OnStage Fall 2010 by Blumenthal Performing Arts

onstage Fall 2010

TALKIN’ ‘9 TO 5’

DRESSING THE DREAMGIRLS

Director, ‘Idol’ clock in on Dolly’s beloved musical p. 8

Award winning designer William Ivey Long revisits ‘60s & ‘70s silhouettes and street clothes. p. 12

CRAVING COMEDY?

From satire to slapstick, the Center’s got your flavor. p. 6

BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS Belk Theater Booth Playhouse Stage Door Theater

Knight Theater Levine Center for the Arts

McGlohon Theatre Duke Energy Theatre Spirit Square

TABLE of CONTENTS Fall 2010 Letter from the President ................................................3

BOARD of TRUSTEES Michael D. Barnes Amy Rice Blumenthal Sam Bowles Sue Breckenridge

Center News Briefs ................................................4-5

Catherine Duncan

Looking for Laughs ........................................................6-7

Walter D. Fisher, Jr., Chair

Talkin’ 9 TO 5....................................................................8-9

Dr. Peter C. Gorman

The Office: Then & Now ......................................................10

Charlie Elberson Dorlisa K. Flur, Chair-Elect Charles L. Harrington David L. Hauser, Treasurer Sally Hawk Rebecca Henderson

Five Ways to Enjoy the Holidays ............................................11

Steven Hockfield

DREAMGIRLS Dream Come True for Renowned Designer ..12-15

Sunny Harris Hutchinson

Couple Helps Dreams Come True for Young Artists ........16-17

William Todd Houser Susan Jamison, Secretary Patsy B. Kinsey John Lassiter Dr. Joan Lorden

Calendar of Events ..............................................18-19

Rick D. Puckett

Center Employee’s Generosity Makes Headlines ..................20

R. Glenn Sherrill, Jr.

Development News ............................................21-23

Jennifer Roberts Anne Stolz Gregory L. Taylor C. Hunter Widener Richard T. “Stick” Williams

ON stage Editor-in-Chief

Crystal Dempsey

Writers Liz Bertrand Courtney Devores Jenn Q. Goddu Daniel Knaub

QUENTIN “Q” TALLEY. Story page 4. Graphic Designer

DON AND MARY DOCTOR ONSTAGE WITH CENTER PRESIDENT, TOM GABBARD. Story page 16.

Facebook.com/NCBPAC

Twitter.com/BlumenthalShows

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

YouTube.com/NCBPAC

Jessica Stanley

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Please contact Crystal Dempsey, 704-348-5787 or cdempsey@ncbpac.org On the Cover: ADRIENNE WARREN (LORRELL), SYESHA MERCADO (DEENA), MARGARET HOFFMAN (MICHELLE) AND THE COMPANY OF DREAMGIRLS. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

PRESIDENT’S words TOM GABBARD

This season theater fans can look forward to more great choices in shows than ever before. Each month features at least one major theatrical show, and some months even more. From current Broadway hits to classics, you’ll find plenty of good reasons to join us. We’re very grateful for the help of so many friends who are committed to making sure that young people and families have access to arts education and enrichment. In this issue of Onstage you’ll read about Don and Mary Doctor, a couple who have inspired all of us here. Their vision and generosity has touched the lives of hundreds of young people. In 2004, our Education Department organized a few “Poetry Slams” around town to develop interest for our run of the Broadway show “Def Poetry Jam.” Little did we know the seeds being planted. Six years later and we now have a Charlotte team who were national champs twice, as well as a youth program for high school-aged poets. Our hope was to see an African-American focused theater company develop from this group of artists, and now that’s happened thanks to the leadership of Quentin “Q” Talley.

become investors and co-producers of original productions on Broadway, as well as London and in US national tours. This last season we were honored to be associated with two Tony Award® winners on Broadway. RED, from the Donmar Warehouse in London, won the Tony Award® for Broadway’s Best New Play. Les Cage aux Folles won the Tony Award® for Best Revival of a Musical. This season we are producers of the national tour of the musical 9 to 5 which will make its third stop on the tour in Charlotte. All of these initiatives are focused on making sure that great shows come to Charlotte, and that they come early in their tour. Many fans connect with us online! In fact, online ticket sales have become our most popular way to purchase tickets. Be sure to check out our upgraded web site, as well as our Facebook page, or if you are really tech-savvy, follow us on Twitter. Thanks so much for your support of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. It’s an honor for each of us on the staff to serve a great community.

Each year a dedicated group of volunteers raises funds for our education and enrichment activities through our Corporate Campaign. This year’s campaign is led by James Downs, Vice-President of Crosland. We’re so grateful to James and the fifty or so volunteers who work on the campaign, as well as to the dozens of local businesses whose support helps us to serve this community. We’re committed to doing everything we can to bring great shows to Charlotte. We frequently

Tom Gabbard President

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

CENTER news BRIEFS

PHOTO BY LOVO

SELANA SCOTT PLAYED “HESTER” IN “IN THE BLOOD” BY SUZAN LORI-PARKS DURING ON Q PRODUCTIONS’ SEASON 1: ALL IN THE FAMILY.

A CHILD PARTICIPATES IN A PRE-SHOW ACTIVITY AT THE ALUMINUM SHOW’S FAMILY FIRST NIGHT.

CENTER OFFERS TICKET SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FAMILIES, KIDS

ON Q’S SEASON REFLECTS ON THE MINORITY EXPERIENCE

Thanks to two scholarship programs, families and Big Brothers/Big Sisters will be able to experience top quality, traveling Broadway shows and learn more about the performing arts.

On Q Productions, one of the Center’s newest resident companies, rolls into its second full season with pieces that examine the African-American experience in the 20th century. It opens with the classic “Ain’t Misbehavin’” on Sept. 22.

On Family First Nights, in its second year, are made possible by gifts from the Duke Energy Foundation (sponsor of the Center’s Broadway Lights Series), the Don Doctor Family Foundation, Target and The Broadway League (the industry’s national trade association and founder of Family First Nights).

The Center’s relationship with the company developed after President Tom Gabbard worked with SlamCharlotte, the awardwinning slam poetry group. Gabbard and others at the Center recognized the talent and vision of Quentin “Q” Talley, On Q’s artistic director, and the need for diverse programming.

Families will be offered discounted tickets to WHITE CHRISTMAS, IN THE HEIGHTS and SHREK THE MUSICAL. Also, they will be invited to pre-show activities hosted by the Blumenthal’s Education Department or post-show Q&As with cast members and show personnel.

“It has meant the world to our team to be in a professional environment as we strive to bring classic, contemporary and original minority performance works to the Charlotte community,” says Talley, who formed On Q in 2001. Other scheduled works include: • “Home,” Nov. 26-Dec. 5 • “Day of Absence,” March 2-5 • “The Colored Museum,” March 30-April 10 • “Fabulation,” June 15-26

The Center is working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte to give more children and teens a chance to see quality arts programs. With this pilot effort, tickets will be used for “Big & Little Outings” and as rewards and incentives. “The Center is pleased to play a significant role in helping build a culturally-rich community by making high-quality performing arts programs accessible to as many families and youth as possible,” said Ralph Beck, Director of Education for the Center.

More info: BlumenthalCenter.org; search for On Q Productions.

