IN THE
Sp tlight
Spring/Summer2016
YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING SHOWS AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS If/Then
Michael McDonald
Charlotte Squawks – 12 Angry Hens
Don’t Miss the “Spotlight Specials” on Page 8. Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Spring/Summer 2016
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SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Nov. 22-Dec. 4, 2016 Knight Theater
Jan. 10-15, 2017 Belk Theater
Feb. 14-19, 2017 Belk Theater
March 7-12, 2017 Belk Theater
July 11-16, 2017 Belk Theater
Oct. 3-8, 2017 Belk Theater
June 27-July 2, 2017 Knight Theater
Oct. 17-22, 2017 Belk Theater
the Included in n aso 8-Show Se ! ge Ticket packa
The best seats at the best price. Show swap option! Free exchange.
BROADWAY
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Spring/Summer 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
C
harlotte Squawks returns in June with 12 Angry Hens, and nothing’s off limits! The creative team and cast are hard at work to bring Charlotte the most hilarious edition of Charlotte Squawks to date. This annual spoof of pop culture, sports, politics – local and national – and more, is now one of the most anticipated events each year. We could tell you what to expect at 12 Angry Hens, but part of the fun is anticipating who and what will be squawked! Be there or be square.
Photo by LunahZon Photography
A hilarious musical parody of the Queen City JUNE 2-26 BOOTH PLAYHOUSE
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Adult language and content. Not recommended for children.
IN THE
Sp tlight
JuneSeptember 2016
Produced by Marketing at Blumenthal Performing Arts Wendy Oglesby, vice president Mark Wallace, creative services manager Brandon Carter, marketing and publicity specialist
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
DESIGNER: Lindsey Burton WRITER/COORDINATOR: Brandon Carter
On the Cover
From top, National Tour of If/Then. photo by Joan Marcus; Michael McDonald, photo by DannyClinch; and the cast of Charlotte Squawks – 12 Angry Hens, photo by LunahZon Photography.
Spring/Summer 2016
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Q&A With Dixie Longate
D
ixie Longate, of Dixie’s Tupperware Party fame, returns to Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center July 5-24 for a brand new show: Dixie’s Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull and 16 Other Things I Learned While I Was Drinking Last Thursday. Here's what she had to say about bringing her new show to Charlotte. Charlotte LOVES you and your tupperware party! Can you tell us what we can expect in your new show? You know that I am happier than a stripper pole in the Magic Mike movie to be coming back to Charlotte. I had so much fun when I was there last summer that when y’all called ... I actually put down my drink to answer the phone. Being raised in the Deep South, I realized that some of my upbringing is a wee bit different from many of the people that I meet, so I figured it was time to share some of the rowdiness of my hometown and some homespun wisdom from my Momma. This new story is all about dusting off the cobwebs and living better than you do. Are you still selling Tupperware? Will it be available to purchase at the upcoming show? Well, I am the Tupperware lady, so there are always a few plastic bowls within a few feet of me it seems. This new show really ain’t even about Tupperware, but that don’t mean that I won’t help you out with your food storage needs. I’m a giver, after all. But I don’t want you to think for one second that I am just going to be chatting about plastic all over again. I got a crap ton more to say. We notice there’s mention of a mechanical bull in the title of the new show … will you actually be riding one? You will be joining me in my friend’s honky tonk this time around, so of course everything that you expect to see while you are out for a healthy night of drinking, you will see when you join me. What kind of honky tonk worth its salt wouldn’t have a bar ... and a mechanical bull. You’ll be able to smell the whiskey and bad decision-making right when you walk past the saloon doors. Can you describe Never Wear a Tube Top in just three words? Probably not. I mean “Wisdom through booze” would probably be the best way to say it, but I am not known as a lady of few words. I tend to always have my mouth moving, but that is what gets me so many dates. But I think that is the basis of my story. It’s my outlook on life as told through the bottom of a Jack bottle. You’ll leave the show knowing a little bit more about yourself and wanting to go on one hell of an adventure in life.
Dixie’s Never Wear a Tube Top 4
Spring/Summer 2016
JULY 5-24 BOOTH PLAYHOUSE
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
DID YOU
. . . W O KN
He was named “Rock’s Greatest Singer” by Guitar World readers in 2013. Chris Cornell – Higher Truth Tour
Along with Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Cornell’s band Soundgarden is credited as a pioneer of the grunge rock movement in the 1990s. Rolling Stone readers voted him to the ninth spot on the “Best Lead Singers of All Time” list in 2011. His latest solo release “Higher Truth” debuted in the top 20 on the Billboard 200. Cornell played to a sold-out crowd in Knight Theater for his last Charlotte performance in 2013. He wrote and performed “You Know My Name” for the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale.
