Grand Theater Newsletter - March 2016

THE GRAND THEATER’S

ENCORE

Tomorrow At The Grand10

Volunteer Spotlight 14

March 2016

MATINEE MADNESS The Aspirus Arts in Education Series brings the magic of the performing arts to schools and students all over Central Wisconsin.

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401 Fourth Street, Wausau 54403

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER | SEAN WRIGHT Q: A Two Part Question: What’s the best part about booking a season?

And what’s the worst part?

A very fitting question since it is the heart of booking season right now, as we plan for the 2016-17 season. I always tell folks that booking a season is like putting together a puzzle, but you don’t know what it is you are trying to create, plus the pieces keep changing on you!

That said, there are so many great things in the booking process that it is hard to pick just one. Discovering new artists who haven’t ever played the market (such as Voice Play, Shaun Hopper and Black Violin) is a great joy, as is finding a way to bring amazing acts with long track records (Rosanne Cash, Vienna Boys Choir) to town. If I have to pick just one, though, it’s the excitement that everyone on the staff feels when we are able to lock in a show that you know the audience will absolutely love. Plus, holding the final brochure in your hands knowing the months of work that went into the season is a pretty great feeling as well!

Dancing robo in-the-dark bu over 14,000 g students...mix and you have

The worst part is actually when you have a show that you are absolutely excited to bring to the community and for whatever reason (cost, date, routing) it just doesn’t work out. You get invested in shows that you really want to share with your audience and it can be very disappointing when things don’t come to fruition. Of course, sometimes it just requires a little patience—I was very disappointed that we were not able to work out a Lewis Black date for our originally announced 2015-16 season, but a few months later we were able to add him to the season for a sold-out show in May.

Send Your Questions to: askthegrand@grandtheater.org

CONTENTS Matinee Madness Family Music Broadway Comedy Volunteer Spotlight The Grand in the News

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MAT COMING UP THIS

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TINEE MADNESS MONTH IN OUR ARTS IN EDUCATION SERIES

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Matinee Madness

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MATINEE MADNESS | Aspirus Arts in Education

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s the first bus pulls up to the sidewalk, the anticipation inside the theater builds.

Volunteer ushers rush to greet educators and students before the silence of the still theater is transformed to that of ooh’s, ah’s, and eek’s of students. Though it is exciting for students and teachers to come to the Grand, the true thrill is hearing the reactions and laughter amplified throughout the theater.

Bringing live performing arts to students is why the Aspirus Arts in Education Series exists.

The series aims to present shows that supplement the curriculum, but presented in a way in which one may not expect to help students better understand material.

Five outstanding shows have been presented to students spanning

North Central Wisconsin so far this season, two of which were also a part of the evening series at The Grand. Black Violin and Mummenschanz provided the opportunity for students to see professional artists do what they do best, perform.

The first of the two, Black Violin, a hip hop violin duo, demonstrated the importance of persistence

and innovation.

By taking Classical music, flipping it on its head, and adding their own elements, Black Violin helped students envision something they thought they knew in a new way and what’s a better lesson than that?

The next, Mummenschanz

was a performance that spanned generations.

The Swiss puppet troupe has been performing for 40 years and hasn’t lost their touch. Using light, shadow, shapes, and

color, students from ages eight to fifteen were challenged to use their imaginations while these sometimes abstract objects were performed on stage. Even after seeing the show, it was difficult to describe to those who missed it.

Megan, a student from Riverside Elementary school said, “It was funny and amazing! …

At first I was scared and weirded out, but it got interesting!”

Teachers and educators of participating schools truly appreciated that it got the students thinking and using their imaginations. At a time when schools are addressing the importance of critical thinking there was no better show to see.

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The shows wouldn’t be enjoyable without the great companies that put them on. ArcAttack put on an ‘electrifying’ performance with singing tesla coils. The company made sure to incorporate some hair standing fun into the learning with plenty of audience participation, as in they literally brought students on stage and made their hair stand on end with the coils.

The beloved classics Goodnight Moon and the Runaway Bunny, put on by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, told the two popular bedtime tales using black lights and fluorescent paint. Following the performance this company gives the students a chance to ask questions of the actors and as any of you with children know, those questions can span quite the range of topics. From questions such as, “Why does the cow jump over the moon?” to “Where do you live?” actors did their best to provide answers to the students.

Another classic story, Peter Rabbit, was put on by Enchantment Theatre Company. They brought detailed costumes, visually stunning sets, and excellent talent that helped the story jump right off the page.

