Schimmel Center Announces Programming For 2018-2019 Season; Mandy Gonzalez, Ana Gasteyer, and More

Schimmel Center-located in the heart of downtown Manhattan at Pace University-today announces programming for its 2018-2019 season, featuring 30 events spanning multiple genres including award-winning comedy, dance, cabaret, folk and rock, documentaries, world music, and family programming.

The season launches with a weekend of star-studded solo appearances on September 28 and 29. Mandy Gonzalez (Nina in the original Broadway cast of the Tony-Award-winning-musical In the Heights, and currently appearing as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton) performs songs from her new EP, Fearless: B Sides-a follow-up to her debut album, Fearless, released in 2017-on Saturday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. Fearless: B Sides includes songs such as "I Only Have Eyes for You," "Bein' Green," and her first ever Spanish language recording, "Vivir Mi Vida." The title song of the album, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, utilizes Mandy's personal story to explore political and familial issues.

The previous evening, Friday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m., stand-up comedian and actress Caroline Rhea-known for her portrayal of Aunt Hilda on Sabrina, The Teenage Witch as well as hosting NBC's The Biggest Loser, and Game Show Network's newest half-hour series Caroline & Friends-performs a solo set.

Additional programming highlights include:

• Brooklyn-based comedian, writer and podcaster Hari Kondabolu-one of Variety's 2018 "Comics to Watch" and known for his documentary "The Problem with Apu" and Netflix special "Warn Your Relatives"-in an hour long stand-up show (November 8);

• calling glenn by Ate9, a collaboration and performance with Wilco percussionist Glenn Kotche (November 10) which addresses contemporary human experiences and desires through a fusion of music, visual art, and dance, with choreography by Ate9 Artistic Director Danielle Agami;

• An Evening with Ronny Chieng, Dulcé Sloan, and Rory Albanese (February 14) featuring correspondents and alumni from Comedy Central's The Daily Show;

• and the first annual Crossing Bridges Music Fest, celebrating traditional and modern Americana with performances by contemporary singer-songwriters and legacy artists including Janie Barnett, Paula Cole, Jonathan Coulton, Adam Ezra Band, Dom Flemons, Abbie Gardner, Vance Gilbert, and The Kennedys on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. in addition to a singer-songwriter circle on Friday, May 10 at 3:00 p.m.

Throughout the season, Schimmel Center presents artists and ensembles from across the globe including: Indian classical music violinist and vocalist L. Shankar joined by his friends and musical colleagues, tabla maestro Abhijit Banerjee and percussionist Chris Garcia (October 7); Irish playwright, author, journalist, radio host, and leader of Black 47 Larry Kirwan Ireland in America: A History in Song (February 22); and Ukrainian band DakhaBrakha (June 15).

Folk and rock performances feature all-female country group Farewell Angelina (October 5); four-time World Series Champion and Latin Grammy-nominated guitarist and composer Bernie Williams and his All-Star Band (October 12); Charleston, South Carolina-based quintet Ranky Tanky performing music of the Gullah culture (March 10); and banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin "Celtgrass" fusion collective We Banjo 3 (March 24).

Dance programming includes: Lower Manhattan-based Battery Dance in a world premiere, as well as Secrets of Paving Stones and On Foot (February 28); and a solo show by founding member of Sylvain Émard Danse, choreographer and dancer Sylvain Émard, in Le chant des sirènes (March 22).

Continuing its tradition of family-centric programming, Schimmel Center presents the action-filled dance journey of light and sound iLuminate (September 15 and 16); a special screening of Disney's Mary Poppins complete with an audience sing-along and a visit from Mary Poppins (February 10); and the award-winning Chinese circus company New Shanghai Circus (February 24). Pre-concert activities take place an hour prior to event start time in the lobby for all family programs.

In addition to performances by Caroline Rhea and Hari Kondabolu, comedy programming includes solo shows by three-time Emmy Award winner Louie Anderson (November 15) and Yakov Smirnoff (March 23).

Film screenings include the documentary Sacred: Milestones of a Spiritual Life, an exploration of the daily use of faith and spiritual practice, followed by a post-screening Q&A with Executive Producer Dr. Bill Baker (September 20); the Director's Cut of Little Shop of Horrors (October 30); and Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, a documentary that examines the story of the only US bank to face criminal charges in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, followed by a post-screening Q&A with members of the Sung family (November 14).