STAY IN TOUCH ONLINE To provide fans with a better online experience, the Center made a ONLINE HELP: Have a question about a show or how to buy tickets? Click on the “Live Assistance” button for help. The service number of changes to enhance our web site and enrich our social is available during the Center’s business hours. media presence. BIG SCREEN: Visit BlumenthalCenter.org and you’ll notice a bigger video player for previews of shows in the Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series and our many attractions as well as the Education Department programs and dedicated pages for corporate sponsors.

MORE VIDEO: The Marketing Department will be producing original video content from audience reactions to backstage tours. Watch for the Marketing team at the next show! Maybe you’ll be featured in one of their videos. FACEBOOK: Our page features event announcements, show news, polls and links to contests and stories about the Center’s

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

THE FREE SHREK OGRE EARS WERE A BIG HIT WITH THE AUDIENCE DURING THE TONY AWARDS PARTY IN THE McGLOHON.

RECORD NUMBER ATTEND 6TH ® ANNUAL TONY AWARDS PARTY The Center successfully hosted the 6th Annual Tony Awards® party on June 13 in the McGlohon Theatre. Over 265 theater fans were in attendance to watch Memphis get crowned Best Musical on the big screen. The FREE event featured heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Guests received a gift bag that contained SHREK THE MUSICAL ogre ears, a FREE ticket to the summer hit GIRLS ONLY, a flyer with ticket discounts to several Center attractions, a raffle ticket for special giveaways and a piece of Broadway swag. During the telecast’s commercial breaks, partygoers saw video highlights of the 2010-2011 Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series. The Center gave away special prize packages that included a pair of tickets to each of the Center’s upcoming Broadway shows. One of the evening’s highlights came when Don Doctor took the stage with his unsuspecting wife, who learned in front of the audience that he had created a college scholarship in her name. A visually surprised and moved Mary Doctor could barely get a word out, but was sure to thank her husband who has been a sublime example of selflessness in his support of the Center and the arts in general. Over the six years, the Center’s annual Tony Awards Party has become the go-to event for area theater fans that want to watch the telecast amongst the camaraderie of other Broadway enthusiasts. Don’t miss next year’s event.

programs and employees. We added a Facebook Connect application to the Center’s web site so you can easily share with friends when you’re going to a show. Find us at Facebook.com/NCBPAC or search for “Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.” TWITTER: If you’re a Twitter fan, you can catch the latest headlines and occasional ticket giveaways. Follow us: @BlumenthalShows or Twitter.com/BlumenthalShows.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CELTIC THUNDER, BRIAN D’ARCY JAMES (SHREK) © 2008 DREAMWORKS THEATRICALS, CLAY AIKEN, AVENUE Q NATIONAL TOUR 2009. KERRI BRACKIN, TREKKIE MONSTER, JASON HEYMANN © JOHN DAUGHTRY 2009.

CENTER SAMPLERS NOW ON SALE The Center Sampler is now available so theatergoers can create individualized ticket packages. You can pick four or more shows from the Center’s line-up and get great benefits like guaranteed seats* for shows from our Broadway or special attractions lineup. You can lock down seats before many shows go on sale to the public and save 5% on many shows, including all seating levels and performance times, even weekends! Choose from the Center’s Broadway titles such as BLUE MAN GROUP, CATS and BILLY ELLIOT. Or mix in special attractions like Lily Tomlin, Mary Chapin Carpenter, David Sedaris, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas and more.** For the best value, seven- and eight-show Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series season subscriptions are available for a limited time. Subscribers save up to 10% off single ticket prices for many shows and receive an assigned seat. For more details: BlumenthalCenter.org/Broadway. For more info on the Center Sampler: 704-372-1000 or BlumenthalCenter.org/sampler. *Center Sampler seats are not renewable for future seasons. If you are interested in renewable seats, please check out our Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series Season Subscriptions. With the SWAP-A-SHOW benefit offered exclusively for Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series Season subscribers, you also can mix an attraction into your Broadway season subscription. **Interested in a Center show not listed as available via a Sampler? Please call 704.335.1010 for assistance.

YOUTUBE: We’re using our YouTube channel to create video playlists of Broadway shows, musicians, bands, comedians and more. Check it out at http://www.YouTube.com/NCBPAC. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Got a suggestion about the Center’s web site or online presence? Contact Communications Manager Crystal Dempsey: cdempsey@ncbpac.org or 704-348-5787.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

LOOKING FOR LAUGHS? 6

You can select your flavor of funny this fall By Crystal Dempsey

A few years ago, Charlotte’s main comedy venue closed and left those who like to laugh without a place to gather. Enter the Center. This year, between the Center’s shows and the Comedy Zone partnership, the roster runs the gamut

from slapstick to satire to stand-up. And there’s even a legend in the mix. Here’s a guide to the giggles, guffaws and “Now that’s just wrong” groans:

NAMES YOU KNOW

DECONSTRUCTIONISTS

Lily Tomlin Oct. 24 • Belk Theater The legendary Lily Tomlin wears more hats than most entertainers. Expect an evening of her greatest hits. Among her accomplishments: • Comedian. Memorable characters “Edith Ann” and “Ernestine.” • Films: “Nashville” (Oscar® nomination), “9 to 5,” and “A Prairie Home Companion.” • TV: “Laugh In,” “Murphy Brown,” “Will & Grace,” “West Wing,” “Damages” (Emmy nomination) and “The Simpsons.” ® • Broadway: Received a Tony for her one-woman show, Appearing Nitely and a second Tony® as Best Actress for her one-woman performance in Jane Wagner’s The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe. • Other accolades: Grammy for “This is a Recording” comedy album; two Peabodys: “Edith Ann’s Christmas: Just Say Noël” and “The Celluloid Closet.”

Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Complete World of Sports (abridged) Nov. 2-7 @ Booth Playhouse The comedy troupe that’s tackled Shakespeare, American history, the Bible and Hollywood now trains their sights on sports. Yes, in less than 120 minutes, the “Bad Boys of Abridgment” will cover every single sport ever played in the world, says Reed Martin, a founder of Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC).

David Sedaris Oct. 18 • Belk Author (“Santaland Diaries”; “Me Talk Pretty One Day”); NPR rock star; former N.C. resident; brother of Amy (“Strangers with Candy”) and the Rooster. Book coming out Sept. 23: “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary.”

Sports seemed a natural next step given the worldwide obsession with everything from soccer to football to curling. But do you have to be a sports fan to enjoy the new show? “If you like sports, you will love the show,” Martin says. “And if you hate sports, you will love the show.”

(Or Faces You May Recognize)

Harland Williams Nov. 8 • McGlohon Theatre Character actor known for movies such as “There’s Something About Mary,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “Half Baked” and “Rocket Man.” A regular on the night talk show circuit, a children’s book author and a Canadian. Jon Reep Dec. 4 • McGlohon Theatre Hickory native who won “Last Comic Standing” (season 5) and famously asked “That thing gotta Hemi?” in a truck commercial. Appeared in “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay” and coined the phrase “Metro Jethro.”

(They explain big topics with their tongues planted firmly in their cheeks.)

Not possible you say? Exactly the point, Martin says. The group takes “long, serious subjects and turns them into short, sharp comedies.” However, the process to develop a show isn’t abridged. RSC works for more than a year on writing and rehearsing. And even after it’s done, it’s not really. They continue honing, tightening and tweaking because until it’s in front of an audience, you never know what will get the laughs, says Martin. RSC got its start doing brief bits of the Bard on the Renaissance Fair circuit so reducing the complete works of William Shakespeare was a natural next step, Martin said. The rest just came as the times or demand dictated.

