Secretary Residence Inn Landfall Park ...... 12 Joseph Oliver, III Encore Magazine ...... 13 Past President Linda Franklin/Intracoastal Realty ...... 14 Greater Wilmington Business Journal/ Cameron Coburn Wilma! Magazine ...... 15 Wilmington Hilton Garden Inn ...... 16 Vivian Alexander Kim Fisher Designs/Wilmington Fur Ball ..... 17 Kate Baynard Prudential Burroughs & Chapin Realty ...... 18 Jane Davis Strategic Wealth Managment, LLC ...... 19 JoAnne Fox Time Warner Cable Business Class ...... 20 WHQR 91.3 FM ...... 21 Annie Gray Johnston Wilmington Today ...... 22 Beth Jones Jackie Lewis Friends of Thalian Hall ...... 27 Carter McKaughan Thalian Hall: We Make Bob Martenis Great Events Happen ...... 30 Andrew McVey Janet Rodger

Earl Sheridan Due to copyright regula- Amanda Tsingelis tions and out of courtesy to our artists and your fellow Raiford Graham Trask, III patrons, flash photography Virginia Walker or recording of any kind is strictly prohibited. Please Tina Williamson deactivate ringers on cell phones, beepers and pagers. Restless Jerry Wine or crying children may be taken to the nearest exit where our ushers will be able to help. Thank you for your attention and Ronna Zimmer your consideration of others. Enjoy the performance! pg. 4 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 5 THPCA Table of STAFF Contents Executive Director Tony Rivenbark Business Manager Sandee Parker Capital Project Thalian Hall: Through the Years ...... 32 Administrator Thalian Hall: The Present ...... 38 Suzanne Nine Swanson Marketing Director The Capitol Steps ...... 44 Thera Storm The Official Blues Brothers Revival ...... 46 Education Director Gina Gambony Southern Fried Chicks ...... 48 Graphics & The Nutcracker: Wilmington Ballet Co...... 50 Communications Steve Coley A Tuna Christmas ...... 52 Venue Rentals Coordinator Jason Hatfield The Black Pack ...... 54 Audience Services Director Dame Cleo Laine & Sir John Dankworth ... 56 Suzanne Smith Hiromi ...... 58 Main Attractions Programming Consultant Leahy ...... 60 Stephen Barefoot goingbarefoot•inc. Jesse Cook ...... 62 Technical Director John Brown Jazz Orchestra’s Cole Marquis Big Band Hit Parade ...... 64 House Technicians Dallas LaFon Cowboy Crush ...... 66 Calie Voorhis Susan Werner ...... 68 Projectionists Chris Tisinger Adventures in Art ...... 70 Tyler Hickman Box Office Manager Advertiser Index ...... 74 Judy Greenhut Box Office Sales Staff Cheri Burk Teri Harding Zack Simcoe Due to copyright regula- tions and out of courtesy to House Managers our artists and your fellow Candace Edwards patrons, flash photography Michael Langley or recording of any kind is Mick Sherwood strictly prohibited. Please Steve Vernon deactivate ringers on cell phones, beepers and pagers. Restless Gena Winstead or crying children may be taken to the nearest exit where our ushers will be able to help. Thank you for your attention and Housekeeping Supervisor your consideration of others. Enjoy the performance! Tom Edwards pg. 6 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Reflect Your Own Personal Style Southampton Whatever your inspiration, the experienced design professionals in by Wood-Mode a Wood-Mode showroom can help you create the exact look you’ve always wanted for your home. Visit www.wood-mode.com

6766Thalian Wrightsville Hall Avenue, Main Suite Attractions I, The Galleria 2008-09 | 910.256.1130 | wilmingtonkitchens.comwww.thalianhall.org©2008 Wood-Mode,pg. 7 Inc. Producers’ Circle Making things happen in Wilmington

Cumulus Broadcasting Hampton Inn Landfall Mariott Residence Inn at Landfall Dr. Gordon & Beverly McDevitt Platinum North Carolina Arts Council $10,000

Annie Jack Foundation Seby & Beth Jones Encore Magazine Family Foundation Greater Wilmington Prudential Burroughs Business Journal & Chapin Realty & Wilma! Magazine Strategic Wealth Hilton Garden Management Inn Mayfaire Time Warner Kim Fisher Designs Business Class Gold Linda Stott Franklin WHQR Public Radio $5,000 (Intracoastal Realty) Wilmington Today, LLC

The City of Wilmington & Wilmington City Council Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Bill Saffo, James Quinn III,

Laura W. Padgett, Jason Thompson Earl Sheridan, Ronald Sparks, Kristi Tomey pg. 8 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Producers’ Circle Making things happen in Wilmington

@Home in Carolina Southcoast NC Clarendon Inn Magazine Main Stay Suites John & Judy Talbert and Sleep Inn Wachovia Rose Anne Pamela & Barry Monti McGee Weiss, Choice Port City Java Specialty Wines Silver SDI Construction Wilmington Parent $2,500 & The Caper Corp. Magazine Angie’s of Hansberry CPA Chris’ Restaurant & Consulting Best Western Robbie & Nina Hill Coastline Inn Monteith Chemtex Construction Co. International, Inc. Mundo Latino Clancy & Theys Private Showing Construction Virginia Communication Maloney Walker Specialists Welcome Service, LLC Bronze Alan & June Cradick Woodbury & Co. $1,000 Edible Arrangements Herbert & Ronna Hanover Center Zimmer

BOX OFFICE is open Tue.-Sat., plus Sun. and Mon. of scheduled performances. Hours are noon-6 PM Tue.-Fri.; 2-6 PM Sat.; and 2 hrs. prior to curtain on Sun. and Mon. On performance days, will-call window hours are extended through curtain. 910-343-3664 and 800-523-2820 (toll-free). For Your TICKETS may be purchased by cash, check, VISA or MasterCard. Telephone credit card and mail orders are Information charged a $3 handling fee per order. Online tickets are available for all live performances at thalianhall.org.

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 9 Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Platinum Producers!

pg. 10 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Platinum Producers!

1989 Eastwood Road • Wilmington, NC 910.256.9600 • Fax 910.256.1996 For reservations, call 1.800.HAMPTON www.landfallparkhotel.com

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 11 Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Platinum Producers!

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ocated in the ergonomic execu- Lprestigious area tive chair are also of Landfall, the among the standard Residence Inn by features that keep Marriott Landfall is you working comfort- one-half mile to the ably. Be sure to enjoy Intracoastal Waterway, our complimentary 1.5 miles from Hot Breakfast Buffet, Wrightsville Beach served daily. Also, a and within walking Manager’s Reception distance to Mayfaire is offered Monday Town Center and The Forum Shops. Our through Thursday evenings with compli- attentive, experienced team will ensure an mentary beer, wine, and a light meal. We enjoyable and memorable experience. offer the optimum choice for space, con- Combining the conveniences of venience and privacy away from home. home with the services of a hotel, the When it’s time to relax, we’ve got Residence Inn by Marriott Landfall pro- the answer. The Residence Inn Landfall vides plenty of reasons for guests to feel features a cozy, beautifully landscaped completely comfortable whether visiting courtyard area that has it all. Whether for a few days or a few weeks. Each of you’re sunbathing poolside, soaking in our 90 apartment-style suites offer our whirlpool spa, having a cook- separate sleeping and living out on our gas grills, or just areas, plus fully equipped sipping a cool beverage on kitchens. There is plenty the verandah, you’ll feel of space to entertain or miles away from the rest meet with colleagues, of the world. and space to work The Residence Inn efﬁciently. Every suite Vision: To provide has high-speed inter- a great hotel where net access and two-line talented people deliver speakerphones with voice service so memorable, our mail. A large desk area and guests tell stories about it. pg. 12 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Gold Producers!

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 13 Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Gold Producers!

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cell 910-515-0764 fax 910-509-2144 LUMINA STATION II 1904 Eastwood Road Wilmington, NC 28403 pg. 14 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Gold Producers!

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 15 Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Gold Producers!

Relax in our state-of-the-art rooms with plush pillow- top mattresses, ﬂat-screen TVs and hospitality stations. Remember, guest satisfaction is our number-one priority.

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pg. 16 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Gold Producers!

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 17 Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Gold Producers!

pg. 18 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Gold Producers!

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 19 Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Gold Producers!

