FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2004
CONTACT: Faith Jackson
Office of University Relations
(908) 737-NEWS
Kean University Announces 2004-2005 Concert Season
UNION, N.J. – Kean University’s 2004-2005 Performing Arts Series promises quality and diverse entertainment to ensure that north and central New Jersey residents will need look no further than their own vicinity for the entertainment fare that they would normally travel to Manhattan to find. This year’s lineup includes internationally acclaimed music groups like Sweet Honey in the Rock and modern dance leaders like The Parsons Dance Company, to Broadway stars such as Jekyll & Hyde original cast member Linda Eder and Tony Award-winner Melba Moore, as well as educational and popular children’s programming.
Series tickets ranging from $32 to $92 are on sale now, as well as single tickets with fees from $10 to $35. Seat locations for single tickets will be assigned in late August.
Unless otherwise noted, all performances take place at the Wilkins Theatre at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union, N.J. Call 908-737-SHOW (7469) for more information.
The Kean University Performing Arts Series:
Linda Eder in Concert - Sunday, September 12, 7:30 p.m.
Broadway and concert star Linda Eder has been called the pre-eminent female
vocalist of her generation. She evokes the spirit of legendary interpreters
of American popular music like Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald, while,
at the same time, achieving a style that is uniquely contemporary and
distinctly her own. Tickets $35.
The Rocky Horror Show – Thursday September 16 to Saturday,
September 18, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, September 19, at 3 p.m.
Kean University and The Forum Theatre Company present the musical spoof
of old horror movies that has become a cult classic. Follow Brad and Janet
as they venture into the darkly comic world of Frank ‘n’ Furter
and his friends and experience every moment of campy science fiction,
fantasy and rock ‘n’ roll. Contains mature themes and
strong language. Tickets $25.
Alma Latina – Monday, October 4, 8 p.m.
Kean’s distinguished affiliate artists present the music of Spain,
Argentina and Brazil with glorious melodies, infectious rhythms and unique
Latin spirit. Tickets $10.
Shawn McConneloug and her Orchestra’s Stand On Your Man
– Friday, October 8, 7:30 pm.
Combining contemporary dance, words, music, film and video to create evocative
works to enlighten and entertain, Shawn McConneloug and her Orchestra
celebrates country and western music while challenging the way Americans
look at relationships and gender expectations. Tickets $25.
Daphne Rubin-Vega and Adam Pascal in Concert – Sunday,
October 10, 7:30 p.m.
Daphne Rubin-Vega and Adam Pascal both lit up Broadway with their debuts
in the original cast of Rent, for which they both won the Theatre
World Awards, and received Tony and Drama Desk nominations. Most recently,
Rubin-Vega appeared on Broadway in the 2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning Anna
in the Tropics, for which she also received a Tony nomination. Pascal
most recently appeared in Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida
at the Palace Theatre in New York, and has released a solo record on SH-K
BOOM Records. For this engagement, both vocalists will be performing solos
and duets of various genres including show tunes and rock, bringing the
light of the great white way to Wilkins Theatre. Tickets $35
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer – Friday, October 15, 7 p.m.
Join Tom, Becky and Huck as they go on the adventure of their lives in
this musical version of Mark Twain’s immortal novel, a tale of thrilling
escapes, comedy and inspiration for the whole family. For ages 8 to12.
Tickets $15.
New Jersey Ballet’s Evening of Contemporary Ballet –
Saturday, October 16, 8 p.m.
The state’s leading ballet company, celebrates its 46th season with
an exciting Saturday Night Series showcasing the talents of the company’s
international stars of ballet. Tickets $25.
New Jersey Ballet presents Hansel & Gretel – Sunday,
October 17, 2 p.m.
This familiar fairytale classic is accompanied by original storyteller
narration so even the youngest theatregoers can keep up with ease. There’s
no better way to introduce youngsters to the magic of ballet. Tickets
$10.
Creature From The Black Lagoon with The Jazz Passengers –
Wednesday, October 20, 7:30 p.m.
Led by fearless sax impresario Roy Nathanson, The Jazz Passengers take
on this 1954 creature- feature classic – radio-play style. That’s
right: they’re killing the sound and providing live music and dialogue
as the film rolls on the big screen above. Retro hip 3-D specs provided.
Tickets $15.
Accidental Death of an Anarchist – Thursday, October 21
to Saturday, October 23, 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, October 24, 3 p.m.
The comic genius of playwright and Nobel Prize-winner Dario Fo is fully
displayed in this audacious, irreverent and hilarious farce. Full of outrageous
pranks and madcap characters, Accidental Death is a brilliant
expose of political corruption, media manipulation and political idiocy,
Italian style. Tickets $25.
Chava Alberstein – Wednesday, October 27, 7:30 p.m.
From affectionate tunes about love and peace to songs defiant of oppression,
Chava Alberstein, one of Israel’s most accomplished singers, epitomizes
the poetry of the Israeli spirit and the heart of the Jewish people. Public:
$25
Melba Moore in Concert – Thursday, October 28, 7:30 p.m.
