Nazareth College Arts Center announces its 2014-2015 season; tickets on sale May 15, 2014

Highlights of the 48th season include world-class dance, music, musical theatre, special events, family entertainment, and authentic international performances!

ROCHESTER, NY (05/14/2014)(readMedia)-- The Nazareth College Arts Center is pleased to present its 2014-2015 Season, which will include exciting work from the Arts Center's local partners-Rochester City Ballet and Rochester's own internationally acclaimed Garth Fagan Dance-as well as a mix of visiting artists presenting world-class dance, international entertainment, family programming, music, musical theatre, and special events.

"We have a dynamic 2014-2015 roster," says Susan Chekow Lusignan, director, Nazareth College Arts Center. "The new season offers high quality performances, our signature blend of genres, new programming concepts, multi-cultural events, a variety of pre-performance activities, and accessible pricing."

The Nazareth College Arts Center has been Rochester's premier mid-sized performing arts venue since 1967, and also encompasses Nazareth College's Art, Music, and Theatre Arts departments.

Discounted, subscription series tickets (for patrons selecting five or more shows) and full-price, single tickets go on sale to the general public Thursday, May 15, 2014 via the Box Office, 585-389-2170, or online at artscenter.naz.edu.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus, at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 11 a.m. until curtain time on performance days.

Subscription prices for family shows begin at only $12; subscription prices for all other events begin at $28.

Visit http://artscenter.naz.edu/newsroom/media-resources for photos.

THE NAZARETH COLLEGE ARTS CENTER's 2014-2015 SEASON

U-Theatre Taiwan: Sound of the Ocean

Thursday, October 2, 7 p.m.

Pre-performance lecture: 6 p.m.

Regular price: Premium $70/Orchestra $55

Subscription price: Premium $56/Orchestra $44

Founded in 1988 with a focus on Zen in the art of drumming, this extraordinary group from Taiwan combines martial arts, drumming, and dance in a stunning blend of ancient and modern cultures. The company explores two primary themes in its work: the search for the meaning of existence and the integration of art into life. U-Theatre Taiwan will perform a customized version of Sound of the Ocean, a monumental piece that represents the "water of life, which nourishes our souls."

Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles

Saturday, November 1, 8 p.m.

Regular price: Premium $50/Orchestra $35

Subscription price: Premium $40/Orchestra $28

Founded 30 years ago following the breakup of the Eagles, Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles is the only show that is officially authorized to perform the music of the original super group. Comprised of five musicians with extraordinary vocal and musical talents, Hotel California faithfully reproduces the sound of the Eagles' studio recordings, and delivers a performance that transcends the boundaries of rock, R&B, and country. With timeless mega-hits like "Take It Easy," "Heartache Tonight," "One of These Nights," and, of course, "Hotel California"- plus solo works by Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh-an evening with Hotel California brings back the memories and sounds that defined a generation.

Sponsored by Kathleen and Jim Leo, Drs. Dawn and Jacques Lipson

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

Sunday, November 9, 2 p.m.

Pre-performance activity (make your own musical instrument): 1 p.m.*

Suggested for children of all ages and their families; 60 minutes with no intermission

Regular price: Premium $20/Orchestra $17

Subscription price: Premium $16/ Orchestra $14

Winner of a Latin Grammy Award for Best Children's Album, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band was also named Best New Children's Artist by USA Today and Best Kids Band by CBS-TV. People Magazine named their CD A Potluck the "#1 Cool Kid's Album of the year" and Coca-Cola chose their song "Falling" for the company's national summer campaign. The group-starring lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis-combines clever lyrics with irresistibly fresh pop beats to create a catchy indie-music sound, and the songs on their five acclaimed and award-winning recordings explore the wonder and joy of childhood.

Sponsored by Barbara and John Lovenheim

*The pre-performance activity is free to ticket holders; however pre-registration is required. Contact the Box Office to register, 585-389-2170.

National Acrobats of the People's Republic of China: Cirque Peking

Sunday, November 16, 7 p.m.

Pre-performance lecture: 6 p.m.

Regular price: Premium $70/Orchestra $55

Subscription price: Premium $56/ Orchestra $44

Direct from Beijing, the National Acrobats of the People's Republic of China is one of the most acclaimed acrobatic troupes in China. The company is known worldwide for its unique and spectacular stunts that seem to defy human anatomy, physics, and gravity. Since the company's inception in 1951, more than 200 of its artists have won gold and silver medals at national and international competitions. Audiences will be astounded by this new production.

