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Thalian Hall Interior,
photo credit: Brownie Harris.
Full Thalian Hall Press Release — Main Attractions Season Announcement (HTML)
One
of Ameica’s Most Distinguished Historic Theatres,
Built in 1858
When constructed, Thalian Hall was able to accommodate ten percent of
the Wilmington, NC population at that time. Thalian Hall is the only surviving
theatre designed by John Montague Trimble, one of America’s most
famous 19th century architects. In Thalian’s earlier days, sold-out
crowds welcomed such legendary performers as Buffalo Bill Cody, John Phillip
Sousa, Lillian Russell and Oscar Wilde.
More recent artists on the historic stage have included Dame Cleo Laine, Ramsey Lewis, Judy Collins, Leahy, The Smothers Brothers, The Dixie Chicks, Paul Taylor Dance Co., Barbara Cook and the Vienna Choir Boys.
The Thalian Center is managed under contract to the City of Wilmington, by the non-profit Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. (THCPA.) Having undergone an extensive renovation and addition that culminated in its Grand Reopening in 1990, the facility now includes a "black box" style Studio Theatre and The City Council Chambers and Grand Ballroom on the 2nd floor above City Hall.
In addition to managing the public portions of the building, THCPA carries out fundraising both for the operation of the theatre and to underwrite rental costs for the over 30 local useer groups who rent the facility, including Opera House Theatre Co., Thalian Community Theatre, Theatre Exchange Society, Big Dawg Productions, Forward Motion Dance and the Willis Richardson Players.
Outreach programs include the Cinematique Film Series (produced in conjunction with WHQR Public Radio,) a Children's Film Series (Kidz Flix,) The Pied Piper Theatre for New Hanover County 1st and 2nd grade students (Produced with the Junior League of Wilmington) and our "Adventures in Art" Family and School Theatre series and "Between the Shows" events. This year, several artists from our Main Attractions series will do workshops, seminars and master classes as part of their visit to Wilmington.
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Almost
Heaven: The Songs of John Denver
Sat., Oct. 20, 2007, 4 & 8 PM; $32/$25
The engaging off-Broadway hit featuring almost 30 John
Denver classics (“Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Annie’s
Song,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders, “Rocky Mountain High”)
offers an exhilarating look into the mind and spirit of a troubadour whose
distinctive musical magic fostered optimism for decades. The tour’s
talented ensemble perform fresh new arrangements that offer unexpected
depth in understanding the times that gave birth to the songs. Based on
the artist’s autobiography, the show is sensitively conceived and
produced by Denver’s longtime friend and manager. From the beginning
of his recording career in 1972, when he changed his name from Henry John
Deutschendorf, Jr., John Denver’s sales now exceed 60 million.
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Flamenco
Vivo
Carlota Santana
Fri., Oct. 26, 8 PM; $30/$24
Co-presented by Thalian Hall & UNCW
Flamenco strikes primal chords in the emotions of audiences of all ages
and traditions. It’s a celebration that sizzles in intensity and
passion, a brilliant display of exuberant, fiery dance that transcends
cultural boundaries. Carlota Santana, designated “The Keeper of
Flamenco” by Dance Magazine, leads her renowned company of dancers
and musicians in Fiesta Flamenca, acclaimed at venues including The Joyce
Theatre, Lincoln Center, Smithsonian Institution and major theaters throughout
the U.S. and abroad. The company will also conduct a master class on the
campus of UNCW.
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An
(Outrageous) Evening with John Waters
Fri., Nov. 2, 8 PM; $28/$20
(Adult themes, big hair, R-rated)
Writer/director John Waters says his pencil-thin mustache continues to
claw itself into the public consciousness. “It’s like Pamela
Anderson’s breasts. It gets work on its own.” The Baltimore
legend and delightfully wicked genius behind camp classics including Hairspray,
Pink Flamingos and Polyester brings his irreverent hilarity to Thalian
Hall, preceding the kickoff of the Cucalorus Film Festival. Drawn at an
early age to exploitation movies with lurid ads, Waters subscribed to
Variety at the age of twelve, absorbing the magazine’s insider lingo.
