http://www.operapulse.com/opera-news/2013/02/05/imagination-is-the-mother-of-theater/
ENTERTAINMENTHubbard Hall Opera Theater presents a lavish 'La Traviata' at ProctorsPublished: Wednesday, February 06, 2013 Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on stumbleuponShare on redditShare on pinterest_shareMore Sharing Services 0 CAMBRIDGE — Hubbard Hall Opera Theater (HHOT) will present Verdi’s most popular opera, “La Traviata,” in six performances Feb. 7-17 in the GE Theater at Proctors, 432 State St. Schenectady.Performances are fully costumed and staged sung in Italian (with supertitles), featuring a 22-piece orchestra and live singers in front of a 50-foot, hi-definition screen with stunning projection design by Caite Hevner.“La Traviata” is partially sponsored by the Golub Foundation and will be conducted by Maria Sensi Sellner and directed by Heidi Lauren Duke. This dream team is responsible for taking HHOT’s 2011 production of Don Pasquale to second place in the American Prize, a national competition for performing arts.READ THE FULL STORY:http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2013/02/06/entertainment/doc5112c3783d7fd142027143.txt
Capital Region WINE FESTIVAL at PROCTORS WILL TAKE PLACE TODAY (SATURDAY), Feb. 9 from 1 - 4 PM
http://www.proctors.org/events/capital-region-wine-festival
“THE MOST FUN AND MEMORABLE 90 MINUTES
YOU WILL HAVE ALL YEAR.”
— Entertainment Weekly
—
“JAW-DROPPING!”
— The Denver Post
—
“Thrilling, Sexy, Sincere”
— TimeOut Chicago
Schenectady, NY – February 4, 2013 -- TRACES, the acclaimed show by the Montreal-based troupe7 Fingers, will perform on February 27 – 28 in the Capital Region at PROCTORS, 432 State Street, Schenectady. Tickets to TRACES at Proctors are $20, $30, $40, $50 & $65 and areavailable at Proctors Box Office, 432 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305; by phone (518) 346-6204; and online at proctors.org.
New York City’s most acclaimed and groundbreaking circus, TRACES strips away everything you thought you knew about the Big Top andfuses the traditions of circus with the energy of street performance to create an explosive display of emotion and physicality set to the music of Radiohead, VAST, Blackalicious, and more.
TRACES, which has been called “a whole new kind of awe-inspiring theatre” (NBC TV), is spectacularly anti-spectacle, relying instead on the fantastic abilities of the performers, individuals who appear to be nothing more than a group of friends, just as easygoing, affable, and potentially clumsy as the guy next door—until they unleash ninety minutes of heart-stopping acrobatics and unbridled energy that leave audiences breathless and exhilarated. TRACES is the ultimate affirmation of life and a celebration of the particular talents of endearing young artists so eager to please that they literally jump through hoops for you.
TRACES features Creative Direction by 7 Fingers (Les 7 Doigts de la Main) andDirection & Choreography by Shana Carroll & Gypsy Snider. Direct from New York, TRACES is performed by Mason Ames, Lucas Boutin, Valérie Benoît-Charbonneau, Mathieu Cloutier, Bradley Henderson, LJ
Marles and Philippe Normand-Jenny.
Les 7 Doigts de la Main translates literally as “the 7 fingers of the hand.” It is a twist on a French idiom (“the five fingers of the hand”) used to describe distinct parts united tightly, moving in coordination towards one common goal. Here it refers to the seven founding directors of the company (Shana Carroll,
Isabelle Chasse, Patrick Léonard, Faon Shane, Gypsy Snider, Sébastien Soldevila and Samuel Tétreault) who, by combining their distinct talents and experiences, work towards their common artistic goals with the beautifully awkward dexterity of a 7-fingered hand.
TRACES is produced by Tom Gabbard,Amanda Dubois, Fox Theatricals (Kristin Caskey & Mike Isaacson), The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Nassib El-Husseini, and Thomas Lightburn.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TRACES PLEASE VISIT:www.tracesusa.com and www.facebook.com/tracesusa.
TRACESat Proctors is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State's 62 counties.
ABOUT PROCTORS
Proctors in Downtown Schenectady, NY, offers more than 1,700 events a year to close to 600,000 visitors and residents of New York State’s Capital Region.
Income from ticket sales pays for only 67 percent of the cost of running Proctors.
As a charitable, cultural and educational non-profit organization, Proctors depends on membership, donations and grants to bring exciting shows and excellent educational and community events to the Capital Region.
- TRACES -
CAPITAL REPERTORY THEATRE ANNOUNCES OPEN AUDITIONS
FOR THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES SPRING PRODUCTIONS
ALBANY, NY –Capital Repertory Theatre announces open auditions for its upcoming spring Theatre for Young Audiences productions, A FRIEND OF A FRIEND and SHAKESPEARE: THE REMIX. These productions will tour to schools and community groups throughout the Capital Region from Apr 8 – May 18. Rehearsals begin Mar. 14.
Interested actors should enjoy performing and interacting with young audiences and be collegial and adaptive.
Auditions will take place on Monday, February 11
from 9:00AM to 5:00PM
at Capital Rep, 111 N. Pearl Street in Albany
THE PLAYS
A FRIEND OF A FRIEND: Tales of the Underground Railroad from the Capital Regionis a stirring tale told in the living newspaper style that chronicles the heroism of African Americans, such as Stephen and Harriet Myers, Harriet Tubman and Solomon and Ann Northrup, who made significant contributions to the Abolitionist movement.
SHAKESPEARE: THE REMIXputs a savvy, tough urban teen in a head-to-head confrontation with none other than Shakespeare himself. The show illuminates the plots of Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
THE PLAYERS
Capital Rep seeks 2 actors:
· One female – early to late 20s to play the youthful strong-willed African American slam poet and multiple roles in FRIEND OF A FRIEND, including Harriet Myers. The actress must have experience with Shakespeare and be able to rap.
· One male – late twenties to forties to play William Shakespeare and the musician and multiple roles in A FRIEND OF A FRIEND. This actor needs to be verbally skilled to handle Shakespearean verse and rap and must play guitar, ukulele or fiddle.
All actors must be available for the entire rehearsal and production dates. Selected actors will be provided with Equity contracts under Capital Rep’s Theatre for Young Audiences agreement. Union and non-union actors are invited to the open auditions. Non-union actors, if cast, will be offered Equity contracts.
AUDITION PREPARATION
Interested actors should prepare
· two (2) one-minute contrasting monologues; one from Shakespeare.
Additionally,
· men should bring an instrument and a prepared song;
· women should bring a prepared rap number.
PLEASE NOTE: No appointment is necessary, but actors can make an appointment if preferred by emailing MARGARET HALL at mhall@capitalrep.org or by calling (518) 462-4531 X410.
Exciting times at Capital Repertory Theatre, AGAIN!