Cabaret offerings feature the return of the Salon Songbook series in two performances: Feeling Wicked: The Magical Side of the American Songbook with music by Harold Arlen, Lerner and Loewe, Cy Coleman, Stephen Schwartz, Andrew Lloyd Webber, plus Disney classics (November 3); and Baby, Dream Your Dream: The Great Women Songwriters, spotlighting the musical contributions of Marilyn Bergman, Dorothy Fields, Mary Rodgers, Jeanine Tesori, Betty Comden, Carolyn Leigh, and more (March 9); as well as Ana Gasteyer's holiday show Holiday Tipple with favorites such as "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," "Baby, It's Cold Outside," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and more (December 14).

Other performances include: the return of The Rob Mathes Holiday Concert (December 16); 1964: The Tribute, replicating a live Beatles concert (February 21); and 50s, 60s, and 70s rock 'n' roll group The Bronx Wanderers (May 18).

"Schimmel Center is a hidden gem, a performing arts center for everyone," said Martin I. Kagan, Assistant Vice President, Cultural Affairs at Pace University. "We're looking forward to pushing boundaries and bringing together generations through a diverse lineup of world-class artists who seek to educate, inspire, provoke, and entertain throughout our 2018-19 season. Audiences who come to one or many of our programs this season will feel very close to the artists. It's one of the many things that both the audience and the artists love about the Schimmel Center: It's warm, it's welcoming, it's intimate."

2018-19 Schimmel Center Programming

iLuminate
Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

iLuminate, the action-filled journey of light and sound, tells the story of a group of 20-somethings who dance to the beat of life in a city of glowing colors and heart-pounding tempos. The production uses popular and classic hits by Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, James Brown, Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, LMFAO, The Wanted, and Sam Smith, together with technological elements to create a glowing visual design.

Sacred: Milestones of a Spiritual Life
Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Shot by more than 40 filmmaking teams around the world, Sacred immerses the viewer in the daily use of faith and spiritual practice, and explores faith as a primary human experience, and how people turn to ritual and prayer to navigate the milestones and crises of private life. The film unifies these collected scenes into a single work, told without narration and without experts. Following the screening, there is a Q&A with Executive Producer Dr. Bill Baker.

Caroline Rhea
Friday, September 28, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Stand-up comedian and actress Caroline Rhea brings her fresh, smart and spontaneous approach to comedy in her solo show. She is well-known for her role of Aunt Hilda on Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, and has also appeared as the host of NBC's The Biggest Loser, as well as Hollywood Squares, and The Drew Carey Show.

Mandy Gonzalez
Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Mandy Gonzalez-currently appearing in Broadway's Hamilton, in addition to appearing as the original Nina Rosario in Lin Manuel Miranda's Tony Award winning musical In the Heights-performs songs from her recently released album, Fearless: B-Sides, a follow-up EP to her solo debut album, Fearless.

Farewell Angelina
Friday, October 5, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

All-female country group Farewell Angelina-comprised of four powerhouse vocalists, dynamic songwriters, and renegade multi-instrumentalists-gives a performance featuring their blend of stringed instruments, including two violins, together with unique harmonies. The concert is hosted by Paul Guzzone with special guest Michael Bacon of The Bacon Brothers, who will also give a performance.

L. Shankar (AKA L. Shenkar)
Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Virtuoso Indian classical music violinist and vocalist L. Shankar collaborates with tabla maestro Abhijit Banerjee and percussionist Chris Garcia, playing the South Indian ghatam (clay pot) and kanjira (frame drum), for a rare New York appearance.

Bernie Williams and His All-Star Band
Friday, October 12, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Four-time World Series champion and Latin Grammy nominated guitarist and composer Bernie Williams and his All-Star Band, give an evening of music featuring fusions of jazz, rock, and the tropical rhythms of Williams' Latin heritage.

Little Shop of Horrors: Director's Cut
Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

The rarely seen Director's Cut version of the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors-which tells the tale of a giant singing plant and stars Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin, and John Candy with 1960s pop-rock score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken-is shown on the big screen. Live entertainment, a costume contest, and a cash bar are held in the Schimmel Center lobby beginning one hour prior to the screening.

