Winter 2011 NOW Quarterly Magazine

NOW The Music Hall’s Quarterly Magazine

Winter 2011/12

Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth Featuring our Pop-Up Market

Pages 4 & 5

New Year, New Met

Just Announced!

SANDRA BERNHARD, ERIK LARSON, THE TEMPTATIONS & MORE Page 3

Opera in an Opera House Page 12

A Night in Paris CABARET Valentine's Day at the Loft page 14

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Make a little winter magic this season, and come inside where the life is—The Music Hall! Chase away any “getting too dark, too soon” blues by coming downtown, tucking into a show, and perhaps getting a treat or doing a little shopping. Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth is a rich mix of holiday shows, the free trolley, twinkling decorations, and the wonderful Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum. This year it’s made all the more fun by our new Vintage Christmas Pop-Up Market at the Loft: savor a hot cocoa and peppermint schnapps as you select something to make the season merrier! The Met @ the Music Hall is a great way to come in out of the cold, enjoy opera in an opera house, and spend a glorious afternoon that is made even more special this winter with our new sound and screen upgrades. Or get your soul groove on by coming to see the Temptations in February. For a special Valentine's Day evening, don’t miss A Night in Paris Cabaret with the Gaudy Baubles & Renée, destined to become a new retro classic for romance. As a favorite patron of ours says: "My winter getaway? The Music Hall!"

PATRICIA LYNCH

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER P.S. We are proud to support the efforts of more than 40 Community Partners, to provide 20,000 children with the Seacoast's largest performing arts classroom, and to work with our Explore + Learn Partner of the Year: Arts in Reach. On Monday, February 13th, please join us and the Soweto Gospel Choir as we celebrate the work of the African Burying Ground Committee with a "special song over sacred ground."

“Make

The Music Hall your winter getaway”

Portsmouth photo: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo. Patricia Lynch photo: PernoldPhoto.com

WINTER

DECEMBER 2011 / JANUARY 2012 / FEBRUARY

FEATURES

CONTENTS

Q& A

Winter 2011/12

12 New Year, 2 Contributors New Met Experience 3 Just Announced 4 Vintage Christmas 13 January Show Listings

in Portsmouth 14 A Night in Paris Cabaret

6 December Show Listings 15 February Show Listings 7 Portsmouth Symphony

Orchestra 16 Explore + Learn: Top 5

New shows added to our lineup

Strawbery Banke and The Music Hall bring you holiday magic.

Major sound & screen upgrades make our opera broadcasts the best ever.

What's so funny about Christmas?!

Juston McKinney weighs in. page 5

The most romantic date of the year!

Editor's Pick

Expand your mind — from Opera Circle discussions to Q&A's with top performers and writers.

February Show Listings

A holiday concert for the whole family with special guests, the Sandpipers Seacoast Children's Chorus.

December Show Listings

8 Behind the Scenes with

Virgina Prescott

The NHPR host on how she breaks the

rules of interviewing in our Writers on a

New England Stage series. .

9 December Show Listings 10 Membership 11 Seen @ The Music Hall Show The Music Hall some love!

Our New Technology Manager

Monte Bohanan hosts Digital Portsmouth

Editor's Pick

17 Q&A: Meghan Durkee

All about our Corporate Partners!

February Show Listings

18 Seen @ The Music Hall

Our Gala

Benefit, hosted

at PlaneSense,

was a night to remember.

A Night

CABAin Paris Valent R E T ine's D ay a the Lo ft page t 14

EXPLORE + LEARN

Editor's Pick

19 Box Office & Membership Info 20 At a Glance

Digital professionals gather at the Loft page 11

2011-2012 season index of shows

TheMusicHall.org

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CONTRIBUTORS Virginia Prescott is host of Word of Mouth, NHPR’s daily digest of emerging trends, new ideas and under reported stories from viral and pop culture. She’s worked in radio for more years than she cares to admit. She also interviews authors who appear in The Music Hall's Writers on a New England Stage series.

NOW magazine Publisher Patricia Lynch, Executive Director Editorial Director Kathleen Soldati, Director of Marketing

Parma Recordings CEO Bob Lord is Music Director of the Writers on a New England Stage series. He is also manager/bassist/ composer/producer of the award-winning band Dreadnaught.

Corporate & Special Events Manager Meghan Durkee came to The Music Hall after working at Prescott Park Arts Festival. She works closely with The Music Hall's Corporate Partners. With the help of her committee, she organizes and runs the Kitchen Tour, the largest annual fundraiser for The Music Hall, held each spring.

Philip Case Cohen is a lifelong New Englander and Portsmouth transplant. New Hampshire’s Seacoast is his canvas. He truly enjoys capturing the essence of his surroundings, and finding the unbelievable moments in life. Follow his adventures at TheDailyPortsmouth.com.

Stephanie Seacord, who lives in Newfields, is the publicist for many of Portsmouth’s heritage destinations and events, sharing the Seacoast’s unique and authentic sense of place with an ever-widening circle of travel writers, visitors, and friends.

Greg West Photography is proud to support The Music Hall with its photography services.

The firm provides unique image creation services to architects, interior designers, product manufacturers, and corporations. Visit www.gregwestphotography.com NOW is a quarterly publication of The Music Hall, a 501c3 nonprofit managed by a professional staff with the assistance of a volunteer board. Two theaters located on a downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire campus feature curated entertainment from around the world—the 900-seat landmark Historic Theater, and the 124-seat intimate Music Hall Loft. The Music Hall operates independently with the support of 3,000 members, 300 business supporters, and 40 community partners. Welcoming more than 100,000 patrons (including 20,000 children) each year from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond, The Music Hall is the region’s center for the performing arts, literature, and education…easy to get to, impossible to forget.

American Treasure Sponsor:

Season Sponsor:

Thanks to:

Editor Regina Baraban Contributing Editor Margaret Talcott, Associate Producer, Writers' Series Creative Director Andree Van Oss, Graphic Design & Print Publications Manager Design Consultants SharpeWorks Strategic Design Marketing Associate Kaitlyn Huwe Music Hall Board of Directors: Executive Committee David Hills – President Jo Lamprey – Vice President Harry A. Schult – Treasurer Barbara Henry – Secretary Danny O’Brien – Executive Committee Member-at-Large Gail VanHoy Carolan – Executive Committee Member-at-Large Board Members Ben Auger Geoffrey E. Clark, M.D. Betsy Cole Debra Weiss Ford Brook Gassner Robert W. Hickey, M.D. Angelynne Koromilas Hinson Ann Kendall Philip Marcus Jay McSharry Albert Morales Jeffrey Mountjoy Kate Murray Elisabeth Robinson Jennifer Shulman David Splaine Toby Stowe, CPA Ex Officio Jameson French Patricia Lynch

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JUST ANNOUNCED HD Broadcast Stephen Sondheim's:

COMPANY*

with the NY Philharmonic Saturday, January 14, 2012 Writers in the Loft:

HENRY LOUIS GATES* Tuesday, January 17, 2012 SEE PAGE 13 Intimately Yours:

Stay in the know - sign up for e-news!

CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS* Thursday, January 26, 2012 SEE PAGE 13 Intimately Yours:

CHARLES BRADLEY* & HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES Friday, February 3, 2012

Our in-house curators book exciting new concerts, comics, writers, on screen events and more throughout the year. Keep up with our Just Announced events in the NOW quarterly, the NOW monthly calendar, NOW postcards, and our digital communications — e-news and online at TheMusicHall.org. Don't miss out!

Henry Louis Gates

Charles Bradley

Hilarity @ The Music Hall:

SANDRA BERNHARD* Saturday, March 10, 2012

Jonny Lang

Intimately Yours:

GET THE LED OUT* Friday, March 23, 2012

Writers on a New England Stage:

ERIK LARSON*

with his NY Times bestseller In the Garden of Beasts Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Erik Larson

The Music Hall Presents:

A NIGHT IN PARIS CABARET* Tuesday, February 14, 2012 SEE PAGE 14

Community Partner: Goodwin Community Health Presents

BANFF FILM FESTIVAL Wednesday, February 15, 2012 Intimately Yours:

JONNY LANG*

Thursday, February 16, 2012 SEE PAGE 16 Intimately Yours:

THE TEMPTATIONS* Friday, February 24, 2012 SEE PAGE 17 NT Live HD Broadcast:

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS* Saturday, March 3, 2012

All shows on sale now. Those marked with an asterisk (*) go on sale to members Fri., 11/18 and to non-members Fri., 12/2. For Rental and Community Partners please visit TheMusicHall.org.

ABOUT THE COVER: “A living, breathing bonfire” – New York Times

Hilarity @ The Music Hall: I Love Being Me, Don't You? featuring Sandra Bernhard Saturday, March 10, 2012 • 8pm Tickets: $58; $52 On sale to members: Fri., Nov. 18 at noon On sale to non-members: Fri., Dec. 2 at noon

The Temptations

A Night in Paris Cabaret

Since she first stepped on stage at the Comedy Store in the ‘70s, Sandra Bernhard has been challenging fans and critics with her outrageous humor, keen satire, and rollicking stage shows. “Give the dame her due,” writes the New York Times. “It's invigorating to be in the presence of a true original.” Comedienne, actress, singer, songwriter, author, television host, creator of several one-woman shows, she is “a performer of stunning originality – funny but foxy, super smart and slightly mad!”

(WCBS). Don’t miss her Music Hall debut!

SERIES SPONSORS: Kennebunk Savings Bank; WHEB EVENING SPONSOR: Mojo's BBQ Grill & Tavern

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DECEMBER

Vintage Christmas is presented

by The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum. A big thank you to all of our sponsors who make this fabulous month-long event possible.

Presenting Sponsors

Lead Sponsors Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel; WERZ - Weather Partner Community Partner Great Bay Academy of Dance 4

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Experience the Magic!

“We have a real shot at becoming the Christmas Capital of North America.” That’s how Music Hall executive director Patricia Lynch put it, to the hearty agreement of the community collaborators who make Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth happen each year. At a gathering to start planning for the seventh year of this city-wide event, they agreed that Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth (www.vintagechristmasnh.org) steeps the entire destination in the incomparable, authentic sense of a classic New England holiday.

There are many components to the event that stretches over the month of December. The Music Hall hosts live holiday programs on the stage of its Historic Theater (see show listings on pages six to nine), and this year adds the Loft to the party, with a Vintage Christmas Pop-Up Market in the Loft to make it easy for visitors and locals to get in the spirit of the season.

On the other end of town, the Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum is now in its 32nd year of bringing alive family holidays through nearly 400 years of Portsmouth history with each century’s own local traditions: harpsichords in the Chase House, fiddles in the Cider Shed, a dramatic Victorian Christmas tree at the Goodwins’ and sizzling potato latkes in the Russian Jewish 1920s home of the Shapiros. Each historic house vignette is lit by flickering candles in wood and glass lanterns and tiny white lights (a perfect atmosphere for a romantic proposal, which is exactly what happened a year ago.)

Connecting these sparkling moments in holiday time are the vibrant streets of Portsmouth, brick sidewalks hung with wreaths, 19th century storefronts (tax-free shopping in New Hampshire!) festooned with the makings for the Chamber’s Holiday Doors of Portsmouth competition. The City of Portsmouth itself adds a free Vintage Christmas Trolley to the mix, providing a comfortable ride around the downtown loop of shops, hotels, parking, and performance sites—with a new stop this year at Vaughan Mall with access to Chestnut and Congress Streets. And hotels, including the Sheraton Portsmouth, offer packages that tie the whole experience up with a bow. — STEPHANIE SEACORD

All photos this page: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo.

Thank you to our Vintage Christmas Sponsors

What's so funny about Christmas?!

An Interview with JUSTON MCKINNEY Comedy Central star Juston McKinney, performing his Merry Funny New England Christmas with Bob Lord and The Gaudy Baubles at the Historic Theater on December 8 and 9, comes clean to The Music Hall's Thérèse LaGamma about humor and the holidays.

New at The Music Hall Loft – buy tickets and/or gift certificates to Candlelight Stroll, Music Hall live shows/film, select holiday gifts and Portsmouth souvenirs from Strawbery Banke Museum, The Music Hall, and area retailers, Puttin’ on the Glitz, and Churchill's Garden Center. The Loft bar will be open with our winter menu and select bar beverages. Profits go to support The Music Hall’s Explore + Learn program.

Beautiful baubles and accessories from Puttin' on the Glitz.

Holiday decor and gifts such as poinsettas, wreaths, and upscale toys from Churchill's Garden Center.

Crafts and books from Strawbery Banke Museum

Limited-edition Vintage Christmas ornament and Music Hall greeting cards!

Do all your holiday shopping here at The Music Hall in addition to the items in the Pop-Up Market, consider gift memberships, film passes and of course, gift certificates!

Q: What's your favorite thing about Christmas in Portsmouth— your hometown?

A: There is no better place for Christmas. I lived in Los Angeles for five years and it just wasn't the same—fake trees, fake snow, fake breasts. After a while you get tired of the fake trees and fake snow.

Q: What's your favorite thing about performing at The Music Hall?

A: Bringing together such a talented group of entertainers and being able to share it with my hometown. And doing it in such a great historical venue.