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he face of business communications is chang- Time Warner Cable Business Class is “With Ting. Businesses today require more than You” to ensure your success – no matter how just faster download speeds. They have specific you define it. Our reliable, high speed access needs that require specific tools and customized is complemented by a comprehensive suite of solutions in order to remain competitive in today’s products and services, such as E-mail solutions, marketplace. Demands for better results, increased Managed Security, Web Hosting and more. We productivity and improved profitability require have also expanded our team of professionals to enhanced collaborative efforts with the right part- address the unique needs of larger companies and ner to ensure success. Fortunately, we can help. government agencies. Time Warner Cable Business Class brings you In addition, we’ll back our service and your an established national network with local teams of company’s performance with dedicated, award dedicated professionals to provide communications winning local customer service, ready to support solutions that scale to your specific needs, giving you anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And your business a competitive advantage in today’s we’ll provide expert installation that you can complex market. Our national presence is really count on to have your business communications the foundation of our communications offerings. delivered quickly and reliably. It’s what enables us to provide industry leading The bottom line? Time Warner Cable data, security and video solutions to businesses Business Class can give your business the com- large and small; bringing you all the tools you need petitive edge it needs to be successful in today’s right now to power your business toward success. marketplace. Whether it be delivering instant Through our consultative approach, we’re communications, enabling online sales, structur- able to understand the unique challenges that our ing remote access, or providing your employees customers face. Our local specialists address these with the essential business tools they need to be challenges by providing scalable solutions that fit more productive, we can help. Providing solutions your specific communications needs in the most for these integral components of business today is cost-effective manner. Data solutions that save what we do, and as a result it allows you to benefit. time and reduce costs, with connection speeds up Streamline your operations, tap into additional to multi-gigabit. Security solutions that secure the resources, reduce your costs and increase your transmission and storage of all your critical profitability, all with the 24/7 local files. Video solutions that let you tune customer support you expect from a into news, sports, and music program- business partner. ming, keeping your employees That’s a bottom line every and customers informed and business strives for – and the entertained. And Voice, now you competitive advantage we have a better choice in business provide through our unwavering phone service: with Business commitment to serving your Class Phone! All supported with business needs. dedicated teams of local professionals who are available whenever Time Warner Cable Business – and wherever – you need them. Class – “With You!” pg. 20 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Gold Producers!

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 21 Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Gold Producers!

pg. 22 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Silver Producers!

The Caper Corporation and SDI Construction Company

he Caper Corporation and SDI restoration and renovation work as well as TConstruction Company are pleased new construction in the Wilmington area. to be able to continue our support As Mr. and Mrs. Pancoe, they for the Thalian Hall Center for have been supporters of the the Performing Arts. visual and performing arts Walter Pancoe is the in Wilmington for more President of The Caper than 30 years. They are Corp., a real estate develop- pleased to participate in ment company involved in the continuing sponsor- quality developments from ship of the Thalian Hall for the Midwest to the Southeast. the Performing Arts and Beth Pancoe is the the Main Attractions Series. President of SDI Construction Co., general contractors specializing in Ofﬁces at 1901 Kent St., Wilmington, NC

5229 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28405 Tel. 910.392.1741 Fax 910.332.1400 Visit our website: BY CHOICE HOTELS mainstaywilmingtonnc.com

hether you are visiting Wilmington downtown Wilmington, Wilmington Wfor an enchanted evening at Thalian International Airport, University of Hall, a leisurely vacation or a demand- North Carolina at Wilmington, ing corporate schedule, MainStay the USS North Carolina Suites invites you to experience Battleship, and of course, the MainStay difference. Historic Thalian Hall. With deluxe residential- The longer you style suites and affordable stay, the less you pay rates, we invite you to make at MainStay Suites, so yourself at home for as long make yourself at home as you’d like. with us. You will enjoy We are conveniently your stay at MainStay located to area beaches, Suites. We GUARANTEE IT!

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 23 Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Silver Producers!

2101 Market Street • Wilmington, NC Phone: 910-796-6646 • www.portcityjava.com

ort City Java® is thrilled to also offers complimentary Wi-Fi Pcontinue supporting the service and space for local Thalian Hall Center for the artists to hang their work Performing Arts. A passion commission-free. Various for gourmet coffee in a fan- partnerships with local tastic atmosphere shaped and national not-for-proﬁt the company that has now organizations help us to become a local tradition. remain actively involved in Port City Java’s® menu our community. We under- includes a variety of Breakfast stand that we have the ability Wraps and Sandwiches, Panini and responsibility to make our Grilled Sandwiches, Fresh Salads, 100% community a better place to live. To us, Pure Fruit Smoothies and Certiﬁed Coffee is The Thing! To learn more visit Fairganic® Coffees. Each of our cafes our website at portcityjava.com.

pg. 24 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Silver Producers!

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 25 Producers’ Circle Thanks to our Silver Producers!

pg. 26 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Friends of Thalian Hall Thank you for your support!

Benefactors $500 Mary Elizabeth Butler Judge Stuart & Nancy Namm Toy & Joe Cobbe Gretter Talbert Rita & Thomas F. Lewis, II Arthur & Lee Wallach Rob & Michele Zapple Grand Patrons $250 Henry & Mary Barr Bob Guillou Joel C. Pretlow William R. & Janet S. Howard Joanne & Ron Purnell Frances B. Bennett Katherine Hoyt David & Deborah Scheu Helene & Richard Billera Philip & Pamela Lizz & Frie Schulz Bill & Anne Blackburn Humbaugh Carla & Kurt Schwerdt Charles & Lynne Boney David & Margaret Hurd Carl & Julie Schweser Don & Sally Brauer Joseph & Barbara Jamison Robin Hiott Spinks Jim & Gail Burke Sharon & Fred Matt Laurence & Beth Sprunt Ann K. Carrigan Brent McAbee Jean & William Stauffer Pete & Aggie Chamberlin Oakley & Mary Mertz Ellis A. Tinsley, Jr. CAPT Frank & Pat Conlon Kenneth & Carol Morris Roscoe H. Turlington Tom & Mimi Cunningham Jean & Ray Newberry Anthony & Patricia Roger & Perry Davis Mr. & Mrs. William Oakley Van Schaick Bud & Peggy Dealey Sandee Parker Harry & Gayle Ruth & Frank Funk Jane & Hank Patterson Van Velsor Ralph Gevinson George & Joan Pidot Samm-Art Williams Hilda & Ralph Godwin Charles & Judy Pierce Jerry & Alice Wine

VOLUNTEERS at Thalian Hall are an integral element of our ongoing events and provide many indispensable services. Orientation and training sessions take place on a monthly basis. Contact our volunteer coordinator at 910-341-4662, or [email protected]. For Your THIS SOUVENIR PROGRAM is a service of THPCA, Inc. For sponsorship inquiries, contact Thalian Hall at Information 910-343-4797. To advertise in the 2008-09 edition, contact WordwrightWeb at 910-452-6345.

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 27 Friends of Thalian Hall Thank you for your support!

Patrons $150 Doris G. Ayers Barbara & Robert Orrell Nancy & Rush Beeler Peter Jurasik Ethel S. Phelps Mrs. Carl B. Brown Phil Kaufman Delynn & Patsy Thomas & Charles E. Richardson Patricia Butler Kronenwetter John & Steve & Donald & Lynn Carol Schenck Louise Coggins MacQueen John R. & Karen & Auley Crouch Michael & Jennifer T. Spruill Joyce Moeller Donald A. DiGiulian Henry F. Tonn Kimberly Nelson Connie & Pete Grine Tanya & Kenneth & Robert Wheeler Bill Heinberg Ellen Newbold Stanley & Louise Horne Russell & Judith Noll Maxine Willner Elena C. Jones Alice & Bob Ochs Cindee Wolf

Many Thanks for Your Support We are grateful to our Producers’ Circle and Friends of Thalian Hall for their annual support of this historic theatre. All efforts are made to correctly list these contributions, but if your name has been listed incorrectly or accidently omitted, please let us know by calling 910.343.3660.

