RVCC arts SEASON 2019-2020 arts

2019•SEASON•2020 RVCC 2019•SEASON•2020arts RVCC Welcome to Season 36! As you peruse this brochure, you will notice a change to our program – maybe find it a bit light. In brief, due to changes in our funding, we are unable to offer several of our previously established series in the coming year. We regret these changes. Remaining are our Mainstage and School-Time offerings, into which we have packed some very exciting events. Keeping in mind the audiences we served with the series now gone, we have tried to maintain a good number of matinées and family friendly programs on the Mainstage. And, we will continue to sell public tickets to School-Time, through our box office. Please keep an eye on us this year as we establish a network of support – memberships, sponsorships, grants, etc. – that might allow us to bring back some of this creative work so many of you enjoyed. Thank you for your past support. Please, join us as often as you can during the coming season. We still offer something for everyone! Experience the wonder...

A Christmas Carol 908.725.3420 | RVCCA RTS.ORG Artrageous Mike Aiken Mike Tim Buppert Tim LEA Trio Acoustic MSG Johathan Byrd Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards Laura Cortese &

Aiken & Friends Fest, North Branch Blues Evolution • MSG Acoustic Blues Trio • Thur., Sept. 26 at 1PM • FREE with reservation Songwriters-in-the-Round • Mike Aiken, LEA & Tim Buppert • Fri., Sept. 27 at 7PM • $20 Workshops • Guitar, Songwriting, Indie Music Promotion • Sat., Sept. 28 from 11AM-12PM • $10 Concert On the Quad/RVCC Community Day Sat., Sept 28 from 12:30-5:30PM • FREE bring a lawn chair Macheis Wind, Jonathan Beedle, Starr Celeste, MSG Acoustic Blues Trio, Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards and Jonathan Byrd. Tall Tales & Troubadours • Mike Aiken Band • Sat., Sept. 28 at 7PM • $20 Weekend pass (both evening shows & class of your choice) $30 For 13 years, Aiken & Friends Fest was coastal Virginia’s premier music festival featuring national, regional and local artists and songwriters performing genuine original music. In the fall of 2017, we joined with Mike & Amy Aiken in opening up Aiken & Friends Fest, North Branch. This three-day event kicks off at 1PM Thursday, with the M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio’s Blues Evolution, a discussion with music covering the evolution of the Blues style, how it reflected life over time and how it has influenced music styles since. Fest continues Friday night with Songwriters-in-the-Round, featuring Mike Aiken, LEA and Tim Buppert performing their original works and talking about their writing and what inspires them. The banter between songwriters on stage makes for a magical experience that can’t be reproduced. You won’t want to miss this very special night. Saturday begins at 11AM with three concurrent, 60-minute workshops in guitar, songwriting and indie music promotion. Saturday afternoon’s events are free and open to the public and once again are offered as an RVCC Community Day. They include five hours of great music at Concert on the Quad, a drop-in Pickers Tent, Planetarium shows, food and drink for sale, vendor booths and a Kids’ Corner to entertain the young ones. Fest closes with another ticketed event, Tall Tales & Troubadours, a concert by Mike Aiken, who is known for his signature blend of Americana, country and roots music. For full schedule and information, visit rvccarts.org/20/Events/Mainstage/190926AFF.html. Seven The Capitol Steps: The Lyin’ Kings Nobuntu L.A. Theatre Works Saturday, October 26 at 8PM Friday, November 15 at 7PM Thursday, October 24 at 7PM Tickets: $40 & $50 Tickets: $30 & $40 Tickets: $30 & $40 For over 35 years The Capitol Steps have This powerful female a cappella quintet from Seven tells the true stories of seven remarkable been putting politics and scandal to music. Zimbabwe has drawn international acclaim female activists who bravely fought for the They began when Reagan was president and for its inventive performances that range well-being of women, families and children ketchup was a vegetable. This season The from traditional Zimbabwean songs to afro around the globe. A collaboration between Capitol Steps plan to bring down the house… jazz to gospel. Nobuntu’s vocals, energy and Senate, with their unique blend of music the activists and seven acclaimed female and breathtaking performance on stage is playwrights, this riveting radio-style theatre and political comedy. What more would you production weaves a tapestry of inspiring expect from the group that puts the “MOCK” an experience that inspires and touches tales of bravery and perseverance. in Democracy?! people of all cultures and walks of life. The Complete Works of William The Great Russian Nutcracker A Christmas Carol Shakespeare (abridged) {revised} Moscow Ballet Nebraska Theatre Caravan The Reduced Shakespeare Company Sunday, December 1 at 1PM & 5PM Saturday, December 14 at 2PM Saturday, November 23 at 8PM • Ages 13+ Tickets: $50 & $60 Tickets: $50 & $60 Tickets: $30 & $40 Moscow Ballet’s spectacular scenic design, This celebrated adaptation weaves the An irreverent, fast-paced romp through all 37 gorgeous costumes and the exquisite artistry of spellbinding fable of a man who is given the of the Bard’s plays in 97 minutes. Join these 40 top Russian dancers have made this event an rarest of gifts…the chance to change. Alive madcap men in tights as they weave their American holiday tradition not to be missed. with color and movement and rich with thrilling wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Bring the family to our Nutcracker Tea Party ensemble music, this sumptuous Broadway- comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild style production tells Dickens’ enduring tale in and memorable ride that leaves audiences between performances. (Additional ticket.) breathless and helpless with laughter. Info and tickets: Box Office or rvccArts.org a manner that people of all ages will enjoy. Cherish The Ladies Artrageous Sunday, March 1 at 2PM Friday, March 20 at 7PM Tickets: $30 & $40 Tickets: $30 & $40 One of the most engaging and successful ensembles in the history of Celtic music, Cherish the Watch an artist create a masterpiece before your Ladies has shared timeless Irish traditions with audiences worldwide for over thirty years. This eyes! Part art studio, part rock group, part creation Irish-American super group creates an unforgettable performance that includes a spectacular lab, Artrageous takes audiences on a uniquely blend of virtuoso instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning entertaining visual journey and high-energy ride step dancing. of inspiration, creativity and engagement, paying tribute to a variety of art forms, icons and musical …Only recently have Irish-American women challenged the male-dominated traditional music genres. It’s art and music gone wild! scene, and proven themselves capable of as much poetry, exuberance, and soul as the tradition requires. An outstanding ensemble… LESLIE BERMAN, THE VILLAGE VOICE You have to see it to believe it. WASHINGTON POST

