2014~2015
PERFORMING
ARTS
AT THE ARTS CENTER, THANK YOU—YOUR SUPPORT HAS BROUGHT EXTRAORDINARY PROGRAMMING! The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is deeply grateful for the support of its members, season ticket holders, patrons, donors, and the following organizations. Footlights is supported in part by Quasius Construction, Inc., Lakeland College, Kohler Foundation, and Garton Family Foundation. Step Afrika! is supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Wisconsin Arts Board and General Mills Foundation. Camille A. Brown & Dancers’ Black Girl is made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Black Girl is commissioned by DANCECleveland through a 2014 Joyce Award from the Joyce Foundation. Camille A. Brown & Dancers and Third Avenue Playhouse are made possible in part by support from the Performance Residency Program of National Performance Network (a partner of the Arts Center) with major contributions from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Arts Center coproduces Community Cinema with the Independent Television Service. The printing of this brochure was made possible by Zimmermann Company.
Cover: Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company, Tang Dynasty in Family Series. Photo: Marty Sohl. Right: Camille A. Brown & Dancers. Photo: Matt Karas.
YOU WILL FIND IT ALL! From the moment you enter the Arts Center, you are immersed in a welcoming, artful environment. Each performing arts event takes place in the context of galleries filled with thought-provoking exhibitions. Enjoy fine and casual dining in the ARTcafe, astute shopping in ARTspace, and impromptu collaborative art making in The ARTery. Even the restrooms are an art-filled experience! This season features exciting entertainments for all ages and inclinations: the comic artistry of John McGivern, dance influenced by Chinese and African traditions, festivals celebrating the cultures of England and Japan, and so much more. Experience the difference at the Arts Center. We think you will agree, the Arts Center has it all!
CONTENTS Footlights 4 Winter Theatre 8 Festive Fridays 10 Community Cinema 15 M.I.K.E. 16 Family Festivals 18 Membership 20 Calendar 22
Step Afrika! Photo: Angelica Escoto.
FOOTLIGHTS
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Photo: Angelica Escoto
We invite you to revel in captivating performances brimming with unrivaled artistry as the thirty-third season of Footlights presents four remarkably inspired ensembles.
STEP AFRIKA!
Photo: Marty Sohl
African American Stepping
LILY CAI CHINESE DANCE COMPANY
FAMILY SERIES: Tuesday, November 18, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Traditional and Contemporary Chinese Dance
PERFORMANCE SERIES: Thursday, November 20, 2014, 7:30 p.m. …a jubilation of rhythm and spirit that harks back to the essence of dancing: people moving together in harmony for the greater good. —The Village Voice Like tap dancers without taps or musicians without instruments, Step Afrika! uses kicks, stomps, claps, and chants linked to African and modern dance traditions in an ecstatic storm of rhythmic energy. The first professional company devoted to stepping, Washington, DC’s worldrenowned Step Afrika! brings a spirited and satisfying performance to the stage that is part body percussion and part poetry slam.
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FAMILY SERIES: Tuesday, February 17, 2015, 6:30 p.m. PERFORMANCE SERIES: Thursday, February 19, 2015, 7:30 p.m. …charming, smashingly visual… —Redlands Daily Facts Elegant, sensual, and captivating, the Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company melds ancient Chinese forms with modern dance. The company deftly marries past to present, from spectacular court dances of Chinese dynasties to contemporary works, complementing it all with dazzling visuals and innovative staging. Marking 25 years of international touring, the company will perform Xing (pronounced Shing), a program of new works as well as audience favorites from past seasons.
.6144, or stop at the Arts Center.
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Photo: Laurent Prost
LES YEUX NOIRS Gypsy/Klezmer Music FAMILY SERIES: Tuesday, March 17, 2015, 6:30 p.m. PERFORMANCE SERIES: Thursday, March 19, 2015, 7:30 p.m. … the audience went wild—a brilliant performance of musical innovation, soaring passion, and lyrical beauty. —The Bangkok Times This Paris-based sextet offers an irresistible invitation to experience some of the most rhythmic and soul-stirring music emanating from any part of the world. Equal parts gypsy and klezmer (with plenty of jazzy flourishes to boot), these artists tap into deep musical traditions from across eastern Europe.
Photo: Matt Karas
CAMILLE A. BROWN & DANCERS Contemporary Dance FAMILY SERIES: Tuesday, April 21, 2015, 6:30 p.m. PERFORMANCE SERIES: Thursday, April 23, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Gutsy. Wild. Smart. Original. —Dance Magazine Drawing on Melissa Harris-Perry’s Sister Citizen, the spellbinding photography of Carrie Mae Weems, the fantastical imagery depicted in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, and Daniel Silberberg’s Wonderland: The Zen of Alice, Camille A. Brown presents Black Girl (work in progress), a multimedia work depicting the complexities of carving out a positive identity as a black female in urban American culture. Additional repertoire will be featured. .
ces Each erforman dance p year, F d n a d c i a s mu ootlight anding n A co s stages a season of the world’s best in l underst a mplet r u t l u c e’s e seaso a pp r n of Footlights performing arts enriches on eciati ygan on o f t o b e h S he world in 6 —R. D., which we live.
