2022-23 Season Brochure

Celebrating 25 Years

2022–23 SEASON

thank you to our sponsors

25 TH JUBILEE PLATINUM LEVEL

DIAMOND LEVEL

HERB & MARY JERVIS

GOLD LEVEL

LEE HINKLE

SILVER LEVEL

FSU License Plate

KEN KATO & NAN NAGY BERNADETTE & ROGER LUCA

ERIC & ANDREA FRIALL

RON SACHS & GAY WEBSTER-SACHS

MIKEY BESTEBREURTJE & WILSON BAKER CHRIS & BETH CORUM KIMBERLY CRISER

BRONZE LEVEL

Architects

BETH

IN-KIND SPONSORS & ENDOWMENTS

KELLY & LAURIE DOZIER ENDOWMENT FUND

LOUISE IRELAND HUMPHREY EXCELLENCE FUND

BETH & LAWTON LANGFORD ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

SPONSOR SUPPORT DOES NOT INDICATE ARTISTS’ ENDORSEMENT OF ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE.

LARRY & JO DEEB

MARJORIE TURNBULL

JANET R. THORNTON

SALLY KARIOTH

CHARLES & SUSAN STRATTON

& LAWTON LANGFORD DEBBY KEARNEY

JIM & BETTY ANN RODGERS

LINDA J. SMITH, PHD

MR. & MRS. JOHN RADEY

2022-23 season calendar

march

3 ABBA The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA tribute, pop

8 tenThing Brass Ensemble holiday, classical, instrumental, jazz january

3 Zodiac Trio instrumental, jazz

4 Emmylou Harris country, Americana

21 fence by staibdance dance

29 Final Cut: 1982 film

12 The Manhattan Transfer & DIVA vocal, jazz

11 New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: The Mikado opera, comedy, musical theatre

23 The Jungle Book family, theatre

2 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox jazz, pop 3 All-4-One r&b, pop 6 Mykal Kilgore

19 International Guitar Night classical, flamenco, guitar, jazz 24 Voctave

29 Jay Leno comedy april

13 John Ensor Parker: Chain of Parks Art Festival Presenting Artist speaker, visual arts

16 PRISM classical, jazz, marching band, pop

25 Piano Battle classical, instrumental, comedy

Mykal Kilgore

Cover Photo: Emmylou Harris by Kat Villacorta

celebrating years of

Welcome to the 25th Anniversary Season of Opening Nights! I am thrilled to take the helm as we embark on the Silver Jubilee Season. It is my honor to serve Florida State University and the Tallahassee community.

The programs selected for the 2022–23 Season demonstrate Opening Nights’ continued commitment to presenting the very best.

The 25th Anniversary Season features legendary artists and entertainers, including familiar faces and not-to-be-missed performances by emerging artists. Whether it’s comedy, dance, film, theater, distinguished speakers, jazz, classical or R&B, Opening Nights has more than 25 reasons to gather, to celebrate and to be inspired. Opening Nights also continues its 25-year commitment to education by providing interactive learning experiences, masterclasses, and performances by the featured artists, exclusively for local students of all ages.

I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate the legacy of Opening Nights than by attending one of the many upcoming live performances. Our mission to present world-class artists contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of our community.

Whether you are a first-time attendee or a long-time patron, we look forward to celebrating our Silver Jubilee Season with you.

All the best,

Jennifer

Director,

John Updike

Davis Gaines

Claire Bloom

Boston

Mark

Joshua

Three

Wright-Allen

Opening Nights at Florida State University

Margo Bindhardt, Chair

Jennifer Fields Carmen Braswell-Butler 1998

President Sandy D’Alemberte proposes an annual arts festival.

Danny Glover & Felix Justice The Canadian Brass with USO

Olympia Dukakis

Bell with USO

Mo’ Tenors

Pops

Twain Tonight with Hal Holbrook

President D’Alemberte taps Margo Bindhardt, a dedicated patron of the arts, to serve as chairman of the volunteer Executive Committee.

First Full-Time Festival Director was Hired: Jennifer Fields (Rine)

from the honorary chair

When Opening Nights was conceived 25 years ago as a seven-day arts festival, our goal was to provide meaningful artistic and professional experiences to the Florida State University community. Since the inaugural festival, Opening Nights has grown and evolved into a yearlong extraordinary cultural program that is at the heart of bringing fine arts to the entire Tallahassee community.

