WINTER 2021 SEASON
A Message from Executive and Artistic Director Shannon Mayers
Dear friends, Over the past few months, it has been a pleasure to begin to immerse myself in the Ocean County community. I look forward to continuing to meet the patrons, artists, businesses, students, and educators who help make Ocean County a community that supports the arts. The Grunin Center remains steadfast in our commitment to providing quality, transformative arts experiences to the Ocean County community. The arts will always serve as a conduit to hope, healing, and revitalization. We thank you for your continued support as we welcome you back to the theater. This winter, the shows we have planned for you include many Grunin Center traditions, such as the Ballet for Young Audiences’ The Nutcracker. Additionally, we are looking forward to welcoming several first-time visitors to our stage. We enjoy being a part of your seasonal celebrations each December and providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere to enjoy quality entertainment through the winter months. A few spring shows are listed in this brochure, and we are excited to announce the remainder of our Spring event lineup later this year. Thank you again for the warm welcome to Ocean County. I look forward to many years of providing arts entertainment to this beautiful community!
My late wife Linda and I have always had philanthropy in our hearts. In 2013, we established the Grunin Foundation, with our son Jeremy, to give back to the community that afforded us so many incredible opportunities.
A Message from Jay Grunin
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Our Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all members of our community by using philanthropy to drive economic excellence at the Central Jersey Shore. We envision a thriving community where everyone has equitable access to an abundance of exemplary arts, culture, education, healthcare and economic opportunities. As we work towards recovering from the global health crisis, we must continue to show our support now more than ever. Our community will be there, united by the arts, with our spirits more grateful, our applause louder and our hearts fuller.
Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts • Winter 2021
3..........Splish Splash - The Music of Bobby Darin 4..........A Christmas Carol 4.......... OCC Concert Band presents Good to be Home for the Holidays 5..........Eric Mintel Quartet 9..........Sweet Potato Pie 10.........Margarita Rovenskaya 10-19... OCC Repertory Theatre Co. presents Broadway for the Holidays II 16.........Cherish the Ladies - Celtic Christmas 18......... Ballet for Young Audiences presents The Nutcracker
January 2022 11-12.....Red Firecrackers 19.........American Patchwork Quartet 27........Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical!)
SCHEDULE
December 2021
February 2022 9..........Rhapsody in Black 25........Anna Keiserman and Chris Herbert
April 2022 1...........The TEN Tenors 30........Shawn Colvin
Additional Spring Shows to be announced later this winter!
At the Grunin Center, our COVID-19 safety measures include: ■ Masks are required for guests aged 2 and up. ■T he lobby and theater will be open 45 minutes prior to the event start time to allow for relaxed entry. ■ I f you are not feeling well, please, stay home. Please contact the box office to discuss ticket options. ■D istanced, pick-your-own seating will be offered. Please keep some distance between your party and others in lobby spaces. ■ Hand sanitizer will be readily available throughout the venue. ■W e’ve upgraded our HVAC system to include UV-C disinfection. ■T he venue will be professionally cleaned between each performance. Please note that the information in this brochure is accurate as of the time of printing. Event dates, times and capacities are subject to change in line with state of New Jersey guidelines for indoor performances.
grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500
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Splish Splash The Music of Bobby Darin FRIDAY P DECEMBER 3, 2021 8:00pm Main Stage $35-$25 Livestream option $13 It has been said that had he lived, Bobby Darin would have been more famous than Frank Sinatra. In this special show, Vegas entertainer Ron Gartner honors the Darin legacy, singing the songs of the swinging-est guy who ever put on a tux, in a show that covers everything from Darin’s rock ‘n’ roll days to the evening at the Copa. Featuring finger-snappin’ songs like Mack The Knife, Dream Lover, Beyond the Sea, and many many more!
