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season ticket packages

2016-17

Symphony • Community Theatre & Choirs

Celebrating 45 Years

Center Stage Theatre

Center Stage Choirs

Escape the Ordinary!HOLIDAY POPS: Cirque de la Symphonie Midland Symphony Orchestra

Midland Symphony Orchestra

Dear Friends,Welcome to Midland Center for the Arts’ 45th performance season! This is my first season with the Center, and I’m especially excited about the opportunity to experience for myself the amazing talent found in our region. This brochure highlights the incredible wealth of programs that we produce right here in the Great Lakes Bay Region using both local talent as well as skilled guest artists. There’s truly a little something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Midland Symphony Orchestra’s Cirque de la Symphonie concert in December for a beautiful combination of music and aerial acrobatic artistry. There will be madcap fun onstage during Center Stage Theatre’s January production of Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps. And the choirs will wow us with Earthsongs in March. If you are a theater or music fan, I hope you will consider becoming a Season Ticket holder and reaping the many benefits that a subscription offers. And watch for our complete season brochure arriving in August and featuring these great events, along with the museum schedule and incredible guest artists and events from around the globe. I look forward to seeing you at the Center! Terri Trotter President & CEO Midland Center for the Arts

KEY DATESAPRIL 4, 2016 ▶ Season Ticket Packages go on sale

JUNE 8, 2016 ▶ Buy by this date for best seats available and to take advantage of “half now, half later” payment plan!

AUGUST 12, 2016 ▶ Last day to save with a “Mix It Up” Package

AUGUST 15, 2016 ▶ Single tickets for entire season go on sale

IT’S EASY TO BUY!

ONLINE ▶ Visit mcfta.org, click on 2016-17 Season Packages and follow the easy steps. VISIT ▶ Stop by and our Ticket Office staff will be pleased to assist you:

Monday – Friday: Noon – 6 pm Saturday: Noon – 4 pm

CALL ▶ 800-523-7649 We will be happy to assist you. (see hours above).

MAIL ▶ Send your completed order form with payment to:

Midland Center for the Arts 1801 W. Saint Andrews Midland, MI 48640

Escape the Celebrating 45 Years

Ordinary!

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We’re excited to offer you our lowest prices of the season when you purchase a Fixed Season Package or create your own Season Ticket Package of any 4 or more performances!

Did you know that ANY event in this brochure can be added to your Fixed Season Ticket Package? You’ll get the same great pricing on classical music at its finest, award-winning community theatre, and exciting choral concerts – and waive the individual processing fees!

▶ BIGGEST DISCOUNTSUp to 25% off individual ticket prices. Plus, our one-time Season Package handling fee means you’ll avoid paying individual processing fees on those tickets.

▶ BEST SEATSReceive the best available seats – before individual tickets go on sale August 15. Seating priority is based on donation level, then order date.

▶ FREE EXCHANGESPlans change? No worries! Apply your ticket value to another MCFTA 2016-2017 season event at no extra charge, no later than 24 hours prior to your event.

▶ NEVER MISS A SHOW!Make plans for a fabulous night out when you choose the performances that most interest you, and dates that suit your schedule.

▶ PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONSAvailable when you order by June 8! See order form for details.

Donors get added benefits! ($100+ donors)Did you know that ticket sales cover only 33% of our operating costs? The remainder is provided by our generous donors!Please make an investment in the arts by including a tax-deductible contribution with your order. You’ll receive these additional benefits:

▶ Premium seating (priority based on donation level, then date received)

▶ 10% discount on purchases at Intermission the Museum Store

▶ 2 admissions to the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art

▶ Recognition in performance programs

Make a donation on your order form today!

Become a Season Package Buyer and SAVE!