In 1967, he made his first 16-mm film, Eat Your Makeup, the story of a
deranged governess and her lover who kidnap fashion models and force them
to model themselves to death. In 1972 Waters created what would become
the most notorious film in American independent cinema of the 1970’s,
Pink Flamingos. The once-called “Prince of Sleaze” danced
all the way to his Baltimore ATM with this summer’s blockbuster
musical film adaptation of "Hairspray."
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An Oxymoron?
Fri., Nov. 16, 8 PM; $28/$20
There are two types of people who should rush and see this show – men and women. Writer/actor Robert Dubac’s brilliantly-constructed journey through the disheveled mess of a man’s brain could easily be subtitled “A Very Funny Man’s Hilarious Opinions About What Women Want, Who Women Are, How Women Think, and How They Just Don’t Understand Poor, Pitiful, Mistreated Men.” Dubac seamlessly transforms himself into five alter egos – each offering their own brand of misguided advice. Hailed by critics and audiences alike across the country, this 90-minute masterpiece is an immensely clever combination of theater and stand-up comedy that is knee-slapping, laugh-out-loud funny, while hitting so many nails on the head that there’s not a soul left in the audience who’s stayed immune from glances from that person sitting in the next seat.
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Second
City’s Dysfunctional
Holiday Revue
Fri., Nov. 30, 8 PM; $28/$20
If you have a treasured, favorite holiday tradition, be assured that Second
City will skewer it in this part-scripted/part-improv irreverent take
on the season. What started as a workshop in Chicago in 1959 has grown
into a global comedy empire, birthing generations of the world’s
most famous comics. Alums include John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Gilda Radner,
Martin Short, Mike Myers, Julia Louis Dreyfus and hundreds more. The concept
is simple: six actors, accompanied by a musical accompanist, dish out
sketch comedy and songs drawn from forty years of comedy archives, plus
on-the-spot topical improvs that change with every performance. It’s
hilarious, thought provoking, smart, silly, sophisticated and wild. If
there’s a subject you’ve always been forbidden to discuss
at the dinner table, you’ll hear a whole song about it at a Second
City show. Not recommended for those who may be a bit thin on a broad
sense of humor.
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Sat., Dec. 15, 4 & 8 PM; $25/$18
The “On Air” sign lights up and you’re in the studios of WBFR Radio on Christmas Eve, 1946. NC Stage Company/immediate theatre project’s production of this adaptation of the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life invites you to experience Frank Capra’s beloved story in a refreshingly new and intimate way. Dozens of characters and locations of the beloved movie are brought to life by the long-lost radio formula of five actors, live sound effects, and your vivid imagination. Already becoming a tradition in Chicago, Los Angeles and Toronto, this new imagining of the uplifting story of George Bailey is the perfect antidote to today’s commercialized holiday season.
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Creole
Jazz Serenaders, with Don Vappie
Fri., Jan. 18, 2008, 8 PM; $28/$20
Don Vappie is labeled the “Jimi Hendrix of the banjo.” This
landmark group’s repertoire includes Creole Jazz from the early
years as well as music from Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong,
Duke Ellington, McKinney’s Cotton Pickers and more. Their CD Creole
Blues is one of Offbeat Magazine’s “essential 100 CDs of the
20th Century” and their recording In Search of King Oliver was the
subject of a Public Radio International program of the same name. The
group had the honor of performing the world premiere of Jelly Roll Morton’s
lost manuscripts, and Vappie’s family and band was the subject of
the PBS documentary "American Creole: A Family Reunion" aired
last fall. Vappie frequently plays with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at
Lincoln Center Orchestra.
