HousingFest 2019 Featuring Mandolin Orange Online Playbill by Blumenthal Performing Arts

KNIGHT THEATER AT LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS JUNE 2019

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Learning That Inspires The Soul

Musical Theater Band | Jazz Band Visual Arts Costume Design Acting | Drama Chorus

Financial Aid Available

Now Enrolling! PK-12

Spectacular To the artists who enthrall us, the audiences who electrify us and the Blumenthal, which brings us all together, we say thank you for another amazing season.

Americas | Asia | Europe | Middle East

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Board of Trustees

Backstage With The Bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Visit............................................................ 4 Spend Your Summer With Charlotte Ballet! .........................................12 New Opera Carolina Season Depicts Human Struggles ...................... 16 Superstar Violinist, a Firebird, Sinatra and More at the Symphony......... 18

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ADVERTISING AVAILABILITY: Hila Johnson, advertising sales 305.978.2922 â&#x20AC;˘ hjohnson@blumenthalarts.org Backstage employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.) Local 322.

Program printed by UMS, Inc.

Richard Battle Reginald Bean, marketing & community relations chair Bobby Chesney, compensation chair Brian Cromwell Dena R. Diorio Bobby Drakeford Julie Eiselt Charlie Elberson Jonathan D. Feit Erin Lavely Fisher John Giannuzzi Jeffrey S. Hay, board chair Kristin Hills Bradberry, immediate past chair Renee Hobart, education chair Jerri Kallam Michelle Y. Lee Portia Sherman MacKinnon Susanne H. McGuire Barbara Meeks, development chair Gail Sharps Myers George A. Raftelis Courtney D. Rogers Matthew Salisbury, secretary Anjali Shah Scott Tozier, facilities chair Kevin R. White, treasurer, finance & audit chair

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WHERE PERFORMANCE MEETS POTENTIAL Providing a structured, individualized, K-12 college preparatory curriculum for students with learning differences.

704.365.4658 | thefletcherschool.org | 8500 Sardis Road | Charlotte, NC 28270

GRAND DEBUT

SOUTHMINSTER TERRACES New Residences Designed for Sophisticated Living 704.551.6800 | southminster.org 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

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Photo by Matt Murphy

George Abud, Harvey Valdes, Ossama Farouk, Sam Sadigursky and Garo Yellin in The Band's Visit.

Backstage With The Band’s Visit

Producer Orin Wolf and Writer Itamar Moses talk about their multiple Tony Award-winning show By Liz Rothaus Bertrand

hen Orin Wolf saw an early screening of the film The Band’s Visit, he had an immediate impulse: to put it on stage. “It was a moment of clarity for me that doesn’t happen very often in my life,” says Wolf. Some eight years later, his initial inspiration would become one of the most celebrated and critically-acclaimed musicals of all time. Winner of 10 Tony Awards in 2018, this story of an Egyptian military band that gets stranded for one night in a remote Israeli village is now beginning a national tour, and Charlotte audiences will be among the first to see it. The Band’s Visit comes to Knight Theater Aug. 6-25. Tony-winning writer Itamar Moses and Wolf, the show’s lead producer, recently visited Charlotte to talk about the show’s origins, the creative process and some highlights of their journey. Here’s what they had to say: 4

INSPIRATION Wolf, who already had a cultural connection to the story (his wife is Israeli), recalls three things that convinced him it would be ripe for a stage adaptation: 1. People are stuck. “That’s a theme in a lot of the plays that has shaped my love of the theater, spanning everything from Chekhov to O’Neill to Mamet to Moses,” says Wolf. 2. People use a second language to communicate. “I’ve always believed fundamentally that theater as a medium is about the exploration of language and how we communicate,” says Wolf. 3. Musicians are part of the story. “I always have a problem with this Continued on Page 7

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U P C O M I N G

E V E N T S

NKOTB

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

JOHN MAYER

KHALID

JULY 9

JULY 17 - 21

AUGUST 9

AUGUST 13

ALAN JACKSON

TREVOR NOAH

DISNEY ON ICE

OLD DOMINION

AUGUST 24

SEPTEMBER 14

SEPTEMBER 20-22

SEPTEMBER 27

800.745.3000 | GET TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE OR SPECTRUMCENTERCHARLOTTE.COM