BEFORE THE SHOW... Make your night out complete and enjoy tantalizing exotic tastes with dinner at the ARTcafe before each Footlights Performance Series show. ARTcafe chefs will prepare ethnicinspired three-course meals that offer diverse culinary experiences. This year’s menus will include dishes influenced by African, Chinese, Eastern European, and funky New York cuisine. Reservations are recommended.
SEASON TICKETS
A wonderful value, season tickets offer substantial discounts off the price of individual tickets. The Performance Series features evening-length shows. The Family Series offers earlier, shorter experiences designed for enjoyment by all ages.
FOOTLIGHTS PERFORMANCE SERIES $93 ($77 member/student*) Purchased prior to September 1 $104 ($87 member/student*) Purchased September 1 or after
FOOTLIGHTS FAMILY SERIES $45 ($32 member/student*) Purchased prior to September 1 $50 ($36 member/student*) Purchased September 1 or after
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS (available August 1)
PERFORMANCE SERIES $29 ($24 member/student*)
DID YOU KNOW? Each Footlights season offers approximately sixteen events reaching students and teachers from twenty schools throughout the region. If you or someone you know is interested in arranging a Footlights student experience, please contact the Arts Center at 920-458-6144.
FAMILY SERIES $16 ($12 member/student*) *Includes current Arts Center members and full-time students through age 21. Ticket prices include sales tax.
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WINTERTHEATRE
Photo: Mark Frohna
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On cold winter nights, climb out of those long johns and into our theatre’s warm seats for laughter, candor, and all-around delightful comedy.
A KODACHROME CHRISTMAS Starring John McGivern Written and Directed by Pat Hazell Thursday–Saturday, December 11–13, 2014, 7:30 p.m. Saturday–Sunday, December 13–14, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
Holiday nirvana for McGivern fans—a gift box of holiday cheer.—Wisconsin Gazette Enter the colorful world of cable access TV hostess Earlene Hoople, the self-proclaimed “Queen of Rural Media,” as she tapes her Christmas special in front of a live audience. Letters to Mrs. Claus, an outrageous family slide show, fresh-baked snickerdoodles, and a visit from the church handbell choir set the stage for a picture-perfect Winter Theatre. Lock up the glue gun, because Earlene is dangerously close to crafting her way out of her mind and into your heart this holiday season.
SOUVENIR by Stephen Temperley Produced by Third Avenue Playhouse Featuring Claire Morkin and James Valcq Thursday–Saturday, January 29–31, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2015, 2:00 p.m.
A beguiling comic jewel with a heart.—Variety Since the early twentieth century, the name Florence Foster Jenkins has produced explosions of laughter. This wealthy eccentric believed she was a great soprano when, in fact, she was incapable of producing two consecutive notes in tune. As news of her awful arias and calamitous coloratura spread, so did her celebrity. Souvenir, by turns hilarious and poignant, tells Madame Flo’s story through the eyes of her accompanist and admiring friend, Cosme McMoon.
SEASON TICKETS $42 ($34 member/student*) INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
On sale August 1
A Kodachrome Christmas $29 ($24 member/student*) Souvenir $24 ($19 member/student*) *Includes current Arts Center members and full-time students through age 21. Ticket prices include sales tax.
December is Winterlude at the Arts Ce nter, featu ri n g
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FESTIVEFRIDAYS
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Live music and dancing, complimentary snacks, a cash bar, dance instruction, plus fabulous exhibitions to explore make Festive Fridays a complete package that is more fun than should be allowed in one night.
Photo: Scott Knuckles
THE SQUEEZETTES
THE BLUETONES
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS Beer Garden Theme
Motown Friday, November 7, 2014 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Friday, September 12, 2014 6:30–9:30 p.m. M.I.K.E. opens one last time this season for one crazy polka, rock, and beer garden extravaganza (complete with pretzel necklaces)! Open to all ages, with cider for the kids. Rain or shine!
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Local rhythm and blues/Motown favorite brings a Detroit groove to a night of feelgood classics that will have everyone showing the dance floor some love.
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Photo: Jessica Wartenweiler
Photo: Bruce Hoover
THE JIMMYS
BREW CITY BIG BAND
Authentic Blues and Soul
Dance Hall Theme
Friday, February 6, 2015 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Friday, March 6, 2015 6:30–9:30 p.m.