BACKSTAGE TOURS are offered Tue.–Fri. by appointment. Admission for the 45-min. tour is $10/adult, $8/seniors, $4/students. Group Tour discount available for 10 or more visitors. Thalian Hall members receive complimentary tours. To reserve a tour, call 910-343-3660. RENTALS Thalian Hall offers attractive spaces for rent. For Your The Ballroom is an elegant location for events up to 150 Information seated guests. The Studio Theatre and Main Stage also offer unique settings. For rental information, call 910-343-3660. pg. 28 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 29 Thalian Hall We make Great Events happen

WHO WE ARE e are a private, non-profit organiza- Support for the theatr e is main- Wtion dedicated to the restoration, tained thr ough our “Friends of Thalian capital support, management and opera- Hall” membership pr ogram, the City of tion of historic Thalian Hall. A volunteer W ilmington, state and r egional grants Board of Trustees is responsible for devel- and the gener osity of our Pr oducers’ opment of policy and acquisition of suf- cir cle sponsors. By supporting THCPA, ficient financial resources for the theatre’s these individuals and institutions operations. Under the Trustees’ direction, underwrite the cost of operations of the the Executive Director supervises the facilities, making r ental very affor d - staff and daily operations of the complex. able for a variety of arts and com- Thalian Hall Center for the Performing munity gr oups including the Thalian Arts, Inc. belongs to the League of Association, Opera House Theatr e Historic American Theatres and the Company, Theatr e Exchange Society, North Carolina Presenters Consortium. The W illis Richar dson Players and many other or ganizations that r ent the WHAT WE DO facility. Additionally, these contributions ar e instrumental in helping to keep e bring professional artists to ticket prices in Thalian Hall well below WWilmington. Ramsey Lewis, the the national average. We ar e pr oud to Dixie Chicks, the Moscow Grigorovich maintain the facilities for community Ballet and Barbara Cook are only a use, and your contributions to Thalian few of the world-class performers who Hall help to subsidize that cost. have appeared on stage at Thalian Hall through our Main Attractions series. We also present works for the Adventures in HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER Art family series and critically acclaimed e would be delighted to have you films through our Cinematique program. Wjoin the Thalian Hall family! Ther e THCPA works to support the growth ar e thr ee ways to become a member: and development of performing arts in 1. Call us at 910-343-4797 to speak to New Hanover County. The facility is the our Development Dir ector about mem- regular performance space of a wide bership and its benefits and pur chase range of community arts organizations. your membership via cr edit car d. Productions include those of our primary 2. Stop by the Box Office or call rental clients, Opera House Theatre 910-343-3664 to pur chase your mem- Company and the venerable Thalian bership while placing your Main Association Community Theatre. We also Attractions ticket or der and automati- provide marketing and audience develop- cally save 10% on your pur chase. ment services, and centralized box office 3. V isit www.thalianhall.or g and fill services for over 30 non-profit arts groups. out the membership contact for m. pg. 30 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org 910.790.8580 | 5946 Carolina Beach Rd WWW.ISLANDAPPLIANCE.NET

910.332.5940 | 700 Military Cutoff Rd, Suite 108 WWW.KITCHENDREAMSATMAYFAIRE.COM

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 31 Thalian Hall Through the Years

1803–1855 Trustees of the Innes Academy purchase to private entrepreneurs who operate the 3 lots where Thalian theatre, book performances and rent the Hall currently stands theatre to touring companies and locals. and advertise for the construction of 1861-1865 a “house suitable for an Academy and The Civil War creates economic boom Theatre.” Once completed, it hosts perfor Wilmington and Thalian Hall, under formances by early Thalian Associations the name of “The Wilmington Theatre” and many touring theatre companies, hosts over 250 performances for the including those of Joseph Jefferson and 1863-1864 season and 285 performances Junius Brutus Booth. the following season. 1853–1856 1869 City of Wilmington determines to build John T. Ford (right), City Hall and theatre on Academy site. of Ford’s Theatre in The 4th Thalian Association agrees Washington, leases to complete the interior of the theatre Thalian Hall after the and pay an annual rent. The Academy assassination of Lincoln. is demolished and construction begins Under Ford’s tenure, under the direction of James F. Post. repairs are made to theatre and its name is changed to the “Opera House.“ 1858 Thalian Hall opens with a performance 1870-1920 by G. F. Marchants stock company of the The heyday of touring theatre occurs popular romantic comedy The Honey during these years Moon, followed by the farce The with over 100 touring Loan of A Lover. Over 85 nights of events annually. Great entertainment are presented in the stars include Buffalo ﬁrst season, including three produc- Bill Cody, John Phillip tions by the Thalian Association. Sousa, Edwin Forrest, James O’Neill, Maurice 1860-1936 Barrymore, and Lillian After two years, the Thalian Association, Russell (left). faced with insurmountable debt, sur- renders the theatre to the City and for the next 75 years, Thalian Hall is leased Continued pg. 32 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org 1882 1923-1928 Playwright Oscar Community Wilde (left) enter- interest in the tains Wilmington arts develops audiences with his in this period lecture on aesthetics. with the for- mation of the 1884 Wilmington Joseph Jefferson, Concert world famous actor Association, known for his role the Thursday of Rip Van Winkle, Morning appears in all-star Music Club, production of The the Wil- Rivals with Mrs. John Drew, grandmother mington Art of John, Lionel, and Ethel Barrymore. League and the Little 1890-1900 Theatre Guild of Wilmington. By the end During this decade many amateur the- of the decade, touring theatre declines. atre productions are presented by local In 1928, the Ziegfeld Follies is one of the groups such as the Colonial Dames, the last road shows to play the Hall. Ministering Circle, and the Westminster League. There are also performances 1929–1932 by amateur theatre societies including Little Theatre Guild changes its name the Paint and Powder Club and The to Thalian Association and presents an Wilmington Dramatic Club. evening of one-acts. The name of the theatre is changed from “The Academy 1906-1956 of Music” to “Thalian Hall” in 1932. Wilmington’s Public Library is 1938-1941 established on Henry MacMillan leads the Thalian the 2nd ﬂoor of Association efforts to restore Thalian City Hall and Hall. The City of Wilmington and WPA remains begin renovation, and in 1939, the north in that location wall of City Hall collapses. Concern over for 50 years. structural integrity threatens the future of the building. After much study and discus- sion the City 1902 proceeds with Under lessee Simeon A. the renovation Schloss of Wilmington, with additional the name is changed to funds from “The Academy of Music.” WPA. Thalian (right) In 1909, the interior Association is renovated with electric repaints the lights, an ornate prosce- interior of nium arch and decorative the theatre. painting. The side balconies are removed and the windows closed. Continued

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 33 Thalian Hall Through the Years (cont.)

1941-1947 1975 Thalian Association operates theatre until structural issues force its closure. Thalian Hall reopens under the management of Thalian Hall Commission. 1947-1951 Inc, which subleases theatre to many Theatre remains closed until 1951, when arts groups including the Thalian City of Wilmington undertakes repairs Association. on balconies and theatre structure and the theatre reopens under management 1983 of the Thalian Association in 1952. A 2.4 million dollar Master Renovation and Expansion Plan is developed by the 1963-1967 Thalian Hall Commission, Inc. using Wilmington Theatre Projects of London and Boney College Architects of Wilmington. and Thalian Association 1983 join forces to The 125th anniversary of the opening co-produce of the theatre is celebrated with theatre in an original musical produced by Thalian Hall. Thalian Hall Commission Inc, the Arts Council, the Thalian 1963 Association, and Mr. & Mrs. Through the Walter Pancoe. The City of efforts of the Wilmington approves the Master Junior League Renovation Plan and includes and the City of Thalian Hall in a bond issue. Wilmington, the Thalian Hall Commission, Inc. is formed to preserve and restore Thalian Hall as a regional center for the performing arts. 1973-1974 Fire occurs in the theatre and Thalian Hall closes. An agreement is created between the City and the Thalian Hall Commission, Inc. for the restoration of the theatre. A fundraising campaign under the leadership of Thomas H. Wright, Jr. raises approximately $300,000 for the restoration of the theatre to its turn-of-the-century appearance. Continued pg. 34 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org SINCE 1979

The Philadelphia Cheesesteak tal benefits, and vacation pay were was brought to Wilmington thirty added for full-time workers. years ago by business partners One thing hasn’t changed: the J. Michael Hutson and Lou Nieper. quality. The Philly Deli started Their first store was opened at out by importing all of their steak Hanover Center on August 17, meat and hoagie rolls straight from 1979. Since then, two more stores Philadelphia. It is a practice they have been added at Porters Neck still maintain to this day. and Monkey Junction. The Philly Deli has seen The workforce has also ex- Wilmington go through a number panded from 12 employees to 125. of growth periods, slower peri- A significant number of these peo- ods, good times, and tough times. ple have made careers here. Twenty However, by operating a good staff members have ten-plus years workplace, keeping a solid and ex- of service, and three have twenty- perienced management staff, and plus years. The Philly Deli began consistently offering quality food at by offering flexible schedules. This reasonable prices, they have man- has always been a significant ben- aged to maintain the staying power efit to mothers, students, and other that has kept them in business for part-timers. Later, health and den- almost thirty years.

