Jay Leno, Wynton Marsalis, Audra McDonald, Natalie Cole, Alvin Ailey and More Set for Tilles Center for the Performing Arts' 2014-15 Season
By: BWW News Desk Jul. 09, 2014
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post, Long Island's leading showplace, today announced its 2014-15 season, featuring some of the most celebrated stars of comedy, music, and dance.
Each weekend, beginning on Sunday, October 5, Tilles Center will welcome top cultural events and performers including Jay Leno, William Shatner, Wynton Marsalis, Audra McDonald, Natalie Cole, Chris Botti, Lang Lang, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and the New York Philharmonic. Family audiences will have a wide range of exciting weekend performances to choose from throughout the season, including Lang Lang's 101 Pianists, Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale, and Jim Henson's Sid the Science Kid.
Patrons who want the best seats at the best price can save 10% starting July 14 by taking advantage of the center's subscription program and purchasing tickets to three or more performances. For a complete listing of the 2014-15 calendar and ticket prices, visit tillescenter.org.
"Our 2014-15 season features some of today's top performers, from the legendary Jay Leno to Audra McDonald coming off her amazing 2014 Tony win," said Executive Director Elliott Sroka. "Each year, we create a mix of music, theater, dance, and family entertainment that appeals to a wide range of ages and interests. This year's lineup provides dozens of options that let our subscribers and attendees, returning and new, create a great weekend outing. Whether for a night out with friends or an afternoon with the kids, Tilles Center is Long Island's premier showplace, and we look forward to welcoming patrons to our best season yet."
Gala 2014: Jay Leno
Saturday, November 8, 2014, at 8:30 p.m.
Tilles Center is proud to welcome legendary comedian and longtime Tonight Show host Jay Leno to headline the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts 2014 Gala. Leno, who will be presented with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts this year, is undoubtedly one of this country's great contemporary humorists and a top name in comedy. This year's Tilles Center gala will honor Wells Fargo Bank's North American Regional Vice President Michael T. Keenan.
Endowment Concert 2015: Chris Botti
Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 8:30 p.m.
A Tilles Center audience favorite, trumpeter Chris Botti brings his expressive sound and musical imagination back for one special signature event this season, to benefit the Endowment Fund.
Broadway
Smokey Joe's Café 20th Anniversary Tour Featuring The Coasters
Sunday, October 5, 2014, at 7 p.m.
The longest-running musical revue in Broadway history features sizzling choreography set to music by the legendary Leiber and Stoller. Bop along to such hits as "Yakety Yak," "Poison Ivy," "Jailhouse Rock," and "Stand By Me."
Evil Dead: The Musical
Friday, October 24, 2014, at 8 p.m.
This musical comedy based on the cult film tells the story of five college students who spend the weekend in an abandoned cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. Blood flies, bodies are dismembered, and demons tell bad jokes -- all to music. The best seats are in the "splatter zone" . . .
Million Dollar Quartet
Sunday, February 15, 2015, at 7 p.m.
This Tony Award-winning Broadway musical was inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session in which Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll," brought together icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for one unforgettable night.
Anything Goes
Sunday, March 8, 2015, at 2 p.m.
All aboard for this saucy and splendid production of Anything Goes, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and Choreography! Peppering this first-class comedy by Cole Porter are some of musical theater's most memorable standards, including "I Get a Kick Out of You," "You're the Top," and, of course, "Anything Goes."
Peter and the Starcatcher
Sunday, April 19, 2015, at 4 p.m.
Peter and the Starcatcher, the most magical afternoon of madcap fun, is now on tour! Hailed by the New York Times as "the most exhilarating storytelling on Broadway in decades," this comedy takes a hilarious romp through the Neverland you never knew. The winner of five Tony Awards, Peter Pan's swashbuckling prequel will have you hooked from the moment you let your imagination take flight.
Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 8 p.m.
An intimate performance by the six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway legend and a defining voice of our time.
Cabaret at "Club T"
Under the direction of Executive Producer Jack Globenfelt. All performances take place in Hillwood Recital Hall at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Betty Buckley: The Vixens of Broadway
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Betty will channel The Vixens of Broadway. Choose your poison!
Django Festival Allstars with special guests The Manhattan Transfer's Janis Siegel and jazz harpist Edmar Castaneda
Friday, October 31, 2014
Swing and gypsy jazz that the legend himself brought to the cafés of postwar Paris.
Cheyenne Jackson: Music of the Mad Men Era
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Cheyenne Jackson has got it all: the voice, the moves, and quirky self-effacing humor.