Q: What can fans expect that's new this year?

A: At least half of the show will be completely new material. Some fan favorites, like "Greyhound Bus to Portsmouth" and "Can You Keep A Secret Santa...I Re-gifted," we have to do again.

Q: What's important about keeping our sense of humor during the holiday season, especially in New England?

A: The holidays are stressful enough with families and all the usual stuff. Throw in the possibility of a snowstorm or a power outage or a bridge closure, and you need to laugh. They say laughing will help you live longer. So if you have relatives you're not too fond of, don't bring them.

Q: What else are you up to these days?

A: I am writing and developing a pilot about a volunteer fire department in the fictitious town of Effingwoods, New Hampshire, based on a series I produced with Seacoast natives Marc Dole and Stan Pavuk. Denis Leary of Rescue Me fame saw an episode and loved it, so his production company is on board.

TheMusicHall.org TheMusicHall.org

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NATIONAL THEATRE OF LONDON HD BROADCAST COLLABORATORS

Thursday, December 1 • 7pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $27.50

Joseph Stalin meets his fiercest critic – playwright Mikhail Bulgakov, whose searing indictment of corruption, greed, narrow-mindedness, and widespread paranoia of Soviet Russia, The Master and Margarita, has been called one of the masterpieces of the 20th century (Times of London). Stay tuned for more broadcasts to be announced!

SERIES SPONSOR: Seatrade International Co., Inc.

CHRIS MATTHEWS

Friday, December 2 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $13 Signed Book: $27.50 ($24.75 in advance with voucher)

Writers on a new england stage.

Presented by The Music Hall & NH Public Radio

The host of MSNBC’s Hardball and author of Life’s a Campaign and Kennedy and Nixon, joins us with his new work, Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero. Matthews examines JFK’s life, presidency, and influence on America, and shows how Jack Kennedy (all political opinions aside) was a true American Hero.

SERIES PARTNERS: EVENING SPONSOR: Popovers on the Square SERIES SPONSORS: Calypso Communications; New England Audio Tech; Piscataqua Landscaping Company, Inc.; RMC Research Corporation; Haunted Milk Design

LEAHY FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Saturday, December 3 • 8pm & Sunday, December 4 • 2pm The Historic Theater • Tickets: $38, $30

“Leahy makes Christmas a true family affair!”

– CALGARY HERALD

The eight siblings of this Canadian powerhouse band, known for their fiddle-driven Celtic/world music and step dancing, will fill you with their infectious Irish spirit as they perform their favorite Celtic medleys and traditional Christmas carols.

SPONSORS: Olde Port Properties; Northeast Delta Dental; Willis Programs; Capezio-Ballet Makers Dance Foundation

the met @ the music hall RODELINDA (Handel)

Monday, December 5* • 4pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $27.50 Sensational in the 2004 Met premiere of Stephen Wadsworth’s muchheralded production, Renée Fleming reprises the title role. She’s joined

by Stephanie Blythe and countertenor Andreas Scholl, while Baroque specialist Harry Bicket conducts. * Originally scheduled for Sun., Dec. 4 at 10am & 3pm at the Loft.

SERIES SPONSOR: New Hamsphire Public Television; The Senior Times EVENING SPONSORS: RiverWoods at Exeter; Tate and Foss Sotheby's International Realty 6

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SPONSORING ALL OF OUR HOLIDAY SHOWS:

Community Partner Spotlight

Bringthefamilytocelebratetheseasonwithmusicandsong

Holiday Concert Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra

with special guests The Sandpipers Seacoast Children's Chorus and Benjamin Vickers, Boston Philharmonic

Wed., Dec. 21 • 7:30

Tickets: $20 adults; $18 seniors; $8 students

It’s a must-see concert for the entire family: On December 21, The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra (PSO) will perform holiday favorites at The Music Hall’s Historic Theater, accompanied by The Sandpipers Seacoast Children’s Chorus. “The Sandpipers are a musical treasure in the Seacoast,” says PSO Music Director John Page. “We are proud to combine forces for the first time ever in our inaugural holiday concert which promises to be a joyous, roof-raising celebration of music, youth and the holiday season.”

Special guest conductor Benjamin Vickers of the Boston Philharmonic will lead the 60+ piece orchestra in a selection of holiday gems that includes an audience singalong of "White Christmas" and the original version of LeRoy Anderson’s "A Christmas Festival" as recorded in the 1950’s by Arthur Fieldler and The Boston Pops.

“There’s nothing more exciting than a community coming together to celebrate the holidays with music and song,” says Sand-

piper Artistic Director Tamara Rozek, who will be bringing 30 children between the ages of eight and 15, from auditioned choruses to sing on December 21. “All our concerts are family oriented, always striving for the highest musical standards and giving the children an opportunity to let their gifts shine,” says Rozek.

With ticket prices at just $20 for adults and $8 for students—less than the price of a movie—the PSO is “very keen to let people know they can bring the whole family and not break the bank,” says PSO Board of Directors President David Young. “Education is a keystone of our mission and we want classical music to be accessible to all ages.

It’s so important to expose kids to live symphonic music so they build a lifelong appreciation—and a holiday concert is the perfect introduction!”

— REGINA BARABAN

ADAM GOPNIK

Tuesday, December 6 • 7pm • The Music Hall Loft

Ticket package: $39; Reserved seat, hardcover book ($25.95), bar beverage; author presentation, Q&A, book signing meet & greet.

The award-winning New Yorker writer and author of Paris to the Moon, takes on the topic of food. In this new nonfiction work, Gopnik examines America’s food culture today, looking at exactly what goes on around the table among families, friends, lovers and strangers.

Series Sponsor:

Evening Sponsor: Seatrade International Co., Inc.

A MERRY FUNNY NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS

JUSTON MCKINNEY WITH BOB LORD AND THE GAUDY BAUBLES

Thursday, December 8 • 7:30pm Friday, December 9 • 8pm Historic Theater • Tickets: $40, $30

“Destined for stardom” – NY TIMES

Comedy Central star Juston McKinney is back in New England with four national headlining comedians and the effervescent Vegas band, the Gaudy Baubles, for a hilarious holiday extravaganza featuring that down-home Yankee sensibility colliding head on with a glittery showbiz Christmas! Recommended for ages 14+.

SPONSORS: Anneke Jans; GreenPages; Secure Planning, Inc.; Regal Limousine Service; IOS Business Centers; MoJo's BBQ Grill & Tavern; TD Bank TheMusicHall.org

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Virginia Prescott interviews Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough during his Writers on a New England Stage appearance.

Breakable RULES

for interviewing

by Virginia Prescott

Writers on a New England Stage Associate Producer Margaret Talcott interviewed Chris Matthews about his new book on JFK before his Dec. 2 appearance.

