Grand Theater Newsletter - January

THE GRAND THEATER’S

ENCORE

Volunteer Spotlight 13

Holiday Recap 4-5

January 2016

ONCE 2/24

Broadway’s Tony Award winning musical about hope, love and gutsy Irish music.

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

ASK THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | SEAN WRIGHT Q: What’s the latest update on the construction being completed throughout the block?

A: Thanks for asking, as it has been a busy year, funded by the generous donations of many of you to the Capital Campaign. Along with our friends at The Grand Theater Foundation, here’s an end-of-year recap: I. Foster Building

The Foster Building had served the PAF well for many years, but its declining usefulness and deteriorating condition required that it be razed. The vacant property is now being used as a staging area for construction work occurring at the Grand Theater and the Center for the Visual Arts building.

When construction is completed, the area will be developed as a small parking lot and green space.

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not visible to the public, will ensure the integrity of the building, as well as improving the overall safety and operations of the backstage area.

III. CVA Building

Currently underway and continuing well into 2016, the CVA building is undergoing a significant restoration and renovation. The II. Grand Theater exterior of the building will be restored,

The rear stage area, north new windows will be installed, the exit and building wall of the theater entrance will be enhanced, the roof and multiple stage components were will be replaced, the building systems extensively renovated or replaced will all be replaced, and many of the during 2015. New curtains to address features of the original building will be fire hazards and new backdrop curtains made visible and restored. have been ordered and installed.

This work and re-engineering, while

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Send Your Questions to: askthegrand@grandtheater.org CONTENTS Holiday Recap Broadway Comedy Music Family Volunteer Spotlight The Grand in the News

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ARE WELCOMING NEW YEAR

Award Winning erformances

Breakout Performers

Shows 3

CHRISTMAS AT T T

he Grand celebrates a truly successful 2015 holiday season. From your holiday favorites like Mannheim Steamroller and Altenburgh’s Christmas Extravaganza, to local classics like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Almost 10,000 patrons came to The Grand this holiday season.

Holiday Recap

Mannheim Steamroller November 15th

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Kicking off our holiday season with not one, but two sold-out shows, Mannheim Steamroller played their iconic renditions of holiday classics such as “Carol of the Bells” and “Deck the Halls.”

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Warren Miller’s “Chasing Shadows” November 21st

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The Warren Miller event celebrated the entire winter season, transforming The Grand into a ski lodge with local vendors, food trucks, great prizes and so much more!

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Vienna Boys Choir November 24th

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The Grand welcomed the renowned Vienna Boys Choir to town for the first time ever. One of the most famous choirs in the world, the boys sang Christmas favorites for a packed house, bringing “Christmas in Vienna” to Wausau.

Holiday Parade Warming Party December 4th

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Santa visited The Grand Theater after Wausau’s Holiday Parade.

The warming party also included hot chocolate, cookies and a performance by the Wausau Symphony Orchestra.

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The Nutcracker December 5-6th

Presented by the Central Wisconsin School

THE GRAND | A HOLIDAY RECAP of Ballet, the Nutcracker is one of Wausau’s favorite holiday traditions. This year new talent was brought in to play the Nutcracker (Daniil Simkin) and the Sugar Plum Fairy (Sarah Lane, previously known for her work in Black Swan).

12 Days of Christmas December 7-22

‘Tis the Season of giving with The Grand’s 12 Days of Giveaways. During the month of December we gave away tickets, signed Wausau West Holiday Concert posters, CD’s, and even souvenir cups to lucky December 7-8th social media followers! Thank you to all who Crowds lined The Great Hall for Wausau participated!

West’s Holiday Concert. A true collection of the school’s Music Department, the concert The hustle and bustle of the holiday season inluded everything from their Jazz Band to the may be coming to an end, but we are looking school’s Master Singers Choir, and everything forward to a great 2016. With some of our biggest shows coming up, such as Rosanne in between.

Cash, Lewis Black and an already sold-out Blue A Very Joe.e Christmas Man Group, we look forward to the rest of our December 9th season. We also have our annual fund drive A true community event, A Very Joe.e underway our with most ambitious goal yet of Christmas was more than just a show. Over $360,000. 2015 was great, but here’s to a new 600 people came bringing donations for Toys year and new goals! for Tots. Hundreds of toys lined the theater’s stage, pit and by the end walls. It truly was an evening of Christmas Spirit.

