Kean Stage Announces 2016-17 Performance Season

Highlights include Patti LuPone, Billy Porter,

Jácome Flamenco and Rennie Harris Puremovement

UNION, N.J. – Kean Stage, a presenter of world-class performances, will bring an impressive selection of Grammy® and Tony® award-winning artists, dedicated family acts events, dynamic dance companies and multicultural music, films and shows to Kean University as a part of its 2016-17 season.
 

"The stellar heart, soul and talent traditionally found on New York City stages is now available to the greater community through Kean Stage," said Steve Cochran, manager of Kean Stage. "Our audiences can choose from a varied selection of spectacular concerts, dance performances, plays, international films and children's theatre, right here in New Jersey."  

 Kean Stage inaugurates its Broadway Concert Series on Opening Night at Enlow Recital Hall on September 17 with two-time Tony® Award winner Patti LuPone in Don’t Monkey with Broadway, in which she explores, through indelible interpretations of classic Broadway show tunes, her lifelong love affair with The Great White Way. The series continues with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp (October 15), Christine Ebersole (November 12), Jarrod Spector and Kelli Barrett (February 11) and Billy Porter (April 22).

 Music and dance selections include: The Havana Cuba All-Stars (October 2), Jácome Flamenco (October 8), Turtle Island Quartet (November 20), Michael Mao Dance (January 28), Rennie Harris Puremovement (February 17) and Sweet Honey in the Rock® (February 26), an ensemble rooted in African-American history that combines dynamic a capella singing and American Sign Language.

 Kean Stage will also host its annual International Film Series beginning in October, and Premiere Stages, one of a handful of professional Equity theaters in the nation that are also full-time university programs, will stage the socially relevant Las Cruces, September 1-18.

 A delightful list of shows for young audiences and families rounds out the season's roster, including the spectacle of the Shanghai Acrobats (October 22) and Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live (March 19). And, just in time for the holidays, Kean Stage presents legendary singer/songwriter Judy Collins in her The Holiday and Hits Concert on December 18, and the classic A Christmas Carol (December 3).

 Tickets are now on sale at the Kean Stage Box Office, located in Wilkins Theatre, 1000 Morris Avenue, by phone at 908-737-SHOW (7469) or online at www.keanstage.com.

ABOUT KEAN STAGE

Kean Stage educates, entertains and challenges audiences by presenting high-quality programs that reflect the diversity of the region and of the arts. These cultural offerings complement the intellectual life of the classroom for our students, increase opportunities for community engagement, and provide affordable access to the arts for New Jersey residents. Audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy a wide range of professional theatre, Broadway tours, dance performances, concerts, international films and family-friendly shows. In addition, Kean Stage encourages University students to events, and provides several options to explore the performing arts through employment opportunities as ushers, backstage technicians and box office staff. Visit www.keanstage.com.

ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1855, Kean University has become one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving nearly 15,000 students. The University's six undergraduate colleges offer 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers four doctorate degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study leading to master's degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With campuses in Union and Toms River, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable, accessible and world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Steve Cochran

Manager of Kean Stage

Phone: (908) 737-4081

Fax: (908) 737-4636

Email: scochran@kean.edu

Website: www.KeanStage.com