PREMIUM SEATING | 704.688.8901 | SUITES@HORNETS.COM

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Continued from Page 4

notion that people start singing randomly,” says Wolf, “so the idea that this band was lost and had their instruments on them and were stuck with them felt for me as a sort of a rationalizer of musicals …” THE CREATIVE PROCESS In some ways, this show was easier for Moses to write than other musicals he’s created since a screenplay already existed. “The bones of it were already very sound because the movie’s very good,” he says. The first step was creating a full-length play without any music – keeping the parts that translated to the stage and adding components to fill in the story as needed. One particular challenge of adaptation was conveying emotion when cinematic tricks like actor close-ups and wide pans of the desert weren’t possible. “You have to replace those visual metaphors with theatrical metaphors,” says Moses, who grew up in California, the son of Israeli immigrants. Once they had a script, he and composer David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Full Monty) worked together to find the best moments to add music. The process was collaborative and ongoing, as Yazbek – who is of Lebanese and Jewish descent – created a score unlike anything else on Broadway. Filled with Middle Eastern melodies and instruments, music became a central way the characters connected with one another. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY Winning the Tony was thrilling but Moses says his most gratifying moment took place during previews for the initial off-Broadway run. He and the rest of the creative team kept tinkering with the show until one memorable night. “We

started seeing the audience walking out at the end kind of shaken, and with tears in their eyes and hugging each other,” says Moses. “We realized that this thing we’d been after, this very hard to pin down alchemy that was going to create this deep emotional experience for people, had happened.” Later, when critics agreed and were able to articulate to the public what the creators had intended and the awards started rolling in, it just felt like icing on the cake. For Wolf, looking back at the show’s Broadway success and now bringing it to cities like Charlotte is extremely gratifying. “There’s so much going on in the world that’s daunting and overwhelming and noisy and angry, and yet this gentle show has been embraced by a commercial audience in a commercial industry. And to me it just fills me with optimism,” says Wolf. “It fills me with joy that the world we inhabit made room for the musical The Band’s Visit.”

Photo by Matthew Murphy

Bill Army and Sharone Sayegh in The Band's Visit.

The Band’s Visit Aug. 6-25 • Knight Theater 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

You never know

who might need your help. Learn to give Mental Health First Aid.

Our one-day session gives you the know-how you need to identify and respond to someone experiencing a mental health crisis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and how to be there for someone who needs you. Join an upcoming class: AtriumHealth.org/MentalHealth

Need help right now? Call our 24/7 Behavioral Health Help Line at 704-444-2400.

Mental Health First Aid was developed by the National Council on Behavioral Health along with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Missouri Department of Mental Health.

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A Concert to End Homelessness in Charlotte

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HousingFest is a monthlong arts and music festival dedicated to raising funds and awareness to end homelessness in Charlotte. Presented by Urban Ministry Center, HousingFest is made possible by our generous partners at Blumenthal Performing Arts, MaxxMusic, and Visulite Theatre. It is with great pride that we welcome Mandolin Orange to the Knight Theater this evening! Music from the Chapel Hill duo radiates a mysterious warmth. Their songs feel like whispered secrets, one hand cupped to your ear. Mandolin Orange have built a steady and growing fanbase, as evidenced by their latest album “Tides of a Teardrop.” The new release has already reached #1 on Billboard’s Heatseeker chart and #2 on Billboard’s Folk chart. Recently returned to the United States from their European tour, we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome singer-songwriter Andrew Marlin and multi-instrumentalist Emily Frantz back to their home state of North Carolina. While the duo has retained an enchanting chemistry in their sound, they now tour with a band that casts light on the space in the music – the holy silence between notes, charging their sound with a profound intimacy. HousingFest welcomes opener Daughter of Swords tonight, who will be sharing songs from her stunning debut album “Dawnbreaker.” Alexandra Sauser-Monnig rose to quick acclaim as one third of the trio Mountain Man in 2010. Dawnbreaker, released under the moniker Daughter of Swords, is Sauser-Monnig’s irst solo album. The 10-track collection explores a broad range of experiences from anticipation of loss, to hope for the future. 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

HousingFest 2019 Sponsors

Thank you for joining our movement to end homelessness in Charlotte!

Title Sponsor

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Level I Sponsors

3 Level II Sponsors

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Pay it Forward Sponsors Jack Briggman  Eastside Local Eatery  Myers & Chapman Queen City Sheet Metal  Tarkett 9A

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How Can YOU Help End Homelessness? You already have. A portion from the cost of your ticket will support Urban Ministry Center in our work to provide permanent housing solutions that are supportive and affordable. You’re also taking the time to learn more about this cause simply by reading your playbill…so thank you! Want to do even more good tonight? We’d love that! Here are four actions you can take that will make a positive impact in our community, and move the needle on our work to end homelessness in Charlotte:

Text to Give – you can donate any amount by texting housingfest to 243725.

