onstage
Fall/Winter 2012-13
Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy p. 12
Jekyll & Hyde: Be Seduced p. 8
Knight theater Levine Center for the Arts
Les MisĂŠrables: An Uplifting Masterpiece p. 14
Blumenthal performing arts center Belk Theater • Booth Playhouse Stage Door Theater
Spirit Square
McGlohon Theater Duke Energy Theater
3...........................................................................................Letter From the President
board of trustees
4.......................................................Affinity Groups Continue to Surge in Popularity
Jennifer D. Blumer
5..................................................Blumenthal President Receives Prestigious Award
James Bullock
6.......................................................... Introducing Incoming Chairman Rick Puckett
Joni Y. Davis
table of contents Fall/Winter 2012-13
7...................................... Poetry Slam Event Brings Charlotte Nationwide Attention 8.........................................Jekyll & Hyde Gets a Sexy, Seductive Update for Its New Tour 10........................................................... Winners Shine at Inaugural Blumey Awards 12....................................................................... Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy 14....................................................Les Misérables: Come and Hear the People Sing 16.....................................................................................Holiday Treats for the Entire Family
James F. Downs Charlie Elberson Claire Green Fallon Walter D. Fisher Jr., past chair Dorlisa K. Flur, Chair Molly B. Griffin Timothy L. Gunter
18.......................................................Calendar of Upcoming Shows and Attractions
Greg Haislip
20......................................................................................................... Blumenthal Talk Back
Charles Harrington
21-23...................................................... News on Membership, Corporate Partners
Rebecca Henderson Steven A. Hockfield
Local Theater Fans Make Charlotte a Top 10 Market
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hen the Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series opens Nov. 6 at Belk Theater with a sexy new production of Jekyll & Hyde, the audience will include hundreds of new season ticket buyers, as well as almost 80 percent of last year’s season buyers. The end result will be more than 10,000 season ticket buyers before package sales conclude later this year. The 2012-13 season is a huge hit with Charlotte musical theater fans. More than 3,400 new season ticket buyers have been drawn by the seven-show season that features some of Broadway’s hottest new shows and some beloved favorites, including blockbusters Wicked and Disney’s The Lion King. Last year’s season ticket holders also have responded enthusiastically with 78 percent returning this year. This is about 5 percent higher than last year and more than 15 percent higher than two years ago. “We are thrilled with the response,” said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard. “Charlotte has become a Top 10 market for touring Broadway nationally because of this kind of support. Our fans are incredible, and we will do our best to meet their expectations and deliver an experience equal to what they’d enjoy if they saw these titles in New York.” Being a Top 10 market means Charlotte enjoys many of the hottest shows on Broadway before many other cities. “We are typically included on the first national tours,” Gabbard said. War Horse and Sister Act are shows launching their first national tour this fall, and both will be appearing in Charlotte. Strong season sales mean the sold-out sign will likely go up early on many shows. But it’s not too late to purchase season tickets and save your place while seat selection is best. Visit BlumenthalArts.org/Broadway or call 704-335-1010 to check out all the available options.
Facebook.com/NCBPAC
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Twitter.com/BlumenthalArts
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
YouTube.com/NCBPAC
BlumenthalArtsBlog.org
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
W. Todd Houser Sunny Harris Hutchinson Susan Jamison, secretary Lloyd E. Johnson John Lassiter Dr. Joan Lorden Dr. Edith Valladares McElroy Edwin B. Peacock III Rick D. Puckett, chair-elect & treasurer Jennifer Roberts Anne Stolz Gregory L. Taylor Catherine Warfield
onstage
Onstage magazine is produced by the Blumenthal Performing Arts marketing staff. Wendy Oglesby, vice president of marketing Danny Knaub, communications manager Mark Wallace, visual communications manager Jessica Stanley, graphic designer Contributing writers: Aleigh Acerni Jeri Krentz Courtney Devores Editing support: Lorrie Henry Jenna MacFarlane Cover photos: The original Broadway production of Sister Act – photo by Joan Marcus; Jekyll & Hyde – photo by Smallz & Raskind; and the company of the new 25th anniversary of Les Miserables – photo by Deen van Meer.
President’swords TOM GABBARD Dear Friends:
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his was an exciting and challenging summer for “Team Blumenthal.” Our staff was called on to be especially resourceful and dedicated in serving at National Poetry Slam competition and the Democratic National Convention. Both events used all six of our stages and lobbies for major events. I’m proud of our team’s great work in serving guests from around the world. We were particularly honored to host the National Democratic Institute, whose chair is Madeline Albright. NDI and the International Republican Institute were founded by former President Ronald Reagan to educate politicians in developing nations about our democratic process. Four hundred delegates from around the world heard from a diverse array of speakers. The Belk Theater boxes had soundproof booths to translate to various languages that delegates could access by Wi-Fi. For the first time, these events were open to the public and, wow, was there interest from our community. Three thousand of the free tickets we made available online were gone in five minutes! In the midst of all the noise and barrage of political campaign ads, it was inspiring to see people representing a wide range of views gather for intelligent discourse. Speaking of tickets, it’s important to understand the risks of buying online tickets to our shows outside of Blumenthal’s website. A few days ago, I spoke with an irate fan who a few months ago bought tickets on Stub Hub for $300 each for one of our upcoming shows. When he learned that the face value of these tickets was $85 for similar seats, he was understandably upset. Unfortunately, since we have nothing to do with the online broker sites that prey on unsuspecting buyers like him, there was nothing we could do to help. To avoid this kind of situation, please tell your family and friends to only purchase online tickets to our shows through Blumenthal’s website. You may have noticed that an increasing number of Broadway shows are stopping in Charlotte before opening in New York rather than after. A recent example is Bring It On, which played Charlotte in April before beginning on Broadway in July. Jekyll & Hyde plays here in November
before opening in New York in April. It’s a classic tradition for a show to play a few select cities with smart audiences whose reactions and opinions are part of fine-tuning the show. This is a new thing for us, though, and a sign of how respected our audience is here in Charlotte. Blumenthal has been blessed to have exceptionally strong board leadership. Dorlisa Flur is completing a two-year term as our chair. Under her leadership our governance, practices were thoroughly reviewed and updated. After evaluating best practices across the country in the forprofit and nonprofit worlds, she helped our board finetune our practices. Dorlisa spent one chapter of her career as a partner with the world-renowned consulting firm McKinsey. Her insight, diligence, leadership and commitment to our community have made Blumenthal a stronger and better organization. Our high expectations for the debut of The Blumey Awards were exceeded in so many ways. What a thrill it was to celebrate the hard work, passion and talent of students from the 20 area high schools who participated in this inaugural year. A great new Charlotte tradition has begun. The date has been set for the 2013 Blumey Awards, and we hope you’ll choose to join us in celebrating and encouraging these talented kids.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Tom Gabbard President
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
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NEWSbriefs Affinity Groups Continue to Surge in Popularity
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hen Affinity Groups first began in 2006, no one could have predicted how popular they’d become among theater fans in the Queen City. Affinity Groups are Blumenthal’s informal social clubs that gather around shows throughout the year. The best part – they are FREE to join. Members enjoy free pre- or post-show mixers and often receive discounts on show tickets. There are no requirements for membership except an interest in seeing great performances and meeting others who share your passion for the arts. “Nurturing friendships among those who love the arts is at the heart of the affinity group program,” says Blumenthal
Club Blume
President Tom Gabbard. Since their inception, the four affinity groups have a combined membership reaching 3,750. Currently, affinity clubs exist for 20- and 30-somethings (Club Blume); students (Charlotte Live!); educators (Teachers Lounge); and the LGBT community (Out on the Town). With record-breaking attendance, incredible restaurant partners and entertaining activities, this has been one of the best years for all affinity groups. Much fun is to be had with the affinity groups as they gear up for the 2012-13 season. For more information on Blumenthal’s Affinity Groups, visit BlumenthalArts.org/Affinity.
Club Blume is a social club for young adults in their 20s and 30s and is sponsored by Blumenthal Performing Arts. There are no dues and no officers – just fun! Members enjoy special offers, such as preshow mixers, reserved seating with other young adults and other great perks. Last year, the club held 15 events with a combined attendance of 861.
What Members Are Saying “Club Blume has been great – I get to experience the food at some of the local restaurants and get access to amazing seats at all of the shows. I have to say the coolest show last season was Million Dollar Quartet – to think that evening actually happened – it might as well have been a rock show. There was so much energy in the theater! – Christine Eidson
BlumenthalArts.org/ClubBlume webmaster@clubblume.com Eidson
Charlotte Live! is a special affinity group for middle and high school students that gives them access to great deals on tickets to performing arts events as well as student-only activities such as free pre-show pizza parties. Last year, the club held 14 events with a combined attendance of 948.