mainstage New Shanghai Circus Shadows of the ‘60s Friday, March 27 at 7PM Saturday, April 18 at 2PM Tickets: $30 & $40 Tickets: $30 & $40 Astonishing athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats of incredible skill in this Relive the experience of a live concert, spellbinding show that draws upon 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions. From Broadway circa 1964! This high-energy tribute to Motown to Branson, this troupe awes with a repertoire of jaw-dropping circus arts that reach (literally) super groups The Temptations, The Supremes, breathtaking heights of skill and put audiences’ nerves to the test. If it’s humanly possible— and The Four Tops is filled with non-stop hits, and even if it’s not—Shanghai’s acrobats, jugglers and contortionists do it with spectacular flair stunning costumes and dazzling choreography, and extraordinary grace. This beautifully orchestrated performance is enhanced by fabulous capturing all the spirit, style and excitement of choreography, enchanting scenery and powerful music. the original artists. A must-see entertainment Show-stopping rarities of daunting difficulty. LOS ANGELES TIMES experience for theatre goers of all ages. SCHOOL-TIME PERFORMANCES

Africa Up Close Doktor Kaboom and The Wheel of Science Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey Nobuntu Wednesday, January 15 at 10AM Lightwire Theater Friday, November 15 at 11AM Grades: 3+ ● Length: 60 min. Friday, February 7 at 10AM Grades: K+ ● 60 min. CURR. CONNECTIONS: S, T, Grades: K+ ● Length: 60 min. CURR. CONNECTIONS: M, D, MA, SEL, MA, H, PA Curr. Connections: SS, S, T, PA SS, WT, MC, PA, G Doktor Kaboom is having trouble picking his Marvin the Mouse travels to the moon in This powerful female a cappella quintet from favorite science demonstrations. The solution? this epic glow-in-the-dark adventure about Zimbabwe has drawn international acclaim A great big spinning wheel labeled with for its inventive performances that range celebrating differences. Join Marvin as he from traditional Zimbabwean songs to afro everything from optical illusions to chemical meets a strange cast of misfit creatures, jazz to gospel. In this interactive concert, reactions to a homemade hovercraft. Will we learns of infinite peril, and experiences Nobuntu introduces students to the unique turn a water bottle into a rocket or catapult awesome beauty. Marvin’s cosmic journey cultural qualities of Africa—the music, stories, bananas across the stage? Spin the wheel to of self-acceptance is portrayed with humor traditions, and dances—and the deep meaning find out! and honesty as he teaches us the important they hold. message that being different is “cool.” Wilde Creatures Tall Stories The Diary of Anne Frank Tuesday, January 28 at 10AM Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks National Players Grades: 1+ ● Length: 60 min. Mad River Theater Works Monday, February 24 at 10AM Monday, November 18 at 10AM CURR. CONNECTIONS: PA, MU, Grades: 3+ ● LENGTH: 55 min. Grades: 5+ ● LENGTH 90 min. + Q & A RF, LB, CV, CL, SEL CURR. CONNECTIONS: MC, SS, RF, PA CURR. CONNECTIONS: SS, CI, PA A motley crew of storytelling musicians bring In 1941 Amsterdam, thirteen-year-old Anne This acclaimed original production weaves Oscar Wilde’s classic fairy tales to life in this Frank and her family hide in a concealed together music and drama to tell Rosa Parks’ storage attic to escape the Nazis. Over the magical