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Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts • Winter 2021
Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas THURSDAY P DECEMBER 16, 2021 7:30pm Main Stage $48-$35 One of the most engaging and successful ensembles in the history of Celtic music, Cherish The Ladies have shared timeless Irish traditions with audiences worldwide for over thirty years. In their Celtic Christmas program, the Ladies put their signature mark on classic carols such as O Come All Ye Faithful and Silent Night, in arrangements that highlight the group’s unique Celtic instrumentation, beautiful harmonies, and spectacular step dancing. Hailed by The New York Times as “passionate, tender and rambunctious,” Cherish The Ladies have released three critically acclaimed holiday albums, On Christmas Night, A Star In The East, and 2015’s Christmas In Ireland.
grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500
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Rhapsody in Black WEDNESDAY P FEBRUARY 9, 2022 7:30pm Main Stage $10 School-time performance at 11:00am* Written and performed by LeLand Gantt, Rhapsody in Black is a one-man show that explores LeLand’s personal journey to understanding and eventually transcending racism in America. How he manages to cope with the various psychological effects of consistently being marked “The Other” is recounted in remarkable and exquisitely moving detail, guaranteed to leave lasting impressions. *Please note that this show explores the topic of racism, and includes sensitive and difficult situations and language. This event is part of the OCC Social Justice Series. For more information on this initiative, visit ocean.edu/social-justice-series.
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Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts • Winter 2021
Shawn Colvin: Steady On 30th 32nd Anniversary Tour SATURDAY P APRIL 30, 2022 8:00pm Main Stage $55-$35 VIP Meet and Greet Seats $135 Three-time GRAMMY winner Shawn Colvin’s debut album, Steady On, was released in October 1989, a stunning introduction to an artist who quickly established herself as a mainstay in the singer-songwriter genre. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of this landmark album, Colvin has released a newly-recorded solo-acoustic version. Colvin brings a 30-year lens to her treasured songs, casting new light on the stories she first told as a young artist. Colvin has long been hailed as an exemplary solo acoustic performer and these new recordings are a brilliant showcase for her enduring artistry.
grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500
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FAMILY SERIES
Yates Musical Theatre presents
A Christmas Carol
SATURDAY P DECEMBER 4, 2021 1:00pm Main Stage $12 Adult • $10 Child Livestream option $8 A musical adaptation of the tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who hated Christmas until ghosts take him on a journey into the past, the present, and the future....into the lives of his poor office clerk, Bob Cratchit, and the crippled, cheerful Tiny Tim. The Yates Musical Theatre has brought these unforgettable characters from the page to the stage, added a melodious score, and wrapped it all up in a beautiful holiday present of a production. A heart-warming theatre experience to help put everyone in the holiday spirit.
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Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts • Winter 2021
FAMILY SERIES
Ballet for Young Audiences presents
The Nutcracker
SATURDAY P DECEMBER 18, 2021 1:00pm & 4:00pm* Main Stage $12 Adult • $10 Child *Livestream option $8 The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl on the brink of womanhood whose dreams are both childlike and tinged with romance. She is the favorite godchild of Herr Drosselmeyer, a mysterious clockmaker, who helps to transport Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to a special realm.
grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500
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The TEN Tenors - Love is in the Air FRIDAY P APRIL 1, 2022 8:00pm Main Stage $55-$35 VIP Pre-Show Reception Add-On for $75 The TEN Tenors will be singing some of your favorite romantic tunes, from pop songs to classic love songs, and even a few of the most famous love arias in existence. The Ocean County College Foundation and The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts are partnering to host a benefit concert to support the students of OCC. For one night only, enjoy an evening of incredible music and food as you support the mission of the OCC Foundation. Despite the College’s best efforts to maintain an affordable education, many students still have a tremendous need for financial assistance. Scholarships make a difference. Your support of this event can turn the dream of a college education into a reality for many Ocean County students! For more information on scholarships, please visit go.ocean.edu/scholarships.