Sponsored by Josephine M. Perini

Garth Fagan Dance

Wednesday, December 3, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 4, 8 p.m.

Friday, December 5, 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 6, 2 and 8 p.m.

Sunday, December 7, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Regular price: Premium $55/Orchestra $40

Subscription price: Premium $44/ Orchestra $32

Join internationally acclaimed Garth Fagan Dance in its 44th season with two premieres by Garth Fagan and Norwood Pennewell. "Mr. Pennewell's dance, like the best of Mr. Fagan's, is evidence of spiritual strength" (New York Times). Garth Fagan, recently selected as a Bill McCreary Living Legend by the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, will bring his "...astonishing..."(New York Times) company of dancers to the Nazareth College Arts Center for seven performances of premieres and revivals. Discover how "Fagan's variations ... are gratifyingly inventive.... Divergent tempos and temperaments seized the stage at once: worlds beside worlds" (Financial Times).

Doug & Gary's 25th Anniversary Reunion Concert

Saturday, December 13, 2 p.m.

Pre-performance activity (pirate party): 1 p.m.*

Suggested for children of all ages and their families; 60 minutes with no intermission

Regular price: Premium $20/Orchestra $17

Subscription price: Premium $16/ Orchestra $14

Ahoy, mateys! Join award-winning home-town kid-rockers Doug & Gary, the Happy Pirates, as they reunite for one day only to celebrate 25 years of performing! During the early '90s, Doug & Gary became household names among the 10-and-under set after performing hundreds of shows every year to thousands of "happy pirates" across the country, including two stops at the White House. Video clips from their critically acclaimed 1991 video The Adventures of Doug & Gary: The Happy Pirates (filmed at the Nazareth College Arts Center) aired regularly on Nickelodeon. The following year, Billboard magazine named the duo among the country's top 10 children's entertainers. Doug & Gary are sure to get your entire family singing, dancing, and laughing with their Parents' Choice Award-winning classics like "Popcorn," "Surfin'," and their signature anthem, "I'm a Happy pirate."

*The pre-performance activity is free to ticket holders; however pre-registration is required. Contact the Box Office to register, 585-389-2170.

The Capitol Steps

Wednesday, December 31, 6:30 and 10 p.m.

Live jazz prior to both performances and during intermission by the Steve Greene Quartet featuring vocalist Maggie Mullen

Patrons attending the 10 p.m. performance will ring in the New Year in the theater

Regular price: Premium $75/Orchestra $60

Subscription price: Premium $60/Orchestra $48

The Capitol Steps will return to the Arts Center for their traditional New Year's Eve show of hilarious, politically based satire. Irreverent, unique, and adamantly bi-partisan, The Capitol Steps always provide fresh material that references current headlines. They have recorded more than 30 albums, including their latest, How to Succeed in Congress Without Really Lying!, have been featured numerous times on primetime TV, and can be heard nationwide four times a year on their popular National Public Radio "Politics Takes a Holiday" specials. Don't miss this New Year's Eve celebration.

Sponsored by Margaret R. Colacino

Theatreworks USA: Skippyjon Jones

Saturday, January 17, 12 and 2 p.m.

Pre-performance activity (make your own animal mask): 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.*

Suggested for children ages 4+ and their families; 60 minutes with no intermission

Regular price: Premium $20/Orchestra $17

Subscription price: Premium $16/Orchestra $14

Based on the wildly popular book by Judy Schachner, Skippyjon Jones is an enchanting musical about unleashing your imagination and following your dreams. The popular title was selected for a special Read Aloud Award by the Association of Booksellers for Children and was named among the Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children by the National Education Association. Theatreworks USA is America's largest and most prolific professional, not-for-profit theater for family audiences, as well as one of the most honored theater companies of its kind.

*The pre-performance activity is free to ticket holders; however pre-registration is required. Contact the Box Office to register, 585-389-2170.

Atlantic Theatre Company: Ivy + Bean: The Musical

Saturday, February 7, 12 and 2 p.m.

