self” and explores some of life’s most important and baffling questions.
• Are we in the midst of a major paradigm shift in science? • Is there an ultimate reality? • Does consciousness conceive, govern, construct and become the physical universe? • Is the universe becoming self-aware in the human nervous system? • Is the next stage of human development conscious evolution? • Do we have the ability to influence the future evolution of the cosmos?
Continued on Next Page
6
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Continued from Previous Page
• How does our understanding of consciousness as pure potentiality enhance our capacity for intuition, creativity, conscious choice making, healing and the awakening of dormant potentials such as nonlocal communication and sensory experience? • How does our understanding of consciousness also enhance our capacity for total well-being (physical, emotional, spiritual, social, community, financial and ecological)? Deepak will address all of these questions as well as practical ways
to experience higher consciousness, transformation and healing. Deepak Chopra, founder of The Chopra Foundation and co-founder of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing, is a worldrenowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation and is board certified in internal medicine, endocrinology and metabolism. The World Post and The Huffington Post global internet survey ranked Chopra as the No. 17 influential thinker in the world and No. 1 in medicine. Chopra is the author of more than 85 books translated into more than 43 languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers.
Deepak Chopra – The Future of Wellbeing March 19 · Belk Theater 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org
Registration Now Open! June 11–July 27, 2018
Featuring Camp Victor
Charlotte Latin Summer Day Camps offer an amazing range of fun and educational activities for campers age 5-15. In addition, Camp Victor is a weekly, themed day camp with morning, afternoon and full day options. Charlotte Latin Day Camps make your summer easy and your camper’s summer the best ever – featuring lunch options, before and after care and transportation. Spend the summer with us!
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Visit CharlotteLatinSummer.com | 704.846.7277
7
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
charlottesymphony.org
More than Mozart
Charlotte Symphony announces 2018-19 Season
T
he Charlotte Symphony is much more than Mozart on the main stage. While core programming runs from September through May, each season includes not only Classical performances, but some of the most beloved music in the popular repertoire, plus a family-friendly series, and performances in surrounding counties. World-renowned soloists join the orchestra each year, and the annual favorite Magic of Christmas delights during the holidays. The Charlotte Symphony also serves as the soundtrack for our community's ballet and opera productions. This month the Symphony unveils its exciting 2018-19 season, with Classical series highlights that include perhaps
UPCOMING CONCERTS
the most recognizable four notes in all of music in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Holst’s The Planets. The highly anticipated Pops series will contain the musical adventures of Pink Martini and an evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein, featuring beloved tunes from the revered duo’s great scores, including The Sound of Music, The King and I, and South Pacific. Exceptional musical experiences happen outside the concert hall, too — and will continue next season. Keep an ear out for the sounds of the Charlotte Symphony performing everywhere from community parks and schools to breweries and senior care centers. The Symphony believes that music – accessible to all and experienced in many forms – unifies our community.
The Music of John Denver March 2-3 • Belk Theater
Ravel Left Hand Piano Concerto Featuring Leon Fleisher
March 9-10 • Belk Theater
Charlotte Symphony 2018-19 Season For more information and to subscribe, visit charlottesymphony.org. 8
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Alvin Ailey, Founder Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emerita
Robert Battle, Artistic Director
Masazumi Chaya, Associate Artistic Director COMPANY MEMBERS
Jacquelin Harris Collin Heyward Michael Jackson Jr. Megan Jakel Yannick Lebrun Renaldo Maurice Ashley Mayeux Michael Francis McBride Rachael McLaren Chalvar Monteiro Akua Noni Parker
Hope Boykin Jeroboam Bozeman Clifton Brown Sean Aaron Carmon Sarah Daley-Perdomo Ghrai DeVore Solomon Dumas Samantha Figgins Vernard J. Gilmore Jacqueline Green Daniel Harder
Danica Paulos BelĂŠn Pereyra-Alem Jamar Roberts Samuel Lee Roberts Kanji Segawa Glenn Allen Sims Linda Celeste Sims Constance Stamatiou Jermaine Terry Fana Tesfagiorgis
Matthew Rushing, Rehearsal Director & Guest Artist
Bennett Rink, Executive Director Major funding is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Council on the Arts; the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; American Express; Bank of America; BET Networks; Bloomberg Philanthropies; BNY Mellon; Delta Air Lines; Diageo, North America; Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; FedEx; Ford Foundation; Howard Gilman Foundation; The William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust; The Prudential Foundation; The SHS Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; Southern Company; Target; The Wallace Foundation; and Wells Fargo
Presented to the community by
ON THE COVER:
Michael Jackson Jr. Photo by Andrew Eccles
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
9
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 STACKUP (1982) Choreography by Talley Beatty Restaged by Masazumi Chaya Music by various artists Costumes by Carol Vollet Kingston Décor adapted from “Under the Bridge” a painting by Romare Bearden Lighting by Chenault Spence Yannick Lebrun, Clifton Brown, Constance Stamatiou, Rachael McLaren, Daniel Harder, Jacquelin Harris, Samuel Lee Roberts, Michael Francis McBride, Sean Aaron Carmon, Akua Noni Parker, Jacqueline Green, Jermaine Terry, Michael Jackson Jr., Megan Jakel, Solomon Dumas, Sarah Daley-Perdomo, Chalvar Monteiro This new production of Stack-Up is made possible with generous support from The Honorable Amalya L. Kearse. Chicago native Talley Beatty (1918–95) became a principal dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company at age 16. After touring with the Dunham Company for five years and appearing in Broadway shows such as Cabin in the Sky, Pins and Needles, and Blue Holiday, Mr. Beatty formed his own company and toured throughout Europe, the United States and Canada. Dance companies around the world, including Dance Theatre of Harlem, Kohn Opera Ballet Company, Stockholm Dance Theatre and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater have mounted his ballets. Mr. Beatty passed away on April 29, 1995. “Faces” written by Philip Bailey, Lorenzo Dunn, Verdine White, and Maurice White. Use by Permission of EMI April Music Inc. All rights reserved. ASCAP (100%) Performed by Earth, Wind and Fire. “Aubrey” written by David Gates. Used with Permission of Kipahulu Music. Performed by Grover Washington Jr. “Rockin’ It” composed by Darryll Barksdale, Morgan Robinson, Karl Bartos, Ralf Huetter, and Bobby Robinson. Published by Spirit One Music, Inc. o/b/o Quoin Music. Used by Permission of Kling Klang Musik Gmbh, and Bobby Robinson Sweet Soul Music, Inc. All rights reserved. © 2008 Positive Songs Edition (GEMA), Hanseatic Musikverlag Gmbh & Co. KG (GEMA). All rights on behalf of Positive Songs Edition and Hanseatic Musikverlag Gmbh & Co. KG, administered by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP) All rights reserved. Performed by Fearless Four. “Get Up and Dance” written and performed by Alphonze Mouzon. Controlled by Mouzon Music Publishing.
