Capitol Center Announces 2011-2012 Season

The Capitol Center for the Arts is pleased to announce an exciting lineup of performances for our sixteenth season. On Saturday, October 15, legendary comedian Bill Cosby makes his first appearance on the Chubb Theatre stage. In January, the national tour of the Broadway smash-hit MAMMA MIA! comes to Concord for a special two night run on Tuesday, January 10, and Wednesday, January 11! The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship, and every night everyone's having the time of their lives! This season also features a second touring Broadway hit that has won the hearts of audiences and critics, In the Heights. The Tony and Grammy-Award winning musical that The New York Magazine calls "A Groundbreaking 21st Century Musical" comes to the CCA on November 2, giving New Hampshire audiences a chance to experience the next chapter of the classic American story.

In its sixteenth season the CCA has responded to numerous requests for more concerts, presenting a diverse group of leading musicians, including the ever popular Ani DiFranco on Sunday, November 13. The following week, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, featuring all original members of the ground-breaking group, take to the stage on Sunday, November 20. Fans of YES will want to mark their calendars for the first of November, when Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman (the key members of the classic lineup of the pioneering progressive rock band) stop in New Hampshire as part of a limited US Tour.

Tickets for all 2011-2012 shows go on sale at a season preview open house Monday, May 23, from 6 p.m. to 8p.m. in the Center's Governor's Hall. All are welcome to this free event, which will feature video previews of the season, extended box-office hours, and a cookout. In addition, all fees will be waived for tickets purchased during the May 23rd open house.

For those who can't make the May 23 open house, tickets will go on sale to the general public Tuesday, May 24, at 11 a.m. and can be purchased by phone at (603) 225-1111, online at ccanh.com, or at the box office during regular business hours, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Many others shows will be added to the 2011-2012 Season, but here's the lineup that will go on sale May 23:

A SALUTE TO THE AMERICAN SPIRIT Sunday, September 11, 4:00pm

Under the direction of Clayton "Skip" Poole, The New England Wind Symphony will perform a varied program of great American music, including works by Aaron Copeland, John Philip Sousa, John Williams, and a world premiere by composer Jerry Ascione, former leader of the the US Navy Commodores and piano soloist with the US Navy Concert Band. Produced in association with the New Hampshire Highland Games.

Keb' Mo' Thursday, September 29
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Keb' Mo's music is a living link to the seminal Delta blues that traveled up the Mississippi River and across the expanse of America, informing the nation's musical roots, before evolving into a universally celebrated art form. His distinctive sound embraces multiple eras and genres, including pop, rock,

Jungle Jack Hanna's Into the Wild Live Friday, October 7, 8:00pm

Jungle Jack's live show features many of his favorite animal friends, as well as fascinating and humorous stories and footage from his adventures around the world. Audiences give Jack rave reviews - everyone from the youngest child to the oldest adult is entertained and inspired.

Andrew Bird Friday, October 14, 8:00pm

Singer, songwriter, and violinist Andrew Bird has attracted a following to his unique blend of swing, jazz, rock, and blues music. Presented in association with Higher Ground.

Bill Cosby Saturday, October 15, 8:00pm

Over the past century, few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of William H. Cosby, Jr. His successes span five decades and virtually all media, remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly project.

David Sedaris Thursday, October 20, 7:30pm

With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America's pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. Presented by Funtime Presents.

Jon Anderson & Rick Wakeman Tuesday, November 1, 7:30pm

Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman (the key members of the classic lineup of legendary and pioneering progressive rock band YES ) join forces for a limited US Tour following the release of the duo's debut album, 2010's The Living Tree.

In The Heights Wednesday, November 2, 7:30pm

This 2008 Tony® Award-winning Best Musical is a moving, funny, and uplifting show about a community of hard-working immigrants seeking a better life and trying to find their place - their home - in their new country. With a remarkable young cast, thrilling Tony® Award-winning dancing and a dynamic Tony® Award-winning score, In the Heights is an exhilarating journey into a vibrant Manhattan community.

