The Grand's 2018-19 Season: Winter Newsletter by The Grand Theater

PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION, INC.

2018-19 SEASON

WINTER 2019 NEWSLETTER

GIVE THE MAGIC OF THEATER

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE NOW Learn more on page 11

BRINGING THE ARTS INTO OUR COMMUNITY

THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SERIES

Learn more on page 8

WWW.GRANDTHEATER.ORG | 715-842-0988 | 401 N FOURTH STREET, DOWNTOWN WAUSAU

FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Winter has already arrived in Central Wisconsin, which means another year is quickly coming to a close. As 2018 ends, we certainly have much to be thankful for, as it has been another incredible year: over 135,000 patrons came through our doors, we sold out a record 18 shows for the second consecutive year, were recognized as one of Pollstar’s Top 150 Theaters in the World, and brought world-class artists to the stage of The Grand. We thank all of you who have supported us this year and made it one of our most successful years ever! As the calendar turns, we are very excited about what 2019 holds in store. From Broadway hits Finding Neverland and Rock of Ages, to the comedy of Jim Belushi, Charlie Berens and Whose Live Anyway?, plus a dozen other great shows, there are amazing performances to come. Plus, our 10x10 Series continues to grow, with five more performances to come this season, where you can share the stage with emerging artists across genres! The new year will also feature the continued expansion of our efforts to engage the community through the arts. You’ll have opportunities to see our Central Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble, showcasing the best of high school musical theatre talent in the region, while our Community Engagement Series will offer opportunities to connect to the performances and artists in new and meaningful ways. Our Access For All and Arts In Education Series will continue to ensure that individuals of all ages get to experience the transformative power of the arts. We’re certainly excited for what is to come, but first, as the year comes to a close, we’ll be kicking off our annual fund drive. Even in the strongest of seasons, ticket revenue alone doesn’t support our mission or operations, much less maintenance of our 91-year-old theater, as eighty percent of ticket sales go to the costs of the show and the artists themselves. Your support helps us ensure that we can continue to engage the best artists, create meaningful engagement opportunities, and use the arts to enrich the lives of the entire community. As you consider your end-of-the-year giving, I hope you’ll consider a gift to the Performing Arts Foundation. Thanks for your support of The Grand in 2018! Best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful holiday season!

SUPPORT THE ARTS When you give to The Grand Theater, you make great things happen. You provide opportunities and create possibilities. Every gift large and small makes an impact. Community support allows us to continue our mission to engage the best artists, to create meaningful engagement opportunities, to keep ticket prices reasonable, and to develop memorable experiences for the entire community; through the Jerry Awards, Access For All, the Arts In Education Series, the Community Engagement Series, and much more.

Total Sold-Out Shows

Total Tickets Sold

61,186

Access to the Arts Scholarships Awarded

889

top 150

Of Reported Worldwide Ticket Sales in Pollstar’s 2017 Annual Report.

An Economic Impact of

$4.7 million The Grand serves

67 COUNTIES

The entire season at The Grand is supported by the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. These performances are also supported 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.

all over the state, from Bayfield to Rock, and Polk to Brown

With your help, we can continue this tradition of excellence for generations to come. All donations, no matter the size, are appreciated. Thank you!

DONATE TODAY!

www.grandtheater.org

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THE GRAND THEATER’S 2018-19 SEASON

RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET: GISELLE

LIVE FROM LAUREL CANYON

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17| 7:30PM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 | 7:30PM

World-class ballet returns to The Grand with the Russian National Ballet’s spellbinding performance of Giselle. Fifty of Russia’s finest dancers will bring to the stage a haunting story of love and betrayal, life and death, vengeance and forgiveness. This performance will enchant audiences of all ages with the haunting romantic story, stirring score, and sumptuous choreography of this renowned ballet.

Live from Laurel Canyon is a multi-media journey through the songs and stories of American Folk Rock featuring the music of The Doors, James Taylor, Carole King, the Eagles, and more. Few neighborhoods have been home to as many ground-breaking musicians as this secluded region of Southern California during a very special time in American popular music; a time when young people searched for a sound with the message of folk music and the attitude of rock ’n’ roll. Experience the songs and stories of this neighborhood, and of the legendary artists that forever changed the sound of American pop music.