– INTERMISSION –
9A
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 r-Evolution, Dream. (2016)
Choreography by Hope Boykin Music by Ali Jackson Narration recorded by Leslie Odom Jr. Rehearsal Assistants: Elise Drew, Michael Jackson Jr. Costume Design by Hope Boykin Costume Project Manager: Zinda Williams Lighting by Al Crawford Phil. 4:13 Vernard J. Gilmore, Collin Heyward, Belén Pereyra-Alem, Daniel Harder, Jermaine Terry, Constance Stamatiou, Kanji Segawa, Danica Paulos, Solomon Dumas, Yannick Lebrun, Jacqueline Green, Ghrai DeVore, Samuel Lee Roberts, Fana Tesfagiorgis, Chalvar Monteiro The creation of r-Evolution, Dream. was supported by commissioning funds from The Music Center. Major support for the creation of r-Evolution, Dream. was provided by Ethel Klein & Edward Krugman. Additional support was also provided by Natasha I. Leibel, M.D. & Harlan B. Levine, M.D., Judith McDonough Kaminski & Joseph Kaminski, Addie & Tom Jones, Elaine & Lawrence Rothenberg, The Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn & Nicolas Rohatyn New Works Endowment Fund, The Fred Eychaner New Works Endowment Fund, and The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey – Sara and Bill Morgan New Works Endowment Fund. Original composition by Ali Jackson. Narration by Leslie Odom Jr. Original lyrics by Hope Boykin. Excerpts from “The Negro’s Complaint” by William Cowper; “False Greatness” by Issac Watts; “Sonnet 16” by William Shakespeare; “The Best of Whatever You Are” by Douglas Malloch; “If I Can Help Somebody As I Pass Along” by Alma Irene Bazel. By arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, Inc; “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” from LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING by James Weldon Johnson, copyright 1935 by James Weldon Johnson; copyright renewed © 1963 by Grace Nail Johnson. Used by permission of Penguin Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. This work may not be acted in whole or in part by amateurs or professionals without formal permission and the payment of a royalty. All inquiries should be addressed to Penguin Random House LLC.
– INTERMISSION –
IN/SIDE
(2008, Ailey premiere 2009) Choreography by Robert Battle Music performed by Nina Simone Lighting by Burke Wilmore Yannick Lebrun “Wild Is The Wind” words by Ned Washington, music by Dimitri Tiomkin © 1957, renewed 1985 Patti Washington Music (ASCAP), Catharine Hinen Music (ASCAP), Chappell & Co., Inc. (ASCAP), Anne Rachel Music Corporation (ASCAP) and Volta Music Corp (ASCAP). Catharine Hinen Music is administered exclusively for use by Joma Music Group, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
– PAUSE –
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
9B
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 REVELATIONS (1960)
Choreography by Alvin Ailey Music: Traditional Décor and costumes by Ves Harper Costumes for “Rocka My Soul” redesigned by Barbara Forbes Lighting by Nicola Cernovitch PILGRIM OF SORROW I Been ‘Buked……………………………………………………………………...…….The Company Music arranged by Hall Johnson*
Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel……………Collin Heyward, Belén Pereyra-Alem, Samantha Figgins Music arranged by James Miller+
Fix Me, Jesus………………………………………………Constance Stamatiou, Michael Jackson Jr. Music arranged by Hall Johnson*
TAKE ME TO THE WATER Processional/Honor, Honor………...Kanji Segawa, Danica Paulos, Solomon Dumas, Collin Heyward Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts
Wade in the Water…………………………...Jacquelin Harris, Vernard J. Gilmore, Akua Noni Parker Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts “Wade in the Water” sequence by Ella Jenkins “A Man Went Down to the River” is an original composition by Ella Jenkins
I Wanna Be Ready…………..……………………………………………………………Clifton Brown Music arranged by James Miller+
MOVE, MEMBERS, MOVE Sinner Man……………………...Samuel Lee Roberts, Sean Aaron Carmon, Michael Francis McBride Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts
The Day is Past and Gone………………………………………………………………..The Company Music arranged by Howard A. Roberts and Brother John Sellers
You May Run On…………………………………………………………………………The Company Music arranged by Howard A. Roberts and Brother John Sellers
Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham……………………………………………...The Company Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts * Used by arrangement with G. Schirmer, Inc., publisher and copyright owner. + Used by special arrangement with Galaxy Music Corporation, New York City.
All performances of Revelations are permanently endowed by a generous gift from Donald L. Jonas in celebration of the birthday of his wife, Barbara, and her deep commitment to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
9C
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 THE WINTER IN LISBON (1992) Choreography by Billy Wilson Restaged by Masazumi Chaya Music by Charles Fishman and Dizzy Gillespie Costumes by Barbara Forbes Lighting by Chenault Spence Opening Theme……….…………………………………………………………………………..The Company
San Sebastian…..Daniel Harder, Yannick Lebrun Jr., Vernard J. Gilmore, Samantha Figgins, Jacquelin Harris Lisbon……………………...…………………………………….Constance Stamatiou, Yannick Lebrun Manteca……………………………………………………………………………………The Company This production of The Winter in Lisbon is made possible by The Ellen Jewett & Richard L. Kauffman New Works Endowment Fund. Billy Wilson (1935–94) was one of the most versatile and stylish forces in the worlds of dance and Broadway. After a celebrated commercial and classical ballet career dancing and living in Europe for more than a decade, he returned to the United States to focus on choreographing. Mr. Wilson choreographed eight shows for Broadway; three of which garnered him Tony nominations (Bubbling Brown Sugar, Guys and Dolls, and Eubie!). In the 80s he created ballets, working extensively with Philadanco, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, while continuing to create in Europe and for television. The ballets Rosa, Mirage, and Concerto In F are among his most beloved creations. The Winter In Lisbon continues to celebrate Mr. Wilson’s spirit with its colorful tribute to the late Dizzy Gillespie’s music. Opening Theme (“Magic Summer”) by Charles Fishman, “San Sebastian” by Dizzy Gillespie and “Lisbon,” musical arrangements by Slide Hampton. “Manteca” composed by Dizzy Gillespie, Walter Gil Fuller and Luciano Pozo Gonzales. Used by permission of Music Sales Corporation (ASCAP) 66.667% All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured.