World Of Jewtopia Oct. 1-3 @ Booth Playhouse Bryan Fogel and Jeremy Rishe explain Judaism by mashing up scenes from “Jewtopia” (the show) with a little stand-up, a few excerpts from Jewtopia: The Chosen Book for the Chosen People and a little multi-media madness.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (Good to know before you go if you’re shy!)

Whose Live Anyway? Sept. 25 • Knight Theater This 90-minute escapade, featuring Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Chip Esten and Jeff B. Davis, is based on the games from the Emmy-nominated “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Come ready to play! The London Broil Show Oct. 27-29 & Nov. 17-19 • Duke Energy Theatre Their show is like hanging out with your buds … that just happen to be throwing knives, fire and more at each other, says Douglas Young, the Center’s Vice President of Programming. Families and hipsters equally will love it, Young says.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

ONE-MAN SHOWS

(Often focused on family and all of its dysfunction.) Basic Training Oct. 12-24 • Stage Door Theater Kahlil Ashanti returns with his show about life in an Air Force entertainment troupe, his search for his biological father and his childhood. In a little more than an hour, Ashanti portrays 23 characters with no props – just a man and the stage.

thank the audience (a hold-over from Tops In Blue). One night in Scotland, a beefy fisherman “straight off the ‘Deadliest Catch’” and with “hands of asbestos” approached him, looked the actor in the eye and vowed never to beat his wife again. That moment reaffirmed Tambor’s wisdom: When you get real with the audience, they get real with you.

As a kid, laughter was an escape. While he did sneak downstairs to listen to a Richard Pryor album, Ashanti was really a huge fan of Don Knotts (“Barney” on the Andy Griffith shows). “And I watched a little too much of the Looney Toons cartoons,” he confesses, citing his love of Mel Blanc and the Warner Bros. franchise. “Basic Training” began as a stand-up routine about Tops In Blue, a special unit of amateur performers. Ashanti says its evolution began to a theatrical show when actor/comedian Jeffrey Tambor (“Arrested Development,” “The Hangover”) challenged him in a workshop to stop going for the obvious and to get real. Tambor was right. “People laughed harder when I added in my story,” Ashanti says. Now, Ashanti shares the not-so-“Cosby” story of his childhood. It’s comedy born of the pain of an abusive childhood. One minute, you’re laughing, and the next you’re fighting a tear. Ashanti stands by the door after each show to My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m Home For The Holidays Nov. 30 - Dec. 5 • Booth Playhouse Oy! He’s back. Steve Solomon follows up last year’s Charlotte debut with tales of what happens when 35 relatives come together for a meal at grandmother’s house. And there’s one toilet. Capisce?

STAND-UP (A comedian, a mic and you. And a bunch of other people.) Ben Bailey Sept. 26 • McGlohon Theatre You know him best as the Emmy-winning host of “Cash Cab” and “Cash Cab: After Dark,” but he also does stand-up and he’s an actor (Spiderman 2,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Hope & Faith,” “One Live to Live”).

Mike Birbiglia Nov. 5 • Knight Theater A brand new show for a brand new tour that coincides with his brand new book, “Sleepwalk With Me And Other Painfully True Stories.” Fans, critics, late night show hosts and Ira Glass love him.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

TALKIN’ ‘9 TO 5’ Director Refreshes Show For Its 1st National Tour With A Dash Of Dolly And An ‘Idol’ Named Diana By Jenn Goddu

Most everyone’s had a bad day at the office. It’s a fact 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL capitalizes upon – even if not everyone goes so far as to kidnap the boss as punishment for bad behavior. Playing at Ovens Auditorium Oct. 5-10, the national tour of 9 TO 5 is what director Jeff Calhoun calls a “new realization of the show” that played on Broadway in 2009 receiving multiple Tony® and Drama Desk nominations. Calhoun was given carte blanche to develop the touring version. Nevertheless, his 9 TO 5 remains true to the story, first told in a 1980 movie, of three frustrated women who decide to get back at their sexist boss. He’s also cut only DIRECTOR JEFF CALHOUN one of the songs Parton wrote for the Broadway premiere. (Of course it’s not the title song you’re likely humming as you read this.) “Dolly knows how to write good tunes,” Calhoun said. Plus, “It’s a story that everybody loves. Those that remember

9 TO 5 ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

the movie fondly want to see it. Then for younger generations that came after the movie, it will be fun to see a little bit of American culture back in a time when the women were really subservient to the men in the workplace.” While inequity for women workers, regrettably, can still resonate today, Calhoun says the message is second to having a fun evening in the theater. His new vision firmly contextualizes the show in 1979 and gives the musical a variety show feel. “There are so many limitations when you are touring a show,” he said in a phone interview. “I happen to like those limitations…on Broadway you can spend $18 million and do everything you want…[but] I find that with less money you’re forced to use more ingenuity.” Calhoun has, for instance, found a clever way to include Parton (she starred in the movie, but didn’t appear on Broadway) even though she won’t be touring. “Dolly will

certainly have a strong personality in the evening and it’s very infectious.” Calhoun is familiar with that personality, having first met the singer while filming Best Little Whorehouse in Texas in 1981. “To go from chorus boy with Dolly to directing her baby is really quite an honor,” said the director and co-choreographer. “I feel that pressure not to let her down.” Yet he laughs at the idea that he might feel pressure working with a cast intent on making revenge fantasy funny. “I’m a very different boss than Hart,” Calhoun says. Cast member Diana DeGarmo confirms his take on the cast. She’s worked with Calhoun before in DIANA DEGARMO BROOKLYN (2004-05) and was eager to work with him again. He was only part of the job’s appeal, though. The minute DeGarmo saw the Broadway show she wanted to tour as “Doralee.” “Doralee” is “a strong, sweet, feisty, Southern woman” whereas “a lot of time a lot of Southern characters get really dumbed down,” said the former Miss Teen Georgia in a phone interview. Born in 1987, DeGarmo doesn’t know firsthand the plight of a 1979 working woman. In fact, she’s never even

worked in an office – although she did work at Dollywood as a 9 kid. Yet she’s certain she can relate. “At the end of the day everybody has a hard time at the workplace every now and then.” (Perhaps she thought of stringing up judge Simon Cowell while a finalist in American Idol’s third season?) DeGarmo admits she’s a little intimidated taking on a role so firmly associated with Parton. “The best and worst thing about coming to a role that has already been famous by someone that is so famous is that people already have an idea of who ‘Doralee’ is. So, of course you have to bring a part of that so that people recognize the character,” she said. “At the same time…I’m going to be a little different because I’m Diana.” Her goal is to keep the character “as real and bright and fun and Southern as possible.” DeGarmo’s excited, after all, to get the opportunity to “finally be a Southern girl again and let my accent just fly.”