As someone who is passionate about the arts, I’m excited to serve as honorary chair of the 25th anniversary season of Opening Nights. Since arriving at Florida State University last year, I have been thrilled to discover what many here already know—Opening Nights is a premier performing arts program that brings world-class performers to our campus, provides once-in-a-lifetime educational experiences for our students, and enriches the entire community.

Opening Nights has a rich history of hosting both renowned performers and emerging talent, thanks to tremendous support from our members, patrons, and sponsors. Opening Nights’ new director, Jennifer Wright-Allen, will continue this tradition of excellence while contributing new energy and fresh ideas to the program. Jennifer comes to FSU from the Angelina Arts Alliance in Lufkin, Texas, where she served as executive director and was responsible for development,

marketing, board member relations and community partnerships. I’m looking forward to working with her as we celebrate Opening Nights’ 25th anniversary with a diverse lineup of performances and events in music, dance, theatre, film, literature, and visual arts. I hope you’ll join us for what is sure to be a spectacular Silver Jubilee!

Jai Vartikar, Ph.D. First Lady, Florida State University Honorary Chair, Opening Nights at Florida State University

“Seven Days has quickly become a cultural institution in Tallahassee, as well as an invaluable educational resource for our students in the arts.”

Stephen King

Pat Metheny Trio with Christian McBride & Antonio Sanchez

Legendary artists help celebrate 10 years: Chris Botti (1st of many performances), Art Garfunkel, Martin Short, Chick

Million

begins

Diane Greer, Director

Steve McQueen, Director

Michael McDonald Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Bobby McFerrin with USO

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Vienna Boys Choir

Corea & Bela Fleck

Annual PRISM concert debuts in Ruby Diamond

Willie Nelson President T.K. Wetherell (2004–2010)

Salman Rushdie

$32

Ruby Diamond Renovation

Under Diane’s tenure, the number of performances increased.

celebrate & support a cultural tradition

it’s my honor to Chair the Opening Nights Development Council during such a significant year in the program’s history. As we announce our 25th Anniversary Season and welcome new Director Jennifer Wright-Allen, we celebrate one of our community’s richest cultural traditions. I ask you to celebrate with us and become an Opening Nights Member, Sponsor or give to our education fund.

Opening Nights brings artists and performers that represent up-and-coming talent that we love to say, “I saw them before they were famous” as well as established legacies that we want to see one more time before they stop touring. Your gifts help make these performances happen. But did you know, member and sponsor support make possible master classes on campus as well as help provide school

performances and educational activities in our Leon County Schools?

My wife, Andrea, and I have long supported the arts. We recognize the impact live performances have on people of all ages. We have watched our daughter, Camille, blossom through the performing arts. The arts teach confidence, problem solving, creative thinking, offer therapy, and can just be fun and entertaining.

Opening Nights’ programming reflects our community’s diversity and brings together individuals for a shared experience. Opening Nights provides an important and meaningful connection between our beloved university and our community. Please join me, Andrea, and Camille in supporting a cultural tradition in our community—give to Opening Nights and ensure that the arts are available for all to enjoy.

Eric Friall Chair, Opening Nights Development Council

Chris Heacox, Director

Steve McQueen, Director, CONT. 2011 2013

2015

2017

Ruby Diamond reopens after $32 Million Renovation

Transition to “Opening Nights” to reflect expanded season

B.B. King

Tony Bennett

Bernadette Peters

2012

2014

2016

Allen Toussaint

Itzhak Perlman

Branford Marsalis Quartet

Anthony Bourdain

Steve Martin

Joshua Bell with USO

tradition of excellence, a foundation in the arts

opening Nights at Florida State University celebrates its 25th anniversary season, and the 2022–23 lineup reflects its long tradition of excellence and commitment to all arts genres.

Connecting the university to the community, Opening Nights collaborates with arts and cultural entities on and off campus to present unique cultural experiences that raise awareness, encourage discussion and inspire creativity.

FSU’s tradition of showcasing world-class performers started in 1923 with the creation of the Florida State College for Women Artist Series. John Champion, FSU’s eighth president, enhanced that event in 1968 with the Florida State University Fine Arts Festival, which continued in some capacity until the spring of 1991.

