iMPACt
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
Inside:
iMPACt behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center fallA look 2019
Starlight Ball Celebrates Mardi Gras Style MPAC Volunteers of the Year MayoArts.org | FALL Highlights 2019 1 Opening Night
We’re celebrating our 25th anniversary this year!
Our 2019-2020 25th anniversary season has gotten
MPAC staff on Opening Night
25th Anniversary Memories
Do you have a favorite MPAC moment from the last 25 years and would like to share it on our social media and our website? We want to hear from you.
Tell us how MPAC has been a part of your life by sharing your MPAC Memories with us! Throughout the year we will be featuring stories on our social media and website.
off to a great start with our Opening Night concert with Katharine McPhee (p. 3) and our free community concert with BStreetBand (p. 6). There will be other 25th anniversary-related events, ticket specials and more throughout the season. Come and celebrate with us! The Staff and Board of Trustees thank you for your continued support of MPAC over our past 25 years. Our goal remains to provide great entertainment, enriching education experiences and opportunities for the community to enjoy and participate in the arts.
one featured story each month will be selected to receive a pair of tickets to an upcoming MPAC show! submit your story at: www.mayoarts. org/memories
Blasts from the past MPAC’s lobby in 1994 Opening Night 2007: Liza Minnelli christens the new stage
OUR MISSION: Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit performing arts organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey.
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iMPACt
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org | FALL 2019
MPAC’s 25th Season Starts Off in Grand Style A full house attended MPAC’s 25th Anniversary Opening Night on Friday, September 13, featuring a performance by Katharine McPhee.
The evening included preshow entertainment on the plaza from Megan Chappius, and a performance by Meghan Jenkins and Cole Grey from MPAC’s Teen Performing Arts Company prior to McPhee taking the stage. The concert was an opportunity for all who attended to reflect on how far MPAC has come in the past 25 years as it lifted the curtain on the next 25. “Where would we all be tonight if this theatre wasn’t reopened twenty five years ago?” said Allison Larena, MPAC President & CEO, addressing the audience prior to the concert. “What would downtown Morristown’s landscape look like without the theatre?”
Katharine McPhee Performs on Stage
McPhee performed an evening of standards from Broadway and the Great American Songbook. Following the concert, a reception was held for invited guests. “It is with tremendous pride that we serve as the cornerstone to a thriving arts district in Morristown,” Larena added. “As we begin our next 25 years we look to define what the theatre means to future generations and our ever evolving audience. Exciting things await us at MPAC — the possibilities are endless.” Crowd buzzes prior to show
MPAC Board Chair Greg Supron and his wife, Wendy
iMPACt
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
Performing Arts Company members Meghan Jenkins and Cole Grey perform preshow.
MayoArts.org | FALL 2019
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Member News
Sheri Alexander, Pilar Bellido, Susan Brauer, Janet DeMeo, Sally Epstein, Celia Flynn, Jeanne Goryeb, Wendy deVries | Marylyn McLaughlin | Charles Meizoso, Jr. Co-ChairS
Starlight Ball Committee
stArliGht BAll Goes MArdi GrAs
Mardi gras Jubilee will be the theme of MPAC’s
21st Annual starlight Ball, to be held on friday, november 15 at the Park savoy estate in florham Park. MPAC Board Member Unjeria Jackson, MD, will be this year’s Starlight Award honoree. The event, MPAC’s largest fundraising event of the year, will be an elegant and fun evening featuring a silent and live auction, entertainment by MPAC’s Performing Arts Company and a special guest artist, seated dinner, dancing and more.
