2015-16 Season Brochure

Performing Arts Foundation, Inc.

2015 -16 Season

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It’s been an exciting few months since I arrived back in January. I’ve survived my first Wisconsin winter (and even took up snowshoe racing!), discovered the joy of a Friday night fish fry, enjoyed the basketball Badgers run to the National Championship game, and have loved the opportunity to meet many of you.

At the same time, I’ve been working with my talented staff to help build the 2015-16 season you find in this publication. We started with over 60 potential shows, and have pushed through all of the challenges of booking to build a season that we are excited about and think you will enjoy. The season features something for everybody—from the 2012 Tony-winning musical, Once, to the acrobatic magic of Cirque Ziva, and a special holiday season visit from the Vienna Boys Choir.

You’ll want to be a frequent visitor to our website (www.grandtheater.org) and our social media in the weeks and months to come. We’ve heard from you that you want opportunities to build entire evenings around performances, and we are working hard to create memorable experiences for many of this season’s shows. Plus, we’ll be adding performances to the season, making sure that you have the opportunity to see the best in the performing arts, right here close to home.

The season would not be possible without the support of our donors, funders, sponsors, and of course, all of you. We thank you for your continued support, and hope that we’ll see you at The Grand frequently this season.

Sean Wright Executive Director

The Grand would like to thank the businesses and media partners that make the 2015-2016 performances possible.

Series Presenters

Presenting Sponsors

Featured Sponsors

The entire season at The Grand is supported, in part, by the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. These performances are also supported, in part, by the Community Arts Grant program of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, the B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation, and the City of Wausau’s Room Tax Funding.

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Season at a Glance 2015-16 Season SEP

17 18 25

Kelsea Ballerini, p 8 Keb’ Mo’, p 9 Metropolitan Opera Rising Stars, p 10

OCT

8 15 18 20 28

Black Violin, p 11 Shaun Hopper, p 12 Silent Movie - Nosferatu, p 13 The Hot Sardines, p 14 The Midtown Men, p 15

NOV 21 24

Warren Miller Event, p 16 Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna, p 17

DEC 18

Altenburgh’s Christmas Extravaganza!, p 20

JAN 28

VoicePlay, p 21

FEB

19 24

Mummenschanz, p 22 Once, p 23

MAR

2 21

Get the Led Out, p 24 42nd Street, p 25

APR

8 14 21

Cirque Ziva, p 26 Alpin Hong, p 27 Improvised Shakespeare Company, p 28

MAY

8

Rosanne Cash: The River & The Thread, p 29

*See page 35 for all events happening at The Grand.

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Single show tickets go on sale Friday, July 10TH. 3

Meet the Staff Sean Wright

Merry Little General Manager & Associate Director

Executive Director

Cindy Kainz

Anna Anderson

Volunteer Coordinator

Director of Education & Community Engagement

Gail Bayer Custodian

Michael Loomis

Director of Guest Services & Event Management

Moriel Charneski

Paula Loomis

Valerie Charneski

Misty Pfantz

Director of Food & Beverage

Asst. Technical Director

Ticket Office

Custodian

Photo by: The McCartney’s Photograhy

Joel Freiberg Melanie Schumann Director of Ticketing & Analytics

Director of Marketing & Development

Beth Gebert

Mark Weiss

Marketing Coordinator

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Technical Director

Photo by: The McCartney’s Photograhy

Our Volunteers

Thank You Volunteers!

Cindy Kainz Volunteer Coordinator

There are many things that go into a successful show at The Grand, but there is only one constant: our incredible volunteers. Whether it is greeting you at the door, taking your ticket, showing you to your seat, or working the merchandise table, our volunteers are the key to making sure your experience is a memorable one.

Our volunteers work behind the scenes when the theater is dark as well—from answering phones in the box office to delivering posters to local businesses and so much more. There isn’t a show at The Grand that doesn’t have the fingerprints of a volunteer on it!

As another season gets underway, we want to say our deepest thanks to our fantastic volunteers…and we want you to join them! If being part of a great group of people who care about The Grand sounds like something you want to be part of, please contact Cindy Kainz, our Volunteer Coordinator at 715-842-0988 or ckainz@grandtheater.org, or visit our website at www.grandtheater.org and click on the volunteer link: http://www.grandtheater.org/volunteer

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Metropolitan Opera Rising Stars Friday, September 25 $59/49/35

7:30 pm

For more than 125 years the Metropolitan Opera has been the artistic home of the greatest singers in the world. Be among the first to hear the great voices of tomorrow—hand-picked by the Metropolitan Opera, where these young performers are perfecting their craft and living out their own dreams.