Recognizing the arts contributions to student-campus life and to the community, Sandy D’Alemberte, FSU’s 12th president, brought together university deans and directors and community leaders to reinstate the performing arts series in 1998.

That led to, beginning in February 1999, the “Seven Days of Opening Nights Festival,” which developed into an annual series of performances and events from fall to summer.

In 2014, the name was changed to Opening Nights (ON) to reflect the expansion of the program, which continues to offer performances and educational events in music, theater, dance, film, spoken word and visual arts.

Through Opening Nights, Tallahassee has since joined the ranks of the nation’s biggest cities in attracting top performers.

Opening Nights has presented legacies such as Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Lily Tomlin, Chris Botti, Pilobolus, Patti LaBelle, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Lang Lang, Patti LuPone, Yo-Yo Ma, Twyla Tharp Dance, Joshua Bell, The Beach Boys, and Izthak Perlman.

ON has also featured FSU alumni such as stage actor Davis Gaines and recording artist Rita Coolidge, plus FSU faculty members including Suzanne Farrell, winner of the National Medal of the Arts, and author

Robert Olen Butler, winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Another compelling national act: Urban Bush Women, founded by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, an FSU faculty member and a recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship. ON not only has presented exceptional artists but also has co-commissioned works such as “The Unfolding,” an original jazz composition by Wayne Shorter, a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, ninetime GRAMMY® Award Winner and one of the most important composers of our time. For that concert, FSU Chamber Winds, conducted by Richard Clary, performed with the Wayne Shorter Quartet at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Expanding on this one-of-kind experience, students were able to discuss jazz and composition with Shorter.

Twenty-five years later, Opening Nights reflects the long and storied history of performing arts at FSU and strives to present compelling and distinguished artists who provide extraordinary experiences that educate, inspire and connect the campus and community.

President Richard McCullough, FSU’s 16th President Inaugural Arts Advocate Award

Michael Blachly, Director

Jennifer Wright-Allen, Director

2019

2021 25th Anniversary Celebrations Begin!

Yo-Yo Ma

Parsons Dance

Kristin Chenoweth

Hiplet Ballerinas

Dance Theatre of Harlem

2018

2020

2022

Máiréad Nesbitt Patti LaBelle

Lily Tomlin

Rosanne Cash LeMoyne Chain of Parks Presenting Artists Series established thanks to Dozier Endowment

ways to give & benefits

help make our silver jubilee GOLDEN

Opening Nights

Distinguished Artists Fund

The purpose of the fund is to allow donors to contribute to Opening Nights general operating expenses for artistic programming so that FSU can continue as a leading performing arts presenter and subsidize student tickets. This fund also accepts honorary or memorial gifts and annual gifts.

Opening Nights in Class Fund

The purpose of the fund is to provide resources that enable Opening Nights to offer experiences, performances and workshops to college and K-12 students in the Big Bend area, including underserved populations.

Opening Nights Sponsorship Fund

Sponsorships enable businesses to give back to the community and in return receive high profile recognition, tickets to performances, and exclusive benefits. Sponsors enjoy priority ticket ordering and Opening Nights does not limit the number of tickets available for purchase by sponsors. If sponsors accept complimentary tickets, a set percentage of their gift is considered non-charitable. The non-gift portion is based on sponsorship level.

For information on giving to Opening Nights, call Lori Elliott, development director at 850.645.0542

ticket windows

FALL ON-SALE

Performances from September to January

SPONSORS, JUBILEE DIRECTOR & HEADLINER MEMBERS – July 25

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE MEMBERS – August 1

PARTNER MEMBERS – August 8

FRIEND MEMBERS – August 11

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS – August 15

DEBUT MEMBERS – August 18

SOLO MEMBERS – August 22

GENERAL ON-SALE – August 25

SPRING ON-SALE

Performances from February to April

SPONSORS, JUBILEE DIRECTOR & HEADLINER MEMBERS – November 14

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE MEMBERS – November 21

PARTNER MEMBERS – November 28

FRIEND MEMBERS – December 1

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS – December 5

DEBUT MEMBERS – December 8

SOLO MEMBERS – December 12

GENERAL ON-SALE – December 15

purchase tickets

ONLINE

o peningnights.fsu.edu

Credit cards only. $2-per-ticket service fee applied.