Q: Why do you think the American public is so interested in JFK? A: Jack Kennedy stands today as an authentic American hero.

When his PT boat was chopped in half by a Japanese destroyer, he saved those ten men in his crew. He also got us through the Cuban Missile Crisis. What stirs people even now is the confidence he aroused in this country.

“The problems of man are man-made; they can be solved by man,” JFK said in his great American University speech.

Q: How did JFK’s illnesses and loneliness as a child benefit him?

A: Young Jack Kennedy spent enormous time sick and cooped up in his room.

Stricken by chronic illnesses, he became an avid reader. His interests grew from King Arthur to Winston Churchill. This is something Jacqueline Kennedy 'got' about her husband. “History made him what he was,” she told author Theodore White a week after Jack’s death.

Q: If there was one lesson he chose to pass on, what would it be?

A: Start early! JFK saw this practice as critical to his electoral success. In that first race for Congress, he started his campaign many months ahead of the rival candidates. I agree with his belief in the value of the early start. My capability as a writer benefits from my fascination with politics since the age of six.

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This summer, I interviewed Neil Gaiman and David McCullough on successive nights. They were both smart and playful and open and spoke about the importance of knowing history. I was overwhelmed by the feeling of how lucky we all are to exist in a world in which these two brilliant men—the whimsical fantasist and the stately historian—can continue to inspire passion in readers while seeming to occupy completely different universes.

All of the authors in Writers on a New England Stage manifest the Presented by drive to create and imagine and add dimension and richness to our The Music Hall & NH Public Radio understanding of the world. And they are generous enough to share that with an audience. I am ecstatically grateful to be hosting this series.

Besides making New Hampshire an important stop for A-list authors, it allows all of us curious readers to take part in writing new chapters for the state’s life of the mind.

I approach interviews “like driving a car at night,” as E.L Doctorow said of writing. “You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” I’ve found that the real work is to unlearn the rules about an interviewer being “in command” at all times. When prepping for the interview with Madeleine Albright, for example, I looked for disparities between her book “Memo to the President Elect,” and her track record as Secretary of State. Isn’t that what a journalist must do? Hold feet to fire?

Thankfully, I came to see that that a good interview is not about me showing that I have the upper hand. Shutting down Secretary Albright, or anyone, in front of an admiring audience would merely display the kind of all-knowing posturing that many of us bemoan in our current media universe. It would be a conversation stopper.

Rather than be intimidated by these great, creative minds, I began to consider the conversations as gifts freely given. Rather than steer the boat, I row it. I follow my instinct to connect and get at what excites the authors about their work and why they are committed to it. The writers I am lucky enough to interview know their material and their process and who they are, and their readers love them for it. My job is to be extremely familiar with their work and be prepared to move in whichever direction the conversation goes.

When preparing for an interview, I read not only the book we are going to discuss, but also other important books in the respective author’s oeuvre as well as reviews and message boards to identify the obvious questions. Then I come up with my own. A few days before the interview, I go through the book again and type questions that still feel resonant.

I then organize ideas into themes that can respond to wherever the writer goes. There are questions that we get rid of knowing that audience members will ask them better. Often, my first, juiciest question gets answered during the author’s introduction or reading.

My hope is to go on a journey of discovery with the audience; not to pretend to be the smartest guy in the room. The challenge is coming up with the right questions, and then being prepared to abandon them.

Writers on a new england stage.

Virginia Prescott photo this page and Messiah Sing photo opposite page: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo.

Chris Matthews on Jack Kennedy

A CHRISTMAS CELTIC SOJOURN

Saturday, December 10 • 3pm & 7pm Historic Theater • Tickets: $42, $32

“Our new Christmas tradition!”

– DAMAMMA.COM

Back by popular demand, the Christmas spectacular that has sold out shows throughout New England! Top flight Irish performers join Brian O’Donovan, host of NPR’s Celtic Sojourn, as he explores traditional and contemporary music from the Celtic countries and England.

SPONSORS: Cate Street Capital, Inc.; Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, P.A. Certified Public Accountants; Capezio-Ballet Makers Dance Foundation

the met @ the music hall FAUST (Gounod)

Sunday, December 11 • 1pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $27.50 With Jonas Kaufmann in the title role, René Pape as the devil, and Marina Poplavskaya as Marguerite, Gounod’s classic retelling of the Faust legend couldn’t be better served. Tony Award-winning director Des McAnuff updates the story to the first half of the 20th century with a production that won praise in London last season. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts on the heels of his Don Carlo success.

SERIES SPONSOR: New Hamsphire Public Television; The Senior Times

GREAT BAY ACADEMY OF DANCE PRESENTS AN 1836 PORTSMOUTH NUTCRACKER

Friday, December 16 • 7pm Saturday, December 17 • 10am* Saturday, December 17 • 2pm Saturday, December 17 • 7pm Sunday, December 18 • 11:30am* Sunday, December 18 • 2pm All show in the Historic Theater • Tickets: $39.50-$24.50 The tradition continues as Great Bay Academy of Dance presents its 23rd season at The Music Hall. This holiday classic comes alive with a blend of local history, period costuming, and dance—making this production a local tradition and a must-see for the entire family. Great Bay Academy of Dance will donate a portion of its profits from this production to a local charity. * Nutcracker in a Nutshell performances are one-hour of highlights for little ones who may not be able to make it through the full production.

MESSIAH SING!

“The audience members were the stars” – PORTSMOUTH HERALD

Tuesday, December 20 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $15 Grab your score and join best-loved area choruses and conductors in a transcendent community sing in our glorious hall. It’s a “happening” - great fun and one of the best ways to celebrate the true meaning of the holidays.

SPONSORING ALL OF OUR HOLIDAY SHOWS:

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Love The Mus

ic Hall?

Make it official.

Become a member today.

Members can purchase tickets before the public! Join or renew at TheMusicHall.org or call (603) 433-3100 ext. 3014. Gift memberships available!

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SEEN @ THE MUSIC HALL LEARN + E R O L EXP DESIGN H B E W F O THE ART ITAL PORTSMOUT @ DIG Digital Portsmouth is a new collaboration between The Music Hall and NH TweetUp showcasing the creative, digital culture that is thriving on the Seacoast. The first event, held on Thursday, August 4 in the Loft, focused on The Art of Web Design and featured three shops from the area: Raka, Vital Design, and Leah Creates. Monte Bohanan, creator of the series says, “Our focus is to give these digital professionals the level of attention as visual artists and musicians, while at the same time have people in the field come together and network face-to-face and learn what incredible work is going on in our community.”