Black Violin Thursday, October 8 7:30 pm $42/30/25 Black Violin blends classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass into an evening of music you’ll never forget. Violin and viola virtuosos Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus met in high school and have been taking the music world by storm for the last decade. Black Violin is truly a ground-breaking act, the first to meticulously meld classical, hip-hop, rock and pop music into a single genre-busting performance.

The Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna

Tuesday, November 24 7:30 pm $55/45/34 For close to 100 years, the Vienna Boys Choir has been touring the globe, sharing a repertoire that includes everything from medieval to contemporary and experimental music.

Founded in 1848, the Choir is one of the oldest in the world, and will make their Wausau debut with a selection of classic works and holiday gems.

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Thank you Ministry Health Care for your eighth year of sponsorship of the Family Series at The Grand.

Thursday, January 28 $45/35/25

7:30 pm

This a capella performance features amazing, humorous, and vertigo-inducing harmonies that pepper VoicePlay’s music-without-music sound as it ping-pongs between eras and styles, channeling the breadth of the musical landscape and lacing it with inventive and often hilarious on-stage theatrics.

Friday, February 19 $58/44/30

7:30 pm

One of the giants of the performing arts, Mummenschanz bedazzles with witty, weird, timeless creatures that perform unique stories without sound or music. If you were enchanted

by Momix and are captivated by Blue Man Group, Mummenschanz will transport you with delight!

Friday, April 8 7:30 pm $54/44/29

The Golden Dragon Acrobats from China do the impossible (or at least the improbable) in ‘Cirque Ziva’...”this family-friendly show will dazzle the younger set but might also have them stacking up the dining room chairs and climbing the curtains when they get home.” says The New York Times.

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Kelsea Ballerini One of the hottest names in country music, Kelsea Ballerini kicks off the opening week of The Grand’s 2015-16 season. Her breakout, “Love Me Like You Mean It” is a top ten hit having spent 30 weeks on the Billboard charts. Her country-pop sound is reminiscent of Taylor Swift, and is one of the reasons she finds herself on “ones to watch lists” from Billboard, CMT, Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly.

Her debut album, The First Time¸ was released this May to rave reviews, and her sound has drawn comparisons to Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, and the Dixie Chicks, among others. Her music builds on her East Tennessee upbringing and musical influences ranging from Britney Spears to Kelly Clarkson to Frank Sinatra.

Ballerini made her Grand Ole Opry debut this past spring, and will spend the summer of 2015 co-headlining CMT’s inaugural “Next Women of Country” Tour, and opening for Lady Antebellum.

Thursday

September 17 7:30 pm

$39/29/22 Presenting Sponsors:

Featured Sponsors:

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Keb’ Mo’ A true roots, blues, and Americana visionary, three-time Grammy winner Keb’ Mo’ has been amazing audiences for over two decades.

From Grammy nominations for two of his first three albums to yet another nomination for his latest work, Blues Americana, Keb’ has cultivated a reputation as a modern master of American roots music.

His songs have been recorded by B.B. King, Buddy Guy, the Dixie Chicks, Joe Cocker, and Robert Palmer. His playing inspired leading instrument maker Gibson Brands to issue the Keb’ Mo’ Signature Bluesmaster acoustic guitar.

Twenty years after his ground-breaking self-titled debut, Keb’ Mo’ is still reinventing the blues, “I never set out to be a blues guy,” he says, “but the blues is very powerful and fuels what I do. The blues puts the ‘realness’ in it for me”.

Friday

September 18 7:30 pm

$74/64/56 Featured Sponsors:

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Metropolitan Opera Rising Stars For more than 125 years the Metropolitan Opera has been the artistic home of the greatest singers in the world. The Met is also the launching pad for the opera stars of the future, who will grace the stage of The Grand for a night of arias, duets and ensembles by some of opera’s finest composers.

Imagine, even dream, as you listen, entranced: will she be the next great Tosca? Could he be the next Otello? Be among the first to hear the great voices of tomorrow—hand-picked by the Metropolitan Opera, where these young performers are perfecting their craft, and living out their own dreams.

