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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
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iMPACt A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center summer 2019
Great Grease 2019-2020 Season on Sale
MayoArts.org | SUMMER 2019
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Dear MPAC Supporter, As we near the start of
summer, it means we are approaching the end of another memorable season at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Looking back, we are grateful to have presented incredible artists like Vanessa Williams, Steve Martin & Martin Short, REO Speedwagon and Foreigner on the MPAC stage in Morristown. Our gratitude runs even deeper as we think of how we have accomplished this. Our success as a non-profit performing arts venue is because MPAC has the most dedicated, spirited and generous patron base imaginable. Whether a patron, parent of a PAS or PAC student or current member, your commitment and utilization of MPAC has made us one of New Jersey’s most popular performing arts venues, serving over 240,000 adults and students each year. We thank you for bringing friends and family to our shows, applauding our artists and choosing to support the arts at MPAC. As we close out this season, we hope you’ll consider a donation to give us
Collective Soul was one of the great artists presented this past year thanks in part to your support.
a strong push to the finish line. Your gift would help fund the many free programs that have been presented throughout the year, including numerous education programs, financial aid for students in need at our Performing Arts School and our “Arts in the Community” series, featuring free outdoor concerts within the community, all under scoring dedication to “arts for all.” We may have four iconic columns holding up MPAC’s Theatre, but the true pillars supporting us are you and our thousands of dedicated patrons. On behalf of all of us at MPAC, thank you for generously investing in the arts and our community. Please consider donating today. Sincerely,
Allison Larena President & CEO
Education programs such as The Miracle Project are made possible due to member, foundation and corporate support.
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
PS - Gifts of all sizes matter! Here are a few opportunities to consider: Your $25 gifts would help offset the cost of travel for a Performing Arts Company tour to a nursing home or hospital Your $50 gift would help offset the cost related to providing special training to teaching artists of MPAC’s Miracle Project program for students with autism and other special needs Your $250 gift would offset the cost of financial aid for a student in need to attend a class at the Performing Arts School Your $500 would help offset the cost of a performance on the Morristown Green or in front of the Vail Mansion Click here to donate today
MayoArts.org | SUMMER 2019
Grease is the Word — and that Word was Wow!
MPAC time-traveled to the 1950s for our 7th annual production, Grease, May 31- June 2.
Over 4,000 patrons — a record high — turned out for this performance that featured a cast of over 50 young performers. “We had the best time working on this classic, uplifting and nostalgic musical!” Cathy Roy, Education Director said. “We felt that this was the year to choose a show that could provide our audiences with an experience that would fully entertain them and provide a brief escape from the stress of today’s society.” As in previous years, the show featured a mix of youth performers with Equity guest artists, including Christian Leadley (Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages) as “Danny Zuko” and Glenn Devar as “Kenickie.” “Our Guest Artist program utilizes professional actors in two to three of our leading roles for every production,” said Cathy Roy. “This mentorship program provides a great opportunity for our talented performers to learn alongside true professionals!” Kudos to great work from the cast, crew and everyone involved in the production of Grease. MPAC thanks our Lead Sponsors Kennedys CMK and Crum & Forster and our numerous Cheerleader sponsors for their support of this production. Click here to view a gallery of photos.
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
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Member News Thanks BASF! National Geographic Live’s Bertie Gregory presented two lectures, free to students and the public, on May 1, with attendance of over 1,000 at each. The events were sponsored by BASF. If your company is interested in sponsoring an MPAC event or concert, please contact Justin Wynn at jwynn@mayoarts.org.
Starlight Society members and other invited guests enjoyed an evening of conversation, performance and more on the MPAC stage during the annual Chairman’s Reception on May 5.