What Members Are Saying
BlumenthalArts.org/CharlotteLive charlottelive@ncbpac.org
"Charlotte Live! is the reason I attended my first live theater performance. The Charlotte Live! program will light your world on fire, and you won't want to put it out." – Micah Lockhart, former Vance High School student Students dance to a song from Young Frankenstein.
Teachers Lounge is an informal social club made up of teachers in public and private schools and in all grade levels in the greater Charlotte area who enjoy making friends and attending great shows at Blumenthal Performing Arts. Members enjoy free pre-show parties plus discounts on show tickets. Last year, the club held nine events that had a total attendance of 432.
What Members Are Saying
BlumenthalArts.org/TeachersLounge teacherslounge@ncbpac.org
Teacher Lounge members have a bite before Jersey Boys.
"The Blumenthal's Teachers Lounge program has been wonderful. I got involved years ago for the discounts and the pre-show dinners and parties. Those are still great benefits; but now I go to network with colleagues and to stay connected with friends I've made. The rewards are invaluable." – Chuck Stowe, director of Theatre Arts, South Point High School
Out on the Town is an LGBT social group sponsored by Blumenthal Performing Arts. Members enjoy special ticket discount offers, free mixers before and after select performances and opportunities to mingle with cast members after select performances. Last year, the club held nine events that had a total attendance of 494.
What Members Are Saying “I joined Out on the Town after I first moved here from New Jersey and became a season ticket holder. I have enjoyed all of the parties and the opportunity to meet other LGBT members who share a passion for the theater. I especially enjoy the parties where cast members attend, and getting to talk to them about their acting careers.” – Gary Winters
BlumenthalArts.org/OutOnTheTown outonthetown@ncbpac.org Winters
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onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
NEWSbriefs Tom Gabbard Receives Prestigious Award From The Broadway League
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lumenthal Performing Arts President Tom Gabbard received the Samuel J. L’Hommedieu Award for Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management. Dear friend and colleague Jeff Chelesvig, president and CEO of the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, Iowa, presented the award. Under the leadership of Gabbard, Blumenthal Performing Arts has become one of the leading Road presenters in the country. We are considered a top 10 market for touring shows, making it possible for us to get the best and newest Broadway titles on tour. Additionally, Gabbard is Gabbard a managing member of the Independent Presenters Network, a group composed of presidents, CEOs and directors of performing arts venues across North America and Japan. He represented IPN as a producer on such shows as Spamalot, The Color Purple, Legally Blonde, 9 to 5, and the national tour of Frost/Nixon. As the lead producer of Traces, he brought the show to Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Denver, and soon to Charlotte, on its first national tour. His other Broadway and London producing credits include Red, Thoroughly Modern Millie, West Side Story, Ragtime, Edward Scissorhands, The Car Man and Cinderella. Under Gabbard’s direction, 9 to 5 The Musical embarked on a national tour during the 2010-11 season, and
Blumenthal Performing Arts received its first above-the-title producing credit for The Mountaintop, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett. “Tom Gabbard is smart, he is creative and he has a genuine love of the business and of the art of theater,” said Chelesvig. 5 Things Readers “He is also very active in Might Not Know the Broadway community, About Tom including leadership roles • Commutes to the office within The Broadway on a scooter. League and the Independent Producers Network.” • Taught guitar in Malibu, including coaching the Gabbard has been actors on the set for the president of Blumenthal Robert Altman film Performing Arts since 2003. “Nashville.” Gabbard was a member of • Assistant to the board of governors of The choreographer Danny Broadway League from 1999Daniels on Bing Crosby’s 2009 and has been a voter last TV special. for Broadway’s Tony Awards • Graduated from college since 1997. and married Vickie on He holds an MBA in Arts the same afternoon 35 Management from Golden years ago. Gate University, as well • Gave a ride to Sophia as a bachelor’s degree in Loren in his VW Rabbit. Music Performance from Pepperdine University, where he also attended Law School. He has been a lecturer in arts management at Davidson College. Congratulations, Tom. We are proud to have you lead our team.
Blumenthal Theaters Shine During the DNC
From left, crowds mingle on stage at the Belk Theater during the Obama for America Post Gavel Reception at the Belk Theater with former President Bill Clinton; Clinton gestures during his speech; and the crowd watches Clinton's speech at Belk Theater. Other events happened at other Blumenthal theaters during the Democratic National Convention. Photos courtesy of LunahZon Photography.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
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NEWSbriefs Introducing Rick Puckett, Incoming Board of Trustees Chair for Blumenthal
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hen Rick Puckett moved to Charlotte from Connecticut in 2006, he knew he wanted to get involved in the arts community. But he never imagined it would happen so quickly. Just six months after unpacking, Puckett was on the board of trustees of Blumenthal Performing Arts, raising money for the organization through a corporate campaign. He later became the board’s treasurer and head of the finance and audit committee. On Nov. 12, at Blumenthal’s annual meeting, he’ll step in as board chair, the seat currently held by Dorlisa Flur. “I found it easy to jump right in, and I loved that about Charlotte,” Puckett says. “You don’t have to be here 10 years to take an active role in the community. It was one of the nice things – and surprising things – my wife and I learned about our new home.” He was drawn to Blumenthal by an eagerness to learn more about the performing arts. Puckett – executive vice president, CFO and secretary of Snyder's-Lance in Charlotte – is a CPA who holds an accounting degree from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from the university’s Gatton College of Puckett Business. Before moving here, he was executive vice president, CFO and treasurer of United Natural Foods. He says he can’t play a musical instrument and doesn’t sing well, but he has an appreciation of talent “and people’s ability to do things that I cannot.” “My background is very technical and analytical,” Puckett says. “But I purposefully wanted to get involved in the arts
community because I hadn’t had that experience in the past. My appreciation of the arts drives me to understand more.” He also points out that the Blumenthal board oversees a complex business with six venues hosting hundreds of performances and thousands of events and activities each year. Every new season, the organization infuses millions of dollars into the local economy. “As Woody Allen said, ‘If it wasn’t a business, they’d call it show show,’” Puckett says. “The whole nature of a nonprofit, and how you manage a nonprofit, is in the forefront of all our discussions.” The goal of Blumenthal Performing Arts is to provide the kind of service the Charlotte community needs and wants while keeping ahead of changing times. Puckett feels primed for that kind of strategic planning. He’s also excited about the 2012-2013 season and its lineup of top-flight shows. He has never seen Les Misérables, which will be at Belk Theater in February, and he wants to take his grandchildren to Wicked when it returns in March. “I love being able to see the backstage environment and how it all works,” he says. “Talking to the actors and performers on a one-to-one basis has been thrilling to me personally.” And how many Charlotteans can say they’ve played a round of golf with The Phantom of the Opera? “I won the game,” Puckett says, “but we both had a good time.” — Article by Jeri Krentz
Ticket Scholarship Support In Charlotte, Snyder’s-Lance Inc. focuses its charitable giving on education, health and hunger. Through Blumenthal Performing Arts, the company supports an effort that gives participants in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program an opportunity to attend shows for free. The ticket scholarship program helps Blumenthal Performing Arts increase access, and it gives the “Bigs” and “Littles” an educational – and fun – experience. “As community stewards, we’re trying to reach out every way we can,” says Rick Puckett at Snyder’s-Lance. “This program creates a unique way for mentors and their mentees to enjoy professional performances and have a memorable time together.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of America regularly attend Blumenthal events.