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Friday

September 25 7:30 pm

$59/49/35 Presenting Sponsor:

Featured Sponsors:

Black Violin Black Violin blends classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass into an evening of music you’ll never forget. Fresh off of performances at the Super Bowl and 2013 Inaugural Ball and about to release their debut album, this is a group on the cusp of international success.

Thursday

October 8 7:30 pm

$42/30/25 Presenting Sponsors:

Featured Sponsors:

Violin and viola virtuosos, Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus met in high school and have been taking the music world by storm for the last decade.

From performing at SXSW and Bonnaroo to everything in-between, Black Violin is truly a ground-breaking act.

“Black Violin works hard, but makes it all look like play. Sometimes they play with the intense seriousness of orchestral soloists; at others they fiddle as if at a hoe-down; at still others they strum the violin and viola like guitars.”

- New York Times

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Shaun Hopper Acoustic “fingerstyle” guitar phenom Shaun Hopper is a true guitar prodigy. Combining cutting-edge technique from the most modern of players to the distinct influences of legends Chet Atkins and Leo Kottke, Hopper amazes the audience every time he picks up his Martin guitar.

“He’s got fingers of doom, no two ways about it. A true world-class talent on fingerstyle flat-top acoustic guitar. Hopper effortlessly channels Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel and Andre Segovia, blowing minds and dropping jaws everywhere.”

- Best of the Bay 2009 The culmination of a three-day residency that will feature performances and master classes in the community, Hopper’s performance will demonstrate a signature style which crosses over the full range of musical genres: Alternative, Folk, Classical, Celtic, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues and Percussive New Age. 12

Thursday

October 15 7:30 pm

$39/30/22 Featured Sponsors:

Silent Movie

Nosferatu: a Symphony of Terror

This is the first version on film of the Dracula story.

In this highly influential silent horror film, the mysterious Count Orlok summons Thomas Hutter to his remote castle in the mountains of Transylvania. The eerie Orlok seeks to buy a house near Hutter and his wife Ellen. After Orlok reveals his vampire nature, Hutter struggles to escape the castle, knowing that Ellen is in grave danger. Meanwhile Orlok’s servant, Knock, prepares for his master to arrive at his new home.

Dan Larson will be performing his original score on The Grand’s Kilgen Wonder Organ.

For anyone who has not experienced silent cinema, this is an absolute MUST to begin your addiction to the genre!

Sunday

October 18 2:00 pm

Featured Sponsor:

This event will be presented free of charge, but free-will offerings will be accepted.

Net proceeds will go toward a future purchase of projection equipment for the Grand Theater.

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“Simply phenomenal, crisp musicianship going hand in hand with immaculate and witty showmanship.”

- The Times (London) 2015 will meet the 1920’s when the Hot Sardines bring their amazing fusion of 20’s jazz and 21st century style to the stage. The Hot Sardines have a distinctive recipe for making musical magic: take a blustery brass lineup, layer it over a rhythm section led by a stride-piano virtuoso in the Fats Waller vein, and tie it all together with a one-of-the-boys frontwoman who sings in both English and French with a voice from another era (and we haven’t told you about the tap dancer yet).

It’s a night that will transport you to New York, Paris, New Orleans and some parts in between.

This is the type of jazz that makes you want to grab a friend, grab a drink and stand up and dance. See the band Vanity Fair said “has a sound distinctly their own.”

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Tuesday

October 20 7:30 pm

$52/44/30 Presenting Sponsor:

Featured Sponsors:

Four Stars From Broadway’s Jersey Boys “A joyous and nostalgic trip through the music of the 1960’s.”

-The Daily Oklahoman The Four Stars of Broadway’s Jersey Boys bring to life the greatest hits of the Sixties, rocking performing arts centers and symphony halls across the continent. Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, J. Robert Spencer and Daniel Reichard wowed audiences on Broadway and beyond in their roles in Jersey Boys and now they’ve joined together to bring hits of the Beatles, Motown, and The Rascals to audiences around the globe.

Since the formation of the Midtown Men, there has been nothing but incredible success.

Nothing compares to seeing these four amazing talents together on stage. The New York Times says, “The singers had the air of the Rat Pack, Motown and a nightclub act rolled into one”, while the New York Daily News proclaims, “The Midtown Men sound as crisp as their Rat Packinspired suits. Their voices blend together so flawlessly on stage.”

Wednesday

October 28 7:30 pm

$75/67/55 Presenting Sponsor:

Featured Sponsors:

“Not A Performance Of, Not Affiliated With the Show Jersey Boys.”