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Eric Mintel Quartet SUNDAY P DECEMBER 5, 2021 3:00pm Main Stage $24 Adult • $20 Senior Livestream option $13 The Eric Mintel Quartet has been thrilling audiences of all ages with their electrifying jazz for over 25 years. The band includes pianist and composer Eric Mintel, Nelson Hill (sax/flute), Jack Hegyi (bass), and Dave Mohn (drums). The EMQ is best known for its tribute to Dave Brubeck and the performance of many originals.
grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500
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DAYTIME FUN
Sweet Potato Pie THURSDAY P DECEMBER 9, 2021 1:00pm Main Stage $25 Livestream option $13
The spirit of Christmas is truly reflected in the music of the season. Welcome in the holidays with the highly acclaimed female band, Sweet Potato Pie. Known for their beautiful harmonies and creative song styling, they will captivate you with their heartfelt renditions of their favorite holiday tunes in A Home Grown Christmas.
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DAYTIME FUN
American Patchwork Quartet WEDNESDAY P JANUARY 19, 2022 2:00pm Main Stage $20 School-time performance at 11:00am American Patchwork Quartet (APQ) is on a mission to reclaim the immigrant soul of American Roots Music. Highly acclaimed artists Falu Shah (vocals), Clay Ross (guitar/ vocals), Clarence Penn (drums), and Yasushi Nakamura (bass) showcase the dynamic diversity of contemporary culture by reimagining timeless songs from America’s past. “America has a patchwork culture made of the dreams and songs of all its people.” Alan Lomax This engagement of American Patchwork Quartet is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500
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Good to be Home for the Holidays
OCC EVENTS Ocean County College Concert Band
Good to be Home for the Holidays
SATURDAY P DECEMBER 4, 2021 7:00pm Main Stage Adults $20 • Seniors $18 Livestream option $13 It’s been almost two years since the OCC Concert Band has performed, so let’s get together, catch up, and enjoy some great holiday music. From traditional favorites like Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival, to contemporary hits from Jose Feliciano and Mariah Carey, you’ll see why it’s good to be home for the holidays! Conducted by Anthony Tafrow
REPERTORY THEATRE COMPANY Broadway for the Holidays II DECEMBER 10-19 Black Box Theater Adult $15 Senior/Child $12
Friday, December 10 P 7:30pm Saturday, December 11 P 2:00pm Saturday, December 11 P 8:00pm Sunday, December 12 P 2:00pm Friday, December 17 P 7:30pm Saturday, December 18 P 2:00pm Saturday, December 18 P 8:00pm Sunday, December 19 P 2:00pm
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Celebrate the holidays Broadway-style when the OCC Repertory Theatre Company presents this rousing revue featuring over 20 of your favorite holiday tunes from the Great White Way. With performances that range from silly to somber, this all-encompassing collection of seasonal favorites will be sure to put even the biggest Grinch into the holiday spirit!
Margarita Rovenskaya FRIDAY P DECEMBER 10, 2021 2:00pm Main Stage FREE! Advance registration is required. Born in Ukraine, Margarita began studying the piano at the age of six in Chicago. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at Oberlin Conservatory in May 2012 and her Masters in Piano Studies at New York University in May 2014, where she also served as Adjunct Piano Faculty. She is currently earning her Doctorate of Musical Arts at Rutgers University. She is Head of the Piano Department at Newark School of the Arts, and is piano faculty at several studios, schools, and summer festivals.
AFTERNOON RECITAL SERIES
Anna Keiserman & Chris Herbert
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2022 2:00pm Main Stage FREE! Advance registration is required.
Russian-born and New York-based pianist Anna Keiserman and American baritone and musicologist Christopher Herbert will perform a recital featuring the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff and Georgi Sviridov.
grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500
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Red Firecrackers The Legend of the First Chinese New Year TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11 & 12, 2022 10:00am & 12:00pm Main Stage P FREE! The Nai Ni Chen Dance Company presents a spectacular production of props, costumes, music, acrobatics, and dance by top-notch performers, telling the story of the origin of the Chinese Lunar New Year. In this legend, a group of villagers working, dancing, and praying together defeat a terrifying monster of the ages. This event is made possible through support from the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
SCHOOLS ‘N’ STAGE Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour presents
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical!)