Pre-performance activity (make your own friendship bracelet): 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.*

Suggested for children ages 6+ and their families; 60 minutes with no intermission

Regular price: Premium $20/Orchestra $17

Subscription price: Premium $16/Orchestra $14

Produced by Maximum Entertainment and the Tony Award-winning Atlantic Theatre Company, Ivy + Bean: The Musical is based on the New York Times best-selling children's books by author Annie Barrows and illustrator Sophie Blackhall. The popular series explores the unexpected friendship between two very different second graders-the wild and goofy Bean and the quiet, contemplative Ivy. The original book was named an ALA Notable Children's Book; Editor's Choice, Best Books by Booklist; and the Best Children's Books/Best Early Chapter Books by Kirkus Reviews. The latest title in the series ranked #3 on Amazon's Best Books of 2013 list for ages 6–8.

*The pre-performance activity is free to ticket holders; however pre-registration is required. Contact the Box Office to register, 585-389-2170.

Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater

Saturday, February 14, 8 p.m.

Pre-performance lecture: 7 p.m.

Regular price: Premium $50/Orchestra $35

Subscription price: Premium $40/Orchestra $28

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a special performance by a company from one of the most famous entertainment meccas in the world! Las Vegas's first professional, non-profit, contemporary dance company, the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater (LVCDT) is best known for its extensive repertoire of neo-classical and modern ballets, its modern and highly athletic approach to movement, its unique showmanship, and its diverse styles. LVCDT's versatile company members have danced for Cirque Du Soleil in Vegas as well as on So You Think You Can Dance, America's Got Talent, and Dancing with the Stars.

Swingtime! featuring The Jive Aces and The Tinseltown Jitterbugs

Saturday, February 21, 8 p.m.

Pre-performance activity (swing dance lesson): 7 p.m.*

Regular price: Premium $50/Orchestra $35

Subscription price: Premium $40/Orchestra $28

Direct from London, Swingtime! features internationally acclaimed recording artists the Jive Aces-winners of BBC TV's Opportunity Knocks and semi-finalists on Britain's Got Talent-along with special guests, the Tinseltown Jitterbugs, who will bring six swing dancers to the stage. Renowned for their superior musicianship, high energy, original songs, and fresh arrangements of swing/jive/R&B classics by greats such as Louis Prima, Cab Calloway, Bobby Darin, Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., the Jive Aces will rock the house!

Sponsored by an anonymous donor

*The pre-performance activity is free to ticket holders; however pre-registration is required. Contact the Box Office to register, 585-389-2170.

Tango Buenos Aires: Song of Evita

Sunday, March 1, 7 p.m.

Pre-performance lecture: 6 p.m.

Pre-performance activity (tango lesson): 5 p.m.*

Regular price: Premium $65/Orchestra $50

Subscription price: Premium $52/Orchestra $40

Tango Buenos Aires has become one of Argentina's great cultural exports, known throughout the Americas, Europe, and the Far East for presenting the most authentic and uncompromising examples of tango. The company's all-new production, Song of Evita, was inspired by Eva Perón, the most important woman in Argentinian history. Song of Evita portrays Perón's life using music and dance, from her humble beginnings to her prominent role as Argentina's captivating First Lady.

Sponsored by Diana and Tom Kelly

*The pre-performance activity is free to ticket holders; however pre-registration is required. Contact the Box Office to register, 585-389-2170.

Jessica Lang Dance

Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m.

Pre-performance lecture: 7 p.m.

Regular price: Premium $65/Orchestra $50

Subscription price: Premium $52/Orchestra $40

Hailed as "a master of visual composition" by Dance Magazine, Jessica Lang has created more than 80 works for some of the most notable companies in the United States and abroad, including a new work recently commissioned by the Kennedy Center. Lang seamlessly blends striking design elements and reinterpreted classical ballet language to create artfully crafted, emotionally engaging, contemporary works. Her company, Jessica Lang Dance, premiered to sold-out houses at Jacob's Pillow.

Sponsored by Susan and Steven Eisinger, Helga and Paul Morgan

Spencers: Theatre of Illusion

Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m.

Regular price: Premium $50/Orchestra $35

Subscription price: Premium $40/Orchestra $28

Hailed as "International Magicians of the Year," as well as "Performing Arts Entertainers of the year" (six times), the Spencers have entertained audiences worldwide and remain one of the most sought-after illusion teams in the country. "Hip 21st-century entertainers" (The Dallas Morning News), their mesmerizing show boasts one of the most state-of-the-art illusion rigs in the business. Modern magic is about drama, danger, and personality, and the Spencers won't disappoint! "The Spencers put on a show that's equal parts Broadway production and rock concert" (Dayton [Ohio] Daily News).