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 35 Thalian Hall 1990 Project com- Through the pleted; grand reopening Years (cont.) occurs on March 2 with Peter Nero and NC Symphony, followed by 2 weeks of performances by many 1984- Wilmington arts organizations. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 1985 Inc. establishes an annual membership A citywide (Friends of Thalian Hall) and the Main bond issue Attractions Series. passes and $1.7 1995-1998 million THPCA, Inc. begins a series of improve- becomes ments including the installation of ﬁlm available projectors, establishing the Cinematique for the renovation project. After direct- series. A new Steinway concert piano is ing a production of Man of La Mancha given to the Hall by the Weyerhaeuser for the Thalian Hall Commission and Family and the Kenan Foundation. the Thalian Association, New York actor Lou Criscuolo moves to Wilmington 2002-2003 and begins producing under the name Architects Hanbury & Evans and Theatre of Opera House Theatre Company. Consultant Robert Long are chosen by the THCPA, Inc. to develop a master plan 1986 for the renovation of Thalian Hall and the “Thalian Hall Commission, Inc.” addition of a new 250-seat playhouse. changes its name to the “Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.” 2004-2008 (THCPA) and begins a capital campaign THCPA, Inc. begins work on the under the chairmanship of Mrs. William development of a capital campaign and H. Sutton and Mrs. Franklin Block. the City of Wilmington commits $3 million for the project. The design for 1988 the new playhouse is approved by the The Historic Preservation Commission. renova- Thalian Hall/City Hall celebrates 150th tion and Anniversary October 10-12, 2008. expansion project begins, using $1.7 million in bond issue funds, $1.1 million in city funds, $1 million from the state, and $1.8 million in private fundraising by Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. for the project. pg. 36 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 37 Thalian Hall The Present

MAIN ATTRACTIONS halian Hall Center Tfor the Perfor ming annually pr esents Arts has pr esented over educational and 150 of the world’s ﬁnest entertaining artists fr om ar ound perfor mances to the world including mor e than 6,000 Canada, Mexico, 1st and 2nd grad- Austria, Zimbabwe, ers, THCPA is creating an envir onment France, England, China, and Russia since wher e all childr en, r egar dless of socio- its inception in 1990. W ilmington and economic factors, will want to r eturn to southeastern North Car olina have been the theatr e and may lay a foundation for tr eated to appearances by such legendary a lifelong appr eciation for the arts. names as Barbara Cook, Patti Page (left), THCPA provides each thir d grader Ricky Skaggs, the Dixie Chicks, as well in the county with a guided, behind-the- as Paul Taylor Dance, the Alvin Ailey Rep scenes tour of the Thalian Hall/City Hall and The Shanghai Ballet. complex thr ough the Tar heels Go Walking pr ogram. In addition, Thalian Hall also Adventures IN ART pr ovides other outr each pr ograms including master classes, lectur es, demonstra- HCPA is committed to cr eating tions, hands-on classes and public tours. Topportunities for families to have meaningful interactions with each other by pr oviding high-quality perfor mances MAIN STAGE that ar e entertaining to all members of the t the heart of THCPA operations, family. During the 2008-2009 season, we Athe Historic Main Stage pr ovides ar e pr oud to pr esent seven family-oriented a wide variety of entertainment to pr oductions that include pr e- and post- Southeastern North Car olina audiences. show activities for the entir e family. These In addition to the Main Attractions pr ograms ar e made possible thr ough the series, ther e ar e over 100 perfor mances gener osity of our community partner, The pr esented by ar ea arts or ganizations Childr en’s Museum of W ilmington. including Opera House Theatr e Last year, in addition to our weekend Company, Thalian Community Theatr e, perfor mances, we included weekday Theatr e Exchange Society and the shows so childr en could attend events W ilmington Ballet Company. This past thr ough ar ea schools. We ar e continu- season audiences wer e tr eated to such ing this series for the 2008-2009 season. Building on the past success of the Pied Piper Theatr e series, which Continued pg. 38 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org You always wanted to live in the nicest house in the neighborhood.

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offerings as Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, Pal Joey, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Grand JOSEPH Hotel. Productions for 2008-2009 include Jekyll and JEFFERSON Hyde, A Christmas Story, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and The CLUB Wizard of Oz. amed for the acclaimed 19th- Ncentury actor, the Joseph Jefferson STUDIO THEATRE Club (left) is open to Grand Patrons, Benefactors, members of the Producers’ n 2006-07, THCPA’s 100-seat “black Circle and their guests. Members are box theatre” (above, right) hosted some I invited to join us in the original lobby, 90 25 productions and 150 performances. minutes prior to each Main Attraction In addition to concerts and variety performance, for complimentary hors performances, there were theatrical d’oeuvres and gourmet coffee. productions presented by Stageworks, Opera House, Big Dawg, and the Willis Richardson Players. Some of the very CINEMATIQUE best of Wilmington’s serious theatre halian Hall has been Wilmington’s pri- offerings occur in this small but adaptable Tmary “art film” house since the instal- venue. Please visit thalianhall.org for a lation of 35mm equipment in 1996. Each full listing of the exciting performances year, over 35 American and foreign films scheduled for this venue. are presented for three-night runs by THCPA and WHQR public radio. Recent offerings have included La Vie En Rose, BALLROOM Born into Brothels and Academy HCPA Award® nominated and winning films The Tcoordinates Queen, The Last King of Scotland, the use of the Transamerica and Volver. For the most ballroom at Thalian current Cinematique film schedule, visit Hall, which is www.thalianhall.org or www.whqr.org. in constant use by the City of VOLUNTEER USHERS Wilmington for HCPA has over 200 volunteers who official functions including City Tgreet audiences, tear tickets, seat Council meetings, public hearings patrons, and provide courteous wel- and receptions. Many of Wilmington’s comes to the 85,000 people who attend educational and cultural organizations, performances here each year. Their as well as private parties, have held black and white attire makes them receptions and galas in the room since easy to spot, and their enthusiasm for its renovation in 1990. Thalian Hall is contagious. pg. 42 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Professional, Urgent Medical Care

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 43 The Capitol Steps Mon, Oct 20 • 8 PM

es, it’s Monday night. No, it doesn’t Ymatter. When the election is just one time. They’ve become so popular ar ound the corner, you grab the Cap during election years that their multiple Steps whenever you can. We could have tr oupes per mit them to be in mor e than chosen a br eakfast show, but we gave one place at one time, much like our you time to wake up. har d-working politicians of today. The Capitol Steps ar e a gr oup of The Steps have an uncanny ability to very smart loonies who used to get r emain amazingly curr ent and topical. together and make fun of their bosses in If a contr oversy hits the AM news – it’s Washington. That was when they worked been turned into a song and r outine days. Now they work nights and get paid by the Steps by the 6 PM br oadcast for what they used to do on the side. and pr obably goes on stage in some Still based in DC, Cap Steps is an theatr e that night at 8 o’clock. Even on ensemble of politicos-turned-comics a Monday. morphed into a national phenomenon, Some scandals become part of the r ecor ding 28 albums, and appearing per manent r epertoir e. Twisted par o- on numer ous TV specials and national dies like “Snippety Bobbitt” and their public radio br oadcasts. Their newest homage to Mike Tyson (“Par don Me CD debuts soon-to-be classics including Boys, Is This the Chap Who T ried to “Oh What a Beautiful Mor mon” and Chew You?”) ar e odes that will never “Help Me Fake It to the Right.” die. The Capitol Steps ar e equal oppor- The Steps have surpassed 5,000- tunity offenders. No one is safe fr om perfor mances, including multiple stints the hysterical barbs. No one. off-Br oadway and in theatr es acr oss the As lines at polling places ar e about country. They have perfor med for the to take shape ar ound the country for past ﬁve Pr esidents (“Six,” they say, “if the November election, we happily you count Hillary”). Ther e ar e a total welcome The Capitol Steps back to of 20+ Steps cast members, in varying Thalian Hall. combination of ﬁve on stage at any Even on a Monday.