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL OCT. 5-10 • OVENS AUDITORIUM

Tues. - Thurs. 7:30PM • Fri. 8PM Sat. 2PM & 8PM • Sun. 1:30PM & 7PM

Show Busin ess Partners

The Blumen thal Perform ing Arts Ce is co-produ nter cing the na tional tour o 9 TO 5: TH f E MUSICAL with Fox Th and Housto eatricals n’s Theater U n d e r th As a genera e Stars. l partner, th e Center is responsible for everythin g from hirin creative sta g the ff and castin g to bookin tour and ra g the ising the $3 .5 million th at the show costs to mount.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

THE OFFICE: THEN & NOW It’s been more than 30 years since “9 To 5,” the movie, debuted. Look how much the workplace has changed in those three decades:

1979

The Office

Water Cooler

Gathering Place

2010 Microwave

Main Equipment

Computer

Ledger

Spreadsheet

Excel

Wite Out

Mistake Correction

“Delete” Key

Mr. Coffee

Caffeine Provider

Harassment

Safety Concerns

Cigarette Break

Stress Relief

Conference Room

Staff Meetings

Skype

Footwear

Flip-Flop

Electric Typewriter

Power Pump

Uniformed Guards

Security

Starbucks

Carpal Tunnel

Surfing Facebook

Uniformed guards, pass codes, cameras

Compiled by Crystal Dempsey, Jessica Stanley and Wendy Oglesby MARCIE DODD. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

5 WAYS TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (Nov. 21 • Belk Theater) Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller are celebrating over 25 years of bringing its annual Christmas concert tour to its faithful fans. "We're really excited to see all of our fans this Christmas season throughout the country as we mark over a quarter of a century of Christmas tours," said Chip Davis, creator of Mannheim Steamroller. The tour will feature the distinctive Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with a state of the art and always a crowd pleaser, multi-media extravaganza.

Celtic Thunder It’s Entertainment & Christmas (Nov. 28 • Belk Theater) Celtic Thunder was formed in 2007, but sound as if they've been together for decades. Originating from Ireland and rich in vocal talent are Celtic Thunder members Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Paul Byrom, Ryan Kelly and George Donaldson. They often blending classic songs and holiday tunes with theatrics and modern sounds. Their live shows are exciting, enchanting and complex, ranging from solo acts to spine tingling ensembles. Handel’s Messiah Rocks (Nov. 29 • Belk Theater) Handel’s Messiah Rocks, a contemporary oratorio in three parts over 90 minutes, explores the mystery of faith, the power of love and the hope for peace. Led by the melding of Handel’s original work for orchestra and voice with the contemporary vernacular of rock, each element of the production contributes to the exploration, raising questions of light, darkness, sadness and beauty; illuminating the journey of the Messiah.

My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m Home For the Holidays (Nov. 30 - Dec. 5 • Booth Playhouse) The holidays, a time of cheer, a time of joy. A time of remembering why you left home in the first place! Join Steve Solomon, star and creator of the award-winning smash comedy My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy, as he lightens up the season with more "mishuginah" exploits about spending holidays with his family -- who drove him into therapy in the first place! Bring your relatives!

WHITE CHRISTMAS (Dec. 7-12 • Ovens Auditorium) Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of two buddies who put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and find their perfect mates in the bargain. Full of dancing and laughter, Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS is a merry and bright theatrical experience for the entire family. Featuring some of the greatest songs ever written, including “Happy Holidays,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “I Love a Piano,” “Snow” and the unforgettable title song, “White Christmas,” this production plays during the holiday season, bringing the spirit of love, charity and song to Charlotte for all to enjoy. By Daniel Knaub

2007 TOTS PRODUCTION. TANNER PHOTOGRAPHY.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

DREAMGIRLS DREAM COMES TRUE 12 FOR RENOWNED DESIGNER William Ivey Long Revisits Fashion Trends And Works On An Old Rival By Courtney Devores

WILLIAM IVEY LONG.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

Re-imagining a classic Broadway musical that’s recently become an Oscar®winning film isn’t an easy task. “In many ways it’s actually more difficult to follow what I cheekily call a previously owned vehicle,” says costume designer William Ivey Long, a Carolinas native. The desire to be glitzier, glammier, bigger and better while capturing the sparkle of the big screen without sacrificing the magic of the original is a challenge. Yet producer John Breglio, director Robert Longbottom and the cast and crew of the recent DREAMGIRLS revival, which begins Belk Theater engagement Nov. 9, were up to the task. The revival includes new music by original DREAMGIRLS composer and Grammy winner Henry Krieger who re-envisioned “Listen” (Beyonce’s hit from the film) as a duet between leads Effie and Deena. There are new costumes, a new cast that includes former “American Idol” Season 7 runner-up Syesha Mercado and new sets designed by Robin Wagner, the musical’s original scenic designer. “It’s 30 years later. How do we look at the ’60s and ’70s today?” asks Long, who grew up in Rock Hill. “When DREAMGIRLS was originally produced it wasn’t even recent history. It was almost contemporary. The (story) stops in 1978. The authors were writing it in 1978 and 1979 and it opened in 1981. That produced a certain take on the period. Now much of the audience didn’t live through that period so you want to show a sort of telescopic view of the ’60s and ’70s.” For Long that meant he had to “do the greatest hits through silhouette, fabric and color to support the change in the music from early Motown into disco,” a period of 14 years that featured some of the 20th century’s biggest fashion trends and breakthroughs. Unlike some of DREAMGIRLS audience members, Long,

ADRIENNE WARREN (LORRELL), SYESHA MERCADO (DEENA) AND MARGARET HOFFMAN (MICHELLE). PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

FROM LEFT, ROBERT HARTWELL, JARRAN MUSE, MARC SPAULDING, CHAUNCEY JENKINS AND DOUGLAS LYONS AS LITTLE ALBERT AND THE TRU-TONES. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

ADRIENNE WARREN (LORRELL), SYESHA MERCADO (DEENA) AND MARGARET HOFFMAN (MICHELLE). PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

who is now 63, actually lived through the period. “I remember buying all the Supremes’ albums when they came out,” he adds. Fashion wasn’t as fresh in his mind though. “When you’re living through something, you have no perspective. I had to re-research it. We’ve been recycling the ’60s and ’70s for the last 30 years. The ’80s and ’90s are just recyclables. When I was designing the show I thought, ‘Look in that window, there’s the ’60s.’ ” Yet the modern re-telling of DREAMGIRLS, the story of a girl group that splinters when one member is singled out as a star, started with Wagner.

ADRIENNE WARREN (LORRELL), SYESHA MERCADO (DEENA), MOYA ANGELA (EFFIE). PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

“The creation with how we were going to be different (from the original) started with the scenery, which is cinematic and moves very quickly. (Wagner) had been trailblazing and breaking new ground on the original DREAMGIRLS,” Long recalls. “He was one of the first to use computerized scenery and big towers that move up and down and from side to side, which you see all the time now. He reinvented these LED screens that move in a split second or even faster.” Wagner and Longbottom created a world that Long then populated with spectacular gowns and period costumes. “That set the tone,” he says.

THE ORIGINAL NATIONAL TOUR COMPANY OF MARY POPPINS PERFORM “SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS.” ©DISNEY/CML. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

There’s a more personal reason that Long wanted a chance to work on the show. When he made his Broadway 14 splash with NINE in 1981, DREAMGIRLS was making its premiere next door. The two competing productions literally shared a back wall. And then both shows topped the Tony® ballots. Long won the costume design category. “It was very titillating being compared to the work of Theoni V. Aldredge, the original (costume) designer of DREAMGIRLS, who is still with us and still a brilliant designer. So I’ve always secretly and sometimes not so secretly wanted to have my own shot at it.” It was not as if Long was hurting for work. His resume includes an astounding 50-plus Broadway shows. The fivetime Tony® award winner’s recent credits include 9 TO 5 and

MARGARET HOFFMAN (MICHELLE), ADRIENNE WARREN (LORRELL), SYESHA MERCADO (DEENA) AND THE COMPANY OF DREAMGIRLS. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS. ADRIENNE WARREN (LORRELL), SYESHA MERCADO (DEENA), MARGARET HOFFMAN (MICHELLE) AND THE COMPANY OF DREAMGIRLS. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Yet for Long, DREAMGIRLS was, well, a dream. “I did go after it. I wrote the producer because four years ago he revived A CHORUS LINE and had said in press releases he wanted to revive DREAMGIRLS. They used all the original designs for the revival of A CHORUS LINE. So I assumed they would use the original designs for the revival of DREAMGIRLS. Why not? They were brilliant. So I wrote him and said, ‘Should you not use the original designs I’d love to be considered.’ That’s how I phrased it. You don’t want to be too pushy. That’s what we learn in the South – how to cover your pushiness,” he laughs heartily. “They decided to go a different way and I got the job.”