Check Out Our Merch – HousingFest 2019 posters, t-shirts, and bumper stickers are available in the lobby. All proceeds help end homelessness. Special thanks to Cristina Isshiki who won our first annual design competition!

Expand Your Art Collection – In the lobby you will find paintings created by the individuals we serve. 50% of proceeds are given to the artist, and 50% returns to our ArtWorks studio to cover the cost of supplies. Also visit our give-a-number wall of 100 Home Squares. We invited folks in our art studio and our housing programs to share their concept of “home” on a 4x4” wooden square. The squares are numbered 1-100 and priced by their number. (For example, you can purchase square #39 for $39). If all of our squares can find a home tonight, we will have raised an additional $5,000 dollars for the cause!

Find a HousingFest Volunteer – Wearing bright yellow volunteer shirts, they are hard to miss! Come and see us in the lobby and visit our tables and displays. Learn about volunteer opportunities, sign up for a lunch & learn to hear more about homelessness in our community, and take a look at our MapAnything display showing the scope of our organization’s housing and employment partnerships across the region.

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2014

2017

2016

2018

2018 Since our inaugural event in 2014, HousingFest has raised $167,000 for the cause of ending homelessness. Serving as an intersection between the arts and the very best of causes, HousingFest has developed a reputation for bringing the community together each spring in celebration of our ongoing commitment to caring for our neighbors. Here are some highlights from previous festivals. Maybe you’ve joined us before? 2014 – The Blind Boys of Alabama and Jim Lauderdale performed at a soldout Neighborhood Theatre. 2016 – Josh Ritter headlined a full day of music at the Fillmore, also featuring Lindi Ortega, Matrimony, Justin Fedor, Nikki Hill, and Jim Lauderdale. 2017 – St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Aaron Lee Tasjan performed for a full house at the Fillmore. 2018 – Blues legend Buddy Guy and soul icon Mavis Staples headlined HousingFest at Ovens Auditorium. Each spring HousingFest returns with a new lineup of live music, and opportunities for community members to plug into our work to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. Thank you for joining us tonight…we hope to see you again! 9C

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Housing Ends Homelessness

Some of our most vulnerable citizens are those who live with disabilities while experiencing homelessness for a year or longer – the chronically homeless. Since 2008 we have rallied community support to provide the solution. Today 350 people in Urban Ministry Center housing programs have housing that is: Permanent – Tenants sign a lease and lead an independent lifestyle. Their apartment is their home indefinitely. Our housing retention rate exceeds 80%. Supportive – Every tenant has access to a case manager, nurse, psychiatrist, and a benefits specialist, in addition to community engagement opportunities. Affordable – Tenants pay 30% of their income as rent, meaning that their housing will always be affordable, whether they have disability benefits, a paycheck, or no income at all. Everyone deserves a place to call home. For those we serve, the stability of housing has resulted in repaired relationships, increased access to income, and fewer hospital and jail stays. Simply put, housing ends homelessness. TOTAL AFFORDABLE RENTAL UNITS BY INCOME LEVEL  CHARLOTTE, NC 21,195 unit gap for very & extremely low-income households 56,807

# of units affordable at specified income levels # of renter households

O h s p

P h s k



119,682

89,180



35,612

31,474

I c c t t p i

9,934 Extremely low income <30%AMI

Very low income & below: 0-50% AMI

Low income & below: 0-80% AMI

While Charlotte’s economy is booming, the corresponding rise in housing costs has ushered in a wave of homelessness for many who lack resources and supports. Every time our community’s rental costs increase, we see a rise in homelessness. Most of the people we serve at our organization are living in pervasive poverty and experiencing housing instability or homelessness. Studies show that Charlotte lacks over 21,000 affordable units for households that are rated as “very low income” and “extremely low income.” We invite you to be a voice in our community’s conversation about affordable housing. 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

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A Bigger Voice In May, Urban Ministry Center merged with Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. The combined agency has more than 40 years of experience and provides a continuum of services ranging from street outreach, to emergency shelters, to permanent housing. By joining forces, we are establishing a bigger seat at the table, and a stronger voice in the room when it comes to community-wide policies and initiatives that will impact the face of homelessness and housing in Charlotte. Our approach to homeless services is data-driven and steeped in the belief that housing is a basic human right. The newly merged organization’s spectrum of services touches the lives of over a thousand people daily, which would not be possible without the help of our generous volunteers, donors, and advocates. Please join us this summer for a Lunch & Learn to hear more about homelessness in Charlotte. You can sign up for one of the following sessions at our table in the lobby, or by emailing Katie Church at kchurch@urbanministrycenter.org.  Homelessness 101 – Covers a range of topics including causes of homelessness, services available in the community, and the affordable housing crisis.  How to Help Individuals Experiencing Homelessness – Have you ever seen someone experiencing homelessness and wondered what you could, or should do to help? We have strategies to share!  My Name is Tom – What is it like to work and seek housing in Charlotte, all while experiencing homelessness? Hear Tom’s story – a first-hand account of what it’s like to face homelessness in our community. Interested in volunteering? We’d be honored! Needs range from serving drinks in the soup kitchen, to assisting with resume building at our employment center, to planting tomatoes in our community garden. All are welcome.

