Brooklyn's On Stage at Kingsborough Announces 2016 Performing Arts Season!

On Stage at Kingsborough, a premier performing arts presenter located at Brooklyn's Kingsborough College is pleased to announce its 2016-2017 season, featuring world class artists from around the globe. On Stage at Kingsborough aims to bring top notch performing arts to South Brooklyn with an eclectic roster of artists spanning multiple genres including music, dance, theatre and family programming.

Music highlights include Rockapella, a group known for their A Capella maestros and the ability to vocally recreate a big band sound. Master jazz drummer Winard Harper and his group Jeli Posse will play jazz standards and joyful compositions celebrating the traditions of African roots and Caribbean rhythms. From Russia, Siberian Virtuosi will perform selections from Bach and Vivaldi paired with contemporary music from Western and Russian composers. Legendary Broadway songstress and TONY award winner Chita Rivera will recreate the famed Broadway hits that made her a legend. Golem, a modern klezmer band will kick off the Hanukkah celebration with its infectious brand of energy coupled with traditional klezmer sounds. MusicTalks, an organization that breaks down the barriers between musicians and audience will host award-winning vocalist Thana Alexa for an evening of outstanding jazz and stories tracing the legacy of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. Meet your favorite Broadway stars during Broadway Backstage and listen to them belt out the tunes that they sing from the world's grandest stages in addition to sharing their memorable Broadway moments and unforgettable bloopers. Natalie Douglas, acclaimed jazz and cabaret singer will perform the signature works of Nina Simone, Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, and Billie Holiday.

Dance enthusiasts can enjoy companies from around the world as they make their Brooklyn debuts. The State Ballet Theatre of Russia founded by the legendary Bolshoi Theatre Ballet principal dancer, Maya Plisetskaya will perform the family-friendly, holiday ballet classic, "The Nutcracker." From Argentina, Che Malambo, a percussive dance and music spectacle will thrill audiences with its powerhouse all-male company whose dynamic blend of precision footwork, rhythmic stomping, drumming and song is at the heart of the gaucho (South American cowboy) tradition. Fans of Celtic dance and music will welcome The StepCrew, a new show which brings together three dance forms - Ottawa Valley stepdance, Irish stepdance, and Tap that will show audiences the amazing similarities and differences between these three captivating styles, backed by world-class fiddlers and a five-piece ensemble.

Theatre aficionados can relive a musical night at Club Harlem, one of the most famous night clubs where leggy showgirls, elegant crooners, uproarious comedians, and a hot, live band took center stage. "On Kentucky Avenue" features an original score interwoven with hit songs of the time, such as "I've Been Loving You Too Long," "Shout," and "Old Black Magic." Drama lovers will flock to The Godlight Theatre Company's production of "In the Heat of the Night," adapted from the award-winning book that inspired the Oscar-winning film and Emmy-winning television series.

For children or the young at heart, On Stage at Kingsborough will offer several unique theatre productions that will inspire and uplift. All family shows will offer fans an opportunity to meet the cast post-show. From Spain's Maduixa Theatre, "DOT" is an engaging performance in which dance, theatre, music, new technologies, and the inspiration of American artist Sol LeWitt are combined to create a magical puzzle where a giant white wall is transformed into a world full of colors. From The Vital Theatre Company and based on the book by "Angelina Ballerina" author Katharine Holabird comes "Twinkle Tames A Dragon," a charming new musical where a fairy has to figure out how to tame a naughty pet dragon in time for Fairy Pet Day. Canada's longest running play, "Morgan's Journey" has been delighting children and their families for nearly three decades and is a captivating exploration of the joyous yet challenging childhood experiences that offers audiences a unique opportunity for active participation.

"On Stage at Kingsborough is bringing high caliber performances to the southernmost tip of Brooklyn. We want On Stage to be a destination for all New Yorkers passionate about the arts, while additionally providing local residents with access to these great programs in their backyard. This season's lineup features artists from around the globe who are masters of their form. From Russian ballet to Canadian theatre and the best in American jazz, cabaret, theatre and more, there is something to suit all tastes." said Anna Becker, Executive Director of On Stage at Kingsborough.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
On Stage at Kingsborough (OSK) brings artistically and culturally diverse, multi-disciplinary performances from masters of the form to the varied communities within and surrounding Kingsborough College in Brooklyn. We strive to create an environment where the arts are an accessible and integral part of life, and the Arts Center is a community gathering place for interaction and inspiration. We present world-class dance, cabaret, theatre, music, and family performances in the Leon M. Goldstein Performing Arts Center and Kingsborough's Lighthouse from September to May, and our Hot Summer Nights! free outdoor concert series at Kingsborough's bandshell every July. Our school-time shows welcome classes from local public and private schools, a majority of which serves economically-disadvantaged or special needs populations. The 2016-2017 season reflects our commitment to present world-class artists in exclusive Brooklyn engagements.