TWO WORLD PREMIERES, THREE REGIONAL PREMIERES
---------
A season that sizzles with a country musical, sexual roundelay, a re-imagined classic, the exploits of a King and presidential politics
Albany, NY – Feb. 4, 2013– Capital Repertory Theatre proudly announces its 2013-14 season, featuring two world premieres, three regional premieres and a musical to be announced.
SEASON SNAPSHOT
Capital Rep’s 33rd season begins in July with the world premiere of singer-songwriter Lori Fisher’s new country musical, THE SPARKLEY CLEAN FUNERAL SINGERS, followed by the sizzling Broadway hit VENUS IN FUR by David Ives; a sparkling new adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Patrick Barlow (creator of Broadway’s THE 39 STEPS); the regional premiere of THE MOUNTAINTOP by Katori Hall; a musical to be announced; and the world premiere of Suzanne Bradbeer’s THE GOD GAME, the runaway hit of the Capital Rep/Proctors NEXT ACT NEW PLAY SUMMIT in the Fall of 2012.
Describing the season, Capital Rep’s Producing Artistic Director, Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, says, “I’m wild about this season. This collection of work has the kind of scope that really speaks to the transformation of our diverse community.
“It’s gratifying to be able to produce two world premieres,” she adds. “Creating new work on our stage speaks not only to the groundwork we’ve laid with our play development efforts, but also to our Capital Region audiences’ enthusiasm for the works presented here. We’re all a part of the creative class when this kind of risk-taking is supported.”
THE SPARKLEY CLEAN FUNERAL SINGERS
Kicking off Capital Rep’s 33rd season, audiences will be treated to the world premiere of a country musical, THE SPARKLEY CLEAN FUNERAL SINGERS with a book by Lori Fischer and music and lyrics by Fischer and Don Chaffer. Capital Region patrons will remember this pair’s earlier off-Broadway, hit musical, BARBARA’S BLUE KITCHEN, which made its debut at Adirondack Theatre Festival in 2000 and went on to a successful run at the Lambs Theatre in New York.
THE SPARKLEY CLEAN FUNERAL SINGERS tells the story of two sisters, Junie and Lashley, who care for their aging father, while running the family’s failing dry cleaning business. When the talented siblings decide to write songs for the local funeral parlor to give deceased locals a personal send off, the funny and touching high-jinks begin. This country musical features Fischer, a celebrated singer-songwriter, in the central role of Junie. SPARKLEY starts previews on July 5 and runs through August 4.
VENUS IN FUR
Fall brings the regional premiere of VENUS IN FUR, David Ives sizzling Broadway hit that redefined sexual comedy. This suspense-packed study of the erotics of power features Vanda, an out-of-work actress who turns the tables on an important writer, who could make or break her career. Male and female roles embark on a roller-coaster ride in this sexual roundelay about power and powerlessness. VENUS starts previews on Sept. 27 and runs though Oct. 27. (This play contains adult language and subject matter.)
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The holidays bring a brand new adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens’ story of redemption and transformation, A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Patrick Barlow, author of the dazzling Broadway hit, THE 39 STEPS. Re-imagined with a fresh new physicality for five actors, this highly theatrical and moving adaptation features elements of surprise from this creative author.
A CHRISTMAS CAROLstarts previews on November 22 and runs through December 22.
THE MOUNTAINTOP
The last night of Martin Luther King’s life is the subject of Katori Hall’s stirring play, THE MOUNTAINTOP. An unexpected visit from a feisty, young hotel maid pushes King into a confrontation with his doubts, fears and haunting premonitions. The man behind the public image and the great ideals that formed a new America come alive in this soul-stirring hit from London and Broadway. THE MOUNTAINTOP starts previews on January 17 and runs through February 16.
BROADWAY SMASH MUSICAL
Spring brings an imaginative staging of a well-known musical. Its title will be announced at a later date.
Click thumbnails to enlarge
SCHENECTADY — If you think Green Day is an environmental event, perhaps the musical “American Idiot” at Proctors Theatre next week isn’t for you.
Green Day, a seminal punk rock band, was formed in 1987. Their 2004 concept album, “American Idiot,” is the source material for the Broadway musical playing Schenectady for three performances Tuesday through Thursday.
If you are of a certain age, you may be forgiven for not knowing the background of the show that ran on Broadway for 422 performances from 2010 to 2011. Indeed, Kennedy Caughill, who plays Heather in the show, admits that when she auditioned for the musical she wasn’t all that familiar with the band’s music.
Green Day’s “American Idiot”
Where: Proctors Theatre, 432 State St., Schenectady
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, through Thursday, Feb. 7
Tickets: $20, $45, $60 and $70; call (518) 346-6204 or go to www.proctors.org
Read Bob Goepfert's recent interview with actress Kennedy Caughill, who plays Heather:
http://saratogian.com/articles/2013/01/30/entertainment/doc51093d6fc26d0920673442.txt?viewmode=fullstory
Review of Race at Capital Repertory Theatre by Bob Goepfert
ALBANY – “Race,” playing at Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany through Feb 12, is a funny and mildly provocative piece of theater.
It’s typical David Mamet fare in that it is not afraid to have fun with sensitive subjects like race and guilt, betrayal and sex. It’s filled with coarse language that, when delivered as correctly as it is at Capital Rep, can sound like hustlers reciting poetry. The plot has twists, turns and even a couple of red herrings.
If Agatha Christie were a hip cynic who knew how to write a funny line, she might have written a play like “Race.”
READ ALL THAT CRITIC AND THEATRE MAVIN BOB GOEPFERT HAS TO SAY:
http://troyrecord.com/articles/2013/01/16/entertainment/doc50f6e5cfd0aaf233846790.txt?viewmode=fullstory
“Race,” at Capital Repertory Theatre, Albany. Performances Tuesdays-Sundays through Feb 12. Tickets $20-$60. 445-7469.
13 hours ago ... Sex, guilt and bold accusations permeate Race – a provocative play from ... The show begins previews tonight at Capital Repertory Theatre in... |
Sex, guilt and bold accusations permeateRace – a provocative play from multiple-Award-winning playwright David Mamet. The show begins previews tonight at Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany. The play tackles America’s most controversial topic with the brilliant language that only Mamet can bring to the stage.
Two lawyers find themselves defending a wealthy white executive charged with raping a black woman and when a new legal assistant gets involved in the case, the opinions that boil beneath explode to the surface.
We are joined by three members of the cast: Shelley Thomas, Anthony Crane, and Kevin Craig West.
ALBANY — Kevin Craig West is one of the leads in the David Mamet play “Race,” playing at Capital Repertory Theatre through Feb. 10. He says he loves everything about the play except its title.
He explains his problem: “Mamet is a terrific playwright. His plays make you think, but he usually softens things by having you laugh. Before you know it, the laughter stops and you are trying to figure out not only what just happened, but how it happened.”
What title would he prefer? “ ‘The Onion’ or ‘The Layers’,” he said. “That’s because they better describe the way the play unfolds and reveals itself.