Salon Songbook
Feeling Wicked: The Magical Side of the American Songbook
Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

The Salon Songbook concert Feeling Wicked: The Magical Side of the American Songbook features the timeless music of Harold Arlen, Lerner and Loewe, Cy Coleman, Stephen Schwartz, Andrew Lloyd Webber, plus Disney classics, and more, on a journey through the mysterious, magical, and miraculous. The concert is created and hosted by Deborah Grace Winer with music direction and arrangements by John Oddo, and direction by Mark Waldrop. Guest vocalists to be announced.

Hari Kondabolu
Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Brooklyn-based comedian, writer and podcaster Hari Kondabolu, one of Variety's 2018 "Comics to Watch" and known for his recent documentary "The Problem with Apu", does and hour-long stand-up show. He has performed on The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live, John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show, and @Midnight; his Netflix special "Warn Your Relatives" debuted in May 2018.

calling glenn by Ate9
Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

Ate9 performs calling glenn with music composition and percussion by Glenn Kotche (Wilco), who also appears with the company. The piece addresses contemporary human experiences and desires through a fusion of music, visual art and dance, with choreography by Ate9 Artistic Director Danielle Agami.

Abacus: Small Enough to Jail
Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

The documentary Abacus: Small Enough to Jail tells the story of the only US bank to face criminal charges in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The indictment and subsequent trial forced the Sung family to defend themselves and their bank's legacy in the Chinatown community over the course of a five year legal battle. Following the screening, there is a Q&A session with members of the Sung family.

Louie Anderson
Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Three-time Emmy Award winner Louie Anderson, one of the country's most adored comics, gives a solo performance. Recognized by Comedy Central as "One of 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time," his career has spanned more than 30 years. Louie won his most recent Emmy for his portrayal of Christine Baskets, Zach Galifianakis' mother, on the FX series Baskets.

Ana Gasteyer: Holiday Tipple
Friday, December 14, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Singer, actress and comedian Ana Gasteyer (Saturday Night Live, Netflix's Lady Dynamite, ABC's The Goldbergs), celebrates the holiday season together with her musical ensemble as a follow-up to her hugely popular cabaret show I'm Hip!

The Rob Mathes Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 16,2018 at 4:00 p.m.

Emmy winner and Grammy and Tony-nominated arranger/composer, music producer/director, and singer/songwriter Rob Mathes celebrates 25 years of holiday concerts with his band of all-star musicians, including instrumentalists from Saturday Night Live and the Late Show with David Letterman, in an afternoon of funk and R&B-laden original tunes, holiday classics, and audience favorites.

Mary Poppins Sing-Along
Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.

Disney's Academy Award winning film Mary Poppins-about a magical nanny, two mischievous children, and a carefree chimney sweep-is shown on the big screen on the heels of the release of Mary Poppins Returns. Pre-show activities beginning one hour prior to the screening include games, prizes, and a meet and greet with Mary Poppins.

An Evening with Ronny Chieng, Dulcé Sloan, and Rory Albanese
Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

As seen on Comedy Central's The Daily Show, stand-up comedians Ronny Chieng, Dulcé Sloan, and Rory Albanese bring their unique blend of wit and humor to the stage.

1964: The Tribute
Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

1964: The Tribute replicates a live Beatles concert featuring songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era, including the suits, boots, and hairstyles made famous by the Beatles. The concert features Mark Benson as John, Mac Ruffing as Paul, Tom Work as George, and Bobby Potter as Ringo, as well as a 15-piece orchestra conducted by Robert Miller.

Ireland and America: A History in Song with Larry Kirwan
Friday, February 22, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Through a mix of storytelling, acting, and singing, A History in Song combines Larry Kirwan's 25 years of experience leading the band Black 47 with his parallel career as a playwright, author, journalist, and radio host. Kirwan and his band explore the roots of the Irish-British conflict, emigration to the USA, and life in New York City's Five Points neighborhood, where Irish immigrants and African-Americans created modern pop culture and tap dancing.

New Shanghai Circus
Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.

The New Shanghai Circus presents feats of breathtaking tumbling, balancing, and juggling, representing over 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions.