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Chasing Shadows Saturday

Warren Miller is the preeminent ski and snowboarding filmmaker in the world, and this fall the 66th Warren Miller Ski Film “Chasing Shadows” premieres. This legendary film series takes film-goers across the world to some of the most spellbinding skiing outposts, and the only place to see it in Wisconsin is right here at The Grand!

It’s more than a film, it’s an entire evening celebrating the skiing season, with leaders in the ski industry, the best vendors demoing ski equipment, and even some ski celebrities! It’s a night to welcome winter and the return to the slopes!

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November 21 6:30 pm $20

Presenting Sponsor:

Featured Sponsors:

The Vienna Boys Choir

Christmas in Vienna Founded in 1848, the Vienna Boys Choir is one of the oldest choirs in the world, and will make their Wausau debut with a selection of classic works and holiday gems.

Tuesday

November 24 7:30 pm

$55/45/34 Featured Sponsors:

For close to 100 years, the Choir has been touring the globe, sharing a repertoire that includes everything from medieval to contemporary and experimental music.

Over the centuries the choir has worked with Mozart, Hayden, Gluck and Bruckner, as well as Benjamin Britten. Today there are around 100 choristers between the ages of ten and fourteen, divided into four touring choirs, who perform in front of almost half a million people each year.

Their first-ever visit to The Grand will include classic works, but also such holiday favorites as “Let It Snow” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

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Ticket Information Purchasing Tickets: • Box Office - Stop by The Grand Theater Box Office at 401 Fourth Street, Downtown Wausau. Call 715-842-0988 / 888-239-0421 or fax at 715-842-8715.

• Online - Tickets are available for purchase online at www.grandtheater.org.

Additional fees may apply.

• Night of Show - Tickets may be purchased or picked up in the Great Hall.

Doors open one hour prior to performance.

Ticket Policies: • Exchanging Tickets - We’re glad to exchange tickets! Our subscribers enjoy FREE ticket exchanges. Other Grand patrons can also exchange tickets for a $5.00 fee per ticket to another Grand sponsored show only (those shows listed in our brochure). All ticket exchanges must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled performances. Preferred seating cannot be guaranteed on any exchange and some exclusions may apply. Our contractual relationships with artists limit our flexibility in some cases.

• Returning Tickets - Tickets are non-refundable – If you are unable to use a ticket for a Grand-sponsored event, please consider donating the ticket back to The Grand prior to the scheduled performance. We will provide you with a letter confirming the tax-deductible status of the donation.

• Lost Tickets - If you’ve lost your tickets, contact the Box Office. Tickets can easily be reprinted.

• Children’s Tickets - We ask parents’ discretion in bringing children who may be disruptive to a performance. Municipal Fire Codes require ALL audience members (even those of lap-sitting size) to have a ticket.

Discounts: • Season Subscribers - Order tickets to four or more shows to save up to 15%.

• Student & Military Rush – Tickets are available one hour before the performance for Grand-sponsored events. Any student or military personnel and military family members may purchase a discounted rush ticket with a valid student/military ID. These tickets are subject to availability.

• Groups – Group rates for 20 or more tickets are available for select shows. Contact the Box Office for complete details and rate information.

Gift Certificates: Gift certificates are available for purchase at the Box Office. They are valid for three years for any box office purchase.

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Things to Know Special Accommodations: • Accessibility - The theater is wheelchair accessible and assistance is available upon request. The elevator is located on the west wall of the Great Hall. Handicap parking is available behind the Great Hall.

• Audio / Visual Assistance - The Grand is equipped with a hearing assistance system to amplify performances. Devices are available upon request. The Sensory Program offers a live audio description during the performance. For more information, call Kent Perrin at 715-370-2694. Braille and large print programs are also available upon request.

About Courtesy: • Electronic Devices - Cell phones, cameras, video, pager, and audio recording devices are strictly prohibited during performances.

• Fragrance – If you use perfume or scented products, please apply them sparingly in consideration of the sensitivities of other patrons.

Amenities: • Food and Beverage - Beverages in plastic containers may be taken into the theater.

Beverages are available for purchase at the ArtsBar in the Great Hall, the Mezzanine Bar in the the balcony, or any of the portable bars located throughout the facility.

You can avoid waiting in line during intermission by pre-ordering your drinks before the show. Snacks can be enjoyed prior to the performance or during intermission, and can be purchased at our Snack Cart.