A Christmas Carol December 11-13

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Presented by the Wausau Community Theater, A Christmas Carol had its 8th annual performance at The Grand Theater. A holiday classic, the play tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and finding the spirit of Christmas.

Altenburgh’s Christmas Extravaganza December 18th

The tradition continued with Altenburgh’s sold out Christmas show! Holiday favorites were performed for a night of fun by local favorites such as Janet Planet, Randy Sabien, Mitch Viegut, Otis McLennon, John Altenburgh and much more!

Lorie Line December 21

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Lorie Line’s “Christmas in the City” tour came to Wausau with elaborate costumes and decorations, Line’s Christmas show was a holiday experience in itself.

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Broadway

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.

February 24 7:30pm

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

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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

MORE DETAILS AND INFO www.grandtheater.org

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MAY 15 | 7:30 PM - LIMITED TICKETS LEWIS BLACK Comedy

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.

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

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.

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.

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Music

VoicePlay

January 28 7:30 pm

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As seen on NBC’s “The Sing-Off!”

ased in Orlando, FL, the A Cappella sensation, VoicePlay, performs their own incredible brand of entertainment across the country and around the world.

What began quite literally as a street corner barbershop act has now evolved into an internationally acclaimed touring sensation.

VoicePlay is unlike any experience available today, recreating the orchestrated sound of an entire musical production with nothing but the human voice.

Fit for all ages, VoicePlay’s performance is a hit which have to be heard to be believed.

The party continues with “ACA-awesome” karaoke by Malibu & Russ at J.Gumbos after the show!

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MAY 8 | 7:30 PM ROSANNE CASH Music

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.

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.

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, heart-thumping intensity.

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

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APRIL 8 | 7:30 PM CIRQUE ZIVA 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.

Family

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.”

FEBRUARY 19 | 7:30 PM MUMMENSCHANZ In 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 of that transcends cultural barriers and sparks the imagination.

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Volunteer Spotlight

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

The support of our volunteers such as Marilyn Foley 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 Marilyn Foley. Starting as an usher while The Grand was still ARTSBlock, Marilyn has been a volunteer at the Grand Theater for almost ten years. Always ready to step in where needed with a helping hand and a smile.

“I just like to usher,” Marilyn told The Grand, “I don’t need any recognition, I just want to make a difference in someone’s life. Just a patron’s health, or simply the look of a smile on a patron’s just checking in to make sure everyone is comfortable, Marilyn face is all I need!”

As a retired nurse, she strongly goes above and beyond in her believes that it is one’s duty to use job as an usher.

For Marilyn it really is all about their talents to bring happiness and help others. With experience the people that come to The in the hospitality field, Marilyn is Grand, connecting with them in willing to go well out of her way any way she knows how. to give a little extra “tender, love and care.” Whether it be finding open seats to accommodate

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THE GRAND IN THE NEWS New ONCE National Tour Will Hit the Road in 2016; Leads Announced! |“With its first national tour wrapped, beloved folk/indie blend Broadway musical ONCE will, once more, hit the road...”Keep

Reading

Cerritos Center Review: Mummenschanz Enchants at Cerritos | I knew it might be tough

Once Announces New Cast

to describe the “Mummenschanz” concert at the Performing Arts Center when I counted at least one hundred exclamations of “whoa!!”...

Keep Reading

Rosanne Cash Forges Her Own Path | It’s not easy being the

progeny of an icon. Sure, it will open some doors if your parent is an accomplished and famous entertainer. But the pressure of carving out your own career follows.

Rosanne Cash didn’t just follow in the footsteps of her father to forge a solid career...Keep Reading

Get The Led Out is Dazed, Confused and Electric | Where

he has crafted an experience that is authentic, visceral and capable of transporting the true believers.

Or, see: GTLO rocks. Hard... Keep Reading

Alpin Hong at the Lincoln Center

Alpin Hong starts his three day performance-run at the renowned Lincoln Center in New York City | He performed

“Chasing Chopin,” his one-man theatrical show that combines the music of Chopin, stand-up comedy and the story of Hong’s life, at Lincoln Center in New York City...

Keep Reading 13

January 28

VoicePlay

February 3

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Aspirus Arts in Education: Goodnight Moon Aspirus Arts in Education: Mummenschanz Mummenschanz Once Michael W. Smith - JUST ANNOUNCED

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

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 5

May

Central Wisconsin School of Ballet: Student Showcase Rosanne Cash 8 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.

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Tickets!

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