– INTERMISSION –
UNTITLED AMERICA (2016) Choreography by Kyle Abraham Rehearsal Assistants: Tamisha Guy, Connie Shiau Music by Laura Mvula, Raime, Carsten Nicolai, Kris Bowers, and Traditional Costumes by Karen Young Lighting and Scenic Design by Dan Scully Sound Design by Sam Crawford Interviews produced by Kevin R. Frech, Logical Chaos Jacqueline Green, Renaldo Maurice, Yannick Lebrun, Jeroboam Bozeman, Danica Paulos, Jacquelin Harris, Sarah Daley-Perdomo, Collin Heyward, Daniel Harder, Samuel Lee Roberts, Rachael McLaren, Hope Boykin Leadership support for the creation of Untitled America was made possible by Denise Littlefield Sobel and Tikkun Olam Foundation, Inc. Major support for the creation of Untitled America was provided by commissioning funds from New York City Center. 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
9D
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Generous support was also provided by Michele & Timothy Barakett, McGue Millhiser Trust, and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Kyle Abraham (Pittsburgh, PA) is a 2016 Doris Duke recipient, 2015 City Center Choreography Fellow, and a 2013 MacArthur Fellow. Previous honors include being named a 2012 United States Artists Ford Fellow, a Creative Capital Fellow, and receiving a 2012 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award. In 2010 he received a prestigious Bessie Award for Outstanding Performance in Dance for his work in The Radio Show, and a Princess Grace Award for Choreography. The previous year he was selected as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 To Watch” for 2009. Over the past several years Mr. Abraham has created works for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Wendy Whelan’s Restless Creature, and has created multiple works for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Most recently Mr. Abraham joined the illustrious faculty of UCLA’s World Arts Cultures/Dance Department. In 2011 OUT Magazine labeled Mr. Abraham as the “best and brightest creative talent to emerge in New York City in the age of Obama.” For more information, please visit abrahaminmotion.org. “Father, Father” Words and Music by Laura Pauline Amanda Mvula and (Steven James Brown). © Universal – Songs of Polygram International, Inc. on behalf of Universal Music Publishing LTD. (BMI) / 90% interest for the Territory. Performed by Laura Mvula. Recording courtesy of SME UK ltd. By arrangement with Sony Music Licensing. “No More My Lawd” Collected, adapted and arragned by Alan Lomax. TRO - © Copyright 1966 (Renewed) Ludlow Music, Inc., New York, NY. New York controls all publication rights for the USA and Canada. Used by Permission. “Passed Over Trail,” and “The Last Foundry” performed by Raime. Written and produced by Joe Andrews and Tom Halstead. © 2012 Blackest Ever Black. Used by permission of Embassy Music Corporation (BMI) o/b/o Mute Song Ltd. (PRS) All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. “Xerrox Isola” Composed by Carsten Nicolai Edition (GEMA), c/o Downtown Music Publishing LLC. Edition Raster Norton. Used with permission. Original composition by Kris Bowers. “Show Me Love” written by Troy Miller and Laura Mvula. Published by Bucks Music Group Limited administered by Better Be Good / The Royalty Network, Inc and Universal Music Publishing Limited. Performed by Laura Mvula. Special thanks to Greenhope Services for Women, Inc. and The Fortune Society.
– INTERMISSION –
ELLA
(2008, Ailey premiere 2016) Choreography by Robert Battle Restaged by Marlena Wolfe Music performed by Ella Fitzgerald Costumes by Jon Taylor Lighting by Burke Wilmore Megan Jakel, Jacquelin Harris Jermaine Terry, Sean Aaron Carmon, Solomon Dumas “Airmail Special” recorded by Ella Fitzgerald.
– PAUSE –
9E
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 REVELATIONS (1960)
Choreography by Alvin Ailey Music: Traditional Décor and costumes by Ves Harper Costumes for “Rocka My Soul” redesigned by Barbara Forbes Lighting by Nicola Cernovitch PILGRIM OF SORROW I Been ‘Buked……………………………………………………………………………The Company Music arranged by Hall Johnson*
Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel…………Samuel Lee Roberts, Danica Paulos, Sarah Daley-Perdomo Music arranged by James Miller+
Fix Me, Jesus…………………………………………………………….Ghrai DeVore, Jermaine Terry Music arranged by Hall Johnson*
TAKE ME TO THE WATER Processional/Honor, Honor….……..Daniel Harder, Samantha Figgins, Jeroboam Bozeman, Solomon Dumas Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts
Wade in the Water……………………..Constance Stamatiou, Michael Jackson Jr., Akua Noni Parker Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts “Wade in the Water” sequence by Ella Jenkins “A Man Went Down to the River” is an original composition by Ella Jenkins
I Wanna Be Ready…………….…………………………………………………….Vernard J. Gilmore Music arranged by James Miller+
MOVE, MEMBERS, MOVE Sinner Man……………………………………...Solomon Dumas, Sean Aaron Carmon, Kanji Segawa Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts
The Day is Past and Gone………………………………………………………………..The Company Music arranged by Howard A. Roberts and Brother John Sellers
You May Run On………………………………………………………………………....The Company Music arranged by Howard A. Roberts and Brother John Sellers
Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham……………………………………………...The Company Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts * Used by arrangement with G. Schirmer, Inc., publisher and copyright owner. + Used by special arrangement with Galaxy Music Corporation, New York City.
All performances of Revelations are permanently endowed by a generous gift from Donald L. Jonas in celebration of the birthday of his wife, Barbara, and her deep commitment to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
9F
ABOUT THE COMPANY Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from a now-fabled performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance. The Ailey company has gone on to perform for an estimated 25 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents—and has reached millions more through television broadcasts, film screenings, and online platforms. In 2008 a U.S. Congressional resolution designated the Company as “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world” that celebrates the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance heritage. When Mr. Ailey began creating dances, he drew upon his “blood memories” of Texas, the blues, spirituals, and gospel as inspiration, which resulted in the creation of his most popular and critically acclaimed work, Revelations.
Although he created 79 ballets over his lifetime, Mr. Ailey maintained that his company was not exclusively a repository for his own work. Today the Company continues Mr. Ailey’s mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones. In all, more than 250 works by more than 100 choreographers have been part of the Ailey company’s repertory. Before his untimely death in 1989, Mr. Ailey named Judith Jamison as his successor, and over the next 21 years she brought the Company to unprecedented success. Ms. Jamison, in turn, personally selected Robert Battle to succeed her in 2011, and The New York Times declared he “has injected the company with new life.”