• Restrooms - Men’s and women’s restrooms are located on either side of ArtsBar in the Great Hall and in the B.A. & Esther Greenheck Lounge. Women’s restrooms are also located on the north side of The Grand Lobby, and the north side of The Grand Mezzanine Lobby.

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Altenburgh’s Christmas Extravaganza!

The Tradition Continues!

After last year’s sold-out performance, The John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza! returns to The Grand with an all-new show, featuring Janet Planet, Randy Sabien, Mitch Viegut, Chris O’Keefe, and Otis McLennon.

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The show also features Bob Kase, Tom Theabo, Tom Washatka, Ryan Korb, Bruce Lammers, John Greiner, and Paula Hall, and welcomes special guest Dave Saindon (former lead singer of AirKraft).

December 18

A true Wisconsin Christmas tradition, this has long been the hottest ticket in town. After returning from hiatus last year to rave reviews, the show is back this season with old favorites and some new twists.

Nothing says Christmas in Wausau like The John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza!

$52/48/39

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7:30 pm

Presenting Sponsor:

Featured Sponsors:

“The group that best captured the transformative qualities of contemporary a cappella was VoicePlay.”

- Boston’s Daily Free Press One of the stars of NBC’s “The Sing Off,” VoicePlay has taken the timeless sound of vocal music and turned it completely on its head.

The full stage performance features amazing, humorous, and vertigo-inducing harmonies that pepper VoicePlay’s music-without-music sound as it ping-pongs between eras and styles, channeling the breadth of the musical landscape and lacing it with inventive and often hilarious on-stage theatrics.

Thursday

January 28 7:30 pm $45/35/25

Presenting Sponsors:

Featured Sponsors:

Fit for all ages, VoicePlay’s concerts have to be heard to be believed. VoicePlay is truly Original. Imaginative.

Ridiculous.

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“It was almost as fun to hear children’s screams of delight, as it was to watch the wacky magic happening on stage.”

- The Philadelphia Inquirer One of the giants of the performing arts, Mummenschanz bedazzles with witty, weird, timeless creatures that perform unique stories without sound or music.

In this wordless universe, the amazing Swiss troupe makes the ordinary extraordinary as colorful shapes like the famous “Clay Masks,” “Slinky Man,” and “Giant Hands” spring to life. This playfully compelling experience offers timeless insight into the human condition through the inventive use of shadow, light, and creative manipulation of objects.

This visually stunning, family-friendly spectacle sparks the imagination, transcends cultural barriers, and dazzles the eye.

Friday

February 19 7:30 pm

$58/44/30 Presenting Sponsor:

Featured Sponsor:

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“ONCE uses song and dance in a way I’ve never experienced in an American musical.”

- The New York Times Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once is a truly original Broadway experience.

Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/ musicians who play their own instruments on stage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.

Wednesday

February 24 7:30 pm

$90/80/69 Presenting Sponsors:

Featured Sponsors:

Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, Once draws you in from the first note and never lets go.

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“Get The Led Out didn’t just do Led Zeppelin justice, they elevated their songs to unimaginable levels”.

- The State News, NY Dubbed by many as “The American Led Zeppelin”, Get The Led Out captures the essence of the iconic band and brings it to the stage in a remarkable show.

Committed to recreating the music of Led Zeppelin in all its depth and glory, Get The Led Out features six talented musicians playing all of the classic hits!

There are no wigs or fake English accents-just a high-energy, heart-thumping Zeppelin concert!

Wednesday

March 2 7:30 pm $48/38

Presenting Sponsor:

Featured Sponsors:

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The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, 42nd Street is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story and includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes for You,” and of course, “42nd Street.” Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, 42nd Street tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the star breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star.

Monday

March 21 7:30 pm

$90/80/70 Featured Sponsors:

The two-time Tony winner will be directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner, the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival.

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Performed by The Golden Dragon Acrobats The newest show from the amazing Golden Dragon Acrobats, Cirque Ziva is a fast-paced, technically innovative and beautifully presented show from the creative mind of artistic director Danny Chang. The large cast and spectacular set designs illustrate the best of Chang’s brand of artistic merit, high production value, and solid commitment Friday to cultural exchange.

The New York Times said of its recent smash Broadway run, “Things Not to Try at Home (Not That You Ever Could). The Golden Dragon Acrobats from China do the impossible (or at least the improbable) in ‘Cirque Ziva’...this family-friendly show will dazzle the younger set but might also have them stacking up the dining room chairs and climbing the curtains when they get home.”