ADRIENNE WARREN (LORRELL), SYESHA MERCADO (DEENA) AND MARGARET HOFFMAN (MICHELLE). PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

CAROLINA ON HIS MIND

DREAMGIRLS NOV. 9-14 • BELK THEATER

Tues. - Thurs. 7:30PM • Fri. 8PM Sat. 2PM & 8PM • Sun. 1:30PM & 7PM

Tony®-winning costume designer William Ivey Long grew up in Rock Hill where his father founded the department of Dramatic Arts at Winthrop University and his mother taught theater at Rock Hill High School. The family spent summers in Manteo where they helped produce the historical Lost Colony production. Long, who began performing in the production at age 8, recently completed his 40th season there. He studied history at William and Mary, art history at UNC Chapel Hill and drama at Yale before moving to New York City in the mid-’70s. Long got his big break in 1981 when Nine premiered on Broadway. The production garnered him his first of five Tony Awards®. He designed costumes for the Broadway productions of 9 TO 5 (Oct. 5-10) and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (March 15-20), both of which are in the Center’s current Duke Energy Broadway Lights series. Other productions have included: Hairspray, Chicago, Cabaret, Sweet Charity and The Producers. He’s working in Los Angeles on Alan Menken new musical Leap of Faith, which stars Brooke Shields. Every six weeks, Long returns to his family home in Seaboard, N.C. As president of the Eastern Seaboard Trust, a nonprofit focused on the area’s revitalization and historic preservation, he has helped establish a clinic there and is working with NC State to create a satellite fashion and costume design program. Photos from 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, playing at Ovens Auditorium Oct. 5-10

TREVON DAVIC (C.C.), CHAZ LAMAR SHEPHERD (CURTIS) AND CHESTER GREGORY (JAMES EARLY). PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, playing at the Belk Theater March 10-15

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. ROGER BART & BETH CURRY. PHOTO: PAUL KOLNIK.

9 TO 5 ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST. PHOTO: PAUL KOLNIK.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

COUPLE HELPS DREAMS COME 16 TRUE FOR YOUNG ARTISTS Don And Mary Doctor Provide Scholarship And Opportunities Through Philanthropic Partnership By Liz Bertrand

“Heaven’s no!” says Don Doctor when asked if he participated in the arts as a kid. Raised on a rural farm in Indiana, it wasn’t until he was already in his 20s that this future CEO and patron of the arts attended his first play. But something must have clicked when he saw that first show. More than 30 years later, Doctor and his wife, Mary, are

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

making Broadway dreams come true for young people all around Charlotte through their partnership with the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Doctor is the chairman and CEO of Service Maintenance Systems, Inc., an information technology company based in Charlotte. A conversation with a friend and former employee, who

worked on the Blumenthal’s Corporate Campaign, initially inspired him to get involved as a donor to the Performing Arts Center. The Doctor Family Foundation had supported camps and outdoor education for kids for some time; finding a way to provide similar access to the arts seemed like a natural extension of this mission. The Broadway Junior Celebration – an annual event for students and teachers from elementary and middle schools – seemed to be the perfect place to start. For one jam-packed day, hundreds of kids have the chance to perform for professional artists and attend workshops to hone their skills in musical theater. The Doctor Family Foundation has fully funded the program since 2009 and purchases show kits – with scripts, scores and recorded accompaniment – for schools that can’t afford them. But this wasn’t enough for Doctor, who saw an opportunity to expand access to the arts in multiple ways. “Let’s ‘beef up’ that program in Charlotte,” became his mantra. The couple’s generosity has led to more innovative, hands-on arts programs for kids and teens. Some examples: this past spring, 12 local high school students and three teacher chaperones were awarded an allexpense-paid trip to New York through the Expanding Horizons: Broadway Experience program. Students went through an application process to be selected. They received orchestra seats for two hit Broadway shows, BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL and IN THE HEIGHTS,

participated in Q&A’s with each cast, met with other theater professionals and toured Radio City Music Hall during this incredible weekend. The students then wrote papers about the trip 17 and what they learned. The Doctor Family Foundation has also funded ticket access programs for young people to attend productions at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s theaters. According to Doctor, he doesn’t just want kids to see a show from a few left-over balcony seats but to experience a professional performance from some of the best seats in the house. It is this commitment to providing access to the best in the arts that really sets the Doctors apart. Cuts in Arts education in schools across the country have alarmed the couple. “For some students, the Arts may be the area where they excel and have a passion,” says Doctor. “Perhaps, math, English and sports are not their strong suits. When you have a ‘driver’ that makes you excited to be at school, I believe you will see improvement in all areas of academics.” He fears that gifted students might drop out of school when the Arts are removed from the curriculum. Doctor hopes to counter-balance this phenomenon through the programs he has developed with the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Another way the couple has worked toward this goal is by creating a new scholarship fund to support students who want to pursue the arts in a college or university. Last spring, two $10,000 scholarships were awarded to Brianna Billiot and Devante Lawrence, who both attended Porter Ridge High in Union County. Brianna will attend Liberty University and pursue a Bachelor of Theater Arts. Devante will seek a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting at Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. The couple also established an endowment to fund future scholarships through The Greater Charlotte Cultural Trust. The Doctors’ support for the arts reflects another fundamental belief: the arts and artists are good for business. “The performing arts help promote great life skills,” he says. Among them, he cites improved communication, creativity, memory and an ability to collaborate with others as particularly useful in a business setting. Doctor goes even further, suggesting that certain artistic talents seem to have a correlation with success in specific fields. For instance, he has found that people with a background in music often turn out to be adept in careers related to technology and computer programming. “An arts background is something that we look for on resumes,” says Doctor. For their significant contributions in promoting arts education and access, Don and Mary Doctor were recently awarded a 2010 Star of Touring Broadway Award by The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry. But as a rule they like to stay out of the limelight. Their biggest satisfaction comes from seeing the smiles on kids’ faces and hearing their enthusiastic cheers after a performance, as the Doctors watch from the wings.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

SEPTEMBER 20

COMING

MITCH FATEL THE COMEDY ZONE McGLOHON THEATRE A NIGHT TO REMEMBER 21 ECHO FOUNDATION KNIGHT THEATER 22 - OCT. 2 AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ ON Q PRODUCTIONS DUKE ENERGY THEATRE ENDURING LOVE 24-25 RINCE NA H’EIREANN SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE BOOTH PLAYHOUSE 24-25 ELGAR CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BELK THEATER 24 ESPERANZA SPALDING SOL KITCHEN & SUNSET JAZZ FESTIVAL KNIGHT THEATER 25 WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? THE COMEDY ZONE KNIGHT THEATER 25 CAROLINA COOL JAZZ ORCHESTRA THERESA JENKINS-RUSS McGLOHON THEATRE 26 BEN BAILEY THE COMEDY ZONE McGLOHON THEATRE 28 GREAT BIG SEA MAXXMUSIC McGLOHON THEATRE