There is nary a band in the Festive Fridays lineup without a horn section. The Jimmys, led by Jimmy Voegeli and Perry Weber, are no exception. Be prepared for hot licks and cool vibes.
This 22-piece orchestra will be putting on the Ritz for a night of boogie-woogie, jitterbugging, Lindy hopping revelry. The songs of America’s greatest generation will be the soundtrack for one blow-yourtop swing dance party.
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MADISALSA
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Friday, April 10, 2015 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Friday, May 1, 2015 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now, VO5 returns for another night of all-70s music. Start growing out your hair now for that brushed back and finely feathered look.
May Day may have cool Northern European roots, but a little Latin heat never hurt a holiday! Join in a celebration that samples colorful rhythms, dynamic harmonies, and fiery flavors from the musical traditions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
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SEASON TICKETS $60 ($45 member)
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS (available August 1) $12 ($10 member/student*) in advance $14 ($12 member/student*) at the door Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Attendees must be 21 or older (with the exception of the September 12 event, which is open to all ages). *Includes current Arts Center members and students age 21. Ticket prices include sales tax.
per attende the costs f o % 7 5 s! rage of stic serie rs an ave his fanta t Did you know your ticket price cove f o t r o p r your sup Festive Fridays event? Thank you fo
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COMMUNITYCINEMA
Photo of Las Marthas courtesy of Community Cinema.
COMMUNITY CINEMA September 2014–May 2015 Do you like documentaries by accomplished independent filmmakers? Are you looking to connect with others who care about finding solutions for the challenges facing our communities? Become a regular attendee of this dynamic film series. Enjoy powerful documentary films selected by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning series Independent Lens. Facilitated discussions following each free screening encourage inclusive conversations about the issues addressed in the film. This season’s lineup will be available September 1 at jmkac.org (click on “Performing Arts”) and in the September/October Arts Center newsletter.
con unity m m eat co A free movie and gr
…what’s not to love! versation —C. T., Sheboygan
M.I.K.E.MUSIC
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So many ways to get to know M.I.K.E. this summer! Perform on M.I.K.E. Record on M.I.K.E. Enjoy a concert on M.I.K.E.
OPEN MIC ON M.I.K.E. Thursdays through August 14, 2014, 5:00–7:30 p.m. FREE Relax on the Festival Green listening to the music of summer. Share your talent or simply enjoy local performing artists. Each week’s event will feature a guest artist or style of music, so check the Arts Center’s Facebook page and website for updates. Delicious dinner offerings from the ARTcafe and food trucks can be purchased on site. All ages are welcome. Cash bar available. No alcohol carry-ins. Bring your own chair or blanket. Rain or shine. Enter the best original song competition! Submit your song by emailing mike@jmkac.org or by performing at an Open Mic on M.I.K.E. through August 7.
BEST OF SUMMER CONCERT Thursday, August 21, 2014, 6:00–10:00 p.m. FREE Winners of an online voting competition come together for a battle-of-the-bands showdown. Who will take the stage? You decide by voting at jmkac.org July 1 through July 31. Then, cheer on your favorite band at the concert and help them take home the Best of Summer honors along with a prize package on August 21. Thank you to Lakeland College, 104.5 WXER FM and Midwest Communications, Paradigm Coffee and Music, Salon Tula, Roots Acoustic Music Company, Monument Music and the Sheboygan Press for partnering with us for this year’s Best of Summer competition.
RECORD YOUR MUSIC IN M.I.K.E. Available summer and fall (weather permitting) Would you like to record your own music in the most inspiring recording studio imaginable? M.I.K.E. is the place for you. M.I.K.E.is a recording studio operating on a Pro-Tools LE 7 setup powered by a Mac Mini. M.I.K.E. has endless possibilities for what you can do in the studio. M.I.K.E. sessions offer quality recording without breaking the bank. Call the Arts Center to sign up for a recording session.
M.I.K. E. is an
incredib
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music community. —The Belle Weather
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FAMILYFESTIVALS
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Bring the entire family to these explorations of extraordinary cultures and their resonance for communities today. This exciting series has fun for everyone: music, dance, hands-on activities, storytelling, and ethnic foods. Join in the fun!
ENGLAND Saturday, October 25, 2014 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Experience a traditional English pub setting, sample scones at an afternoon tea, and take part in the many fun activities shared by area residents who hail from across the pond.
LUXEMBOURG Saturday, January 17, 2015 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. In partnership with the Luxembourg American Cultural Society and Center, this festival features performances by the Green Heart Dancers and the exhibit “Luxembourg–USA: A Migration Story,” which was previously on display at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
JAPAN Saturday, May 9, 2015 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Discover the rich history of the Land of the Rising Sun. Enjoy traditional food, storytelling, and performances by Hibiki, the Milwaukee taiko drumming group.
