IN THE
Sp tlight
Fall/Winter 2018
YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING SHOWS AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS
A Christmas Story, The Musical
iLuminate
Jim Brickman – A Joyful Christmas
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Don’t Miss the “Spotlight Specials” on Page 14. Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Fall/Winter 2018
1
A
leg lamp, a pink bunny onesie and a boy who dreams of an official Red RyderÂŽ Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. This is A Christmas Story, The Musical, brought to vibrant life onstage by the musical minds behind La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen. Based on the classic 1983 film and nominated for three 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical, this show is an eye-popping salute to holiday nostalgia. A Christmas Story, The Musical 2
Fall/Winter 2018
DEC. 4-9 OVENS AUDITORIUM 2700 INDEPENDENCE BLVD
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
One Man Star Wars Trilogy IN THE
Sp tlight
SeptemberDecember 2018
Produced by Marketing at Blumenthal Performing Arts Wendy Oglesby, vice president Mark Wallace, creative services & publications manager Brandon Carter, director of marketing and publicity
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
NOV. 16-18 BOOTH PLAYHOUSE
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
On the Cover
DESIGNER: Lindsey Burton WRITER/COORDINATOR: Kitty Janvrin
Clockwise from top left, Susannah Jones as Mother, Christopher Swan as The Old Man, Cal Alexander as Randy and Colton Maurer as Ralphie in A Christmas Story, The Musical, photo by by Gary Emord Netzley; iLuminate; The Hip Hop Nutcracker, photo by Tim Norris; and Jim Brickman, Share the Love.
Fall/Winter 2018
3
SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD HEATER OCT. 2 | BELK T Award-winning actor Bill Murray teams up with renowned cellist Jan Vogler, violinist Mira Wang and pianist Vanessa Perez for a joint program of classic orchestrations and literature.
NOV. 5 | McGL OHON THEATE
R
Quigley Photo by Jason Photo by Jason Quigley
Premier alternative orchestral ensemble Portland Cello Project tackles one of alt-rock’s most critically acclaimed albums in a unique and exquisite homage to Radiohead and genre-defying musicality. 4
Fall/Winter 2018
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
A reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music and E.T.A. Hoffman’s beloved holiday story, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary theatrical dream for the entire family. Maria-Clara and her Nutcracker prince travel back in time to 1980s Brooklyn under the spell of the mysterious Drosselmeyer to the fateful New Year’s Eve where her parents first met. A high-energy cast of dancers, DJ and violinist help create Maria-Clara’s enchanting world in this tale of love, community and the magic of a new year. SPECIAL GUEST MC: KURTIS BLOW, OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED 1980 HIT SINGLE “THE BREAKS” hiphopnutcracker.com #hiphopnutcracker
The Hip Hop Nutcracker Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
DEC. 26-29 KNIGHT THEATER
AT LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Fall/Winter 2018
5
STEPPING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT B
efore being featured in the Oscarwinning documentary Twenty Feet From Stardom, she spent four decades singing background for hitmakers like the Rolling Stones and Tina Turner. That eclectic background working in various genres formed Fischer’s unique ability to blend funk, rock and soul into moving vocal performances. Now the two-time Grammy Award-winner brings her powerhouse voice to the stage for an intimate evening of song.
Lisa Fischer
OCT. 25 McGLOHON THEATER AT SPIRIT SQUARE
P
roducing a stripped-down sound that draws from R&B, gospel and jazz, Kandace Springs pays homage to her origins as a young artist at an old upright piano in her parents’ music-filled house. Her soulful jazz attracted the attention of pop-rock legend Prince, who invited her to play with his band for the 30th anniversary of “Purple Rain” and later mentored her for her debut album. With two albums under her belt, Springs fills the stage with refreshing vocals and an expressive connection to the piano.
Kandace Springs 6
Fall/Winter 2018
NOV. 2 STAGE DOOR THEATER
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Who They Are: The innovative dance crew wears programmable suits that enhance each performer’s phenomenal dance moves with tailored lighting effects. Light and Dark: Creator Miral Kotb harnessed her love of dance and her affinity for software engineering to develop the crew’s customized wireless lighting costumes. The result is a mind-blowing blend of illuminated choreography and darkened illusions.
Who They Are: This group of classically-trained dancers from across the globe is based in New York and spearheaded by renowned choreographer Jessica Lang. Barrier-Breaking Ballet: Collaboration with some of the world’s top artists including architects, lighting designers and composers has produced the company’s repertoire of 25 female-driven compositions since 2011.