The plot of “Race” centers around two lawyers (one is white, one is black) and their young female law clerk (who is also black) as they take on a case in which they must defend a rich, rather arrogant man who is charged with raping a black woman....
“Race”
Where: Capital Repertory Theatre, 111 N. Pearl St., Albany
When: Previews Friday through Sunday; opening night Tuesday, Jan. 15; continues through Feb. 10.
Tickets: $20 to $60; 445-SHOW, www.capitalrep.org
Read writer Bob Goepfert's full preview at: http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2013/01/10/entertainment/doc50edc39dbd639839398841.txt?viewmode=fullstory
"Race" is David Mamet's fourth play to be produced by Capital Repertory Theatre. It tackles, as do many of Mamet's works, a thorny issue head on.
Each of [Mamet's] works, in its own way, explores some darker facet of American life.
So does "Race," which Mamet himself says "is a play about lies."
Read MICHAEL ECK'S FULL PREVIEW REPORT in the TIMES UNION:
http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Race-tackles-a-thorny-issue-head-on-4179690.php
INTERNATIONAL R&B RECORDING SUPERSTAR
and former member of Destiny’s Child
MICHELLE WILLIAMS
JOINS TOURING PRODUCTION OF
AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL
March 8 - 9
The Mainstage at Proctors
------
His story inspired a nation.
His music inspired the world.
Schenectady, NY – Jan. 7, 2013 --Producers Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith and Ruth & Stephen Hendel are pleased to announce that Grammy Award-winning recording artist and former member of Destiny’s Child, Michelle Williams, will join the national tour of the hit Award-winning Broadway musical Fela! beginning with a sixteen-city engagement that kicks off at Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, DC on January 29(full tour schedule is listed below). Williams will play the role of Sandra Isadore, activist and love interest to Fela Kuti.
The awarding-winning Fela! arrives inNew York State’s Capital Region to play at Proctors arts and entertainment complex in downtown Schenectady for three performances only – on March 8 and March 9.
“I am thrilled to join the cast of Fela!,” said Michelle Williams. “This musical journey is one that I’ve wanted to be a part of since first seeing it on stage in 2008. The sounds, the passion and the politics of Fela Kuti have long intrigued me and speak to my heart. I am simply honored.”
Fela! received three 2010 Tony® Awards, including Best Choreography. Tickets are on sale now for the 2013 National Tour of Fela! in select cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Schenectady and more. +For more information on tour dates and cities, please visit www.Fela!onbroadway.com.
Fela! is directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Bill T. Jones, with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones, it was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel.
About MICHELLE WILLIAMS
A multi-award winning international singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress, Michelle Williams is best known as a former member of the record-breaking R&B and Pop sensation, Destiny's Child, one of the world's best-selling female groups of all time. Born and raised in the small Chicago suburb of Rockford, Illinois, Michelle always dreamed of a life on stage. Fiercely guided by her faith and raised with a strong family core, Michelle was certain that one day she’d be a superstar. During her teenage years, she directed church and community choirs; a platform that not only served to develop her distinct voice but also her independence and dexterity as an artist. Throughout her career in Destiny’s Child, Michelle explored solo terrain by releasing two gospel recordings: the award-winning “Heart To Yours” (2002), which featured a collaboration with the legendary Shirley Caesar, and “Do You Know” (2004). At the end of 2008, Michelle joined forces with producer Rico Love and created a fresh and innovative sound on her dance/pop album, “Unexpected.” The first single released from the album, “We Break the Dawn,” quickly became a huge club hit, topping the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play and Hot Dance Airplay charts. For fans of her subtle and smooth work in Destiny’s Child, as well as her soul-stirring spiritual solo work, this was a brand-new Michelle Williams. In between recordings and concert tours, Michelle has conquered yet another challenging mountain as an actress. First, she took the reins of Broadway’s Aida in 2003 to critical acclaim and audience raves. Then, in 2006, she took to the television screen for a hotly touted, ground-breaking multi-episode run in the popular UPN sitcom “Half & Half,” where she played the role of Naomi, a record company executive who is HIV-positive. Later that year, she was featured on FOX’s successful “Celebrity Duets” series.
In 2007, Michelle took on her greatest acting challenge when she joined the cast of the Broadway smash, The Color Purple for its national tour. She dazzled in the role of Shug Avery. In 2009, Michelle joined the London West End production of Chicago where she made history as being the first African American woman to play the lead role of Roxie Hart. She reprised her role in February 2010 on Broadway for a limited engagement. In 2011, Michelle starred in the acclaimed touring stage play What My Husband Doesn't Know which is now showing on BET.
Back on the music front, Michelle’s latest international single, “On The Run” released in the UK in 2011 and peaked at #4 on Commercial Pop Top 30 Club charts. She collaborated with dance-pop diva, Ultra Naté (Ultra Naté & Michelle Williams) on dance song "Waiting On You” in 2012, Billboard Dance/Club Play charts at #12 (from #17). Michelle is currently in the recording studio working on new material for her pop inspirational album due in 2013.
Michelle is a passionate spokesperson for TERI (Training Education & Research Institute) a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities. She also works with the American Heart Association as an ambassador for the American Stroke Association. Michelle recently became a spokesperson for NVEEE (National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment), an organization focused on preventing bullying, violence and suicide among young people.
IMAGES of Michelle Williams
Links of approved images of Michelle Williams for marketing and publicity purposes. The photographer for both is Derek Blanks.
· https://www.yousendit.com/download/UW16aXRNNDJsMHdQWWNUQw
· https://www.yousendit.com/download/UW16aXRCSU8rV3dpR01UQw
A TRIUMPHANT TALE OF COURAGE, PASSION, LOVE
Fela! had its world premiere Off-Broadway in the summer of 2008, and opened on Broadway at the Eugene O’Neil Theater to rapturous reviews a year later where it played 34 previews and 463 regular performances.
Numerous celebrities and dignitaries caught the groundbreaking musical, including First Lady Michelle Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Kanye West, Oprah Winfrey and Hugh Jackman, among others.
Prior to its closing on Broadway, London’s Royal National Theatre presented the production as part of its season in the fall of 2010, marking the first time ever that the National Theatre had presented a show that was simultaneously running on Broadway. There, too, the show received rave reviews and numerous awards and accolades. The show went on to tour internationally, selling out theaters in Nigeria, Amsterdam, a return stint in London then a successful tour across the United States, culminating in an acclaimed encore four-week engagement on Broadway during the summer of 2012.
The BUZZ on FELA!
A triumphant and inspirational tale of courage, passion and love,
Fela! is the true story of Kuti, who created a type of music, Afrobeat, and mixed these pounding eclectic rhythms (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies) with rousing lyrics that openly attacked the corrupt and oppressive military dictatorships that ruled Nigeria and much of Africa. Featuring many of Fela Kuti’s most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones’s visionary staging, the global phenomenon that is Fela! reveals Kuti's controversial life as an artist and political activist, while at the same time celebrating his pioneering music and commitment to the cause of universal human dignity.
