Grand Theater Newsletter - February 2016

THE GRAND THEATER’S

ENCORE

Broadway’s Once 10

Grand in the News 15

2015

February 2016

ANNUAL REPORT

With the kick-off of our 2016 Annual Fund Drive, learn more about our organization and our 2015 accomplishments.

Viewing this publication online? Look for interactive links by hovering your mouse over select pictures.

401 Fourth Street, Wausau 54403

715-842-0988/888-239-0421

www.grandtheater.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER | SEAN WRIGHT It was truly a great 2015 for The Grand, with too many highlights to share in this small space. Over 132,000 patrons came through the doors, and our spaces were in use a whopping 325 days! With eight soldout shows we managed to push our way into Pollstar’s Top 225 theaters in the world in terms of touring ticket sales, an incredible testament to the great audiences we have here in North Central Wisconsin.

You can read about our accomplishments and more in this issue, which features our Annual Report to you, our Grand Family.

We hope that you will be as excited as we are about everything that was accomplished last year---and about what is in store for 2016 and beyond.

in the performing arts to the region, to keep ticket prices affordable, and to engage students from throughout the region through programming and artist residencies. I hope that you’ll consider a tax-deductible gift to The Grand before the end of our Fund Drive this June. Every gift, no A major part of continuing that matter the size, truly does make a success is our Annual Fund Drive. difference.

Even with a strong year of ticket sales Thanks again for your continued and events, your support is crucial support of The Grand. for us to continue to bring the best

Send Your Questions to: askthegrand@grandtheater.org

CONTENTS Annual Report Family Broadway Comedy Music Volunteer Spotlight The Grand in the News

4 8 8 12 13 14 15

PE

16

MATINEE SH

$11,

DONATED TO LO

2014 - 2015

Season Impact

132,000

PATRONS THROUGH OUR DOORS

134

325

17

ERFORMANCES

TOTAL DAYS OF USAGE

COUNTIES SERVED

6

HOWS

14,436

148

378

STUDENTS ATTENDED

SCHOOLS SERVED

ACCESS TO THE ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

,644

OCAL CHARITIES

$95,950

SAVED COMMUNITY PARTNERS

70

PERFORMANCES BY COMMUNITY PARTNERS

3

Annual Report

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW | 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

L

ocated on the 400 Block, The Grand Theater is your downtown neighbor. Some may know us for our iconic building, others may know us for the shows we present. However The Grand is so much more than a theater.

We are part of the community. The Grand is an economic driver, bringing people together from all over the state. By reaching out to new audiences, The Grand looks to reduce barriers between language, age, and culture. And by bringing in diverse and exciting shows, The Grand brings the best of the performing arts to North Central Wisconsin.

Being a nonprofit organization, The Grand is mostly funded by donations. Whether it be from individuals, corporations, or foundations...donations account for almost forty percent of The Grand’s Operating Budget.

These contributions make artist residencies and community outreach programs possible, as well as providing fee and labor abatements to community organizations to help them fulfill their own missions.

Thus we are so much more than simply a theater, we truly are part of the community. We are The Grand.

4

Total Tickets Sold

PROGRAMMING Our Performing Arts Foundation seasons have featured world-class performers, including the music of The Midtown Men, the holiday magic of the Vienna Boys Choir, the Broadway mastery of Million Dollar Quartet, the comedy of Jim Belushi, and so much more.

With that, our year has featured eight Sold Out Shows, including Hotel California, The Midtown Men, and Altenburgh’s Christmas Extravaganza.

With that, we celebrated one of our most successful months this past November.

We have expanded our programming; to include Tony Winners such as Million Dollar Quartet and The Midtown Men to reaching out to New Audiences with Black Violin and Kelsea Ballerini. And through reaching out to new audiences, we saw an increase in our total partons in the past year.

49,026 Total Sold Out Shows

8

top 225

Of Reported Worldwide Ticket Sales in Pollstar’s 2015 Annual Report.

5

7

Different Performance Curriculum Connections (Arts, Language Arts, Math, etc...)

STUDENT & COMMUNITY OUTREACH Artist Residency Participants

In addition to our Performing Arts Foundation season, we also feature an Arts in Education Series, that brings curriculum-based performing arts to our area’s students. The past year consisted of 16 Matinee Shows that included everything from the scientific world of ArcAttack to the fairytales of Peter Rabbit.

