THE GRAND THEATER’S
ENCORE
Volunteer Spotlight 19
Season Preview 3
July 2016
PIPPIN 4/20
“A PIPPIN FOR THE 21st CENTURY” -The New York Times
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401 Fourth Street, Wausau 54403
715-842-0988/888-239-0421
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THE PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION’S 2016-17 SEASON OCT 11 14 19 27 NOV
2 17 29
The Havana Cuba All-Stars Warren Miller Event A Darlene Love Christmas: Love for the Holidays
DEC
7 16
The King’s Singers Christmas The John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza
JAN
6 16 26
Cantus Russian National Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake The Company Men
FEB
13 17
The Five Irish Tenors Sons of Serendip
MAR
8 17 23
Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles The Young Irelanders Home Free
APR
7 20 27
Adam Trent: The Futurist Pippin The Time Jumpers featuring Vince Gill
MAY 11
2
Vocalosity The Second City: Free Speech (While Supplies Last) An Evening with Travis Tritt Shanghai Acrobats
Mamma Mia!
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rom Tony Winne Winners, Rock of Famers to th world stage and mu Grand Theater pro 21 shows sure to ha filled with awe, la excitement.
“We are extremel share our 2016-17 Sean Wright, Exec of The Grand Theate record-breaking 20 and we think that the perfect follow-u variety of amazing p coming to town.”
ers to Grammy and Roll Hall he best of the uch more, the oudly presents ave audiences aughter, and
ly excited to season,� said cutive Director er. “We had a 015-16 season this season is up, with a wide performances
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Season Preview
SEASON PREVIEW As always, The Grand is Central Wisconsin’s home for Broadway and this season, four outstanding shows come to town. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival, Pippin is a high-flying, deathdefying musical. Still featuring its signature songs, this classic has been reinvented as “Pippin for the 21st Century” (New York Times). It’s your last chance to see Mamma Mia!, as the hit musical comes to The Grand on its farewell tour. It’s your chance to fall in love with the music, the story, and the characters one last time in the ultimate feel good show! From Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road, RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles, takes you in a musical journey through the life and times of the world’s most celebrated band in this live multi-media spectacular! Adam Trent: The Futurist, star of the Broadway hit The Illusionists, melds classic techniques, dancing, comedy, and innovative stage illusions in a show that shatters stereotypes for those who think they’ve seen it all! “These four shows are sure to be audience favorites,” said Wright. “Pippin is Broadway meets Cirque in one of the best Broadway shows of the last half-decade. We are certainly thrilled to be a part of Mamma Mia!’s farewell tour, and RAIN is always one
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W | A CLOSER LOOK AT THE 16-17 SEASON
ost spectacular shows touring Adam Trent is a star in the —you’ll remember seeing him rand one day in the not too uture as he becomes one of est stars in the world of magic. tin Timberlake meets David eld.”
tastic shows featuring artists oss the globe will come to d this season. Come see the iring feats of acrobatics with nghai Acrobats brand new hanghai Nights”. Share an ce with the whole family as d-winning group cleverly uses cs to tell a magical story of a an and his dream to find love. ce the joy and vibrancy of bbean as The Havana Cuba bring their tour to the U.S. for first time! From the Rumba to -Cha-Cha, this band brings c Cuban music right to From Cuba to Ireland, The Tenors will provide the sounds d from yesterday and today ing, dynamic program filled sics like, “Danny Boy,” to more porary pieces like Bono’s “In e.” Complete your artistic trip he globe with the elegance ce of the Russian National eatre’s Swan Lake. Standing
the test of time, Swan Lake continues to amaze audiences with its majestic choreography, unforgettable score, and exquisite costumes and sets. “Part of our mission is to bring the best in the world to Wausau and these four performances certainly do that,” said Wright. “Two groups on their firstever US tours and two shows that are always audience favorites create an outstanding world lineup.” A great mix of classic and new country comes to The Grand to get your feet tappin’. Enjoy an evening with Grammy Award winner and country music legend when Travis Tritt takes the stage. You’ll hear the soulful sounds of beloved songs like, “Anymore,” and “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.” Country sensations and champions of NBC’s “The Sing Off”, Home Free is the world’s first all vocal country band. The most requested show by our patrons, Home Free will bring a high-energy and quick witted performance mashing Nashville standards with country-dipped pop hits! You’ll be transported to Nashville when multiple award-winning, Vince Gill and the Time Jumpers comes to The Grand! It’s a not-to-be-missed, best-of-the-best night of country direct from the Music City!
