This year marks the launch of SOPAC's "IN THE LOFT" Series -- eight jazz/blues concerts set in an informal, club café atmosphere in the upstairs Loft. "With the advent of IN THE LOFT, SOPAC is offering a casual, affordable and fun concert series that helps demystify both jazz and blues music," explains Michael Bollinger, SOPAC's Executive and Artistic Director.
For the complete 2011-12 calendar, see below or visit http://www.SOPACnow.org.
2011-2012 SEASON: SEPTEMBER 2011 -- MAY 2012
South Orange Performing Arts Center is located at One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ, 07079. All artists and prices are subject to change at the time of this release. For more details on the upcoming season, including a complete schedule and ticket information, visit SOPACnow.org, or contact the SOPAC Box Office at 973.313.2787 (ARTS)
SEPTEMBER
SAT 9/17 @ 5PM-- BLUES IN THE LOFT: South Orange International Blues Festival Kick-Off
Blues
Tickets: $15
Curated by the South Orange International Blues Festival.
As part of SOPAC's new "IN THE LOFT" Series -- jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC's upstairs loft space. Cash bar. No drink minimum.
SUN 9/18 @ 7:30PM -- ROGER McGUINN IN CONCERT: A Benefit Concert for EIES of New Jersey
Rock, Folk
Tickets: $50, $40
Roger McGuinn, leader of the legendary Byrds, will perform a benefit concert for EIES of New Jersey. As frontman for the legendary folk rock group The Byrds, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer pioneered the musical genre that created the most influential band of the 60's. With his trademark jangling 12-string Rickenbacker and the now famous opening guitar riffs of "Mr. Tambourine Man", McGuinn's vision effectively created the template for an American challenge to the British Invasion.
Established in 1974, EIES is a northern New Jersey based Radio Reading Service for the Blind, visually impaired and physically disabled. EIES serves some 1000 people through its daily readings of newspapers and magazines. More info at http://eiesofnj.org/.
FRI 9/23 @ 8PM-- THE ROSE ENSEMBLE: IL POVERELLO -- EXPLORING THE LIFE AND DEEDS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Classical Music
Tickets: $25, $35
The Rose Ensemble reawakens the ancient through imaginative performances of vocal music, connecting each individual to past worlds with stories of spirituality and humanity. An internationally recognized performance group, The Rose Ensemble honors the musical legacy that has shaped the lives of real people through the ages and across cultures. In Il Poverello, Medieval bagpipe virtuoso from Milan, Isacco Colombo, joins The Rose Ensemble in this heartfelt and humorous look at the life, times, and legacy of Saint Francis and his followers. Drawing upon over 400 years of Italian song and dance, this joyful program features Florentine spiritual chant, densely textured Renaissance choral music, and lusty Tuscan and Umbrian folk music for drums, hurdy-gurdy, harp, and a wide variety of early wind instruments.
OCTOBER
SAT 10/1 @ 9PM -- GIANTS OF JAZZ honoring 2011 JAZZ MASTER ALBERT "TOOTIE" HEATH
Jazz
Tickets: $50
Presented by SOPAC, Village of South Orange, and The Baird
Produced by John Lee & Jazz Legacy Productions
SOPAC is thrilled to welcome what the Star Ledger has described "…easily one of the top jazz shows of the year...anywhere." The 14th Annual Giants of Jazz benefit concert honors legendary drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath with performances by guest artists including, but not limited to: Billy Hart, Bob Cranshaw, Claudio Roditti, Yotam, Michael Dease, Sharel Cassity, Roy Hargrove and Winard Harper. "Tootie", the youngest of the famed Heath brothers, has worked and recorded with John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, JJ Johnson, Dexter Gordon and Cedar Walton as well as putting the beat in the Heath Brothers.
THU 10/6 & FRI 10/7 @ 8PM -- MIDTOWN DIRECT REP: READING SERIES #1
Theater
Tickets: $10 per Reading. $25 for All-Three Readings.
The first of three Midtown Direct Rep readings to be presented at SOPAC this month, Significant Others, is a new play by Jason Odell Williams. This is a 2 person serio/comedic play that follows one man as he navigates the women in his life - all played by the same actress. Cast TBA.