OCTOBER 1-3 1-2 1 1 2 2 5-10 8-16 8-9 8-23 9 12-24 14 15

16-17 16-21 17 17 17 18 20 22 24 26

THE WORLD OF JEWTOPIA BOOTH PLAYHOUSE THE DUKE ELLINGTON ORCHESTRA CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BELK THEATER MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER MAXXMUSIC KNIGHT THEATER AN EVENING WITH LEDISI & ANTHONY DAVID THE SOL KITCHEN McGLOHON THEATRE THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BELK THEATER EDDIE FROM OHIO MAXXMUSIC McGLOHON THEATRE 9 TO 5:THE MUSICAL OVENS AUDITORIUM DRACULA NORTH CAROLINA DANCE THEATRE KNIGHT THEATER DVORAK - FROM THE NEW WORLD CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BELK THEATER REEFER MADNESS:THE MUSICAL QUEEN CITY THEATRE COMPANY DUKE ENERGY THEATRE RICHARD MARX MAXXMUSIC McGLOHON THEATRE BASIC TRAINING STAGE DOOR THEATER THE PETER ROWAN BLUEGRASS BAND MAXXMUSIC McGLOHON THEATRE SLAMCHARLOTTE POETRY SLAM McGLOHON THEATRE TRICK ‘R TREAT NORTH CAROLINA DANCE THEATRE KNIGHT THEATER COSÌ FAN TUTTE OPERA CAROLINA BELK THEATER COMEDY TURNS RIGHT: COMEDY FROM THE POLITICAL RIGHT THE COMEDY ZONE BOOTH PLAYHOUSE INDIGO GIRLS McGLOHON THEATRE SPEAK UP YOUTH POETRY SLAM DUKE ENERGY THEATRE AN EVENINGWITH DAVID SEDARIS BELK THEATER BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS PRESENT BOMBAY BELLYWOOD McGLOHON THEATRE KNIGHTSOUNDS: PLANET CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA KNIGHT THEATER LILY TOMLIN BELK THEATER FAREED ZAKARIA LEARNING SOCIETY OF QUEENS BELK THEATER

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER OCTOBER 1 • KNIGHT THEATER

RICHARD MARX

OCTOBER 9 • McGLOHON THEATRE

THE PETER ROWAN BLUEGRASS BAND

OCTOBER 14 • McGLOHON THEATRE

AN EVENING WITH JEFF DANIELS

OCTOBER 28 • McGLOHON THEATRE

BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS PRESENT BOMBAY BELLYWOOD OCTOBER 20 • McGLOHON THEATRE

27-29 28 28 29 30 31

THE LONDON BROIL SHOW DUKE ENERGY THEATRE AN EVENING WITH JEFF DANIELS MAXXMUSIC McGLOHON THEATRE NBC’S LAST COMIC STANDING LIVE GOODNIGHTS COMEDY KNIGHT THEATER LEANN RIMES CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BELK THEATER THRILLS AND CHILLS CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BELK THEATER BENISE KNIGHT THEATER

THIS

November 2-7

BENISE

OCTOBER 31 • KNIGHT THEATER

NEW ORLEANS NIGHTS NOVEMBER 6 • KNIGHT THEATER ALLEN TOUSSAINT, PHOTO BY LEE CRUM; JOE KROWN TRIO 2009; NICHOLAS PAYTON, PHOTO BY MICHAEL WILSON.

STEEP CANYON RANGERS NOVEMBER 13 • McGLOHON THEATRE

REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY:THE COMPLETE WORLD OF SPORTS (ABRIDGED) BOOTH PLAYHOUSE 5 MIKE BIRBIGLIA THE COMEDY ZONE KNIGHT THEATER 5 HOT RIZE MAXXMUSIC McGLOHON THEATRE 5-6 BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 7 CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BELK THEATER 6 NEW ORLEANS NIGHTS KNIGHT THEATER 8 HARLAND WILLIAMS THE COMEDY ZONE McGLOHON THEATRE 9-14 DREAMGIRLS BELK THEATER 11-13 INNOVATIVE WORKS NORTH CAROLINA DANCE THEATRE KNIGHT THEATER 13 STEEP CANYON RANGERS MAXXMUSIC McGLOHON THEATRE 17-19 THE LONDON BROIL SHOW DUKE ENERGY THEATRE 19 SLAMCHARLOTTE POETRY SLAM McGLOHON THEATRE 19-20 HAYDN CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA KNIGHT THEATER 20 AN EVENING WITH JOHN McCUTCHEON MAXXMUSIC McGLOHON THEATRE 21 SPEAK UP YOUTH POETRY SLAM DUKE ENERGY THEATRE 21 THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC OF MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER BELK THEATER 26 - DEC. 5 HOME ON Q PRODUCTIONS DUKE ENERGY THEATRE 26-27 PROKOFIEV CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BELK THEATER 28 CELTIC THUNDER BELK THEATER 29 HANDEL’S MESSIAH ROCKS BELK THEATER 30 - DEC. 5 MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M HOME FORTHE HOLIDAYS BOOTH PLAYHOUSE

December 3-5 4 7-12 8-19 10-19 10

RED CLAY RAMBLERS

DECEMBER 10 • McGLOHON THEATRE PLEASE VISIT BLUMENTHALCENTER.ORG FOR THE LATEST DETAILS ON ALL SHOWS.

NATALIE MACMASTER CHRISTMAS IN CAPE BRETON DECEMBER 17 • KNIGHT THEATER

17 17 19

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BELK THEATER JON REEP THE COMEDY ZONE BELK THEATER IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS OVENS AUDITORIUM LIVE FROM THE WVL RADIO THEATRE: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE NORTH CAROLINA STAGE COMPANY BOOTH PLAYHOUSE NUTCRACKER NORTH CAROLINA DANCE THEATER BELK THEATER RED CLAY RAMBLERS MAXXMUSIC McGLOHON THEATRE SLAMCHARLOTTE POETRY SLAM McGLOHON THEATRE NATALIE MACMASTER KNIGHT THEATER SPEAK UP YOUTH POETRY SLAM DUKE ENERGY THEATRE

CENTER EMPLOYEE’S GENEROSITY 20 MAKES HEADLINES Monthly Giving Leads To A Journey That Leads To Building A House By Crystal Dempsey

Ticket-buyers who call the Center may recognize Kevin Grooms’ voice since he’s a comforting presence as they make a purchase or get more information on a show. This summer, The Charlotte Observer published a story about Kevin’s generous spirit. For nine years through the nonprofit Children International, Kevin has supported Gerardo, a boy in Honduras, with monthly checks and holiday gifts. Through thank you notes and letters, the pair developed a friendship. The bond deepened in January when Kevin traveled to Honduras to meet Gerardo and his family. Kevin decided to help even more by raising $6,000 to build a house for the family. After making that commitment, he found out that he also needed to buy the land. The fundraising goal increased to just over $10,000. To read the full story, visit blumenthalcenter.org/kevingrooms. In late August, Kevin gave us an update on the fundraising and Gerardo: What has happened since the Observer story published on July 25?