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onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
NEWSbriefs Team Poetry Slam Event Brings Charlotte Nationwide Attention
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he Queen City garnered much national attention in the bouts were held across Blumenthal’s three campuses, in the last part of summer 2012. No one will ever forget how the theaters and even in the lobbies, culminating with the finals, which Democratic National Convention impacted our city the were held Aug. 11 in Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts. first week of September. But Charlotte got its first taste of the The local team, SlamCharlotte, which won back-to-back titles in nationwide spotlight when the city hosted the 23rd annual National 2007 and 2008, didn’t win the grand prize this year but put up a Poetry Slam in August. valiant effort. Blumenthal Performing Arts, along “I am so proud of SlamCharlotte for the with SlamCharlotte and Poetry Slam Inc., effort and work they put into making this welcomed what is considered the largest team one of the best at nationals,” said Bluz. team performance poetry event in the “The talent, temperament and tenacity to world. Close to 1,000 people from across learn and grow in their work inspired me as the country arrived in uptown Charlotte their coach and a writer to no end.” Don’t miss the SlamCharlotte Aug. 7-11 to witness 72 teams battle it out In the end, Slam New Orleans took Poetry Slam at 8 p.m. in the for the coveted national championship. home the top prize this year. The team won McGlohon Theater on the third The National Poetry Slam is slam’s $2,000, a perpetual NPS trophy they keep Friday of every month. showcase event and is staged in a different for the entire year and a personal trophy to city each year. keep. “It was an honor to host the National Next year, the 24th annual National Poetry Slam here in Charlotte,” said SlamCharlotte’s current slam Poetry Slam will take place in Boston, and SlamCharlotte will once master, Bluz. “It was the chance for my city to see and listen to again compete for the title. inspiring poets that I am proud to call family and friends.” This was the first time Charlotte hosted Poetry Slam Inc.’s most popular competition, and just the second time that National Poetry Slam has taken place in the Carolinas since it was launched in 1990. Previously, Blumenthal Performing Arts and SlamCharlotte Onstage asked Bluz to write an original slam poem about hosted the Individual Poetry Slam and the Women of the World Blumenthal and Charlotte. Following is his response to the Poetry Slam. challenge: “Hosting the National Poetry Slam was a phenomenal
Can’t get enough Slam?
Arts and the City Inspire SlamCharlotte Poet
opportunity for us to showcase Charlotte as a great city for artists and to spotlight our own local artists,” said Douglas Young, Blumenthal’s vice president of programming. “The National Poetry Slam was another example of the diversity of programming Blumenthal offers.” Additionally, it was especially exciting for Blumenthal as the competition used all six theaters. Over the five days, 42 official
These Blumenthal buildings brick, mortar, concrete wood and steel This City of Charlotte Street, avenues, boulevards, parks and landscape Only take shape when we fill them with our imagination Only from an architect’s dream to a director’s vision does a Belk stage become a place for a Lion King or make the Color Purple look vivid Only with a mayor’s passion and the hard work of city citizens does Charlotte become the home of the Democratic National Convention and not without the trust and support from the Blumenthal does SlamCharlotte become back-to-back champions at all bringing poetry to a beautiful city bringing words to a gorgeous venue And these places only take shape, look like life and inspire us to write because of people like you
Anthony "Twenty 20" Collin, right, a poet on Charlotte's slam team, Slam Charlotte, participates in a poetic flash mob in uptown Charlotte with poets from 71 other teams from around the country on Aug. 7, the first day for the 23th annual National Poetry Slam. Photo used with permission by The Charlotte Observer.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
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Constantine Maroulis and Deborah Cox in Jekyll & Hyde. Photo by Smallz & Raskind
Jekyll & Hyde Gets a Seductive, Sexy Update for Its New Tour
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wo hot stars – R&B superstar Deborah Cox and Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis of Rock of Ages and "American Idol" fame – are bringing sexy to Jekyll & Hyde. Charlotte is one of a handful of cities where the seductive, all-new production of the musical is playing prior to its Broadway opening. When it sweeps into the Belk Theater Nov. 6-11, it will be the fifth stop on the musical's 25-city tour. Like the original version, this updated Jekyll & Hyde features a book and lyrics by two-time Oscar winner, Emmy winner, and four-time Tony Award nominee Leslie Bricusse,
and music by Tony and Grammy nominee Frank Wildhorn. But make no mistake, this show is not a revival, says Wildhorn: “It’s really a reimagining of it.” Wildhorn created the musical with Steve Cuden. Based on “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” the classic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, Jekyll & Hyde shares the story of a London doctor who accidentally unleashes an evil alternate personality in his quest to find a cure for his father’s mental illness. “I read the book and thought it was an amazing story,” says
jekyll & hyde Nov. 6-11 Belk Theater
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onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
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Questions With Constantine Maroulis
The actor and singer, who shot to fame with an appearance on “American Idol” and received a Tony Award nomination for his debut on Broadway in Rock of Ages, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Jekyll & Hyde.
Frank Wildhorn, center, who wrote the music for the new production of Jekyll & Hyde, highly praised the two new stars of the musical, Deborah Cox, left, and Constantine Maroulis, right.
Wildhorn. “I thought it was incredibly ahead of its time. I thought, ‘Here’s an opportunity to take one character and give him two separate points of view.’ I thought that was a really cool idea.” Originally created in 1990 as a concept album, Jekyll & Hyde eventually evolved into a full-fledged show, first appearing on Broadway in 1997 following a 30-city national tour. During its more-than-three-year run, including more than 1,500 performances, it earned four Tony Award nominations and featured stars such as Sebastian Bach and David Hasselhoff in the title role. It played its final performance in 2001. After its successful run on Broadway, the show became an international musical sensation, with tours in the U.K., and recordings from Germany, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Sweden, Japan and more. For its new tour, the musical will feature new direction and choreography – both by Jeff Calhoun, who recently received a Tony nomination for Newsies – plus new sets and costumes, and fresh music. “It’s a new cast, a new way of looking at the show,” says Wildhorn. “There are new pieces of music – pieces from the recordings that were not necessarily on Broadway.” And, says Wildhorn, it's sexier and more seductive thanks to Cox – who also starred in the hit musical Aida – taking on the role as Lucy, and Maroulis playing a dual role as both of the title characters. “Constantine and Deborah are so unique,” says Wildhorn. “First of all, he looks the part more than any human being walking around these days. Constantine just brings it. He has an enormous sex appeal, both as Jekyll and Hyde. He has that energy. He brings 1,000 percent even to the work that we do in rehearsal. “With Deborah, it’s a completely new thing. She’s very soulful. And she brings her own unique interpretations of these songs. It’s fantastic. Believe me, I thank my lucky stars every day to have people like them singing my stuff.” But not everything has been completely remade for the show’s reprisal – Wildhorn promises that there will be plenty for longtime fans of the show to enjoy, including the classic songs that made Jekyll & Hyde such a phenomenon, including “This Is the Moment,” “A New Life,” and “Someone Like You.” For Wildhorn, it’s bittersweet and exhilarating. “Here we are again, touring the country. It’s been a wonderful, amazing, strange, incredible kind of story. Especially now with more than 600 productions around the world,” he says. “This show has just had a way of touching societies, different cultures. They seem to really love and relate to the story.” — Article by Aleigh Acerni
What excited you about the opportunity to play Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde? You know, I think any actor looks for those opportunities to create a role, to bring new life to a classic role, an iconic show. I love Robert Louis Stevenson. With the show, it’s about what’s there on the page, and we just try to make it real for everybody. It’s a sort of grounded, real thing. How does playing a dual role like this one differ from other roles you’ve taken on? I approach every role the same, and every job the same, whether it’s a campy sort of show like Rock of Ages, whether it’s a Shakespeare piece. I am approaching (Jekyll & Hyde) like it is a new work. I’ve never seen the show before. And I think that’s the whole point. What are you most looking forward to about this tour? I’ve been lucky; I’ve been touring for a very long time. I have a routine, I have a good team, and we’re going to have a great tour. I enjoy it. Charlotte is one of the best cities – I love playing there. It’s just a sophisticated audience. What is it like to work with multiplatinum recording artist Deborah Cox? Deborah, she just blows me away on a daily basis. I’m a fan of her songs and her voice. She’s the real deal in person every time – connected, vulnerable. What should audiences expect from this new show? The fans, I think, are going to be pleased. We have an incredible ensemble; everyone is just mega, mega talented. Our costume designer is also the set designer – he’s doing the whole look, and it’s beautiful. It’s like this industrial Goth but modern kind of steampunk type thing. But dark and cool.