850.644.7670

Credit cards only. $2-per-ticket service fee applied. Weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

IN PERSON

opening nights ticket office

Credit cards only. $2-per-ticket service fee applied. The Opening Nights Ticket Office is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

delivery fees

Print-at-home tickets* have no delivery fees and are available for all tickets purchased online or by phone. Please select the option when ordering online or when placing your order by phone.

Mail Delivery Tickets* have an additional $5-per-order service fee.

Service and delivery fees are not refundable.

get first dibs

Opening Nights Sponsors and Members are able to purchase tickets before the general public. Sponsors will be emailed instructions to share with their employees on how to purchase tickets online. Members enjoy priority ticket ordering based on membership level and will be emailed instructions on how to purchase tickets during their time frame.

Visit OpeningNights.fsu.edu for more information on student and child tickets, FSU employee and FSU retiree tickets and group tickets.

abba the concert a tribute to

ABBA The Concert continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen.”  Come dance, come sing, having the time of your life at THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE CELEBRATION!

*ABBA The Concert is not affiliated with the original ABBA group or Mamma Mia

fence by staibdance

A COLLABORATION WITH FSU SCHOOL OF DANCE

fence is a journey into a messy world of power struggles and dismissed histories, and an examination of how “otherness” can rob our power or become its source. Founded upon dramatic, life-changing events George Staib encountered as a child in Iran, fence is staibdance’s most political and socially driven work to date. Staib’s intensely physical movement vocabulary bonds with traditional Iranian dance, to explore unrest felt personally and globally. fence gives shape to the conversation around what takes your power and what gives you power.

fence was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the Mellon Foundation.

FUNDED IN PART BY

Photo by Christina J.

Massad

1982 a film by oualid mouaness

SPONSORED BY A COLLABORATION WITH FSU COLLEGE OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS PRESENTS

“1982”is a life-affirming coming-of-age tale set at an idyllic school in Lebanon’s mountains on the eve of a looming invasion. It unfolds over a single day and follows an 11-year-old boy’s relentless quest to profess his love to a girl in his class. As the invasion encroaches on Beirut, it upends the day, threatening the entire country and its cohesion. Within the microcosm of the school, the film draws a harrowing portrait of a society torn between its desire for love and peace and the ideological schisms unraveling its seams.

scott bradlee’s postmodern jukebox

New York City pianist Scott Bradlee created Postmodern Jukebox to remake the pop hits of today into the classic sounds of the legends of yesterday. Miley Cyrus became The Platters. Bruno Mars became Frank Sinatra. The Spice Girls became The Andrews Sisters. Guns ’n’ Roses became Bessie Smith. A decade later, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox has grown to become a pop culture mainstay in its own right, having played over one thousand shows on six continents—including acclaimed venues like Radio City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House and Red Rocks Amphitheater. One-part celebration of vintage music and culture, one-part “‘Saturday Night Live’ for singers,” a Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox show is an unforgettable trip back in time.

all-4-one

If you’ve ever been in love, then you’ve heard the name All-4-One and their timeless songs “I Swear,” “I Can Love You Like That,” “So Much In Love,” “I Turn To You,” “These Arms,” “Beautiful As You” and much more. The GRAMMY® Award Winning group All-4-One is internationally known for making beautiful love songs that not only chart radio airwaves but also garner countless awards. The California-based quartet has marked their place in the industry as premier balladeers. Their single, “I Swear,” claimed the billboard “Hot 100” #1 spot for 11 consecutive weeks, and still holds a spot on Billboard’s “Hot 100” as one of the most successful singles of all time. In celebration of a two-decade career milestone, All-4One released their best album yet in July 2015, Twenty+, that included 14 new songs and six of the group’s biggest hits that helped propel them to international success.

A COLLABORATION WITH FSU COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Mykal Kilgore’s artistry cuts through traditional barriers and represents the hope of gospel, the soul of R&B and the vulnerability of country. The singer/songwriter’s debut album, A Man Born Black, was released in 2019 and was an exploration of faith, loss, the stumble and spills on the way to maturity, and the beauty of hope and love. Kilgore’s new single “The Man In The Barbershop” (via Affective Music,) is a story told from a Black Gay man’s perspective about his and many other’s experiences at the neighborhood barbershop where people gather and gossip about their community and the world. At the 63rd Annual GRAMMY® Awards, Kilgore made history as the first openly gay artist to receive a nomination in the “Best Traditional R&B Performance” category.