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mensshelterofcharlotte.org 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

From the Woods to the Whitehouse Byron was 20 years old and attending CPCC studying small business with the support of his mom, when she became ill in 2007. He quit school to care for her, but in 2009 she had to be moved to a nursing home where she passed away soon after. The house was willed to Byron, but he was unfortunately unable to afford the taxes and upkeep of the home. For a few years he stayed with family and friends, but eventually he found himself wandering the streets of Charlotte, sleeping in the woods or staying dry at a bus stop—living the life of a nomad, as he describes it. Without income, a stable home, or support system, Byron’s mental health issues were preventing him from leading a productive life. Byron visited Urban Ministry Center often for lunch or other services, and during these visits he enjoyed getting to know some of the staff and volunteers, including Mecklenburg County Homeless Services Program Coordinator Megan Coffey. Megan was able to connect Byron to another worker to help him apply for disability income, and she referred him to UMC’s Street Outreach team. Director Allison Winston began working with him, helping him get ‘document ready’ for housing. Together, they filled out a housing program application and he was accepted into the Housing First Charlotte Mecklenburg Partnership (HFCMP) housing program—one of UMC’s Scattered Site programs. Scattered Site Our Scattered Site program provides permanent supportive housing for people who suffer at least one disability and have been homeless for at least one year. The apartments in the program are owned and managed by several different landlords and are located all over Charlotte. Once accepted into 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

the program, each tenant is provided a case manager to help him or her be successful. There is a housing specialist, a nurse who makes home visits, a SOAR specialist to help people apply for the disability income they are eligible to receive, a weekly support group, and a dozen or so social events each year to help build community. Mecklenburg County Community Supportive Services is an important partner for many of our housing programs, including HFCMP where all case management is provided by their Licensed Mental Health Clinicians. When Byron was accepted into HFCMP in August 2017, he began working with clinician Andrea Magistro—he was one of her first clients in the program. Before they found housing, Andrea remembers taking Byron to appointments then asking, “Where should I drop you off?” Byron’s response, “I don’t know.” He really had no place to go. A few years earlier his dad had come to visit. Byron had scraped together some money for them to rent a motel room, but when the hotel staff saw the UMC address, 945 N. College St., on his ID, they refused to give him a room. He was humiliated. From the Woods to the Whitehouse On December 23, 2017, Byron was finally able to move into his apartment. That’s when he began describing his journey so succinctly, “from the woods to the Whitehouse.” The inside of his apartment is painted white, but this sentiment is really about position—about having a place to go; about a place where he’s in charge. In February 2018, Byron’s SSI disability application was approved. Housing and income have helped his life come together. He can pay his own rent (30% of his income), purchase food, a bus pass, and most importantly, host his family. His favorite moment so far has been a visit from his dad and step-mother. Instead of being humiliated, he felt blessed to offer a cozy place for them to stay, and they are so proud of him. Reconnecting with family is one of our favorite outcomes of permanent supportive housing, and living in the ‘Whitehouse,’ no one knows that better than Byron. 9G

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Blumenthal Performing Arts recognizes with gratitude the dedication and generosity of the following supporters.

PRODUCER'S CIRCLE $25,000+ Peg and Jay Adamczyk Gary Bechtel Vickie and Tom Gabbard Mr. and Mrs. David+ Goodman* Laura and Jeff Hay* Renee and Chris Hobart Julianne Marley Ann and Michael Tarwater