All photos this page: Philip Case Cohen/TheDailyPortsmouth.com

Follow us on Twitter: @MusicHall @NHTweetUp

EDITOR'S PICK

“Don't miss a profound historic night for Portsmouth on Monday, February 13, when the Soweto Gospel Choir sings a special encore over the sacred African Burying Ground on Chestnut Street after their performance.”

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JANUARY

New Year,

New

Met Experience Opera in an Opera House The wildly popular Met @ The Music Hall series has thrilled our patrons with high definition broadcasts of The Metropolitan Opera performances live from Lincoln Center since its inception in the 2007-2008 season. Now, thanks to our Treasure the Future Capital Campaign donations, The Music Hall has launched a major upgrade that provides crisper, more dynamic sound and image. “The experience now looks, sounds, and feels like opera in an opera house,” says Executive Director Patricia Lynch.

According to Chris Curtis, Programming Coordinator, “Those benefits result from a major upgrade to the existing Dolby Digital Surround Sound System and to our digital projector. And, to further enhance the patron’s opera-on-screen experience in the landmark 1878 Victorian theater, the Original Opera Box Lunch now features sandwiches with fresh baked local bread, and we’re also offering wine and beer and an extensive pastry menu. Finally, to keep the opera conversation going, we’ll have Opera Circle talks sprinkled throughout the season.”

Each opera broadcast also features live interviews with cast members and a look at behind-the-scenes action. As Curtis says, “Seeing world class opera, close to home, at a reasonable price and in such a beautiful setting as the Historic Theater makes for such a wonderful experience. Come find out what everyone has been talking about!”

Also On-Screen

Don't miss additional HD broadcasts, including our signature series National Theatre of London HD Broadcasts, smash hits from the London stage on screen at The Music Hall.

Also coming to the screen in January, don't miss Stephen Sondheim's Company with the New York Philharmonic starring Neil Patrick Harris.

Extraordinary Cinema

We are presenting a dazzling array of on-screen entertainment this season, and all of the films shown at The Historic Theater will be enhanced by the upgraded sound and projector system. The screening room experience at the Loft offers filmgoers another cinematic treat, with state-of-the-art sound and image, where patrons can enjoy food and drink at their seats. New films are announced monthly—watch for your monthly NOW calendar or go to TheMusicHall.org and sign up for e-news to receive the latest updates. This winter’s Extraordinary Cinema includes: Film Matters: Global issues, local resources. Compelling documentaries. Post film panels.

And we're still expecting some Wildcard Movies.

Screen Classics: Golden oldies to recent insta-classics.

Kids RULE!: Monthly films for the whole family.

P.S.: Don't miss our monthly Show & Tells with Paul Goodwin.

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Faust, December 11, 2011

Winter

Warm-Up

Winter food and drink at The Music Hall is all about connecting with "that warm feeling inside," says Food and Beverage Manager Scot Johnson, whose innovative food plates and signature cocktails at the Loft have fast become the best bargains in town. This winter, he says, patrons can look forward to seasonal hot drinks such as spiced apple cider and Tazo hot chocolate with fresh whipped cream topping, in both nonalcoholic and alcoholic versions (think hot cocoa kicked up a notch with creme de menthe.) The Loft also offers a selection of savory plates ($6 each), such as an assorted quiche plate with four eggpie masterpieces; all drinks and food can be brought to your seat. Drinks at both the Loft and Historic Theater always include Smuttynose draft beer and handpicked wine varietals. There are also new limited offerings this season that are inspired by events—for example, the Pop-Up Holiday Market at the Loft, and Signature Series performances at the Historic Theater. "We'll be customizing drink menus around the artist and the series," says Johnson. Also new this season: Pre-show specials at the Loft.

SNAPSHOT

Photo: Greg West/gregwestphotography.com

Maile Buker, Sr. Director of Marketing for Timberland, became a Music Hall member in September, 2011. "For the year and a half I've been in Portsmouth," she says, "I've seen what The Music Hall brings to the local community. I wanted to both support it and be a part of its fabric."

We caught up with her at the Gala fundraiser.

Maile Buker

Portsmouth, NH

NOW: Do you consider events like the Gala a benefit of membership?

Absolutely. The Music Hall Gala was a blast. Great auction items, unique venue, interesting people, and a fun dance party on top of all that.

NOW: What was your favorite performance or writer so far this year?

Elizabeth Gilbert in the Writers on a New England Stage series. I thought she was funny, and really enjoyed meeting her backstage and having her sign my book.

NOW: What event or performance are you most looking forward to this winter?

So hard to choose! I would have to pick An Evening with Gillian Welch. I loved what she did on the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack.

HENRY LOUIS GATES

Tuesday, January 17 • 7pm • The Music Hall Loft

Ticket package: $64; Reserved seat, hardcover book ($50), bar beverage; author presentation, Q&A, book signing

Harvard University’s Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research joins us to discuss Life Upon These Shores, his landmark book tracing African American history from the arrival of the conquistadors to the election of Barack Obama — defining events, debates, and controversies, as well as the achievements of people famous and obscure.

the met @ the music hall THE ENCHANTED ISLAND (Handel, Rameau, Vivaldi & Others) Saturday, January 21 • 1pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $27.50

Inspired by the musical pastiches and masques of the 18th century, the Met presents an original Baroque fantasy led by eminent conductor William Christie. The new libretto by Jeremy Sams combines elements of The Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

SERIES SPONSOR: New Hamsphire Public Television; The Senior Times EVENING SPONSORS: Cambridge Trust Company of New Hampshire; RiverWoods at Exeter; The White Apron

New sound, new visuals!

CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS

Thursday, January 26 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater Tickets: $24, $19 Rolling Stone described their style as “dirt-floor-dance electricity.” This new take on the music of legendary fiddler Joe Thompson helped them become the first black string band to play the Grand Ole Opry.

They’ll be touring behind their latest CD, Genuine Negro Jig, which won the 2011 Grammy Winner for Best Traditional Folk Album.

SERIES SPONSORS:

EVENING SPONSORS: Clear Eye Photo

“revisiting, with a joyful vengeance, black string-band and jug-band music of the Twenties and Thirties.”

—ROLLING STONE TheMusicHall.org

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FEBRUARY AParisian-themed

Valentine's Day in the Loft

The Gaudy Baubles featuring Renée Tuesday, February 14 • 8pm Tickets: $38 (includes a selection from our dessert menu, Tiramisu or French Truffle!)

s i r a P n i A Night RET

A B A C

Join us for a night of romance on Valentine’s Day, featuring our favorite band, the Gaudy Baubles, and their marvelous chanteuse, Renée. Escape to the City of Light for the evening with this Paris-themed cabaret — complete with great songs and a retro vibe.