SPONSORED BY

J2B2 is an all-star bluegrass supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians—John Jorgenson on acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals; Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar and vocals; Mark Fain on bass; and Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals—delivering bluegrass like never before. The four combine forces to form a spot-on union of impeccable musicianship, incomparable songwriting, incredible harmony vocals (a fresh twist combining bluegrass with elements of West Coast folk rock) and seasoned showmanship. This is the “high lonesome sound” of American roots music at its finest.

john jorgenson bluegrass band

For generations, the music of Disney’s princesses has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, for the first time in forever, a quartet of Broadway and animated film icons celebrate these beloved songs on stage in Disney Princess - The Concert! Drama Desk®-nominee Christy Altomare, Tony®-nominee Susan Egan, Broadway.com® Audience Award-nominee Isabelle McCalla, and BroadwayWorld® Award-winner Syndee Winters combine forces in this concert of a lifetime, joined by their magical Music Director, Benjamin Rauhala and enchanting Prince, Adam J. Levy. Your every dream will come true as larger-than-life animation and theatrical effects immerse the audience in pure Disney magic, while these stars sing and share their exclusive, hilarious and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen. We invite you to relive your VHS glory days, dress up in your favorite royal attire, and share the joy with your loved ones. Be part of our world at Disney PrincessThe Concert, presented by Pandora Jewelry.

SPONSORED BY

*This production features Broadway performers appearing as themselves. Costumed Disney characters do not appear at this event.

seven nations

Seven Nations, which refers to the seven original Celtic nations of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Galecia, Isle of Man, and Brittany, is not your father’s Celtic band. With a passionate, tender, and rollicking style that veers from roots and folk to dance and fusion-rock, Seven Nations has earned a growing reputation as an adventurous band with a charismatic stage presence.

tenThing brass ensemble holiday

program

All-female Norwegian tenThing Brass Ensemble, formed and led by trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, bring joy and excitement to Christmas time. A project that started as a fun collaboration between musical friends turned into a highly celebrated ensemble, known around the world for easing the barriers surrounding classical music and their commitment to outreach and education. tenThing Brass Ensemble presents a powerful yet fun, soulful and lyrical evening of brass music as you’ve never heard before!

the manhattan transfer

50th Anniversary & Final World Tour with special guest the DIVA Jazz Orchestra

The Manhattan Transfer has achieved an incomparable career of pop and jazz hits, a legacy that defines the group as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary. The legendary quartet has won 10 GRAMMY® Awards out of 20 nominations and has been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Their dynamic performances and sense of style have led them to become one of the most iconic music groups in the world. With their enduring creativity, energy, and joy in their music, the group has joined the pantheon of the entertainment industry. With sold-out world tours and record sales in the millions, The Manhattan Transfer continues to bring unique and extraordinary melodic and jazz-infused vocals to new and established audiences, spanning generations.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

international guitar night

International Guitar Night (IGN), the longest-running guitar show in America, is now in its 23rd year.  Each year, IGN brings together a new group of renowned guitarists from around the world to tour the United States. The 2023 troupe includes Canadian jazz guitarist, vocalist, and recipient of the 2021 Juno (Canadian Grammy) for Jazz Album of the Year, Jocelyn Gould; riveting Gypsy Jazz Guitarist Olli Soikkeli from Finland; Classical Guitar Soloist and Chamber Musician Stephanie Jones from Australia, and Flamenco Master Jesus Guerrero from Spain. The guitarists will play solo sets in the first half and an all-collaborative second set, including duets and quartets.