Battery Dance
Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Battery Dance gives a performance of the critically acclaimed 2017 piece On Foot, featuring visual imagery created live by guest artist Kevork Mourad; Secrets of the Paving Stones, dedicated to the spiritual history of the city of Kraków; plus a world premiere.

Salon Songbook
Baby, Dream Your Dream: The Great Women Songwriters
Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

The Salon Songbook concert Baby, Dream Your Dream: The Great Women Songwriters features music by Marilyn Bergman, Dorothy Fields, Mary Rodgers, Jeanine Tesori, Betty Comden, Carolyn Leigh, and more, including songs from Once Upon a Mattress, Sweet Charity, and On the Town. The concert is created and hosted by Deborah Grace Winer, with music direction and arrangements by John Oddo, and direction by Mark Waldrop. Featured soloists to be announced.

Ranky Tanky
Sunday, March 10,2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Charleston, South Carolina based quintet Ranky Tanky performs timeless music of Gullah culture, born in the southeastern Sea Island region of the United States, from playful game songs to ecstatic shouts, and heartbreaking spirituals to delicate lullabies.

Le chant des sirènes
Choreographed and Performed by Sylvain Émard
Friday, March 22,2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Sylvain Émard returns to the stage after a 15-year absence in Le chant des sirènes, rediscovering himself as a dancer changed by the passage of time as he ventures into the fascinating territory of experimentation. The striking solo piece probes the states of being of a man who wants to believe that all is not lost.

Yakov Smirnoff
Saturday, March 23,2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff performs his solo stand-up act. He has previously appeared at The White House at the personal request of three American presidents, in addition to appearing on The Tonight Show and Night Court, and movie roles alongside Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Jack Nicholson, and Meryl Streep.

We Banjo 3
Sunday, March 24,2019 at 7:30 p.m.

We Banjo 3, dubbed the "Irish version of Chris Thile and Punch Brothers" by NPR, finds common ground between old world tradition and authentic Americana by playing their banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin in an innovative fusion of styles that they dub "Celtgrass."

Crossing Bridges Music Fest
Friday, May 10,2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 11,2019 at 3:00 p.m.: Singer-Songwriter Circle
Saturday, May 11,2019 at 7:30 p.m.

The first annual Crossing Bridges Music Fest celebrates traditional and modern Americana with performances by contemporary singer-songwriters and legacy artists including Janie Barnett, Paula Cole, Jonathan Coulton, Adam Ezra Band, Dom Flemons, Abbie Gardner, Vance Gilbert, and The Kennedys. Janie Barnett, Dom Flemons, Abbie Gardner, and The Kennedy's also host a song swap, where the artists play favorites and share stories behind the songs.

The Bronx Wanderers
Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

The Bronx Wanderers delivers a high-octane '50s, '60s, and '70s rock 'n' roll experience featuring songs that contributed to the success of hits like "American Graffiti", "Happy Days", and "A Bronx Tale".

DakhaBrakha
Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

DakhaBrakha, a playful band from Kiev, Ukraine, performs new songs from its latest album, The Road, as well as old favorites. Reshaping ancient and contemporary Ukrainian music, DakhaBrakha's hypnotic textures meld soulful folk and ritual songs with Balkan, African, jazz and R&B music.

Schimmel Center, located in the heart of downtown Manhattan at Pace University, presents a unique and diverse array of world-class artists who seek to educate, inspire, provoke, and entertain. Award-winning comedy, dance, cabaret, folk and rock, documentaries, world music, and family programming is presented in an intimate setting with affordable ticket prices. For more information, visit SchimmelCenter.org.

Schimmel Center is accessible via the A, C, 2, 3, 4, 5, J, or Z to Fulton Street (William Street Exit), 4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn Bridge Exit), and R to City Hall (Broadway Exit); via the Path Train to the World Trade Center stop; and via bus by the M1, M9, M15, M22, M102, B51 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Stop or the M6 to City Hall/Broadway.

Schimmel Center subscription packages for the 2018-2019 season are currently on sale. Single tickets for all 2018-2019 performances will go on sale on Tuesday, August 14 at Noon. Tickets are available at www.schimmelcenter.org, by calling 212-346-1715 or by visiting the box office located at 3 Spruce Street. The Schimmel Center box office is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, Noon to 5:00 p.m. and three hours prior to performances.