Benefits of buying a season package

Symphony Community Theatre & Choirs

2016 - 2017 Midland Symphony

Orchestra

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Bohuslav Rattay, Music Director

Opening NightALL ABOUT THAT BASSOctober 1, 2016 • 7:30 pm Edgar Meyer, bassSibelius Finlandia Meyer Double Bass Concerto No. 1 Bottesini Concerto No. 2 for Double Bass Elgar Enigma VariationsGrammy® Award-winning bassist and composer Edgar Meyer is known for his wide range of musical styles including bluegrass, classical and jazz. As the most remarkable virtuoso in the history of the instrument, he’s collaborated with superstars like Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile and James Taylor. Closing the evening, the riddle Elgar built into his Enigma Variations remains unsolved, but no answer is needed to appreciate this witty masterpiece.

Sponsored by

CLASSICAL JOHN WILLIAMSNovember 5, 2016 • 7:30 pm Kurt Civilette, hornBernstein Overture to Candide John Williams Horn Concerto R. Strauss Der Rosenkavalier Suite Popular film composer John Williams steps outside the silver screen with his purely classical concerto, a symphonic poem that explores a variety of colors and moods. MSO’s own Principal Horn Kurt Civilette takes on this technically demanding work. Strauss' romantic suite from his opera, Der Rosenkavalier, ends the evening on a comic note.

A treat for eyes and ears!HOLIDAY POPS: Cirque de la SymphonieDecember 10, 2016 • 7:30 pm

"The ushers helped me pick my jaw up off the floor…" ~ DC Metro Theater ArtsExperience the magic of the holidays, the wonder of cirque, and the beauty of live orchestra! Cirque de la Symphonie is a unique and elegant fusion of cirque and orchestra with awe-inspiring performances by aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists and dancers, choreographed to some of the holiday’s best traditional and popular music. Celebrate the season with the MSO and cirque’s astounding feats of human strength and grace.

Sponsored by

MusicalMosaic

Photo by Mark S. Cox

Get caught up in the moment – in the excitement, the drama, the humor and the nostalgia of the 2015/2016 Season! With inspired performances by the MSO and its exceptional guest artists, you’ll be “transported” to places real and imagined, from the streets of Prague during Opening Night, to the hills of Scotland during Scottish Fantasy, to a true land of fantasy in a fresh take on The Nutcracker. Sit back and let yourself “Get Carried Away” by the music and the intrigue with MSO!

mcfta.org | 989.631.8250 | 800.523.7649

A Musical Mosaic promises something for everyone, with a variety of musical offerings that appeal to audiences of all ages. This headlining, eclectic mix of accessible, easy-to-listen-to shows and crowd-pleasing favorites creates a rich and colorful mosaic of musical styles and genres. Each artist and each colorful performance adds its own unique piece to A Musical Mosaic, creating a season-long composition of classical entertainment that only gets more beautiful as the season goes on.

BRAHMS DOUBLEFebruary 11, 2017 • 7:30 pm Amanda Wang, violin; Patrick Owen, cello

Debussy Afternoon of a Faun Brahms Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn Brahms Double ConcertoThe orchestra serves up a double dose of Brahms with Haydn Variations, showcasing Brahms’ skills as a composer; and Concerto for Violin and Cello, his final work for orchestra. Cellist Patrick Owen returns to his hometown with violinist Amanda Wang to perform the powerful and sincere double feature.

Sponsored by

MSO SEASON PREVIEWApril 7, 2017 • 7:30 pmMusic Director Bohuslav Rattay and the MSO offer a sneak peek at next season’s highlights with added commentary from MSO musicians. After the performance, the orchestra welcomes the audience to come up on stage for a reception in celebration of the coming season.

Sponsored by

TCHAIKOVSKY & GRIEGApril 29, 2017 • 7:30 pm Gabriela Martinez, piano

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Grieg Piano Concerto in A minorFrom the crashing opening chords to the boisterous final movement, Grieg’s Piano Concerto has enchanted listeners for over a century. Venezuelan guest pianist Gabriela Martinez joins the MSO to perform this enduring favorite with panache and poetry. The program opens with Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, self-doubtful yet showcasing his undisputed mastery of melody.