Melba Moore entered show business when she replaced Diane Keaton in the
original Broadway production of Hair. Since then, she has won
a Tony Award for her performance in Purlie, performed in various
musicals including Les Miserables, released her album entitled
Happy Together, and appeared in the movie The Last Temptations.
Public: $25.
Tango Tonight! The Musical – Saturday, November 20, 7:30
p.m., East Campus Theatre
The passion of the Argentine tango comes to life in this fabulous musical
journey with world-renowned Maestro Raul Juarena on bandoneon along with
his New York Tango Trio, the captivating voice of Marga Mitchell and the
visual delights of a cast of professional dancers as they share with the
audience the essence of this alluring dance. Tickets $25.
Jazz Journey – Monday, November 22, 8 p.m.
Andy Fusco, Kean University affiliate artist in saxophone and jazz, brings
his post-bebop quintet to Wilkins Theatre in another of its patented barn
burners. Tickets $10.
Very Eric Carle – Friday, December 3, 7 p.m.
Following upon the success of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and
The Very Quiet Cricket, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia draws
upon the magic of blacklight to capture the charm of three favorite Eric
Carle stories, each much beloved by several generations. For ages 3 to
8. Tickets $15.
The Chanukkah Story featuring The Western Wind and narrator Tovah
Feldshuh —Wednesday, December 8, 7:30 p.m.
The Western Wind is a vocal sextet that has devoted itself to the special
beauty and variety of a cappella music. The company, along with
guest narrator Tovah Feldshuh, who has performed on Broadway in classics
like Yentl and won a Drama Desk award for her current role in
Golda’s Balcony, explores Chanukkah’s orgins, spiritual
significance and the rituals and customs that have evolved to celebrate
it. The Chanukkah Story is comprised of 25 songs that weave together
ancient Ladino songs of the Spanish Jews, Yiddish melodies of Eastern
Europe and modern Israeli and Mexican tunes along with insightful and
informed commentary. The piece won The New York Times Critics’
Choice award for favorite holiday recording. Tickets $25.
Voice of the Dragon – Friday, December 10, 7:30 p.m.
Composer Fred Ho’s newest action blockbuster is a groundbreaking
multicultural cross-genre performance epic in a never-before-seen explosive
fusion of music and theatre with pyrotechnical martial arts, set during
the early Ching dynasty in China. The show features a cast of elite champion
martial artists and Fred Ho’s Afro Asian Music Ensemble. Tickets
$25.
Noche Buena 2004 – Saturday, December 11, 7:30 p.m.
Come celebrate La Navidad with a Latin flair. This bilingual annual event
is a wonderful holiday program full of the traditional music and dances
from throughout Latin America in celebration of the Christmas spirit,
offering audience participation and surprises that will make this an evening
that is both educational and memorable. Tickets $25
Babes in Toyland – Friday, December 17, 7 p.m.
This new, updated version of Victor Herbert’s classic holiday-season
operetta will delight the whole family as fantasy and reality are interwoven
in a land where toys walk, talk and sing. Tickets $20.
A Celtic Christmas – Saturday, December 18, 7:30 p.m.
Tomaseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas features fiery fiddles,
uileeann pipes, celtic guitar and Irish dance in a loving recreation of
the joy and innocence of a Christmas night in a rural farmhouse in the
west of Ireland. Public: $25.
My One and Only – Sunday, January 23, 3 p.m.
This Tony Award-winning musical based on Funny Face is jam packed
with the glorious music of the brothers Gershwin, and features the sensational
choreography of Tommy Tune. Tickets $25
Batoto Yetu in The Birth of Nzinga – Friday, January
28, 7:30 p.m.
This epic tale of a young African princess leading her father’s
kingdom to freedom in the 16th century is told by Batoto Yetu, a company
of more than 40 six- to 18-year-olds from Harlem through lively traditional
West African dance and original songs, with vivid costumes and live drummers.
Public: $25
New Jersey Ballet’s Evening of Contemporary Ballet –
Saturday, January 29, 8 p.m.
The state’s leading ballet company, celebrates its 46th season with
an exciting Saturday Night Series showcasing the talents of the company’s
international stars of ballet. Tickets $25.
New Jersey Ballet presents Coppelia – Sunday,
January 30, 2 p.m.
The Garden State’s leading ballet company presents this charming
19th century tale of young teens who set out to fool the grumpy old village
toymaker by pretending his favorite doll has come to life. Accompanied
by original storyteller narration so even the youngest theatregoers can
keep up with ease. Tickets $10.
Mad Science – Friday, February 4, 7 p.m.
Join our intrepid Mad Scientists as they take you on a one-hour journey
through some amazing scientific advancements that affect our everyday
lives. Unprecedented audience interaction, special effects, cool science
and hilarious antics guarantee a refreshing and memorable experience for
any child. For ages 9 to 12. Tickets $15.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – Sunday, February 6, 3
p.m.