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Fri., Feb. 1, 8 PM; $28/$20
Cherryholmes entered the record books when the group was named “Entertainer of the Year” at the same time as being named “Best New Artist” at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards. The incredible family of performers (dad, mom, and four children ages 13-21) travel throughout the country 300 days a year, singing, dancing and playing the music that’s winning fans worldwide with the group’s trademark drive, infectious energy and true showmanship. Their CD Cherryholmes was nominated for last year’s Best Bluegrass Album of the Year. They have appeared on The Grand Ole Opry, at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium, with Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree, Nashville’s Country Music Fan Fare, in Branson, Dollywood, the IBMA Fan Fest and countless radio and TV shows, festivals and concert venues throughout the U.S. Additional industry awards include SPBGMA’s “Group of the Year” and “Banjo Player of the Year.”
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Thur., Feb. 28, 8 PM; $25/$18
Billy Stritch has commandeered piano mics in every premiere club and cabaret in Manhattan, as well as many of the legendary concert halls around the world. Whether headlining solo, with his own trio, or serving as arranger and musical director for artists including Liza Minelli, Charles Aznavour, Linda Lavin, Christine Ebersole & others, Stritch is a consummate entertainer as well as a gifted composer (he wrote Reba McEntire’s four-million selling Grammy®-winning hit “Does He Love You”). His sensitive tribute to the music of Mel Tormé spans the legend’s early compositions (“Born to Be Blue,” “A Stranger in Town”) through Tormé’s arrangements of Rodgers and Hart classics (“Mountain Greenery,” “Blue Moon”), Cole Porter (“Just One of Those Things”), the Gershwins (“Isn’t It Romantic?”) and many more Tormé classics. Stritch is spot-on, and swings.
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New photos - February 2008!
Justin
David
Fri., Mar. 7, 8 PM; $25/$18
He’s the young songwriter, guitarist, mandolinist, fiddler
and singer who’s among the fastest-rising stars on the pop country
circuit. A top-five finalist of TV’s Nashville Star, David has toured
for several years as a featured artist with the legendary Roy Clark. His
spotlighted performances and onstage charisma bring lines of folks to
meet him after the show. As a teen, he participated in the Master Artist
Apprentice program of the National Endowment for the Arts, and was first
heard by Clark in Branson, MO. 2005’s Nashville Star brought more
exposure to this multi-instrumentalist. David continues to tour with Clark
when he’s not on the road with his own band, who will make more
than a dozen stops in North Carolina this coming year. Here’s one
to watch – and say you-saw-him-when.
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Broadway
Showstopper Carol Woods
Sat., Apr. 5, 8 PM; $25/$18
She’s got a power as electric as Niagara Falls and a voice as big
as a church full of Arethas. Carol Wood’s credits include “Jeanette”
in The Full Monty, the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, Smokey
Joe’s Café, Grind, Big River, and the role of the inimitable
“Mama Morton” in Chicago where she literally stopped the show
night after night on the Great White Way and across America on the national
tour. She starred in the recent movie adaptation of The Honeymooners and
appeared with Michael Feinstein at Carnegie Hall honoring President Clinton
and at the Eisenhower Tribute to Tom Brokaw. Writing about her Olivier
Award-nominated turn in Blues in the Night in London, UK, critic Barney
Hoskyns remarked, “If Southeast power lines ever go on the blink,
Londoners will never notice if they can just hook up with Carol Woods.
Eight times a week, she takes the stage at the Piccadilly Theatre and
practically blows it apart.”
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In
the Mood, The 1940s Musical Revue
Sat., Apr. 19, 4 & 8 PM; $32/$25
It’s stockings-with-seams, jitterbugging that makes you check your
pulse, tight vocal harmonies and big band classics that wiggle the bolts
from the floor. It’s a trip back to the 1940’s, perhaps the
last time when all of America was listening and dancing to the same kind
of music -- up-tempo big band instrumentals and intimate, warm ballads.