ALVIN AILEY (Founder) Alvin Ailey was born on January 5, 1931, in Rogers, Texas. His experiences of life in the rural South would later inspire some of his most memorable works. He was introduced to dance in Los Angeles by performances of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, and his formal dance training began with an introduction to Lester Horton’s classes by his friend Carmen de Lavallade. Horton, the founder of one of the first racially integrated dance companies in the United States, became a mentor for Mr. Ailey as he embarked on his professional career. After Horton’s death in 1953, Mr. Ailey became director of the Lester Horton Dance Theater and began to choreograph his own works. In the 1950s and 60s Mr. Ailey performed in four Broadway shows, including House of Flowers and Jamaica. In 1958 he
founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to carry out his vision of a company dedicated to enriching the American modern dance heritage and preserving the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience. He established the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (now The Ailey School) in 1969 and formed the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (now Ailey II) in 1974. Mr. Ailey was a pioneer of programs promoting arts in education, particularly those benefiting underserved communities. Throughout his lifetime he was awarded numerous distinctions, including the Kennedy Center Honor in 1988 in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to American culture. In 2014 he posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions and commitment to civil
9G
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater gratefully acknowledges The Joan & Sandy Weill Global Ambassador Fund, which provides vital support for Ailey’s national and international tours.
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
ABOUT THE COMPANY rights and dance in America. When Mr. Ailey died on December 1, 1989, The New York Times said of him, “you didn’t need to have known [him] personally to have been touched by his humanity, enthusiasm, and exuberance and his courageous stand for multi-racial brotherhood.” ROBERT BATTLE (Artistic Director) Robert Battle became artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in July 2011 after being personally selected by Judith Jamison, making him only the third person to head the Company since it was founded in 1958. Mr. Battle has a longstanding association with the Ailey organization. A frequent choreographer and artist-in-residence at Ailey since 1999, he has set many of his works on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, and at The Ailey School. The Company’s current repertory includes his ballets Ella, In/Side, Mass, No Longer Silent, and The Hunt. In addition to expanding the Ailey repertory with works by artists as diverse as Kyle Abraham, Mauro Bigonzetti, Ronald K. Brown, Rennie Harris, and Paul Taylor, Mr. Battle has also instituted the New Directions Choreography Lab to help develop the next generation of choreographers. Mr. Battle’s journey to the top of the modern dance world began in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, Florida. He showed artistic talent early and studied dance at a high school arts magnet program before moving on to Miami’s New World School of the Arts, under the direction of Daniel Lewis and Gerri Houlihan, and finally to the dance program at The Juilliard School, under the direction of Benjamin Harkarvy, where he met his mentor, Carolyn Adams. He danced with The Parsons Dance Company from 1994 to 2001, and also set his choreography on that company starting in 1998. Mr. Battle then founded his own Battleworks Dance Company, which made its debut in 2002 in Düsseldorf, Germany, as the 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
U.S. representative to the World Dance Alliance’s Global Assembly. Battleworks subsequently per-formed extensively at venues, including The Joyce Theater, Dance Theater Workshop, American Dance Festival, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Mr. Battle was honored as one of the “Masters of African-American Choreography” by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2005, and he received the prestigious Statue Award from the Princess Grace FoundationUSA in 2007. He has honorary doctorates from The University of the Arts and Marymount Manhattan College. Mr. Battle was named a 2015 visiting fellow for The Art of Change, an initiative by the Ford Foundation. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and has addressed a number of high-profile organizations, including the United Nations Leaders Programme and the UNICEF Senior Leadership Development Programme. MASAZUMI CHAYA (Associate Artistic Director) Masazumi Chaya was born in Fukuoka, Japan, where he began his classical ballet training. Upon moving to New York in December 1970, he studied modern dance and performed with the Richard Englund Repertory Company. Mr. Chaya joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1972 and performed with the Company for 15 years. In 1988 he became the Company’s rehearsal director after serving as assistant rehearsal director. A master teacher both on tour with the Company and in his native Japan, he served as choreographic assistant to Alvin Ailey and John Butler. In 1991 Mr. Chaya was named associate artistic director of the Company. He continues to provide invaluable creative assistance in all facets of its operations. Mr. Chaya has restaged numerous ballets by Alvin Ailey, including Flowers for the State Ballet of Missouri (1990) and The River for the Royal Swedish Ballet (1993), 9H
ABOUT THE COMPANY Ballet Florida (1995), National Ballet of Prague (1995), Pennsylvania Ballet (1996), and Colorado Ballet (1998). He has also restaged The Mooche, Stack-Up, Episodes, Bad Blood, Hidden Rites, and Witness for the Company. At the beginning of his tenure, Mr. Chaya restaged Ailey’s For ‘Bird’ - With Love for a Dance in America program entitled Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Steps Ahead. In 2000 he restaged Ailey’s Night Creature for the Rome Opera House and The River for La Scala Ballet. In 2002 Mr. Chaya coordinated the Company’s appearance at the Rockefeller Center Christmas treelighting ceremony, broadcast on NBC. In 2003 he restaged The River for North Carolina Dance Theatre and for Julio Bocca’s Ballet Argentina. Most recently Mr. Chaya restaged Bad Blood, Blues Suite, Love Songs, Masekela Langage, Pas de Duke, and Vespers for the Company. As a performer, Mr. Chaya appeared on Japanese television in both dramatic and musical productions. He wishes to recognize the artistic contribution and spirit of his late friend and fellow artist, Michihiko Oka. JUDITH JAMISON (Artistic Director) Emerita Judith Jamison joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965 and quickly became an international star. Over the next 15 years, Mr. Ailey created some of his most enduring roles for her, most notably the tour-de-force solo Cry. During the 1970s and 80s she appeared as a guest artist with ballet companies all over the world, starred in the hit Broadway musical Sophisticated Ladies, and formed her own company, The Jamison Project. She returned to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1989 when Mr. Ailey asked her to succeed him as artistic director. In the 21 years that followed, she brought the Company to unprecedented heights— including two historic engagements in South Africa and a 50-city global tour to 9I