"More than a musical, an ecstatic phenomenon"
(David Cote, Time Out New York),
[Fela!] "Is a spectacularly inspiring hybrid: theater, music,
dance, biography, history lesson, political rally and religious experience. Sublime!" (Joyce Kulhawik, JoycesChoices, Boston, MA).
TICKETS AND PERFORMANCE NOTES
Tickets to Fela! at Proctors are: $20, $35, $50, $55 & $65/subject to change and are on-sale now at Proctors Box Office,432 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305; by phone (518) 346-6204; and online at proctors.org.
Group discounts for Fela! are available by calling (518) 382-388x, x139. A 10-percent-off Military discount is available in person at Proctors box office for all Active Duty, Reserve and Guard personnel with military ID.
Fela! contains mature content.- Running Time: 160 minutes, including intermission.
· Fela! Friday, March 8 - 8:00 PM
· Fela! Saturday, March 9 - 2:00 PM
· Fela! Saturday, March 9 - 8:00 PM
VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=B-IG3rVQr1g
LINKto Proctors website: http://www.proctors.org/events/Fela!
ABOUT PROCTORS
Proctors in Downtown Schenectady, NY, offers more than 1,700 events a year to close to 600,000 visitors and residents of New York State’s Capital Region.
Income from ticket sales pays for only 67 percent of the cost of running Proctors.
As a charitable, cultural and educational non-profit organization, Proctors depends on membership, donations and grants to bring exciting shows and excellent educational and community events to the Capital Region.
CONTACTS
FELA!
Publicity Contact: Richard Kornberg & Associates, (212) 944-9444
Richard Kornberg, Billy Zavelson, Danielle McGarry
richard@kornbergpr.com / billy@kornbergpr.com / danielle@kornbergpr.com
PROCTORS
Thom O’Connor, 518-382-3884, x166; toconnor@proctors.org.
- Fela! -
Hello everyone!
Since you've dusted off your snow pants last weekend sledding up and around Schenectady County, why not buckle them back on and do some skiing in the county's only ski resort, Maple Ridge?
With eight total trails that include three black diamond (difficult, like- these trails are so hard!), three blue squares (if you've skied before these will be no problem for you) and two green circles (bunny slopes for the like of little uncoordinated me.) Are those uniform color/shape combos for skiing? I would hope so…
There are family friendly areas, a ski school, snowmobiling trails and a lodge! They no longer offer tubing but you can ski and snowboard here until your heart's desire. Or they close for the night. Whichever comes first.
As you may be aware, Proctors has been designated the Tourism Promotion Agency for Schenectady County. Please let me know if you have any ideas to share!
Don't forget your helmet and happy skiing!
Katherine Stephens
Special Events and Group Sales
Proctors and Capital Repertory Theatre
432 State St.
Schenectady, NY 12305
518.382.3884 x134
Over the next two Sunday Mornings (1/6/13 and 1/13/13) WGNA presents the music of the stars of the Million Dollar Quartet on the Classic Country Hall of Fame Show.
Although the main characters are considered Rock and Roll Legends: Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash all had major success in Country Music. Whether it was a crossover smash or a full blown Country Music project, all four members of the Million Dollar Quartet were an important part of the early days of Country Music.
As we prepare to welcome the Million Dollar Quartet to Proctors Theater January 22-27, 2013, we hope you enjoy our list that connects these four music legends to Country Music.
Read Kevin's full story at:
http://wgna.com/million-dollar-quartets-connection-to-country-music-elvis-jerry-lee-lewis-carl-perkins-johnny-cash/
Weekender content editor Bob Goepfert offers his entertainment pics.
If the first couple of months of 2013 are any indication, it might be a great year for entertainment.
Indeed, January is normally a slow month for concerts, yet we can already enjoy Little Featscheduled at the Egg on Friday. Later in the month, on Jan. 26, the Trey Anastasio Band offers a night of jamming music at the Palace Theatre in Albany. The same night, Manhattan Transfergives a totally different audience a night of mellow sounds at The Egg. A few days later, on Jan. 30,Heart is at Proctors for a night of nostalgia and great music. Not a bad January.
David Mamet's
R A C E
Previews begin on January 11
Taut. Timely. Riveting.
Not to be missed…or dismissed.
Contains mature content and explicit adult language
Media Representatives, Please Note: To arrange an interview with a member of the cast or creative team of RACE at Capital Rep,
please contact Thom O’Connor, toconnor@proctors.org, 518.382.3884, x166.
ALBANY, NY – January 2, 2012 – Capital Repertory Theatre proudly announces the opening of RACE, a tinderbox drama by Pulitzer Prize and Tony® Award winning playwright DAVID MAMET, whose hit drama put America’s longstanding and, perhaps, most controversial subject front and center. Public preview performances of RACE are slated for January 11-13, with press opening on January 15 (7:30 PM Curtain) and performances through February 10.
RACE chronicles the behind-the-scenes strategy of lawyers who are compelled to defend a wealthy white executive accused of raping a black woman. In the course of seventy-five thought-provoking minutes, the lawyers — one white, one black, along with their black female law clerk — peel away the layered prejudices of everyone in the room in a volley of taut verbal interplay. What begins as an exploration of courtroom tactics in this high-voltage melodrama turns personal — and with Mamet’s hallmark twists and turns, the relationships change irrevocably.
Written with the rhythmic language that has become known as “Mametspeak,” the play contains explicit adult language and frank discussions of the subject matter. As Mamet puts it, "The theme is race and the lies we tell each other on the subject.”
For Capital Rep’s Producing Artistic Director, Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill who directs the controversial RACE, “Mamet, a small room, smart, articulate characters and explosive subject matter make this a directing challenge and thrilling ride for the actors and audience. Mamet is a masterful wordsmith. He demands attention to every syllable. Actors have to tackle his dialogue as they might poetry – listening for the rhythm.”
SEASONED CAST, CREW, CREATIVE TEAM
The cast of RACE includes solid veterans from New York: J. Anthony Crane, Shelley Thomas, Wynn Harmon and Capital Region favorite, Kevin Craig West.
Crane, who makes his Capital Rep stage debut as Jack Lawson in RACE, was seen at Proctors in the national tour of THE LION KING as the villainous Scar. Earlier this fall, he was featured in the staged reading of THE GOD GAME, which captured much audience acclaim in Capital Rep/Proctors NEXT ACT NEW PLAY SUMMIT. In regional theatres, Anthony has played lead roles in works such as LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, CLOSER and SIGHT UNSEEN.
Shelley Thomas, who plays Susan in RACE, recently starred in the Off-Broadway production of TRIASSIC PARQ and is featured on the cast recording. She was featured in the national and international tour of RENT and has played leads in THE WOMEN OF BREWSTER PLACE at Arena Stage, THE BLUEST EYE at Long Wharf and Hartford Stage to name only a few of her notable stage credits.