SPECIAL PRE-SHOW EVENT -- The Tasting Barre returns! Join The Grand for an exclusive pre-show reception, featuring a wine and whiskey tasting and hors d’oeuvres by Urban Street Bistro. Tickets available now for $25. PRESENTING SPONSORS:

FEATURED SPONSORS:

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MANITOWOC MINUTE’S CHARLIE BERENS: OH MY GOSH!

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 | 7:30PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 | 7:30PM | SOLD OUT

Oh my gosh! We’re doing it again folks. Da Manitowoc Minute is back on da road coming to Wausau real quick once. It’s a brand new show that’s one part Manitowoc Minute, one part Charlie Berens and three parts Craigslist. What could possibly go wrong? Get some tickets real quick once and keep ‘er movin!

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! A brand-new Broadway production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC comes to Wausau! The spirited, romantic, and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and the title song. This unforgettable classic story will unfold on the stage of The Grand Theater to a sold-out audience this winter. PRESENTING SPONSOR:

FEATURED SPONSORS:

THE GRAND THEATER’S 2018-19 SEASON

DON MCLEAN

LUMA: ART IN DARKNESS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 | 7:30PM With hits such as “Vincent (Starry Starry Night),” “Crying,” and, one of the most successful songs of the century, “American Pie,” Don McLean is one of America’s most enduring singer-songwriters. McLean has amassed over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide and, in 2004, was inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. Don’t miss your chance to see this living legend perform all his classic hits and songs from his latest album Botanical Gardens - live on the stage of The Grand! PRESENTING SPONSOR:

FEATURED SPONSORS:

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 | 6:30PM | LIMITED TICKETS LUMA Theater has been dazzling audiences across the globe and this winter, this amazing multi-sensory experience will come to The Grand for the very first time with their newest show “Art in Darkness”! Don’t miss the luminescent spectacular critics call “truly magical…turns a roomful of adults into a bedlam of kids,” and “… STOMP with electricity,” when LUMA Theater comes to Wausau!

FEATURED SPONSORS:

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JIM BELUSHI AND THE BOARD OF COMEDY

CELTIC NIGHTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 | 7:30PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 | 7:30PM

A Wausau favorite, Jim Belushi returns to The Grand for a hilarious night of improvisational comedy! With more than thirty years of experience as a comedic actor, Belushi is an alumnus of Saturday Night Live and Chicago’s famed Second City. In short, he’s comedy royalty. Joined by the top-notch comedians of the Board of Comedy, Belushi brings to the stage an improvised sketch comedy show that is never the same twice! Come be part of the show and experience what Belushi himself calls “less a ‘show’ and more a party.”

SPECIAL PRE-SHOW EVENT -- Celebrate St Patrick’s Day at The Grand Theater with a traditional Irish feast catered by The Mint in the Greenheck Lounge before the night’s show. Tickets available now for $25.

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

FEATURED SPONSORS:

Featuring dozens of Ireland’s most talented performers, Celtic Nights’ new show “Oceans of Hope” combines traditional Irish song and dance to create an evening you won’t want to miss. Experience for yourself the inspiring, celebratory evening of music and dance critics have called “spellbinding and exhilarating.”

FEATURED SPONSORS:

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!

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CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE : CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL’S CHRONICLE, VOL. 1 THURSDAY, MARCH 14 | 7:30PM After a sold-out show last winter, Classic Albums Live returns to The Grand Theater with a brand-new show as they perform Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Chronicle, Vol. 1 in its entirety. It’s an evening to hear CCR’s greatest hits, including “Fortunate Son”, “Proud Mary”, “Travelin’ Band”, and many more performed live — not by a tribute band, just a group of incredible musicians recreating a classic album, note for note, cut for cut. Come take a trip back in time with Classic Albums Live. PRESENTING SPONSOR:

FEATURED SPONSOR:

HAVANA CUBA ALL-STARS: ASERE! A FIESTA CUBANA! WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 | 7:30PM The Havana Cuba All-Stars return with their brand-new show Asere! A Fiesta Cubana! This high-energy group, featuring some of Cuba’s most talented musicians and dancers, returns to Wausau with a joyous celebration of the best of Cuban culture. With the greatest dancers and musicians of Cuba working in tandem, Asere! A Fiesta Cubana is a spirited spectacle of song and dance, exemplifying Cuba’s greatest musical traditions.

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

FEATURED SPONSORS:

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RAIN - A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES SATURDAY, APRIL 6 | 7:30PM RAIN - A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES presents Abbey Road! In celebration of the anniversary of the release of Abbey Road, RAIN will bring the greatest hits to life in addition to all your early favorites. This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing The Beatles live. Experience the world’s most iconic band and come celebrate the best of Abbey Road with RAIN – A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES. FEATURED SPONSORS:

AN EVENING WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10| 7:30PM Three-time Grammy Award winning saxophonist and Tony Award nominated composer Branford Marsalis is one of the most revered instrumentalists of his time. This legendary musician has played with all of the giants of the jazz world, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Kurt Elling, Herbie Hancock, and Sonny Rollins. Marsalis has even served as Musical Director of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Don’t miss your chance to see the musician that critics have called “the most respected living U.S. jazz instrumentalist.” PRESENTING SPONSOR:

FEATURED SPONSOR:

THE GRAND THEATER’S 2018-19 SEASON

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS TUESDAY, APRIL 16 | 7:30PM | SOLD OUT Few country music groups have had the enduring popularity, cultural significance, or crossover appeal of The Oak Ridge Boys. With one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry today, The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of country hits, including the country-pop chart-topper “Elvira,” in addition to “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” and countless others. Every time they step before an audience, The Oak Ridge Boys bring with them four decades of charted singles and 50 years of tradition. These living legends bring their classic country sound to a sold-out crowd at the historic Grand Theater! PRESENTING SPONSOR:

FEATURED SPONSOR:

FINDING NEVERLAND WEDNESDAY, MAY 8| 7:30PM | LIMITED TICKETS Directed by visionary Tony winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award winning film, Broadway’s FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. FEATURED SPONSORS:

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WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?

ROCK OF AGES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 | 7:30PM

TUESDAY, MAY 28 | 7:30PM

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage! WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long running TV show as well as some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach. All ages welcomed!

Broadway’s Best Party is turning up the volume to ten! The ROCK OF AGES Tenth Anniversary Tour is blazing across North America! Featuring the music of hit bands such as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister, and Whitesnake, among many others, this Tenth Anniversary production features a dynamic new cast revisiting the larger-than-life characters and exhilarating story that turned ROCK OF AGES into a global phenomenon. This is one for the ages that will have you singing “Here I Go Again.” PRESENTING SPONSOR:

FEATURED SPONSORS:

MORE MORE MORE FROM FROM FROM THE THE THE GRAND GRAND GRAND THEATER THEATER THEATER Discover new artists inEMERGING an intimate setting on the stage of the historic SHARE SHARE SHARE THE THE THE STAGE STAGE STAGE WITH WITH WITH EMERGING EMERGING ARTISTS ARTISTS ARTISTS COMING SOON TO THE 10X10 SERIES

Grand Theater! Reserve your table in advance to ensure prime seating for Discover Discover Discover new new new artists artists artists in in anin an intimate an intimate intimate setting setting setting onon the on the stage the stage stage ofof The of The The Grand Grand Grand Theater! Theater! Theater! Reserve Reserve Reserve your your your table table table any of the shows on the 2018-19 Truck Country 10x10 Series: Four-top tables forfor all for all seven all seven seven shows shows shows (plus (plus (plus any any any add-ons!) add-ons!) add-ons!) of of the of the 2018-19 the 2018-19 2018-19 Truck Truck Truck Country Country Country 10x10 10x10 10x10 Series Series Series for for a for guaranteed a a guaranteed guaranteed are $60 and two-top tables are $40 per show. General admission tickets are unique unique unique and and and special special special concert concert concert experiences. experiences. Tables Tables Tables areare limited; are limited; limited; contact contact TheThe Grand’s The Grand’s Grand’s Ticket Ticket Ticket Office Office Office for for more for more more information. information. information. available for experiences. just $10 in advance and $15 atcontact the door.

SERIES SERIES SERIES SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED BYBYBY

“The “The “The arts arts arts have have have aTables history aa history history ofof bringing of bringing bringing people people people together, together, together, increasing increasing increasing understanding, understanding, understanding, and and and developing developing developing are limited; contact The Grand’s Ticket Office or www.grandtheater.org for more information. culture. culture. culture. The The The Performing Performing Performing Arts Arts Arts Foundation Foundation Foundation brings brings brings the the best the best best in in performing in performing performing arts arts arts toto North to North North Central Central Central Wisconsin. Wisconsin. Wisconsin. Truck Truck Country Country Country is proud is proud is proud toto support to support support its its mission its mission mission toto entertain, to entertain, entertain, educate educate educate and and and spark spark spark creativity.” creativity.” creativity.” SOLD OUTTruck

Doug Doug Doug McCoy, McCoy, McCoy, President President President of of Truck of Truck Truck Country Country Country

“The arts have a history of bringing people together, increasing understanding, and developing culture. The Performing Arts Foundation brings the best in performing arts to North Central Wisconsin. Truck Country is proud to support its mission to entertain, educate and spark creativity.” Doug McCoy, President of Truck Country

THE THE THE RAD RAD RAD TRADS TRADS TRADS

OCT OCT OCT 5| 55 | ROCK | ROCK ROCK & ROLL && ROLL ROLL | JAZZ | JAZZ | JAZZ With With With a adriving adriving driving horn horn horn section, section, section, five five five lead lead lead vocalists, vocalists, vocalists, and and and anan an infectious infectious infectious punk punk punk rock rock rock energy, energy, energy, The The The Rad Rad Rad Trads Trads Trads have have have quickly quickly quickly gained gained gained aa reputation areputation reputation asas one asone one ofof New ofNew New York’s York’s York’s most most most entertaining entertaining entertaining live live live acts. acts. acts.

HAVE YOURSELF AN OK CHRISTMAS | DEC 20 The OK Factor returns to The Grand Theater to celebrate the Holidays!

ABBY JEANNE | JAN 11

VELVET CARAVAN | FEB 1

Soul songwriter spectacular, Abby Jeanne brings her original sound and showstopping voice to The Grand.

Velvet Caravan’s eclectic mix of Gypsy Swing, HonkyTonk, and Latin Jazz result in a unforgettable live show.

VELVET VELVET VELVET CARAVAN CARAVAN CARAVAN

FEB FEB FEB 1| 11 | SWING | SWING SWING Chicken Chicken Chicken Wire Wire Wire Empire Empire Empire Velvet Velvet Velvet Caravan’s Caravan’s Caravan’s top-notch top-notch top-notch DEC DEC DEC 2020 |20 | CLASSICAL-CROSSOVER | CLASSICAL-CROSSOVER CLASSICAL-CROSSOVER combines combines combines the the the traditional traditional traditional virtuosity virtuosity virtuosity and and and eclectic eclectic eclectic mix mix mix The The The OK OK OK Factor Factor Factor returns returns returns tototo bluegrass bluegrass bluegrass style style style from from from the the theLEAHEYcelebrate Gypsy ofGypsy Gypsy Swing, Swing, Swing, HonkyHonkyHonkyANDREW &celebrate THE THE RIGHT NOW | APR 5 ofof INDIA RAMEY | APR 25 celebrate the the the Holidays Holidays Holidays with with with northern northern northern middle-west middle-west middle-west with with with Tonk, Tonk, Tonk, and and and Latin Latin Latin Jazz Jazz Jazz result result result their their up-and-coming up-and-coming up-and-coming classicalclassicalHOMESTEAD | MAR 2their With a star classicalleading lady; fresh, India Ramey fires on all heartfelt heartfelt heartfelt harmonies harmonies harmonies and and and inin an inan exhilarating anexhilarating exhilarating and and and crossover crossover crossover sound. sound. sound. Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy the the the funky horns; and a unique, cylinders in her outlaw country Andrew Leahey brings his earthy earthy earthy acoustic acoustic acoustic tones tones tones that that that unforgettable unforgettable unforgettable live live live show. show. show. sounds sounds sounds ofof the of the the season season season inin ain asound, a multi-instrumentalist skills and pop-meets-soul The music style, creating haunting feel feel feel like like like home home home and and and enchant enchant enchant Americana rock &festive roll sound Right Now istheir not to be missed! melodies that will leave you festive festive setting setting setting with with with their their audiences. audiences. audiences. to The Grand. wanting more. original original original compositions compositions compositions and and and inventive inventive inventive arrangements arrangements arrangements ofofof Holiday Holiday Holiday favorites. favorites. favorites.

COME SHARE THE STAGE WITH EMERGING ARTISTS! GET YOUR SERIES SERIES SERIES SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED BYBYBY

“Enriching “Enriching “Enriching communities communities communities with with with aa thriving athriving thriving appreciation appreciation appreciation ofof the ofthe the arts arts arts is is vital isvital vital toto attracting toattracting attracting and and and retaining retaining retaining talented talented talented professionals professionals professionals toto live tolive live and and and work work work here. here. here. The The The Aspirus Aspirus Aspirus Arts Arts Arts inin Education inEducation Education Series Series Series advances advances advances access access access toto the tothe the arts arts arts forforfor families families families inin our inour our service service service area.” area.” area.” Darrell Darrell Darrell Lentz, Lentz, Lentz, President, President, President, Aspirus Aspirus Aspirus Wausau Wausau Wausau Hospital Hospital Hospital

CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT THE THE THE GRAND’S GRAND’S GRAND’S TICKET TICKET TICKET OFFICE OFFICE OFFICE OROR VISIT OR VISIT VISIT USUS ONLINE US ONLINE ONLINE ATATAT WWW.GRANDTHEATER.ORG WWW.GRANDTHEATER.ORG WWW.GRANDTHEATER.ORG TICKETS TODAY!

2018-19 2018-19 2018-19

SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT SERIES SERIES SERIES

2018-2019 2018-2019 2018-2019 Arts Arts Arts InInIn Education Education Education Series Series Series Celebrating Celebrating Celebrating three three three decades decades decades ofofintroducing ofintroducing introducing students students students totothe tothe the arts, arts, arts, The The The Grand Grand Grand is isproud isproud proud totopresent topresent present the the the 2018-19 2018-19 2018-19 ASPIRUS ASPIRUS ASPIRUS Arts Arts Arts InInEducation InEducation Education Series! Series! Series! This This This year year year atatThe atThe The Grand, Grand, Grand, students students students iningrades ingrades grades Pre-K Pre-K Pre-K through through through 8 8will 8will will experience experience experience rapping rapping rapping spiders, spiders, spiders, gorillas gorillas gorillas who who who just just just want want want totopaint, topaint, paint, and and and music music music composed composed composed byby by artists artists artists from from from across across across the the the globe, globe, globe, through through through performances performances performances like like like Diary Diary Diary ofofaofaWorm, aWorm, Worm, a aSpider aSpider Spider and and and a aFly, aFly, Fly, The The The One One One and and and Only Only Only Ivan, Ivan, Ivan, Crossing Crossing Crossing Borders Borders Borders Music, Music, Music, and and and sosomuch somuch much more! more! more!

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE TODAY TODAY TODAY

TRACY TRACY TRACY LAWRENCE LAWRENCE LAWRENCE

JIM JIM BELUSHI JIM BELUSHI BELUSHI & THE & THE &BOARD THE BOARD BOARD OFOFOFRAIN RAIN RAIN - A- TRIBUTE A- A TRIBUTE TRIBUTE TOTOTO COMEDY COMEDY COMEDY THE THE BEATLES THE BEATLES BEATLES

CLASSIC CLASSIC ALBUMS ALBUMS ALBUMS LIVE: LIVE: LIVE: CCR’S CCR’S CCR’S ROCK THE THE THE SOUND SOUND SOUND OFOF MUSIC OF MUSIC MUSIC CLASSIC ROCK ROCK OFOF AGES OF AGES AGES CHRONICLE, CHRONICLE, CHRONICLE, VOL. VOL. VOL. 1 1 1

“County “County “County Materials Materials Materials is proud is is proud proud to to support to support support the the performing the performing performing arts arts arts in in North in North North Central Central Central Wisconsin. Wisconsin. Wisconsin. We We believe We believe believe the the arts the arts arts offer offer offer very very very positive positive positive and and and practical practical practical benefits benefits benefits forfor our for our community. our community. community. They They They inspire inspire inspire each each each of of usof us by us by fostering by fostering fostering creativity creativity creativity and and and beauty. beauty. beauty. They They They improve improve improve well-being well-being well-being and and and express express express our our values, our values, values, and and and even even even build build build bridges bridges bridges between between between cultures. cultures. cultures. Most Most Most importantly, importantly, importantly, the the arts the arts arts are are fundamental are fundamental fundamental to toto creating creating creating a healthy aa healthy healthy and and and sustainable sustainable sustainable community, community, community, strengthening strengthening strengthening it socially, it socially, it socially, educationally educationally educationally and and and economically.” economically.” economically.” Rebecca Rebecca Rebecca Sonnentag, Sonnentag, Sonnentag, Vice Vice Vice President President President Promotions Promotions Promotions && Communications, & Communications, Communications, County County County Materials Materials Materials Corp Corp Corp

The The Grand The Grand Grand would would would likelike to like to thank to thank thank Janke Janke Janke Book Book Book Store Store Store forfor commemorative for commemorative commemorative copies copies copies of of each of each each book book book featured featured featured in the in in the Arts the Arts In Arts In Education In Education Education series. series. series.

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THE GRAND THEATER’S COMMUNITY BRINGING THE PERFORMING ARTS ENGAGEMENT SERIES RETURNS

INTO OUR COMMUNITY

AFTER A SUCCESSFUL 2017-18 SEASON OF ENGAGING OVER 5,500 MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY, THE GRAND’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SERIES RETURNS FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF OUTREACH, MASTER CLASSES, SEMINARS, AND MUCH MORE!

Between performances at The Grand, the dance captain from the cast of Broadway’s Kinky Boots traveled to the UW-Stevens Point campus to teach the show’s choreography to more than 65 dance and musical theatre majors. If you’ve been to The Grand recently, it may not have necessarily been to see a show. Maybe you WITHinAforMISSION TOdancing came a quick swing class with Julia Barrington and Todd ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE, Teeples, or maybe you learned selfAND ENRICH NORTH defense tips from Affinity Martial Arts’ Jamie Sparling. Maybe you stopped CENTRAL WISCONSIN, at Daly’s Restaurant for dinner and The Grand Theater pushes the found The Grand’s staff participating performing fromwith the 100 stage in Broadway arts Karaoke of into our community. The Grand’s the Wausau area’s biggest musical Community Engagement theater fans. The 2018-19 Community Series creates opportunities for Engagement Series is off to a roaring audiences to interact with The start, and these free or low-cost, public aren’t stopping any Grandevents Theater’s performances time soon. and 2019 exciting will bring ways. a Gisellein unique The themed Barre fitness class at 2017-18 Total Community Engagement Croi Croga, evenworkshops, more Broadway Series featured Karaoke fun, the return of the film screenings, classes, and popular dance classes, and so much performances that impacted more.

over 5,500 members of the

The Grandcommunity. is also proud to work Wausau with community partners to allow Last season provided a number Central Wisconsin students to work of opportunities for students to directly with professional performers. work directly with some ofThe theTEN We spent an afternoon with Tenors at the University of Stevens artists performing on our stage. Point at Wausau, where the vocal From Sammy Miller and the

Congregation’s workshop with

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jazz ensemble had the chance to meet, chat with, and perform for the world-renowned vocalists. Ensemble the Wausau West Jazz Band, to member Cayli Ballenger explains,

Kinky Boots Dance Captain Chris “I REALLY ENJOYED Kane’s master classHAVING with the THE TEN TENORS INTO UW-Stevens PointCOME Departments MY VOCAL JAZZ CLASS! IT WAS of Dance and Musical Theatre, it SO AWESOME TO HEAR HOW was truly watch both WELL ALL inspiring OF THESEtoAMAZING the students and the SOLOISTS CAN WORK professionals TOGETHER learn andALL grow The TO MESH OFtogether. THEIR TALENTS Grand looks forward to bringing INTO ONE SOUND. THEY WERE artists REALLY like the NICE renowned vocalists ALSO PEOPLE AND THEY WERE SUPER and SUPPORTIVE of The TEN Tenors classicalOF OUR GROUP, WHICH WAS REALLY cross-over duo The OK Factor into COOL SEE.” CentralTO Wisconsin schools and universities fall. Members of this the Central Wisconsin

Jerry Ensemble performed at The The inaugural Central Wisconsin Grand and around the community, Jerry Ensemble were fabulous and we proudly hosted Never representatives of our Honoring community Forgotten Honor Flight’s as they traveled across Wausau Our Freedom documentaries. and the state for numerous As 2018 comes to a close, we’ll performance opportunities! enjoy the last few Community Engagement events of the year,have But who says students should including strings workshops with all the fun! Through the Community 10x10 Series artists The OK Factor Engagement Series, The Grand and local orchestra students in hosts free cultural events for lifetime December.

learners of all ages. This year will

With a mission to ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE, and ENRICH North Central Wisconsin, The Grand’s Community feature the return of community Engagement Series pushes the dance classes, educational performing arts from the stage out lectures, and performances into the community. We’re busy from thenew Central Wisconsinwith Jerry planning collaborations our Ensemble, partners in addition exciting community andto plenty of classes, workshops, film new opportunities likescreenings, Musical and moreKaraoke ways to engage with the Theater and more! arts in new and exciting ways. Visit www.grandtheater.org/programs to stay up-to-date on event announcements!

THE GRAND THEATER’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY: LOOKING BACK BRINGING THE BEST OF THE PERFORMING ARTS TO NORTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN FOR ALMOST A CENTURY On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1927, the Grand Theater opened its doors. Ninety years of vaudeville, films, concerts, theater, and more have led us to record-breaking years and The Grand would like to say thank you to all of those who have been a part of our story. Our 90th Anniversary Year brought a lot to celebrate! The Grand hosted some incredible performances including a three-night-run of Riverdance, two

sold-out performances of Broadway’s KINKY BOOTS, special cabaret-style performances with the 10x10 Series, and a total of 18 sold-out shows. The year also brought more from the Community Engagement Series than ever before with master classes, dance lessons, workshops, and more. Finally The Grand worked to share 90 years of memories and stories with, and from our community. The Grand Theater’s story is not merely our own, but shared by all of our patrons and supporters. The Grand has come a long way since 1927, transforming and evolving with the times that have passed. As the

world continues to change we hope to uphold the role as the leading performing arts center in North Central Wisconsin. It is our community that drives The Grand to excellence, and, with your help, we look forward to another 90 years. Community support allows us to continue our work to engage the best artists, to create meaningful engagement opportunities, and to create memorable experiences for the entire community. Your help will keep the magic of theater alive in our community for generations to come.

SPECIAL EVENT

DECEMBER 12, 2018 | JEM PRODUCTIONS Share your first dance under the twinkling marquee lights as you celebrate your special day at the historic Grand Theater. The Grand offers a variety of spaces perfect for any wedding! CONTACT US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A TOUR! 715-842-0988 | GRANDTHEATER.ORG

Returning to The Grand Theater for its fifth year, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Very Joe.e Christmas brings a night of holiday celebration benefiting Toys for Tots of Marathon County, featuring modern arrangements of Christmas Classics and contemporary hits of today. With over 2,000 toys donated each year, this night has helped bring the magic of Christmas to thousands of families in Marathon County. Tickets are only $10 and one new, unwrapped toy.

COMING SOON TO THE GRAND THEATER

DON MCLEAN

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 | 7:30PM Don’t miss legendary singer-songwriter Don McLean and his hits “Vincent (Starry Starry DECEMBER Night)” and “American Pie!”

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JIM BELUSHI AND THE BOARD OF COMEDY

LUMA: ART IN DARKNESS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 | 6:30PM LUMA is an exhilarating light spectacle that creates colorful illuminated illusions with FEBRUARY combination of rhythmic gymnastics, dance, magic, and physics. 1 puppetry, Truck Country 10x10 Series:

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 | 7:30PM A Wausau favorite, Jim Belushi returns to APRIL The Grand Theater for a hilarious night of improvisational 3 Thecomedy! Ultimate Queen Celebration

Central Wisconsin School of Ballet: The Nutcracker Velvet Caravan 3-4 Wausau West Holiday Concert 4 Aspirus Arts In Education: 5 The Midtown Men - Holiday Hits SOLD OUT The One and Only Ivan 7-9 Wausau Community Theatre: 7 The Lettermen A Christmas Carol 8 Manitowoc Minute’s Charlie Berens: 12 It’s a Very Joe.e Christmas Oh My Gosh! 13 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas SOLD OUT 12 County Materials Spotlight Series: 14 Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza The Sound LIVE: of MusicCCR’S SOLD OUT CELTIC NIGHTS CLASSIC ALBUMS 16 Wausau Academy of Dance 14 Tim Hawkins LIVE FRIDAY, MARCH 1 | 7:30PM CHRONICLE VOL. 1 Most Wonderful Of The Year 15 Don McLean After three sold-out nights ofTime Riverdance last THURSDAY, MARCH 14 | 7:30PM 18 don’tLorie EagleMania season, missLine the next hit show direct After 16 a sold-out show last season, Classic 20 Truck Celtic CountryNights 10x10 comes Series: to The Albums 17 Live returns LUMA: Art in Darkness from Dublin when with Creedence Grand! Have Yourself an OK Christmas SOLD OUT Clearwater 26 County Materials Spotlight Revival’s Chronicle, Vol.Series: 1. 22 Home Free’s A Country Christmas SOLD OUT Jim Belushi and the Board of Comedy

JANUARY

MARCH

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Trampled by Turtles Truck Country 10x10 Series: Abby Jeanne 17 Russian National Ballet: Giselle RAIN - A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES 18 Randy6Bachman SATURDAY, APRIL | 7:30PM 25 Live fromanniversary Laurel Canyon In celebration of the of the 26of Abbey America’s Diamond release Road, RAIN will bring the 30 hits to Aspirus In Education: greatest life inArts addition to all your favorites. Charlotte’s Web

FINDING NEVERLAND

Truck Country 10x10 Series: The Right Now 6 County Materials Spotlight Series: RAIN - A Tribute to The Beatles 7-8 Lamb of God Oratorio 9 Aspirus Arts In Education: Crossing Borders Music 10 An Evening with Branford Marsalis HAVANA CUBA ALL-STARS 11 TUSK - Fleetwood Mac Tribute WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 | 7:30PM 16 The Oak Ridge Boys SOLDsome OUT This high-energy group, featuring of 27-28 Magic Cuba’s mostDance talented musicians and dancers, returns to Wausau with a joyous celebration of the best of Cuban culture.

MAY

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Celtic Nights Truck Country 10x10 Series: Andrew Leahey and the Homestead 7-9 Wausau Community Theatre: AN EVENING WITH Jesus Christ Superstar BRANFORD MARSALIS 10 Under the Streetlamp WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 | 7:30PM 11 Aspirus In Education: See Grammy AwardArts winning jazz saxophonist Diary of a Worm, Spiderrevered and a Fly Branford Marsalis, one of thea most 14 County Materials instrumentalists of our time. Spotlight Series: Classic Albums Live: CCR 15 Aspirus Arts In Education: Frindle 16-17 Symposium Talent Contest 20 Havana Cuba All-Stars ASERE! A Fiesta Cubana 22 Vic Ferrari: Symphony on the Rocks

Finding Neverland Heidi’s Dance Recital Whose Live Anyway? DDH Dance Recital County Materials Spotlight Series: Rock of Ages

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

TUESDAY, APRIL 16 | 7:30PM JUNE See these living legends in action when they Wausau Academy of Dance bring1-2 their classic country sound to the stage 13-15 of the historicWausau GrandCommunity Theater! Theatre:

Mamma Mia!

WE’RE ALWAYS ADDING SHOWS! Be the first to know about just announced shows by following us online or signing up for announcements at grandtheater.org.

ROCK OF AGES

WEDNESDAY, 8 | 7:30PM TUESDAY, 28 | 7:30PM CalendarMAY is subject to change. Updates can be found onMAY our website. Based on the critically-acclaimed film, FINDING Broadway’s Best Party is turning up the NEVERLAND tells the incredible heartwarming volume to ten as the ROCK OF AGES Tenth story behind Peter Pan. Anniversary Tour blazes across North America!

See page #11 for a full list of shows and events coming to The Grand Theater.

6 | www.grandtheater.org

GIVE YOUR LOVED ONE THE MAGIC OF THEATER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON with a gift certificate to The Grand Theater!

The perfect gift this holiday season! Tickets and gift certificates available now! Gift certificates are good for three years and redeemable on any Grand ticketed performances. Available at The Grand’s Ticket Office or online at grandtheater.org.

TICKETS AVAILABLE

IN PERSON

The Grand Theater 401 N Fourth Street Wausau, WI 54403

PHONE

715-842-0988 888-239-0421

ONLINE

www.grandtheater.org 11

Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. 401 N Fourth Street Wausau, WI 54403-5420 715-842-0988 715-842-0988 | | 888-239-0421 888-239-0421 www.grandtheater.org www.grandtheater.org

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17 LEARN MORE ON PAGE 3

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 LEARN MORE ON PAGE #6

GIVE THE MAGIC OF THEATER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE NOW 24GIFT GREAT SHOWS AVAILABLE NOW!

THREE WAYS TO BUY! BY PHONE

CALL THE TICKET OFFICE AT 715-842-0988

ONLINE

VISIT THE GRAND’S WEBSITE WWW.GRANDTHEATER.ORG

WALK UP

AT THE GRAND’S TICKET OFFICE IN DOWNTOWN WAUSAU

WWW.GRANDTHEATER.ORG N FOURTH FOURTH STREET, STREET,DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWNWAUSAU WAUSAU WWW.GRANDTHEATER.ORG||715-842-0988 715-842-0988 | 401 N