This perfor mance will include one inter mission. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or r ecor ding of any kind is pr ohibited by law. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discr etion. Beverages ar e per mitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. This perfor mance has been arranged with the cooperation of The Capitol Steps. Please vote. capsteps.com pg. 44 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 45 The Official Blues Brothers Revival

Fri, Oct 24 • 8 PM

ccor ding to their mothers, The AOfficial Blues Br others Revival is the hippest, most authentic Blues Br others show ever to hit the stage. As you’ll quickly learn, these guys (or their Out of the film gr ew the musical you mothers!) ar en’t messin’ ar ound! see today. Running for two seasons at Stars Wayne Catania and Kier on the Chicago Center for the Perfor ming Lafferty, perfor ming their Blues Arts, it captur es the spirit of the original Br others r outine in the elaborate Blues Br others movie and pays homage Legends Impersonators r evue in to Chicago’s rich history of blues, Las Vegas, became subjects of the gospel and traditional soul music while acclaimed A&E docudrama Lost in thr owing in the r ever ed characters Jake Las Vegas, the story of two perfor mers and Elwood Blues into the mix. W ith who impersonate two actors playing its cir cuitous r oute fr om Canada to two fictitious characters exploring a city Las Vegas to cable TV to Chicago, this wher e almost everything is a r eplica of all-new Belushi-estate sanctioned r evival something else. Fr om New York City tribute has taken on a life of its own. complete with a Br ooklyn Bridge and Mor e than ten North Car olina venues Statue of Liberty – to Camelot, T r easur e will pr esent the show this season alone. Island, The Eiffel Tower and the The live stage musical combines Egyptian Pyramids – the only thing r eal hits fr om the original movie as well as in this town is the exchange of money. the five popular albums put out by John It is a film about r eality and fantasy, Belushi and Dan A ykr oyd. W ith musical money and morality, and the price one dir ection by Ron Walters Jr. and his siz- pays to chase a dr eam, and it tells the zlin’, jumpin’-for-joy power house band, story of two Canadians who take their the musical is pr esented by the John Blues Br others act to Las Vegas and Belushi Estate and Judy Belushi Pisano. audition for the most famous imperson- Upbeat and uplifting, this is a total dose ator show in town. of V itamin Fun for all ages.

pg. 46 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 47 Southern Fried Chicks

Sat, Nov 8 • 4 & 8 PM

or those of you thought you wer e Etta May is r ecipient of the American Fthe original Desperate Housewives, Comedy A war ds’ “Stand-Up Comic of the hold on to your meatloaf. If this is your Year” and has appear ed on Oprah, Comic intr oduction to the Southern Fried Strip Live, MTV, and as a guest commen- Chicks, think cover ed-dish-supper- tator on CBS Sunday Morning. meets-tailgate-party in a NASCAR park- V ir ginia native Sonya White ing lot after you’ve deliver ed cupcakes combines Southern char m with big to one kid’s elementary school – and city str eet smarts, having appear ed on picked the other one up fr om jail. CBS’s Star Sear ch and NBC’s Last The Southern Fried Chicks Comedy Comic Standing. Other TV cr edits Tour starring Etta May and featuring include Oxygen’s Girls Behaving T rish Suhr, Beth Donahue and Sonya Badly, Fox’s Nightshift and Family White is the top-gr ossing all-female Channel’s Big Br other Jake. comedy tour on the r oad today. It’s the T rish Suhr began stand-up in story of four differ ent women, conver g - L.A. after leaving the family funeral ing wher e the Old South, New South home business in Kentucky. She is a and Deep South come together. r egular on the comedy show Pr etty Born in Bald Knob, Arkansas, Funny Women and is featur ed on the headliner Etta May’s father, a potpourri Southern Belles of Comedy DVD. far mer, and her mother, bedridden by Her r egular gig is co-hosting Style constant childbearing, did not r ealize Channel’s Clean House. she was a girl until she r equir ed a train- Nashville’s Beth Donahue is a self ing bra. Nine months after she met her pr oclaimed “r ecovering everything.” husband, an aspiring truck driver, she Brutally funny and incr edibly honest, was blessed with a boy, followed by a her “pull no punches” style has made girl and two mor e boys. “That’s wher e her a hit on 600 radio shows acr oss my comedy comes fr om. I just wait for the. TV gigs include VH-1’s Stand Up my husband or kids to do something Spotlight, Evening at the Impr ov and stupid, and then I write it down.” Showtime’s Comedy Club Network.

This perfor mance will include an inter mission. You’ll need it – fr om laughing. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or r ecor ding of any kind is pr ohibited by law & Etta May. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discr etion. Beverages ar e per mitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. Southern Fried Chicks is r epr esented by Music City Artists, Nashville. southernfriedchicks.net pg. 48 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Multi-State and Hansberry CPA Multi-National & Consulting, Inc. Experience Business Consulting Serving Southeastern Tax Preparation and Advising North Carolina since 1990 Medical Practices • Manufacturing Real Estate Development • Individuals 910.509.1990

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 49 The Nutcracker The Wilmington Ballet Company

Fri-Sat, Nov 21-22 • 8 PM Sun, Nov 23 • 3 PM

he Nutcracker is the world’s Tmost popular ballet of the holiday the Joffrey Ballet, and both have held season. The beloved classic, based on summer programs for area dancers. the story by E.T.A. Hoffman, never fails Numerous dancers from the to enthrall with its well-known story of Company have chosen to participate in young Clara, Herr Drosselmeyer the the Carolina Ballet’s summer intensive clockmaker, the Mouse King, Sugar program at the University of North Plum Fairy and the magic Nutcracker. Carolina at Wilmington. Dancers from This new production produced by the Company have also been accepted Wilmington Ballet Company, featuring and attended prestigious summer special guest professional artists in programs including the Atlanta Ballet addition to its acclaimed local company, Company, Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, is an exciting experience for audiences The School of American Ballet, Kirov of all ages and offers a memorable Academy and Harid Conservatory. opportunity for families to enjoy a won- In 2006-07, the UNC-Wilmington derful holiday tradition together. Department of Cultural Arts and the WBC was founded in 1999, with its Watson School of Business collaborated ﬁrst performance Cinderella performed with the Wilmington Youth Symphony in November 2000 at historic Thalian and the WBC to create a curriculum Hall. Since that time, WBC has performed that meets the standard course of study for over 3000 school children. In 2005, for elementary students while also the company invited the Wilmington expanding the school outreach pro- Symphony Youth Orchestra to perform gram. Wilmington Ballet Company has live music for the ballet The Little received grants from Mary Duke Biddle Mermaid. The orchestra also performed Foundation, North Carolina Arts Council, for the ballet Cinderella in 2006 and Target, Wal-Mart, Landfall Foundation, for The Elephant’s Child and Other Cape Fear Memorial Foundation, Variations in 2007. The WBC has hosted Southeastern Community Foundation, guest artists from the Atlanta Ballet and and the New York Times Foundation.

The ballet will be performed in two acts. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or recording of any kind is prohibited in the venue by law, even by relatives. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discretion. Beverages are permitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. Photo: Peter Doran. wilmingtonballetcompany.org pg. 50 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 51 A Tuna Christmas

Fri, Dec 5 • 8 PM

Tuna Christmas is part comedy, Apart quick-change artistry and part tightr ope act. It’s also a gr eat part comedy, dir ects this holiday tour fr om genius, in that it’s become one of the historic Springer Opera House, the most popular holiday comedies ever official State Theatr e of Geor gia. written for the stage. Gr eater Tuna pr emier ed in It’s December in tiny Tuna, Texas. Austin in 1981 wher e it became a cult Slow-talking radio jocks Thurston favorite befor e moving to the famous Wheelis and Arles Struvie r eport on Alley Theatr e in Houston then to the all the local yuletide activities. Big Kennedy Center and finally into an news includes the annual Christmas extended run at Cir cle in the Squar e in yar d display contest being plagued New York. Since then, the trio has writ- by a vandal known as the Christmas ten the popular sequels. Last summer, Phantom. Socialite Vera Carp hopes to the fourth play in the Tuna canon win the contest for the fifteenth year in opened in Galveston and has ignited a r ow but she has stiff competition fr om a new fir estor m of inter est in Tuna’s Didi Snavely (the crusty owner of Didi’s whacky citizens. Used Weapons) and cowboy-lovin’ “It’s been an honor to work so Tastee Kr eme waitr esses Inita Goodwin closely with Ed Howar d over the years,” and Helen Bedd. In other news, the says Springer Theatricals pr oducing Tuna Little Theatr e pr oduction of artistic dir ector Paul R. Pier ce. “He’s a Charlie Dickens’ A Christmas Car ol is comic genius and the characters that thr eatened by unpaid electric bills and a he and Jaston and Joe have cr eated ar e Ghost of Christmas Past that r efuses to timeless. They should have their own give up his spit cup. Excitement never gallery in the Smithsonian Institution! wanes in Tuna … “Everybody knows these charac- Ed Howar d, who dir ected the ters,” he laughs. “If you’r e not r elated to Br oadway pr oduction of Gr eater Tuna them, married to them or live next door and is one of the thr ee writers of the to them, you pr obably ar e them.”