Sponsored by

Merrill LynchBank of America Corporation

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Power of the

Straight from New York City! THE MANHATTAN DOLLS: Sentimental JourneyOctober 15, 2016 • 7:30 pm | October 16, 2016 • 3 pmHop aboard the “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and join The Manhattan Dolls on a “Sentimental Journey” through the music of the 30s and 40s. The Dolls blend beautiful ballads with your favorite toe-tapping tunes, and in classic USO fashion take time to honor our brave men and women in the military. From boogie-woogie to the blues, The Manhattan Dolls celebrate the best of the Great American songbook!

Songs that stand the test of time! INDIVISIBLE: With Liberty and Justice for AllNovember 6, 2016 • 3 pmThe Center Stage Chorale and Bella Voce singers continue their exciting tradition of saluting our great country with rousing renditions of America’s favorite songs selected from the different ethnic traditions that make our country a magical place of different sounds and cultures. Share the excitement and sing along, as we inspire and recognize those who have contributed so much to our country!Directed by James Hohmeyer

Back by popular demand! JINGLE: A Holiday ExtravaganzaDecember 17, 2016 • 7 pmShare the excitement of December with a joyous holiday show featuring the combined 200 voices of the Chorale, Camerata, Men of Music, the Bella Voce singers and contemporary vocal jazz ensembles! Back by popular demand: a heart-warming story time sure to cheer listeners of all ages. And, brighten a needy child’s holiday by bringing an unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army’s toy drive!Directed by James Hohmeyer & Grace Marra Sponsored by

Spilling secrets of song and stage ROAD WARRIORS: The (Mostly) True Tales of Two Old Theatre GuysJanuary 27 & 28, 2017 • 7:30 pm | January 29, 2017 • 3 pmJoin Choral Director James Hohmeyer, Managing Director Dexter Brigham and a myriad of talented friends as they swap questionable war stories about smoky backstage shenanigans, onstage hijinks and other tales of a misspent youth, all while regaling their adoring crowd with song!Directed by James Hohmeyer and Dexter Brigham

2016 - 2017 Center Stage

Choirs

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Live Voice!

RE/MAX of Midland Wayne & Karen Crosby

I am so excited about next season’s choral offerings! Our choirs have gained an international reputation through participation in the 2014 World Choir Games in Latvia, and the 2016 Spittal Festival in Austria. In this, my final year as director of Center Stage Choirs, I hope to see you in the audience so you can experience for yourself the amazing power of the live voice as we present thrilling works – some well known and some waiting to be discovered! See you at the concert!

~ James Hohmeyer, Director of Choral Programs

One world, many voices! EARTHSONGS March 4, 2017 • 7:30 pmThe Chorale and Bella Voce singers explore songs from across the globe featuring the human voice in thrilling, remarkable and unforgettable ways.

The perfect evening for any musical theatre lover! LULLABIES OF BROADWAYApril 22, 2017 • 7:30 pmCome on along and listen to the Lullabies of Broadway! No, they won’t put you to sleep, but they are the stuff that dreams are made of. Members of our Center Stage Choirs and Theatre groups perform some of Broadway's most enduring, foot-stomping classics, from the early days of the Great White Way through the golden age of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and into today’s Broadway of Stephen Sondheim and Stephen Schwartz. Hear the thrilling, soaring melodies of the Great White Way, performed on the Auditorium stage by our own local talent and orchestra. This event will feature a farewell tribute to Midland's esteemed conductor, James Hohmeyer, who will be retiring this season.Directed by James Hohmeyer

Wholesome fun for the entire family! MEN OF MUSIC Spring ShowApril 28 & 29, 2017 • 8 pm | April 29, 2017 • 2 pmThe always-entertaining Men of Music will tickle your funny bone with costumed skits and wholesome fun for the entire family!Directed by Grace Marra

Exceptional vocal talent! CAMERATA SINGERS June ConcertJune 25, 2017 • 7 pmThe Camerata Singers, the elite vocal ensemble of Center Stage Choirs, presents a unique repertoire. From the Renaissance to contemporary choral music, the sound of the human voice raised in song is a uniquely memorable experience.

mcfta.org | 989.631.8250 | 800.523.7649

Power of Voice

the Live

Season sponsors

*Long Day's Journey into Night's February 18 performance: Act 1 will begin at 3 pm; Act 2 will begin at 7 pm. There is an optional dinner between acts for an additional fee.