It’s rhythm. Swing. Jazz. Brass. Sentimental and romantic. In the
Mood is a retro 1940’s musical revue featuring a large company including
singers, dancers and a sensational big band orchestra with the music of
Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, The
Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, and more. Originally produced to mammoth
response by the National Archives as part of the commemoration of the
50th Anniversary of WWII, national touring began in affiliation with the
USO and the show has become a worldwide phenomenon.
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Cypress
String Quartet’s Inspired by America
Fri., Apr. 25, 8 PM; $30/$24
The captivating Cypress String Quartet melds its acclaimed virtuosity
with innovative technology to create Inspired by America, a collaboration
with best-selling author Jacob Needleman (The American Soul) and multi
Emmy and Peabody Award-winning film producer Michael Schwarz. Supported
by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and blending live
music, original film and spoken word, this special event fuses precision
musicianship with world-class technology to create an evocative, thought-provoking
portrait of what it means to say, “I am an American.” The
Cypress String Quartet unifies the performance with some of the finest
chamber music composed in the United States, with movements from Barber’s
Adagio for Strings, Dvorak’s American Quartet, and selections from
original commissions by Grammy®-nominated composers Benjamin Lees
and Jennifer Higdon.
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Stephan
Moccio
Fri., May 2, 8 PM; $25/$18
As a young student, pianist Stephan Moccio waited at a stage door for
Celine Dion’s autograph. When she asked how he wished her to sign
his program, he replied “to one of my favorite songwriters.”
In less than ten years, he waited again to greet her, but this time, her
newest CD featured her hit recording of his song “A New Day Has
Come.” Moccio’s songs have been recorded by Josh Groban, Sarah
Brightman and Olivia Newton-John. He was a featured artist at former US
President Bill Clinton’s 60th birthday celebration alongside Groban,
Jon Bon Jovi, Sarah McLachlan and James Taylor. A piano and composition
graduate from the University of Western Ontario, Moccio declined a scholarship
to the prestigious Berklee College of Music to sign a publishing deal
with Sony/ATV at the age of 22. He has worked as arranger for Toronto
Symphony Orchestra and recently released his debut solo recording Exposure.
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The
Piano Men: Jim Witter Sings the Music of Elton John & Billy Joel
Fri., May 23, 8 PM; $28/$20
Dove and Juno Award nominee, Canadian recording artist Jim Witter and
his band lead an expertly crafted tour of an entire decade, a musical
time machine saluting two of the century’s most popular contemporary
songwriters, Billy Joel and Elton John. Enthralled audiences return to
the news headlines, automobiles, people, events and TV shows that shaped
a decade. Along the way, the sounds of “My Life,” “Candle
in the Wind,” “Rocket Man,” “Just the Way You
Are” and many more classic hits create return visits to specific
landmarks along a pop culture timeline. If you can still smell the interior
of your 1973 VW Beetle, you’ll recognize every song. If you watch
re-runs of Gilligan’s Island or Green Acres, you’ll find yourself
singing along. If you remember exactly where you were when Elvis [may
have] died, this is the show for you.
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Dirty Sock Funtime Band
October 21, 2007. 2:00 and 4:30 PM. $15
The Dirty Sock Funtime Band is the “First Real Rock Band for Kids” (FOX NEWS) and plays “The most exciting and innovative children’s music EVER!” (MTV XM Radio). Nominated BEST KID'S BAND for 2006 (TIME OUT NY KIDS), the Dirty Socks captivate kids, parents, teachers and critics alike with their catchy, imaginative tunes and their exciting, high energy. A Dirty Sock Funtime Band concert is full of music, dance, clowning and all around excitement that breaks down all the boundaries of what music “should be.”
The Dirty Sock Funtime Band was formed out of Kids Creative, an award-winning non-profit arts education program. The resulting music was loved so much by both the kids and the adults that the writers unified into the Dirty Sock Funtime Band to keep the music coming. Within two months of the band’s first public appearance, they appeared on FOX, NBC, CBS and UPN and were nominated “Best New Band” on the Children’s Music Web Awards (the only music awards that are chosen by kids in over 500 classrooms around the world). They are regulars on the highly acclaimed “Jack’s Big Music Show,” aired by Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Noggin and have recorded two albums: “The Search and Rescue of Genius Backpack” and “Mr. Clown and the Day the Sun Got Wet,” both of which were released to critical acclaim.