JUNE 20 BELK THEATER
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Spring/Summer 2016
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From the Pulitzer Prize & Tony Award-winning Creators of Next to Normal, the Director of Rent and the Producer of Wicked
A New Musical
If/Then is a contemporary new musical set where choice and chance collide. Elizabeth, a woman rebuilding her life in New York City, discovers a world of infinite possibilities. In one moment, she will lead parallel lives. With unforgettable songs and a deeply moving story that New York Magazine calls “the most compelling musical in years,” If/Then is the story of both possible life paths. If/Then 6
PHOTOS: JOAN MARCUS; ILLUSTRATION: ZINA SAUNDERS
A Portrait of Two Possible Lives
JULY 19-24 BELK THEATER
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Spring/Summer 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
IN THE
Sp tlight Calendar
JUNE 2-26 20 25 27 30
JULY Charlotte Squawks – 12 Angry Hens Booth Playhouse Chris Cornell – Higher Truth Tour Belk Theater
2 5-10
Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host – Ira Glass, Monica Bill Barnes, Anna Bass Belk Theater Gregory Alan Isakov and the Ghost Orchestra McGlohon Theater Michael Bolton Belk Theater
5-24 19-24 24
Delta Rae With Special Guest Liz Longley McGlohon Theater The Wizard of Oz Belk Theater Dixie’s Never Wear a Tube Top Booth Playhouse
If/Then Belk Theater Sarah Jarosz With Special Guest Scott Miller McGlohon Theater
AUGUST 4 9-14
The Naked Magic Show McGlohon Theater Newsies Belk Theater
12
The Okee Dokee Brothers McGlohon Theater
17
Michael McDonald Knight Theater
23
Jeanne Robertson Knight Theater
SEPTEMBER 7 13 19
Gipsy Kings Belk Theater Celtic Thunder: Legacy Belk Theater Brian Wilson Pet Sounds With Special Guests Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin
Belk Theater
23-25 SEPT. 27NOV. 20
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage Ovens Auditorium First Date Booth Playhouse
For a complete list of upcoming shows, visit
BlumenthalArts.org Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Spring/Summer 2016
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IN THE
Sp tlight Specials
SAVE $10 ON THESE GREAT SHOWS*
THREE ACTS, TWO DANCERS, JUNE 25 ONE RADIO HOST IRA GLASS, MONICA BILL BARNES, ANNA BASS
BELK THEATER
JULY 5-24 BOOTH PLAYHOUSE
*
Offer valid for price zones 10-30 only..
Offer valid for price zone 10 at July 5-7 performances only..
JULY 19-24
AUG. 4
BELK THEATER
McGLOHON THEATER
*
A New Musical
Offer valid for price zones 10, 20 and 30 for the Tuesday through Friday and Sunday evening performances only.
*
Offer valid for price zones 10 and 20 only.
*
SEPT. 7
OCT. 6
BELK THEATER
McGLOHON THEATER
Offer valid for price zones 10 and 20 only; subject to availability.
*
Offer valid for price zone 10 only.
*
Call now for these specials, or visit BlumenthalArts.org/Spotlight for the latest offers 8
Spring/Summer 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
FUN FACSTISES
ABOUT NEW
• Newsies was nominated for 23 major theatrical awards and won the 2012 Tony Awards® for best choreography and best original score. • 42 sheets of paper are danced on or torn during the riot sequence each night. These single-use sheets are either recycled or given to audience members during the performance. • Christopher Gattelli’s Tony Award-winning choreography steals the show each night with 31 backflips, and countless spins, leaps and tap steps. • Newsies is inspired by the real-life “Newsboy Strike of 1899,” which began when newspaper publishers raised the price for newsies, charging a dime more per hundred papers. • The Broadway production was originally scheduled for a limited 12-week run of 105 performances; however, due to popular demand, Newsies went on to run for 1,005 performances in 2.5 years. • Newsies played Belk Theater in January 2015 and The Charlotte Observer said “Newsies delivers a jolt of high-kicking pleasure – and some heart, too.”
© Disney
Joey Barreiro (Jack Kelly), with hand in air, and the North American Tour company of Disney’s Newsies ©Disney, photo by Deen van Meer.
Newsies
AUG. 9-14 BELK THEATER
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Spring/Summer 2016
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THREE ACTS, TWO DANCERS, ONE RADIO HOST IRA GLASS, MONICA BILL BARNES, ANNA BASS
Photo by David Bazemore
I
ra Glass, host of “This American Life,” has been working with Monica Bill Barnes & Company to combine two art forms that – as Glass puts it – “have no business being together – dance and radio.” The result is a funny, lively and heartfelt evening of dance and stories that has brought down the house wherever it has been performed, starting with its first test run at Carnegie Hall in 2013. The show includes radio interviews restaged as dance pieces, plus stories from the lives of each of the three performers, Ira Glass, Monica Bill Barnes and Anna Bass. “What makes it work is a shared sensibility,” Glass says. “As dancers,
Monica and Anna are these amazingly relatable and funny storytellers without words.” Bass notes, “I think it’s still blowing Ira’s mind to see some of the radio pieces remade this way, with props and costume changes and lighting cues.” Barnes adds, “Combining these art forms has led to a show that’s unlike anything I’ve ever choreographed before.” As the title indicates, the show is in three acts. Act 1 is about the job of being a performer. Act 2 is about falling in love and what it means to stay in love. Act 3 affirms that nothing lasts forever. “People who like ‘This American Life’ will probably like this,” says Glass “because it’s just like the radio show … um, if you picture dancing during all the stories.”