Founded in June 2010, Midtown Direct Rep is a 32-member repertory theater company in residence at SOPAC. Named for the New Jersey transit line on which local residents commute, Midtown Direct Rep is comprised of accomplished theater artists and seasoned Broadway veterans who call Maplewood/South Orange their home.
THU 10/13 & FRI 10/14 @ 8PM -- MIDTOWN DIRECT REP: READING SERIES #2
Theater
Tickets: $10 per Reading. $25 for All-Three Readings.
The second of three Midtown Direct Rep readings to be presented at SOPAC this month, The Rubber Room, is a new play by Gary Garrison and Roland Tec. This is a 5 person, 1 act play that explores the struggle of suspended NYC public school teachers. This show is designed to be played in rep with multiple actors all cast in the same role. On any given night of performance, different actors are scheduled to perform, making each performance a theatrical experiment. Cast TBA.
Founded in June 2010, Midtown Direct Rep is a 32-member repertory theater company in residence at SOPAC. Named for the New Jersey transit line on which local residents commute, Midtown Direct Rep is comprised of accomplished theater artists and seasoned Broadway veterans who call Maplewood/South Orange their home.
SAT 10/15 @ 8pm -- U.S. ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORS
Jazz
Tickets: FREE
As the premier touring big band for the United States Army, the Jazz Ambassadors travels thousands of miles each year throughout the nation and abroad, keeping the will of the American people behind the members of the armed forces and supporting diplomatic efforts around the world.
The Jazz Ambassadors presents a diverse program of big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, popular tunes, standards, Dixieland, and patriotic selections. Members of the Jazz Ambassadors are selected by highly competitive audition and represent some of the finest musical talent in America. More than three decades of touring have earned them the title, "The Musical Ambassadors of the Army."
TUE 10/18 @ 7:30PM -- THE ENGLISH CONCERT - A BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
Classical Music
Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.
Classical Concert Series Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
Founded by Trevor Pinnock in 1973, the English Concert has appeared on the world's most famous stages, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Musikverein in Vienna, the Théâtre des Champs Elysées in Paris, the Philharmonie in Berlin, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, and the Grosse Festspielhaus in Salzburg. In a colorful Baroque program featuring Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Trumpets, the group opens our season with renowned Artistic Director, Harry Bicket.
THU 10/20 & FRI 10/21 @ 8PM -- MIDTOWN DIRECT REP: READING SERIES #3
Theater
Tickets: $10 per Reading. $25 for All-Three Readings.
The final Midtown Direct Rep reading to be presented at SOPAC this month, Deep is the Ocean, is a new musical by sister and brother team, Pia and Peter Cincotti. This is a large scale, 2 act musical described as "An Environmentally Friendly Jersey Shore Middle Aged Love Story." Cast TBA.
Founded in June 2010, Midtown Direct Rep is a 32-member repertory theater company in residence at SOPAC. Named for the New Jersey transit line on which local residents commute, Midtown Direct Rep is comprised of accomplished theater artists and seasoned Broadway veterans who call Maplewood/South Orange their home.
SAT 10/22 @ 8PM -- STEPPIN' OUT w/ BEN VEREEN
Cabaret
Tickets: $45, $55, $75 (Special $75 ticket includes private post-performance reception and meet-and-greet with Ben Vereen.)
"It's always pleasant to spend time in the company of a survivor, a pro and a performing prince. Ben Vereen is all three." --The New York Observer
Few entertainers today are as accomplished or as versatile as Tony Award winner Ben Vereen. His legendary performances on stage and screen transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country's artistic legacy. A musical autobiography of Vereen's life in showbiz, Steppin' Out features Broadway classics, songs made famous by Frank Sinatra and a very special tribute to his longtime friend and mentor, Sammy Davis, Jr.
TUE 10/25 @ 7:30PM -- JAZZ ACCORDIONIST EDDIE MONTEIRO
Jazz
Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.
Jazz' n the Hall Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
Eddie Monteiro has over 30 years of musical performance in classical, jazz, dance, theater, cabaret and choral ensembles. A lead artist of innumerable society bands performing throughout the world at social events, political gatherings and corporation conventions, Eddie is also the youngest honoree elected to American Accordionists' Association Hall of Fame, November 1994.