Come early for our winter menu and specialty drinks!

Then watch the effervescent Gaudy Baubles do it again with a new show destined to become an instant classic. This one’s for you and your baby!

Behind the Scenes: Q&A with the band Patricia Lynch caught up recently with impresario Bob Lord—a little jet-lagged coming home from one of the most romantic capitals of Europe—and interviewed him about his latest project, a cabaret evening for Valentine’s Day in The Music Hall Loft.

NOW: Who is this chanteuse with one name?

BL: Renée is a collaborator of mine who not only has great pipes but a fantastic mastery of casting a spell over an audience.

NOW: So are we to expect something that’s going to put us in the mood for romance?

BL: Without a doubt!

EDITOR'S PICK

“Leave the driving to Regal Limousine and get your Valentine to dinner and the Cabaret in style! Try the Grilled New Zealand Lamb Rack at Rudi's (at right) or the Chargrilled Swordfish Tips at The RiverHouse. Indulge in the tiramisu or another special dessert at the Loft.”

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Valentine Cabaret photo: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo. Rudi's Portsmouth entree photo: Michael Winters Photography.

NOW: Bob, tell me about your band, the Gaudy Baubles, and how you settled on doing this cabaret?

BL: This is a band I put together with the special intent of purely pleasing and entertaining people. For this cabaret we have a collection of well-known romantic tunes, as well as newer songs that have a torchy classic appeal—all so retro, all so now! My goal is to make a memorable night out with your main squeeze and transport you sans jet lag to a candlelit nostalgic nightclub in Paris.

THE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP PRESENTS: THE CAPITOL STEPS

Saturday, February 4 • 5pm & 8pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $45, $35 Straight from D.C., the comic troupe of former congressional-staffers-turned-comedians return to Portsmouth for a 14th annual concert supporting affordable housing development. No matter who’s in the headlines, The Capitol Steps are equal opportunity offenders, promising an evening full of bipartisan lampooning.

CIRQUE MECHANICS PRESENTS BOOMTOWN

Saturday, February 11 • 4pm & 8pm Historic Theater • Tickets: $40, $28

A jaw-dropping aerial adventure with breathtaking acrobatics and fantastic machinery. Set in a Gold-Rush era mining town, featuring world-class circus stars from Cirque du Soleil and the Pickle Family Circus. It’s big time entertainment at The Music Hall!

“Eye-catching, ear-catching and engrossingly entertaining” – NY TIMES

SPONSOR: Anneke Jans; Albert P. Stowe, CPA, PLLC; The Port Inn; Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green; Calvert Investments; Isles of Shoals Steamship Company

the met @ the music hall GOTTERDAMMERUNG (Wagner)

Sunday, February 12 • 12pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $27.50

New sound, new visuals!

With its cataclysmic climax, the Met’s new Ring cycle, directed by Robert Lepage, comes to its resolution. Deborah Voigt stars as Brünnhilde and Gary Lehman is Siegfried—the star-crossed lovers doomed by fate.

SERIES SPONSOR: New Hampshire Public Television; The Senior Times EVENING SPONSORS: Cambridge Trust Company of New Hampshire

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR

Monday, February 13 • 7pm • The Historic Theater • Tickets: $42, $36 Direct from South Africa, this inspiring vocal ensemble performs tribal, traditional and popular African and Western gospel in eight languages.

Earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, a capella, and charismatic performances uplift the soul and express their country’s hopes for the future.

EXPLORE + LEARN: Please join us and the Soweto Gospel Choir after the show as we celebrate the work of the African Burying Ground Committee with a special encore song over sacred ground.

SPONSOR:

“Spirited and spectacular” – NY TIMES TheMusicHall.org

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EXPLORE + LEARN Opportunities abound to explore and learn at The Music Hall. This includes community partnerships offering master classes and other educational events for students, and events open to the public, such as Q&A discussions with star writers and performers and interactive post-film conversations with experts.

The Music Hall offers patrons the chance to delve a little deeper. Here are some of our favorite recent and upcoming Explore + Learn activities - stay up to date on new programs offered throughout the season by signing up for e-news at TheMusicHall.org.

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Lily Tomlin: Audience members enjoyed a post-show Q&A with the legendary comedian!

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Young women from Explore + Learn Partner of the Year Arts in Reach (AIR) met songstress Brandi Carlile and participated in a master class with the comedians of Women Fully Clothed.

Join us for a historic night for Portsmouth on Feb. 13, when the Soweto Gospel Choir sings a special encore over the sacred African Burying Ground on Chestnut Street.

Film

Matters

Post-film panels with experts at Conviction and For The Next 7 Generations

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JONNY LANG

Thursday, February 16 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater Tickets: $62; $49 With a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album, the voice of an ancient bluesman, and extraordinary guitar playing, this once-in-a-generation talent encompasses the blues and its relationship to R&B, soul, rock, gospel, and funk.

SERIES SPONSORS:

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EVENING SPONSORS: Clear Eye Photo; TD Bank

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GLOBAL ISSUES, LOCAL RESOURCES

“It's the blues, and it burns hot.”

– ROCHESTER CITY NEWS

Opera Circle Discussions of October's Met opera broadcasts, Anna Bolena and Don Giovanni.

QA &

All About Our Corporate Partners with The Music Hall's Meghan Durkee

Each year, Corporate Partners gather for a Sneak Peek of the upcoming season.

Q: What is the Corporate Partner Program?

A: We receive close to $500,000 each year in operational support from more than 300 companies through sponsorship of our many performances and special events like the Kitchen Tour, and through advertisements in the annual Playbill. We also receive invaluable donations from in-kind sponsors, from hotel rooms and transportation for artists, to catering, floral arrangements, marketing assistance, and more.

Q: This all sounds like a lot of work…do you secure these partnerships all by yourself?

A: Thankfully, NO! We are fortunate to have several all-volunteer committees—one of which is focused on Corporate Sponsorships and one on the Kitchen Tour—which help immensely with cultivating new prospects and maintaining sponsor relationships. We could not succeed without the hard work and generosity of these amazing community members!

Q: Why do these firms support The Music Hall?

A: Businesses partner with us to play a leadership role in bringing vibrant entertainment to the Seacoast; to increase their exposure to our 100,000 patrons; and to connect with their own clients and employees through parties and corporate events here.

Q: You have a big annual event, right?

A: Yes, every year we offer an exclusive Sneak Peek of the coming season’s programs just for our Corporate Partners—it’s always a lot of fun, and a great way for our supporters to meet each other, to learn about our upcoming programming, and to decide what they want to sponsor. Our next Sneak Peek will be in March 2012.

Q: What benefits does The Music Hall receive?