Wynn Harmonwill play Charles Strickland in RACE. He returns to Capital Rep where he was last scene in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW as the older suitor, Gremio. Harmon, who has appeared in the American premiere of THE HABIT OF ART, also has appeared in regional theatres across the country in a wide variety of roles including 11 at THE OLD GLOBE in San Diego.
A Capital Region favorite, Kevin Craig West, will portray Henry Brown in RACE. West was last seen in Capital Rep’s production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. In addition to his numerous stage credits, West is President of Upstate Independents (filmmakers) and director/creator of several films.
The cast is joined by a team of designers, including Ken Goldstein, sets, Deborah Constantine, lights, Luke Krauss, sound and Carolyn Walker, costumes.
SCHEDULED PERFORMANCES
Public preview performances for RACE take place between January 11 and January13. The Press Opening for RACE at Capital Rep is scheduled for January 15 at 7:30 PM. Regular performance continuing through February 10 -- Tues-Thurs at 7:30 PM; Fri/Sat at 8:00 PM; Sat matinee at 3:00 PM, and Sun matinee at 2:00 PM. There will be two Wed. matinees: Jan. 23 and Jan. 30, at 2:00 PM.
All performance will take place at Capital Rep, 111 N. Pearl St., Albany, NY.
EVENTS WORTH NOTING
Please note: At the request of the playwright,
there will be no post-show Discussion Nights for RACE.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Ticket prices for RACE at Capital Rep range from $20 - $60. Students with valid ID: $16 all shows.
For tickets and information, call TICKETS BY PROCTORS, (518) 445-SHOW or online at www.capitalrep.org.
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RACE FACT SHEET
Production: RACE by David Mamet
Where: Capital Repertory Theatre, 111 N. Pearl St., Albany, NY
DATES:
Previews: January 11-13
Press Opening: January 15, 7:30 PM
Runs thru: Tuesday-Sunday through Feb. 10
SCHEDULE:
Tues-Thurs 7:30 PM
Fri/Sat: 8:00 PM
Sat mat: 3:00 PM Sun mat: 2:00 PM
Wed mats: Jan. 23, Jan. 30, 2:00 PM
CAST
J. Anthony Craneas Jack Lawson
Wynn Harmonas Charles Strickland
Shelley Thomasas Susan
Kevin Craig Westas Henry Brown
CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill
Assistant Director: David Girard
Set Designer: Ken Goldstein
Lighting Designer: Deborah Constantine
Sound Designer: Luke Krauss
Costume Designer: Carolyn Walter
SPECIAL EVENTS
· January 15/Opening Night: curtain 7:30 PM. Pre-show music begins at 6:30PM/Post show complimentary champagne toast/desserts with cast
· January 22/Chef’s Table: Complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Yono’s/dp, Taste and the Victory Café and pre-show music in lobby 6:30 PM; curtain: 7:30 PM
· February 3/Behind the Scenes: pre-show discussion with artistic director, complimentary continental breakfast. Food service starts 12:30 PM, Presentation: 1:00 -1:30 PM. Curtain: 2:00 PM.
NOTE: At the request of the playwright, there are no discussion nights for RACE.
TICKETS/PRICES
TICKETS BY PROCTORS, (518) 445-SHOW
Online: www.capitalrep.org
Prices: $20 - $60
Students with valid ID: $16 all shows
Acclaimed U.K. dance theatre company brings visually stunning production to the US for the first time ever. Debuts on
Saturday, February 2, 2013, 8:00 PM
The Mainstage at Proctors
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SCATTEREDexplores the “amazing in the everyday” in a meteor shower of unlikely moments…and combines the Motionhousebenchmarks of highly physical dance theatre with mesmerizing aerial imagery in a unique interaction between film and live performance.
After four highly successful tours to venues across the United Kingdom plus performances in Macau, Romania, Belgium and Portugal, the critically acclaimed dance theatre company Motionhouse comes to North America for the first time with SCATTERED, which will play exclusively at Proctors on Saturday, February 2 for one performance only at 8:00 pm.
SCATTEREDis directed by Motionhouse’s visionary Artistic Director Kevin Finnan and it combinesMotionhouse’s trademark highly physical dance theatre and mesmerizing imagery in a unique interaction between film and live performance, created in collaboration with filmmakers Logela Multimedia from the Basque region of Spain.
SCATTEREDexplores our relationship with water and how it surrounds us in different forms throughout our lives: in birth, water ties us to life and on a more elemental scale, in ice, floods and tides, it can sweep lives away. SCATTERED delves into both the majesty and savagery of water, a fundamental force in our lives as seven dancersplunge into an ocean, wrestle a raging tide and slide on an avalanche to a frozen landscape of arctic beauty.
Performed on a huge curved floor that disappears skywards, SCATTERED uses projection technology, daring dancing plus aerial harnesses and bungees to create an extraordinary world in which the dancers move seamlessly in, on and through the image. The performers are at one moment on the stage then suddenly sprinting up the upstage curved wall (think half pipe snowboard or skate ramp), immersing themselves in sensational images of cascading waterfalls, rainstorms and swimming pools. They hang, suspended over a frozen landscape of arctic beauty at the very top of the curve before diving onto the stage through the ice floes and frozen waters; they hurl themselves into tidal waves, they stride up projected escalators, they fling themselves onto projected deckchairs and they catch, throw and hold each other in impossible embraces.
According to Motionhouse Artistic Director Kevin Finnan, “We create startling, passionate dance theatre. Our productions are designed to challenge as well as delight our audiences and they fuse images with action and dynamism. Our performances are rooted in dance but draw on theatre, circus, acrobatics and film to create works that make audience members think and feel. We pride ourselves on producing shows of outstanding quality that are accessible and enjoyable for all.”
SCATTERED is performed on and within an extraordinary set created just for this production, designed by long-term collaborator Simon Dormon, with an original music score by Sophy Smith and Tim Dickinson and lighting design by Natasha Chivers. SCATTERED is performed by Jade Barton, Claire Benson, Martina Bussi, Giorgio de Carolis, Daniel Connor, Junior Cunningham (Rehearsal Director), Anthony Middleton,Alasdair Stewart and Rebecca Williams.
SCATTEREDis commissioned by Warwick Arts Centre and created with support from Playbox Theatre, Warwick.
The Buzz about SCATTERED
The British press all unanimously praisedSCATTERED in reviews in 2009 and 2010. “A jaw-dropping, eye-popping work of creation that with movement, sound and sheer theatrical spectacle comes close to a hallucinogenic experience... a mesmerizing combination of physical dance and film that thrills the senses and tricks the eye,” said the Bournemouth Daily Echo.
The Oxford Timesviewed the piece and said, “The choreography is lean, incisive... a continuous stream of events, highly physical, often near-dangerous. It is fascinating to watch.”
"Shock and awe: eliciting gasps as the dancers bodysurf across the face of the wave or launch themselves from its vertiginous peak," The Observer said of the work.
The Guardianweighed in with their opinion, "Super athletic dancers… this is a company that has long cornered the high impact end of the market."
