SOPAC Announces 2011-12 Season Line-up

Get out the calendar and circle some dates; SOPAC's season offers something for everyone in the family -- and some great date nights too.

From Broadway legends Ben Vereen and Tom Wopat to SOPAC’s own resident theatre company Midtown Direct Rep, the season promises a plethora of theatrical events.  Also on the roster this year are several jazz concerts including the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors and the Jazz Knights of West Point.  As always, SOPAC continues to bring today’s top performers in the fields of classical music, dance, and family programming.

This year marks the launch of SOPAC’s “IN THE LOFT” Series – eight jazz/blues concerts set in an informal, club café atmosphere in the upstairs Loft.  “With the advent of IN THE LOFT, SOPAC is offering a casual, affordable and fun concert series that helps demystify both jazz and blues music,” explains Michael Bollinger, SOPAC’s Executive and Artistic Director. 

For the complete 2011-12 calendar, see below or visit http://www.SOPACnow.org.

Check it out:

SEPTEMBER                                                                                                                        

SAT 9/17 @ 5PM– BLUES IN THE LOFT: South Orange International Blues Festival Kick-Off

Blues

Tickets: $15

Curated by the South Orange International Blues Festival.

As part of SOPAC’s new “IN THE LOFT” Series – jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC’s upstairs loft space.  Cash bar. No drink minimum.

SUN 9/18 @ 7:30PM – ROGER McGUINN IN CONCERT: A Benefit Concert for EIES of New Jersey

Rock, Folk

Tickets: $50, $40

Roger McGuinn, leader of the legendary Byrds, will perform a benefit concert for EIES of New Jersey.  As frontman for the legendary folk rock group The Byrds, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer pioneered the musical genre that created the most influential band of the 60’s. With his trademark jangling 12-string Rickenbacker and the now famous opening guitar riffs of “Mr. Tambourine Man”, McGuinn’s vision effectively created the template for an American challenge to the British Invasion.

Established in 1974, EIES is a northern New Jersey based Radio Reading Service for the Blind, visually impaired and physically disabled. EIES serves some 1000 people through its daily readings of newspapers and magazines. More info at http://eiesofnj.org/.

FRI 9/23 @ 8PM– THE ROSE ENSEMBLE: IL POVERELLO – EXPLORING THE LIFE AND DEEDS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Classical Music

Tickets: $25, $35

The Rose Ensemble reawakens the ancient through imaginative performances of vocal music, connecting each individual to past worlds with stories of spirituality and humanity. An internationally recognized performance group, The Rose Ensemble honors the musical legacy that has shaped the lives of real people through the ages and across cultures. In Il Poverello, Medieval bagpipe virtuoso from Milan, Isacco Colombo, joins The Rose Ensemble in this heartfelt and humorous look at the life, times, and legacy of Saint Francis and his followers. Drawing upon over 400 years of Italian song and dance, this joyful program features Florentine spiritual chant, densely textured Renaissance choral music, and lusty Tuscan and Umbrian folk music for drums, hurdy-gurdy, harp, and a wide variety of early wind instruments.

OCTOBER                                                                                                                                        

SAT 10/1 @ 9PM – GIANTS OF JAZZ honoring 2011 JAZZ MASTER ALBERT “TOOTIE” HEATH

Jazz

Tickets: $50

Presented by SOPAC, Village of South Orange, and The Baird

Produced by John Lee & Jazz Legacy Productions

SOPAC is thrilled to welcome what the Star Ledger has described “…easily one of the top jazz shows of the year...anywhere.”  The 14th Annual Giants of Jazz benefit concert honors legendary drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath with performances by guest artists including, but not limited to: Billy Hart, Bob Cranshaw, Claudio Roditti, Yotam, Michael Dease, Sharel Cassity, Roy Hargrove and Winard Harper. “Tootie”, the youngest of the famed Heath brothers, has worked and recorded with John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, JJ Johnson, Dexter Gordon and Cedar Walton as well as putting the beat in the Heath Brothers.

THU 10/6 & FRI 10/7 @ 8PM – MIDTOWN DIRECT REP: READING SERIES #1

Theater

Tickets: $10 per Reading. $25 for All-Three Readings.

The first of three Midtown Direct Rep readings to be presented at SOPAC this month, Significant Others, is a new play by Jason Odell Williams.  This is a 2 person serio/comedic play that follows one man as he navigates the women in his life - all played by the same actress.  Cast TBA. 