SAT 10/29 @ 11AM -- STAR TREK LIVE!
Kids & Family
Tickets: $15
Mad Science Productions
One of the most popular science fiction franchises of all time is coming to the stage! An action-packed, interactive spectacle that is out of this world! Audience members join the newly formed Starfleet Academy only to be unexpectedly whisked into an exciting adventure steeped in the grand tradition of the Star Trek franchise and the thrilling new movie. With the help of a surprise visitor from the planet Vulcan, Starfleet Commander Sean Christopher and his team of rookie cadets must stop a shocking invasion of Romulan forces from the future that threatens planet Earth. The cadets will have to quickly master the intricacies of modern communications, space travel and NASA technology as they draw on 21st century achievements to try to defeat their advanced alien adversaries. With cutting-edge special effects, unmatched audience interaction, and on-screen appearances from Captain Kirk and Spock themselves, Star Trek Live is an exhilarating and unforgettable journey through the Star Trek universe for audiences of all ages. Be a part of Star Trek Live and boldly go where no one has gone before!™
TM & © 2011 Paramount Pictures Corporation. © 2011 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. © 2011 The Mad Science Group. All rights reserved.
NOVEMBER
SAT 11/5 @ 8PM -- JESSICA KIRSON & FRIENDS
Comedy
Tickets: $25
SUN 11/6 @ 5PM -- BLUES IN THE LOFT
Blues
Tickets: $15
As part of SOPAC's new "IN THE LOFT" Series -- jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC's upstairs loft space. Cash bar. No drink minimum.
TUE 11/8 @ 7:30PM -- VINCE GIORDANO and the NIGHTHAWKS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Jazz
Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.
Jazz' n the Hall Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
SAT 11/12 @ 8PM -- THE MANHATTANS
R&B
Tickets: $35, $45
THU 11/17 @ 7:30PM -- THE MUSICAL WORLD OF JOHN SINGER SARGENT
Classical Music
Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.
Classical Concert Series Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
SAT 11/19 @ 11AM -- DREW THE DRAMATIC FOOL: DREW'S ON FIRST
Kids & Family
Tickets: $15
SUN 11/20 @ 3PM & 7PM -- DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM ENSEMBLE
Dance
Tickets: $30, $40
DECEMBER
SUN 12/4 @ 3PM & 7PM -- NEW YORK THEATRE BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER
Kids & Family
Tickets: $30, $40
THU 12/8 @ 7:30PM -- SETON HALL UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA
Classical Music
Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
Tickets: FREE
SAT 12/10 @ 8PM -- JOHN PIZZARELLI QUARTET
Jazz
Tickets: $45, $55
FRI 12/16 @ 8PM -- A FREDDY COLE HOLIDAY
Jazz
Tickets: $35, $45
SAT 12/17 @ 3PM & 7PM -- GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS
Kids & Family
Tickets: $30, $40
SUN 12/18 @ 3PM -- SWINGIN' HOLIDAYS w/ the JUILLIARD JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Jazz
Juilliard @ SOPAC
Tickets: $20. Seniors & SOPAC Members $15.
JANUARY
SUN 1/22 @ 5PM -- BLUES IN THE LOFT
Blues
Tickets: $15
As part of SOPAC's new "IN THE LOFT" Series -- jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC's upstairs loft space. Cash bar. No drink minimum.
SUN 1/29 @ 3PM -- LYSANDER PIANO TRIO
Classical Music
Juilliard @ SOPAC
Tickets: $20. Seniors & SOPAC Members $15.
TUE 1/31 @ 7:30PM -- GUITARIST EMANUELE SEGRE + BROOKLYN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
Classical Music
Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.
Classical Concert Series Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
FEBRUARY
SAT 2/4 @ 8PM -- CAROLYN DORFMAN DANCE COMPANY
Dance
Tickets: $25, $35
FRI 2/10 @ 8PM -- JANE MONHEIT
Cabaret, Jazz
Tickets: $35, $45
SAT 2/11 @ 11AM -- HUDSON VAGABOND PUPPETS: MAMMOTH FOLLIES
Kids & Family
Tickets: $15
SUN 2/12 @ 5PM -- JAZZ IN THE LOFT
Jazz
Tickets: $15
As part of SOPAC's new "IN THE LOFT" Series -- jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC's upstairs loft space. Cash bar. No drink minimum.