Between the Shows: Let’s take those dirty socks and turn them into puppets! Join Goo from the Children’s Museum for some between the shows fun in the Thalian Hall Ballroom! Price TBA.
Children's
Museum of Wilmington Activities: October
6 – 20.
The Children’s Museum is fillin’ up with music! Come make
a musical instrument to play and a funny hat to wear in the Fun Time Parade
on Saturday, October 20.
Click here to visit the band's website!
Watch an interview with the band from Jack's Big Music Show (on YouTube.)
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Jim West Productions – Mozart, Monsters and Matisse November 18, 2007. 2:00 and 4:30 PM. $12
The music of Mozart is used exclusively in this multi-media delight featuring giant, colorful, friendly monsters. The production includes “Chewalotapus” the bug catcher in a shadow play with hilarious sound effects, and the fanciful underwater tale “Little Blue,” created in the style of Matisse. Each Jim West Production is a unique combination of puppetry and stories from around the world, classical music, drawing and puppet-making ideas to take home.
Jim West developed and performed the shadow puppets for the production of Manon at the Metropolitan Opera and has appeared on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” introducing Fred Rogers and countless children to the art of creating hand shadows. Together, Jim and Marshall Izen co-authored Why the Willow Weeps and The Dog Who Sang at the Met. For over twenty years, Jim has performed in schools, colleges, and theatres nationwide.
Between the Shows: Make a Monster during Monster Making Madness! Join Goo from the Children’s Museum for some between the shows fun in the Thalian Hall Ballroom! Price TBA.
Children's Museum of Wilmington Activities: November 4-20. The Children’s Museum invites you into our Art Studio to create masterpieces inspired by Matisse while listening to Mozart.
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Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker
November 25, 2007. 2:00 and 4:30 PM. $15
Whatever could compare to the enchantment of the first time a youngster visits the ballet? A dream story is suddenly brought to life through music, dance, beautiful costumes and light. Ballet for Young Audiences is dedicated precisely to introducing the magic of dance to youngsters of all ages. The company integrates dance, music and the spoken word.
“The Nutcracker” is especially appropriate at holiday time. It tells the story of Clara, a young girl on the brink of womanhood whose dreams are both childlike and tinged with romance. She is the favorite godchild of Herr Drosselmeyer, a mysterious clockmaker, who helps to transport Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to a special realm. This production is one hour long, fully narrated, includes all the ethnic dances in Act 2 and uses the traditional Tchaikovsky score. Twelve local ballet students will be performing with the company.
Between the Shows: TBA.
Children's Museum of Wilmington Activities: November 23-25. Bring a food donation or an unwrapped gift to the Children’s Museum Thanksgiving weekend and receive a discounted admission.
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Pied Piper Theatre 's Bonnie Reed: Queen of the Pirate Ants
January 27, 2008. 2:00 and 4:30 PM. $10
It is a pleasant afternoon on the Piers of Penzants, but the local citizens are having trouble enjoying the sunshine and sea breezes, because they have uneasy feelings about a mysterious ship, the Peapod, which seems to have docked sometime during the night. Suddenly, a flag is raised on the ship's mast, indicating the vessel is under the command of Bonnie Reed, Queen of the Pirate Ants. Bonnie and her motley crew, Mr. Snippet the Second Mate, Kookie the Cook, Peg Antenna Pete, and the rest suddenly appear.
Will the citizens of Penzants be plundered and perhaps even pillaged? Will they have to walk the plank? Will the Pirate Ants be satisfied if they are able to find the Long-Lost Mysterious Treasure of Bluemustache the Pirate? Perhaps the boys and girls in the audience will be enlisted to ensure a safe and happy ending!