Where You’ve Seen Them: As finalists on America’s Got Talent in 2011, they were called “the best new act in America.”
Where You’ve Seen Her Work: Lang’s 100th ballet was commissioned by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and recently premiered at Lincoln Center. The JLD company has toured internationally in more than 200 cities.
SEPT. 26 | KNIGHT THEATER
NOV. 12 | KNIGHT THEATER
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Fall/Winter 2018
7
Y o u e rself v a H c a i s l u little m a Christmas Warm up this winter with a merry array of concerts. From classic carols to contemporary sounds of the season, you can greet the holidays with music from some of your favorite artists.
d
d
d
NOV. 25 • BELK THEATER
8
Fall/Winter 2018
NOV. 28 • KNIGHT THEATER
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
d
d
DEC. 12 • McGLOHON THEATER
DEC. 13 • McGLOHON THEATER
DEC. 15 • OVENS AUDITORIUM
DEC. 16 • McGLOHON THEATER
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Fall/Winter 2018
9
ALL SEVEN HARRY POTTER BOOKS IN SEVENTY HILARIOUS MINUTES!
P Potted Potter –Dan and Jeff
otted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience, A Parody by Dan and Jeff returns with more wand-erful wizardry. This fantastically funny show features your favorite characters, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous heaping of Hogwarts magic. Here’s the elusive elixir that makes the show a hit, selling out houses across the U.K., Australia, Singapore and North America.
POTTED POTTER’S MAGIC POTION 2 two-time Olivier Award nominees (writers/creators Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner) 2 magical comedic actors A heaping Howler of favorite (and family-friendly) jokes 1 real-life game of Quidditch
Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience, A Parody by Dan and Jeff 10
Fall/Winter 2018
NOV. 27-DEC. 2 McGLOHON THEATER AT SPIRIT SQUARE
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
OUEEN CITY
CE The funniest acts from around the corner and across the country are coming together for one hilarious weekend. If you’re expecting the jokes your dad cracks on every family trip, buckle up. We’ve compiled a guide of can’t-miss acts to help you navigate.
COMEDY TONIGHT: YOUR GUIDE TO THE QUEEN CITY COMEDY EXPERIENCE BRIAN REGAN | THURSDAY, SEPT. 27 | BELK THEATER
Regan’s reputation as a late night favorite and consistently strong performer has led him to a more than 30-year-long career in the funny business.
RANDY RAINBOW | FRIDAY, SEPT. 28 | McGLOHON THEATER
The viral sensation and master of parody is perhaps best known for his political satire and musical spoofs.
JANEANE GAROFALO | SATURDAY, SEPT. 29 | McGLOHON THEATER As a Hollywood favorite, she has starred in works like Wet Hot American Summer, Ratatouille, “24” and “The West Wing.”
JAY PHAROAH | SATURDAY, SEPT. 29 | McGLOHON THEATER
With an impressive array of impressions in his repertoire after six seasons on “Saturday Night Live,” Pharoah has become a formidable comedic force.
ROB SCHNEIDER | SUNDAY, SEPT. 30 | McGLOHON THEATER His character acting in some of the top comedies over the past two decades has led this “Saturday Night Live” alum to prominence as a household comedy name.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Fall/Winter 2018
11
IN THE
Sp tlight Calendar
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
Toad the Wet Sprocket with Special Guest Terra Lightfoot McGlohon Theater
20 25-29 26 27-30
Tablao Flamenco Booth Playhouse
2 OCT. 10NOV. 4
Bill Murray, Jan Vogler and Friends: New Worlds Belk Theater Hamilton Belk Theater
iLuminate Knight Theater
18
The Naked Magicians McGlohon Theater
Queen City Comedy Experience Sprit Square
21
Lindsey Buckingham with Special Guest J.S. Ondara Knight Theater
23
National Geographic Live! Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice McGlohon Theater
25 25
Lisa Fischer McGlohon Theater An Evening with Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen Knight Theater
NOVEMBER 2 Tablao Flamenco. | Photo by Daniel Coston
5 8-10
Christopher Wayne & Mike Tyler of The Naked Magicians
12
Fall/Winter 2018
10
Kandace Springs Stage Door Theater Portland Cello Project Performing Radio Head’s OK Computer McGlohon Theater One Funny Mother Stage Door Theater Steep Canyon Rangers Knight Theater
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
IN THE
Sp tlight Calendar
NOVEMBER 12
Jessica Lang Dance Knight Theater
16
The David Cook Acoustic Tour McGlohon Theater
16-18 18
One Man Star Wars Trilogy Booth Playhouse
25 NOV. 27DEC. 2
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis Belk Theater Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff McGlohon Theater
28
Michael McDonald, Season of Peace & Holiday Hits Knight Theater
30
Kaki King presents “The Neck is a Bridge to the Body” Booth Playhouse
16
A Rockapella Christmas McGlohon Theater
18
The Weepies McGlohon Theater
George Winston McGlohon Theater
DECEMBER 1 4-9
Michelle Wolf Knight Theater A Christmas Story, The Musical Ovens Auditorium
12
Dave Barnes Presents A Very Merry Christmas with Special Guests McGlohon Theater
13
Jim Brickman – A Joyful Christmas McGlohon Theater
15
The Beach Boys – Reason for the Season Christmas Tour Ovens Auditorium
26-29
The Hip Hop Nutcracker Knight Theater
27-31
Rock of Ages Belk Theater
For a complete list of upcoming shows, visit
BlumenthalArts.org Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Fall/Winter 2018
13
IN THE
Sp tlight Specials
SAVE $10 ON THESE GREAT SHOWS*
SEPT. 26 KNIGHT THEATER *
Offer valid on Price Zone 10.