$2,500+ Anonymous Becky and Michael Alcione Elizabeth Austin Randy and Nancy Baker Rubina and Samuel Batt Shavonda and Reginald Bean Margaret and Howard Bissell Doug and Shelly Bose Crandall C. Bowles $10,000+ Chris and Steve Brace In honor of Katherine and Kristin and Buck Bradberry Emery Cherok George Brooks Mrs. Mary Anne Dickson Nathalie and Daniel Carrizosa Victoria and Porter Durham Mary Catherine and Beth and Jonathan Feit Robert Chesney Bob and Jena Gallagher Nan and Hal Clarke Sandra and Stephen Godofsky Lorin, Erica, and Lydia Crenshaw Nancy and David Hauser Craig and Sara Cummings Rebecca S. Henderson and Rose and Bill Cummings J. Michael Booe Karin and Sean Davies Michelle Lee Amy and Alfred Dawson Mr. and Mrs. William B. McGuire, Jr. Jim Donahue Michael, Jaime and Allie Monday Michele Durkin Charlotte and Arthur Mott Dr. Bryan Edmiston and Linda and Tony Pace Mr. Felipe G. Edmiston Jean and Matthew Salisbury Julie and Tom Eiselt Carolyn and Robert Shaw Lou Kinard and Charlie Elberson Glenn Tynan and Erin Lavely Fisher Karen Jensen-Tynan Michele and Walter Fisher Joan Zimmerman Karen Griffin and John Galloway Mrs. Gail Grim $7,500+ Debby and Mike Groenhout Betsy and Alfred Brand Robin and Blaine Hawkins Robin and Lea Burt Patti and Mark Hawley* Morgan and Brian Cromwell Mr. and Mrs. William T. Houser Dorlisa and Peter Flur Nora and Thomas Hughes Barbara and Josh Meeks Kathy and Charlie Izard Courtney Rogers Susan and David Jamison Tracey and Scott Tozier Ronald Kahn $5,000+ Virginia A. Kern Anonymous Meghan Daigle and Troy Leo Cathy and Jim Baily Holly and Joseph Machicote Mr. William M. Barnhardt and Portia MacKinnon Mrs. Nancy B. Thomas* Marie-Claire Marroum-Kardous Kelly and Richard Battle Anna and Tom Nelson Christine and Arthur Becker Janet and Peter Nixon Jeremy and Connie Blaney Rene and Brian Noonan The Blumenthal Foundation Andrew Olah Amy and Philip Blumenthal Geri and Jacob Palillo Ben Bourne LeeAnn and Crawford Pounds Hona Childers and Daniel Browne Nadine and Leif Rauer Dan and Gena DeChant Kathleen C. Richardson Elizabeth and James Faulkner Sally and Russell Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Gibbs Carla and Ed Rose Douglas R. and Wendy and Frank Rosen Elizabeth G. Goldstein Amanda and Neil Salvage Belinda and Timothy Gunter Mr. and Mrs. Jason C. Schmidly Dale Halton and Fred Wagner Vesime and Marty Schroering Beverly and Jim Hance Gail Sharps Myers Charles and Diane Harrington Lisa and Glenn Sherrill Mr. George and Dr. Koh Herlong Deanna and Norman Shue Janet and Neil Kaplan Peggy and Pope Shuford Julie and Howard Levine The Marc and Karen and Robert Micklash Mattye Silverman Foundation Courtney and Jared Mobley Patricia and John Stewart Robert H. Norville, Jr. Jennifer and David Teifer Mr. and Mrs. George Raftelis* Carrie and Jeff Teixeira Dr. Derek Raghavan and Jacqueline A. Tucker Judy Raghavan Rita and Bill Vandiver Kelli and Mike Richardson Ellen and Ron Vilas Rose and Tom Sherard Ed Weisiger, Jr. and Betsy Fleming Lori and Eric Sklut Dr. Matthew Wheelock and Melissa and Kevin White Dr. Jill Smith-Wheelock Anja and David Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. White