MaroulisFran
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
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Student Winners Shine at Inaugural Blumey Awards Presented by Wells Fargo
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elk Theater pulsed with energy May 20, 2012, as 238 finalists performed and 1,357 total students participated in the inaugural Blumenthal Performing Arts High School Musical Theater Awards, called The Blumey Awards. The event, which recognizes excellence in high school musical theater in the Charlotte region, was presented by Wells Fargo and hosted by Maureen O’Boyle of WBTV. South Point High School in Gaston County won the Wells Fargo Best Musical Award for its production of Jekyll & Hyde. Kyle Conroy of Jay M. Robinson High School in Cabarrus County won Best Actor for his portrayal of Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. Taylor Neal of Cuthbertson High School in Union County won Best Actress for her portrayal of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Like the Tony Awards, The Blumey Awards ceremony featured live performances by the six finalists for Wells Fargo Best Musical: Charlotte Christian School’s West Side Story, Charlotte Latin School’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jay M. Robinson High School’s Little Shop of Horrors, Northwest School of the Arts’
West Side Story, South Mecklenburg High School’s Bye Bye Birdie and the winning South Point High School’s Jekyll & Hyde. David Dabbon, a New York-based music director, conductor, orchestrator and composer, arranged all of the music, led an orchestra of local professional musicians that accompanied the competing schools, and wrote the closing number. He has conducted shows and concerts throughout the country. Most recently, he provided additional orchestrations for the Tony and Grammy-nominated Broadway musical, Sondheim on Sondheim. Additionally, The Blumey Awards ceremony featured a medley of performances by the six finalists for Best Actor and for Best Actress; and two students from each production were featured in opening and closing production numbers. Sarah Zielinski, a professional choreographer, choreographed these musical numbers. She has been assistant choreographer to Kiesha Lalama in the Gene Kelly Awards along with CLO Academy’s Mini Stars and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
2012 Blumey Award participants strike a pose on stage at the Belk Theater during the closing number. © Jessica Jarvis
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onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Other Winners Best Featured Performer: Robert Briner of Northwest School of the Arts as A-rab – West Side Story Best Supporting Actor: Matt Verner of Jay M. Robinson High School as voice of Audrey II – Little Shop of Horrors Best Supporting Actress: Emma VanDeVelde of Charlotte Christian School as Anita – West Side Story Best Overall Direction: South Mecklenburg High School – Bye Bye Birdie Best Ensemble/Chorus: Charlotte Latin School – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Best Choreography Execution: Northwest School of the Arts – West Side Story Best Student Orchestra: Hickory Ridge High School – Urinetown Best Lighting Execution: South Point High School – Jekyll & Hyde Best Costume Creation: Cuthbertson High School – Beauty and the Beast Best Set Construction: South Point High School – Jekyll & Hyde
One of the highlights of the night came when two $10,000 scholarship winners were announced. Charlotte Christian School’s Bethany Klinect and Northwest School of the Arts’ Lexie Wolfe received the annually renewable scholarships from The Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship Fund. Presenters included NBA player for the Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry; Charlotte actor Grason Kingsberry who starred on Broadway in The Color Purple, Catch Me If You Can and Leap of Faith; Van Kaplan, executive producer of The Jimmy Awards and CEO of the Pittsburgh CLO; Mike Collins, host of WFAE’s “Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins”; and many more. The schools that competed were: A.L. Brown High School, Central Cabarrus High School, Hickory Ridge High School, Jay M. Robinson High School and Northwest Cabarrus High School, all from Cabarrus County; Ardrey Kell High School, Charlotte Christian High School, Charlotte Latin School Central, Independence High School, Northwest School of the Arts and South Mecklenburg High School, all from Mecklenburg County; Central Academy of Technology and Arts, Cuthbertson High School and Marvin Ridge High School, all from Union County; East Gaston High School, Gaston Day School and South Point High School, all from Gaston County; Fort Mill High School and Nation Ford High School, both from York County; and North Lincoln High School from Lincoln County. Conroy and Neal also represented the Charlotte region on June 25 at the National High School Musical Theater Awards, also known as The Jimmys, at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. Jekyll & Hyde co-stars Constantine Maroulis and Deborah Cox hosted the ceremony. This was the first time theater and music students in our region had the chance to compete in The Jimmys. PBS produced a new three-part documentary miniseries, "Broadway or Bust," that aired in September, chronicling the experiences of the 60 students that participated in The Jimmys. Locally, because of the incredible success of the Blumey Awards, a second event will take place May 19, 2013, in the Belk Theater.
In Their Words Taylor Neal
– Best Actress, Belle in Beauty and the Beast How did you feel when you won Best Actress? I felt so blessed. All I could think about was that there are so many young, talented actresses out there. The fact that I was chosen from all of them made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. What does this experience mean to you? It has changed my life in so many ways. It taught me that anything is possible. How did you feel about going to New York for The Jimmy Awards? I was shocked that after winning the Blumey Award, that I would have a chance to perform on Broadway! I was beyond excited to get to know America's top young actors and actresses and have the chance of a lifetime to perform with each and every one of them.
Kyle Conroy
– Best Actor, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors How did you feel when you won Best Actor? I honestly did not think I was going to win because the other nominees were so talented. So when they called my name, I didn’t really hear it until the person next to me had to tell me to go. What does this experience mean to you? The Blumey Awards is one of the best things the Charlotte area has to offer. In a time when the arts in schools is not as well supported as it should be, The Blumey Awards lets students like me see the magic of the arts by performing on a professional stage. The Blumey Awards made each and everyone one of us feel like a star. Also, The Jimmy Awards gave me a confidence I didn’t have before. Now I can walk around college with my head held a little higher while I think, “Yeah, I did that … I sang on Broadway.” How did you feel about going to New York for The Jimmy Awards? The Jimmy Awards was the best experience of my life. It was very much a "small fish in a big pond" moment. Working with all the teachers and other nominees just showed me how much talent there is in the world.
Best Actress Taylor Neal and Best Actor Kyle Conroy pose together after winning their respective awards. The two went on and represented Charlotte at The National High School Musical Theater Awards, known as The Jimmy Awards. © Jessica Jarvis The Best Actress nominees perform a medley during The Blumey Awards. © Lacy Kell Photography
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
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Sister Act, the Musical, Takes Audiences to Heaven and Back
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hoopi Goldberg crept into America’s consciousness in 1985 with her bold, moving work in “The Color Purple.” But it was her starring role as Deloris Van Cartier (aka Sister Mary Clarence) in the 1992 movie “Sister Act” that solidified her as a real box office banking player, with the film earning more than $230 million in theaters. The movie is certainly close to Goldberg’s heart. She returned for the sequel a year later and has helped resurrect Deloris on stage. She signed on as a producer for the musical version when it started in 2009 and even joined the London cast in the role of Mother Superior for a portion of the show’s 18-month West End run. “To hear people laugh and cheer the way they do at Sister Act – a show people think they know but are pleasantly surprised to discover is not what they were expecting – is a magical experience for a producer,” says “The View” co-host. Sister Act made its Broadway debut in April 2011 and received five Tony nods and five Drama Desk nominations. And
the first national tour visits the Queen City Jan. 8-13, 2013, at Ovens Auditorium The Music is ‘Fabulous, Baby!’ Deloris’ youth and positioning as an up-and-comer (as opposed to the film’s struggling Reno lounge singer) isn’t the only change from screen to stage. According to Goldberg, the story is actually more developed, especially in the case of Deloris’ boyfriend and the policeman who helps her. In relaunching the franchise, creators were quick to point out that this is not a rehash of the hit film. One huge difference is the original music by heavily decorated Oscar and Tony winner Alan Menken, whose credits include contemporary Disney releases “The Little Mermaid,” “Pocahontas,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Tangled.” Menken co-wrote the score with lyricist Glenn Slater. The vibrant material references the era with funk, Motown, disco, gospel, blues and Barry White, all reimagined through Broadway’s grand, glitzy filter.
sister act Jan. 3-8, 2013 Ovens Auditorium
Journey to the Stage “Sister Act” tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, the nightclub singer-turned-nun who has become one of those characters that audiences know without needing to be reminded of the title of the film itself. But when talk turned to fashioning the movie anew for the stage,Whoopi Goldberg, who played Deloris in the movie, had no intention of ever appearing in the stage show. Instead, she was there to preside over something, in her view, “brand new, fresh and exciting,” that could mint a young leading lady-turned-star – just as Goldberg had herself been catapulted to attention, thanks to her theater
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work a quarter-century or more before. Her intuition must have worked, given that Sister Act in London played more than 600 performances over 18 months, breaking box office records twice at the Palladium. And on Broadway, it was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and five Drama Desk nominations. In fact, the show has now been seen by more than 3 million audience members across the globe. – From “How Whoopi Got The Habit,” by Matt Wolf, London theatre critic for The International Herald Tribune and theater editor at theartsdesk.com.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
“I had a lot of trepidation about the high profile of the movie and having to deal with the songs that were in it,” Menken told Broadway.com in April 2011. At that time, people were already starting to get a sense of weariness about movies coming to the stage, but Glenn Slater said, ‘I know how to do this. You have to take this on.’” The original score “works just as well as the film, if not better,” says Goldberg. Given the reception and multiple Tony nominations, including Best Original Score, it seems Menken once again hit it out of the park. Introducing the 'New' Delores Van Cartier By casting younger, the producers are giving an actress such as Pageland, S.C.-native Patina Miller (who received raves for her work in the West End and Broadway productions), and TV actress Raven-Symone (who made her lead Broadway debut in Sister Act in April), the same chance director Mike Nichols gave Goldberg in the early `80s. The role will most certainly serve as a breakout for stage actress Ta’Rea Campbell, who was cast as Deloris in September – only a month before the national tour opened in Toronto. The part of the singer-turned-murder-witness-turned-nun will mark Campbell’s first starring role. She’s appeared in The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, Leap of Faith and Little Shop of Horrors. The age difference may make tackling Goldberg’s former role less daunting, but Campbell follows a string of stellar performers.