The On Stage at Kingsborough schedule is below. For the most up-to-date scheduling and line-up for all programming, follow OSK via the below links for information.

For more info visit: http://www.onstageatkingsborough.org

September 24, 2016
8:00 PM
Rockapella
Music - A Capella
Tickets: $32 - $37
The HITS Show: A Journey Through the Decades

Rockapella is an award-winning, worldwide phenomenon and one of the most sophisticated, lasting, and influential A Capella groups around. Their astonishing full-band sound seems impossible coming from just five guys with microphones - no instruments, no tracks, no mirrors!

Join Rockapella for a musically diverse evening of hits from The Beatles, Elvis, The Beach Boys, Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, The Bee Gees, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, and more!
Post-performance CD signing with Rockapella!

October 14, 2016
7:00 PM
Winard Harper & Jeli Posse with Special Guest Vocalist Denise Thimes
Music - Jazz
Tickets: $40

Enjoy wine, cheese, spectacular views, and world-class jazz at The Lighthouse!

Master drummer Winard Harper and his group Jeli Posse will play jazz standards and joyful compositions steeped in the traditions of African roots and Caribbean rhythms.

Winard Harper is one of the most celebrated drummers in jazz. A virtuoso on the drum set as well as the balafon (the West African equivalent of the marimba), he has appeared across the country, from the Kennedy Center to Yoshi's.

Guest vocalist Denise Thimes is a multi-award-winning jazz vocalist who has shared the stage with such jazz greats as Tony Bennett, Jimmy Heath, and Dr. Billy Taylor.

Special Notes: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Table seating is unreserved and patrons may be required to share a table.

October 23, 2016
3:00 PM
Siberian Virtuosi
Music - Classical
Tickets: $32 - $37
Siberian Virtuosi, the State Ensemble of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), is an ensemble of 11 violinists and a pianist. Founded in 1994, the Ensemble is led by Honored Artists of Russian Federation, Professors Larisa Gabysheva and Stanislav Afanasenko. Siberian Virtuosi has won numerous international awards, including at the International Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia; "Music Week of Tours" in France; the Grand Prix in Cremona, Italy; and many others. They perform regularly in Moscow and St. Petersburg, have toured throughout Europe, Israel, South America, and Asia, and played New York's Carnegie Hall.

The program will feature classical highlights, from Bach and Vivaldi to Tchaikovsky and Khachaturian, alongside contemporary music from Western and Russian composers.

October 29, 2016
2:00 PM
DOT
Schooltime/Family - Dance, Theatre, Music
Tickets: $12
Maduixa Theatre - Direct from Spain!

Laia takes great care to erase any stains that appear on her big white wall but she could never imagine what would happen when Dot arrives! With a little bit of magic and a lot of imagination, Dot and Laia begin a journey across music and colors, turning a simple wall into the perfect setting to make their dreams come true.

DOT is a uniquely engaging performance in which dance, theatre, music, new technologies, and the inspiration of American artist Sol LeWitt combine to create a magical puzzle where everything is possible and a giant white wall is transformed into a world full of colors.

Meet the cast after the show!

November 12, 2016
8:00 PM
On Kentucky Avenue
Theatre - Musical
Tickets: $32 - $37

A Celebration of Atlantic City's Famed Club Harlem!

There once was a hot, jumpin' street in Atlantic City called Kentucky Avenue. Tucked right in the middle and reigning supreme was Club Harlem, host to such legends as Sammy Davis Jr., Duke Ellington, Richard Pryor, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Temptations. On Kentucky Avenue takes us back to a time of great entertainment, leggy showgirls, elegant crooners, uproarious comedians, and a hot, live band. The show features an original score interwoven with hit songs of the time, such as "I've Been Loving You Too Long," "Shout," and "Old Black Magic." Join us at the Club for a fast-paced, jazzy, and pulsating musical!