new show. Characters compete story, from her childhood in rural next two years Anne finds solace writing in her to become the new town statue, and the to her famous decision to “sit down and be diary, capturing the lives of the secret annex’s audience votes on whose values deserve to counted.” Exciting and inspirational, the play eight inhabitants—from the horrors of war to be celebrated. These hauntingly beautiful tales shows how the determination of one individual the excitement of first love—with astonishing are told with original live music, imaginative made all the difference in the struggle for wit, determination and idealism. storytelling and a generous dash of comedy. freedom and equality in the United States. SCHOOL-TIME

The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric New Shanghai Circus SINGLE TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR Carle Favourites Friday, March 27 at 12PM NON-SCHOOL GROUPS! Call the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia Grades: 3+ ● LENGTH: 60 min. Box Office (M-F, 11-4) at 908.725.3420. Thursday, February 27 at 10AM CURR. CONNECTIONS: MU, MC, Grades: Pre-K+ ● LENGTH: 60 Min. D, PA, G, WT GROUPS: For groups of 100 or more CURR. CONNECTIONS: LB, E, PA, VA, S Astonishing athletes defy gravity and students and adults, tickets are $8. Three beloved stories by Eric Carle are retold execute breathtaking feats as they stretch through the magic of black light and fanciful INDIVIDUALS: Tickets are $10 for fewer the limits of human ability in this spellbinding puppets. The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows show that draws upon 2,000 years of than 100 students and adults. the adventures of a very tiny caterpillar who becomes a beautiful butterfly. Little Cloud Chinese circus traditions and culture. If it’s One ticket is provided free for a playfully transforms into various creatures, and humanly possible – and even if it seems chaperone out of each 15 tickets. No The Mixed-Up Chameleon finally recognizes as if it’s not – these acrobats, jugglers and deposit is required. Payment is due 4 contortionists do it with spectacular flair and there is value in being his own unique self. weeks prior to your show date. extraordinary grace. The Boy Who Grew Flowers Treehouse Shakers For information or to make Thursday, March 12 at 10AM Curriculum Connections Grades: Pre-K+ ● LENGTH: 45 min. CI – Current Issues; CL – a group reservation, call CURR. CONNECTIONS: LB, CV, Communications & Language Arts; Jill Erwin at 908.648.8474, CI, RF, SEL, PA CV – Community Values; D – Dance; or visit rvccArts.org. Rink Bowagon lives at the very top of E – Environment; G – Geography; Or, complete the order form Lonesome Mountain with his unusual family. H – Health; LB – Literature-based; on our web site and mail it to: Other children ignore the shy boy, but what will MA – Math; MC – Multi-cultural; MU School Time happen when Rink has the opportunity to help The Theatre at RVCC one of his classmates? Incorporating shadow – Music; PA – Performing Arts; RF – 118 Lamington Road puppetry, original music and movement, The Relationships & Family; S – Science; Branchburg, NJ 08876 Boy Who Grew Flowers is a unique story SEL – Social Emotional Learning; SS about courage, difference, friendship and – Social Studies; T – Technology; VA or email it to celebrating individualism. – Visual Arts; WT – World Travel [email protected] GROUP SALES VOLUNTEERS RENTALS