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The Julliard Family Ginger Kemp Lyndon W. Kennedy Linda and Kerry Kenner Mary Jean and Howard L. Kushner Patty and Chris Lambert $1,500+ Beverly and John Lassiter Anonymous Chase and Ron Law Keith Alyea and Fidel Montoya James Ledbetter Holly and Jeff Atkins Margie and Victor Lisciani Bryan and Kristen Barboza Thomas Madson Cheryl Barringer and Mike Sherman Joseph Marko Anne and John Barry Ashley and Scott Mattei Joanne and Steve Beam Jill Maxwell Ralph Beck, in memory of Linda Karmen McGee The Donald H. and Barbara K. Betsy and T. Bragg McLeod Bernstein Family Foundation Ms. Marie Mitchell Lakana and Tony Bikhazi Anne and William Newcomb Mr. and Mrs. Alan Blumenthal Paul Norris Andrew Blumenthal and Dr. Valerie and Mr. Barton O'Kelley Stephanie Baumann Drs. Elaine and Thomas Pacicco Sam Blumenthal Jim and Amy Parker Peggy and Ray Bouley Anne Patefield Lauren and Peiffer Brandt Donna and Steve Pernotto Pat and Tim Brier Peggy and Terry Peterson Kathleen Britton Susan and Dale Pond Susan and Greg Brouse Fidel and Laura Prieto Steve Bueche Jim Putnam James Bullock Mary and Dave Pylipow Jesica Bullrich Irena and Lee Rimler Dr. Chris Burkett Lisa and Robert Rollins Sarah and Bret Busby Mikel and Diane Ryan Joy and Chris Butler Chryll and Wayne Salow Delane and Walter Clark Anne and Steve Schmitt Ofelia and Philip Claxton David Senay Brent Clevenger Emilie and Gene Sharbaugh Dr. Elaine and Steve Coats Skinkle Tona Family Edward Cook Susan and Edwin Small Lori and Derek Copeland Judith Smith Catherine Cordle Dr. Ramada Smith and Harvey and Muri Corzin Mr. Kevin Smith Bill Dantos Tom E. Smith Gloria De Arcangelis Cindy and David Soliday Donna and Al de Molina Dia and Paul Steiger Jessica Dienna Sheri and Kelly Straub Pamela and Greg Dills Suzanne and Michael Stritch Claude Duet Dr. and Mrs. Robert Sullivan Marcia and Bob Dynko Joseph and Christine Thomas Sidney and Andres Echevarria David Thomason Lorine and Ray Edwards Sandy and Greg Vlahos Kelli Enos Ellen and Jim Wade Elaine and Jeffrey Fagan Mary Ellen and Reid Wilkerson Greg and Jennifer Faucette Margaret and Ward Williams Windy and Jef Fullagar Teresa and Stick Williams Kelly and Doug Gardner Johnnie Willis and Michael Green Todd E. Gardner, MD Elechia Wimbish Michael and Connie George In loving memory of my Rip Joseph and Carol Gigler Cathey Winfield Todd Glenham Jennifer and John Wozniak Jessica and William Griesser $1,000+ Randy Griffin Mrs. Corey W. Becker Kathy R. Hairston Scott Bengel Randy P. and Donna Helton Bonnie and Jim Blair James Hill Laura and Sam Bowles Sarah Hollar and Peter Macon Rachel E. Brackett Christine and Robert Hopkins Susan and Ralph Brackett Carol and Chris Horn Mona Brandon Larissa and Ken Huber Mary and Frank Brown Peggy and Jim Hynes Rich and Beth Buchanan Beth and Hytham Imseis Peter and Cynthia Buck Beth Ipock Caroline and Matt Chambers Jonathan Ishee Karen and Kevin Chapman David S. Jacobson Lillian M. Chapman Juanita and Lloyd Johnson Continued on next page Michelle Johnson

Karen and Ed Whitener Dara and Bob Whiting Lisa Whitney Lisa and Kenny Wilson Amy Wooden and Joe Kolodziej

Blumenthal Performing Arts recognizes with gratitude the dedication and generosity of the following supporters.

PRODUCER'S CIRCLE (CONTINUED) Melissa M. and Howard R. Cohen Linda and Richard Cook William Cooper Brooke and Steve Cornwell Lori and Roger Cuddy Virginia A. Davis Meg and Jay Dees Tara DellaVecchia and Ryan Zepp Dena R. Diorio Mrs. Roddey Dowd Sr. Christine and James Drost Marcy and Fred Dumas Sandra and Eddie Edwards Kayla Freeman Mr Michael Garcia Darcy and Steven Garfinkel Glenn and Krissa Gaston John R. Georgius Robin Gershen Sharon and Benjamin Hager Neil and Sharyn Handelsman Fred Handsel and Ben Bellante Eric Hauser and Phillip Butts Leland Helms Jennifer Henry

Jon and Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Linda Highum Kathy and Ben Hill Juliet and Brian Hirsch Carol Hitselberger Arlene and Randy Hobart Jim and Frankie Honeycutt Michelle and Brian Howell Cathy and Michael Hyzy Katina Cole Jakubowski Lynn Jeffrey Dr. Leslie Y. Johnson Karen and Newmoon Jung Jerri Kallam Charity Kates Edward and Florence Kim Mr. and Mrs. Randall King Joan Kirschner Tricia and Ryan Knatz David and Amy Kulbok Janice S. Ladley Robert Larson Laney and Wood Lay Tara and Matt Livingston Mollie and Grant Lyman Richard and Anna Marriott