This perfor mance will include one inter mission. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or r ecor ding of any kind is pr ohibited by law. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discr etion. Beverages ar e per mitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. This perfor mance has been arranged thr ough the auspices of Hyperion Pr oductions, NYC. Happy Holidays. springertheatrical.com pg. 52 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 53 The Black Pack Sat, Jan 17 • 8 PM

utlandish, out of the box, hysteri- Ocal … A unique interactive comedy of comedy. An L.A. r esident, V ince has show inviting audience members to “ask enjoyed his own special on Comedy a black man anything you’ve ever wanted Central and has been seen on Comedy to know – but wer e afraid to ask.” Central’s Pr emium Blend, The Late, Four distinctly talented comedians – Late Show and Sex and the City. V ince Morris, Billy D. Washington, Louis Billy D. Washington plays a mean Johnson and BT – ar e veterans of TV piano as well as brings on the laughs. stand-up hits. Together, the context of Smooth as silk, ther eby holding their monologues, engaging individual per haps the original Pack’s Dean perfor mances and a raucous closing Martin stool, the popular comedian has Q&A show us how to celebrate our dif- r eceived rave notices at the Aspen and fer ences – one joke at a time. Taking on Montr eal Comedy Festivals, and has the moniker of the “Black Pack,” each appear ed on HBO and Comedy Central. gifted artist perfor ms solo befor e settling Louis Johnson (taking the Sammy in on four stools to answer audience Davis spot in the Pack) has appear ed on questions submitted during inter mission. Comedy Central, BET, A&E and on his “At some point in our car eer, each own Showtime “Comic of the Month” spe- of us has been accused of not being cial. He is winner of Showtime’s “Funniest true to our heritage, our cultur e, our Person in America” competition. pr ofession,” they’ve r emarked. “We’r e BT is an Oklahoma native who ‘too black’ for one venue and ‘not black dishes out a Jerry Lewis style of ener gy enough’ for another. In our view, funny in the Black Pack. One of the industry’s is funny – right? We’r e her e to celebrate brightest comedy stars, he has been our individualism. Our motto is simple: seen in numer ous television shows fr om Be Yourself. Because Everybody Else Is the Sci-Fi Channel’s Black Scorpion to Alr eady Taken.” the acclaimed HBO movie Suckers. V ince Morris contributes a Sinatra- This is a night for gr eat fun. Get like foundation to this audacious night your questions r eady.

This perfor mance will include one inter mission. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or r ecor ding of any kind is pr ohibited by law. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discr etion. Beverages ar e per mitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. The Black Pack is r epr esented by Admir e Entertainment, New York. We love Admir e Entertainment. myspace.com/blackpack pg. 54 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 55 DAME CLEO LAINE & SIR JOHN DANKWORTH

Fri, Jan 30 • 8 PM

hey ar e unquestionably the r oyalty John Dankworth began training as a Tof jazz, not only because of their classical musician as a child. Only later esteemed titles bestowed by the British in life did he turn to contemporary jazz. Empir e. They ar e r oyalty because of He served as musical dir ector for Nat their virtuosic, unparalleled talents and “King” Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, founded accomplishments. the London Symphony Or chestra Married since 1958, they have been Summer Pops, led his own big band, and a gr oundbr eaking for ce, innovators in r evolutionized composition for cinema the arts, for decades. Their cr edits ar e with his scor es for British ﬁlms in the astonishing. It would take all the pages ‘60s. He has composed for opera, ballet, of this book to list them. piano concerti and string quartets. Cleo Laine is a singer who has done The couple’s longstanding gener osity just about everything. She’s played in funding British music education has everywher e – English dance halls to founded a legendary perfor ming arts London’s Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie center on the gr ounds of their English Hall to the Blue Note Cafe. She’s been on estate, with mor e than 200 world class stage on Br oadway and in London’s West perfor mances and 300 educational work- End, opera and the BBC. She’s been shops offer ed annually. hailed by global critics as the world’s And to think, Cleo Laine started her ﬁnest singer and the richest contralto working car eer as a sales assistant in a in r ecor ding history. The only artist to pawnshop. She r esigned and walked out have ever r eceived Grammy® A war d when she found that a mouse had found nominations in jazz, classical and popular its way into her coat sleeve when she music categories, she has conquer ed the r eadied to go home at the end of the day. music of Schoenber g, avant-gar de the- How very lucky for the world that she atr e at the Royal Court, jazz settings of was an upstart who said, “I quit.” We ar e Shakespear e’s sonnets and the poetry of honor ed to welcome them back to historic T.S. Eliot. She has perfor med with every Thalian Hall, for tonight lives up to the major jazz legend of modern time. wor d “historic” in a monumental way.

This perfor mance will include one inter mission. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or r ecor ding of any kind is pr ohibited by law. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discr etion. Beverages ar e per mitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. The Dankworths’ appearance has been arranged thr ough Gurtman & Murtha Associates, New York. quarternotes.com pg. 56 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org For the Ultimate in Home Theater WWW.AUDIOVISIONSOFWILMINGTON.COM Wilmington Southport The Promenade at North Market 5130 Southport-Supply Rd. Market St. & Old Eastwood Rd. Suite 105 910.452.6444 910.363.4025

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 57 Hiromi Thu, Feb 26 • 8 PM

azz piano phenom Hir omi took Jher first piano lessons at age six in Japan. The next year, she was enr olled in the Yamaha School of Music. At age 12, she perfor med with the Czech Philhar monic. At 17, a of the Year, Pianist of the Year and chance meeting with Chick Cor ea led Album of the Year in Swing Journal to a perfor mance with the well-known Japan’s Readers Poll for her 2006 pianist the very next day in Tokyo. r elease Spiral. Hir omi continued her Hir omi came to the U.S. in 1999 to winning str eak with the r eleases of study at Berklee College of Music in Time Contr ol (2007) and Beyond Boston. Among her mentors at Berklee Standar d (2008), both r eleases includ- was veteran jazz bassist Richar d Evans, ing Hir omi’s super gr oup, Sonic Bloom. who teaches arranging and or ches- At 26, Hir omi stands at the thr esh- tration. In 2003, Evans co-pr oduced old of limitless possibility. Her list of Another Mind, her Telarc debut influences, like her music itself, is r ecor ding, with longtime friend and boundless. “I love Bach, I love Oscar collaborator Ahmad Jamal, who calls Peterson, I love Franz Liszt, I love Hir omi “nothing short of amazing. Her Ahmad Jamal,” she says. “I also love music causes her to soar to unimagi- people like Sly and the Family Stone, nable musical heights.” Dr eam Theatr e and King Crimson. I’m Her first album went gold and so inspir ed by sports players like Carl r eceived Japan’s Jazz Album of the Year Lewis and Michael Jor dan. I’m inspir ed A war d. Her second r elease, Brain, won by anyone who has big, big ener gy. the Horizon A war d, Swing Journal’s They r eally come straight to my heart.” New Star A war d, Jazz Life’s Gold Hir omi won’t, as a matter of prin- Album, HMV Japan’s Best Japanese ciple, put labels on her music. “It has Jazz Album, and was named Album some elements of classical music, r ock, of the Year in Swing Journal’s 2005 jazz – but I don’t want to give it a name. Readers Poll. In 2006, Hir omi won Best It’s just the union of what I’ve been lis- Jazz Act at the Boston Music A war ds tening to and what I’ve been learning.” and the Guinness Jazz Festival’s Rising She’ll leave all the tags to those who feel Star A war d. She also claimed Jazzman r equir ed to have them.

This perfor mance will include one inter mission. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or r ecor ding of any kind is pr ohibited by law. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discr etion. Beverages ar e per mitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. Hir omi’s r epr esentation for North America is Maurice Montoya Music Agency. hir omimusic.com pg. 58 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 59 Leahy Sat, Mar 7 • 4 & 8 PM

t was ten years ago when these Ibr others and sisters named Leahy first came to Thalian Hall. It was their first US tour, or ganized thr ough the NC Pr esenters Consortium. Since that time, even their name has come to their feet within minutes when opening be used by fans everywher e as noun, for Shania Twain on her first worldwide verb & adjective. It’s a family, a sound, tour. They perfor med on two network a musical style, a way of life, a volcanic television specials. Today, TV audiences explosion of talent and ener gy, intense ar e watching the gr oup’s thir d PBS emotion, and feral passion. concert. The band’s thr ee acclaimed Their life story r eads like a CDs – Leahy, Lakefield and In All Hollywood movie; a lar ge family raised Things – have r eached worldwide sales without a television on a far m in the of over half a million copies. small town of Lakefield, Ontario, Call them Celtic, folk, pop, r ock, Canada. In fact, their life story was so anything you desir e. W ith each r ecor d- compelling that it became the subject ing and live perfor mance, they continue of an Oscar winning documentary to splatter categorization – other than The Leahys: Music Most of All. The “spectacular.” It’s been said that they film, made when the gr oup was all r elease such boundless joy in every youngsters, for etold the success that perfor mance that oxygen tanks should would follow. Pur e and authentic, Leahy be handed to arriving patr ons. continues to be one of Canada’s most Thalian Hall welcomes Leahy back sought-after exports. to their “NC home” as part of historic As Donnell says, “Gr owing up in our Thalian Hall’s 150th anniversary house, we always had someone to play celebration. Their tour bus is bigger for and listen to …” now – and ther e ar e mor e Leahy babies The gr oup became r ecor d label making the trip and watching their V ir gin Canada’s lar gest selling artists. moms and dads fr om the wings. That’s They ar e now multiple Juno A war d the way Leahy continues to shar e their winners who br ought 175 international, music with the world. It’s a family thing, capacity-filled, stadium audiences to and it makes them sing.