The companies who tour through Wausau are met with loud laughter, priceless reactions, and an overwhelming amount of clapping following each performance. After all, what is a performance without a reactive audience?

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ere are still opportunities ahead share in the laughter and fun ought out by the matinee rformances. Stinky Cheese Man March 14 follows narrator Jack ough a myriad of beloved fairy es, but each is slightly different an you may remember them. re to leave students laughing, t also teachers and parents estioning what seems a little off.

e Dallas Children’s Theatre is tically acclaimed. Their shows e well done, from the talent and s to the stage management d audience interaction and e BFG (Big Friendly Giant) will be exception. On March 18 grab urself a glass of “frobscottle” d head to The Grand for a story at is full of laughs, a brand new cabulary, and find out why this ry was Roald Dahl’s favorite. e BFG is great for grades second ough fifth with performances at AM and 1 PM.

mber Brown is Not a Crayon tells e story of growing up and looking change. Reacting to her best end moving away, Amber learns w not to let her problems get the st of her in this musical journey. s memorable performance is April 18 and suited for grades cond through fifth and has rformances at 10 AM and 1 PM. TICKETS ONLY 5 DOLLARS, CALL OUR TICKET OFFICE TODAY

SOLD OUT! STINKY CHEESE MAN March 14

THE BFG

March 18 | 10 AM & 1PM

AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON March 18 | 10 AM & 1PM 7

None of these shows would be possible without the support of the arts in the schools.

Educators, you are the reason these students have a chance to come and experience live performing arts in the North Central Wisconsin. From the arrival of the first bus, through the laughter during the performance, and as the last student leaves the theater the Arts in Education Series really is matinee madness, but without it an incredible experience would be missed.

Anna Anderson Director of Education and Community Engagement

Coming soon!

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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.

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.”

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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Music TOMORROW! March 2 7:30pm

Bringing the sounds of Led Zepplin, “GTLO ROCKS. HARD.” (Courier Post)

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ubbed 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

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honest, heart-thumping intensity.

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

Rosanne Cash

May 8 7:30pm

Celebrating her newest album, Grammy-winning The River & The Thread has critics raving as “the best music of her career.” (The Oxford American)

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osanne 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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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 12

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.

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

Comedy

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.

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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Volunteer Spotlight

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

The Grand relies on the support and dedication of it’s volunteers.

As a retired Social Worker, Diane Meet Diane Boyle. A volunteer for The Grand for approximately has experience with working with all types of people: foster children seven years.

If you have visited the theater to the elderly; happy people to during a matinee performance, sad people; and everything in you have probably seen Diane between.

It is this background that has running through the maze of busses. Snow, rain, or shine... you helped Diane develop the will find her smiling face assisting people skills that have driven her to volunteer. Even before she bus-loads of children.

For Diane that is her favorite was “officially” a Grand Theater part of volunteering. “My favorite volunteer, Diane would still lend a part is the kid’s shows!” She says, helping hand whenever needed.

For Diane helping people truly “Meeting students, helping the teachers...just anything to make is “All in a day’s work.” it easier for them.”

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‘42nd Street’ actress an inspiration for local students |

THE GRAND IN THE NEWS

“You’re auditioning to make a living doing what you love,” Sarah Fagan said, reminding the tap master class at Utica Dance what the context for the Tony-Award winning choreography they were learning was about... Watch Here

Alpin Hong shares love of music| When Alpin Hong’s mother

42nd Street

signed him up for classical piano lessons, she had no idea it would lead to a successful musical career.

Born in Michigan to South Korean immigrants, Hong said his parents were devoted to making sure he had opportunities they never had...

Keep Reading

Event preview: The Improvised Shakespeare Company | There’s

Alpin Hong

improv. Then, there’s improv that hath a plethora of Shakespearean wit and tongue... Keep Reading

Where are they now?

Watch Classical Duo Black Violin, 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne Perform on Jimmy Fallon |

Along with the Roots, Jimmy Fallon premiered a new song from 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne in a special late night performance. Along with the noted performers, however, was also Classicalite favorite Black Violin, a hip-hop duo from Florida...

Keep Reading

Black Violin on the Tonight Show

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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 St. Francis Xavier: Disney’s Aristocats Kids Cirque Ziva - LIMITED TICKETS 8 Alpin Hong 14 Ron White - 10 PM LIMITED TICKETS 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 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.

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