“Practically jet-propelled... the quicksilver cast almost never stops moving…. The most successful aspect ofSCATTERED is its integration of film and movement…. The effect is propulsively kinetic and visual … dazzling,” noted The Times.
“THE 70 MINUTES SIMPLY FLEW PAST, AND I COULD HAVE SAT THROUGH IT AGAIN IMMEDIATELY. WITH SCATTERED, FINNAN AND HIS TALENTED DANCERS
"A FASCINATING EXPERIENCE... AN ASSAULT ON THE SENSES, AMAZING." - Manchester Evening News
About Motionhouse
Kevin Finnan and Louise Richards founded Motionhouse in 1988. Their company has since become one of the leading dance theatre companies in the UK making their work locally, touring their work globally. Since its launch, the company has toured eighteen full-scale productions, built up a formidable educational program for schools and colleges across the UK, trained dozens of dancers, pushed contemporary dance into the aerial arena by combining choreography with sling and bungee skills, and developed large-scale site-specific dance spectacles with increasing ambition and shorter festival pieces for performance in a wide range of public places and spaces.
They tour their productions to theatres and festivals throughout the world. They have developed a reputation over the years for ambitious experimentation and their productions, in which setting, action and context collide, have become world-renowned. A wide ranging education and participatory program runs parallel to their touring performances. They have won the 'Audience Prize' at both the Critics' Circle National Dance Awards in the UK and at the MiramirO Festival in Belgium. Recent company milestones include: The Voyage, a spectacular outdoor event with a cast of hundreds for the London 2012 Festival which celebrated the Olympic and Paralympic Games, international touring of SCATTERED, European touring of festival pieces Underground and Cascade, the addition of Traction and Waiting Game to their touring repertoire, the development of a new outdoor piece Captive, R&D for a new production Broken, and Finnan’s appointment as Choreographer and Movement Director for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, which was witnessed by a world-wide audience of 1 billion.
Motionhouse Directors
Artistic Director Kevin Finnan,together with Louise Richards, founded Motionhouse in 1988. As Artistic Director of Motionhouse he has created, either alone or in collaboration with Louise, each of the company's major touring productions, numbering eighteen full-length works to date as well as his smaller festival works which have taken street festivals by storm over the last few years. Kevin also undertakes commissions and projects for other companies and agencies. In 1998 he founded 'Fierce' performance company, and in 2000 created the critically acclaimed True - a performance event for the Tramway, Glasgow, in collaboration with writer A. L. Kennedy and installation artist Rosa Sanchez.
In addition to Kevin's work with Motionhouse andFierce, credits include: Mamu [1994] for Headlines Theatre Company, Vancouver; Transform [1996] for Copenhagen European City of Culture celebrations; Peter Pan [1997] for TAG Theatre Company, Glasgow; two commissions for Blue Eyed Soul in 1998 and 2000; Taking Flight for Gravity and Levity in 2005; andShift for Gravity and Levity in 2008.
Kevin is passionate about exploring and exploding the traditional use of space in performance and has a history of creating extraordinary dance spectacles including the acclaimed Machine Dance for JCB diggers and dancers. In 2012 he created The Voyage for the London 2012 Festival – an enormous outdoor performance event performed on a life-size ship in the center of Birmingham and made in collaboration with Legs On The Wall from Australia. Kevin has been commissioned to make work for numerous other companies in the UK and further afield and also been invited to create bespoke performances to celebrate cultural capital celebrations in Copenhagen and Marseille-Provence. He was also Choreographer and Director of Movement for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
He has an MA in Contemporary Performing Arts from University College Bretton Hall, and a PhD in Theatre from Warwick University.
Executive Director Louise Richardsis co-founding Director of Motionhouse. Together with Kevin Finnan, she was co-Artistic Director of the company for eleven years until, in 1998, she moved into her current Executive Director role.
In addition to her role as choreographer and Co-Artistic Director for the company, Louise achieved a number of independent commissions for other companies and also danced as a member of the Motionhouse performing company until 1996. Louise has always played a key role in the development and delivery of Motionhouse’s artistic vision. As a co-author of the company’s movement style she continues to teach on a regular basis, offering inspirational dance training to dancers, students, teachers and practitioners both in the UK and beyond including, most recently, master classes at the School of Contemporary Dance in Irkutsk, Siberia. Louise is instrumental in producing all aspects of the company’s extensive program and is responsible for strategic direction, business planning and management, and program booking.
Louise is regularly invited to attend and speak at seminars and conferences. Committed to the development of the sector, she also acts as a mentor for young performers and smaller organizations, as well as developing a range of apprenticeships and professional development strands to the Motionhouse program. Currently, she is on the management group for Mimbre and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n3FuoG8KR8&feature=player_embedded
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Tickets on Sale Now!
Tickets toMotionhouse: SCATTERED at Proctors are $20, $35, $40 & $45 andon-sale now at Proctors Box Office,432 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305; by phone (518) 346-6204; and online at proctors.org.
Group discounts are available by calling (518) 382-388x, x139. A 10 percent-off Military discount is available in person at Proctors box office for all Active Duty, Reserve and Guard personnel with military ID.
Running time for family-friendly Motionhouse: SCATTERED at Proctors is
67 minutes. There is no intermission.
Henry Schaffer TheatreTalks for Motionhouse: SCATTERED at Proctors is Post-show: Sat, February 2, 2013 after the 8:00pm performance.
Motionhouse: SCATTERED at Proctors is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State's 62 counties.
ABOUT PROCTORS
Proctors in Downtown Schenectady, NY, offers more than 1,700 events a year to close to 600,000 visitors and residents of New York State’s Capital Region.
As a charitable, cultural and educational non-profit organization, Proctors depends on membership, donations and grants to bring exciting shows and excellent educational and community events to the Capital Region. Income from ticket sales pays for only 67 percent of the cost of running Proctors.
Calendar Listing for Motionhouse’s SCATTERED
Proctors: 432 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
Performance Date and Time: Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 8:00 pm,
Tickets: Tickets toMotionhouse: SCATTERED at Proctors are $20, $35, $40 & $45 andon-sale now at Proctors Box Office,432 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305; by phone (518) 346-6204; and online at proctors.org.
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Local Press Representative
Thom O’Connor, Proctors, 518-382-3884, x166, toconnor@proctors.org
National Press Representative
David Barber, Davidson & Choy, 323-954-7510 x20, d.barber@dcpublicity.com
Combined, Free CDPHP Noontime Organ Concerts
& Behind-the-Scenes WALKING TOUR of PROCTORS Continue in the New Year!
Bring a camera and a friend – or more!
Schenectady, NY – January 2, 2013– The combined CDPHP Noontime Organ Concerts & Behind-the-Scenes WALKING TOUR of Proctors Arts and Entertainment Complex will resume in the New Year with the next scheduled event slated forJANUARY 15, 2013 featuring popular organists HELEN MAKSYMICZ and SCOTT RICHARD at the console.