Today’s concert will be perfor med without inter mission. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or r ecor ding of any kind is pr ohibited by law. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discr etion. Beverages ar e per mitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. Leahy’s U.S. r epr esentation is Columbia Artists Management, Inc., New York, New York. leahymusic.com pg. 60 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org We know style is important.

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 61 Jesse Cook A Co-presentation with UNC-W Sat, Mar 28 • 8 PM

ou ar e about to journey to a new uni- Yverse. You’ll be r eturned safely once lead singer of the flamenco gr oup the final encor e has ended – if you want. “Gipsy Kings” who lived next door, and But be warned that Jesse Cook’s music is whom Cook still cr edits with his own a thunder ous power sur ge fr om the gods, per cussive appr oach to the guitar. and it transports you to new r ealms. Born in Paris, Jesse first picked up It’s entir ely possible we have people a toy guitar at age thr ee. He moved to hiding under the seats who’ve r efused to Canada as a young child, and listened leave the building since Jesse Cook was intently to his mother’s flamenco r ecor ds. last her e two years ago. He seems to Following subsequent studies at York have that effect wher ever he goes. The University and Berklee College of Music, virtuoso guitarist’s expr essive rumba he r eleased his first r ecor ding in 1995. flamenco arrangements fuse age-old Recor d sales now exceed millions world- musical r hythms with a host of world wide, and his 2007 r elease Fr ontiers still influences. He is a musical nomad, a rides high on charts fr om North America cultural sponge who has spent a lifetime to Eur ope to Dubai. Fr ontiers was named absorbing sounds fr om Spain, Africa, World Music Album of the Year at the Cuba, Egypt, France and Brazil. 2008 Juno awar ds, and One Night at the While musicians often speak of Metr opolis, which captur es a spectacular major pr ofessional influences, for Jesse concert during the 2006 Montr eal Jazz Cook it is not so much an individual, Festival, r eceived Music DVD of the Year. but a r egion in southern France known Cook and his r emarkable band as the Camar gue. It was her e in Arles leave audiences gasping, not only in wher e the young Cook spent many awe at the virtuosity, indescribable summers with his father, a r etir ed film talent and delivery – but fr om the explo- dir ector. Jesse wander ed the str eets sive catharsis the man’s music seems to among the Gypsies who inhabit the invite. It’s one of those moments of live ar ea, soaking up the atmospher e and perfor mance that cr eates scars – for the listening to the likes of Nicolas Reyes, better – for all time.

Tonight’s perfor mance will include one inter mission. Your pulse will need the r est. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or r ecor ding of any kind is pr ohibited by law. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discr etion. Beverages ar e per mitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. U.S. r epr esentation for Jesse Cook is Ed Keane Associates, Boston. jessecook.com pg. 62 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Kingoff’s Jewelers … “Celebrating 90 Years”

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 63 The John Brown Jazz Orchestra’s Big Band Hit parade Sat, Apr 18 • 8 PM

n r ecent years, bassist John Br own John Br own has perfor med acr oss the Ihas moved fr om sought-after side- globe with Elvin Jones, Wynton and Ellis man to a sought-after fr ont man. Marsalis, Frank Foster, Nicholas Payton, Perfor mances fr om his trio, quartet, Rosemary Clooney, Mark Whitﬁeld, Linda quintet, “little” big band, 20-piece jazz Lavin, Diahann Carr oll, Fr eda Payne and or chestra – plus his funk/R&B band scor es mor e. A Grammy® nominee for his with horn section and singers – all perfor mance and co-writing on Nnenna exude a trademark joyous spontaneity Fr eelon’s Concor d r elease, Shaking and war mth. Br own’s peerless musical Fr ee, he has perfor med at Carnegie Hall, mastery goes without question. the Blue Note, the Kennedy Center and The John Br own Jazz Or chestra is Hollywood Bowl, in addition to tours in Br own’s pr ofessional lar ge jazz ensem- Eur ope and Asia. Festival appearances ble made up of top musicians, most include the Playboy Jazz Festival, JVC of whom hail fr om North and South Jazz Festival, Montr eal Jazz Festival and Car olina. Specializing in traditional Jazz é V ienne in France. His ﬁrst album compositions fr om the Gr eat American as a leader (Terms of Art: A Tribute to Songbook plus curr ent cutting-edge Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers) arrangements, this stellar big band spent 16 consecutive weeks and r eached perfor ms a wide range of material #8 on the national JazzWeek chart. covering all eras of jazz r epertoir e, A native of Fayetteville, NC and a including the music and arrangements graduate of the UNC-Gr eensbor o School of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel of Music and the UNC Chapel Hill School Tor mé, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, of Law, John curr ently serves as Pr ofessor Woody Her man and mor e. The dynamic and Dir ector of the Jazz Pr ogram at Duke gr oup’s concerts also fr equently high- University. Equally at home in classi- light compositions of Car olina natives cal and jazz settings, he perfor ms with like John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, the North Car olina Symphony, Opera Dizzy Gillespie, Nina Simone, Lou Company of North Car olina, the Car olina Donaldson and others. Ballet and other or chestras in the r egion.

Tonight’s perfor mance will include one inter mission. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or r ecor ding of any kind is pr ohibited by law. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discr etion. Beverages ar e per mitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. John Br own is a goingbar efoot artist. jbjazz.com pg. 64 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org Not valid with any other offer. Embarrassing skin problems? Ad must be presented at There’s no reason to hide. ﬁrst treatment. 50% OFF YOUR FIRST LASER TREATMENT Hair Removal • Skin Rejuvenation • Age/Sun Spot Removal Treatment of Leg and Facial Veins • Little to No Recovery Time • In-Ofﬁce Procedure • Free Consult Available

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 65 Cowboy Crush Fri, Apr 24 • 8 PM

t r eally wasn’t that long ago when Iwe ur ged you to come see a new female band named The Dixie Chicks on the Thalian Hall stage. It may be time to give serious attention to another a struggling single mom. The music of “trust us” invitation … Cowboy Crush offers affir mation for Cowboy Crush is the curr ent all-girl women in difficult spots, with songs that Nashville phenomenon whose attention- never fail to r esonate with their fans, getting music is a life-affir ming, fist-in- who view the trio as that perfect com- the-air celebration generating exploding bination somewher e between trusted popularity, with songs that seem torn friend and sister. fr om pages of their fans’ daily lives. Cowboy Crush’s first pr ofessional The gr oup, comprised of lead singer gig was thr ee songs played for a T r enna Barnes, bass player Debbie convention of entertainment buyers at Johnson and fiddler Renae T ruex, Nashville’s W ild Horse Saloon. They brings an eye-catching mix of high earned 50 bookings, playing the next ener gy, jaw-dr opping talent and irr e- year for Fox network executives at the pr essible femininity that ar e captivating Super Bowl and have since opened audiences acr oss the country. At their for superstars including T ravis T ritt, uptempo best with songs like “Hillbilly Lonestar and T race Adkins. Befor e Nation” (“Our stage show in a song,” they’d r eleased their first single, hits to says T r enna) and “Miss Difficult,” their website tallied in the millions. this is a trio that’s nothing less than They all agr ee, “We get to do what espr esso in an iced-tea world – an we love for a living. Sometimes that instant jump-start – whether on r ecor d makes you queasy, and sometimes it or live on stage. Listen to the stunning makes you scr eam with joy and adr ena- har monies of “Nobody Ever Died Of line. Sometimes you’r e looking at the A Br oken Heart” and the emotional hill in fr ont of you as the chain pulling honesty of “Cowboy Crush.” Hear the you up goes click, click, click, and intelligence and heart in “I Am Pr etty” you’r e wondering what’s on the other and “Tougher Than A Man,” stories of side, but when it’s over, we always want a woman in an abusive r elationship and to get back on again.”