celebrate the Company’s 50th anniversary. Ms. Jamison is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, among them a prime time Emmy Award, an American Choreography Award, a Kennedy Center Honor, a National Medal of Arts, a Bessie Award, the Phoenix Award, and the Handel Medallion. She was also listed in “The TIME 100: The World’s Most Influential People” and honored by First Lady Michelle Obama at the first White House Dance Series event. In 2015 she became the 50th inductee into the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance. In 2016 she received the Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fred and Adele Astaire Awards. As a highly regarded choreographer, Ms. Jamison has created many celebrated works, including Divining (1984), Forgotten Time (1989), Hymn (1993), HERE... NOW. (commissioned for the 2002 Cultural Olympiad), Love Stories (with additional choreography by Robert Battle and Rennie Harris, 2004), and Among Us (Private Spaces: Public Places, 2009). Ms. Jamison’s autobiography, Dancing Spirit, was edited by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and published in 1993. In 2004, under Ms. Jamison’s artistic directorship, her idea of a permanent home for the Ailey company was realized and named after beloved chairman emerita Joan Weill. Ms. Jamison continues to dedicate herself to asserting the prominence of the arts in our culture and she remains committed to promoting the significance of the Ailey legacy—using dance as a medium for honoring the past, celebrating the present, and fearlessly reaching into the future. BENNETT RINK (Executive Director) Bennett Rink became executive director of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation in 2013. Mr. Rink first joined Ailey as manager of special events in 1994, became development director in 1998, and then worked as senior director of development and external affairs 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
ABOUT THE COMPANY from 2007 to 2012. In his tenure overseeing Ailey’s development, Mr. Rink led a $75 million capital campaign supporting Ailey’s first permanent home, The Joan Weill Center for Dance which opened in 2005, and established an endowment to support major program areas. When the Company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008, Mr. Rink supervised an 18-month celebration, including events, promotions, collaborations, and special performances, bringing public awareness of the Ailey organization to new heights. Mr. Rink also oversaw “The Next Step Campaign,” which grew the organization’s endowment to $50 million. As Executive Director, Mr. Rink launched a five-year strategic plan in 2014 to realize Robert Battle’s creative vision, expand Ailey’s educational offerings, and enhance technology to extend the reach of the organization. Central to the plan has been the expansion of The Joan Weill Center for Dance, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year. This fall, Ailey unveiled the Center’s Elaine Wynn and Family Education Wing, providing much-needed additional studios and classroom space to meet the growing demand for Ailey’s programs. The building now comprises 87,000 square feet and is the largest destination for dance in New York City. Mr. Rink also conceived The Campaign for Ailey’s Future, a $50 million initiative to support the Center’s expansion and the ongoing implementation of other long-range strategic priorities. During Mr. Rink’s tenure, the Company deepened its presence in New York City by establishing a spring season at Lincoln Center to complement its New York City Center winter season, while also extending its role as America’s “Cultural Ambassador to the World” with tours to Africa, Europe, and South America. In order to reach audiences beyond live performances, the Company has broadened its commitment to creating film and digital content, including its first-ever theatrical movie release as part of Lincoln 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Center at the Movies: Great American Dance. Mr. Rink is a graduate of Syracuse University and holds a B.F.A. in theater. MATTHEW RUSHING (Rehearsal Director and Guest Artist) Matthew Rushing was born in Los Angeles, California. He began his dance training with Kashmir Blake in Inglewood, California, and later continued his training at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. He is the recipient of a Spotlight Award and a Dance Magazine Award and was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. He was a scholarship student at The Ailey School and later became a member of Ailey II. During his career Mr. Rushing has performed as a guest artist for galas in Vail, Colorado, as well as in Austria, Canada, France, Italy, and Russia. He has performed for Presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as at the 2010 White House Dance Series. During his time with the Company, he has choreographed three ballets: Acceptance In Surrender (2005), a collaboration with Hope Boykin and Abdur-Rahim Jackson; Uptown (2009), a tribute to the Harlem Renaissance; and ODETTA (2014), a celebration of “the queen of American folk music.” In 2012 he created Moan, which was set on Philadanco and premiered at The Joyce Theater. Mr. Rushing joined the Company in 1992 and became rehearsal director in June 2010. The Ailey dancers are supported, in part, by The Judith McDonough Kaminski Dancer Endowment Fund.
9J
ALVIN AILEY DANCE FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Daria L. Wallach, Chairman Debra L. Lee, President Gina F. Adams, Stephen J. Meringoff, Arthur J. Mirante II, John H. Schaefer, Vice-Chairmen Eleanor S. Applewhaite Robert Battle Paulette Mullings Bradnock Tia Breakley-China Robyn Coles Sela Thompson Collins Laura D. Corb
Paul M. Donofrio Jaishri Kapoor Anthony S. Kendall Robert Kissane Ricki Lander Michelle Y. Lee Natasha Leibel Levine, M.D.
Anthony A. Lewis Leslie L. Maheras Lucinda C. Martinez Doris Meister Stanley Plesent, Esq. Marylin L. Prince Lata N. Reddy
Bennett Rink Richard Speciale Marc S. Strachan Joan H. Weill Roger C. Williams Jr. Gillian Wynn
Philip Laskawy, Harold Levine*, Stanley Plesent, Esq., Joan H. Weill, Chairmen Emeriti Henry McGee, President Emeritus Simin N. Allison, Anthony M. Carvette, Kathryn C. Chenault, Guido Goldman, Bruce S. Gordon, Lemar Swinney, Honorary Trustees *In Memoriam ALVIN AILEY DANCE FOUNDATION Recipient of the National Medal of Arts Bennett Rink – Executive Director Pamela Robinson – Chief Financial Officer Thomas Cott – Senior Director of Marketing and Creative Content Kimberly T. Watson – Senior Director of Development ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER Matthew Rushing, Rehearsal Director Linda Celeste Sims, Assistant to the Rehearsal Director Dacquiri T’Shaun Smittick, Director of Production Isabelle Mezin, Director of Company Business Affairs Gregory Stuart, Company Manager Joseph Anthony Gaito, Technical Director Kristin Colvin Young, Production Stage Manager Al Crawford, Lighting Director Jon Taylor, Wardrobe Supervisor DJ Adderley, Master Carpenter Zane Beatty, Master Electrician Russell J. Cowans IV, Sound Engineer Chris Theodore, Property Master Selena M. Campbell, Assistant Company Manager Nicole A. Walters, Assistant Stage Manager
Roya Abab, Associate Lighting Director Jesse Dunham, Wardrobe Assistant Katie Chihaby, Wardrobe Assistant Philip Lugo, Flyman Andrew Davila, Assistant Electrician Michelle Grazio, Production and Finance Associate Donald J. Rose, M.D., Director of the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, Hospital for Joint Disease Shaw Bronner, Director of Physical Therapy Sheyi Ojofeitimi, Physical Therapist Sara Aingorn, Physical Therapist Kala Flagg, Physical Therapist Ryanne Glasper, Physical Therapist
TOURING CONTACTS North American Agent OPUS 3 ARTISTS Tel: 212-584-7500 opus3artists.com
International Agent ASKONAS HOLT LTD. Tel: +44-20-7400-1700 askonasholt.co.uk
PRODUCTION CREDITS Lighting system provided by 4Wall Entertainment. Touring sound system provided by Gibson Entertainment Services. Domestic trucking services provided by Stage Call Corporation. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a proud member of Dance/USA, the national service organization for professional dance. AILEY TOUR MERCHANDISE Ailey Tour Merchandise and AileyShop.com are managed by The Araca Group • AileyShop.com Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater • The Joan Weill Center for Dance 405 West 55th Street, NY, NY 10019-4402 • Tel: 212-405-9000 • AlvinAiley.org facebook.com/AlvinAileyAmericanDanceTheater • Instagram: @alvinailey
9K
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Blumenthal Performing Arts recognizes with gratitude the dedication and generosity of the following supporters.
PRODUCER'S CIRCLE $25,000+ Peg and Jay Adamczyk Barbara and David Goodman* Julianne Marley Mr. and Mrs. William B. McGuire Jr.