Olli Soikkeli

Jesus Guerrero

Jocelyn Gould

Stephanie Jones

voctave

A cappella sensation Voctave has had over 150 million social media views of their videos, and their latest album, The Spirit of the Season, Deluxe Edition, reached No. 6 on the Billboard charts. Their previous album, The Corner of Broadway & Main Street Vol. 2, debuted at number 3 on the iTunes charts. Formed in 2015 by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, the voices that bring their arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences.  Hailing from Central Florida, the eleven members of Voctave have performed across the globe and appear on countless recordings.  The group has performed with GRAMMY®, Dove and American Music Award recipients including Sandi Patty, Pentatonix’s Kirstin Maldonado, Mark Lowry, David Phelps, and Jody McBrayer.  Voctave’s eight albums are digitally available on all platforms.

the other mozart

by sylvia milo

The Other Mozart is an award-winning solo play telling the forgotten story of Nannerl Mozart, the sister of Amadeus—a prodigy, keyboard virtuoso and composer, who performed throughout Europe with her brother to equal acclaim, but her work and her story faded away, lost to history. Created by Sylvia Milo, the play is set in a stunning 18-foot dress (designed by Magdalena Dabrowska from the National Theater of Poland). Directed by Isaac Byrne, The Other Mozart is based on facts, stories and lines pulled directly from the Mozart family’s humorous and heartbreaking letters. Along with music composed by her famous brother and Marianna Martines (a female composer who inspired Nannerl), original music was written for the play by Nathan Davis and Phyllis Chen (of Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival, the International Contemporary Ensemble and BAM) for the instruments Nannerl knew intimately, such as clavichords, music boxes, and bells, as well as teacups, fans, and other ordinary objects that might have captured her imagination.

SPONSORED BY

katharine mcphee

Katharine Mcphee can most recently be seen starring in the Netflix Original Series Country Comfort. Previously she starred in the CBS’ spy drama Scorpion and was featured in NBC’s award-winning musical series Smash, executive produced by Steven Spielberg. Her other television credits include CSI: NY, Community and Family Guy. Katharine appeared on the big screen in Relativity’s Shark Night 3D and Columbia’s romantic comedy The House Bunny In addition to her acting career, she finds great success in the music space after her turn on Season 5 of American Idol. Katharine’s first single debuted at #2 on the Billboard’s Hot Singles Sales chart. Her debut album landed on the Billboard 200 chart and went gold in 2008. Katharine also has a presence in theater, having recently starred in both the U.S. and U.K. productions of Waitress.

SPONSORED BY RECEPTION

SPONSORED BY

CHRIS & BETH CORUM

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe, and the Company now ranks as one of the top ten AfricanAmerican dance companies in the United States. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows: they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation.

Photo by Sekou Luke

colson whitehead

Colson Whitehead is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Underground Railroad (an Oprah’s Book Club selection and winner of the 2016 National Book Award and 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction), The Noble Hustle, Zone One, Sag Harbor, The Intuitionist, John Henry Days, Apex Hides the Hurt, and one collection of essays, The Colossus of New York. He was named New York’s 11th State Author in 2018. His New York Times bestseller The Nickel Boys won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (making him only the fourth writer to win two Pulitzers in the Fiction category), the 2019 Kirkus Prize for Fiction, and the 2020 Orwell Prize for Political Fiction. His latest bestselling novel, Harlem Shuffle, was published in the fall of 2021.

Photo by Chris Close

queens of soul with tallahassee symphony orchestra

Experience the best of Motown, R&B, and Soul with vocalists Morgan James and Erica Gabriel, featuring works by Annie Lennox, Adele, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, and more, all backed by your Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Darko Butorac. The Wall Street Journal describes James as “the most promising young vocalist to come along so far this century.” Morgan James has established herself as a formidable presence in the music world, performing in the original companies of five Broadway productions. Erica Gabriel has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Savannah Philharmonic, and the Jackson Symphony. She was cast in Ravinia’s production of Bernstein’s Mass under the baton of Marin Alsop, which later aired on the award-winning PBS Great Performances television series.

momix alice

MOMIX-style with Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, ALICE, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. “I don’t intend to retell the whole Alice story” Pendleton says, “but to use it as a taking off point for invention.” The Alice story is full of imagery and absurd logic. Alice is an invitation to invent, to let imagination run and play outside. “I want to take this show into places we haven’t been before in terms of the fusion of dancing, lighting, music, costumes, and projected imagery.” Audiences will be taken on a journey that is both magical, mysterious, fun, eccentric, and much more. As Alice falls down the rabbit hole and experiences every kind of transformation, so will you.