Jane and Hugh McColl Laurie and Kevin McCormick Suzy and Ed McMahan Darlyne Menscer Dr. and Mrs. Alden Milam Shelley and Andy Misiaveg James and Koh Morrisey Amy and Jason Murphy Linda and Edward Need Donna Nellis Jill and Ed Newman Amanda and James Nichols Marian M. Nisbet Keith Oberkfell Denise Olexa and Charlie Rapp Wendy Oglesby and David Higbe Jack Page and Robert Myers Julia and Kline Pepper Brad Platt and Steve Crook Cynthia and Steve Reese Carol and James Salisbury Beth and John Schleck Dr. and Mrs. Michael Schlesinger Dr. Marvin Shapiro and Mrs. Anita Shapiro

Charles Shelton Chip and Jennifer Shelton Jan and Scott Smith Wayne B. Smith, Jr. and Indun Patrick Wendy and Brian Smith Sara and Morgan Spencer Ken Spielfogel and Richard Withem Claire and Jim Talley Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Thomas Sandi and Ben Thorman Pam and Andy Warlick Abby and James Warren Jacqueline and Rusty Wasco Jerri Webb Drs. James and Jackie Wheeler Velva and Tom Woollen Members of The Legacy Society at Blumenthal.

+ In memorium Contributions received from May 1, 2018 - May 1, 2019

CORPORATE PARTNERS $7,500+ Directing Partner Publix Super Markets Charities

$5,000+ Executive Partners Alston & Bird LLP British American Business Council Deloitte

Ernst and Young Grove Engineering InterCon Building Corporation Keatley Wealth Management, LLC

KPMG Moore & Van Allen PLLC Pinnacle Financial Partners Rodgers Builders Inc.

SteelFab, Inc. Troutman Sanders LLP Uncle Maddioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UTC Aerospace Systems

King & Spalding LLP LBA Haynes Strand, PLLC McGuireWoods LLP McIlveen Family Law NARENCO Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP PMMC

Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson P.A. RSM US LLP Tippens & Zurosky LLP Walbridge Southeast White Knight Engineered Products, Inc.

Mechanical Contractors, Inc. NC Interiors Contracting, Inc. Odell Associates PAGE Powersystem Piedmont Properties Preferred Electric Co., Inc. Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. Savills

Sentinel Risk Advisors Schindler Elevator Corp. Ty Hardee Financial Velligan Medical Services, PC Waterstone Multi-Family Group

$2,500+ Managing Partners Adsworth Media Baird Private Wealth Management BDO Bradley LLP Bryan Cave Leighton and Paisner LLP C Design, Inc.

Charlotte Insurance Chicago Title Insurance Company Collier Law The Dowd Foundation, Inc. Foundry Commercial Gray Dog Investments, Inc. Hood Hargett & Associates

$1,000+ Associate Partners BB&T Cabarrus Glass Company Inc. Charlotte Labor Source Carousel Capital Charlotte Business Journal Crosland Southeast Curvature Donald Haack Diamonds & Fine Gems

Galvan Industries, Inc. Garmon & Company, Inc. Commercial Flooring High Performance Technologies Hoopaugh Grading Company, LLC Howard Brothers Electric Jenkins Peer Architects Lil and Associates McVeigh & Mangum

Contributions received from May 1, 2018 - May 1, 2019

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.

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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 Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2019 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.

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

SIGNATURE PARTNERS

CHAIRMAN PARTNERS

$15,000+ CEO PARTNERS

$10,000+ PRESIDENTIAL PARTNERS

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WE INSPIRE BIG DREAMS

Abby Corrigan performing at the Blumenthal Performing Arts 25th anniversary celebration. Photo by Daniel Coston.

Abby Corrigan, named best actress in Blumenthal Performing Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2014 Blumey Awards, is a 2016 graduate of Musical Theatre and Drama at Northwest School of the Arts. She landed the role of Medium Allison on the National Tour of Fun Home just out of high school.

Blumenthal Performing Arts has been entertaining and inspiring our community since 1992.

Your gifts make inspiration possible.

130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 704.372.1000 â&#x20AC;˘ BlumenthalArts.org

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H OW Y O U WA N T TO L I V E ...AND WHERE

Charlotte’s SouthPark area is at once posh and polished, urban and inviting. Into this unparalleled setting, we introduce The Barclay at SouthPark. As a resident, you’ll appreciate a finely appointed private apartment in a community of easy elegance. You’ll dine on chef-prepared meals, luxuriate in resort-like amenities, and thrive through individualized programs that emphasize whole-person wellness. Now accepting Priority Partner reservations. 6 0 1 0 FA I RV I E W R O A D C H A R L OT T E , N C 2 8 2 1 0 704.589.8214 B A R C L AYAT S O U T H PA R K . C O M

LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

A Continuum Of Retirement Living Choices From The Liberty Senior Living Family.