November 19, 2016
8:00 PM
Chita Rivera: A Legendary Celebration
Music - Cabaret
Tickets: $$35 - $40

Come celebrate the one and only Chita Rivera in a unique solo concert event! The incomparable Tony Award winner will recreate signature moments from her legendary career including numbers from West Side Story; Sweet Charity; Chicago; Kiss of the Spider Woman; Bye, Bye, Birdie; and The Rink. In addition to a special tribute to her dear friends John Kander & Fred Ebb, the timeless music of Leonard Bernstein, Charles Strouse, Jerry Herman, and Stephen Sondheim will also be featured, accompanied by her long-time trio.

December 4, 2016
3:00 PM
Golem
Music - Klezmer
Tickets: $32 - $37

Celebrate Hanukkah with this high energy klezmer sextet!

Golem is known for its theatricality and fearlessly wild energy, combined with a boundless love of tradition. Join us for a unique Hanukkah concert filled with beloved favorites as well as original material in Yiddish, Russian, English, and French.

Golem has become a leading innovator of Yiddish and Eastern European music. The band performs nationally and internationally, is featured in several films and documentaries, and performs on a recent episode of the hit television show, "Louie."

Post-performance CD signing with the artists!

December 16. 2016
7:00 PM
The Nutcracker
Schooltime/Dance - Ballet
Tickets: $32 - $37

From The State Ballet Theatre of Russia!

Full-Length Ballet in Two Acts with Epilogue
Music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Choreography by Marius Petipa and Vasily Vainonen

The Nutcracker, a perennial holiday favorite, is an enchanting adventure through a little girl's fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers, and an army of mice. Be transported by this stunning full-scale production, with Tchaikovsky's wondrous score, choreography by world-renowned Marius Petipa and The Mariinsky's Vasily Vainonen, and 40 of Russia's brightest ballet stars in glorious costumes.

The State Ballet Theatre of Russia (from the city of Voronezh), founded by the legendary Bolshoi Theatre Ballet principal dancer, Maya Plisetskaya, is now directed by the award-winning Moiseyev Dance Company soloist Nikolay Anokhin.

February 5, 2017
2:00 PM
Twinkle Tames a Dragon
Schooltime/Family - Theatre - Musical
Tickets: $12

Based on the Book by Angelina Ballerina author Katharine Holabird

From Vital Theatre Company

Twinkle, Pippa, and Lulu have always wanted a pet and are thrilled when Fairy Godmother grants their wish. While Pippa and Lulu get cute little pets, a naughty pet dragon named Scruffy is NOT what Twinkle had in mind! Can Twinkle tame her dragon in time for Fairy Pet Day?

Twinkle Tames A Dragon, from the award-winning Vital Theatre Company, is a charming new musical based on the book of the same title by best-selling author Katharine Holabird, illustrated by Sarah Warburton.

Meet the cast after the show!

February 10, 2017
7:00 PM
Music Talks/Ella!
Music - Jazz
Tickets: $40

Enjoy wine, cheese, and outstanding Jazz at The Lighthouse!

Join MusicTalks host Elad Kabilio, the Israeli 12th Night Jazz Quartet, and award-winning vocalist Thana Alexa for an evening of outstanding jazz. The program features milestone standards that inspired the legendary Ella Fitzgerald and highlight her journey from debut performance at the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night to her groundbreaking career as one of the most celebrated jazz artists of the 20th Century.

Special Notes: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Table seating is unreserved and patrons may be required to share a table.

March 25, 2017
8:00 PM
Che Malambo
Dance - Malambo with Live Drumming
Tickets: $32 - $37

In a thrilling spectacle of percussive dance and music, Che Malambo brings awe-inspiring precision footwork, rhythmic stomping, drumming, singing, and whirling boleadoras(lassos) to our stage. Danced solely by men, the fiery malambo tradition began in the 17th century as competitive duels that would challenge skills of agility, strength, andzapeteo, the fast-paced footwork inspired by the rhythm of the galloping horses of their native Argentina.

Following a critically-acclaimed performance at City Center last season, this powerhouse company of 14 gauchos makes their Brooklyn debut.

April 1, 2017
8:00 PM
Broadway Backstage
Cabaret
Tickets: $32 - $37

Memorable Broadway Moments & Unforgettable Broadway Bloopers!

Created & Directed by Daniel C. Levine (Mamma Mia, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chicago)

Music Director: Bryan Perri (Wicked, Next To Normal, Chaplin)

From their starring roles in such Broadway blockbusters as "Chicago," "Wicked," "Les Miserables," "Mamma Mia," "Evita," and "Jesus Christ Superstar," six Broadway stars belt out the tunes that they sing for thousands every night! Hear their backstage gossip, on-stage mishaps, "big break" moments, and other insider stories - while all the time enjoying songs from today's most popular musicals.