Pied Piper performances have been tickling the imagination and funny-bone of audiences for more than fifty years. All plays center on a strong moral theme set in a fun and musical environment. Produced by Thalian Hall in conjunction with the Junior League of Wilmington, this year’s premiere production is the newest creation from the mind of playwright Steve Cooper.
Between the Shows: Bugs, Bugs, and more Bugs! Make an ant or a bee and hang them in a tree. Your buggy creations will sparkle in the sun and making them is just plain fun! Join Goo from the Children’s Museum for some between the shows fun in the Thalian Hall Ballroom! Price TBA.
Children's Museum of Wilmington Activities: January 12-30. Make a pirate puppet to keep when you visit the Children's Museum to take with you to the show at Thalian Hall.
Click here to learn more about the Pied Piper Theatre.
Study guide coming soon!
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Theatre Exchange Society: Treasure Island
March 27 and 28 at 7:00 PM. March 29 and 3:00 and 7:00 PM.
March 30 at 3:00 PM. $15
Along with young Jim Hawkins, the audience sails aboard the HMS Hispanola for a daring adventure on Treasure Island. Jim courageously faces danger, learns that evil can masquerade as good, and matures from a boy into manhood. All of Robert Louis Stevenson's famous characters are aboard — the good Doctor and the Squire, the sinister Blind Pew, the marooned Ben Gunn, the infamous Long John Silver, and a colorful crew of buccaneers. Young audiences will thrill to the lightning adventure, exotic settings, sea chanteys, and the salty pirate dialogue that makes this new dramatization of Jim Hawkins' adventures irresistible in the hands of Aurand Harris, America's master playwright for young people.
The philosophy of Theatre Exchange Society is to engage young actors and technicians in crafting the piece by sharing the stage with seasoned professionals with a strong focus on inter-generational mentoring. The production of this performance is the cornerstone to future projects in our upcoming “Arts Academy”. The cast will be comprised of professional adult actors, with Peter Jurasik as Long John Silver, and local children that are cast from various theatre programs across the community, including Dreams, Stageworks and the TACT.
Between the Shows: (March 29 and 30. Times TBA.) Treasure Maps and Pirate chatter await you around the corner. Gooey Green Toes is on hand and pirate fun is her demand. Between the shows fun in the Thalian Hall Ballroom! Price TBA.
Children's Museum of Wilmington Activities: March 15 - 30. Use your imagination to construct a miniature treasure island at the Children's Museum of Wilmington.
Study guide coming soon!
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Theatreworks USA - Max & Ruby
Sunday,
April 20, 2008. 2:00 and 4:30 PM. $12
Big sisters have big responsibilities, especially when the little brother is a big trouble-maker! Join in the fun as Theatreworks USA presents a lovable new musical full of fun and sibling revelry: Max and Ruby!
Ruby, a seven-year-old rabbit, loves her Grandma very much and wants to do something special for her. She gets the brilliant idea to put on a show, with music and costumes and a castle and everything! She'll need some help, though, so she tries to enlist her little brother Max. Ruby wants to put on a play about a princess, but Max is already playing a cowboy. Ruby wants to work quietly, but Max is enjoying his noisy toys. Ruby wants to look for costumes, but Max is too busy looking for frogs! Max is no help at all, so Ruby recruits her Bunny Scout friends for assistance. But can they help her finish Grandma's play in time? Find out in this delightful musical based on the top-rated Nickelodeon television show inspired by Rosemary Wells' bunny siblings, Max and Ruby!
Between the Shows: You’re the star of the show with a bunny mask you will make with Goo and her friends. Join Goo from the Children’s Museum for some between the shows fun in the Thalian Hall Ballroom! Price TBA.
Children's Museum of Wilmington Activities: April 7-25. Visit with a live bunny rabbit and make a directors megaphone at the Children’s Museum. Then try your hand at directing a screen play in the Dragon Productions green screen theater.