Though with Goldberg’s approval, you can bet Campbell has the voice and stage presence to step into Deloris' habit. It's Not Only Funny – It's Eye Candy In addition to the cast, the humor and the music, the other element that helps bring Sister Act the musical alive on stage is the look. One vital move – other than Deloris’ birth year – was moving the story to colorful 1978 Philadelphia, which opens the adaptation up to another level of camp. “Sister Act is not rocket science – it's hell-bent on being fun and silly, with a little heart thrown in,” Goldberg told Playbill in March 2011. What could be more fun than the backdrop of a 1970s disco mixed with the majestic energy and ornate detail of a cathedral? The time jump back to the decade of bell-bottoms, Afros and Donna Summer (where Deloris’ boyfriend Curtis also makes a “Shaft”-like shift) creates a vivid canvas for the elaborate and inventive sets. Set designer Klara Zieglerova is no stranger to the decade, which she recreated in a much different way as part of the time period. To recreate the church settings, the set designer built flying buttresses, walls of stained glass windows and a towering statue of Mary, while taking a simpler route for the dimly-lit clubs and street scenes of the reluctant nun’s “real” life. The costumes echo that juxtaposition as well. There’s a lot of glitz from the Swarovski crystals on nuns’ habits to the shiny sheen of Deloris’ club wear. From the music to the costumes to the set, it’s Studio 54 meets The Sound of Music. — Article by Courtney Devores
Opposite page: The Original Broadway Production of Sister Act. This page: Alena Waters, Rashidra Scott and Patina Miller in the Broadway Production of Sister Act. Photos by Joan Marcus.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
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Come and Hear the People Sing Critic and fan favorite Les Misérables returns to Charlotte in an all-new 25th anniversary production with author-inspired visuals
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Upon seeing Hugo’s work, artist Eugéne Delacroix, a leader ome and “hear the people sing" as Les Misérables marches of the French Romantic school of visual art, was known to say into Belk Theater Feb. 12-17 as part of the Duke Energy that if Hugo decided to "become a painter instead of a writer, he Broadway Lights Series. This Broadway masterpiece has would have outshone the artists of their century." not played the Queen City since May 2004 and is clearly one of the hottest shows on the 2012-13 Broadway season. A New Vision and Scenic Design Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of Mark Hoebee, the producing artistic director of Les Misérables, the human spirit. The magnificent score includes the classic songs says, "For the celebration of this 25th anniversary, the idea was “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” to create a whole new visual experience of the show." “Do You Hear the People Sing?” “One Day More,” “Empty Chairs at Matt Kinley, the scenic and image designer, started Empty Tables,” “Master of the House” and many more. researching the show and found Cameron Mackintosh’s new that Hugo was “the most wonderful, production celebrates the show's 25th forward-thinking painter in the 19th anniversary with fresh staging and century, who kept his work relatively scenery inspired by the paintings of hidden.” Victor Hugo, who wrote the classic “I started researching his paintings, novel from which this musical is based. and that became the basis for how Hugo (1802-1885) is known primarily we developed the show,” Kinley says. in the United States for his two most “Once you look at those paintings, famous novels, “Les Misérables” Want to see it? Better hurry! they are so atmospheric and rich and and “Notre-Dame de Paris” (“The This one’s going to sell out soon. dark and brooding – exactly the same Hunchback of Notre Dame”). qualities as the show has." He says In France, however, Hugo is also using Hugo's paintings as the backdrop for the set "worked very known as a poet, playwright, politician and activist supporting well, putting it in a world of decay and darkness, yet gave us freedom of the press, speaking against social injustice and the the vehicles to take us away from that world into some slightly death penalty, and being critical of the government. more beautiful pictures for some of the more romantic scenes." This new design for the 25th anniversary of Les Misérables Victor Hugo as a Visual Artist What many people do not know about Hugo is his skill in incorporates the flying and moving pieces of scenery enhanced visual art. He created more than 4,000 drawings and paintings; by digital projections inspired by Hugo's own sketches. and while he sketched throughout his life, he wanted his writing According to Kinley, the set has "been painted by the same to be his main focus. hands that wrote it.” During the years 1848-1851, when Hugo was focusing on politics – Written by Robin Pease and originally published in the PlayhouseSquare Les Misérables Buzz Extra. This article may have been edited for style and brevity. instead of writing, visual art became his primary creative outlet.
les misérables Feb. 12-17, 2013 Belk Theater
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Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Awards Les Misérables is the third-longest running Broadway musical, having played for 16 years. It has won eight Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, three Drama Critics Circle Awards, a Drama-Logue Award, a National Broadway Theatre Award and a Drama Critics Award – and that is just in the United States. There are more than 65 recordings of the show, and it has won two Grammy awards.
A Global Phenomenon This show, according to the Chicago Tribune, has "seduced almost every major city on the globe." Fifty-five million people in 42 countries, 291 cities and 21 languages have seen Les Misérables.
"This new production has already been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes." (nowplayingutah.com)
A Brief History of the Song ‘I Dreamed a Dream’
"The act-clinching finales are as thrilling as ever they were, beautifully staged, the complex narrative twining of ‘One Day More’ and finally the redemptive, celestial transformation of deathbed reunions and farewells announcing the hero's spiritual salvation and the affirmation of the human spirit in social and political optimism. You still need those Kleenex." (London Evening Standard)
“I Dreamed a Dream” is one of the most well-known and hauntingly beautiful songs from Les Misérables. The song is a lament, sung solo by the tormented, dying and impecunious character Fantine during the first act as she recalls happier days and contemplates all that has gone wrong in her life. Anne Hathaway plays Fantine in the upcoming The song also has had a rich movie musical "Les Miserables." history outside the musical, having been covered by the greatest artists of our time and making its mark on pop culture. • In 1991, Aretha Franklin included a version of the song on her album “What You See Is What You Sweat.” Franklin performed the song at the 1993 inaugural celebration for President Bill Clinton. • Mandy Patinkin (coming Oct. 28 to Belk Theater) recorded the song for his 1994 album, “Experiment.” • In 2009, Scottish singer Susan Boyle performed the song as her audition for the third season of the British reality show, “Britain’s Got Talent.” Her audition went viral, receiving millions of viewers on sites like YouTube and catapulting the unknown singer to super-stardom. Her album “I Dreamed a Dream” is the fastest selling debut album of all time in the U.K.
"It's earnest and sensational, yes, but also a beautiful evocation of yearning and redemption, flushed with romance and touched by a very real darkness." (London Evening Standard) Photos this page: top right, Betsy Morgan as Fantine, and top left, Jeremy Hays as Enjolras – photos by Deen van Meer; and above, J. Mark McVey as Jean Valjean – photo by Paul Kolnik. Opposite page: "Paris Stars" by Victor Hugo.
• The song was covered on the “Glee” episode “Dream On” by characters Shelby Corcoran and Rachel Berry, portrayed by Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel (Wicked) and Lea Michele. • In the upcoming movie musical production of Les Miserables, Anne Hathaway, who is cast as Fantine, sings “I Dreamed a Dream.” You can hear her rendition over the film’s teaser trailer. The movie will be released Dec. 25, 2012.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
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Holiday Treats for the Entire Family Make your plans now for these merry and magical shows at Blumenthal theaters Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Nov. 23 – Belk Theater
Nov. 23-25 – Booth Playhouse
Back by popular demand, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas returns to Charlotte with its sensational holiday show in time for the holiday season! No one does Christmas like Mannheim Steamroller, the extraordinary group that has built a legendary reputation on its interpretation of holiday classics, thanks to a new-age take on "Deck the Halls." Since the mid-'90s, Mannheim Steamroller has been widely recognized as the biggest purveyor of holiday music in the industry. This dynamic concert experience will feature the famed Mannheim Steamroller multimedia images, synchronized lighting and special effects, as well as the world-renowned music that helped the band sell more than 35 million holiday albums over the years.