Make any occasion memorable with a great Our volunteers make a world of difference! Whether you are promoting a professional performance at a great discount! Whatever Although the most visible way is as concert, planning a corporate meeting, or the occasion - family party, employee the Usher Corps, volunteers help with presenting a dance recital, we are here to incentive program, or for an evening out mailings, staff our booth at the summer fill your specific needs and to assist you with friends - savings start when you buy fairs, plan special events, and coordinate with all facets of organizing the event. Our just 10 tickets. The more you buy, the talent hospitality. BRAVO! is a team of elegant 984 seat proscenium-style theatre enthusiastic individuals, from age 18 to 80, more you save! Discounts range from 10 features outstanding acoustics and sight who frequently admit to having a great time to 30 percent for all public performances lines. We pride ourselves on our ongoing volunteering at our Theatre. presented by RVCCArts. commitment to excellent service. For more information, For more information, call the Box Office at 908.725.3420, For more information, call the Box Office at 908.725.3420 email [email protected] or call the Conference Services office or visit www.RVCCArts.org ask the House Manager at an event. at 908.526.1200 x8818

A PROGRAM FOR YOU AND YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY SUBSCRIBE TODAY If your organization is a non–profit and is raising money for a specific charity or endeavor, here’s how it works: RVCCARTS will offer your Discounts - Save up to 20% organization a DISCOUNT OF 50% on up to 50 tickets for any 2019- Hospitality - purchase tickets at the subscription 2020 season show (excluding The Great Russian Nutcracker). You discount for your last-minute guests sell the tickets at face value, and make a 50% profit for your charity on each ticket sold. Here’s your chance to bring something fun and Information - receive first notice of special and fresh to the fundraising table, while making unforgettable memories added events at the same time! For more information about this unique opportunity, contact the box office at 908-725-3420. Convenience - Exchange privileges Theatre & Box Office Information 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876

F A Q s ONLINE PHONE INCLEMENT WEATHER is not a cause for cancellation. If the artists can make it to the theatre, the show will go on. rvccArts.org 908.725.3420 PARKING for theatre patrons is located in Lot #2, although individuals may park in any empty space on campus that is not reserved. Handicap parking in front of the theatre is limited and, often, fills early. MAIL TO: LATECOMERS will be seated at the discretion of the management, subject to the policy of the artist. There is no Box Office, Theatre at RVCC guarantee that those arriving after the show begins will be accommodated. Refunds are not available to late patrons. 118 Lamington Road CHILDREN under the age of four may be too young for Mainstage events, so we ask parents to use their discretion. Branchburg, N.J. 08876 TICKETS must be purchased for all people attending an event, regardless of age. FACEBOOK TWITTER WHEELCHAIR and COMPANION SEATS must be reserved at time of ticket purchase. To reserve, call the Box Office. /rvccarts @rvccarts PHOTOGRAPHING or RECORDING of any part or entirety of the performance, without written consent of the Theatre management, is strictly prohibited. Discounts are available for seniors, students, RVCC faculty, staff and AUDIO ENHANCEMENT DEVICES are available free of charge. Request from the House Manager upon arrival. students, subscribers and more. GIFT CERTIFICATES are a truly distinct and memorable way to remember all the special people in your life! Tickets can be purchased by mail, Certificates are available in any denomination and are valid for all public events this season. Inquire at the Box Office. phone, online or at the Box Office. SMOKING is prohibited in and around the theatre, as well as the entire Raritan Valley Community College campus. Check rvccarts.org for up-to-date seating! RESTROOMS are located in the rear of the auditorium on both levels. They are fully accessible on the lower level. We always try to honor seating requests, BOX OFFICE hours: Monday-Friday 11am-4pm; 90 minutes prior to curtain through first intermission. 908.725.3420. but make no guarantees.

TICKET POLICIES: All ticket sales are final. There are no refunds. Exchanges are available to subscribers only, at least 48 hours prior to curtain. One discount per ticket. Tickets will be mailed until 10 days before a show after which they will be held at Will Call in the Box Office. Fees: There are no fees in person at the Box Office window. Fees do apply to phone, mail and online sales. arts engage • enrich • enjoy NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID RVCC New Brunswick, NJ 118 lamington road PERMIT NO. 981 branchburg, nj 08876 908.725.3420 • rvccArts.org

A Christmas Carol