Founded in June 2010, Midtown Direct Rep is a 32-member repertory theater company in residence at SOPAC. Named for the New Jersey transit line on which local residents commute, Midtown Direct Rep is comprised of accomplished theater artists and seasoned Broadway veterans who call Maplewood/South Orange their home. 

THU 10/13 & FRI 10/14 @ 8PM – MIDTOWN DIRECT REP: READING SERIES #2

Theater

Tickets: $10 per Reading. $25 for All-Three Readings.

The second of three Midtown Direct Rep readings to be presented at SOPAC this month, The Rubber Room,  is a new play by Gary Garrison and Roland Tec.  This is a 5 person, 1 act play that explores the struggle of suspended NYC public school teachers.  This show is designed to be played in rep with multiple actors all cast in the same role.  On any given night of performance, different actors are scheduled to perform, making each performance a theatrical experiment.  Cast TBA.

Founded in June 2010, Midtown Direct Rep is a 32-member repertory theater company in residence at SOPAC. Named for the New Jersey transit line on which local residents commute, Midtown Direct Rep is comprised of accomplished theater artists and seasoned Broadway veterans who call Maplewood/South Orange their home. 

SAT 10/15 @ 8pm – U.S. ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORS

Jazz

Tickets: FREE

As the premier touring big band for the United States Army, the Jazz Ambassadors travels thousands of miles each year throughout the nation and abroad, keeping the will of the American people behind the members of the armed forces and supporting diplomatic efforts around the world. 

The Jazz Ambassadors presents a diverse program of big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, popular tunes, standards, Dixieland, and patriotic selections.  Members of the Jazz Ambassadors are selected by highly competitive audition and represent some of the finest musical talent in America.  More than three decades of touring have earned them the title, “The Musical Ambassadors of the Army.”

TUE 10/18 @ 7:30PM – THE ENGLISH CONCERT - A BAROQUE ORCHESTRA

Classical Music

Tickets: $25.  Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8. 

Classical Concert Series Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

Founded by Trevor Pinnock in 1973, the English Concert has appeared on the world’s most famous stages, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Musikverein in Vienna, the Théâtre des Champs Elysées in Paris, the Philharmonie in Berlin, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, and the Grosse Festspielhaus in Salzburg. In a colorful Baroque program featuring Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets, the group opens our season with renowned Artistic Director, Harry Bicket.

THU 10/20 & FRI 10/21 @ 8PM – MIDTOWN DIRECT REP: READING SERIES #3

Theater

Tickets: $10 per Reading. $25 for All-Three Readings.

The final Midtown Direct Rep reading to be presented at SOPAC this month,  Deep is the Ocean, is a new musical by sister and brother team, Pia and Peter Cincotti.  This is a large scale, 2 act musical described as "An Environmentally Friendly Jersey Shore Middle Aged Love Story.”  Cast TBA.

Founded in June 2010, Midtown Direct Rep is a 32-member repertory theater company in residence at SOPAC. Named for the New Jersey transit line on which local residents commute, Midtown Direct Rep is comprised of accomplished theater artists and seasoned Broadway veterans who call Maplewood/South Orange their home. 

SAT 10/22 @ 8PM – STEPPIN’ OUT w/ BEN VEREEN

Cabaret

Tickets: $45, $55, $75 (Special $75 ticket includes private post-performance reception and meet-and-greet with Ben Vereen.)

“It’s always pleasant to spend time in the company of a survivor, a pro and a performing prince. Ben Vereen is all three.” –The New York Observer

Few entertainers today are as accomplished or as versatile as Tony Award winner Ben Vereen. His legendary performances on stage and screen transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country’s artistic legacy. A musical autobiography of Vereen’s life in showbiz, Steppin’ Out features Broadway classics, songs made famous by Frank Sinatra and a very special tribute to his longtime friend and mentor, Sammy Davis, Jr.

TUE 10/25 @ 7:30PM – JAZZ ACCORDIONIST EDDIE MONTEIRO

Jazz

Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.

Jazz’ n the Hall Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

Eddie Monteiro has over 30 years of musical performance in classical, jazz, dance, theater, cabaret and choral ensembles. A lead artist of innumerable society bands performing throughout the world at social events, political gatherings and corporation conventions, Eddie is also the youngest honoree elected to American Accordionists’ Association Hall of Fame, November 1994.