MORPHING INTO success
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from left to right: Kathleen Butler Smith, Megan McDowell, and Marylyn McLaughlin
It was a beautiful Wednesday night on June 12th for MPAC’s An Evening of Inspiration: Women Empowering Women event. Crum & Forster graciously offered their Morristown location, where over 80 guests gathered in the penthouse and rooftop spaces for networking and a panel discussion with “Morphmom” founder Kathleen Butler Smith, joined by guest panelists Marylyn McLaughlin and Megan McDowell, MSW, LPC. One of the highlights of the evening included a performance by MPAC’s Performing Arts Company. The purpose of the event was to increase the visibility of MPAC in the community and expand membership.
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The Mayo Performing Arts Center’s 21st Annual Starlight Ball
Mardi Gras Jubilee
Honoring Unjeria C. Jackson, MD Starlight Award Friday, November 15, 2019 The Park Savoy Estate | Florham Park, NJ
MayoArts.org | SUMMER 2019
Education Busy Spring for the Performing Arts Company The PAC performs at a local nursing home
miracle project expands
From senior centers to onstage with Foreigner, it has been a busy spring for MPAC’s teen Performing Arts Company (PAC). Consisting of over 30 young performers, the PAC serves as the Theatre’s ambassadors to the community. The group performed at nearly two dozen events from February through June. Highlights included “Senior Tour” at five nursing homes, as well as appearances at many fundraising events for such organizations as American Cancer Society, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis. In June, the group concluded its season with a performance at Broadway Pride in Manhattan.
MPAC’s Education Department added a new class to its expanding Miracle Project program for children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs. Improv for Interaction, conducted at ECLC School in Chatham, uses performing arts to teach life skills for teens and young adults. Click here to learn more about The Miracle Project. The annual Music Student of the Month Recital end-of-year recital featured top high school musicians showcasing their talents on June 5.
If your organization is interested in booking the Performing Arts Company next season, please contact Cathy Roy, Education Director, at croy@mayoarts.org.
In the Art Galleries
Artist Anie Knipping, who has autism, exhibited her works in the Starlight Gallery during Autism Awareness Month.
Exhibiting this summer
Art Upstairs: Contemporary Art Group: July 9-August 13 Starlight Gallery: David John Rush: Through September 3 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.
Connect with us
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
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Get Out!
MPAC Presents Free Events All Summer Long!
MPAC’s second annual Arts in the Community Concerts at Vail
evening series kicked off on Wednesday, June 5 with a performance by the duo Acute Inflections (pictured right). Over 125 people attended this free event conducted in front of the Vail Mansion tidal pool adjacent to MPAC. The evening concert series at Vail is just one of three free MPAC series this summer. In addition to Vail, MPAC again partners with Morris Arts for the 10th year of the Morristown Green lunchtime concert series Music Beyond Borders. MPAC will also present free movies at the Theatre throughout July and August. “We are excited to expand our offerings of free events that appeal to all members of our diverse community,” said Allison Larena, president and CEO, of MPAC. “These free concerts feature a lineup of artists from as far away as Africa and Colombia, and as close as right down the street. Come out and enjoy great music, fun family films and even some salsa dancing on beautiful and warm summer nights!” Lineups are as follows. Additional events may be added. Click here for more information.
Free Concerts at Vail
Music Beyond Borders
All concerts will take place from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Rain site St. Peter’s Church
All concerts at the Morristown Green at 12:30 pm. Rainsite is the United Methodist Church.