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 67 SuSan Werner

Fri, May 1 • 8 PM

hen Susan Werner’s on stage, Wwhether at the piano or her guitar, ther e’s a scale of personality, pr esence thr oughout the northeast. She self- and brilliance that seems somehow deliv- r eleased her first album in 1992. er ed thr ough an invisible, gigantic zoom In 2004, she r ecor ded her album of lens. The magnification works fr om both instant Cole Porter-like classics, I Can’t ends, fr om stage to audience and back Be New. Fans and critics alike sang her the other way. If you listen, you quickly praises: the All Music Guide calling it r ealize how each moment is simply so “a brilliantly constructed, soulful, and very big, open – and filled with truth. cleverly tender effort by a songwriter and She is a singer-songwriter who musician who is in such complete com- cr osses genr es and styles with astonish- mand of her gifts that it’s almost scary.” ing depth and fr eshness. Consider ed 2007 br ought the r elease of Werner’s among the industry’s most pr omising The Gospel Truth, a collection of origi- popular lyricist/composers, Werner nals she describes as “hymns for the r eaps glowing pr ess fr om some of spiritually ambivalent.” This pr oject sur- the nation’s most r espected critics. veys the wide variety of attitudes towar d When The New Yorker says you’r e a the Chur ch in America and incorporates perfor mer “who brings literacy and wit styles ranging fr om traditional bluegrass back to popular song” and the Chicago gospel, in songs such as “My Lor d W ill Tribune writes that you exhibit “genu- T r ouble Me,” to a hand-clapping r ouser ine distinction, high craft,” it’s substan- for agnostics entitled “Pr obably Not.” tial affir mation that brings notice. Howar d Reich, chief critic of the Raised on a far m in rural Iowa, Chicago Tribune, wr ote in 2006: Susan Werner began her pr ofessional “Werner is one of the most innovative music car eer in Philadelphia, after songwriters working today.” Ther e ar e studying classical voice at Temple no easy ways to adequately describe University. Inspir ed by a Nanci Griffith this artist’s gifts. If you’r e a person who concert, Werner left behind her opera sear ches for true wit, honesty of mes- training and began perfor ming as a sage and singular talent, you deserve singer-songwriter at coffeehouses Susan Werner.

Tonight’s perfor mance will include one inter mission. Please silence all cell phones, beepers and pagers. Photography and/or r ecor ding of any kind is pr ohibited by law. Latecomers will be seated by our ushers at house staff discr etion. Beverages ar e per mitted into the hall, unless noted otherwise. This appearance has been arranged thr ough the auspices of the Roots Agency, even though we know Susan Werner would want to be her e, r egar dless. susanwerner.com pg. 68 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org CLASSICAL CHINESE MEDICINE

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 69 Adventures in Art Our Family Theatre Series

Victorian Halloween Bread & Puppet Theatre Magic-Lantern Show! Sourdough 8 pm • Fri, Sept 19 Philosophy Circus ravel back 3 pm • Sat, Nov 1 Tin time with read & Puppet the boister- BTheatre was ous fun of created in the 1960’s American’s by Peter Schumann, only Victorian a German-born magic lantern dancer, musician, show. From and sculptor who NPR: “It’s an found in puppet incredible theatre a way of blending all these arts experience … into a form uniquely his own. Don’t miss them. They’re a living This year’s intergenerational offer- national treasure!” ing, The Sourdough Philosophy Circus, includes dancing zebras, tur- Theatre Exchange keys, and free-range cows. The show is Toby Tyler: 10 Weeks run by a gaggle of cooks who specialize in preparing the various stews and pan- with a Circus cakes of our everyday existence. True Special 150th Birthday to form, the show is accompanied by Performance, Oct. 12 the Sourdough Philosophy Brass Band. 2 pm • Sun, Oct 12 If some of the acts are puzzling for adults, the kids can usually explain them! 7 pm • Fri-Sat, Oct 17-18 3 pm • Sat-Sun, Oct 18-19 ublished in 1881 Pby author James Otis, Toby Tyler is a classic coming-of-age tale of a young orphan boy. The story gives a glimpse into the 19th century traveling circus and the child- Pied Piper Theatre hood dream of run- Bug Story ning away to the great adventure if offered. 3 pm • Sun, Jan 25 The ultimate realization, of course, is that his year’s Pied Piper production, there is no place like home. TBug Story, is a beautiful musical pg. 70 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org written by Steve Cooper. It features to some of the Lena Hornet, Charlise Ant, Bella Donne most outlandish (the Praying Mantis), Lepidoptra (the and creative caterpillar), and a garden-full of their stories. They friends. The bug society reflects many of produced The the issues kids face in school, including BFG several cliques, friendships, and amazing trans- years ago using formations. An inspiring and fun musical a combination of full-body, hand, and with a lesson we can all enjoy! shadow puppets, and they are re-visiting the classic fantasy with renewed enthu- Applause Unlimited siasm: bigger puppets, wilder shadows, Peter and the Wolf and new methods of manifesting the grand visions of Roald Dahl. 3 pm • Sun, Mar 8 favorite The Magic of African Achildren’s con- Rhythm: Djembe Fire! cert the world over! This simple folktale 3 pm • Sun, Apr 26 is told through nar- he unforgettable performances of ration, music, and Tthese artists display the vibrancy delightful Sicilian of Africa’s many rhythms. Meaningful puppetry. As bright and imagina- stories are told in both authentic song and tive as Prokofiev’s musical story itself, original dance choreography. In the midst this show features a unique opening of the drama, skilled dancers appear to “set-up”, large, colorful marionettes & rod fly, leaving onlookers in an awe of swirling puppets, audience participation, and a few raffia skirts and headdresses. Drums, surprises. Its visual appeal reminds us of dance, costumes, song and story carry how much fun classical music can be. audiences across the colorful spectrum of the entire continent. This group, whose journey began over 40 years ago, brings Stageworks Youth Theatre to you the essence of traditional Folklore. The BFG (Big, Friendly Giant) The past is connected to the present; his- 7 pm • Thu-Fri, Apr 9-10 tory to art; 3 pm • Sat, Apr 11 and a vision of Africa is tageworks has been producing presented Sintergenerational family theatre to the in Wilmington since 1994. Reviews of audience. Stageworks has special skill incorporat- You’ve got ing unusual performance techniques to see the into their work, which draws them close “Fire!”

Adventures in Art is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council with funding from the state of North Carolina and the National Endowment from the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 71 Warren Tucker Phone (910) 395-2953 Toni Tucker Fax (910) 395-6355

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Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org pg. 73 Advertiser Index

Able Installations ...... 63 Front Street Brewery ...... 67 Paragon Group ...... 47 Acupuncture Alternative ...... 69 Gallery At Racine ...... 73 Paragon International ...... 75 Audio Visions ...... 57 Golden Gallery ...... 74 Plantation Village ...... 49 Big Sky Design ...... 67 Hansberry CPA ...... 49 Port City Java ...... 5 Bob King Automall ...... 65 ILM (Wilm. Int’l Airport) ..... 63 Reeds ...... 2 Cape Fear Academy ...... 57 Integrated Therapy Retina ...... 41 Cape Fear Bank ...... 40 Associates ...... 67 Rexroad, Loweth Cape Fear Museum ...... 53 Island Appliance ...... 31 & Associates ...... 59 Cape Fear Riverboats ...... 67 J Michael’s Philly Deli ...... 35 Schaffer BMW ...... 47 Carolinas Oral & Facial Jerry’s Food Wine & Spirits 73 SEAHEC ...... 51 Surgery Center ...... 3 Kingoff’s ...... 63 Sterling House ...... 74 Catch ...... 72 Kitchen & Lighting Designs 73 T Williamson ...... 69 Champions Assisted Living ... 29 Lake Shore Commons ...... 39 Townhouse Art & Frame ..... 69 Coastal Dermatology ...... 45 Learning Express ...... 59 Tuscany Tile ...... 65 Comfortable Soles ...... 65 Maxim Healthcare ...... 72 VeinCare Of Wilmington ...... 65 Doctors Vision Center ...... 37 Medac ...... 43 Wilmington East Carolina Bank ...... 72 Murchison, Taylor Gastroenterology ...... 55 Edmonds, Canning & Gibson ...... 61 Wilmington Kitchens ...... 7 & Associates ...... 55 Occasions ...... 73 Wilmington Optometry ...... 61 Farlow Group ...... 45 Our State ...... 53 Wilmington Plastic Surgery ... 76 Frame Works ...... 72 Paddy’s Hollow ...... 69 WordwrightWeb ...... 51

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THE GOLDEN GALLERY Hours: The gallery for regional imagery. Monday-Friday 9-8 Saturday 10-6 Sunday 1-5 THE COTTON EXCHANGE 910-762-4651 www.thegoldengallery.com www.johnwgolden.com pg. 74 Thalian Hall Main Attractions 2008-09 www.thalianhall.org

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