Travel down the rabbit hole

meklit

“At the shining crossroads of two cultures, making truly moving music.” – POPMATTERS

Meklit Hadero is an Ethiopian-American vocalist, songwriter, composer and cultural activist. She makes music that sways between cultures and continents, including a body of deeply personal Ethio-Jazz songs. Her touring band includes the intimate strums of an Ethiopian krar, the wails of a Jazz saxophone, the multi-tones of a drum kit mixed with the snappy rhythms of a Turkish tupan, the fluttering of pentatonic keyboard melodies, and the backbone of a grooving bassline that just makes you want to dance. Her lyrics in English and Amharic connect to our shared humanity, reminding us that “everything that we are was made in a supernova.” Meklit’s performances have taken her around the world, from Addis Ababa—where she is a full-blown star—to San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Nairobi, Cairo, Montreal, London, and beyond.

SPONSORED BY FSU License Plate

Photo by Petri Anttila

zodiac trio

Zodiac Trio based in both France and the USA, teamed up with French jazz arranger Jean-Marc Brisson to pay homage to the King of Swing, Benny Goodman. Benny Rides Again brings to life an array of legendary tunes from the Swing Era arranged masterfully by Brisson, showcasing the original tunes through the lens of a classical composer and performing ensemble. Complex rhythms and sparking virtuosity bring these masterpieces to life in a new way. Formed in 2006 at the Manhattan School of Music in New York, the Zodiac Trio has been a fresh voice, commissioning dozens of new works and presenting them in numerous new music residencies and concerts at institutions across North America.

Harris is known as much for her eloquently straightforward songwriting as for her incomparably expressive singing. Admired through her career for her talent as an artist and song connoisseur, Harris shook up country radio in the 1970s, and established herself as the premiere songwriter of a generation selling more than 15 million records and garnering 14 GRAMMY® Awards, three CMA Awards, and four Americana Awards. She has recorded with such diverse artists as Linda Ronstadt, Daniel Lanois, Bob Dylan, Mark Knopfler, Neil Young, Gram Parsons, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Ryan Adams, Beck, Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, Lucinda Williams, Lyle Lovett and Rodney Crowell. Few artists have achieved such honesty or have revealed such maturity in their writing. Forty years into her career, Harris continues to share the hard-earned wisdom that—hopefully if not inevitably—comes with getting older, though she’s never stopped looking ahead.

new york gilbert & sullivan players the mikado

Don’t miss NYGASP’s new and critically acclaimed production of The Mikado. The Mikado features all of your favorite G&S characters: Yum-Yum, Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner with his “little list” of potential victims, as well as the fearsome Katisha, the hilariously ridiculous Pooh-Bah, and the politely sadistic Mikado himself. A brief new prologue set in the offices of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company frames the classic work for today’s audiences. While the new production underlines how The Mikado can be enjoyed by artists and audiences of all backgrounds, Gilbert’s lyrics and Sullivan’s melodies—which have delighted comic opera lovers for over one hundred thirty-five years—are still as fresh as “the flowers that bloom in the spring.”

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

Children and families will enjoy this musical production of the cherished, favorite story, “The Jungle Book.” The Panto Company brings to life on stage Rudyard Kipling’s tale with great scenery, cool costumes, original modern songs bursting with excitement, and of course, a happy ending. Join Mowgli and all his pals for an adventure of learning, growth and fun in this all-new production.

SPONSORED BY

RICHARD G. FALLON THEATRE

Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, TV and movie voice-over-artist, and pioneering car builder ... it’s no wonder that Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.” Leno dominated the past two decades of latenight television with The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Leno is the recipient of many honors, including Emmy, People’s Choice, and TV Guide awards, the Hasty Pudding Award at Harvard University, The Mark Twain Prize and a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

jay leno

chain of parks art festival presenting artist john ensor parker

John Ensor Parker is a Brooklyn, New York, and Cagliari, Italy-based intermedia artist and curator specializing in painting, drawing, interactive design, lighting, video, sound and large-scale projection mapping. He has created large-scale public art installations at The New Museum, The Manhattan Bridge, Wyly Theatre, AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and The Yards in Washington D.C., among others. Parker’s Mechanical Engineering degree from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering provided the foundation for his journey with art. Parker will discuss “Art & Science” and how both are one in the same.