Sponsored by Kathleen and Jim Leo, the Nazareth College Campus Activities Board, Nancy and Larry Peckham

Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train LIVE!: Buddy's Big Adventure

Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Pre-performance activity (dinosaur crafts): 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.*

Suggested for children ages 3+ and their families; 75 minutes including intermission

Regular price: Premium $20/Orchestra $17

Subscription price: Premium $16/Orchestra $14

Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train LIVE!: Buddy's Big Adventure brings the beloved stars of the hit PBS series to the stage for the first time. This exciting original musical story features lush projected backgrounds, magical special effects that fill the theater, a full- sized replica of the Dinosaur Train, unique hybrid puppeteered characters, and an engaging live host. Through interactivity, music, and laughter, Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train LIVE!: Buddy's Big Adventure will have kids up and dancing in the aisles.

*The pre-performance activity is free to ticket holders; however pre-registration is required. Contact the Box Office to register, 585-389-2170.

Rochester City Ballet: Peter and the Wolf

Saturday, May 16, 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 17, 2 p.m.

Pre-performance activities in the lobby (ballet demonstration, coloring, crafts, and face painting): 1 p.m.*

Cast meet-and-greet after each performance

Suggested for children of all ages and their families; 50 minutes with no intermission

Regular price: Premium $18/Orchestra $15

Subscription price: Premium $14/Orchestra $12

"Boys like me aren't afraid of wolves!" Against his grandfather's wishes, brave peter sets out to capture a wolf. Along the way he encounters some animal friends and becomes the hero of his village. Based on the popular Russian folktale and set to Prokofiev's world-famous score, this captivating ballet performed by the Rochester City Ballet will delight audiences of all ages, who will enjoy familiar music, vibrant costumes, and beautiful choreography.

*The pre-performance activity is free to ticket holders; however pre-registration is required. Contact the Box Office to register, 585-389-2170.

ARTS CENTER TICKETS

Discounted, subscription series tickets (for patrons selecting 5 or more shows) and full-price, single tickets go on sale to the general public Thursday, May 15, 2014 via the Box Office, 585-389-2170, or online at artscenter.naz.edu.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus, at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular box office hours are Monday- Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 11 a.m. until curtain time on performance days.

ARTS CENTER SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS

Subscribe to five or more different shows as part of the 2014-2015 Arts Center season and receive exclusive benefits:

  • 20% off single ticket prices for all Arts Center shows presented as part of the 2014–2015 season.
  • The best seats-subscribers have the first opportunity to renew for the following season.
  • Half-price tickets to Department of Theatre Arts performances.
  • The courtesy of ticket exchanges prior to curtain time.
  • One complimentary beverage coupon for each subscription purchased by July 15, 2014.

Please Note: Ticket orders will be filled in the order in which they are received. All Subscription Series events are reserved seating. All sales are final. No refunds (subscribers may exchange).

SPONSOR INFORMATION

The Nazareth College Arts Center's 2014-2015 subscription series is sponsored by M&T Bank; Wendy's Restaurants of Rochester; and the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

ABOUT THE NAZARETH COLLEGE ARTS CENTER

Since 1967, the Nazareth College Arts Center has served as a venue and educational resource for students, educators, artists, and audiences of all ages to create, study, and experience the visual and performing arts. These cultural programs support the College's curriculum in music, art, and theatre arts, and provide area residents with opportunities to experience exceptional dance, international entertainment, family programming, music, musical theatre, and special events.

The Nazareth College Arts Center

  • is a nonprofit institution.
  • is the premier presenter of world-class dance, children's theatre, and international entertainment in Rochester.
  • attracts approximately 70,000 adults and children annually.
  • houses the Nazareth College departments of art, music, and theatre arts, which present exceptional theatre productions, musicals, recitals, and art exhibitions each year (events are open to the public), while preparing students for successful careers in fields such as art, music, and drama education; visual communication design; studio art; film; creative arts therapy; acting; musical theatre; dance; technical theatre and design; music performance; and music business.
  • serves as a venue for auditions, art classes, music lessons, recitals, fundraisers, lectures, community theater productions, camps, workshops, and graduations.
  • offers a School Performance Series which serves thousands of area K-12 students/teachers each year.
  • is the performance home of Rochester City Ballet and world-renowned Garth Fagan Dance, as well as the home of the Bach Children's Chorus.
  • is the only area performing Arts Center located on a College campus.

For more information, visit artscenter.naz.edu.

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