(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College’s 2019-2020 season offers performances for every age and interest—from a three-day music festival, to a theatrical depiction of seven female activists, to classical ballet and a beloved Christmas tale, to Shakespearian fun and circus arts, and so much more.
The Theatre’s upcoming Mainstage series, with reserved seating for most offerings, will include the following performances:
Aiken & Friends Fest, North Branch (Mike Aiken & Guests), Thursday, September 26 at 1:00pm (Blues Evolution; free with reservation); Friday, September 27 at 7:00pm (Songwriters-in-the-Round; $20); Saturday, September 28 from 11:00am-noon (musical workshops; $10); 12:30pm-5:30pm (Concert on the Quad/RVCC Community Day; free of charge); 7 p.m. (Tall Tales & Troubadours with Mike Aiken; $20); weekend pass (both evening shows & workshop of one’s choice), $30
In the fall of 2017, RVCCArts joined with Mike and Amy Aiken in opening up Aiken & Friends Fest, North Branch, a three-day festival featuring national, regional and local artists and songwriters performing genuine original music—and the rest is history. The Saturday afternoon events, free of charge and open to the public, include Concert on the Quad featuring five hours of great blues, country, Americana and roots music.
Seven (L.A. Theatre Works), Thursday, October 24 at 7:00pm; $30 & $40. Seven tells the true stories of seven remarkable female activists who bravely fought for the well-being of women, families and children around the globe. A collaboration between the activists and seven acclaimed female playwrights, this riveting radio-style theatre production weaves a tapestry of inspiring tales of bravery and perseverance.
The Capitol Steps: The Lyin’ Kings, Saturday, October 26 at 8:00pm; $40 & $50. For over 35 years The Capitol Steps performers have been putting politics and scandal to music. This season The Capitol Steps plan to bring down the house—and the Senate—with the troupe’s unique blend of music and political comedy. What more would you expect from the group that puts the “mock” in Democracy?
Nobuntu, Friday, November 15 at 7:00pm; $30 & $40. This powerful female a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe has drawn international acclaim for its inventive performances that range from traditional Zimbabwean songs, to afro-jazz, to gospel. Nobuntu’s vocals, energy and breathtaking performance inspire and touch people of all cultures and walks of life.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) {revised} (The Reduced Shakespeare Company), Saturday, November 23 at 8:00pm; $30 & $40. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) {revised} is an irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s works, offering all 37 plays in 97 minutes. Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild and memorable ride that leaves audiences breathless and helpless with laughter. (Recommended for age 13 and older.)
The Great Russian Nutcracker (Moscow Ballet), Sunday, December 1 at 1:00pm & 5:00pm; $50 & $60. Moscow Ballet’s spectacular scenic design, gorgeous costumes, towering puppets, imaginative storytelling and the exquisite artistry of 40 world-class Russian dancers have made The Great Russian Nutcracker an American holiday tradition not to be missed. A Nutcracker Tea Party will be offered for an additional ticket.
A Christmas Carol (Nebraska Theatre Caravan), Saturday, December 14 at 2:00pm; $50 & $60. This celebrated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol weaves the spellbinding fable of a man who is given the rarest of gifts: the chance to change. Alive with color and movement and rich with thrilling ensemble music, this sumptuous Broadway-style production tells Dickens’ enduring tale in a manner that people of all ages will enjoy.
Cherish The Ladies, Sunday, March 1 at 2:00pm; $30 & $40. One of the most engaging and successful ensembles in the history of Celtic music, Cherish the Ladies has shared timeless Irish traditions with audiences worldwide for over 30 years. This Irish-American super group creates an unforgettable performance that includes a spectacular blend of virtuoso instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing.
Artrageous, Friday, March 20 at 7:00pm; $30 & $40. Audience members get to watch an artist create a masterpiece before their eyes. Part art studio, part rock group, part creation lab, Artrageous takes audiences on a uniquely entertaining visual journey and high-energy ride of inspiration, creativity and engagement, paying tribute to a variety of art forms, icons and musical genres.
New Shanghai Circus, Friday, March 27 at 7:00pm; $30 & $40. Astonishing athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats in this spellbinding show that draws upon 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions. If it’s humanly possible—and even if it seems as if it’s not—these acrobats, jugglers and contortionists do it with spectacular flair and extraordinary grace.
Shadows of the ‘60s, Saturday, April 18 at 2:00pm; $30 & $40. Relive the experience of a live Motown concert, circa 1964, in this high-energy tribute to Motown super groups The Temptations, The Supremes and The Four Tops. The performance is filled with non-stop hits, stunning costumes and dazzling choreography, capturing all the spirit, style and excitement of the original artists.
The public is also invited to buy tickets for the Theatre’s School-Time series. The programs offer wonderful educational opportunities for home-schooled children. Individual tickets cost $10 each; $8 per ticket for groups of 100 or more. One chaperone ticket is provided free of charge for each 15 tickets purchased. The following presentations will be offered:
Africa Up Close (Nobuntu), Friday, November 15 at 11:00am (Recommended for grades 3 and older; 60 minutes)
The Diary of Anne Frank (National Players), Monday, November 18 at 10:00am (Recommended for grades 5 and older; 90 minutes, includes question-and-answer segment)
Doktor Kaboom and The Wheel of Science, Wednesday, January 15 at 10:00am (Recommended for grades 3 and older; 60 minutes)
Wilde Creatures (Tall Stories), Tuesday, January 28 at 10:00am (Recommended for grades 1 and older; 60 minutes)
Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey (Lightwire Theater), Friday, February 7 at 10:00am (Recommended for kindergarten and older; 60 minutes)
Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks (Mad River Theater Works), Monday, February 24 at 10:00am (Recommended for grades 3 and older; 55 minutes)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favourites (Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia), Thursday, February 27 at 10:00am (Recommended for pre-kindergarten and older; 60 minutes)
The Boy Who Grew Flowers (Treehouse Shakers), Thursday, March 12 at 10:00am (Recommended for pre-kindergarten and older; 45 minutes)
New Shanghai Circus, Friday, March 27 at noon (Recommended for grades 3 and older; 60 minutes)
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Subscribers’ packages are available. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available for most performances.
Raritan Valley Community College’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