148

We also awarded 378 Access to the Arts Scholarships, to local children and students in need. These scholarships allow students who cannot afford a ticket to still experience our education series and participate in the fine arts.

1,000

Schools Served

Another aspect of our education mission is to involve the community as a whole in the fine arts. Our past Artist Residency with guitarist Shaun Hopper spanned three days, allowing students and the community to interact with a professional artist through storytelling, learning, laughter, and music.

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OTHER STATS AND FIGURES | 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Social Media Followers

up 162% 31% 37%

32%

PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION REVENUE GIFTS AND GRANTS EARNED REVENUE FACILITY RENTAL

220

Number of Volunteers

Weddings, Meetings, and Tours

150

The Grand serves

17 Counties all over the state, from Vilas to Adams, Eau Claire to Shawno

IT’S A NEW DAY It has been a long struggle since the economic downturn that affected all performing arts centers, but thanks to hard work and your support, we are proud to announce that we finished the year with a positive operating margin and in the top 225 in worldwide ticket sales of Pollstar’s 2015 Annual Report.

We are on track for an even greater 2016, with exciting shows, community outreach, and a renovated website all on the way! Thank you for your support, we wouldn’t be The Grand without you!

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Family Mummenschanz Friday, February 19 7:30pm

The World’s Premier Puppet Troupe that has The New York Times raving “Witty madness...dazzling and delightful.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH MUMMENSCHANZ ON THE MUPPET SHOW (1976)

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n the wordless universe of Mummenschanz, the ordinary becomes extraordinary when common materials, everyday objects and colorful abstract shapes and forms like the famous “Clay Masks,” “Slinky Man” and “Giant Hands” spring to life.

By creating a playful yet compelling experience through the inventive use of shadow, light, and creative manipulation of objects, Mummenschanz offers timeless insight on the human condition. The result is a visually stunning spectacle that transcends cultural barriers and sparks the imagination.

Click Here For Tickets!

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APRIL 8 | 7:30 PM CIRQUE ZIVA -LOW TICKET ALERT!

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 to cultural exchange.

The New York Times said of its recent smash Broadway run, “...this familyfriendly 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 14 | 7:30 PM ALPIN HONG Called “a pianistic firebrand” by The New York Times, Alpin Hong embodies a rare blend among contemporary classical musicians: an empathic soul, skilled raconteur and explosively dynamic piano technique.

Mr. Hong’s uniquely humorous and visionary approach to arts education has resulted in artistic residencies worldwide, including right here in North Central Wisconsin. His tireless pursuit to find, inspire, and collaborate with talents in every community results in unforgettable presentations that both expand worlds and hit close to home.

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Broadway

February 24 7:30pm

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience.

F

eaturing an impressive ensemble of actor/ musicians who play their own instruments onstage, 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.

Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams… not living in fear… and the power of music to connect all of us.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO ONCE

HOW TO ENTER RECORD YOUR VERSION OF ONCE’S “FALLING SLOWLY” AND SUBMIT TO: ccaputa@grandtheater.org

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MORE DETAILS AND INFO www.grandtheater.org

42nd Street March 21 7:30pm

Right off of Broadway comes the performance that The New York Times is calling “A Stage Extravaganza!”

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ased 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 leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the leading lady breaks

her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star.

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.

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APRIL 21 | 7:30 PM IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE CO. Comedy

You all have heard of comedy sports...but you have never seen it like this... Based on an audience suggestion The Improvised Shakespeare Co. creates a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your very eyes!

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 every you’re wondering where the story is going...so are they!

Every Thee and Thou will have you laughing harder than the last at what The New York Times is calling, “One of the country’s

elite improv companies.”

MAY 15 | 7:30 PM - LIMITED TICKETS LEWIS BLACK Lewis Black is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today.

He executes a brilliant trifecta as standup comedian, actor and author. His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience.

He is a passionate performer who is a more pissed-off optimist than mean-spirited curmudgeon. Lewis is the rare comic who can make an audience laugh while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world.

TIME CHANGE

JUNE 1 | 8:00 PM - SOLD OUT BLUE MAN GROUP BLUE MAN GROUP is comedy, theater, rock concert, and dance party all rolled into one.