April 8

7:30 pm $54/44/29 Presenting Sponsor:

Featured Sponsors:

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Alpin Hong American tours and performances across the globe have earned pianist Alpin Hong the reputation as a modern day Pied Piper. From the Walt Disney hall to the White House, his combination of stunning technique, emotional range, and rare humor continues to bring audiences young and old to their feet. His performance will cap off a four-day residency bringing lectures, demonstrations, performances, master classes and outreach to the region.

Rooted in extensive classical training and a background in extreme sports, martial arts, and video games, Mr. Hong is a creative force unmatched in his vitality and charisma. Called “Classical for the IGeneration,” Hong’s New York City debut, a sold-out recital at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, played to rave reviews.

Thursday

April 14

7:30 pm $40/30/22 Featured Sponsors:

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“It was one of the funniest, most amazing things I’ve ever seen.”

- Charleston City Paper “It’s an evening of Shakespeare, all improvised, from the Improvised Shakespeare Company, renowned as “one of the most reliably clever and funny improv troupes in the country.”

- New York Times It’s everything you love about improv with a twist. Based on an audience suggestion, the Improvised Shakespeare Co. creates a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your very eyes!

Each of the players has brushed up on his “thees” and “thous” to bring you an evening of off-the-cuff comedy using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. Nothing has been planned out, rehearsed, or written. All of the dialogue is said for the first time, the characters are created as you watch, and if ever you’re wondering where the story is going...so are they!

Thursday

April 21

7:30 pm $40/34/25 Presenting Sponsor:

Featured Sponsors:

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Rosanne Cash

The River & The Thread

“Cash comes full circle as a storyteller and singer of exceptional grace and grit. It’s among her finest work in a 35-year career, assured and at ease, and one of 2014’s great albums.” - The Boston Globe, on Cash’s latest album, The River & The Thread.

Rosanne Cash and her band wrap up the 2015-16 season at The Grand with a show that celebrates her newest album, The River & The Thread, winner of three Grammys in 2014.

The River & The Thread is a collection of original songs that connect and re-connect Cash to the American South, the place of her birth and the home of her ancestors. Even after twelve previous Grammy nominations and twenty-one top 40 country singles, including eleven Number Ones, Cash has perhaps her finest hour with this critically-acclaimed album, which found its way onto year-end “Best Of” lists across the globe.

Sunday

May 8

7:30 pm $69/59/49 Presenting Sponsor:

Featured Sponsors:

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Giving to the Grand Our performances, education programs and community outreach programs depend upon the generosity of people like you. The Annual Fund Drive supports the general operations at The Grand. With the help of your tax-deductible gift: • 130,000 patrons came through the Grand Theater doors • The Grand Theater was utilized 325 days of the year • 15,294 students were impacted by the Arts in Education Series • $11,000 was donated in tickets to local charities • Community Partners saved $90,000 in reduced costs Ticket sales cover only a portion of our total show-related expenses, so your support is vital in order to bring the best in the performing arts to North Central Wisconsin.

Your donation allows us to engage the best artists, to create meaningful engagement opportunities, to keep ticket prices reasonable, and to develop memorable experiences for the entire community.

How to give:

• Online: www.grandtheater.org • By Mail: 401 4th Street, Wausau, WI 54403 • In Person: At the ticket office • By phone: 715-842-0988 / 888-239-0421

Board of Directors OFFICERS President Charlie Alden, M.D., Surgical Associates, S.C. Vice President Steve Anderson, Community Consultant Treasurer Denis Crevier, Crystal Finishing Corporate Secretary Kristin Barry, BMO Harris Bank Assistant Treasurer Barbara Boehm, Goldbach Investments, Inc.

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MEMBERS AT LARGE

Sara Ackermann, Ruder Ware Jim Carlson, Jim Carlson dot Net John Evans, Associated Bank Amy Fazendin Reif, Community Member Jim Kemerling, Riiser Energy/R-Stores Cindy Kohnhorst, BMO Harris Bank Cari Logemann, Aspirus, Inc Mike Ravn, Church Mutual Rebecca Sonnentag, County Materials Bill Tehan, Ruder Ware Kevin Wolf, Ruder Ware Robert W. Wulf, UMR

History of the Grand For over 100 years, the land bounded by 4th and Jefferson, 5th and Scott Streets has been an arts block. It started with the 890-seat Grand Opera House built in 1899, located at the site of today's Grand Theater. The Grand Opera House could accommodate productions large and small, making Wausau a stop on the theatrical circuit. In the first few decades of the 20th Century, acting troupes and musicians would ride the rails from performance to performance with their sets, props, costumes and instruments traveling with them. When they came to Wausau, they all played at the Grand Opera House.

The original Grand Opera House was razed on April 19, 1927. Seven months to the day, on Thanksgiving Day, the new 1470-seat Grand Theater opened. The theater, with its classic revival styling, stood as a symbol of excellence for the community. Ever since the opening day in 1927, the passion of drama, the grace of dance, and the power of music have come alive within the walls of the Grand Theater.

In 1987, after a decade of planning, spearheaded by the board of the Grand Theater Foundation and community leaders, a $2.2 million project restored the Grand Theater's original luster and upgraded technical systems for the big sound and bright lights required by touring shows. Since that time the Performing Arts Foundation has managed the Grand Theater and has enlivened the stage with music, theater and dance from around the world, for family, adult and student audiences.

In 2002 the community once again stepped up to expand the walls of the Grand Theater to become Artsblock. The $13.2 million dollar project rededicated the facility to the glory of performance and energized not just the city of Wausau, but also, the entire region.

Today, The Grand Theater is a cornerstone of downtown, and a true community gathering place. With over 300 events per year, and serving a 17-county region, The Grand is the home for the best in the arts in North Central Wisconsin.

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Celebrate with Us The Grand is North Central Wisconsin’s premier event facility located in historic downtown Wausau. With its architectural grandeur and elegant surroundings, The Grand can accommodate business meetings, private parties, and special events with seating for up to 1200 guests.

Let our experienced and dedicated staff work with you to customize our beautiful facilities for your special event!

For a personal tour contact The Grand at 715-842-0988 / 888-239-0421.

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Black Violin Thursday, October 8 1 pm only

Monday, November 2 10 am/1 pm

Inspiring to all ages, Black Violin remains particularly committed to turning young fans on to their own potential through a tireless schedule of appearances at schools, where they constantly stress the importance of arts education.

Part rock concert, part science experiment, the creators of Arc Attack unveil the science behind the spectacle. Combining their love of music with science, the group invites the audience to explore concepts such as electricity, voltage and current, magnetism, robotics, and lightning through a show that’s both entertaining and interactive.

Beatrix Potter' s Peter Thursday, November 19 10 am / 1 pm

Rabbit Tales

In celebration of Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday anniversary, with fantastic masks, whimsical puppets, gorgeous scenery and original music, the magical, marvelous world of Beatrix Potter comes alive on stage. Meet Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters, as they escape from Mr. McGregor, outfox Mr. Tod and rescue the Flopsy Bunnies from the disagreeable badger, Tommy Brock.

Goodnight Moon and the Runaway Bunny Wednesday, February 3 10 am / 1 pm

Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both tales feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young audiences with a reassuring sense of security.

Mummenschanz

One of the giants of the performing arts, Mummenschanz bedazzles with witty, weird, timeless creatures that Thursday, February 18 10 am only perform unique stories without sound or music. In their wordless universe the ordinary becomes extraordinary by creating a playful yet compelling experience through the inventive use of shadow, light, and interesting manipulation of objects. Mummenschanz challenges the audience to think more creatively about the world around them. storytelling and poetry, you’ll The Stinky Cheese Man Combining experience the tale of poor Jack. He’s got

to use his wits to save himself from the terrible Giant, but a host of familiar fairy tale characters keep messing up his plans and then there’s that annoying Stinky Cheese Man! The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales deconstructs the tradition of the fairy tale. Nothing is quite the same as you remember it.

and Other Fairly Stupid Tales Monday, March 14 10 am / 1 pm

The BFG

Big Friendly Giant Friday, March 18 10 am / 1 pm

In Roald Dahl’s story, a 15-foot-tall vegetarian giant with vocabulary problems teams up with a little orphan girl called Sophie. Together, Sophie and her new “jumbly” friend, the BFG devise a plan to save the children of England from child-eating giants. Humongous on humor and large on laughs.