Building on Success and Audience Response
Following the successful launch of the series in December, Proctors will continue to combine its longstanding and popular noontime organ concerts with guided tours to take place immediately following the lunchtime recitals. The initiative is in response to increased requests for more regularly scheduled tours of Proctors State Street arts and entertainment complex.
Both events – the concert at noon and the tour immediately following – are free and open to the public. Participants are invited to “brown-bag” the event or enjoy a cozy lunch at the theatre’s refurbished Apostrophe Café and Lounge.
CDPHP FREE NOONTIME ORGAN CONCERT/PROCTORS TOUR dates are:
· JANUARY 15, 2013 - HELEN MAKSYMICZ & SCOTT RICHARD
· FEBRUARY 19, 2013 - CLAUDIA BRACAIELLO & CHARLOTTE
PALMERI
· MARCH 19, 2013 - ROB KLEINSCHMIDT & BILL HUBERT
· APRIL 23, 2013 - JOHN WEISNER & LEONARD CARLSON
· MAY 21, 2013 - AL MOSER & ED GOODEMOTE
Seasoned Organists to Entertain and Delight!
Close to two-dozen musicians will participate in the exciting CDPHP Free Noontime Organ Concert Series this season.
The series showcases the artistry of area organists and the versatility and power of ‘Goldie,’ the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ at Proctors. Goldie is an 18-voice, three-keyboard instrument that includes a full set of percussion sound effects and a grand piano off stage left that can be played remotely from the organ console.
The Golub Foundation and members of the Golub family -- in memory of Bernard and Sunshine Golub -- gifted the mighty Wurlitzer to Proctors.
Since the installation of Goldie in 1983, Proctors has hosted the local chapter of the American Theater Organ Society, which provides the services of the outstanding organists who perform for Proctors noontime concerts and the crew members who maintain Goldie.
“CDPHP is proud to support the Noontime Organ Concert Series at Proctors and other cultural events that enhance the quality of life for people in the Capital Region,” said John D. Bennett, MD, president and CEO of CDPHP. “We value our partnership with Proctors and the many contributions this world-class venue makes to the communities we serve.”
According to Frank Hackert, Chairman of the Hudson-Mohawk Theatre Organ Society*, Proctors is fortunate to be among a handful of surviving venues in New York State with a functioning theater pipe organ. This remarkable and uniquely American instrument was developed in the early 20th century specifically to supply the music score for silent film presentations in large theaters. Smaller movie houses managed with just a piano, but movie palaces needed an instrument with substantial power and tonal variety.
Using newer pipe-organ technologies, inventor Robert Hope-Jones and the Wurlitzer company of North Tonawanda, NY, stepped up and produced what they called the "Unit Orchestra," an orchestral music synthesizer played like a traditional organ. These devices were played by a single performer, yet could produce the sound equivalent of a small orchestra. Goldie was among the last built in 1931, when talking films put an abrupt end to the short but fabulous history of the American theater organ.
“The CDPHP Free Noontime Organ Series celebrates our historical musical instrument by offering audiences the opportunity to hear Goldie played by as many as twenty local organists in the course of a 10 month [September to June] concert season,” said Hackert. Audiences can experience a buffet of musical styles, ranging from traditional theater organ music of the 1920s to show tunes, classics and modern adaptations. For older audiences it is a familiar sound and a sentimental visit to a bygone era. But for younger audiences, it's a fresh experience they've likely never heard before.
“Thanks to the generous and essential financial support from CDPHP,” says Hackert, “Proctors is able to extend these free concerts. The organ concert series at Proctors has been evolving for over twenty years, but this is the first year for CDPHP's participation and we welcome them to the team and look forward to many years of productive cooperation.”
“CDPHP is proud to support the Noontime Organ Concert Series at Proctors and other cultural events that enhance the quality of life for people in the Capital Region,” said John D. Bennett, MD, president and CEO of CDPHP. “We value
our partnership with Proctors and the many contributions this world-class venue makes to the communities we serve.”
ABOUT CDPHP
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 24 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Responding to Visitor Requests: A Tour to Remember
“With more and more visitors coming to downtown Schenectady, it seems only natural to welcome those who have expressed an interest in wanting to know more about this historic place," says Marilyn Sassi, a longstanding member of Proctors History Committee and Volunteer Coordinator of the walkabout tour.
Comprehensive Guided Tour by Informed Docents
The post-noontime tour of Proctors includes:
· A narrated history of Frederick Freeman Proctor and his impact on arts and entertainment in the Capital Region.
· An overview of the architectural high points of the Proctors complex.
· A look at the new, hugely expanded stage-house.
· An insider’s look at the backstage.
· A glimpse at the star dressing rooms!
· A walk through the museum.
· A rarely-seen walk through the underground at Proctors!
· The new Schenectady Heritage Area Visitors Center at Proctors.
About the New Schenectady Heritage Area Visitors Center at Proctors
Proctors is now the site of a new Schenectady Heritage Area Visitors Center. Proctors hosted 1,728 events last year, attracting more than 600,000 people to a reenergized Downtown Schenectady.
Adirondack Studios, an Argyle, NY firm that has been the fabricator of sets for Disney’s The Lion King as well as sets for the Boston, Los Angeles and New York Opera companies, was commissioned along with Stracher Roth Gilmore Architects of Schenectady to design the new facility that will be located across from the box office. The 1,200 square foot exhibit area will be easily accessible from the State Street entrance of Proctors entertainment complex.
The exhibit features five areas that highlight the legacy of Schenectady and inform visitors of the role that the city plays in green energy and other emerging technologies.
The Visitors Center exhibits include enhanced lighting, display racks to showcase marketing materials on various historic points and places of interest within Schenectady County and the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway, and employ state of the art digital print and TV technologies.
A unique feature of the Visitors Center is that it is designed to be a revolving exhibit, enabling Proctors to introduce new subject matter throughout the year.
Representatives from numerous organizations came together to develop the content of the exhibit, including the Schenectady County Historical Society, Schenectady Museum, Mabee Farm, local historians, Proctors History Committee, Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway, Revolutionary Byway and the City of Schenectady.
The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway is a national and state designated byway from Waterford to Schenectady. It connects to the Revolutionary Byway that runs to Port Ontario.
Proctors: Revitalized Living Legend
Proctors is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009 the League of Historic American Theatres commended Proctors as a theatre of exemplary vision and dedication to its community.
Originally built as a vaudeville house, Proctors has seen its stage graced by such legendary performers as comedians Red Skelton, George Burns and Gracie Allen, magicians Harry Blackstone Sr. & Jr., and bandleaders Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Glenn Miller.
Proctors has hosted such entertainers as Tony Bennett, Carol Channing, Tim Conway, Robert Goulet, Carol Burnet, Norah Jones, Britney Spears, Aretha Franklin and Alice Cooper. Singer Mariah Carey chose Proctors as the site for her first concert special in 1993, and the theatre is featured prominently in the video for her big hit, "Hero".