“Wausau is a great country music market and this is a great mix of incredible talent,” said Wright. “When you have the chance to see Grammyaward winners and country legends like Travis Tritt and Vince Gill, as well as the dynamic Home Free, these are shows not to be missed!” Bringing vocal styles for every taste this season are three groups that are as impressive as they are diverse. The season begins with an acaperfect concert experience when Vocalosity hits the stage. In this Pitch Perfect meets Broadway spectacle this concert event takes a cappella to a whole new level, featuring 12 dynamic voices singing today’s chart-topping hits! In conjunction with the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association, the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States, Cantus brings their unforgettable sound to present their, “No Greater Love Than This” Tour, Unlike any other touring group today, The Company Men uniquely interweave today’s Top 40 hits with re-imagines classics of the last six decades by blending songs by your favorite artists! See the group that brings an all-star band, throwback sounds, contemporary look, and over 60 years of music all in one night!
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“Vocalosity is one of the hottest shows in America, so we are thrilled to open our season with them,” said Wright. “We are also very excited to welcome over 600 of the state’s best vocal students to town in January for the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association Convention, which will be headlined by Cantus. It’s a great example of the community collaborations and opportunities to showcase Wausau that we work hard to identify and execute.” To help you escape the winter blues The Grand presents four shows celebrating the holidays and ski season. The annual Warren Miller Ski Film, this year is the 67th installment, comes back to The Grand to kick off ski season in Wausau! Enjoy an entire evening celebrating the winter sports season with the world’s preeminent ski and snowboarding film! According to David Letterman, “Christmas doesn’t start until Darlene Love sings Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”, so you’ll want to start your holiday season the right way and come hear the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer bring her thunderbolt voice to that classic right along with her hits “He’s a Rebel, and “He’s Sure the Boy I Love,” along with all your holiday favorites. Enjoy a holiday celebration with harmonies fit for a king with The King’s Singers Christmas! With a variety of music from Tchaikovsky to Lawson, to all your holiday favorites, their ability to create a full choir sound will leave you breathless. After decades of sold-out performances, The John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza returns to The
Grand with an all-new show! A true Wisconsin Christmas tradition, this has long been the hottest ticket in town. “Holiday programming is one of my favorite things to do,” said Wright, “and this year, I think we have a fantastic lineup. Darlene Love is truly one of the greatest singers of all-time, a Hall of Famer who sounds incredible today. The King’s Singers are a legendary group and a perfect follow-up to last year’s sold-out Vienna Boys Choir show. The John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza needs no introduction—it’s as much a holiday tradition in town as the parade and lighting of the tree!” The Grand presents three groups of emerging artists bringing fresh sounds and sights to the season. The Second City brings their newest show, Free Speech! (While Supplies Last), for a hysterical evening of topical political satire featuring brand new scenes, songs, and improv straight from their sold out shows in Chicago and Toronto! Fresh, fast and always funny, The Second City has produced some of the biggest and funniest names in comedy, including Jim Belushi, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and many more! Finalists of the hit NBC show, America’s Got Talent, Sons of Serendip, combine dynamic instrumentation and their classical training to recreate songs like you’ve never heard them before! Don’t miss this amazing quartet as they transform some of today’s top hits in “classical” arrangements! Plan for an exciting St. Patrick’s Day when The Young Irelanders transport you to Ireland with a full
Irish experience! Fusing old world traditions with contemporary flare, The Young Irelanders create a distinctive sound for everyone to enjoy! “We are devoted each year to bringing the best in emerging talent to The Grand,” said Wright. We’ll certainly need a respite from electoral insanity in October and Second City will help provide that. Sons of Serendip are incredible musicians and teachers. They mesh the classical and pop worlds for a sound unlike anything you’ve heard before. The Young Irelanders help make your St. Patrick’s Day planning easy—you don’t want to miss this group of rising stars.” Season subscriptions are on sale now. Season packages start at just four shows and feature a discount up to 15% depending on subscription level. Subscribers also receive priority seating, free ticket exchanges, and an invitation to exclusive events. Contact the ticket office at 715.842.0988, online at www. grandtheater.org, or stop in to the Ticket Office at 401 4th Street. Wausau, WI. 54403. Single-show tickets go on sale on July 12, 2016.
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October 11 7:30pm
Pitch Perfect meets Broadway in the “Aca-Perfect concert experience” that is taking the nation by storm
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ocalosity is the all-new live concert event from the creative mind of artistic producer Deke Sharon (Pitch Perfect, The Sing-Off) that takes a cappella to a whole new level! Twelve talented performers use only their voices to create musical 8
crossovers you have to hear to believe. From barbershop and doo-wop to The Beatles and Bruno Mars; no genre of music is off limits! Combine that with choreography from Sean Curran (Stomp) and Vocalosity creates a full concert experience that you won’t want to miss!