A COLLABORATION WITH FSU COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Packed with performances ranging from small ensembles to the world-renowned Marching Chiefs, PRISM is a yearly favorite. The program showcases the immense talent boasted by Florida State University’s College of Music students and faculty. Known for blending traditional fare with more recognizable popular tunes, PRISM is a gem for music lovers of all kinds. This remarkable and lively performance migrates around the venue with each changing ensemble, creating a one-of-a-kind experience based on your location. Come enjoy the energy and passion of Florida State’s music program first-hand in this unforgettable performance!

This duo offers classical music performed at the highest level with humor and great accessibility, much in the spirit of the great Victor Borge. German piano geniuses Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis go head-to-head, enchanting the audience with a variety of classical pieces, and with the use of voting cards the audience decides the winner. This show features Ludwig FUN Beethoven, which showcases Beethoven’s seminal works, witty banter and fun facts about the great composer! Ludwig FUN Beethoven mixes serious musicianship, lighthearted entertainment and audience interaction.

fsu school of theatre

OCTOBER 14 – 23, 2022

THE FALLON THEATRE

BOOK BY NEIL SIMON

MUSIC BY CY COLEMAN

LYRICS BY DOROTHY FIELDS

Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano. Produced for the Broadway stage by Fryer, Carr and Harris. Conceived, Staged and Choreographed by Bob Fosse.

After being dumped by her latest boyfriend, Charity is determined to change her life for the better. But is a chance encounter with a shy young man the kick-start her love life needs? Dance and dream through swinging 1960s New York on a quest for unconditional love.

FEBRUARY 24 – MARCH 5, 2023

THE FALLON THEATRE

BOOK BY KAREY

O'FARRELL

KIRKPATRICK & JOHN

MUSIC & LYRICS BY WAYNE KIRKPATRICK & KAREY KIRKPATRICK

CONCEIVED BY KAREY KIRKPATRICK & WAYNE KIRKPATRICK

Welcome to the Renaissance, where a leather-clad wordsmith with swiveling hips named Shakespeare is rocking London! Meanwhile, down-on-their-luck playwrights Nick and Nigel Bottom can't summon a single sonnet. Then, when Nostradamus himself foretells "the future of theatre," the Bottom brothers hatch a plan to rise to the top. Hilarity ensues in this campy lampoon of England's first-ever musical.

TICKETING INFORMATION

Opening Nights Sponsors and Members get early access to tickets for these performances. Please visit OpeningNights.FSU.edu.

venues

RUBY DIAMOND CONCERT HALL

Florida State University Westcott Building 222 S. Copeland Street

OPPERMAN MUSIC HALL

Florida State University

Kuersteiner Music Building 114 N. Copeland Street

NANCY SMITH FICHTER DANCE THEATRE

Florida State University Montgomery Hall 130 Collegiate Loop

FSU PRESIDENT’S HOUSE

Florida State University 1000 W. Tennessee Street

DOHNÁNYI RECITAL HALL

Florida State University Housewright Music Building 114 N. Copeland Street

RICHARD G. FALLON THEATRE

Florida State University Fine Arts Building 540 W. Call Street

FRED TURNER AUDITORIUM

Tallahassee Community College

Fine and Performing Arts Center 444 Appleyard Drive

GOODWOOD MUSEUM & GARDENS

The Carriage House 1600 Miccosukee Road

ticket windows

For the 2022–23 Season, there will be two ticket purchasing periods: Fall and Spring.

FALL ON-SALE

Performances from September to January

SPONSORS, JUBILEE DIRECTOR & HEADLINER MEMBERS – July 25

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE MEMBERS – August 1

PARTNER MEMBERS – August 8

FRIEND MEMBERS – August 11

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS – August 15

DEBUT MEMBERS – August 18

SOLO MEMBERS – August 22

GENERAL ON-SALE – August 25

SPRING ON-SALE

Performances from February to April

SPONSORS, JUBILEE DIRECTOR & HEADLINER MEMBERS – November 14

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE MEMBERS – November 21

PARTNER MEMBERS – November 28

FRIEND MEMBERS – December 1

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS – December 5

DEBUT MEMBERS – December 8

SOLO MEMBERS – December 12

GENERAL ON-SALE – December 15

LEMOYNE ARTS 125 N. Gadsden Street

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