The fruitcakes of the Reduced Shakespeare Company take you on an irreverent yet heartwarming trip through the holidays in The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged). It’s festive, funny, physical family fun as these “three wise guys” send up and celebrate your favorite winter holiday traditions. You’ll learn how Santa saved Christmas and sing “The Ultimate Reduced Christmas Carol.” You’ll celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Saturnalia, and cringe at the origin of the term “Nutcracker.” And you’ll memorize new and improved lyrics to “The 12 Days of Christmas” with iPads, not Lords a Leaping. The RSC mocks the surprising history of our best-loved Christmas traditions! So let the RSC rekindle the joy, inner-child and familial dysfunction inside us all! Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
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Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Cirque Dreams Holidaze Dec. 18-23 – Knight Theater Cirque Dreams Holidaze is the perfect treat for the entire family. Spellbinding acrobatics, spectacular costumes, delightful music and amazing sets create a magical wonderland of holiday delights. The same show slayed at the Kennedy Center in Washington in 2010. Renowned director Neil Goldberg, creator of the groundbreaking Broadway hit Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, reimagines the holiday season with an international cast of more than 30 multitalented and brilliantly costumed artists. Experience gingerbread men flipping in midair, toy soldiers marching on thin wires, icemen powerfully sculpting, penguins spinning, puppets dancing and reindeer soaring high above a landscape of holiday wonderment. An original music score and some seasonal favorites accompany hundreds of spectacular costumes and holiday dreams in a setting of gigantic gifts, colossal candy canes and 30-foot towering soldiers.
Give a Gift of Entertainment – the Perfect Holiday Treat! Gift certificates are available online at BlumenthalArts.org/Gift or by phone, 704-372-1000. You can customize your certificate for any amount. And you also have the option of print-at-home, so you can literally have your gift in hand as soon as you complete your order. It’s the gift that is perfect for anyone.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze will enchant audiences at the Knight Theater starting Dec. 18.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
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Legendary Acts Perform in McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square
NOVEMBER 1-17 Bent Queen City Theatre Company Duke Energy Theater 2-3 Christof Returns Charlotte Symphony Belk Theater 3 An Evening of Hope and Inspiration Rosedale Infectious Diseases McGlohon Theater 3 Wolf Gang with special guest Atlas Genius and the Royal Concept Stage Door Theater Drumline LIVE! 4 Belk Theater JEKYLL & HYDE 6-11 Belk Theater he pride of Spirit Square, the 9-10 Tribute to Benny Goodman 720-seat McGlohon Theater, featuring Dave Bennett was originally built in 1909 as the Charlotte Symphony Pops First Baptist Church. It was carefully Knight Theater 10 Bruce Hornsby restored to preserve and enhance its McGlohon Theater unique architectural details. 10 Carnivals and Clowns McGlohon Theater is a go-to space with Drew Allison & Grey Seal Puppets for concerts because of the ambiance, Charlotte Symphony Lollipops Knight Theater incredible acoustics and intimacy. 12 Marc Cohn Over the next few months, many McGlohon Theater of the biggest names and highly Justin Townes Earle 16 regarded artists will perform in with special guest Tift Merritt McGlohon Theater the gorgeous space named for the 16-17 Mozart Mass in C Minor late legendary jazz pianist Loonis Charlotte Symphony McGlohon of Charlotte. Here are a Belk Theater McGlohon Theater few highlights: 23 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Belk Theater 23-25 Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) Bruce Hornsby – Nov. 10 Booth Playhouse Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and pianist Bruce 23 - Dec. 8 Twilight On Q Productions Hornsby will bring a rare, intimate, solo performance to the McGlohon Theater at Duke Energy Theater Spirit Square Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. 29 - Dec. 2 Magic of Christmas Hornsby's work continues to display the same Charlotte Symphony Pops creative iconoclasm that's been a constant in Belk Theater 30 - Dec. 2 Black Nativity the artist's 2.5 decade recording career. His Tomorrow's R.O.A.D. commercial stock soared early on when "The Way McGlohon Theater It Is," the title track of Bruce Hornsby and the DECEMBER Range's 1986 debut album, became the most1 UNC Clef Hangers played song on American radio in 1987, winning Knight Theater 6 Richard Marx ASCAP's Song of the Year award. That same year, McGlohon Theater Hornsby won the Grammy Award for Best New 7-8 Clara's Trip: A Nutcracker Story Artist. Caroline Calouche & Co. Hornsby "The Way It Is" and other hits such as "Mandolin Booth Playhouse Keb Mo with special guest 8 Rain" and "Every Little Kiss" established Hornsby Chuck "The Charleyhorse" Johnson as one of the world’s most popular pop acts. Don’t miss this rare, intimate McGlohon Theater evening with one the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. 8-23 Nutcracker North Carolina Dance Theatre Belk Theater Justin Townes Earle with special guest Tift Merritt 11-23 The Birth Starving Artists – Nov. 16 Duke Energy Theater 12 Messiah Last October, Justin Townes Earle leapt onstage to accept the 2011 Americana Charlotte Symphony Music Award for Song of the Year. The triumphant evening capped a turbulent 12 Belk Theater months for the gifted young musician, categorized by significant hardship as well Swing Jazz Series: Nnenna Freelon 15 with John Brown Big Band as notable achievement, including debut performances at New York’s Carnegie Jazz Arts Initiative McGlohonTheater
One of Charlotte’s most historical and beautiful venues hosts some of the biggest names on tour
T
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Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Earle
Hall and on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Just one week later, Earle retreated to the western mountains of North Carolina to record his next album, “Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now.” “The new record is completely different than my last one, ‘Harlem River Blues.’ This time, I’ve gone in a Memphis-soul direction.” Don’t miss your chance to hear the award-winning artist’s new sound live on stage at 8 p.m. Nov. 16 in the McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square.
Richard Marx – Dec. 6 Hit after hit populate more than 20 years in the music industry for Richard Marx. His first seven singles reached the top five on the Billboard’s singles chart, including his number one hits “Hold On to the Nights,” “Satisfied” and the worldwide classic “Right Here Waiting.” Marx has sold more than 30 million albums and written 13 No. 1 songs. He will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. “Better Life,” a song co-written by Marx and Keith Urban, was included in Urban’s triple platinum album “Be Here,” spending six consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Singles chart. A sought-after producer, Marx has worked with talent as diverse as *NSYNC, Barbara Marx Streisand, Josh Groban, Vince Gill, 98°, Luther Vandross, Kenny Rogers, Sarah Brightman, Lara Fabian, Sister Hazel, The Tubes and SHeDAISY. More recently, he has written and produced records for Daughtry, Leann Rimes, Katherine Jenkins, Travis Tritt, Emerson Drive, Natalie Cole, Keith Urban, Paulina Rubio, Kenny Loggins, Chris Botti, Michael Bolton and actor Hugh Jackman.
Keb Mo – Dec. 8 Keb Mo is a three-time Grammy Award winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album and a key figure in the acclaimed 2003 PBS series "Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues." But “The Reflection” is not, in essence, a blues album. In sound and spirit, it’s closer to the work of African-American "folk soul" singer/songwriters like Bill Withers, Bobby Womack and Terry Callier. “The Reflection” is the first new studio album by Mo since “Suitcase” in 2006. "I worked on this record for the better part of two years," says Mo. "It took me some time as this was an educational process for me and my engineer John Schirmer. I didn’t want to let it go until I had something that I was proud to share with the public. It’s the culmination of all of my influences throughout my career." These 12 Mo songs are the product of an important period of personal and professional growth for the artist formerly known as Kevin Moore. See Keb Mo live at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 in the McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
18-23 Cirque Dreams Holidaze Knight Theater JANUARY 8-13 SISTER ACT Ovens Auditorium 11-12 Winter Dance Party Tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & the Big Bopper Charlotte Symphony Pops Knight Theater 12 Dancin' Rockin' & Hip-Hoppin' with PROJECT Trio Charlotte Symphony Lollipops Knight Theater 18 Martha Graham Dance Company Knight Theater 19-27 The Magic Flute Opera Carolina Belk Theater 24 - Feb. 9 Next to Normal Queen City Theatre Company Duke Energy Theater 24 - Feb. 16 Innovative Works North Carolina Dance Theatre 701 North Tryon 25 KnightSounds: Ballroom Charlotte Symphony Knight Theater 26 - 27 Shen Yun 2013 North Carolina Falun Dafa Association Knight Theater February 2 Oz with Orchestra Charlotte Symphony Pops Belk Theater 2 Laugh for the Cure 2013 Komen Foundation Knight Theater 4-7 Meow Meow Stage Door Theater 8-9 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Charlotte Symphony Belk Theater 12-17 LES MISéRABLES Belk Theater KnightSounds: 'Pop Up' Opera 15 Charlotte Symphony Knight Theater 15 - Mar. 2 Social Networth On Q Productions Duke Energy Theater 16 The Swing Jazz Series: Tia Fuller with John Brown Big Band Jazz Arts Initiative McGlohon Theater Dr. Sanjay Gupta 20 Learning Society of Queens Knight Theater 22-23 Tiempo Libre Charlotte Symphony Pops Belk Theater 25-26 Fela! Belk Theater
Please Visit BlumenthalArts.org for the latest details on all shows.