Kristin and Buck Bradberry George Brooks Mary Catherine and Robert Chesney Nan and Hal Clarke Amy and Alfred Dawson Charlie Elberson $10,000+ Dr. Bryan Edmiston and Dr. Milton and Arlene Berkman Mr. Felipe G. Edmiston Philanthropic Fund Carolyn B. Faison Victoria and Porter Durham Erin Lavely Fisher Beth and Jonathan Feit Karen Griffin and John Galloway Vickie and Tom Gabbard Douglas R. and Elizabeth G. Bob and Jena Gallagher Goldstein Sandra and Stephen Godofsky Mrs. Gail Grim Nancy and David Hauser Patti and Mark Hawley* Laura and Jeff Hay Nora and Thomas Hughes Rebecca S. Henderson and Susan and David Jamison J. Michael Booe Ronald Kahn Renee and Chris Hobart Janet and Neil Kaplan Julie and Howard Levine Mary Jean and Christine and David Longo Howard L. Kushner Michael, Jaime and Allie Monday The Leon Levine FoundationLinda and Tony Pace Sandra and Leon Levine Carolyn and Robert Shaw Dr. Shannon Moran and Joan Zimmerman Mr. Joseph Lovallo Anna and Tom Nelson $7,500+ Janet and Peter Nixon Anonymous Jeanne and Rick Puckett Dorlisa and Peter Flur D. Nelson Rogers Wendy and Frank Rosen $5,000+ Brenda and Bill Ryan Anonymous Jaye Salter and Daniel Brewster Cathy and Jim Baily Mr. and Mrs. Jason C. Schmidly Mr. William M. Barnhardt Gail Sharps Myers and Mrs. Nancy B. Thomas* Lisa and Glenn Sherrill Christine and Arthur Becker Norma and Rodney Short The Blumenthal Foundation The Marc and Mattye Silverman Amy and Philip Blumenthal Foundation Betsy and Alfred Brand Sara and Morgan Spencer Robin and Lea Burt Patricia and John Stewart Hona Childers and Daniel Browne Jennifer and David Teifer Elizabeth and James Faulkner Carrie and Jeff Teixeira Michele and Walter Fisher Jacqueline A. Tucker Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Gibbs Rita and Bill Vandiver Belinda and Timothy Gunter Ed Weisiger Jr. and Dale Halton and Fred Wagner Betsy Fleming Beverly and Jim Hance Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. White Charles and Diane Harrington Karen and Edgar Whitener Jane and Hugh McColl Bob and Dara Whiting Kate and Mike McDermott Lisa and Kenny Wilson Barbara and Josh Meeks Amy Wooden and Joe Kolodziej Jared Mobley Anja and David Zimmerman Robert H. Norville Jr. $1,500+ Mr. and Mrs. George Raftelis Anonymous Jean and Matthew Salisbury Holly and Jeff Atkins Rose and Tom Sherard Laura Baker and Family Shana and Christopher Shivel Randy and Nancy Baker Lori and Eric Sklut Bryan and Kristen Barboza Cheryl and Gregory Sprole Anne and John Barry Michael and Ann Tarwater Renee and Mike Baumbach Tracey and Scott Tozier Joanne and Steve Beam Melissa and Kevin White The Donald H. and Barbara K. $2,500+ Bernstein Family Foundation Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Alan Blumenthal Becky and Michael Alcione Andrew Blumenthal and Elizabeth Austin Stephanie Baumann Shavonda and Reginald Bean Sam Blumenthal Julie and Riaz Bhamani Peggy and Ray Bouley Jeremy and Connie Blaney Chris and Steve Brace Ben Bourne Bill and Robin Branstrom Crandall C. Bowles Pat and Tim Brier
Kathleen Britton Mary and Frank Brown James Bullock Dr. Chris Burkett Sarah and Bret Busby Joy and Chris Butler Nathalie and Daniel Carrizosa Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Case Jr. Karmen Cassell Steve and Martha Clifford Dr. Elaine and Steve Coats Lori and Derek Copeland Catherine Cordle Harvey and Muri Corzin Lorin, Erica and Lydia Crenshaw Rose and Bill Cummings Karin and Sean Davies Joni and Aaron Davis Gloria and Peter De Arcangelis Gena DeChant Jennie Derby Mrs. Mary Anne Dickson Pamela and Greg Dills Jim Donahue Claude Duet Michele Durkin Marcia and Bob Dynko Sidney and Andres Echevarria Kelli Enos Chad and Denise Everett Windy and Jef Fullagar Marilyn and David Furman Todd E. Gardner, MD Michael George Joseph and Carol Gigler Todd Glenham William Griesser Randy Griffin Debby and Mike Groenhout Robin and Blaine Hawkins Dr. Koh Herlong Kathy and Ben Hill Eric, Lori, Halle and Casey Hillman Juliet and Brian Hirsch Sarah Hollar and Peter Macon Carol and Chris Horn Mr. and Mrs. William T. Houser Larissa and Ken Huber Peggy and Jim Hynes Beth Ipock Lynn Jeffrey Michelle Johnson Juanita and Lloyd Johnson Virginia A. Kern Patty and Chris Lambert Eleanor Ehrhart and Dominick Landi Marc and Xhenis Levack Margie and Victor Lisciani Ashley and Scott Mattei Jill Maxwell Betsy and T. Bragg McLeod Suzy and Ed McMahan Karen and Robert Micklash Ms. Marie Mitchell Charlotte and Arthur Mott Colin Mutter Anne and William Newcomb Brian Noonan Paul Norris Andrew Olah Jacob Palillo Susan and Dale Pond
Gregory Price Jim Putnam Dave and Mary Pylipow Nadine and Leif Rauer Dr. and Mrs. Richard S. Roberts Lisa and Robert Rollins Ken Rothmel Anne Schmitt Vesime and Marty Schroering Michael Serulneck Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Sherrill Deanna and Norman Shue Peggy and Pope Shuford The Skinkle-Tona Family Judith Smith Dr. Ramada Smith and Mr. Kevin Smith Tom E. Smith Dr. Matthew Wheelock and Dr. Jill Smith-Wheelock Cindy and David Soliday Jeri Dianne Stancil Sheri and Kelly Straub Suzanne and Michael Stritch Dr. and Mrs. Robert Sullivan David Thomason Ellen and Ron Vilas Sandy and Greg Vlahos Neya Warren and John Hartmayer Abby and James Warren Mary Ellen and Reid Wilkerson Johnnie Willis and Michael Green In loving memory of my Rip Cathey Winfield Nancy and Robert Wyatt $1,000+ Anonymous Keith Alyea and Fidel Montoya Trina Anderson Cheryl Barringer and Mike Sherman Dr. and Mrs. Edward S. Baum Aaron Beck Ralph Beck, in memory of Linda Scott Bengel Mr. and Mrs. Tony Bikhazi Laura and Sam Bowles Rachel E. Brackett Mona Brandon Susan and Greg Brouse Peter and Cynthia Buck Jesica Bullrich Karen and Kevin Chapman Brent Clevenger Charlotte Cochrane Linda and Richard Cook Chris Cope Lori and Roger Cuddy Bill Dantos Virginia A. Davis Donna and Al de Molina Dena R. Diorio Pepper and Roddey Dowd, Sr. Brigid and James Downs Bobby Drakeford Christine and James Drost Marcy and Fred Dumas Sandra and Eddie Edwards Rachel and Jonathan Ellis Elaine and Jeffrey Fagan Joyce Staley Ford Kayla Freeman Continued on next page
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
9L
Blumenthal Performing Arts recognizes with gratitude the dedication and generosity of the following supporters.