Thursday, June 27: Tshila, Ugandan singer/songwriter/rapper
Mama D & the Vexations
August 8 at 10:30 am: Peter Rabbit
August 21 at 10:30 am: The Lego Movie
Wednesday, July 31: Lauren Davidson, Country music
Thursday, August 29: Mama D & the Vexations, high energy cover band from Morristown
July 25 at 10:30 / 7 pm: Captain Marvel
August 8 at 7 pm: Airplane! (40th anniversary)
Wednesday, July 10: Second Annual Salsa Under the Stars featuring the Newark Arts High Latin Band, Outdoor salsa dance
Wednesday, August 14: The Shrewd Mechanicals, Performance by Shakespeare Theatre of NJ
Free Movies at MPAc
Mariachi Citlalli
August 21 at 7 pm: Bohemian Rhapsody
Tuesday, June 25: The Zydeco Revelators, Louisiana-inspired dance music. Tuesday, July 9: Armando Son Jimenez’ Grupo Sabor, Colombian Salsa Tuesday, July 23: Forestdance Trio: Music of Africa, Ancient and modern music of Africa Tuesday, August 6: Mariachi Citlalli, Mexican music from traditional to contemporary
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
MayoArts.org | SUMMER 2019
On Stage MPAC presents a full lineup of events for our 25th Anniversary season, ranging from world-renowned headliners such as Tony Bennett and Audra McDonald to touring Broadway productions including RENT to the best in dance, comedy, classical, world music and family shows. “Our 25th season celebrates the power of the performing arts to inspire, entertain and bring people together,” said Allison Larena, President and CEO of MPAC. “Our 25th season will feature a diverse lineup of artists, including many of the most popular acts to perform at MPAC over the years, crowd favorites, incredible touring Broadway shows and diverse emerging artists.”
audra mcdonald
MPAC’s official opening night is Friday, September 13 and features a performance by former American Idol Katharine McPhee. Touring Broadway shows coming to MPAC include RENT, Finding Neverland and Bandstand. Superstar singers include Broadway’s Audra McDonald, Darlene Love, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett and Engelbert Humperdinck. Contemporary music fans can enjoy the likes of Gavin DeGraw, Daughtry, Tesla, Orleans and Poco and a unique concert called “It Was Fifty Years Ago Today” a tribute to the Beatles White Album performed by Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Micky Dolenz and others. gavin degraw
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A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
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For those open to taking a cultural dare, there’s the classical music meets American roots sound of The Westerlies, Harlem 100, a celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, the visual art-themed DaVinci & Michelangelo and the Colombian salsa artists Grupo Niche. Families can expect the return of the annual Nutcracker by New Jersey Ballet, as well as popular fares including Disney Junior Dance
Party on Tour, Peppa Pig, and many others. New to MPAC’s lineup are a series of films with one of the stars present to speak about it, including William Shatner and a screening of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan and Kathy Najimy and a screening of Hocus Pocus. Another highlight is a lecture by Dr. Temple Grandin on autism. “MPAC has been at the heart of arts and entertainment in the region for
a quarter century,” Ms. Larena said. “This season will deliver on that promise as we present more shows, create more memorable moments and offer more opportunities for people to engage in the arts.” Patrons who purchase five or more events throughout the season qualify for perks that include the opportunity to exchange tickets up to 48 hours prior to a performance and the opportunity to purchase tickets for new events prior to public onsales.
Lineup is as follows. Additional events will be added throughout the season: Tony Bennett
katharine mcphee
July 2019
7/9 Rocket Man: The Ultimate Live Elton John Tribute Concert 7/17 Champions of Magic - Summer Spectacular 7/22 Louie Anderson and Rita Rudner: He Said She Said 7/31 Chris Isaak
August 2019
8/1 Herb Alpert & Lani Hall 8/3 Rob Thomas: Chip Tooth Smile Tour (Sold Out) 8/4 Gavin DeGraw 8/13 Tony Bennett: The “I Left My Heart” Tour 8/15 Summer of Love — Woodstock Edition 8/20 Rock The Yacht 8/22 Dwight Yoakam 8/27 Daughtry with Special Guest Augustana