After Blue: The Joni Mitchell Project featuring Mark Summer and Serge Merlaud
Saturday, March 14, 2015
A "Club T" favorite performs her Grammy-nominated homage to Joni Mitchell.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Our leading lady returns, welcoming spring with an all-new show.
Ann Hampton Callaway: The Streisand Songbook
Saturday, May 16, 2015
The Streisand Songbook in all its glory-a treasure on every page.
Chamber Music at Hillwood
Under the leadership of artistic director, pianist, and host Caroline Stoessinger. All performances take place at 3 p.m. in Hillwood Recital Hall.
Brooklyn Rider
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Hailed as the "future of chamber music," this Brooklyn quartet offers an eclectic repertoire that attracts classical, world, and rock music fans alike.
Amphion String Quartet
Sunday, December 14, 2014
All-Russian program.
Ariel Quartet
Sunday, March 15, 2015
All-Beethoven program.
Shanghai Quartet
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Program to include the Sibelius Piano Quintet.
Classical Music
Lang Lang, Piano
Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 8 p.m.
Recital program to be announced.
Russian State Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, November 9, 2014, at 7 p.m.
Featuring conductor Valery Polyansky and Vladimir Feltsman on piano, this year's performance includes Tchaikovsky's Slavonic March (Op. 31), Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, and Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 3.
State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico
Sunday, February 1, 2015, at 3 p.m.
Led by music director and chief conductor Enrique Bátiz, this year's Spanish Festival program includes Granados (Three Spanish Dances), Rodrigo (Concierto de Aranjuez) with Alfonso Moreno on guitar, and de Falla (Noches en los Jardines de España) with Irina Chistiakova on piano.
Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 8 p.m.
Led by conductor Alan Gilbert and featuring Inon Barnatan on piano, the program features Salonen (Nyx), Ravel (Piano Concerto in G Major and Valses nobles et sentimentales), and Strauss (Der Rosenkavalier Suite).
Mozart Orchestra of New York
Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 8 p.m.
The all-Mozart performance features Symphonies No. 39, No. 40, and No. 41 (Jupiter). Producing these three sublime works in the space of one summer (1788), Mozart achieved what conductor Gerard Schwarz has called "the culmination of the classical symphony."
Contemporary Classical Music
Our newest series, which takes place in Hillwood Recital Hall, explores the interplay of classical, jazz, experimental, and world music practiced by today's most adventurous composers and performing artists. Noel Zahler, dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts at LIU Post, serves as artistic advisor for the series.
International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE)
Saturday, November 1, 2014, at 8 p.m.
The International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) is dedicated to reshaping the way music is created and experienced. With a modular makeup of varying instrumentalists performing in forces ranging from solos to large ensembles, ICE functions as performer, presenter, and educator.
Tango Night with Elmira Darvarova (violin) and Octavio Brunetti (piano)
Friday, April 10, 2015, at 8 p.m.
Celebrated virtuosi Elmira Darvarova and Octavio Brunetti play the music of tango master Astor Piazzolla as arranged for violin and piano.
Comedy
Shatner's World: We Just Live In It . . .
Saturday, January 10, 2015, at 8 p.m.
This one-man force of nature delivers a larger-than-life performance complete with laugh-out-loud humor, signature storytelling, and select musical selections in his inimitable style.
Dance
Dance performances at Tilles Center are made possible in part by endowment support from Eric and Sandy Krasnoff.
Pilobolus
Friday, October 17, 2014, at 8 p.m.
Founded in 1971, Pilobolus has transformed from an avant-garde dance company into an international entertainment brand, continually creating diverse collaborations that break down barriers between disciplines and challenge the way we think about dance.
Dancing Pros: Live
Sunday, November 23, 2014, at 7 p.m.
The world's finest dancers battle it out live on the stage, and the audience picks the winner! This can't-miss event features host Alan Thicke, Dancing with the Stars judge Edyta Sliwinska, and Dancing with the Stars competitor Chelsie Hightower.
State Ballet Theatre of Russia in Swan Lake
Friday, December 5, 2014, at 8 p.m.
Virtuoso dancers bring Tchaikovsky's classic tale of the triumph of good, beauty, and true love to life.
Tango Buenos Aires
Saturday, February 14, 2015, at 8 p.m.
Direct from Argentina, just in time for Valentine's Day!
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Friday, February 27, 2015, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 28, 2015, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
These incomparable dancers will inspire you with the pulse-racing thrill of contemporary favorites.
Family Entertainment
Lang Lang: 101 Pianists
Sunday, October 26, 2014, at 4 p.m.
Playing together with the global piano phenom after an invitation-only master class, 100 local young pianists will perform Schubert's Marche Militaire No. 1 and Mozart's Rondo alla Turca. Ages 6+.