PRODUCER'S CIRCLE (CONTINUED) Steven and Darcy Garfinkle Dr. Glenn Gaston John R. Georgius Robin Gershen Mr. and Mrs. Mike Greene Molly and Robert Griffin Kathy R. Hairston Neil Handelsman Pamela Hanna, M.D. Donna and Randy Helton Jennifer Henry Sherri and Waddie Heyward James Hill Michelle and Brian Howell Hytham Imseis Kathe N. Ingle Kathy and Charlie Izard David S. Jacobson Charity Kates
Lyndon W. Kennedy Linda and Kerry Kenner Joan Kirschner Tricia and Ryan Knatz Janice S. Ladley Zack Lansat Beverly and John Lassiter James Ledbetter Richard and Anna Marriott Laurie and Kevin McCormick Dr. and Mrs. Alden Milam Shelley and Andy Misiaveg Amy Murphy Jill and Ed Newman Marian M. Nisbet Wendy Oglesby and David Higbe Dr. Valerie and Mr. Barton O'Kelley
Drs. Elaine and Thomas Pacicco Jack Page and Robert Myers Anne Patefield Mr. and Mrs. Edwin B. Peacock III Donna and Steve Pernotto Joy Pinchback Kathy and Jerry Price Fidel and Laura Prieto Sally and Russell Robinson William R. Rollins Carla and Ed Rose Mikel Rogers Ryan Chryll and Wayne Salow Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Schneck Dr. Marvin Shapiro and Mrs. Anita Shapiro Emilie and Gene Sharbaugh Charles Shelton
Jan and Scott Smith Wayne B. Smith Jr. and Indun Patrick Claire and Jim Talley Dr. Ben C. Taylor, III Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Thomas Sandi and Ben Thorman Ellen and Jim Wade Jacqueline and Rusty Wasco Margo and Dave Wehrung Drs. James and Jackie Wheeler Teresa and Stick Williams Pat and Bill Williamson Krista and Thomas Wilson Members of The Legacy Society at Blumenthal.
*
Contributions received from Jan. 3, 2017 - Jan. 3, 2018
CORPORATE PARTNERS $7,500+ Directing Partners Publix Super Markets Charities
$5,000+ Executive Partners Bradley British American Business Council C design Inc.
Deloitte InterCon Building Corporation Keatley Wealth Management, LLC King & Spalding LLP
KPMG McKenney’s, Inc Moore & Van Allen PLLC Rodgers Builders Inc.
SteelFab, Inc. Troutman Sanders LLP UTC Aerospace Systems
Midrex Technologies Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP PMMC Premier Golf, Inc. PricewaterhouseCoopers Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson P.A. Rogers Unloading Service
RSM US LLP Sentinel Risk Advisors South State Bank The Dowd Foundation, Inc. Walbridge Southeast White Knight Engineered Products, Inc.
McGrann Paper Corporation McVeigh & Mangum Mechanical Contractors, Inc. NC Interiors Contracting, Inc. Odell Associates Preferred Electric Co., Inc. Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc.
Schindler Elevator Corp. Tippens & Zurosky LLP Ty Hardee Financial Velligan Medical Services, PC Xentegra
$2,500+ Managing Partners Adams Electric Company Ashley Furniture Baird Private Wealth Management BDO Bryan Cave Carolina CAT Charlotte Insurance Charlotte Paint Co. Inc.
Chicago Title Insurance Company Foundry Commercial Gray Dog Investments, Inc. Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP McCracken & Lopez, PA McGuireWoods LLP McIlveen Family Law
$1,000+ Associate Partners BB&T Cabarrus Glass Company Inc. Carousel Capital Charlotte Business Journal Crosland Southeast Curvature Donald Haack Diamonds & Fine Gems
Galvan Industries, Inc. Garmon & Company, Inc. Commercial Flooring High Performance Technologies Hood Hargett & Associates Hoopaugh Grading Company, LLC Howard Brothers Electric Jenkins Peer Architects
Contributions received from Jan. 3, 2017 - Jan. 3, 2018
HOSPITALITY PARTNERS Our Restaurant Partners help make your Blumenthal experience even more special. We gratefully acknowledge their generous support and hope you will patronize them frequently.
9M
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Blumenthal Performing Arts recognizes with gratitude the dedication and generosity of the following supporters.
CATALYST PARTNERS
THE DOCTOR FAMILY FOUNDATION The Arts & Science Council supports Blumenthal Performing Arts’ 2017 fiscal year budget with operating and programmatic grants.
Blumenthal Performing Arts receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.
LEADERSHIP PARTNERS
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
SIGNATURE PARTNERS
$20,000+ CHAIRMAN PARTNER
$15,000+ CEO PARTNERS
$10,000+ PRESIDENTIAL PARTNERS
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
9N
21775 8.5x11 1c
The art of performance draws our eyes to the stage
Wells Fargo is proud to present this special presentation of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. ®
© 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-21775
10
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT. WE’RE ALL THE SAME. When we need healing, we all want the same thing: expert care, tailored to our unique situation. Because when it comes to healthcare, everyone deserves the best.