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September 2019
9/11 Tesla 9/12 Dena Blizzard: One Funny Mother 9/13 Opening Night! An Evening with Katharine McPhee 9/15 David Engel’s Star Force Academy: A Madcap Star Wars Parody for Kids 9/19 A Night with Janis Joplin 9/20 An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories with Graham Nash 9/21 Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure 9/22 The Kingston Trio with The Brothers Four and The Limeliters 9/30 Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza
10/10 America: 50th Anniversary Tour 10/12 Kenny G 10/13 It Was Fifty Years Ago Today — Tour 2019: A Tribute To The Beatles’ White Album
October 2019
10/3 Pink Martini with Special Guest Meow Meow 10/4 William Shatner Live on Stage following a screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
william shatner
MayoArts.org | SUMMER 2019
10/16 The Office! A Musical Parody 10/17 Tenth Avenue North: No Shame Fall Tour 2019 10/18 Grupo Niche 10/20 Sir James Galway 10/22 Sergio Mendes & Bebel Gilberto: The 60th Anniversary of Bossa Nova 10/24 The Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash 10/25 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts 10/26 Hocus Pocus with Kathy Najimy 10/27 Harlem 100: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance 10/29 James Van Praagh 10/30 Ruben Studdard Sings Luther Vandross
finding neverland
November 2019
11/1 Tango Cumparsita de Argentina 11/2 Vince Gill 11/6 Deepak Chopra: The Nature of Reality 11/7 In the Mood: A 1940s Musical Revue 11/8 Sara Evans 11/9 Disney Junior Holiday Party! on Tour 11/12 An Evening with Jon Dorenbos — Magic, Comedy & Inspiration 11/13 Paul Anka: Anka Sings Sinatra — Back by Popular Demand! 11/21 Postmodern Jukebox: A Very Postmodern Christmas 11/22 Engelbert Humperdinck 11/23 A Magical Cirque Christmas 11/29 Manhattan Comedy Night 11/30 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
December 2019
12/1 Mooseltoe 12/5 David Sedaris 12/6 The Irish Tenors Holiday Concert 12/13-27 New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
January 2020
1/3 Manhattan Comedy Night 1/10 The Capitol Steps: The Lyin’ Kings 1/11 Reza: Edge of Illusion 1/12 Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver 1/17 Almost Queen 1/18 Audra McDonald 1/19 Angelina Ballerina The Musical 1/24 The Simon & Garfunkel Story 1/30 The 5 Browns
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February 2020
2/1 Viva MOMIX 2/4 DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience 2/7-8 RENT 20th Anniversary Tour 2/10 Pete the Cat 2/13 The Tap Pack 2/14 Darlene Love 2/15 Mystic India 2/16 National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine 2/20 Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite 2/22 The Ultimate 70s Tour featuring Poco, Orleans and Pure Prairie League 2/23 Candid Camera’s LOL Tour with Peter Funt 2/28 Jarrod Spector in (Con) Artist
March 2020
3/5 Milos: The Voice of the Guitar 3/6-7 Finding Neverland 3/8 The Celtic Angels 3/11 Dr. Temple Grandin 3/12 A Cappella Live 3/13 Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México de Silvia Lozano 3/16 The Cat in the Hat 3/17-18 Bandstand 3/19 The Westerlies 3/20 Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone and The Grass Roots 3/22 Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure: The Mystery of the Dinosaurs of the Deep 3/25 Russian National Ballet: Swan Lake
A look behind the curtain at Mayo Performing Arts Center
3/27 Frank Ferrante in “An Evening with Groucho” 3/28 The Peking Acrobats 3/31 SFJAZZ Collective
April 2020
4/9 The Choir of Man 4/10 Manhattan Comedy Night 4/15 The Magic School Bus 4/17 Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Scared Scriptless 4/19 Llama Llama — Live! 4/23 Forever Motown 4/25 Dance to the Movies 4/26 B — The Underwater Bubble Show 4/27 The Diary of Anne Frank
May 2020
5/6 Igudesman & Joo: Play It Again 5/9 STOMP 5/15 ABBA the Concert 5/16 New Jersey Ballet’s All American Evening 5/17 New Jersey Ballet: Cinderella
June 2020
6/5 Manhattan Comedy Night 6/12-13 Chicago The Musical 6/20 The Fab Four — The Ultimate Tribute
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