OCTOBER 14 | 7:30 PM SECOND CITY: FREE SPEECH (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST) In their newest show, this renowned comedy group takes aim at politicians in Free Speech! (While Supplies Last). It’s an evening of topical political satire featuring brand new scenes, songs, and improv straight from their sold-out shows in Chicago and Toronto. The Second City has produced some of the biggest and funniest names in comedy, including Jim Belushi, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, and so many more! It’s a must-see evening of comedy that features some of Chicago’s best and brightest talent. You won’t want to miss Second City’s irreverent and hysterical look at America’s electoral insanity!
OCTOBER 19 | 7:30 PM AN EVENING WITH TRAVIS TRITT An evening with Grammy Award winner and country music legend Travis Tritt as he plays the songs you know and love like you’ve never heard them before. Experience the soulful sounds of Travis Tritt in an intimate setting featuring some of his biggest hits, including “Anymore”, “T-R-O-U-BL-E”, and “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive”. Don’t miss this rare up close and personal performance with multiplatinum recording artist Travis Tritt.
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OCTOBER 27 | 7:30 PM SHANGHAI ACROBATS Awe-inspiring feats of acrobatics come to the Grand Theater with the Shanghai Acrobats’ brand new show, “Shanghai Nights.” This award-winning group cleverly uses acrobatics to tell a magical story of a young man and his dream to find love. Share the thrills with the whole family as over one hundred acrobats perform jaw-dropping feats of acrobatics and stunts with precision skills. Experience the amazing beauty and thrilling feats with the Shanghai Acrobats.
NOVEMBER 2 | 7:30 PM THE HAVANA CUBA ALL-STARS Experience the joy and vibrancy of the Caribbean as The Havana Cuba All-Stars bring their rich musical heritage to The Grand. This exciting band creates an authentic Cuban experience, with rhythmic drums and castanets, wailing trumpets, and masterful acoustic guitar. The “Asere Friendship Tour” is The Havana Cuba All-Stars’ first-ever U.S. tour and celebrates the new open friendship between the United States and Cuba. Devoted to presenting the wide tapestry of Cuban music, The Havana Cuba All-Stars’ Spanish vocals, traditional songs, and sizzling rhythms will fill the theater with the exciting sounds of the Caribbean.
NOVEMBER 17 | 6:30 PM WARREN MILLER EVENT This fall, join The Grand as we kick off ski season in Wausau with our annual Warren Miller Entertainment’s 67th Annual Ski Film! Warren Miller is the preeminent ski filmmaker in the world! This legendary film series take film-goers across the globe to some of the world’s most spellbinding skiing outposts! It’s more than a film, it’s an entire evening celebrating the winter sports season with local vendors, themed raffles, and Warren Miller Entertainment’s 67th Annual Ski Film! 10
A Darlene Love Christmas: Love for the Holidays November 29 7:30 pm
Hailed as “One of the Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone
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Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Darlene Love has long been recognized as “one of the greatest singers of all-time,” bringing her thunderbolt voice to wall-ofsound hits including “He’s a Rebel,” “He’s Sure the Boy I Love”, “(Today I Met) The Boy I’m Gonna Marry,” and many more. This holiday season, this Sixties legend
will bring all those classics and your holiday favorites to The Grand! A Darlene Love Christmas would not be complete without her signature song “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”, which she sang for 28 consecutive years on the Late Show with David Letterman, and of which, Letterman always said, “Christmas doesn’t start until Darlene Love sings that song.”
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DECEMBER 7 | 7:30 PM A KING’S SINGERS CHRISTMAS It’s a holiday celebration with harmonies fit for a king! With a variety of music from Tchaikovsky to Lawson, to all of your holiday favorites, The King’s Singers’ ability to create a full choir sound will leave you breathless. For more than 40 years, this remarkable sextet has maintained their place at the top of the choral world, delighting audiences across the globe with their melodies and irresistible charisma. If you enjoyed the sold-out Vienna Boys Choir performance last season, you won’t want to miss this holiday gem!
DECEMBER 16 | 7:30 PM THE JOHN ALTENBURGH CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA After decades of sold-out performances, The John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza returns to The Grand with an all-new show, featuring Janet Planet, Randy Sabien, Mitch Viegut, Chris O’Keefe, Otis McLennon and Dave Saindon. A true Wisconsin Christmas tradition, this has long been the hottest ticket in town. After returning from hiatus two years ago to rave reviews, the show is back again this season. Nothing says Christmas in Wausau like The John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza!