2016-2017 Center Stage

Theatre

Winner of 5 Tony Awards®!THE DROWSY CHAPERONESeptember 24 & 30, October 1, 7 & 8, 2016 • 7:30 pm September 25, October 2 & 9, 2016 • 3 pmStart with two lovers, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone. Then add a generous splash of glitz, glamour and drama. The result is a loving send-up of the Jazz age musical featuring one show-stopping song-and-dance number after another! Music & lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison | Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar Directed by Dexter Brigham | Choreographed by Rita Gnida

World premiere of original drama “HOMETOWN” ~ ANONYMOUSDecember 8 & 9, 2016 • 7:30 pm | December 10 & 11, 2016 • 3 pmThe artists of Center Stage Theatre are proud to unveil a new play, developed from stories submitted by members of our community, and woven into a revealing narrative that honors America’s legacy as a nation of immigrants. Immigration is a powerful issue in America today, but one experienced almost entirely through the lens of the media. Hometown Anonymous seeks to make that discussion local, to bring friends and neighbors together to experience our shared story, our journey from a far-off land.Directed by Keeley Stanley-Bohn

Madcap tour de force! Alfred Hitchcock's THE 39 STEPSJanuary 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2017 • 7:30 pm | January 15 & 22, 2017 • 3 pmHitchcock’s classic 1935 film of mystery and suspense comes to life on the stage to hilarious effect as the entire film script is faithfully reenacted by just four actors, complete with high-speed chases, daring escapes and the occasional stabbing. This audience favorite is an absurdly enjoyable, gleefully theatrical riff on the Master of Suspense’s spy tour de force!Adapted by Patrick Barlow | Directed by Bill Anderson, Jr.

2017 Cornerstone Series selection LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHTFebruary 18, 2017 • 3 pm* | February 19 & 26, 2017 • 2 pm February 25, 2017 • 7 pmA single day in the home of the Tyrone family reveals deep bonds of love damaged by addiction, blame and resentment. Eugene O’Neill’s explosive, semi-autobiographical Pulitzer Prize-winning drama reveals a family mired in the dark recesses of a bitter, troubled past. Written by Eugene O’Neill | Directed by Matt Hutchinson Sponsored by Midland Area Community Foundation and Neil & Annmarie Hawkins.

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For the of

Love Theatre!

Center Stage Theatre is raising the bar every time we raise the curtain! During the upcoming year, our local theatre artists will write and present a world premiere, continue our exploration of the American cornerstone plays and, as always, knock your socks off with big, bold, ambitious musicals. I can’t wait for opening night of the season to arrive, just so we can unveil what might be the best season ever at Center Stage Theatre!~ Dexter Brigham, Managing Director

mcfta.org | 989.631.8250 | 800.523.7649

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Sizzling dark comedy! VENUS IN FURMarch 10 & 11, 2017 • 7:30 pmA casting call for an actress to play the lead in an adaptation of the classic sadomasochistic tale Venus in Furs turns up an actress utterly unsuited for the part. However, as director and actress work through the script, they blur the line between play and reality, entering into an escalating game of submission and domination only one of them can win. This play is Center Stage's entry into the 2017 AACTFest Competition, and will be performed in that format: a one-hour, self-contained production with an audience talkback immediately following.Adult language and subject matter.Written by David Ives | Directed by Susie Polito