SEPT. 27 BELK THEATER *
Offer valid on Price Zone 10.
SEPT. 25-29 BOOTH PLAYHOUSE Offer valid on Price Zone 10 at the Tuesday, Sept. 25, performance only.
*
NOV. 12 KNIGHT THEATER *
Offer valid on Price Zone 10.
Call now for these specials, or visit BlumenthalArts.org/Spotlight for the latest offers 14
Fall/Winter 2018
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
1980s Hollywood. Dust off those records and fill in the lyrics below for your chance to attend opening night. Simply snap a photo of your answers and email it to marketing2@ncbpac.org using the subject line “Rock of Ages Lyrics.” You’ll be entered to win a pair of tickets to opening night of Rock of Ages on Thursday, Dec. 27. You may also enter to win via mail. Remove this page with the lyrics completed, add your contact information and mail it to:
W
Rock of Ages Enter to Win c/o Blumenthal Arts Marketing 345 N. College St. Charlotte, NC 28202
anna rock? Rock of Ages is back and celebrating its 10th anniversary tour. Featuring the music of hit bands like Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake among others, this show captures the essence of
Deadline for entries to be received is Nov. 23, 2018.
FINISH THE LYRICS 1
4
Well you’re a real tough HANGING ON THE _____ IN WITH A LONG HISTORY/OF SONGS OF YESTERDAY/AN’ I’VE BREAKING LITTLE HEARTS LIKE THE MADE UP MY MIND, I AIN’T WASTING ONE IN ME. NO MORE TIME. –“HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT”
–“HERE I GO AGAIN”
MY SINGIN’S OUT OF THE _____ SAY LOVE’S A /IT MAKES ME MONEY. GAME OF EASY COME, EASY GO. 2SO YOU THINK 5HEAR –“CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE”
–“EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORN”
SURRENDER ALL YOUR _____ TO ME TONIGHT/THEY’LL COME TRUE IN THE END.
3
6
– “SHADOWS OF THE NIGHT”
–“THE FINAL COUNTDOWN”
Rock of Ages
I GUESS THERE IS NO ONE TO BLAME/ WE’RE LEAVING _____/ WILL THINGS EVER BE THE SAME.
DEC. 27-31 BELK THEATER
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Fall/Winter 2018
15
DEC. 4-9, 2018 OVENS AUDITORIUM
JAN. 15-20, 2019 KNIGHT THEATER
AUG. 13-18, 2019 BELK THEATER
704.335.1010 BlumenthalArts.org/familyfriendly
DEC. 26-29, 2018 KNIGHT THEATER
SEPT. 10-29, 2019 BELK THEATER
T H E H I T B R O A D W AY M U S I C A L
T H E H I T B R O A D W AY M U S I C A L
“Friend Like Me.” Aladdin North American Tour. | Photo by Deen van Meer. © Disney.
©Disney
Fall/Winter 2018
The company of CATS on broadway. | Photo by Matthew Murphy
Make more memories! Purchase a family-friendly Broadway package to secure the best seats for popular weekend performances before tickets go on sale to the public and prices increase. Monthly payment plans are available.
LOCK IN SEATS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY NOW!
BROADWAY FUN
©Disney
16
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
For tickets or information, call 704.372.1000 or visit BlumenthalArts.org
Fall/Winter 2018
130 N. Tryon St. • Charlotte, NC 28202-2100
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Charlotte, NC Permit No. 3036