The Intergalactic Nemesis: Target Earth Live-Action Graphic Novel
Saturday, November 22, 2014, at 4 p.m.
This period-sci-fi-horror-suspense-comedy is presented with live music, voice actors, a Foley artist, and mind-blowing comic book images! Ages 7+.
Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
Saturday, December 13, 2014, at 2 p.m.
Based on the book by Barbara Park. It's holiday time, and everyone's favorite first grader is back to celebrate . . . Ages 5+.
Mummenschanz
Sunday, January 25, 2015, at 3 p.m.
This silent troupe enchants audiences of all ages and cultures with their incredible, colorful, and downright weird creatures. Ages 6-106.
Jim Henson's Sid the Science Kid
Sunday, February 8, 2015, at 2 p.m.
Based on the PBS Kids television series and produced by The Jim Henson Company. Teacher Susie leads Sid, Gabriela, Gerald and May through a scientific and musical adventure. Ages 3+.
The Peking Acrobats
Sunday, March 22, 2015, at 2 p.m.
This world-renowned company showcases the age-old artistry of Chinese acrobatics with trick cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. Traditional Chinese music and high-tech special effects create an event featuring all the excitement and festive pageantry of a Chinese carnival. Ages 4+.
New York Philharmonic in Very Young People's Concerts
Sunday, March 29, 2015, at 1 and 3 p.m.
Musicians of the New York Philharmonic combine games and hands-on music-making in one fun-
filled hour in the intimate Hillwood Recital Hall. Ages 3-6.
Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train Live: Buddy's Big Adventure
Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 2 p.m.
The PBS Kids hit show comes to life on the big stage. Ages 3+.
Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale
Saturday, May 16, 2015, at 2 p.m.
Visit an enchanted fairy-tale land filled with dragons, a handsome prince, an evil would-be queen, a really great hairstylist, and that famous princess with the long, long, long hair! Ages 3+.
Holiday
Christmas in Vienna: The Hollywood Concert Orchestra and Soloists
Sunday, December 7, 2014, at 3 p.m.
An afternoon of seasonal favorites for orchestra and vocal soloists, plus waltzes, polka, and light opera.
Jazz
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Saturday, October 11, 2014, at 8 p.m.
An evening of jazz featuring a global legend and one of the finest big bands in the world today.
John Pizzarelli Big Band: The Frank Sinatra Centennial
Saturday, March 28, 2015, at 8 p.m.
A celebration of "Ol' Blue Eyes" hundredth birthday.
Opera
Performed by New York City's Dicapo Opera Theatre under the direction of General Director
Michael Capasso. In Italian with English supertitles, performed with full orchestra.
Giacomo Puccini's La Bohème
Friday, November 21, 2014, at 8 p.m.
Puccini's immortal tale of tragic love among young bohemians in Paris at the close of the eighteenth century resonates today in the hearts of opera aficionados and novices alike.
Gioacchino Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia
Friday, April 17, 2015, at 8 p.m.
Rossini's Barber has proven to be one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy in music.
Popular Music
Saturday, November 15, 2014, at 8 p.m.
Share an unforgettable evening of music and memories.
Performance PLUS!
Performance PLUS! is a series of pre-performance events created to enhance the audience experience through discussions with performers and experts in the genres Tilles Center presents. This season's Performance PLUS! events precede these performances: Pilobolus, Lang Lang, International Contemporary Ensemble, Russian State Symphony Orchestra, La Bohème, Swan Lake, State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (February 27), the New York Philharmonic, John Pizzarelli Big Band, Tango Night, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, and the Mozart Orchestra of New York.
Family Workshops
Tilles Center Family Workshops provide unique opportunities for families to play and explore the arts together. Storytelling, puppet-making, music, and role-playing are some of the activities offered, depending on the type of show being performed that day.
Buy Three and Save - Subscription benefits include 10% savings on individual ticket prices throughout the season, ticket exchange privileges, free coat check, discount on concessions, and advance notice and ticket purchase for newly added performances. Series subscribers also retain the same seats throughout the season, have access to the Sosnow Founders Room on one evening during the season, have phone fees waived, and receive free seat upgrades when available.
Tickets are available online at tillescenter.org or ticketmaster.com, in person at Tilles Center's box office, or by telephone at (516) 299-3100 or (800) 745-3000. The box office, located at 720 Northern Boulevard (Route 25A) in Brookville, New York, is open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in July and August. There are fees associated with all orders. There are no refunds.
Videos
Get Opera's #1 Newsletter
Get the best news & discounts for Opera Shows & beyond.