Mayo Performing Arts Center’s 21st Annual Starlight Ball
Mardi Gras Jubilee
Honoring Unjeria C. Jackson, MD Starlight Award and celebrating MPAC’s 25th Anniversary Season Friday, November 15, 2019 The Park Savoy Estate | Florham Park, NJ
“the trustees of MPAC are very excited about this year’s 21st Annual Starlight Ball,” said Wendy Aresty, Co-Chair of the Starlight Ball Committee (along with Marylyn McLaughlin and Charles Meizoso, Jr.). “It is the Theatre’s 25th anniversary, and we are proud to honor long-time board member and supporter Dr. Unjeria C. Jackson, who has been a valued member of the MPAC family, the Atlantic health Care system family and many other organizations in her community. We will be celebrating her at a ‘Mardi Gras’ style Jubilee as New Orleans is her hometown.” for information about this year’s starlight Ball, visit MayoArts.org/starlightBall
StarlightBall2019Invitation.indd 1
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The performance by MPAC’s Performing Arts Company is always a highlight of The Starlight Ball
Meet Unjeria C. Jackson, MD
MPAC Board Member and 2019 Starlight Ball honoree Dr. Unjeria C. Jackson has served on the MPAC Board of Trustees since 2009, and has served as Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee since 2011. She also is an active member of the Community Engagement and Outreach Committee. She is an accomplished retired physician and extraordinary community volunteer. She practiced at Morristown Memorial Hospital (now Morristown Medical Center) for 18+ years, making a difference in the lives of thousands of women and their babies. Dr. Jackson is an avid supporter of education, healthcare and the arts. Along with husband Larry Thompson, Dr. Jackson’s philanthropy has helped transform MPAC into one of the most successful performing arts centers in New Jersey, and her leadership and volunteerism have contributed greatly to the health and livability of the Morristown community.
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Dr. Unjeria C. Jackson, MD with her husband Larry Thompson
Dr. Jackson is also a passionate collector of teapots and has about 2,000 of them! A portion of her collection was on exhibition at The Morris Museum in 2011. She authored the book, Teapots by Design—A Collector’s Catalogue and has written several articles for tea and collecting themed magazines.
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org | FALL 2019
MPAC News & Notes MPAC Names Volunteers of the Year Will Fullman of Morristown was named Volunteer of the Year at Mayo Performing Arts Center. MPAC announced its Volunteers of the Year at its annual MPAC Volunteer picnic.
Fullman earned the honor for his dedicated service to the organization. He has been a volunteer at MPAC since 2009. “Will is that always smiling, positive ticket taker that is so charming!” said Erin Pach, MPAC’s Front of House Director. “Patrons love seeing him and he is always attentive and calm Mina Rizzo and Will Fullman and makes patrons feel welcomed. He is so respected by his fellow volunteers that they gave him a standing ovation when he was announced as our volunteer of the year because they all felt nobody deserved it more than him.” Mina Rizzo of Morristown was honored for most days volunteered, a record 202 performances in one year. She has been an MPAC volunteer for 11 years and has earned the title of Head Usher. As Head Usher, she helps House Management with attendance on performance days and instructs the volunteers of their duties for the evening. “Mina is a fixture at Door 2,” Pach says. “She is House Management’s right arm, especially when it’s busy. She knows exactly what needs to get done and when. She makes sure everyone upholds the professionalism MPAC represents. Having set a record with over 200 performances, we had to create a new award category!” “Volunteers such as Will and Mina are true representatives of the tireless assistance that all of our volunteers provide our organization,” added Allison Larena, President and CEO, MPAC. “We thank all of our volunteers for making MPAC a welcoming place for our patrons.” MPAC has over 150 individuals who volunteer at the Theatre for a variety of duties, such as ticket scanners, concessionaires and ushers.
New Parking option: United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church on the Morristown Green is now available for parking on most show nights. Parking must be purchased in advance on our website. The lot is a short walk to the Theatre. Pre-paid parking is usually available for performances about two to three weeks prior to an event.
iMPACt
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
Get “hAPPy” At oCtoBer’s BUsiness BreAkfAst Dennis Budinich, SVP Chief Culture Office, Investors Bank, will present an inspirational discussion focused on three universal ways to increase hope and happiness in your life. His talk, “The Happiness Advantage,” will take place at MPAC’s October Business Breakfast, Wednesday, October 30 at 7:45 am in the starlight room. this is a free event open to area businesspeople, but reservations are required. throughout his entire career, dennis has dedicated himself to helping others be their best by sharing with them the most effective success principles and how to apply them. In all of his high-energy learning programs, dennis shares the information he acquired in the fields of positive psychology and self-science, as well as his personal experiences as a successful financial professional and entrepreneur. MPAC Business Breakfasts, a Business Circle member benefit, are opportunities for local businesspeople to network and to listen to speakers from a variety of specialties discuss issues of interest to the business community. Dennis spoke at one of last year’s events and all who attended were uplifted and inspired by his presentation. You’ll be “happy” you attended! for more information, or to rsVP, call 973-539-0345, ext. 6708 or email gperruso@mayoarts.org MayoArts.org | FALL 2019
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Seen & Heard
Rob Thomas
Summer at MPAC
Salsa Under the Stars
Summer at MPAC was busy and fun!