Amber Brown is Not a Crayon Monday, April 18 10 am / 1 pm

Amber Brown is having what may be the worst year of her life. She and Justin Daniels were best friends, but now Justin’s house has been sold and he is going to Alabama. This funny and forthright musical portrays a feisty young girl who refuses to let her problems get the better of her. You’ll laugh and cry as Amber learns some valuable lessons about the virtues of patience and the meaning of friendship.

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Special Events Wausau Symphony & Band: New Works from John Altenburgh Saturday, October 17 Wausau Symphony will premiere new works by local musician, John Altenburgh, and the symphony’s conductor, Daniel Larson.

The music presented will be similar to the film scores you might hear composed by John Williams, or Hans Zimmer. Using the traditional classic symphony orchestra in a contemporary style will provide music that has an exciting, fresh, and new twist. Come and support the oldest symphonic organization in the state of Wisconsin!

Silent Movie: Nosferatu: A Symphony of Terror

Nosferatu :

Sunday, October 18

F. W. Murnau’s landmark vampire film Nosferatu isn’t merely a variation on Bram Stoker’s Dracula: it’s a direct steal, so much so that Stoker’s widow went to court, demanding in vain that the Murnau film be suppressed and destroyed. The character names have been changed to protect the guilty (in the original German prints, at least), but devotees of Stoker will have little trouble recognizing their Dracula counterparts. Rumors still persist that Max Schreck, the actor playing Nosferatu, was actually another, better-known performer in disguise.

Whatever the case, Schreck’s natural countenance was buried under one of the most repulsive facial makeups in cinema history.

A Symphony of Terror

It’s a Very Joe.e Christmas Benefiting Toys for Tots Wednesday, December 9 For the second year, JEM productions and The Grand, in partnership with Toys for Tots Marathon County, will host a concert to benefit children in Marathon County who otherwise may go without a toy this Christmas.

Nearly forty artists will take the stage, which will feature full video projection, a beautifully lit Christmas tree, a ten piece house band with guest vocalists, and so much more!

An All Ages Show! Kids - We have made a special request to the North Pole asking Santa to fly in during the show! Keep your fingers crossed!

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Year at a Glance September

9-12 17 18 25

Wausau Community Theatre: Oliver Kelsea Ballerini Keb’ Mo’ Metropolitan Opera Rising Stars

October 1-3 2 8 8 10 15 17 18 20 21 22 24 28

Centerstage Show CVA The Artist’s Muse Gala Aspirus Arts in Education: Black Violin Black Violin CVA Fundraiser - The Art of Wine Shaun Hopper Wausau Symphony & Band: New Works from John Altenburgh Silent Movie: Nosferatu The Hot Sardines Tenth Ave North and Sidewalk Prophets Taste of Home Cooking School sponsored by Daily Herald Media Wausau Dance Theatre: Thriller The Midtown Men

November

2 Aspirus Arts in Education: Arc Attack 7 11-11 Part 5 12-14 Wausau Community Theatre: 13 15 19 21 24

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime

CVA Wrap it Up - Fibers & Threads Gala Mannheim Steamroller Aspirus Arts in Education: Tales of Peter Rabbit Warren Miller Event: Chasing Shadows Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna

December

5-6 Central Wisconsin School of Ballet: The Nutcracker 7-8 Wausau West Choir Concert 9 It’s a Very Joe.e Christmas 11-13 Wausau Community Theatre: A Christmas Carol 18 Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza!

21 Lorie Line: Christmas in the City

January 28

VoicePlay

February 3

18 19 24

Aspirus Arts in Education: Goodnight Moon / Runaway Bunny Aspirus Arts in Education: Mummenschanz Mummenschanz Once

March 2 5

Get the Led Out Wausau Dance Theatre: Carnival of the Animals 10-12 Wausau Community Theatre: Music Man 14 Aspirus Arts in Education: Stinky Cheese Man 18 Aspirus Arts in Education: The Big Friendly Giant 21 42nd Street 25 Vic Ferrari

April 7

8 14 16 18 21

St. Francis Xavier: Disney’s Aristocats Kids Cirque Ziva Alpin Hong River Valley Harmonizers Aspirus Arts in Education: Amber Brown is not a Crayon Improvised Shakespeare Company

May

7 Central Wis. School of Ballet 8 Rosanne Cash 9 Joe Bonamassa 14 Heidi’s Dance Recital 21-22 DDH Dance Recital

June

4 Judy Peterson Dance Recital 16-18 Wausau Community Theatre: Rent

Calendar is subject to change. Updates will be found on our website and upcoming newsletters.

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