SAT 2/18 @ 8PM -- ERIC ROBERSON with ANGELA JOHNSON
R&B
Tickets: $30, $40
MARCH
THU 3/1 -- SAT 3/3 @ 8PM
SUN 3/4 @ 2PM -- SETON HALL THEATRE: "BABY" THE MUSICAL
Theater
Tickets: $15 General/$12 Seniors/Alumni/$8 Students/Staff/$5 Student rush tickets
Book by Sybille Pearson
Music by David Shire
Lyrics by Richard Maltby
Directed by Professor Peter Reader
Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
SUN 3/4 @ 5PM -- JAZZ IN THE LOFT
Jazz
Tickets: $15
As part of SOPAC's new "IN THE LOFT" Series -- jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC's upstairs loft space. Cash bar. No drink minimum.
SAT 3/10 @ 11AM -- ENCHANTMENT THEATRE COMPANY: SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE
Kids & Family
Tickets: $15
SAT 3/10 @ 8PM -- PAM TILLIS
Country
Tickets: $35, $45
SUN 3/11 @ 3PM -- PIANIST TANYA GABRIELIAN
Classical Music
Juilliard @ SOPAC
Tickets: $20. Seniors & SOPAC Members $15.
TUE 3/20 @ 7:30PM -- PIANIST RICHARD GOODE
Classical Music
Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.
Classical Concert Series Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
SAT 3/24 @ 8PM -- KYLE EASTWOOD BAND
Jazz
Tickets: $30, $40
SUN 3/25 @ 2PM -- THE CASHORE MARIONETTES IN SIMPLE GIFTS
Kids & Family
Tickets: $15
SUN 3/25 @ 5PM -- BLUES IN THE LOFT
Blues
Tickets: $15
As part of SOPAC's new "IN THE LOFT" Series -- jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC's upstairs loft space. Cash bar. No drink minimum.
TUE 3/27 @ 7:30PM -- JAZZ KNIGHTS OF WEST POINT
Jazz
Tickets: FREE
Jazz' n the Hall Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
SAT 3/31 @ 8PM -- LES NUBIANS
R&B
Tickets: $30, $40
APRIL
SUN 4/1 @ 5PM -- JAZZ IN THE LOFT
Jazz
Tickets: $15
As part of SOPAC's new "IN THE LOFT" Series -- jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC's upstairs loft space. Cash bar. No drink minimum.
SAT 4/14 @ 8PM -- ADAM PASCAL + ANTHONY RAPP
Cabaret
Tickets: $45, $55, $75 (Special $75 ticket includes private post-performance reception and meet-and-greet with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp.)
THU 4/26 -- SAT 4/29 @ 8PM
SUN 4/29 @ 2PM -- SETON HALL THEATRE: HARVEY
Theater
Tickets: $15 General/$12 Seniors/Alumni/$8 Students/Staff/$5 Student rush tickets
By Mary Chase
Directed by Professor Deirdre Yates
Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
SUN 4/29 @ 5PM -- BLUES IN THE LOFT
Blues
Tickets: $15
As part of SOPAC's new "IN THE LOFT" Series -- jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC's upstairs loft space. Cash bar. No drink minimum.
MAY
TUE 5/1 @ 7:30PM -- SETON HALL UNIVERSITY FACULTY JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Jazz
Tickets: FREE
Jazz' n the Hall Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council
SAT 5/5 @ 11AM -- THEATER IV: A.A. MILNE'S HOUSE AT POOH CORNER
Kids & Family
Adapted by Bettye Knapp
Tickets: $15
SUN 5/6 @ 3PM -- TOOMAI STRING QUARTET
Classical Music
Juilliard @ SOPAC
Tickets: $20. Seniors & SOPAC Members $15.
SAT 5/12 @ 8PM -- TOM WOPAT
Cabaret
Tickets: $30, $40, $50
SUN 5/20 @ 2PM -- ARTSPOWER: ARE YOU MY MOTHER?
Kids & Family
Tickets: $15