SAT 10/29 @ 11AM – STAR TREK LIVE!

Kids & Family

Tickets: $15

Mad Science Productions

One of the most popular science fiction franchises of all time is coming to the stage!  An action-packed, interactive spectacle that is out of this world!  Audience members join the newly formed Starfleet Academy only to be unexpectedly whisked into an exciting adventure steeped in the grand tradition of the Star Trek franchise and the thrilling new movie. With the help of a surprise visitor from the planet Vulcan, Starfleet Commander Sean Christopher and his team of rookie cadets must stop a shocking invasion of Romulan forces from the future that threatens planet Earth.  The cadets will have to quickly master the intricacies of modern communications, space travel and NASA technology as they draw on 21st century achievements to try to defeat their advanced alien adversaries.  With cutting-edge special effects, unmatched audience interaction, and on-screen appearances from Captain Kirk and Spock themselves, Star Trek Live is an exhilarating and unforgettable journey through the Star Trek universe for audiences of all ages.  Be a part of Star Trek Live and boldly go where no one has gone before!™

TM & © 2011 Paramount Pictures Corporation. © 2011 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. © 2011 The Mad Science Group. All rights reserved.

NOVEMBER                                                                                                                        

SAT 11/5 @ 8PM – JESSICA KIRSON & FRIENDS
Comedy

Tickets: $25

SUN 11/6 @ 5PM – BLUES IN THE LOFT

Blues

Tickets: $15

As part of SOPAC’s new “IN THE LOFT” Series – jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC’s upstairs loft space.  Cash bar. No drink minimum.

TUE 11/8 @ 7:30PM – VINCE GIORDANO and the NIGHTHAWKS JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Jazz

Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.

Jazz’ n the Hall Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

SAT 11/12 @ 8PM – THE MANHATTANS

R&B

Tickets: $35, $45

THU 11/17 @ 7:30PM – THE MUSICAL WORLD OF JOHN SINGER SARGENT

Classical Music

Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.

Classical Concert Series Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

SAT 11/19 @ 11AM – DREW THE DRAMATIC FOOL: DREW’S ON FIRST

Kids & Family

Tickets: $15

SUN 11/20 @ 3PM & 7PM – DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM ENSEMBLE

Dance

Tickets: $30, $40

DECEMBER                                                                                                                         

SUN 12/4 @ 3PM & 7PM – NEW YORK THEATRE BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER

Kids & Family

Tickets: $30, $40

THU 12/8 @ 7:30PM – SETON HALL UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA

Classical Music

Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

Tickets: FREE

SAT 12/10 @ 8PM – JOHN PIZZARELLI QUARTET

Jazz

Tickets: $45, $55

FRI 12/16 @ 8PM – A FREDDY COLE HOLIDAY

Jazz

Tickets: $35, $45

SAT 12/17 @ 3PM & 7PM – GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS
Kids & Family

Tickets: $30, $40

SUN 12/18 @ 3PM – SWINGIN’ HOLIDAYS w/ the JUILLIARD JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Jazz

Juilliard @ SOPAC

Tickets: $20.  Seniors & SOPAC Members $15.

JANUARY                                                                                                                                        

SUN 1/22 @ 5PM – BLUES IN THE LOFT

Blues

Tickets: $15

As part of SOPAC’s new “IN THE LOFT” Series – jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC’s upstairs loft space.  Cash bar. No drink minimum.

SUN 1/29 @ 3PM – LYSANDER PIANO TRIO

Classical Music

Juilliard @ SOPAC

Tickets: $20.  Seniors & SOPAC Members $15.

TUE 1/31 @ 7:30PM – GUITARIST EMANUELE SEGRE + BROOKLYN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

Classical Music

Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.

Classical Concert Series Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

FEBRUARY                                                                                                                          

SAT 2/4 @ 8PM – CAROLYN DORFMAN DANCE COMPANY

Dance

Tickets: $25, $35

FRI 2/10 @ 8PM – JANE MONHEIT

Cabaret, Jazz

Tickets: $35, $45

SAT 2/11 @ 11AM – HUDSON VAGABOND PUPPETS: MAMMOTH FOLLIES

Kids & Family

Tickets: $15

SUN 2/12 @ 5PM – JAZZ IN THE LOFT
Jazz

Tickets: $15

As part of SOPAC’s new “IN THE LOFT” Series – jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC’s upstairs loft space.  Cash bar. No drink minimum.