JANUARY 6 | 8:00 PM CANTUS Over 600 of the state’s best vocal students will come to Wausau this January for the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association state convention. The Grand is proud to partner with the WCDA to present the convention’s headlining artist, Cantus. Based out of Minneapolis, the group is recognized around the world for their programmatic versatility, artistic excellence, and charismatic personality. With creative themes, engaging performances, and vocal virtuosity, Cantus will deliver an evening of unforgettable music. 11
JANUARY 16 | 7:30 PM RUSSIAN BALLET THEATRE: SWAN LAKE This esteemed Russian ballet company brings to the Grand Theater one of the most magical and beloved works from the classical ballet repertoire: Swan Lake. Standing the test of time, Swan Lake continues to amaze audiences near and far. With majestic choreography, an unforgettable score, and exquisite costumes and sets, Swan Lake continues to earn the adoration of classical ballet enthusiasts and attract newcomers to this magnificent art form. Come get lost in the magical story of Swan Lake!
JANUARY 26 | 7:30 PM THE COMPANY MEN Unlike any other group touring today, The Company Men uniquely interweave today’s Top 40 hits with re-imagined classics of the last six decades, blending songs by your favorite artists, including Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Adele, The Temptations, Prince, Bruno Mars, Michael Bublé and more! Featuring performers from Broadway and the national touring companies of HAIRSPRAY, THE LION KING, and the Emmy Award winning mini-series The Temptations, The Company Men bring an all-star band, a throw-back sound, a contemporary look, and 60 years of music in one night!
FEBRUARY 13 | 7:30 PM THE FIVE IRISH TENORS The Five Irish Tenors blends Ireland’s traditional musical vocal heritage with modern, vibrant contemporary Ireland. Featuring classics such as “Danny Boy” and “My Wild Irish Rose” alongside Bono’s “In a Lifetime” and Brendan Graham’s “You Raise Me Up”. On their first-ever U.S. Tour, the group presents a thrilling, dynamic program of joy and passion, spirit and love, performed by this magnificent group of Ireland’s leading tenors. Let the celestial voices of these virtuoso musicians take you away to the rolling fields of Ireland.
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February 17 7:30pm
Finalists of the hit NBC show America’s Got Talent.
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his genre-bending, classicalcrossover group, Sons of Serendip combines incredible musicianship with their masterful arrangements to create new interpretations of songs you love.
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them before, including “Purple Rain,” “Ordinary World,” “Somewhere Only We Know,” and many more!
Don’t miss this amazing quartet as they transform some of today’s top hits in “classical” arrangements Combining dynamic instrumentation that have critics calling them “one and their classical training, Sons of of the most talented musical acts Serendip recreates your favorite performing today”. songs like you have never heard
MARCH 8 | 7:30 PM RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES From Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road, this live multi-media spectacular takes you on a musical journey through the life and times of the world’s most celebrated band, The Beatles. Going further than before, this new Rain production adds even more hits that you know and love from the vast anthology of Beatles classics. Don’t miss the Broadway smash that’s taking the world by storm!
MARCH 17 | 7:30 PM THE YOUNG IRELANDERSS Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with The Young Irelanders, a group of talented performers who have Irish song and dance running through their veins! Featuring former members of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, The Young Irelanders is more than a band, it’s a full Irish experience! Fusing old world traditions with contemporary flare, The Young Irelanders create a distinctive sound that everyone can enjoy! It’s St. Patrick’s Day at The Grand with The Young Irelanders.
MARCH 23 | 7:30 PM HOME FREE Country sensations and champions of NBC’s “The Sing Off”, Home Free is the world’s first all-vocal country band. Using nothing but their voices, this country quintet brings their unique flair to the country songs you know and love; from “Fishin in the Dark” and “Ring of Fire;” to “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and “Cruise.” Don’t miss as Home Free brings their highenergy and quick-witted performance that meshes Nashville standards with countrydipped pop hits to Wausau for the first time!
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Adam Trent: The Futurist April 7 7:30pm
Critics are raving: “Justin Timberlake meets David Copperfield”
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ne of the stars of the blockbuster Broadway spectacle THE ILLUSIONISTS, and as seen on “America’s Got Talent”, Adam Trent has taken the magic world by storm as “The Futurist.” 16
Described as “Justin Timberlake meets David Copperfield,” he’s a
star for a new generation of magic fans; melding classic techniques, dancing, comedy, and innovative stage illusions in a show that shatters stereotypes for those who think they’ve seen it all. This is a show you will have to see to believe!
