Ordway Center Will Host THE ADDAMS FAMILY, MEMPHIS, & More in 2011/12
By: Kelsey Denette Feb. 23, 2011
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts today unveiled its 2011-2012 performance season. The diverse schedule will offer a full menu of entertaining experiences, from dinner with The Addams Family to the amusingly intimate car ride during a blind date, and transport audiences from the streets of Africa to the darkened stage of a Parisian opera house.
"Our mission is to bring joy centerstage with the best in musical theater, world music and dance from around the globe, and on this point the new season certainly delivers," says Patricia A. Mitchell, Ordway's president and ceo.Heather T. Spicuzza, Ordway's artistic director of world music, dance and the International Children's Festival adds, "This year's Target World Music and Dance Series sets the stage on fire with its intensity and passion. These talented performers are vibrant and compelling individuals who inspire others both on and off the stage.""This theater season combines the best of the classic American art form with a handful of firsts, coming straight from the Broadway stage to our stage," says James A. Rocco, Ordway's vice president of programming and producing artistic director. "Not only do we have a buzzworthy theater season, but our brand-new series, "Broadway Songbook," will take audiences deeper into the lives of the people credited in bringing musical theater to life. There is a lot to be excited about this season."October 11 - 16, 2011
This one-of-a-kind experience combines the seductive vocals of "Ol' Blue Eyes" with the sizzling sound of a live big band and the creative vision of Tony Award-winning choreographer Twyla Tharp. Fifteen of the world's best dancers tell the story of four couples falling in and out of love at a swinging night club on a star-lit evening. "Come Fly Away" features a score of beloved Sinatra classics including "Fly Me to the Moon," "My Way," "New York, New York" and "Makin' Whoopee.""A sleek, energizing mixture of Sinatra's inimitable cool and Tharp's kinetic heat, ‘Come Fly Away' sweeps you up in a spell so complete that only those resistant to the seductions of dance or the swing of Sinatra will be left on the other side of the velvet rope." -The New York Times
Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella"
An Ordway Production
December 13, 2011 - January 1, 2012
The timeless enchantment of this magical fairy tale is reborn with the Ordway's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella." First presented on television starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella" was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. It has been elegantly adapted for the stage, with great warmth and a touch of hilarity. The hearts of children and adults are guaranteed to soar when the slipper fits. Songs include: "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible," "Ten Minutes Ago," "The Prince is Giving a Ball" and "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?"
"Blind Date"
Ordway's McKnight Theatre
February 22 - April 1, 2012
There's nothing like the thrill of a first date...anything can happen! In the brand-new play "Blind Date," you'll experience all the excitement and awkwardness of love as Mimi, a Parisian temptress played by Rebecca Northan, goes on a blind date with a different man every night-plucked right out of the audience! Straight from critically acclaimed, sold-out runs in New York City and Toronto and produced by Kevin McCollum, this fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants show is sure to make you shriek with laughter while falling in love with Mimi and her man. Called "A flight of theatrical fancy that is absolutely magical" by the Toronto Star, this "must-see performance" (part burlesque, part Lucille Ball, part Match.com) will delight men and women alike.
"Memphis"
March 13 - 25, 2012
Turn up that dial! From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, "Memphis," which played pre-Broadway at the La Jolla Playhouse, features a Tony Award-winning book by Joe DiPietro ("I Love You; You're Perfect, Now Change") and a Tony Award-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Directing is by Tony Award-nominee Christopher Ashley ("Xanadu") and choreography is by Sergio Trujillo ("Jersey Boys"). Get ready to experience Broadway's most exciting new destination, what The Associated Press calls "The very essence of what a Broadway musical should be."
"The Addams Family"
May 8 - 20, 2012
The Addams Family is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. This magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa ("The Wild Party"), choreographer Sergio Trujillo ("Jersey Boys") and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch ("Shockheaded Peter") with creative consultation by four-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Zaks.
"FELA!"
Jun 12 - 17, 2012
"FELA!" is a new musical directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones, in which audiences are welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afro-beat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk, and African rhythm and harmonies), "FELA!" explores Kuti's controversial life as an artist, political activist and revolutionary musician. A three-time Tony Award winner in 2010, this production arrives at the Ordway direct from Broadway.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 7:30 p.m.
Dedicated to the creation of bold works by Latino contemporary choreographers, Luna Negra Dance Theater serves as a springboard for Latino artists to give expression to their stories and bring new, spirited life to the cultures of their communities. Luna Negra offers its audiences effervescent, energetic and passionate contemporary Latino dance, reflecting the compelling cultural shift that is shaping America in the 21st century.
Ely Guerra
Friday, October 28, 2011 7:30 p.m.
Monterrey, Mexico-born alternative rocker Ely Guerra is one of the most original and arresting musicians Mexico has ever produced. Guerra sings about passion: gazing at it from a distance, then plunging into the turbulence. Her songs incorporate rock, electronica and the torchy emotion of Mexican pop in a shifting balance of poise and obsession.
Vox Lumiere - "The Phantom of the Opera"
Sunday, October 30, 2011 7:30 p.m.