A: Many of our Corporate Partners also offer exclusive benefits to our members, including discounts of 10-20% off goods and services. For a complete list of member discounts, please visit the membership section of our website.

PS: If you’d like your business to partner with The Music Hall, contact Meghan Durkee at: mdurkee@themusichall.org

CUZIN RICHARD ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS MIKE MCDONALD'S COMEDY XXTRAVAGANZA

Friday, February 17 • 8pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $37; $34

Funnyman Mike McDonald brings the best in stand-up insanity with his 11th Annual Comedy Xxtravaganza. Join Mike and three other comedy heavyweights direct from the Tonight Show, Letterman, and Conan as they rip powerhouse punchlines to your funnybone.

SPONSORS: Eastern Propane; The Shark 102.1 and 105.3; NH Magazine; The Dolphin Striker; Seacoast Media Group; Sheraton Harborside; Blue Mermaid; Newcastle Technologies.

THE TEMPTATIONS

Friday, February 24 • 8pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $52; $44 With founding member Otis Williams at the helm, the Temptations take their smooth stepping and flawless presentations to sold out performances around the world. You'll hear all their classics – "The Way You do the Things You Do," "My Girl", etc. – reflecting the history of contemporary American pop and the original Motown machine.

SERIES SPONSORS:

EVENING SPONSORS: MoJo's BBQ Grill & Tavern; Wells Fargo Advisors; Clear Eye Photo

the met @ the music hall: ERNANI (Verdi) Saturday, February 25 • 1pm • Historic Theater • Tickets: $27.50

Angela Meade takes center stage in Verdi’s thrilling early gem.

Salvatore Licitra is her mismatched lover, and all-star Verdians Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Ferruccio Furlanetto round out the cast.

SERIES SPONSOR: New Hampshire Public Television; The Senior Times Evening Sponsors: Avery Insurance Agency; RiverWoods at Exeter; Tate and Foss Sotheby's International Realty

“The performances are wonderful, and the venue makes the experience special.”

- Barbara T. Cooper, Music Hall member and UNH professor TheMusicHall.org

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SEEN @ THE MUSIC HALL IC H

THE MUS

EFIT

BEN A L A G 'S ALL

EDITOR'S PICK

“No need to go to Vegas - get your Big Time Entertainment at The Music Hall with Cirque Mechanics on Saturday, February 11. Two shows - bring the family at 4pm or a date at 8pm!”

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Photos: Greg West/gregwestphotography.com

More than 200 people enjoyed a night to remember on October 1, when The Music Hall hosted a Gala Benefit at the PlaneSense Fractional Aircraft Ownership Program hangar in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

From the moment they walked down the red carpet, patrons had a spectacular evening, with delicious food catered by the White Apron, dessert by Me & Ollie's, and cash bar

by Chill Catering; a spirited auction of 11 luxury items; and dancing with DJ Chris Roxx.

The spacious venue, glowing with theatrical light projections, provided an elegant, fun environment to meet, mingle, and dance the night away. "This was the largest single benefit event we have ever had. The generosity in the room was astounding!" says Director of Institutional Advancement Laura Smith. "The buzz continues—we're already making a date for next year's benefit Gala. Don't miss it!"

PURCHASING TICKETS! ONLINE TheMusicHall.org

BY PHONE (603) 436-2400 IN PERSON 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 ORDER FORM

Available for pick up at our Box Office or call (603) 436-2400 and our staff will mail you one free of charge. Forms may be dropped off at the Box Office or mailed to the address above.

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 • (603) 436-2400 HOURS: 12 noon to 6pm, Monday – Saturday, closed most holidays.

On performance days – open until 30 minutes after curtain time.

For Sunday performances – open 2 hours before curtain time.

For film walk-up sales – open 30 minutes before film.

TICKET SALES All major credit cards are accepted. Tickets may be purchased in the following manner: Online: Visit www.tickets.themusichall.org anytime. Online orders incur a $4/ticket nonrefundable order charge for tickets $10+ (.50 under $10).

By Phone: Call (603) 436-2400 during Box Office hours. Phone orders incur a $4/ticket nonrefundable order charge for tickets $10+ (.50 under $10, maximum phone charge $20.00).

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

In Person: Visit the Box Office in the lower lobby of the Historic Theater at 28 Chestnut Street. No order charges.

Friend $50 – $94

By Mail: Send show & payment info to: The Music Hall Box Office, 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801. No order charges.

• Advanced purchases for Music Hall Presents performances • Home delivery of NOW @ The Music Hall • Receipt of E-news • Season Playbill recognition • Invitation to members-only events • Discounts on tickets to Music Hall benefit events • Discounts at local restaurants and merchants

Advocate $95 – $149 Friend level benefits plus…

• Two complimentary film passes (valid for the Historic Theater and the Loft) • 10% discount on Music Hall Presents performances at the Historic Theater and the Loft • 10% discount on Music Hall merchandise at the Loft

Contributor $150 – $249 Advocate level benefits plus…

• Two additional complimentary film passes – total of four • A voucher for four to a Historical Tour of The Music Hall

Supporter $250 – $499 Contributor level benefits plus…

• Two complimentary tickets for a Kids RULE! or Writers on a New England Stage performance

Patron $500 – $999 Supporter level benefits plus…

• A voucher for Music Hall Presents performances (up to $75 value) • Two passes to attend a Writers on a New England Stage VIP Reception • Invite to the annual Sneak Peek of upcoming season

Backer $1,000 – $2,499 Patron level benefits plus…

• Invitations to all Writers on a New England Stage VIP Receptions • Vouchers for Music Hall Presents performances (up to $150 value) • 20% discount on Music Hall Presents performances • Two Advocate gift memberships • 10% discount on Founders Lobby reception rentals

Founder $2,500 – $4,999 Backer level benefits plus…

• A voucher for Music Hall Presents performances (up to $150 value) or two Weekend Passes for Telluride by the Sea • Two additional Advocate gift memberships – total of four • Additional 10% discount on Founders Lobby reception rentals (total of 20%)

Stakeholder $5,000+ Founder level benefits plus…

• Concierge ticket service • Reception and preferred seating for Stakeholder Soiree events • Invitation to Stakeholders’ Annual Round Table • Additional 5% discount on Founders Lobby rentals (total of 25%)

ORDER CHARGES: There are fees. Of course no one likes paying fees, but the fees help cover the costs of operating a full Box Office. If The Music Hall used an outside ticketing agency, fees would be much higher - the industry-standard is between $10 and $17 per ticket. Not to mention that you’d be talking to someone in a call center located somewhere other than Portsmouth!

DISCOUNTS: Discounted tickets for Music Hall Presents events may be available to members, children (under 12), students, and seniors 60+.