THURSDAY P JANUARY 27, 2022 10:00am & 12:00pm Main Stage P $5 per student
s Art © Mo Willem
With a script written by Mo Willems (the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor awardwinning “Pigeon” picture books), along with longtime collaborator and Disney Jr.’s Muppet Babies executive producer Mr. Warburton, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (the composer behind Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), this comedic musical production is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! For more details and to book your school group, contact Jaclyn Wood, Assistant Director - Education & Community Engagement , at 732-255-0500.
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________________ 2021-2022 SEASON ________________
Music lives on the Jersey Shore, where the Garden State Philharmonic opens its arms to existing and future generations of music lovers, forging a classical path between the metropolises of Philadelphia and New York City.
___________ SYMPHONIC ENCOUNTERS SERIES ___________ JAY & LINDA GRUNIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Peter and the Wolf & Music from Around the World February 20, 2022
Serge Prokofiev’s famous story, Peter and the Wolf, is known and loved by people around the world. Experience this classic in the woodwind and percussion version, performed by the Garden State Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet, as we take a trip around the world with additional music by Claude Debussy, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Scott Joplin, Valerie Coleman, and Zequinha de Abreu. Featuring Narrator and Baritone, Edward Pleasant, this concert is great for people of all ages. 3:00pm Main Stage
______________ GENERAL INFORMATION ______________ Garden State Philharmonic Office 1 College Drive, PO Box 2001 Toms River, NJ 08754 732-255-0460
Visit us online for program information or to make donations to the nonprofit. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Garden State Philharmonic office.
www.gardenstatephilharmonic.org @gardenstatephilharmonic @thegardenstatephilharmonic @gsp_music
_____________________ TICKETS _____________________ Premiere Seating Adults $50 Seniors (60+) $45 General Seating Adults $37 Students (w/ID) $15
A per-order service and handling fee will be applied at the time of purchase. Groups of 12 or more receive special discounts. Save 10-15% off single tickets when you purchase a subscription package.
grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500
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The Grunin Center wishes to acknowledge the following organizations for their support.
These programs are funded in part by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and a grant from the NJ State Council on the Arts administered by The Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission.
Located on the Ocean County College Campus West College Drive (to N. Bay Ave)
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SPONSORS & DIRECTIONS
Sponsors
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To Church Road
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Purchasing Tickets
Tickets are available online at grunincenter.org or by phone from the Grunin Center Ticket Office. Hours: Monday-Friday, Noon to 5:00pm., phone 732-255-0500. All information contained in this publication is accurate at the time of print. Prices, fees, dates, times, capacities, performers and performances are subject to change at any time. Such changes do not dictate a refund or exchange unless authorized by the producer, promoter or Grunin Center for the Arts. Ticket processing fees apply to all orders. Fees are subject to change. Winter 2021-2022 tickets go on sale Friday, September 24, 2021 at noon.
Accessibility
The Grunin Center for the Arts strives to make every accommodation possible for patrons needing accessible seating. Seating is limited and we encourage guests to make arrangements in advance. Assisted listening devices are available at all performances and are sanitized after each use. For large print or Braille programs please make request four weeks in advance.
Discounts and Subscriptions
OCC faculty, staff, students and alumni: Various discounts available for eligible shows. Limit of two tickets per eligible performance. Call the ticket office for details. Discounts are taken off adult ticket prices unless otherwise noted.
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Address and Contact Info
Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College College Drive Toms River, NJ 08754 Building #11 Free Parking Available
732-255-0500 grunincenter@ocean.edu grunincenter.org
Stay Connected
T I C K E T I N F O R M AT I O N
For a complete listing of Policies, Accessibility Information, and Discounts, please visit grunincenter.org
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Spring shows will be announced soon! grunincenter.org • 732-255-0500
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WINTER 2021 SEASON
www.grunincenter.org
The TEN Tenors (p. 10)
College Drive, PO Box 2001 Toms River, NJ 08754-2001
TOMS RIVER NJ 08754 PERMIT NO 27
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