11
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Pub: November Playbill
Client: Carolinas HealthCare
Blumenthal Performing Arts
BlumenthalArts.org
Tablao Flamenco: Intimate, Soulful, Passionate
Show to transform Booth Playhouse this spring By Liz Rothaus Bertrand
W
ith Tablao Flamenco, Charlotte audiences can be closer than ever to the action onstage. Flamenco, the iconic Spanish style of dance, instrumentals and spine-tingling vocals, is traditionally performed in small clubs throughout Spain but rarely seen that way in the U.S. “One thing we’ve found among American companies, they seem to focus on large scale productions and modern dance style of flamenco,” says Tom Gabbard, president of Blumenthal Performing Arts. That changes March 20-24, when Blumenthal transforms Booth Playhouse into an intimate, jazz club environment. Cabaret tables and chairs will surround a custom-made thrust stage extending into MARCH • that’s BOOTH PLAYHOUSE “You feel the20-24 passion an important part of AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER the house. Most of the style and the intensity of it ... " 704.372.1000 the dancing will take Tom Gabbard • BlumenthalArts.org Group Sales: 704.348.5752 President of Blumenthal Performing Arts place here, bringing the performers toward the and closer up you have the chance to audience. Guests can enjoy drinks at their appreciate the finer, smaller moves that tables – which fill the entire front section you can’t really see (in a large theater of the orchestra bowl – or from traditional setting),” says Gabbard. “It creates a much theater seating, available in other sections. more intimate connection between the “You feel the passion that’s an important part of the style and the intensity of it, Continued on Next Page 12
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Continued from Previous Page
artist and the audience.” Tablao Flamenco will be a totally, original show featuring some of the country’s top performers and is co-produced by Blumenthal and Rhythm of the Arts, a New York-based company specializing in authentic, cross-cultural performances. “There’s not anything else like this out there,” says Gabbard, who plans to make this an annual event in Charlotte and expects it to be replicated in other cities as well. With the flexibility of the newly renovated Booth Playhouse, seating can be arranged in a variety of ways. That’s sure to bring even more innovation to Blumenthal. “This does represent a style of presentation that we want to do more of,” says Gabbard. “We expect to see other things that will be done with this up-close, personal style. It opens up the ability to do many things that we haven’t been able to do before.”
A flamenco dancer performs.
Tablao Flamenco March 20-24 • Booth Playhouse 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org
GRAND DEBUT
SOUTHMINSTER TERRACES New Residences Designed for Sophisticated Living 704.551.6800 | southminster.org 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
13
EXPERIENCE THE CHARLOTTE PREP DIFFERENCE. Charlotte Prep understands children are inherently hungry to learn. Our childcentered focus and innovative approach to education ensures that our students reach their full potential.
charlotteprep.org | 704-366-5994
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Let’s protect those. Protecting your sight takes unsurpassed talent. Investing in the best new equipment. And the highest level of specialized expertise. That’s us.
horizoneye.com
14
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Celebrating the big dream to create Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, its first 25 years and hopes for the future.
Our 25th anniversary season is presented to the community by
Dale F. Halton FOUNDATION 1704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
THE DOCTOR FAMILY FOUNDATION
Education Programs and Student Scholarships
15 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Opera Carolina
operacarolina.org
‘Listen to the Art’
Opera Carolina to begin innovative arts education partnership
T
eaching art – just for art’s sake – is important. But, arts education goes beyond drawing and chorus. The novelist Junot Diaz (“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao”) has said, “The whole culture is telling you to hurry, while art tells you to take your time. Always listen to the art.” We have to slow down to fully appreciate a painting, performance or piece of music. Art asks us to be deliberate and thoughtful – to savor what we see. “The arts are not an add-on,” said Ashley Johnson Lam, Opera Carolina’s director of education. “They’re a valuable mode of learning.” For 45 years, Opera Carolina has introduced children to opera through Opera Xpress. The troupe of professional singing actors stages 45-minute, kidfriendly operas – including creative sets, colorful costumes and silly stories – in schools across the Carolinas. Beginning this year, Opera Carolina is partnering with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools more closely than ever. The pARTnership CMS pilot program – powered by funding from OrthoCarolina – begins this month at the predominately Latino Sterling Academy and Ashley Park Academy, a Project L.I.F.T. school. Lam and team will visit third-grade classrooms to prepare them for Opera Xpress’ The Billy Goats Gruff, a modern retelling of the children’s fable with music from Mozart. The third graders will get indepth lessons before and after the opera is staged at their
16
schools. An interactive follow-up activity – writing a song or choreographing and performing a dance – will help link lessons from the opera to their curriculum. Opera Carolina is taking the lead this year. But teachers will eventually take charge. And the teachers who’ve been trained can, in turn, train other teachers. That’s not all. This spring, when Opera Carolina stages I Dream, a rhythm and blues opera based on the last days in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., CMS eighth and 12th graders will explore civil rights curriculum through the opera. The goal of the pARTnership CMS is to activate learning through arts-based skills and inspire a new generation of lifelong learners – and lifelong art lovers. Like anything worthwhile, that takes time. Learn more at www.partnershipcms.org.
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Trust Your Gut to the Experts
CHARLOTTE GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY Ballantyne . Charlotte . Huntersville . Matthews . Mooresville Appointment Line . www.charlottegastro.com . General Information 704.377.4009 704.377.0246
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
17
Charlotte Ballet
charlotteballet.org
What Makes The Most Incredible Thing So Incredible?
J
avier de Frutos and the Pet Shop Boy’s The Most Incredible Thing brings to life a kingdom of colorful characters and tells the tale of a competition to determine who can make the “most incredible thing.” This fairytale pop ballet makes its American debut right here in Charlotte after receiving rave reviews at Sadler’s Wells in London. With a mesmerizing display of talent and creativity, it’s easy to see what makes this performance so incredible!
“I defy anyone to be bored by this phantasmagorical new collaboration between the Pet Shop Boys and Javier De Frutos.” - The Telegraph
“The Venezuelan-born choreographer Javier de Frutos is a volatile talent.” - The Guardian
“Very modern adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen.” - The Telegraph
“It’s music that makes you smile; it’s music that makes you want to get up and dance.” - The Real Chrisparkle
“Lavish, family friendly entertainment.” - The Times
“There are times when this show is so enjoyable it’s – forgive me – a sin.” - The Telegraph
Photos by Hugo Glendinning
The Most Incredible Thing performed at Sadler’s Wells.
Photo by Jeff Cravotta
“Take a bow, the entire lighting and design team.” - The Telegraph
The Most Incredible Thing
March 9-18 • Knight Theater For tickets and information, visit charlotteballet.org 18
704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
A long tradition of helping our community perform at its best. At Moore & Van Allen we have a long tradition of supporting the arts. Whether they entertain, inspire or simply add beauty to our community, the arts can have an impact on everyone. There are very few things in life that can achieve that. Which, in our minds, is an uncommon art.
mvalaw.com Charlotte Office 100 North Tryon Street, Suite 4700 Charlotte, NC 28202
Research Triangle, NC Charleston, SC
Corporate
Litigation
Estate & Wealth Planning
Intellectual Property
Employment & Labor
Privacy & Data Security
Financial Services
Energy & Environmental
Public Affairs
Bankruptcy & Restructuring Health Care
Federal & International Taxation
Global Services
Economic Development
Real Estate Transportation
OYSTER PERPETUAL
cosmograph daytona
rolex
oyster perpetual, COSMOGRAPH
AND DAYTONA are ® trademarks.