With the support and the encouragement of Mr. (Tom) Gabbard (the Center’s president), we have gone over the fundraising goal for the land and the house. When former NC First Lady Mrs. Dottie Martin made her contribution in late July, that put us over the limit, and money is still trickling in! Your story is inspiring because it shows that you don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference. What advice do you have for people who want to get more involved? Follow your passion and go with what brings you joy! I’ve had folks call in to buy tickets who saw the story, and they’ve said the kindest things to me, like “What a beautiful way to live a life.” It has blown me away. I also recently got a letter of congratulations from the chair of our Board of Trustees, Mr. Walter Fisher. Where do things stand with buying the land and building the house? I am waiting on pins and needles for a call to tell me when the land is purchased. They are buying in a safer area out in their part of the countryside. Their new home will have two bedrooms, a full bath, a living area to the side of the small kitchen and good connections to electricity, sewage and drinkable water. What’s going on with Gerardo and his family? Until the land is purchased, they still do not know about this. I’m told they are curious as to the questions they’re getting about their home and living situation. Gerardo is in school, of course, at Instituto Tecnologico Sampedrano where he made the soccer team and is taking a full load of courses. He is also helping with art work for different projects on campus. What have you learned through this experience? Everyone can make a difference, no matter how small the situation may seem. I’ve also learned to never underestimate the power of one. Are you still accepting donations? People can definitely still give! I’d like enough overage to buy a small gas range, a refrigerator and a sofa! Any overage above that would go towards his school expenses for next year. Visit firstgiving.com/gerardoshouse for more information.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

MEMBERSHIP news

Experience the arts at a whole new level! Become a Member at www.BlumenthalCenter.org/Support and receive unique membership benefits available at any giving level. Membership highlights are below.

Center Members enjoy the Wicked cast party following a performance in May.

Center Members can now secure tickets to any of the eight shows in the Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series or six Broadway Extras. As the demand for tickets is expected to be high, become a Member today by calling 704-372-1000 and you’ll be sure to see your favorite shows!

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL Mr. and Mrs. William B. McGuire, Jr. Scot and Diane Powell PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Margaret Adamczyk Jim and Cathy Baily Mrs. Nancy B. Thomas and Mr. William M. Barnhardt Arthur D. Becker, Christine K. Becker, Kimberly K. Becker The Blumenthal Foundation Amy and Philip Blumenthal Betsy and Alfred Brand Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Cameron Mr. William K. Diehl, Jr. Walter and Michele Fisher Dorlisa and Peter Flur Tom and Vickie Gabbard Beverly and Jim Hance Chuck and Diane Harrington Mr. and Mrs. David L. Hauser Sally Hawk and Tommi Levi Jeanne and Rick Puckett Edgar and Karen Whitener BENEFACTOR Mr. Howard C. Bissell Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Bolton J. Michael Booe and Rebecca S. Henderson Laura and Sam Bowles Daniel and Marilyn DiMicco Charlie Elberson Scott Fuller Lisa and John W. Galloway David and Barbara Goodman Carol and Shelton Gorelick Harry and Gail Grim Belinda and Timothy Gunter Mandy and Todd Houser Thomas and Nora Hughes

Producer’s Circle Members ($1,000 or more) have their pick of premium seats by utilizing their private Member Services Concierge Service. Along with select cast parties, they will also be invited to attend Dinner with the Cast events for DREAMGIRLS, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, IN THE HEIGHTS and SHREK THE MUSICAL. Join today by calling our Individual Gifts Coordinator at 704-348-5823. The Blumenthal also hosts events for Members beginning at the $100 level. From family-focused activities to pre-show cocktail receptions, these events attract passionate theater fans and give you the chance to meet people who share your interest in the arts! Our Restaurant Partners continue to be generous with our patrons with special family-friendly and date night menus (and pricing)! As a bonus, many Restaurant Partners offer complimentary and/or valet parking for dinner and the show.

members

Sunny and Wen Hutchinson David and Susan Jamison Amy Levine and Alfred Dawson Howard and Julie Levine Karmen and Russell Martin Chris and Caroline McDowell Thomas C. Nelson and Anna Spangler Nelson Wendy and Frank Rosen Jane and Nelson Schwab Thad and Bobbie Sharrett Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Sherrill Mr. and Mrs. R. Glenn Sherrill, Jr. Jacqueline Snipes Pam and Andy Warlick Mr. and Mrs. E.I. Weisiger, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. White Caroline and Lawrence A. Wilson GRAND PATRON Bill and Valerie Alexander Elizabeth Austin Mr. and Mrs. John M. Barry Dr. and Mrs. Edward S. Baum Mike and Renee Baumbach Ralph and Linda Beck Mark and Louise Bernstein Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bivens Mr. and Mrs. Alan Blumenthal Crandall and Erskine Bowles Peter and Cynthia Buck Bret Burquest Tony and Diane Byers Nan and Hal Clarke Steve and Elaine Coats Roger Cuddy Adelaide and Ned Davis Mr. James W. Donahue Pepper and Roddey Dowd Mr. and Mrs. James F. Downs Marica and Bob Dynko Jane E. Faison

Beth and Jonathan Feit Joyce Staley Ford Peggy and Heriberto Garcia John R. Georgius In Memory of Judy Gerhart Anne and George Goodyear Bill and Patty Gorelick Mrs. Charles Grace Rebecca and Carl Guidice Sharon and Benjamin Hager Pamela G. Hanna, M.D. Mr. Ned Hardison Blaine and Robin Hawkins Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hawley Eleanor and Parks Helms Tim and Carolyn Hilton Dr. and Mrs. Alex Horchak Jim and Peggy Hynes Lynn Jeffrey Mr. and Mrs. Graeme M. Keith Ginger Kemp Virginia A. Kern Mary Jean and Howard L. Kushner Janice S. Ladley Ross and Nance Levin The Leon Levine FoundationSandra and Leon Levine Mr. and Mrs. Kurt E. Lindquist, II Lori Matthews Ashley and Scott Mattei Gary and Jill Maxwell Jane and Hugh McColl T. Bragg McLeod Mr. and Mrs. W. Edwin McMahan Elsa and Joseph McNamara John and Donna Mitchell Marie Mitchell Ed and Jill Newman Janet and Peter Nixon Donald O’Shields

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Prince III Jim Putnam The Raftelis Foundation Nancy and David Rankin Sally and Russell Robinson Robert and Lisa Rollins William R. Rollins Carla and Ed Rose Bill and Brenda Ryan Mr. and Mrs. Jason C. Schmidly Dale and Mary Sedivec Dr. and Mrs. Robert Seymour Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Shelton, Sr. Peggy and Pope Shuford Jim Shupe The Marc and Mattye Silverman Foundation Tom and Sherry Skains Mr. and Mrs. Wayne B. Smith, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh Spencer Walter and Ingrid Steele Dia and Paul Steiger Ms. Donita Stewart John and Mary Sumner Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Thomas David Thomason Ellen and Ron Vilas Greg and Sandy Vlahos Lin and DP Washburn Mary Ellen and Reid Wilkerson Richard T. “Stick” Williams Rip and Cathey Winfield Steve Worthy Gillian Albinski and Douglas Young Stephen C. Young *Contributions received July 20, 2009, to March 31, 2010.