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
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Blumenthal Talk Back
In this new Onstage column, we answer some of the most burning questions Do I have to dress up when I attend events at Blumenthal Performing Arts' theaters? Blumenthal requires the basics (shirt, shoes, etc.), but beyond that, come as you like and be comfortable. Casual dress is fine; so is your Sunday best. The key is to enjoy the show. Where should I park? For events occurring at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center (Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse and Stage Door Theater) or Spirit Square (McGlohon Theater and Duke Energy Theater), visitors are encouraged to take advantage of our special preferred parking rate of only $5 in one of the following nearby designated parking garages: • Bank of America Center garage (between College and Brevard streets with entrances on 5th and Trade streets). • Wake Forest University Charlotte Center garage (located between College and Brevard streets with entrances on 5th and 6th streets). • 7th Street Station garage (located on 7th Street between College and Brevard streets). For shows happening at the Knight Theater, designated parking with our special preferred parking rate of $5 is at the Levine Center for the Arts parking garage, located at 550 S. Tryon St. with an entrance on West Stonewall Street. You can purchase your $5 event parking pass when you buy your tickets or at the theaters when you come to the shows. For events occurring at the Performing Arts Center or Spirit Square, upon entrance to the parking garage, obtain a garage entrance ticket via the parking machines. If you have already purchased parking with your tickets, a parking exit pass was mailed to you with the tickets. If you have not purchased a parking exit pass, then you are able to purchase them at any of
the theaters at the box office, food and beverage stations, or from the staff located throughout all theaters. When exiting the garage, please insert your garage entry ticket and then insert your Blumenthal exit pass and the gate arm will rise. For shows happening at the Knight Theater, you can pay as you enter, or if you purchased parking with your event tickets, please present your pass to the garage attendant as you enter. Why does Blumenthal Performing Arts present some shows at Ovens Auditorium? Blumenthal presents shows at Ovens when Belk Theater is not open to host an engagement or when a show is so popular that it makes sense to present it in Charlotte’s largest theater. Ovens offers 358 more seats per performance than Belk, and when a megahit like Wicked is in town, that means almost 8,600 more fans can get in to see it. What should I do if I can’t use my tickets? We will exchange your tickets for another performance of the same show (if there are multiple performances) as long as seats are available. Call us at 704-372-1000 as soon as you know you’ve got a conflict. Exchange is free if you’re a Duke Energy Broadway Lights season-ticket holder. The fee is $3.50 per ticket if you are not a season-ticket holder. Can I bring food and drinks into the theater? Food and beverages from outside the theater are not permitted to be brought in, but beverages purchased in the lobbies are allowed inside the theater. Food is not permitted in the seating areas. How do I know if a show is right for my kids, and specifically if it has adult language or content? When it applies, we list content warnings on the event pages of our website. You can also call the box office at 704-372-1000 and ask any of our ticketing supervisors if a show has adult language or content.
Jeanna de Waal and Christine Dwyer in Wicked. Photo © Joan Marcus.
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Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Introducing the Producer's Circle Member Lounge
Members sampled a Producer's Circle Member Lounge last season and gave it high marks.
Blumenthal is excited to introduce an exclusive new membership benefit with the opening of the 2012-13 Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series. This season we launch a Producer’s Circle Member Lounge in the Belk and Knight Theaters, open to Producer’s Circle members during many of the Broadway evening performances. Visit the Producer’s Circle Member Lounge in the McColl Room on the orchestra level of the Belk Theater and the Blanchfield Room on the balcony level at the Knight Theater. The Producer’s Circle Member Lounge will open one hour prior to curtain and during intermission, and will feature complimentary beer, wine, sodas and snacks. The first Producer’s Circle Member Lounge will open with Jekyll & Hyde, and a full schedule of lounge openings will be released soon. For more information about how you can join the Producer’s Circle and take advantage of all the exclusive benefits of membership, please contact Rachel Ellis at 704.379.1353 or rellis@ncbpac.org.
membership How to Become a Member Become a Member today and start taking advantage of the great benefits! • Visit us online at BlumenthalArts.org/Support, click “Individual Membership,” then “Click Here to Become a Member” • Call the Box Office at 704.372.1000 • Visit the Box Office in Belk Theater lobby at 130 N. Tryon St.
producer’s circle members Chairman Peg and Jay Adamczyk Renee and Chris Hobart Mr. and Mrs. William B. McGuire Jr. Director Barbara and David Goodman Diane and Scot Powell Jeanne and Rick Puckett President Cathy and Jim 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. William K. Diehl, Jr. Dorlisa and Peter Flur Vickie and Tom Gabbard Beverly and Jim Hance Diane and Chuck Harrington Mr. and Mrs. David L. Hauser The Julliard Family Sally Hawk and Tommi Levi The Levine-Sklut Family Foundation - Lori and Eric Sklut Karen and Edgar Whitener Benefactor Anonymous Dr. and Mrs. Milton Berkman Margaret and Smoky Bissell Rebecca S. Henderson and J. Michael Booe Laura and Sam Bowles Bret Burquest
Robin and Lea Burt Amy and Brandon Croom Amy and Alfred Dawson Lori and Jeff Deming Marilyn and Daniel DiMicco Charlie Elberson Grace, Michael and John Galloway Mrs. Gail Grim Belinda and Timothy Gunter Mandy and Todd Houser Nora and Thomas Hughes Sunny and Wen Hutchinson Susan and David Jamison Juanita and Lloyd Johnson Michelle and Tom Johnson Michael Kahn Julie and Howard Levine Victoria and Doug Lucas Anna and Tom Nelson Eva and George Raftelis Wendy and Frank Rosen Brenda and Bill Ryan Jane and Nelson Schwab Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Sherrill Lisa and Glenn Sherrill Jr. Paulette and Ronnie Sherrill Anne and Robert Stolz Jacqueline A. Tucker Mr. E.I. Weisiger Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. White Investor Anonymous Leslie Alston Holly and Jeff Atkins Elizabeth Austin Mr. and Mrs. Alan Blumenthal Jennifer and John Blumer Peggy and Ray Bouley Ben Bourne Crandall and Erskine Bowles
Pat and Tim Brier Mary and Frank Brown Sara and James Buck James Bullock Nan and Hal Clarke Elaine and Steve Coats Jim Donahue Marcia and Bob Dynko Beth and Jonathan Feit Scott Fuller In Memory of Judy Gerhart Carl and Rebecca Guidice Patti and Mark Hawley Carol Horn The Leon Levine Foundation -Sandra and Leon Levine Jill Maxwell Clifford McCurdy Angie and Freddie Medlin Daniel Nance Jim Putnam Mr. and Mrs. Marsh Spencer David Thomason Sandy and Greg Vlahos Mary Ellen and Reid Wilkerson Grand Patron Anonymous Larry Adams Valerie and Bill Alexander Mr. and Mrs. John M. Barry Linda and Ralph Beck Louise and Mark Bernstein Lakana and Tony Bikhazi Cynthia and Peter Buck Anne Brady and Jeff Carlson Lori and Roger Cuddy Rose and Bill Cummings Dr. Ann Hoscheit and Mr. Joe Davis Sarah and Gene Davis
Joni Davis Gloria and Peter De Arcangelis Donna and Alvaro de Molina Betty Doria Pepper and Roddey Dowd Mr. and Mrs. James F. Downs Michele Durkin Michele and Walter Fisher Sara and Curt Fochtmann Joyce Staley Ford Stacey and Robert Frost John R. Georgius Anne and George Goodyear Molly Griffin Randy Griffin Lisa and Greg Haislip Pamela G. Hanna, M.D. Ellen and Ned Hardison Robin and Blaine Hawkins William Hertzing Carolyn and Tim Hilton Peggy and James Hynes Lynn Jeffrey Marie-Claire Marroum Kardous Ginger Kemp Virginia A. Kern Mary Jean and Howard L. Kushner Janice S. Ladley Beverly and John Lassiter James Ledbetter Joan F. Lorden Dr. Shannon Moran and Mr. Joseph Lovallo David Markoski Karmen Cassell Martin Ashley and Scott Mattei Jane and Hugh McColl Betsy T. Bragg McLeod Suzy and Ed McMahan Elsa and Joseph McNamara Marie Mitchell
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Jill and Ed Newman Janet and Peter Nixon John Orndorff Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Peacock III Cindy and Randy Rice Sally and Russell Robinson Lisa and Robert Rollins William R. Rollins Carla and Ed Rose Ken Rothmel Mr. and Mrs. Jason C. Schmidly Mary and Dale Sedivec Tom Sherard Rita and Pat Shevlin Peggy and Pope Shuford June Silver The Marc and Mattye Silverman Foundation Sherry and Tom Skains Tom Smith Ingrid and Walter Steele Dia and Paul Steiger Patricia and John Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Thomas Ellen and Ron Vilas Catherine and Scott Warfield Pam and Andy Warlick Richard Wellner Linda and Rex Welton Teresa and Stick Williams Pat and Bill Williamson Cathey and Rip Winfield Jennifer and John Wozniak Gillian Albinski and Douglas Young Contributions received from August 16, 2011 through August 16, 2012
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Corporate Campaign Launch: 10-11-12 With such an auspicious Corporate Campaign kickoff date, we thought it might be fun to count “up” reasons why your support of Blumenthal Performing Arts is The Art of Good Business. In 1 season, more than 500,000 individuals come through Blumenthal’s doors, including more than 90,000 children. Annually, Blumenthal infuses more than $35 million into the regional economy. In 2012, the honor of competing nationally was bestowed upon the top 2 high school performers at the inaugural Blumey Awards, Blumenthal Performing Arts High School Musical Theater Awards. This month marks the 3rd anniversary of the Knight Theater, a jewel in the Levine Center for the Arts district of Charlotte’s uptown. As a producer of 4 Tony Award-winning Broadway
productions, Blumenthal is a key cultural attraction that benefits tourism in uptown and assists local corporations to recruit top talent. Blumenthal’s Arts Integration Model (AIM) school partnerships offer K-5 arts integrated lessons in the classroom using art to teach core curriculum subjects. With 6 theaters, Blumenthal is the largest presenting organization between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Ga. With the rental of Ovens Auditorium as a 7th venue, Blumenthal will host more than 800 performances this season. Since the Blumenthal’s doors opened in 1992, more than 9.2 million people have attended an event, performance, activity or meeting at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Spirit Square or the Knight Theater. Play a lead role and support a vibrant cultural community by joining us on 10-11-12 as we launch our Corporate Campaign.