SAT 2/18 @ 8PM – ERIC ROBERSON with ANGELA JOHNSON

R&B

Tickets: $30, $40

MARCH                                                                                                                                            

THU 3/1 – SAT 3/3 @ 8PM

SUN 3/4 @ 2PM – SETON HALL THEATRE: “BABY” THE MUSICAL

Theater

Tickets: $15 General/$12 Seniors/Alumni/$8 Students/Staff/$5 Student rush tickets

Book by Sybille Pearson
Music by David Shire

Lyrics by Richard Maltby
Directed by Professor Peter Reader

Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

SUN 3/4 @ 5PM – JAZZ IN THE LOFT

Jazz

Tickets: $15

As part of SOPAC’s new “IN THE LOFT” Series – jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC’s upstairs loft space.  Cash bar. No drink minimum.

SAT 3/10 @ 11AM – ENCHANTMENT THEATRE COMPANY: SYLVESTER AND THE  MAGIC PEBBLE

Kids & Family

Tickets: $15

SAT 3/10 @ 8PM – PAM TILLIS

Country

Tickets: $35, $45

SUN 3/11 @ 3PM – PIANIST TANYA GABRIELIAN

Classical Music

Juilliard @ SOPAC

Tickets: $20.  Seniors & SOPAC Members $15.

TUE 3/20 @ 7:30PM – PIANIST RICHARD GOODE

Classical Music

Tickets: $25. Seniors/Seton Hall Alumni $15. Seton Hall Students & Staff (with ID) $8.

Classical Concert Series Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

SAT 3/24 @ 8PM – KYLE EASTWOOD BAND

Jazz

Tickets: $30, $40

SUN 3/25 @ 2PM – THE CASHORE MARIONETTES IN SIMPLE GIFTS

Kids & Family

Tickets: $15

SUN 3/25 @ 5PM – BLUES IN THE LOFT

Blues

Tickets: $15

As part of SOPAC’s new “IN THE LOFT” Series – jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC’s upstairs loft space.  Cash bar. No drink minimum.

TUE 3/27 @ 7:30PM – JAZZ KNIGHTS OF WEST POINT

Jazz

Tickets: FREE

Jazz’ n the Hall Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

SAT 3/31 @ 8PM – LES NUBIANS

R&B

Tickets: $30, $40

APRIL                                                                                                                                    

SUN 4/1 @ 5PM – JAZZ IN THE LOFT

Jazz

Tickets: $15

As part of SOPAC’s new “IN THE LOFT” Series – jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC’s upstairs loft space.  Cash bar. No drink minimum.

SAT 4/14 @ 8PM – ADAM PASCAL + ANTHONY RAPP

Cabaret

Tickets: $45, $55, $75 (Special $75 ticket includes private post-performance reception and meet-and-greet with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp.)

THU 4/26 – SAT 4/29 @ 8PM

SUN 4/29 @ 2PM – SETON HALL THEATRE: HARVEY

Theater

Tickets: $15 General/$12 Seniors/Alumni/$8 Students/Staff/$5 Student rush tickets

By Mary Chase

Directed by Professor Deirdre Yates

Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

SUN 4/29 @ 5PM – BLUES IN THE LOFT

Blues

Tickets: $15

As part of SOPAC’s new “IN THE LOFT” Series – jazz/blue concerts in a casual, club café atmosphere in SOPAC’s upstairs loft space.  Cash bar. No drink minimum.

MAY                                                                                                                                                 

TUE 5/1 @ 7:30PM – SETON HALL UNIVERSITY FACULTY JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Jazz

Tickets: FREE

Jazz’ n the Hall Presented by Seton Hall Arts Council

SAT 5/5 @ 11AM – THEATER IV: A.A. MILNE’S HOUSE AT POOH CORNER

Kids & Family

Adapted by Bettye Knapp

Tickets: $15

SUN 5/6 @ 3PM – TOOMAI STRING QUARTET

Classical Music

Juilliard @ SOPAC

Tickets: $20.  Seniors & SOPAC Members $15.

SAT 5/12 @ 8PM – TOM WOPAT

Cabaret

Tickets: $30, $40, $50

SUN 5/20 @ 2PM – ARTSPOWER: ARE YOU MY MOTHER?

Kids & Family

Tickets: $15