Tours of the restored 1926 Vaudeville palace and the two new theaters are available and led by trained volunteers throughout the year, available upon request for private tours. Private tours for groups of fifteen or more can be arranged by calling Proctors Business Office at (518) 382-3884.
Informed, Experienced Guides
Marilyn Sassi facilitates all tours of the Proctors arts and entertainment complex; she schedules and conducts these informational gatherings in concert with a trained corps of committed volunteers.
Although she started her volunteer work as a member of The Theatre Guild at Proctors, she opted over time to combine her rich experience as a seasoned teacher specializing in material culture, architecture and local history with her enjoyment of people and love of Proctors. Ms. Sassi remains an enthusiastic, proactive contributor to Proctors History Committee.
All tours offer a glimpse of the entire facility. These gatherings are always fun and informative, says Ms. Sassi. “This informal event is enriched by questions, memories, and interaction. I always suggest that participants bring their friends and a camera.”
Contact Information
· For additional tour Information, contact Marilyn Sassi at (518) 377-3282;
marilynsassi@gmail.com
· For more information on the CDPHP Free Noontime Organ Concert Series, contact Frank Hackert, Chairman of the Hudson-Mohawk Theatre Organ Society at fhackert@gmail.com.
· For additional information on the Schenectady Heritage Area Visitors Center, contact Maureen Gebert at mgebert@schenectadyny.gov or (518) 382-5147.
· For more information about Proctors, including a brief history, visit proctors.org.
* (Besides its close affiliation with Proctors as a volunteer group dating back to 1983, Hudson-Mohawk Theatre Organ Society is also a chapter of the international organization known as The American Theatre Organ Society and thus, the organization sometimes is identified by the alternate name Hudson-Mohawk Chapter-ATOS, or more commonly by the acronym HMTOS).
January 25 - 27
GE Theatre at Proctors
Schenectady, NY -- Jan. 2, 2013 --The Force is strong with the GE Theatre at Proctors as Charles Ross's ONE MAN STAR WARS returns January 25 – 27 following its Blockbuster run in 2009. Three movies, a classic trilogy and just one talented and overworked Star Wars fanatic await audiences for five thrilling performances.
Skilled Canadian actor Charlie Ross does it all—all the ships, planets, characters and music in one not-to-be-missed performance. The tour de force is with him!
Ever since 2002 – when Charlie started touring this theatrical oddity – he’s been asked questions like: “How long do you see yourself doing this show?” and “Don’t you get bored of doing the same show night after night?”
The long answer is that since its first tour across the North American Fringe circuit, ONE MAN STAR WARS has performed over 1,200 times in more than 180 cities across four continents. From Off-Broadway in New York to London’s West End, from Dubai’s resorts to the Glastonbury Music Festival - in small towns, big cities, at Lucasfilm’s own Star Wars conventions, at fundraisers - this show has been places.
For now ONE MAN STAR WARS resides in Geek Heaven and there’s no better place to be.
ONE MAN STAR WARSis appropriate for the same ages as the films.
Running Time forONE MAN STAR WARS is 60 minutes with no intermission.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poYDY0DdnrI&feature=player_embedded
Performance Schedule
| One Man Star Wars Trilogy | Friday, January 25 - 7:30 pm |
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| One Man Star Wars Trilogy | Saturday, January 26 - 1:30 pm |
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| One Man Star Wars Trilogy | Saturday, January 26 - 7:30 pm |
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| One Man Star Wars Trilogy | Sunday, January 27 - 1:30 pm |
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| One Man Star Wars Trilogy | Sunday, January 27 - 7:30 pm |
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Tickets on Sale Now!
Tickets toONE MAN STAR WARSat Proctors are $25 and are on-sale at Proctors Box Office,432 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305; by phone (518) 346-6204; and online at proctors.org.
Group discounts are available by calling (518) 382-388x, x139. A 10-percent-off Military discount is available in person at Proctors box office for all Active Duty, Reserve and Guard personnel with military ID.
ONE MAN STAR WARSat Proctors is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State's 62 counties.
ABOUT PROCTORS
Proctors in Downtown Schenectady, NY, offers more than 1,700 events a year to close to 600,000 visitors and residents of New York State’s Capital Region.
Income from ticket sales pays for only 67 percent of the cost of running Proctors.
As a charitable, cultural and educational non-profit organization, Proctors depends on membership, donations and grants to bring exciting shows and outstanding educational and community events to New York State’s Capital Region.
- The Force -
Broadway's high-voltage rock 'n' roll musical
January 22 - 27, 2013
The Mainstage at Proctors
Schenectady, NY – January 2, 2013 -- MILLION DOLLAR QUARTETis the Tony® Award winning Broadway musical, inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. It was December 4, 1956, and these four young musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ’n’ Roll” at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTETbrings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring timeless hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and more.
This electrifying jam session transports audiences inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night. Don’t miss your chance to be a fly on the wall of fame... at MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET! See for yourself: http://vp.telvue.com/preview?id=T01060&video=129701
Running Time: 105 minutes. No intermission.
Signed Performance/American Sign Language Interpreter: Sun., Jan. 27 at 2 PM
Henry Schaffer TheatreTalks-Post-show: Thurs., Jan. 24, 2013 after the 2 PM performance.
YMCA Parents Time Outavailable.
TICKETS On SALE NOW
Tickets to MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Proctors on January 22 - 27, 2013
are $20, $35, $45, $50, $60 & $70 /subject to change and on sale at Proctors Box Office, 432 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305, online at proctors.org or by phone (518) 346-6204.
To place group orders for 20 tickets or more, call (518) 382-3884, x139.
PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES
Million Dollar Quartet | Tuesday, January 22 - 8:00 pm |
Million Dollar Quartet | Wednesday, January 23 - 8:00 pm |
Million Dollar Quartet | Thursday, January 24 - 2:00 pm |
Million Dollar Quartet | Thursday, January 24 - 8:00 pm |
Million Dollar Quartet | Friday, January 25 - 8:00 pm |
Million Dollar Quartet | Saturday, January 26 - 2:00 pm |
Million Dollar Quartet | Saturday, January 26 - 8:00 pm |
Million Dollar Quartet | Sunday, January 27 - 2:00 pm |
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTETat Proctors is sponsored by the outstanding Key Private Bank Broadway Series.
Jankowski Insurance Agencyand MVP Health Care are subsponsors for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Proctors.
ABOUT PROCTORS
Proctors in Downtown Schenectady, NY, offers more than 1,700 events a year to close to 600,000 visitors and residents of New York State’s Capital Region.
As a charitable, cultural and educational non-profit organization, Proctors depends on membership, donations and grants to bring exciting shows and excellent educational and community events to the Capital Region. Income from ticket sales pays for only 67 percent of the cost of running Proctors.
- MDQ -
Proctors is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) cultural, educational and charitable organization that delivers exciting shows, excellent educational programming and community events to the extended Capital Region.
GE Theatre at Proctors
The Mainstage at Proctors
