(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is excited to present a full line-up of performances, school events and visual art that celebrates Black History Month. MPAC will honor the work of black artists from January 17 through the end of February with performances of Drumline LIVE, Dionne Warwick, an exhibit from Art in the Atrium and much more.
“MPAC celebrates art created by and performed by BIPOC artists all year long. Black History Month is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the talented and diverse artists MPAC brings to Morristown,” said Allison Larnea, President and CEO, MPAC.
Central to Black History Month is MPAC’s annual art exhibit by Art in the Atrium. This year, Art in the Atrium presents Traditions and Transitions: Historical to Contemporary Perspectives in Black Art: (January 17-March 5). This exhibit reflects a traditional approach in genre and subject matter and also art that steps beyond prescribed media and representational styles of expression. A range which involves the still life, portrait, landscape, and fiber art, as well as the optical art, abstract expressionistic and non-objective styles, among others. A public reception will take place on January 28 at 3:00pm. The reception is free.
Ticketed events on the MPAC stage
DRUMLine Live. DRUMLine Live - Thursday, January 18 at 7:00pm. The show stopping attraction created by the musical team behind the hit movies Drumline and Drumline: A New Beat, embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience. With its riveting rhythms, bold beats, and ear grabbing energy, DRUMLine Live is a high octane musical roller coaster ride that is guaranteed to touch every emotion in your body. “DRUMLine Live” will allow children and adults to experience the intense musical rollercoaster of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) halftime show. You will be on your feet by Halftime!! Tickets range from $29-$69.
Hairspray - Friday, January 26 at 8:00pm; Saturday, January 27 at 3:00pm (Limited Tickets) and 8:00pm (Limited Tickets). You Can’t Stop the Beat! Hairspray, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the‘60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat, ”Hairspray is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times). This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring Hairspray to a new generation of theater audiences. Tickets range from $59-$109.
Forever Motown - Friday, February 2 at 8:00pm. All of your favorite Motown hits on one stage on one night! Featuring G.C. Cameron, former lead singer of The Spinners, Glenn Leonard, former lead singer of The Temptations and Traci Robinson, former lead singer of The Marvelettes. Tickets range from $29-$69.
Tracy Morgan - Saturday, February 3 at 8:00pm. Tracy Morgan is one of the most well-respected comedians in his field, known for his award-winning role on 30 Rock, as well as Saturday Night Live. Morgan presents a night of unfiltered comedy as only he can deliver! Mature Audiences only. Tickets range from $49-$89 (Limited Tickets).
Dionne Warwick - Friday, February 16 at 8:00pm. Six-time Grammy Award-winning music legend Dionne Warwick has more than 75 hit songs and has sold over 100 million records. Warwick's hits include “Don’t Make Me Over,” "Walk on By,” “Say a Little Prayer,” “A House is Not a Home,” “Alfie,” “Heartbreaker” and “Déjà Vu,” among countless others. She received her first Grammy in 1968 for “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?”. Ms. Warwick became the first African-American solo female artist of her generation to win the prestigious award for Best Contemporary Female Vocalist Performance. (Limited Tickets)
Field Trip Events for schools:
Mayhem Poets - Wednesday, January 31 at 10:30am. Grades 6 and up. “Let’s go see a poetry show.” That is a sentence rarely proclaimed and usually responded to with cringes and excuses. The Mayhem Poets are on a mission to change that. Having been dubbed “an amazing ride” by the New York Times, this mind boggling performance has been described as “The Simpsons meets Malcolm X at a Notorious B.I.G. concert.” These theatre-trained, comedically-gifted, lyrical virtuosos seamlessly blend raw elements of hip hop, theatre, improv and stand-up comedy to tell gut-wrenching truths that leave audiences forever changed. Tickets are $10.
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad - Monday, February 12 at 10:00am & 12:15pm.; Tuesday, February 13 at 10:00am; Wednesday, February 14 at 10:00am. Grades 3 - 12. Co-produced by the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, this stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of other people from the bonds of slavery. As Harriet and her friend, Sarah Bradford, narrate her adventurous life, we share in the joys, sorrows, and challenges faced by this brave woman who changed the world through her courage. This accurate and deeply moving musical history lesson is at turns inspiring, heart-warming, and comical, full of the good humor, determination and the charity of its subject. Your students will find a new appreciation for Harriet Tubman and a deeper understanding of her times. Tickets are $10.
Schools interested in field trip events should contact jclarke@mayoarts.org
Guest Attraction:
New Jersey Symphony presents: Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin - Thursday, February 16 at 7:30pm. Lucas Waldin, conductor; Capathia Jenkins, vocalist, Ryan Shaw, vocalist. A tribute to the Queen of Soul, this program features symphony favorite Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy nominee Ryan Shaw performing such iconic hits as “Respect,” ‘Think,” “A Natural Woman” and many more. Tickets are available at njsymphony.org
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey. MPAC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2023-2024 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