“Out of this unexpected union of dance and radio comes a show that … blends moments of delight and hilarity with glimpses of the soft underbelly of human experience. It’s magic.” – The Santa Barbara Independent
Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host 10
Spring/Summer 2016
JUNE 25 BELK THEATER
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
YOU’LL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.
1
“This _______ ________, while your lips are close to mine.”
2
“Do you love me? Now that I _____ _______?”
3
“She’s like ____ ________, through my tree.”
4
FINISH THESE LYRICS
T
est your knowledge and complete the lyrics of these classic songs featured in Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, and then relive all the hit songs live in September!
“Now I’ve had the time of my life, no, I’ve never felt this ___ ________.”
ANSWERS: 1. magic moment; 2. can dance; 3. the wind; 4. way before
Dirty Dancing
SEPT. 23-25 OVENS AUDITORIUM
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Spring/Summer 2016
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F
ans often call McGlohon Theater the best place to see live music in Charlotte, and all for good reason! This intimate venue features beautiful stained glass windows, classic red velvet seating and great views from any seat in the house. It’s the perfect place to get up close and personal with your favorite acts. Check out these shows coming soon to McGlohon Theater and join us for an unforgettable night in this gorgeous venue.
WITH SPECIAL GUEST LIZ LONGLEY WITH SPECIAL GUEST JAY CLIFFORD (OF JUMP, LITTLE CHILDREN)
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Spring/Summer 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
With Special Guest Scott Miller
18+ only. Includes coarse language, sexual references and nudity … get ready to have some fun!
“They make their own brand of roots music that keeps in touch with their childhood sprit.” – CMT Edge
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Spring/Summer 2016
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L E A H MIC
THE
AME G H C T A M
T
wo legendary voices are set to take the stage this summer – both belonging to a famous Michael! Michael Bolton and Michael McDonald are set to return to Charlotte with their most popular songs and iconic voices. See if you can match the famous lyrics below with the correct Michael – Bolton or McDonald!
1
I keep forgettin’ we’re not in love anymore; I keep forgettin’ things will never be the same again
2
I’m on my own; Why did it end this way; On my own; This wasn’t how it was supposed to be
3
Tell me how am I supposed to live without you; Now that I’ve been lovin’ you so long
4
Said I loved you but I lied; ‘Cause this is more than love I feel inside
5
How can we be lovers if we can’t be friends; How can we start over when the fighting never ends
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I’m not sure just how; But there’s no lookin’ back now
GRAMMY ® AWARD WINNER
MICHAEL BOLTON
JUNE 30 BELK THEATER
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
ANSWERS: 1. Michael McDonald; 2. Michael McDonald; 3. Michael Bolton; 4. Michael Bolton; 5. Michael Bolton; 6. Michael McDonald
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Spring/Summer 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
WORD SEARCH
E
nter to win! Complete the Oz-themed word search below for a chance to win free tickets. Simply snap a photo of your completed word search and, using subject line “Oz Word Search,” email it to marketing2 @ncbpac.org with your name and contact information. Find them all and you’ll be entered to win four tickets to opening night of The Wizard of Oz on Tuesday, July 5.
You may also enter to win via mail. Remove this page with the word search completed, add your contact information, and mail it to us at: Oz Word Search c/o Blumenthal Arts Marketing 345 N. College St. Charlotte, NC 28202 Deadline for entries to be received is June 17.
CONTEST SPONSORED BY
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Andrew Lloyd Webber Cowardly Lion Ruby Slippers Tornado Dorothy Monkeys
The Wizard of Oz
7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
The Wizard of Oz Munchkins Rainbow Scarecrow Tim Rice
12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Tin Man Melting Toto Yellow Brick Road Witch
JULY 5-10 BELK THEATER
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
Spring/Summer 2016
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16
Spring/Summer 2016
Tickets: 704.372.1000 | BlumenthalArts.org
First Date
AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
SEPT. 27-NOV. 20 BOOTH PLAYHOUSE
Caroline Nicolian & Luke Halferty of Pittsburgh CLO cast, photo by Laura Petrilla.
For tickets or information, call 704.372.1000 or visit BlumenthalArts.org
Spring/Summer 2016
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