The ultimate family adventure!Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEASTMarch 25, 31 & April 1, 2017 • 7:30 pm | March 26 & April 2, 2017 • 3 pmDisney’s beloved musical returns in all its splendor! Belle’s attempt to rescue her father leads to her capture by the Beast, a fearsome monster transformed by an enchantress. For the Beast to become human again, he must learn to love before a magical rose loses its petals. The Beast’s enchanted household – including Mrs. Potts and little Chip – wait anxiously for Belle and the Beast to confess their love before it’s too late. Featuring songs such as “Be Our Guest,” “Something There” and “Beauty and the Beast.”Music by Alan Menken | Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice | Book by Linda Woolverton Originally Directed by Robert Jess Roth | Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions Directed by Tommy Wedge Sponsored by

Demented humor, as horrifying as it is hilarious.ASSASSINSMay 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20, 2017 • 7:30 pm May 14 & 21, 2017 • 3 pmBold, original and disturbing – Assassins lays bare the lives of nine individuals who tried to assassinate the President of the United States. From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, this musical journey bends time and space; a nightmarish roller coaster ride in which assassins from different historical periods inspire each other to harrowing acts in pursuit of glory and fame.Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Book by John Weidman Directed by Michael Wisniewski

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2016-2017Center Stage

Peanut Gallery & Youth Choirs

Tomorrow's Stars

Adventure into the creative possibilities of the mind! THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTHNovember 11 & 12, 2016 • 7:30 pm | November 12 & 13, 2016 • 3 pmFollow Milo's adventures into the Land of Wisdom, where an argument between King Azaz and his brother, the Mathemagician, has led to the banishment of Princesses Sweet Rhyme and Pure Reason. Milo embarks on an amazing journey to rescue the princesses and returns home realizing that his attitude toward learning will never be the same again.Peanut Gallery | Performed by 6th, 7th, and 8th graders Written by Susan Nanus Based on the book by Norton Juster Directed by Cheryl & Larry Levy

Start your family holiday celebrations with a smile! CENTER STAGE YOUTH CHOIRS Holiday ConcertDecember 14, 2016 • 7 pmNothing brings holiday cheer as quickly as children's voices raised in song! Join the Center Stage Youth Choir ensembles as they present a delightful one-hour program of holiday favorites to start the seaason with a smile. Directed by Heather DeGroot, Tracey Kempsell & Jillian Seamster

Talented local performers! CENTER STAGE YOUTH CHOIRS Spring ConcertApril 19, 2017 • 7 pmMidland's premier choral program for young singers will welcome the coming warm weather by wowing your family in this one-hour concert showcasing talented local performers, and featuring over 100 young musicians. Directed by Heather DeGroot, Tracey Kempsell & Jillian Seamster

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Harness the power of imagination when you introduce the children in your life to the magic of live entertainment! They’ll discover a world of clever wordplay, storybook excitement, and an honest look at the struggles of youth.

mcfta.org | 989.631.8250 | 800.523.7649

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A musical theatre mash-up!DOROTHY IN WONDERLANDJune 15, 16 & 17, 2017 • 7:30 pm | June 17 & 18, 2017 • 3 pmThe worlds of Oz and Wonderland collide in this fantastically fun musical romp! When a whirlwind whisks Dorothy, Toto, the Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man away to Wonderland, they encounter all of Alice’s most famous friends, eventually teaming up with them against the wicked Red Queen.Peanut Gallery | Performed by 4th, 5th, and 6th graders Book by Brian Taylor | Music by Bill Francoeur | Lyrics by Scott DeTurk Directed by Bill Heeschen Sponsored by

Compelling tale of youth looking to belong THE OUTSIDERSAugust 3, 4 & 5, 2017 • 7:30 pmPonyboy Curtis is caught up in battles between the rich kids and his tough, underprivileged "Greaser" friends in this classic coming-of-age tale that offers adolescents an authentic voice, and forever changed how Young Adult fiction is written.Interim Theatre | Performed by 13- to 21-year-olds Book by S.E. Hinton | Adapted by Christopher Sergel

mcfta.org | 989.631.8250 | 800.523.7649

1801 W. Saint AndrewsMidland, MI 48640mcfta.org

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Celebrating 45 Years

YOU

HERE.Belong

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