corporate partners leadership gift
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2012/13 Broadway Lights Series Sponsor
major
partners
foundation
2012 Presenting Sponsor The Blumey Awards
Preferred Snack Food Provider of Blumenthal Performing Arts
Preferred Catering Partner of Blumenthal Performing Arts
presidential partners
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THE DOCTOR FAMILY FOUNDATION
Education Programs and Student Scholarships
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Official Healthcare Provider of Blumenthal Performing Arts
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Preferred Dining and Catering Partner of Blumenthal Performing Arts
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The Arts & Science Council supports Blumenthal Performing Arts’ 2013 Fiscal Year budget with a Basic Operating Grant in the amount of $331,038.
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Blumenthal Performing Arts receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.
It’s Not a Tony, it’s a B.O.B.!
SilverFox Shined
Blumenthal is proud to partner for its second year with Newk’s Express Café, located on Tryon Street directly across from the Belk Theater. Newk’s has just been recognized with seven of Charlotte Magazine’s “Best of the Best” awards, including Best Overall Restaurant. “We are honored to receive these awards, especially because they are voted on by our guests,” said Justin Karas, owner of Newk’s in Charlotte. “To win seven B.O.B. awards this year is thrilling and we look forward to continuing to provide the excellent service and food that our guests expect.” Newk’s Express Café provides a casual dining experience with madeto-order choices, including fresh-tossed salads, oven-baked sandwiches, California-style pizzas, made-from-scratch soups and homemade cakes baked by Newk’s Bakery Co. (Blumenthal employees are particularly enamored with the chocolate-topped Krispie treats.) Wine by the glass and beer are also available. Newk’s is an active member of the Charlotte community and is involved with more than 25 organizations in addition to Blumenthal Performing Arts. Congratulations Newk’s!
Getting to and from DNC events was easy going for those who utilized the services of SilverFox Chauffeured Transportation. Owner James Weymann, Marketing Director of Operations Jonathan Burgess and Office Manager Lorraine Seelinger’s combined 40 years of experience added ease and luxury for dignitaries, celebrities and artists traveling to Blumenthal’s theaters. A preferred service in Charlotte for individuals and companies that require upper-level amenities, SilverFox’s attention to detail distinguishes its Town Car, SUV, mini bus and limousine service. Blumenthal recognizes SilverFox for its standard of excellence and appreciates its tremendous support. To discuss how your company can partner with Blumenthal, please contact Susan Yarber, corporate relations and sponsorship manager, at syarber@ncbpac.org or 704-379-1355.
Blumenthal recognizes the following sponsors and corporate partners for their generous support. Executive Partners Alston & Bird, LLP Belk, Inc. BlackArch Partners Deloitte Ernst & Young LLP Family Dollar Store Hunton & Williams, LLP InterCon Building Corporation K&L Gates, LLP KPMG LLP King & Spalding LLP McGuire Woods LLP Midrex Technologies, Inc. NUCOR Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP Shaw Group SteelFab, Inc. Managing Partners BB&T C design Inc. Carolina Handling, LLC Carolina Tractor Clariant Direct Source, Inc.
Goodrich Corporation Imperial Printing Internetwork Services Inc. JJ Wade Agency KBR Building Group Lincoln Harris McGladrey & Pullen LLP Morningstar Mini-Storage Momentum Construction LLC NASCAR Media Group North Highland Company Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. Toshiba America Business Solutions Associate Partners Ajax Rolled Ring & Machine Ashley Furniture HomeStore Aster Group Corporation B.E. Holbrooks Co., Inc. Bissell Bailiwick Data Systems, Inc. C.M. Steel, Inc. Carousel Capital Company Charlotte Paint Company, Inc. Chicago Title Insurance Company
Choate Construction Co. Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Cochrane Steel, Inc. Crosland Southeast CSI Leasing, Inc. Defease With Ease Dixon Hughes Goodman Edifice, Inc. E.F. Belk & Son, Inc. Elm Engineering Forsythe, Inc. Galvan Industries, Inc. Garmon & Co., Inc. Commerical Flooring Hendrick Construction, Inc. High Performance Technologies, Inc. Hitachi Data Systems Hood Hargett & Associates, Inc. Hoopaugh Grading Co., LLC Interstate Electric Co. Inc. Kanos Financial Karas Hospitality, Inc. LB&A, Certified Public Accountants, PLLC
LITTLE Martin Marietta Materials McNeary, Inc. Mechanical Contractors, Inc. North Carolina Bank and Trust Odell Associates Reznick Group, P.C. Ricoh Robert W. Baird & Company, Inc. Rogers Unloading Service Schindler Elevator Corp. Staley Inc. Stewart Engineering, Inc. Tandus Flooring The Title Company of North Carolina United Mechanical Corporation Velligan Medical Services Walbridge Southeast White Knight Engineered Products Yorel Integrated Solutions, Inc. Contributions received from August 20, 2011 through August 20, 2012
restaurant partners
435 S. Tryon St., Suite 180 Charlotte, NC 28202 704.377.9911 aquavina.com
210 E. Trade St., Suite 120-B Charlotte, NC 28202 704.971.4440 blackfinncharlotte.com
Hearst Tower (Corner of 5th & College St.) Charlotte, NC 28202 704.927.2583 bluerestaurantandbar.com
225 E. 6th St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.347.2749 brixxpizza.com
139 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.601.4141 www.chima.cc
6903 Phillips Place Ct. Charlotte, NC 28210 704.643.1664 deandeluca.com
101 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 866.999.3799 newks.com
201 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704.348.1400 thecapitalgrille.com
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
onstage | Fall/Winter 2012-13
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onstage
Fall/Winter 2012-13
Blumenthal Performing Arts 130 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202
Exclusive Carolinas’ Engagement! Two Shows Only
The most critically acclaimed musical of the 2010 Broadway season will make its only appearance in the Carolinas at Belk Theater. Fela! a spectacularly inspiring and triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, was nominated for 11 Tony awards and won three, including Best Choreography, Best Costumes and Best Sound. Directed and choreographed by legendary Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones, Fela! features the captivating sounds of Fela Kuti, on whose life the show is based. Kuti, a human rights activist, created Afrobeat – a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies. His most captivating songs are performed by a combined cast of the original Broadway production and the Royal National Theatre production, all under Bill T. Jones’s visionary staging.
Members and Season Ticket Buyers May Purchase NOW! • On Sale to the Public Nov. 9
Feb. 25-26, 2013 • Belk theater 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org
Group Sales: 704.379.1380 • BlumenthalArts.org/Groups