LAST CALL TICKETS: When available, discounted tickets for Music Hall Presents events may be purchased on a “first come, first served” basis at the Box Office, 15 minutes prior to curtain time. Not applicable to special events, Intimately Yours, Kids RULE!, Writers, The Met, National Theater of London, cinema, and events not presented by The Music Hall.

GIFT CERTIFICATES: Available in any denomination at the Box Office, redeemable toward any Music Hall Presents event only. Gift Certificates and credits must be redeemed during Box Office hours in person, over the phone, or via mail. Gift certificates and credits cannot be redeemed online, and are not valid toward events presented by other organizations.

REFUNDS & EXCHANGES: Tickets to a Music Hall Presents event may be returned to the Box Office no later than 48 hours before the event only for a credit toward another Music Hall Presents event.

Within 48 hours of an event, tickets may be returned to the Box Office as a tax-deductible donation to The Music Hall. There are no refunds or exchanges for non-Music Hall Presents events. If a performance is canceled or postponed, a full refund of the printed ticket price will be available through the Box Office (phone and internet service charges are non-refundable).

WEATHER: The Music Hall does NOT close for inclement weather, and does not give refunds or exchanges to those unable to attend an event because of weather. The Music Hall does everything in its power to remain open for all performances. If the performers are in-house, the show goes on. The only exception is if the Governor of New Hampshire declares a state of emergency.

PARKING: The Music Hall does not offer private parking, however a drop-off area located at the corner of Chestnut St. & Porter St. provides access to the Historic Theater lobby. The Portsmouth Parking Garage is located on Hanover Street two blocks over (with additional entrances on Fleet and Ladd streets), a short walk to both the Historic Theater and The Music Hall Loft.

ACCESSIBILITY: The Historic Theater is a multi-level facility. A staffed elevator provides direct access to the theater’s orchestra level, which also includes the concessions lobby (stairs lead to the balcony from the orchestra level). Accessible restrooms are located in the lower lobby. The Historic Theater is equipped with a small number of FM hearing assist devices available to patrons who are hard of hearing, and can be checked out at the Box Office (when available) the day of the event. The Music Hall Loft is also a multi-level facility with an elevator that leads to accessible restrooms on the lower level.

Both theaters: Wheelchair seating may be available; a limited amount of accessible seating is available to patrons with disabilities and their guests. Our staff makes every effort to assist and accommodate all patrons. Please enquire when reserving seats. For specific ticket or access information, please call the Box Office at 603-436-2400. The Music Hall thanks the Rye Lions for providing a wheelchair for use by our patrons at the Historic Theater. Please make special seating requests when ordering tickets.

Music Hall Box Office Makes it Easy: Today, more and more theaters are turning to corporate ticketing agencies to manage their Box Office operations off site. Bucking this national trend, The Music Hall is committed to maintaining a full service in-house Box Office. What does that mean for you as a patron? First and foremost, our Box Office staff will help you select seats that are best for what you desire and provide you with information you need to know. Second, they live here in the Seacoast so they can provide directions, recommend local restaurants, hotels, places to park, and other area attractions. Finally, our staff can mail your tickets at no extra charge - a great convenience since many other theaters charge for shipping tickets.

TheMusicHall.org

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Date

Nat'l Theatre of London HD

Collaborators

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Writers on NE Stage: Chris Matthews Friday, December 2 • 7:30pm

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Thursday, December 1 • 7pm

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Leahy Family Christmas

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Met @ The Music Hall

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Writers in the Loft: Adam Gopnik Tuesday, December 6 • 7pm

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December 3-4

Rodelinda (Handel)

Monday, December 5 • 4pm

A Merry Funny New England Christmas December 8-9

Christmas Celtic Sojourn

Saturday, December 10 • 3 & 8pm

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Met @ The Music Hall: Faust Sunday, December 11 • 1pm

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Community Partner:

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Great Bay Academy of Dance An 1836 Portsmouth Nutcracker December 16-18

Messiah Sing!

Tuesday, December 20 • 7:30pm

Date

January 2012

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Writers in the Loft: Henry Louis Gates Tuesday, January 17 • 7pm

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Met @ The Music Hall

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The Enchanted Island (Handel, Rameau, Vivaldi & Others) Saturday, January 21 • 1pm Intimately Yours:

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Thursday, January 26 • 7:30pm

February 2012

16 17 24 25 Date

February 2012

The Music Hall Presents:

A Night in Paris Cabaret

Tuesday, February 14 • 8pm Community Partner Goodwin Community Health Presents BANFF Film Festival Wednesday, February 15 • 8pm Intimately Yours Jonny Lang Thursday, February 16 • 7:30pm Rental Partner: Cuzin Richard Entertainment Presents

Comedy XXtravaganza

Friday, February 17 • 8pm Intimately Yours The Temptations Friday, February 24 • 8pm Met @ The Music Hall

Ernani

Saturday, February 25 • 1pm

March 2012

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Nat'l Theatre of London HD

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Altan

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The Comedy of Errors

Saturday, March 3 • 1pm Friday, March 9 • 8pm Hilarity @ The Music Hall:

Sandra Bernhard

Saturday, March 10 • 8pm

April 2012

Date

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Moscow Festival Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

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Met @ The Music Hall

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Sunday, April 1 • 4pm

Manon

Saturday, April 7 • 12pm Met @ The Music Hall

La Traviata

Saturday, April 14 • 1pm

May 2012

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Intimately Yours:

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires

21st Annual Kitchen Tour

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Community Partner: The Housing Partnership Presents

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Writers on a New England Stage:

Thursday, January 26 • 8pm

The Capitol Steps

Saturday, February 4 • 5pm & 8pm

Cirque Mechanics Boomtown

Saturday, February 11 • 4pm & 8pm

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Met @ The Music Hall

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Soweto Gospel Choir

(603) 436-2400

Götterdämmerung

Sunday, February 12 • 12pm Monday, February 13 • 7pm

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Saturday, May 5 • 10am-3pm

Erik Larson

Tuesday, May 8 • 7:30pm

Kids RULE! Justin Roberts and the Not

Ready for Naptime Players Sunday, May 20 • 3pm

KEY

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December 2011

Programming & Shows 2011-2012*

@ The Loft @The Historic Theater

themusichall.org

AT A GLANCE

*As of October 20, 2011. Visit TheMusicHall.org for updated listings—new shows added throughout the season!

The Music Hall’s Quarterly Magazine Winter 2011/12 NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PORTSMOUTH, NH PERMIT NO. 202

Friends of The Music Hall 28 Chestnut Street Portsmouth, NH 03801

CHRIS MATTHEWS with his new book,

Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero see pages 6 & 8