Bursting with the rambunctious energy of the original film, this live-theatre
presentation of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is all boisterous
fun and romance that harkens back to the glory days of the movie musical.
Tickets $25.
Schubertiana – Thursday, March 3, 8 p.m.
Kean’s affiliate artists present art songs and the magnificent Great
C Major Quintet in a special arrangement for string quartet as well
as double bass works – all by Franz Schubert, the master of melody.
Tickets $10.
Parsons Dance Company – Friday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.
Hailed for his exuberant, athletic, exciting and provocative dances, David
Parsons is among the most beloved and inspiring choreographers in the
world; he recently won a Dance Magazine 2000 Award for satisfying
“a public hungry for not just entertainment, but for imagination,
beauty, innovation and enlightenment.” Tickets $25.
Alexander Who’s Not, Not, Not,…Going to Move –
Friday, March 11, 7 p.m.
Judith Viorst masterfully brings to life one of America’s feistiest
characters for young audiences in this comic, heartwarming musical about
a boy who learns a valuable lesson about obstinacy when his father is
starting a new job and everyone is excited to move – everyone except
Alexander. For ages 5 to 9. Tickets $15.
Sweet Honey in the Rock – Saturday, March 12, 7:30 p.m.
Five African-American women join their powerful voices in the sacred music
of the black church – spirituals, hymns and Gospel – as well
as jazz and blues, to create a blend of lyrics, movement and narrative
as they relate history, point the finger at injustice, encourage activism,
and sing the praises of love. Tickets $25.
Gregory Popovich's Comedy Pet Theatre – Sunday, March 13,
3 p.m.
Voted “best family attraction” in Las Vegas, with appearances
on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Show with
David Letterman, the Comedy Pet Theatre stars 15 house cats and eight
amazing dogs, all rescued from the pound. For all ages. Tickets $15.
Ars Vitalis: The New Jersey New Music Forum Goes to Lincoln Center
– Sunday, March 20, 5 p.m. at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center for
the Performing Arts, New York, N.Y.
Join Artistic Director Matthew Halper as he brings Kean’s critically
acclaimed contemporary-music series to New York City’s leading concert
venue. This special event will include three premieres for wind ensemble
and symphony including David Maslanka’s Symphony No. 7,
a work by Samuel Zyman of The Juilliard School, and Halper’s Concerto
for Flute and Wind Ensemble. Free tickets and round-trip bus transportation
to the event from campus will be available on a limited basis.
Orquesta Aragon – Saturday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.
This two-time Grammy-nominated ensemble and premier charanga band hailing
from Cuba is to Cuban music what the Count Basie and Duke Ellington orchestras
are to American jazz, and they continue to find success revisiting classic
repertoire while constantly updating their music to pay tribute to rock,
rap and African music. Their latest recording En Route was nominated for
a 2003 Grammy award. Tickets $25.
Bowfire – Friday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.
World-class violinists join forces with piano, bass, drums, guitar and
cello and take the stage by storm in this fully staged, dynamic feast
for the eyes and ears. They also step-dance, tap dance, and march in precision
formations. More than a concert, Bowfire is a total violin experience.
Tickets $25.
Springtime Showcase: Performers' Choice – Monday, April
11, 8 p.m.
Kean’s affliate artists present their special showcase concert to
delight you with their personal favorites. Tickets $10.
Mestizo Folkloric Ballet of New York in Colombia Fantasia Folklorica
III – Saturday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.
Appearing for the first time in New Jersey, this latest exciting performance
by this troupe of dancers and musicians offers the audience a breathtaking
night of theatrical spectacle in celebration of the spirit of Colombia.
Program is suitable for non-Spanish-speaking audience. Tickets $25.
Leading Ladies – Friday and Saturday, April 22-23, 7:30
p.m.; and Sunday, April 24, 3 p.m.
Broadway vocalists blend their talents in this tribute to musical theatre’s
greatest women in song. Join us for a memorable evening of some of the
best music and most beloved characters of the Great White Way. Tickets
$20.
Fuego! – Saturday, April 30, 7:30 p.m.
The Alborada Spanish Dance Theater Company and special guests bring the
passion of Iberian dance to life in this special theatrical creation that
fuses the traditions of Spanish flamenco with the evolving spirit of dance
in the present. Tickets $25.
New Jersey Ballet’s Evening of Pas de Deux – Saturday,
May 14, 8 p.m.
The state’s leading ballet company celebrates its 46th season with
an exciting Saturday Night Series showcasing the talents of the company’s
international stars of ballet. Tickets $25.
New Jersey Ballet presents Cinderella – Sunday,
May 15, 2 p.m.
This familiar fairytale classic is accompanied by original storyteller
narration so even the youngest theatregoers can keep up with ease. There’s
no better way to introduce youngsters to the magic of ballet. Tickets
$10.
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