This wildly popular phenomenon delivers an unforgettable multi-sensory experience. It’s an outrageous evening of entertainment you’ll never forget.

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It’s the show that has captivated 35 million people worldwide. BLUE MAN GROUP enemy of monotony, remedy for boredom, promoter of overjoy and elation. DARE TO LIVE IN FULL COLOR.

MARCH 2 | 7:30 PM GET THE LED OUT 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. Get The Led Out brings just what the audience wants…a high energy Zeppelin concert with an honest, heartthumping intensity.

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

Music

MAY 8 | 7:30 PM ROSANNE CASH Rosanne Cash comes to The Grand with a show that celebrates her newest album, The River & The Thread, winner of three Grammys in 2014. One of the preeminent performing songwriters of today.

A Grammy-winning singer and composer, Cash has recorded 15 albums and is the recipient of numerous awards.

You won’t want to miss Rosanne’s unique sound; drawing from country, blues, gospel, and rock, The River & The Thread is the soulful mix of the American South.

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Volunteer Spotlight

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

The support of our volunteers such as Lou Studemann is a huge part of The Grand.

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.

Meet Lou Studemann.

A volunteer for The Grand since 2001, Lou started here as a showday usher.

However, as someone who loves connecting with and giving back to her community, ushering was not enough. Today you can find Lou almost anywhere in the theater: working the front desk at our ticket office, mixing- was passing out bread and next up cocktails behind the bar, or thing I know one of the actors runs up to me yelling, ‘Give me showing patrons to their seats.

During her time at The Grand, all of your bread!’ and next thing Lou has seen many famous I know he’s throwing it all over the names take the stage, she even stage!” participated in one performance.

“There was one show, Tony and Tina’s Wedding Show, that the volunteers became part of the performance as servers for this ‘wedding,’” Lou explains, “I

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It’s the stories and experiences like these that Lou loves, “Volunteering gives you opportunities that you don’t normally receive.”

THE GRAND IN THE NEWS The New York Times: The Improvised Shakespeare Company’s Couplets Off the Cuff | Five-man cast making up

the script on the spot, piling one filthy pun atop another.... Keep Reading

Review: ‘Once’ at The Academy of Music in Philadelphia | From

the moment you enter the theater, the inventive staging immediately breaks through the proverbial fourth wall, as you are physically drawn into the performance... Keep Reading

Improvised Shakespeare Co. at Theater 80

Mummenschanz, A Mime Troupe With A Bunch Of Big Mouths | “We will never use music,”

she insists. “Our music is you, the audience. What is interesting with our show is that it has no music, no technology, no crazy lighting. It looks so simple. The simplicity underlies the emotions, and you realize how much you need the emotions.” Keep

Mummenschanz’s “Big Mouth”

Reading

Come Meet Those Dancing Feet on 42nd Street | “It’s a

very energetic show lots of crazy costumes and sets, it’s a really exciting production to be a part of,”... Watch Here

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February 3

12 18 19 24 25

Aspirus Arts in Education: Goodnight Moon Bob & Tom Comedy Show Aspirus Arts in Education: Mummenschanz Mummenschanz Once Michael W. Smith

March 2 5

Get the Led Out Wausau Dance Theatre: Carnival of the Animals 10-12 WCT: 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

Tanya Tucker - JUST ANNOUNCED St. Francis Xavier: Disney’s Aristocats Kids Cirque Ziva 8 Alpin Hong 14 Ron White - 10 PM SHOW ADDED 15 River Valley Harmonizers 16 Aspirus Arts in Education: 18 Amber Brown is not a Crayon Improvised Shakespeare Company 21 30-1 Dance Magic 1 5

May

Central Wisconsin School of Ballet: Student Showcase Rosanne Cash 8 Tommy Emmanuel - JUST ANNOUNCED 12 Heidi’s Dance Recital 14 Lewis Black - LIMITIED TICKETS 15 21-22 DDH Dance Recital 7

June

1 Blue Man Group -SOLD OUT 4 Judy Peterson Dance Recital 16-18 WCT: Rent

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

Get Your

Tickets!

The Grand Theater Ticket Office 401 Fourth Street - Wausau WI 54403 715-842-0988 or 888-239-0421 www.grandtheater.org Stay Connected: