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Tuesday, September 15, 2015

CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY’S 2015-2016 SEASON HOSTS VARIETY OF EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

CURTAIN UP EVENTS

WHERE: Lackland Center, 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown

MotownLowRes

Shadows of the 60s: A Tribute to Motown Super Groups
Voted by fans as the best Four Tops music Tribute Show Shadows of the 60’s brings Motown memories to the Sitnik Theatre on Saturday, September 19 at 8pm.  Shadows of the 60’s pays tribute to the tremendous legacy of The Four Tops, Temptations & Supremes.  In this Tribute production show, Shadows of the 60’s perform the hits that span several decades.  Great care is taken to reproduce the music, note for note and in the original keys and arrangements.  Now, triple the memories and excitement with our Tribute to Motown's Super Groups, including stunning choreography, costumes and three “Super Groups” on one stage with a grand finale featuring the music of Motown's Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves, Junior Walker, and more.
TICKETS: $30.00 in advance for the orchestra and $25.00 in advance for balcony seating. 

BurgessOfficial_SmallDAVID BURGESS
The concerts continue on Saturday September 26 at 8pm in the Sitnik Theater with one of today’s most outstanding guitarists, David Burgess.  Praised by musicians and critics worldwide, his international appearances as soloist and chamber musician have taken him to concert halls throughout North and South America, Europe and the Far East. Highlights of recent seasons include several concert tours of Europe, repeated recitals in New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Baltimore, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Denver, Phoenix, and Nashville, along with numerous appearances as an orchestral soloist, including featured performances with the Philharmonia Virtuosi of New York, and the American Chamber Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.
TICKETS: $20.00 in advance for adults and $15.00 in advance for children under 12

Image result for GUY DAVISGUY DAVIS
Guy Davis
fills the Lackland Center on Saturday, February 6 at 8pm.  He's a musician, composer, actor, director, and writer.  But most importantly, Guy Davis is a bluesman.  The blues permeates every corner of Davis' creativity.  The routes, and roots, of his blues are as diverse as the music form itself.  It can be soulful, moaning out a people’s cry, or playful and bouncy as a hay-ride.  Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to reviving the traditions of acoustic blues and bringing them to as many ears as possible through the material of the great blues masters, African American stories, and his own original songs, stories and performance pieces.
TICKETS: $25.00 in advance for all seats

Image result for PUBLIQuartetPUBLIQuartet
Music plays on as CSC welcomes PUBLIQuartet on Sunday, February 14 at 2pm.  Hailed as, “…dramatic power with subtle nuance and depth of emotion.”(SoundWordSite), the group performs in a diverse range of venues – from Lincoln Center and 92Y Tribeca to Rockwood Music Hall and Cornelia Street Café.  Recent concerts have been presented by American Composers Orchestra, Bargemusic, Music of Now Marathon at Symphony Space, Hobart William Smith Colleges, and Fordham University.  Named a 2013 CAG New Music/New Places Ensemble, PUBLIQuartet’s creative, interactive programming brings a fresh perspective to the classical music scene.  Drawing on jazz, world, and electro-acoustic influences, PUBLIQuartet pairs music from the classical repertoire with contemporary works, original compositions, and open – form improvisations that expand the stylistic norms of the string quartet.
TICKETS: $20.00 in advance for adults and $15.00 in advance for children under 12

Image result for the prodigals bandTHE PRODIGALS
Rock N Reel UK has called them, "The best Funky-Celtic folksters doing the rounds ...wholly Inspirational" and The Prodigals are making their way to CSC’s Lackland Center on Saturday, March 12 at 8pm.  Calling their genre of music "jig punk", the Prodigals fall within a tradition epitomized by the Pogues and Black 47, merging traditional Celtic melodic roots with rock rhythms. The band has its own distinctive sound, particularly distinguished by lead melodic roles being filled by button-key accordion and bass along with the vocals, and has received substantial critical notice through the years.  Their song "Open Reel" was played in the film Pride and Glory during the bar fight scene between Edward Norton and Colin Farrell.  The Prodigals band has had many changes to its members over the years. In fact the only remaining original Prodigal is the front man Gregory Grene.
TICKETS: $25.00 in advance for all seats


JANUARY THAW MUSIC FESTIVAL:

Image result for THE DUKE ELLINGTON CENTER BIG BANDTHE DUKE ELLINGTON CENTER BIG BAND
On Saturday, January 16 at 2pm in the Lackland Center The Duke Ellington Center Big Band under the direction of Mercedes Ellington brings "Duke Ellington:  Composer Beyond Category."  The program is an exciting, hand-clapping, finger-snapping, dynamic musical journey from the Jazz clubs of Harlem and the Apollo Theater, to the downtown night clubs and Broadway stages.  This all-Ellington program features legendary jazz/blues singers and a host of incredible international, NY, Broadway, Jazz, Blues and "Beyond Category" dancers and musicians with the Duke Ellington score presented in modern theatrical flair.  Directed by, Mercedes Ellington, Duke Ellington's granddaughter, this exciting musical production is described by Ms. Ellington as "a cross between a Broadway theatrical musical revue and a jazz concert.
TICKETS: $35.00 in advance for orchestra seating and $30.00 in advance for balcony seating

Image result for THE BRIA SKONBERG QUINTETTHE BRIA SKONBERG QUINTET
The Festival continues on Saturday, January 23 at 8pm with The Bria Skonberg Quintet. Bria Skonberg is a catalyst for all things jazz and is an award winning trumpeter/vocalist/ composer.  She has earned a Jazz Journalists’ Association nomination for “Up and Coming Jazz Artist of The Year” and has been included twice in DOWNBEAT Magazine’s Rising Star Critics Poll. She has recently been honored with a New York Bistro Award for “Outstanding Jazz Artist” and swept the 2014 Hot House Jazz Magazine Awards in all categories nominated: Best Jazz Artist, Best Trumpet, Best Female Vocalist and Best Group for the Bria Skonberg Quartet. She has headlined at major event spaces such as Symphony Space, Dizzy’s Coca Cola, the Iridium, Birdland and Cafe Carlyle. She has been featured on jazz luminary Wycliffe Gordon’s projects and studied with Warren Vache. Best known for her knowledge of classic jazz and instigative nature, she is now creating an adventurous style rooted in New Orleans jazz and blues featuring mostly her original compositions.
TICKETS: $22.50 in advance for adults and $15.00 in advance for children under 12

Image result for MATT BAKER pianistMATT BAKER
Finally, the January THAW Music Fest wraps up with Australian Jazz Pianist Matt Baker and his show “An Oscar Moment” on Saturday, January 30 at 8pm in the Lackland Center.  He has performed at jazz festivals, clubs and concert halls in Australia, Europe, USA and the Pacific.  Aside from performing as a solo artist, he is fast becoming one of the most sought after accompanists, sidemen and Musical Directors on the New York scene.  Matt regularly plays all over New York, including engagements at Birdland, Smalls Jazz Club, The Zinc Bar, The Iridium, The Kitano, Le Cirque, Bemelmans Bar in The Carlyle Hotel, Tomi Jazz, The Garage, Somethin’ Jazz and Cleopatra’s Needle. He performs professionally with some of New York’s top musicians including Gregory Hutchinson, Hassan JJ Shakur, Marco Panascia, Jim Cammack, Jerome Jennings, Dayna Stephens, Tony Middleton, Christine Ebersole and The Artie Shaw Orchestra, and once performed an impromptu duo set with trumpet legend Roy Hargrove at Smalls Jazz Club. Matt has also toured as Pianist and Musical Director for multi-platinum recording artist Patrizio Buanne.
TICKETS: $22.50 in advance for adults and $15.00 in advance for children under 12


DANCE EVENTS:

THE NEW JERSEY BALLET
The New Jersey Ballet
brings two amazing performances to the Sitnik stage.  Saturday, November 7 at 8pm the NJ Ballet teams up with the New Jersey Tap Ensemble to combine two distinctive dance styles into one spectacular evening with Tappin’ at the Ballet.  Then on Sunday, November 8 at 2pm The New Jersey Ballet returns to the Sitnik stage with the timeless family classic Sleeping Beauty.  For more than half a century, New Jersey Ballet has thrilled audiences from Bergen to Cape May with top quality professional ballet and has given hundreds of thousands of adults and children their first introduction to ballet and inspired in many a lifelong love of the arts. 
TICKETS: Tickets for the NJ Ballet’s Tappin’ at the Ballet are $25.00 in advance for adults and $17.50 in advance for children under 12.  NJ Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty ticket prices are $20.00 in advance for adults and $17.50 in advance for children under 12.               

NEW JERSEY CIVIC YOUTH BALLET
The New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet
returns during the Holiday Season to present their timeless family favorite The Nutcracker December 19 through the 21 in the Lackland Center.  There’s magic in the air and a sparkle in every smile when The Nutcracker comes to town. In this dramatic presentation, the audience is invited to Dr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum's Christmas Party. “This is the most enchanting fairy tale of a child's most unforgettable Christmas,” says NJCYB Director, Christine Taylor, “Through the narration, young children can understand a fanciful story, while the rest of us realize that this is truly a story of life, love, and the holiday spirit.”  Show dates are Friday, December 19 at 8pm; Saturday, December 20 at 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, December 21 at 3pm.
TICKETS: $25.00 in advance for adult orchestra seating and $22.50 in advance for adult balcony seating.  Children under 12 are $15.00 in advance


DANCE WEEK:

TICKETS: $17.50 in advance for adults and $15.00 in advance for children under 12

Image result for MOE-TION DANCE THEATERMOE-TION DANCE THEATER
On Thursday, March 31 at 7:30pm
Moe-tion Dance Theater graces the Sitnik Stage.  Established in 2007, moe-tion Dance Theater is a contemporary modern dance company based in New Jersey. Under the artistic direction of Maureen Glennon, the company is dedicated to experimenting and creating new forms of expression. The company, known for their diverse repertory and site-specific work, has performed at numerous festivals, showcases and venues throughout the tri-state area. 

Image result for 10 HAIRY LEGS10 HAIRY LEGS
Then on Saturday, April 2 10 Hairy legs joins Dance Week with two exciting shows. C.S. Lewis' beloved and magical novel comes to life through dance in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at 2pm and then at 8pm 10 Hairy Legs, Randy James' all male dance company, presents a program highlighting the diversity and breadth of their repertory.  Works include New Jersey choreographer Cleo Mack's Bath Tun Trio for Three Men, David Parker's hilarious duet Slapstuck, and Doug Elkin's rousing Trouble Will Find Me for five men.

Image result for NIMBUS DANCE WORKSNIMBUS DANCE WORKS
Dance Week comes to an exciting close with the return of Nimbus Dance Works on Sunday, April 3 at 5pm in the Lackland Center.  Nimbus Dance Works is a professional dance company with programs that impact more than 9,000 people each year.  The company's JC Grooves program serves over 2,000 youth each year in the Jersey City public schools.  Nimbus presents biannual home seasons in Jersey City, tours regularly throughout New Jersey and the Northeast and recently opened the School of Nimbus Dance Works offering dance classes to diverse youth and adults from the region.


SPECIAL PROGRAMS:

Image result for BRAD ROSS’ UNBELIEVABLEBRAD ROSS’ UNBELIEVABLE
On Saturday, October 31 at 2pm and Sunday, November 1 at 5pm illusionist extraordinaire Brad Ross’ brings his brand new show Brad Ross’ Unbelievable to the Lackland Center.  More than a magic show and appealing to every generation, from kids to grandparents, "Unbelievable!" is an exciting guided journey through the world of magic, told first-hand by one of America's leading illusionists, BRAD ROSS.  For centuries magic evolved and changed with its times, even combined itself with theatricality, music and choreography to tempt audiences with marvels.  This ultimate form of family entertainment has been reinvented yet again... and this time, by magic's brightest star, sweeping together the greatest traditions and broadest marvels with an approachable "boy - next - door" charm. Throughout the show, we experience Brad's dreams come to life, from his early childhood learning about magic, through the trials and tribulations of finding his place within this world to becoming the world class illusionist he is today.  Audiences even get a "behind the scenes" glimpse of how a magician accomplishes his miracles.
TICKETS: $20.00 in advance for adults and $17.50 in advance for children under 12

CENTENARY BLUES BASH

Centenary Stage Company’s 7th Annual Centenary Blues Bash returns this year with an exciting array of musicians for even the most die-hard of blues fans.  A Joe Hirsh Production, Centenary Blues Bash will be hosted on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19.  The 7th Annual Blues Bash blends Blues, Americana, and other styles of music in a two - night extravaganza that is a real treat for music lovers.  Musical guest, specific show times and ticket pricing are to be announced.

YOUNG AUDIENCE SERIES
The Young Audience Series returns with family favorite productions perfect for the young and young at heart. The Young Audience Series is part of the professional Centenary Stage Company’s mission to serve the region’s youth with dynamic performances and workshops throughout the year and often times exposing the next generation of audiences to their first theatrical experience.  This season, the Young Audience Series offers stage adaptations of your favorite classic children's literature every third Saturday of the month at the Centenary Theater (aka The Little Theater) in the Seay Building on the campus of Centenary College, unless otherwise noted.  Be sure to check the CSC website for specific performances.
TICKETS: $12.50 for adults and $10.00 for children under 12

GREAT AUTHORS OUT LOUD SERIES
The classics are alive and well at Centenary Stage Company as the ever popular Great Authors Out Loud Series returns to CSC on Saturday, April 23 at 2pm in the Lackland Center. Get up close and personal with some of the classic works in theatre by some of the greatest writers in history. Enjoy free staged readings by acclaimed theatre professionals Randall Duk Kim and Anne Occhiogrosso focusing on playwrights whose mastery of language transcend time.  Recipient of the New York Obie Award for “Sustained Excellence of Performance,” Randall Duk Kim along with nationally acclaimed director and educator Anne Occhiogrosso cofounded the nationally coveted American Players Theater.
TICKETS: free; reservations strongly suggested

TICKET NOTE:  As with all of our concerts, jazz, dance and special programming ticket prices increase $5.00 day of the performance.  All ticket sales are final.  For more information or to purchase tickets visit centenarystageco.org or call the box office at (908) 979 – 0900.  Tickets may also be purchased in person at the CSC box office located in the David and Carol Lackland on the campus of Centenary College; 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ.  The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 – 5pm and two hours prior to every performance.  Centenary Stage Company can also be found on the mobile app. Ticket Trove. 

The 2015 – 16 Season of performing arts events at Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra Kupperman Foundation, and CSC corporate sponsors, including Premier Season Sponsor Heath Village Retirement Community, Silver Sponsors Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, Home Instead Senior Care (Washington), The Holiday Inn in Budd Lake, and Fulton Bank of New Jersey, and Centenary Stage Company members and supporters.