MPAC rocked this summer with concerts ranging from Rob Thomas to Tony Bennett on our stage, and free
outdoor concerts all summer long!
We also staged 18 free events this summer, including concerts at Vail Mansion Plaza, such as the second annual Salsa under the Stars night where several hundred community members young and old came out to dance the night away. Over 6,000 people attended free Arts in the Community events that also included free movies at MPAC and lunchtime concerts at the Morristown Green (co-presented by Morris Arts).
MPAC Throws 25th Birthday Concert
On Friday, September 27, MPAC opened its doors
for a free 25th Anniversary Community Concert featuring the BStreetBand. Over 1,000 attendees enjoyed a rockin’ night of Bruce Springsteen music. The evening also featured a performance on our plaza by local singer-songwriter James Gedeon, and free samples from many local businesses. James Gedeon provides entertainment on the plaza before the main event on stage
local vendors such as Four City Brewing, Enjou Chocolat and more provided free samples of their products.
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MPAC thanks the local vendors who supported our free concert, including Enjou Chocalat, Green Pointe Juicier, Just Jersey, Bolero Snort Brewery, 4 City Brewing, Stretch Lab and Bubba Rose Biscuit Co. Over 1,000 people enjoyed a free concert by BStreetBand
MayoArts.org | FALL 2019
Check out these great October events! Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (Oct. 15) It’s a concert! It’s a party! It’s a blast! Part Jimi Hendrix, part James Brown and all New Orleans, Troy “Trombone Shorty”Andrews blends traditional New Orleans styles with rock, funk, soul and hip-hop.
Grupo Niche (Oct. 18) and Sergio Mendes & Bebel Giberto (Oct. 22) Grupo Niche is Columbia’s top salsa band sure to get you dancing in the aisles. Then it’s a celebration of Brazil’s Bossa Nova sound performed by two keepers of the faith, Grammy winner Sergio Mendes and vocalist Bebel Gilberto.
October 2019
10/10 America (SOLD OUT) 10/12 Kenny G 10/13 It Was 50 Years Ago Today: The Beatles White Album (LIMITED) 10/14 So You Think You Can Dance Live 10/15 Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue 10/16 The Office! A Musical Parody 10/17 Tenth Avenue North 10/18 Grupo Niche 10/19 Kip Moore (LIMITED) 10/20 Sir James Galway 10/22 Sergio Mendes & Bebel Gilberto: The 60th Anniversary of the Bossa Nova 10/23 Family Feud Live: Celebrity Edition
iMPACt
Family Feud Live: Celebrity Edition (Oct. 23)
Kathy Najimy and Hocus Pocus (Oct. 26)
Survey says…fun! Teams made up from random audience members compete onstage with celebrity captains Pauly Shore and Chris Kattan, with everyone else in competition to win prizes from their seats.
MPAC’s hosting a Halloween party! Come in costume if you’d like as you watch the Disney comedy Hocus Pocus, followed by a Q&A with one of its stars, Kathy Najimy.
10/24 The Man in Black: A tribute to Johnny Cash 10/25 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (LIMITED) 10/26 Hocus Pocus with Kathy Najimy Live on Stage 10/27 Harlem 100: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance 10/29 James Van Praagh 10/30 Ruben Studdard sings Luther Vandross
November 2019
11/1 Tango Cumparsita de Argentina 11/2 Vince Gill (LIMITED) 11/6 Deepak Chopra 11/8 Sara Evans 11/9 Disney Junior Holiday Party (LIMITED)
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
Harlem 100 (Oct. 27) A celebration of the music of Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Billie Holiday and more, performed by some of the most exciting jazz artists, vocalists and more today.
11/12 J ohn Dorenbos: Magic, Comedy & Inspiration 11/13 Paul Anka (LIMITED) 11/20 Jennie Garth & Tori Spelling Live 11/21 Postmodern Jukebox 11/23 Engelbert Humperdinck 11/24 Gladys Knight 11/23 A Magical Cirque Christmas 11/29 Manhattan Comedy night 11/30 Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis
December 2019
12/1 Mooseltoe 12/3 LeAnn Rimes: You and Me and Christmas 12/5 David Sedaris 12/6 The Irish Tenors Holiday Concert 12/13-27 New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker
MayoArts.org | FALL 2019
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