Bob Marley Saturday, November 12, 8:00pm

A frequent guest on the late-night talk show circuit, Bob Marley has appeared on 100 television shows including VH-1's Super Secret Movie Rules, Comedy Central's Premium Blend and USO Comedy Tour. Presented by FB Productions.May contain adult material.

Ani DiFranco Sunday, November 13, 7:30pm

Ani DiFranco's career as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist is proof positive that "alternative rock" can mean much, much more than a group of guys with electric guitars and a hefty record contract. She has broken just about every rule of the music industry, and, in the process, has paved the way for other artists, emerging and established performers alike.

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones Sunday, November 20, 7:30pm

Groundbreaking banjoist/composer/bandleader Béla Fleck has reconvened the original Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, the extraordinary initial lineup of his incredible combo. The result is an impossible-to-pigeonhole sound all their own, a meeting of musical minds that remains, as ever, utterly indescribable. Simply put, it is The Flecktones, the music made only when these four individuals come together.

CIRQUE SHANGHAI BAI XI Saturday, November 26, 7:30pm

Dating back to the Han Dynasty more than 2000 years ago, Chinese acrobatic spectacles were first called "Bai Xi," meaning "100 Amazing Acts". Cirque Shanghai: Bai Xi reinvigorates this long tradition, combining awesome feats of physical strength, dance, martial arts, graceful folkloric pageantry, and beautiful orchestrations.

Celtic Thunder Christmas Wednesday, November 30, 7:30pm

Fans of Celtic Thunder will delight in an evening of holiday favorites, including "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas," "Let It Snow," "Winter Wonderland," and "Silent Night," as well as a few specially written originals: "Going Home For Christmas" and "Our First Christmas Together". Presented by MassConcerts & NHPTV.

The Intergalactic Nemesis Saturday, January 7, 2012, 7:30pm

The year is 1933. Pulitzer-winning reporter Molly Sloan, her intrepid assistant Timmy Mendez, and a mysterious librarian named Ben Wilcott face the most serious threat Earth has ever known: an impending invasion of sludge monsters from the planet Zygon. This period-sci-fi-horror-suspense-comedy-romance is presented in a whole new format: while three actors, one Foley artist, and one keyboardist perform all the voices, sound effects and music, more than 1,000 hand-drawn, full-color, hi-rez, blow-your-mind comic-book images blast from the screen, all performed LIVE.

MAMMA MIA! Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 7:30pm & Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 7:30pm

Over 45 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show! Writer Catherine Johnson's sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship, and every night everyone's having the time of their lives!

"MOMENT IN TIME" A TRIBUTE TO Paul Whiteman Sunday, January 15, 2012, 4:00pm

The Jazz Age comes alive once again as the Capitol Center Jazz Orchestra expands to twenty eight musicians as they pay homage to Paul Whiteman, "King of Jazz". On February 12, 1924, The Whiteman Orchestra introduced Rhapsody in Blue featuring the composer, George Gershwin, at the piano in a concert titled "An Experiment in Modern Music". The Capitol Center Jazz Orchestra, Clayton J. Poole, Music Director, will perform this original version of The Rhapsody in Blue with the internationally renowned piano soloist Mr. Frederick Moyer at the keyboard. The concert will be a collage of Whiteman's music which spanned from 1919-1949 and featured such jazz icons as Mildred Bailey, Billie Holiday, Bix Beiderbecke, The Modernaires, Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey, and many others.

Everett Dance Theatre's Brain Storm Saturday, January 28, 2012, 8:00pm

Developed during a two-year residency at NH's Crotched Mountain Foundation, Everett Dance Theatre's Brain Storm examines new developments in brain research and the imminent neurological revolution. Many experts believe we are currently at a tipping point in terms of our understanding of how the brain works. Everett will seamlessly blend elements of choreography, storytelling, factual information, humor, and video projection, to create a multimedia dance/theater experience that informs, entertains, and provokes thought. A post-show panel discussion will follow the performance.