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Charlotte Ballet

charlotteballet.org

Photo by Jeff Cravotta

Students of Charlotte Ballet Academy.

Spend Your Summer With Charlotte Ballet!

ummer is the perfect time to try something new or dive deeper into dance. Charlotte Ballet Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Dance program provides a nurturing and structured environment that encourages individuality, creative expression and an appreciation for the art of dance. Expert instruction is offered to students who are training for professional careers in dance, as well as to those who are interested in simply

experiencing the joy and benefits of dance training. Charlotte Ballet Academy offers Summer Dance camps, classes and workshops for children ages 3-13. Adult drop-in classes are available for ages 14 and up. Mix it up with ballet, tap or power dance for adult drop-in classes. Classes range from beginner to intermediate and advanced, with no commitment or prior dance experience required.

Grow, Create, Imagine: A Summer Exploration in Dance

Photo by Jeff Cravotta

For information, visit charlotteballet.org 12

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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

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Celebrating All of Life’s Stages From establishing your first charitable fund to planning your estate – and every generous act in between – FFTC helps you make a lasting impact.

Celebrating 1958-2018

www.fftc.org | 704.998.6412 | philanthropy@fftc.org

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Can’t see the performance clearly? The problem may not be your seat. A checkup by one of Horizon Eye Care’s specialists is sure to sharpen your view. Make an appointment today – because we want you to see everything. 6 convenient Charlotte area locations

horizoneye.com

At Charlotte Prep, talents within come alive.

THE FIRST STEPS TO

EXCELLENCE 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

www.charlotteprep.org

Opera Carolina

operacarolina.org

New Opera Carolina Season Depicts Human Struggles

pera Carolina’s 2019/20 season lineup will appeal to both the opera aficionado and the novice. The emotionally charged season, focusing on different types of human struggles, begins in November with Verdi’s Macbeth. The second show of the season will be Puccini’s La Bohème in January 2020, and the season will conclude with Douglas Tappin’s contemporary opera, I Dream, in April 2020. All shows will be performed at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. “Opera shows us the best and worst of the human condition and evokes a strong emotional response,” said James Meena, general director and principal conductor. “This season, we see the full spectrum of the human condition: ambition, lust for power, betrayal, hope, love, triumph, heartbreak and death. Each of our three operas depicts some type of struggle –

January 2020

a power struggle, a struggle to stay alive and the civil rights struggle. Each is also a proven crowd pleaser. All are back by popular demand.”

November 2019

April 2020

Opera Carolina 2019/20 Season Single tickets on sale Aug. 1 www.operacarolina.org 16

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difference DANCE THE STEPSNMOTION.COM (704)845-1180

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UPTOWN 227 W. Trade St. 704.333.2602 Mortons.com 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

charlottesymphony.org

Superstar Violinist, a Firebird, Sinatra and More at the Symphony

rom a superstar violinist to Stravinsky’s magnificent Firebird, and more, mark your calendars for these can’t-miss moments with the Charlotte Symphony. 1. A superstar violinist performs Mendelssohn. The undeniable reigning virtuoso Itzhak Perlman performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto at the Symphony’s Opening Night special this season, Saturday, Oct. 5, at Belk Theater. Perlman, who has performed at the White House honoring Queen Elizabeth II and at the inauguration of President Obama, and who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, brings his prowess to Charlotte for a one-night-only event not to be missed. 2. A fresh take on old favorites. Jazz singer, pianist and songwriter Tony Desare joins the Symphony to perform the critically acclaimed tribute to everyone’s favorite crooner at “Sinatra and Beyond” Sept. 20 and 21 at Knight Theater.

3. The majesty of The Firebird Suite. The Firebird Suite is Stravinsky’s most popular work for one simple reason: It’s exciting! Chances are you’ve heard or seen references to this work across pop culture. Maestro Warren-Green conducts Stravinsky’s enchanting and masterful work on Oct. 18 and 19. 4. A 26-year-old rising star conducts Dvořák. Venezuelan conductor Ilyich Rivas joins us to conduct Dvořák's timehonored New World Symphony at Belk Theater Nov. 22 and 23. Rivas made his conducting debut at age 16 and has since racked up credentials with some of the top orchestras in the world. 5. The Hallelujah chorus. Handel’s stunning masterpiece, Messiah, is back by popular demand Dec. 6 and 7 at Knight Theater, and it’s certain to have everyone in their seats joining the chorus in singing “Hallelujah!”

Tony Desare

Charlotte Symphony's Upcoming Shows For information and to purchase tickets, visit charlottesymphony.org 18

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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.

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