SEASON TICKETS INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
$19 ($14 member/student*) $8 ($6 member/student*)
There is a nominal extra charge for the ethnic foods. Ticket prices include sales tax. *Full-time student through age 21. If you are interested in sharing your cultural traditions, please contact the Arts Center. We welcome your ideas as we plan these and future Family Festivals. —L.K
., Plym outh 19
MEMBERSHIP
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YOU BELONG HERE… Here is home to extraordinary exhibitions, dance, theatre, music, and classes that will feed your curious, adventurous, creative spirit. Here is an innovative, family-friendly cultural oasis. Here is a nationally renowned leader in the art world. Become a member, today! Your fully tax-deductible membership supports all Arts Center programs, from exhibitions to performances to free festivals to the arts-based Preschool.
JOIN US! As our “thank-you,” you will enjoy discounts on every ticket to a performing arts event. Other member benefits include: • Discounts on classes, Preschool enrollment, birthday parties, and more • 10% discount on merchandise at both ARTspace shops • Free admission to Holiday Continental in December • Complimentary invitations to special events • At the $100+ level: discounts and selected privileges at 700+ participating institutions • At the $250+ level: special rental rates for a personal event • At the $500+ level: two free tickets to a selected performance For complete benefits information, visit www.jmkac.org. To join and begin receiving benefits instantly, call 920-458-6144 or email ealbeck@jmkac.org.
I love attending performances at the JMKAC—always something original to excite your mind, eye, and ears. The theater itself is a gem—AND we can enjoy a lovely dinner prior to the performance right in the ARTcafe! —J. M., Milwaukee
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EVENTSCALENDAR 2014
2015
OPEN MIC ON M.I.K.E.
LUXEMBOURG
Thursdays, through August 14
January 17
August 21
January 29–31
September 12
February 6
October 25
February 17: Family Series February 19: Performance Series
BEST OF SUMMER CONCERT THE SQUEEZETTES WITH GUESTS ENGLAND
November 7
THE BLUETONES
SOUVENIR
THE JIMMYS
LILY CAI CHINESE DANCE COMPANY
March 6
November 18: Family Series November 20: Performance Series
BREW CITY BIG BAND
December 11–14
LES YEUX NOIRS
STEP AFRIKA!
A KODACHROME CHRISTMAS
March 17: Family Series March 19: Performance Series
April 10 VO5
April 21: Family Series April 23: Performance Series
CAMILLE A. BROWN & DANCERS
May 1
MADISALSA
May 9
JAPAN
Three ways to order tickets! 1. Online Visit www.jmkac.org and click on “Performing Arts.” 2. Phone Call 920-458-6144. 3. In Person Stop at the Arts Center’s Atrium Reception Desk. Tickets available during regular business hours or one hour prior to the performance. All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. No reservations without payment in full. Programming is subject to change without prior notice. The Arts Center is accessible to persons with disabilities. Please notify the box office in advance of any special accommodations that may be necessary.
Arts Center Hours
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Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
MEMBERPACKAGES New this year, because we value your support and love seeing our members on a regular basis, special members-only packages offer an additional 20% off the already discounted season ticket prices so you can experience more of what the Arts Center has to offer!
FAMILY PACKAGE Combine season tickets to the Footlights Family Series and Family Festivals and enjoy seven events that will entertain and inspire the entire family at an additional 20% savings $37 Early Bird YOU SAVE $29 off the individual member price! $40 Purchased September 1 or after
“A NIGHT ON THE TOWN” PACKAGE Purchase one of the following combinations and receive one complimentary docentor curator-led gallery tour on the night of a Footlights or Winter Theatre event (with prior reservation and subject to availability) and one complimentary beverage ticket to use at any performance in addition to the 20% savings. Festive Fridays and Footlights Performance Series Combination: $98 Early Bird YOU SAVE $70 off the individual member price! $105 purchased September 1 or after Footlights Performance Series and Winter Theatre Combination: $89 Early Bird YOU SAVE $50 off the individual member price! $96 purchased September 1 or after Festive Fridays and Winter Theatre Combination: $63 YOU SAVE $52 off the individual member price! If you are a member and one of our loyal season ticket holders who has already purchased season tickets, call the Arts Center to add an additional series and take advantage of these special offers. Ticket prices include sales tax. These offers are not available online.
Pick a Performance and Save $2!
Bring this coupon to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center when you purchase your ticket to any Performing Arts event. Use coupon code save2 when ordering online or by phone. This coupon is valid for any Performing Arts event in the 2014–2015 season and may not be combined with any other offer or season tickets/packages. Limit one per household. Expires May 10, 2015.
Footlights brings such a wonderful variety of dance and music to the Arts Center. I find each performance inspiring, exhilarating, and energizing—thrilling to behold and always uplifting. —E. J., Sheboygan
Camille A Brown & Dancers. Photo: Matt Karas.