Return to the world's most famous opera house as Vox Lumiere dares to unmask the secrets of the phantom. Ambition, murder and the seductive allure of a dangerous secret come to life in this stirring new production the Los Angeles Times calls "Absolutely riveting!" "Vox Lumiere-The Phantom of the Opera" is the next evolution in entertainment where rock concert meets theater and classic silent film for a spellbinding performance of modern theatrical magic. "Vox Lumiere-The Phantom of the Opera": the same love affair...a whole new seduction!
Still Black, Still Proud
An African Tribute to James Brown
Tuesday, November 22, 2011 7:30 p.m.
Discovering the points at which African and American music strike sparks off each other, Pee Wee Ellis and a host of stars including Maceo Parker and Vusi Mahlasela bring James Brown's revolutionary music full circle in this innovative, rhythm-fueled tribute of Afro-funk. Still Black, Still Proud celebrates Brown's lasting legacy while exploring the deep relationship between soul, funk and modern African music. Artists from the United States and Africa join together in a show that The Boston Globe dubs "a pancontinental funk-soul supergroup," and All About Jazz proclaims simply, "explosive."
Ronald K. Brown Evidence, A Dance Company
Sunday, January 15, 2012 7:30 p.m.
Founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1985, the dance company Evidence focuses on the seamless fusion of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. The company's work provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies and triumphs. Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythms. A highlight of the evening will be "On Earth Together," a piece co-commissioned by the Ordway and inspired by the music of Stevie Wonder.
Playing for Change
Sunday, February 12, 2012 7:30 p.m.
What began as a PBS documentary with the lofty goal of fostering hope and inspiration through music has now become a worldwide phenomenon. Inspired by the passion and energy of street musician Roger Ridley's rendition of "Stand by Me," Grammy Award-winning producer Mark Johnson set out across the globe on one of the most incredible journeys in modern music: Playing For Change. A collection of musicians from the documentary came together for a live performance and the group's fervent delivery of blues, gospel, reggae, and Afro-pop led to an amazing run of sold-out shows, moving audiences worldwide and earning them a remarkable debut on Billboard's Top 10 with Playing For Change -Songs Around The World. Playing For Change continues in their mission to inspire, connect and bring peace through music.
Ballet of the Dolls
Friday, May 4, 2012 7:30 p.m.
Ballet of the Dolls was created in 1986 by esteemed choreographer Myron Johnson. Providing the Twin Cities with its first year-round dance-theater program, the company immediately filled a unique niche in the arts community, offering intimate and innovative professional dance-theater performances that appeal to both dance and theater audiences. Ballet of the Dolls continues to push boundaries by creating challenging original works and operating education and outreach programs throughout the Twin Cities. The company will gracefully step onto the Ordway stage with a new production of "Faith," originally performed in 1991. Live music, singers and dancers will join together with glorious conviction to discover a 21st century celebration of faith!
Executive Producers: David and Mary Choate
This new series brings fresh insight, energy and joy to the songs audiences love, making every show a warm, humorous and moving portrait of musical theater legends. Conceived and directed by the Ordway's Vice President of Theatrical Programming and Producing Artistic Director, James A. Rocco, each "Broadway Songbook" program features a dynamic mix of composer life stories, discussion of what made their work so extraordinary, and performances by an ensemble of renowned artists from the Twin Cities musical theater, jazz and cabaret scenes.
"The Words and Music of Irving Berlin"
Possibly the most prolific songwriter of the 20th century, Irving Berlin is a legend among American musical masters.
Friday, September 23, 2011, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 24, 2011, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 25, 2011, 2:00 p.m.
"The Words and Music of Contemporary Broadway"
Featuring the songs of Billy Joel, Elton John, Jason Robert Brown, Stephen Schwartz and others.
Friday, January 20, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 21, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 22, 2012, 2:00 p.m.
"The Words and Music of Johnny Mercer"
The wit and swingin' songs of Johnny Mercer have become a part of America's cultural legacy.
Friday, April 13, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 14, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 15, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
"Sing-a-long Sound of Music"
Friday, October 21, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 22, 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.
Simply one of your favorite things comes to the Ordway for three events only. For those who haven't converted, Sing-a-Long Sound of Music is a screening of the timeless and classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen Technicolor®, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along! Everyone is encouraged to dress up in their "fancy best," follow along with the subtitles and sing "Do-Re-Mi" to the top of the hills.
2012 Flint Hills International Children's Festival
Family Weekend: June 2-3, 2012
For more than a decade, the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival has brought acclaimed international performing artists to the Ordway indoor stages, while local artists perform on free outdoor stages. An array of international cuisine is available for purchase, and the many creative activity tents in the parks surrounding the Ordway offer fun for little hands and big kids at heart. This family-friendly weekend of events explores the many dimensions of the arts through a global perspective.
Pre- and Post-show Events
Offered in conjunction with select performances, Ordway Extras explore the themes of the evening's performance one hour prior to curtain. Ordway Extras take place in the Marzitelli Foyer and are free with a ticket to that night's show.
Talk Backs are the Ordway's informal Q & A sessions presented immediately after select theater and dance performances. These lively discussions often include members of the cast, company and creative teams in an open audience discussion about the work and craft presented in the performance.
Subscription packages are currently on sale by visiting ordway.org, calling the box office at 651.224.4222 or visiting the box office in person at 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102. Individual tickets will go on sale later this summer.About the OrdwayThe Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Music Theater and McKnight stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102Box Office: 651.224.4222
Groups: 651.282.3111
ordway.org
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