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

CORPORATE partners 22 The Center recognizes the following major donors, corporate partners and individuals for their generous support. OFFICIAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER CAROLINAS MEDICAL CENTER The Center is pleased to welcome Carolinas Medical Center as the Official Healthcare Provider of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. “The sponsorship provides essential financial support for the Center’s arts and education programs that impact thousands of students and families each year,” said Center President Tom Gabbard. “It also gives touring artists and show personnel ready access to quality medical services should that need arise.” “We are pleased to sponsor and provide our healthcare services to the Center,“ said Michael C. Tarwater, Chief Executive Officer of Carolinas HealthCare System. “The partnership is a valued opportunity to give back to the community while ensuring high quality care for the artists and staff.” Carolinas HealthCare System www.carolinashealthcare.org, one of the leading healthcare systems in the Southeast, includes 32 affiliated hospitals in North and South Carolina, along with nursing homes, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies and other facilities. Altogether, CHS operations comprise more than 6,300 licensed beds and employ more than 48,000 people.

LEADERSHIP gift

SIGNATURE

DUKE ENERGY DONATES BOOTH ENDOWMENT GIFT Duke Energy recently provided the Center with a leadership gift in honor of Doug Booth, a past director at the corporation, toward the Booth Playhouse Endowment. In receiving the gift, Tom Gabbard stated, "This significant corporate contribution will provide ongoing support for the theater already named in Mr. Booth’s honor, and tangibly honors his key leadership in the creation of the Performing Arts Center. It is yet another way that Duke Energy significantly supports our Center." “Duke Energy is proud to honor Doug’s many contributions to this community in this way,” said Richard T. “Stick” Williams, the company’s foundation president. Mr. Booth served on the Duke Energy board from 1968 until he retired in 1989. His love of music spans from bluegrass to opera, and he generously supports the arts in various ways throughout the region.

gifts

MAJOR

gifts

Official Healthcare Provider of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Preferred Caterer of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

2010/11 Broadway Lights Series Sponsor

Preferred Snack Food Provider of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Preferred Dining Partner of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Official Airline of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

CHAIRMAN partners

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

CORPORATE

partners continued NASCAR Media Group North Highland Company PCL Construction Services Inc. Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. RSM McGladrey Incorporated Shook Kelley Spectrum Properties Target Toshiba United Mechanical Corporation W. B. Moore Company of Charlotte, Inc.

DIRECTING PARTNERS Cherry Bekaert & Holland, LLP EXECUTIVE PARTNERS Daniel and Ana Aceti Alston & Bird, LLP Crosland, LLC Goodrich Corporation Hubbell Consulting, LLC Hunton & Williams, LLP InterCon Building Corporation McGrann Paper Corporation McGuireWoods, LLP Midrex Technologies, Inc. NUCOR Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP Shurtape Technologies, LLC SPX Corporation SteelFab, Inc.

Doerre Construction Co., LLC Ec,a Architecture, PC E.F. Belk & Son, Inc. Elm Engineering Ernst & Young LLP Family Dollar Store Galvan Industries, Inc. Garmon & Co., Inc. Commerical Flooring Harris Teeter, Inc. Hendrick Construction, Inc. Herlocker Mechanical Systems, Inc. High Performance Technologies, Inc. HITACHI Data Systems HM Properties Hood Hargett & Associates Hoopaugh Grading Co., LLC IKON Office Systems Information Innovators, Inc. Interstate Electric Co. Inc. Ironworks Consulting KDC KingGuinn Associates, P.A. Lantern Builders, Inc. LITTLE L.T. Mechanical, Inc. Madison Construction Group, Inc. Martin Marietta Materials MCC Mechanical, LLC McCombs Steel Company, Inc. McCulloch England Associates Architects McNeary, Inc. MegaPath, Inc. Merrill Lynch Monaghan Group PLLC Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc. MUZAK LLC MV Momentum Construction Myers & Chapman, Inc.

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS Acoustics Incorporated Adams Electric Company Alfred Williams & Co. AREVA NP Inc. Ashley Furniture HomeStore Aster Group Corporation B&H Millwork and Fixtures Inc. BE&K Building Group Inc. B.E. Holbrooks Co., Inc. Blythe Development Co. Cabarrus Glass Co., Inc. Carocraft Cabinets, Inc. Carousel Capital Company Carroll Financial Associates, Inc. Charter Concrete Services, Inc. Chicago Title Insurance Company Choate Construction Co. C.M. Steel, Inc. Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Cochrane Steel, Inc. Collins and Wright Inc. Cox & Schepp Construction, Inc. Crowder Construction Company Design Strategies LLC Dixon Hughes PLLC

MANAGING PARTNERS Allen Tate Foundation BB&T Belk, Inc. The Broadway League Family First Night C design Inc. Carolina Tractor Clariant Corporation Direct Source, Inc. Grant Thornton Heard Ratzlaff Construction Independent Grant of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. Internetwork Services Inc. KBR Lincoln Harris Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Modular Designs

NASCAR Foundation Net Direct Systems North American Lawn & Landscape, LLC Odell Associates Quality Sprinkler R.E. Mason Company Red Moon Marketing Reznick Group, P.C. Rogers Unloading Service Schindler Elevator Corp. Security Forces, Inc. Signature Consultants Silverado Group, Inc. The Southeastern Group Inc. Paint, Drywall, Trim Southern States Rebar of North Carolina, Inc. Sprint Staley Inc. Stewart Engineering, Inc. Sun Belt Office & Data Suppliers, Inc. Time Warner Cable The Title Company of North Carolina Toler, Bly & Associates, CPA, PLLC Tropical Nut & Fruit Inc. Unique Express, Inc. Velligan Medical Services Walker Engineering, PA Warco Construction, Inc. Wells Fargo Insurance Services White Knight Engineered Products Willis

*Contributions received July 20, 2009, to March 31, 2010.

RESTAURANT partners

Preferred Caterer of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 101 W. Worthington Ave. Suite 114 Charlotte, NC 28203 704.333.9779 bestimpressionscaterers.com

Preferred Dining Partner of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 222 S. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.338.9444 ruthschris.com

139 S. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.601.4141 chimasteakhouse.com

435 S. Tryon St., Suite 180 Charlotte, NC 28202 704.377.9911 aquavina.com

237 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.332.4141 dunhillhotel.com

Hearst Tower Corner of 5th & College St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.927.2583 bluerestaurantandbar.com

401 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.334.2739 rockbottomsouth.com

225 E. 6th St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.347.2749 www.brixxpizza.com

100 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.332.1132 sonomarestaurants.net

201 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.348.1400 thecapitalgrille.com

400 S. Tryon St., Suite M-1 Charlotte, NC 28285 704.332.5521 uptowncateringco.com

FOUNDATION gifts

THE DOCTOR FAMILY FOUNDATION Expanding Horizons: The Broadway Experience! Program Sponsor

The Arts & Science Council supports the Center’s 2011 Fiscal Year budget with a Basic Operating Grant in the amount of $345,401.

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

TICKETS: 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalCenter.org

onstage Fall 2010

BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER PO Box 37322 Charlotte, NC 28237

Official Airline of Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

ELTON JOHN’S NEW MUSICAL IS THE “

BEST MUSICAL OF THE

10 BEST MUSICAL!

TONY AWARDS INCLUDING

DECADE!

”

-TIME MAGAZINE

JAN. 12-30 • OVENS AUDITORIUM 704.372.1000 • BLUMENTHALCENTER.ORG