THE CLASSICAL THEATRE PROJECT: TWELFTH NIGHT Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 7:30pm

The Classical Theatre Project's hilarious five-person vaudeville production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night has wowed audiences the world over. Shakespeare uses mistaken identities, love triangles, and cross-dressing to create one of his most famous comedies.

LENNY CLARKE Saturday, February 25, 2012, 8:00pm

Lenny Clarke, a veteran of Boston comedy, has had an incredible film and television career. He has appeared in several television shows like Lenny, Contest Searchlight, The Job, The John Larroquette Show, It's All Relative, and Rescue Me . His film credits include Monument Ave., Fever Pitch, Me, Myself and Irene, and Southie.

DAN Ú Sunday, March 11, 2012, 7:30pm

Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú is one of today's leading traditional Irish ensembles. Their standing room only concerts throughout the world are a glorious mix of high-energy performances featuring a blend of ancient Irish music and new repertoire. During each performance, Danú takes its audience on a musical journey to their native Ireland in moving and memorable fashion.

One Night of Queen- Performed by Gary Mullen & The Works Thursday, March 29, 2012, 7:30pm

Fans of Queen will delight in this note-for-note experience of mega-hits such as "Bohemian Rhapsody,""We are the Champions," "Killer Queen," "You're My Best Friend", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "Radio Ga Ga," "Under Pressure," "Another One Bites the Dust," and many others. One Night of Queen will ROCK YOU!

"A MOMENT IN TIME" A TRIBUTE TO Louis Armstrong Sunday, May 6, 2012, 4:00pm

From New Orleans to New York and around the globe, the legacy of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong is just as strong today as it has ever been. For over fifty years, "Satchmo" personified the great American jazz art form. "Ambassador Satch" toured the world sharing his unique style and famous gravelly vocals. His hits included "Stardust," "What A Wonderful World," "Ain't Misbehavin," "Struttin' with Some Barbeque," and, of course, "When the Saints Go Marchin' In". Joining the Capitol Center Jazz Orchestra and Music Director Clayton J. Poole for this performance is jazz trumpet great Mr. Byron Stripling. Mr. Stripling has been featured with The Count Basie Orchestra and The Woody Herman Orchestra, and performed the title role in the Broadway-bound musical "Satchmo".

 

COMING TO THE SPOTLIGHT CAFÉ:

Taylor Mali Thurs., Oct. 13, 7:30pm

Taylor Mali is one of the most well-known poets to have emerged from the poetry slam movement. He was one of the original poets to appear on the HBO series Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry and was also featured in SlamNation. Mali is the author of two books of poetry, The Last Time As We Are and What Learning Leaves, and four CDs of spoken word.

AN EVENING WITH CHAD & JEREMY Thurs., Nov. 3, 7:30pm

Of all the British Invasion acts of 1964, Chad & Jeremy were unique in that not only were they long-haired purveyors of English-accented pop hits, but they were clever songwriters who had a softer side and a sensibility closer to many of their US folk-pop contemporaries. Combine this with a fantastic wit, which they used to great effect on stage, television, and records, and you are left with a memorable combination that still wins over audiences today.

WARRIORS DON'T CRY Wed., Feb. 15, 2012, 7:30pm

Warriors Don't Cry is a one-woman play, based on the searing civil rights memoir of the same name by Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals. As one of the Little Rock Nine who integrated Central High School in 1957, Melba Pattillo and her eight fellow student-warriors captured the world's attention as they endured untold hatred and violence in pursuit of an equal education.

BLACK VIOLIN Thurs., Feb. 16, 2012, 7:30pm

Black Violin is a revolutionary music group that combines an array of violin techniques and DJ skills to produce a signature blend of classical and hip-hop music. Kev Marcus and Wil B are Black Violin, two classically trained musicians who, along with their DJ, TK, have created the ultimate synergy between classical and hip-hop music. These ‘Apollo Legends' have performed with popular recording artists like Alicia Keyes, P Diddy, Linkin Park, and Akon.