APRIL 20 | 7:30 PM PIPPIN PIPPIN is a high-flying, death-defying hit musical! Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this classic has been reinvented as “Pippin for the 21st century” (New York Times). Cirque-infused choreography leaves audiences captivated in a world of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of WICKED. Hailed by audiences and critics alike this “eyepopping, jaw-dropping extravaganza” (NY1) is unlike anything Broadway has ever seen!
APRIL 27 | 7:30 PM THE TIME JUMPERS When country superstar Vince Gill and his friends started the Time Jumpers in Nashville, it was simply a way for them to get together to play music. Little did they know that they had formed a country super group that would develop a rabid following, sell out a weekly Nashville show and earn Grammy nominations for their songs. The multiple award-winning Time Jumpers bring the best of country, western, and swing to the stage; and are made up of ten incredible musicians, including country legends Vince Gill, “Ranger Doug” Green, Kenny Sears, Paul Franklin and more! You won’t want to miss this rare chance to see Vince Gill and The Time Jumpers outside of the Music City! It’s a not-to-bemissed, best-of-the-best night of country direct from Nashville!
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MAMMA MIA! May 11 7:30pm
Come Say Farewell to the Beloved, Feel-Good, Smash Broadway Musical
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all in love with the music, the story, and the characters that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel good show that has audiences coming back again and again! Don’t miss your last chance to see MAMMA MIA! on its Farewell 18
Tour. It’s the classic show you love: ABBA’s greatest hits woven into a smash hit Broadway musical about a daughter’s dream, a mother’s secret, and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Volunteer Spotlight
The support of our volunteers is a huge part of the grand.
Our June performance of the Blue Man Group was especially memorable for Jeanice. Marking four years as a volunteer, one of her first shows ushering for The Grand was for the Blue Man Group in our 2013-14 season.
The Grand has over 150 volunteers that work behind the scenes to help ensure that you have the best experience. You may only know them as the smiling faces that hold open the doors or help you to your seat, but our volunteers are so much more.
“I just really enjoy seeing people enjoying themselves,” she explains, “I love it!”
Jeanice also explains that she loves seeing how the theater runs behind the scenes, “It puts it in the big picture. You see all the small parts that put a show together: ticket office, tech, right up to the Meet Jeanice Habeck. A show night.” volunteer at The Grand for 4 Everyday is an opportunity years, Jeanice has her hand in to learn something new for almost everything at the theater. Jeanice, taking on new roles to She volunteers as a greeter, help the theater, discovering usher, bar tender, even helps out new talented performers, and with artist hospitality; Jeanice is meeting friends to last a life time. always willing to step up and lend a helping hand.
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September 8-10 29-1
Wausau Community Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof Centerstage Band and Show Choir: A Night on Broadway
October 7-9 11 14 19 20 22 22 27
CWCT Penguin Project: Seussical Jr. Vocalosity The Second City: Free Speech (While Supplies Last) An Evening With Travis Tritt Aspirus Arts in Education: The Ugly Duckling Wausau Dance Theatre: Thriller CVA Fundraiser: Art of Wine Shanghai Acrobats
November
3-4
5-6 7 9-11 14 16 21
6 6-7 12 16 26 28
Cantus WCDA State Choral Convention Stayin’ Alive: Tribute to the Bee Gees Russian National Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake The Company Men Wausau Events: Winterfest
February
13 17 24 28
The Five Irish Tenors Sons of Serendip Aspirus Arts in Education: Everybody’s Hero: The Jackie Robinson Story
Aspirus Arts in Education: Brown Bear, Brown Bear
March
2-4
The Havana Cuba All-Stars 2 11-11 Part 6 5 10-12 Wausau Community Theatre: Beauty and the Beast Aspirus Arts in Education: 14 Ben Franklin and His Kite The 67th Warren Miller Ski Film 17 A Darlene Love Christmas: 29 Love for the Holidays
December
January
8 11 13 17 23
Wausau Community Theatre: The Who’s Tommy Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles WDT Storybook Weekend: Alice in Wonderland Aspirus Arts in Education: Laura Ingalls Wilder The Young Irelanders Home Free
April
Central Wisconsin School of Ballet: The Nutcracker Wausau West Choir Concert The King’s Singers Christmas Wausau Community Theatre: A Christmas Carol It’s a Very Joe.e Christmas The John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza Lorie Line
Aspirus Arts in Education: Dr. Suess’ Cat in the Hat Adam Trent: The Futurist 7 River Valley Harmonizers 15 Pippin 20 Aspirus Arts in Education: 26 Mayhem Poets The Time Jumpers 27 29-30 Dance Magic 5
May 6 11 13 20-21
CWSB: Student Showcase Mamma Mia! Heidi’s Dance Recital DDH Dance Recital
Calendar is subject to change. Updates will be found on our website and upcoming newsletters.
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