Sheen Center Announces Fall/Winter Season 2018

The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture has announced its 2018 Fall/Winter season, a rich program of theater, film, music, poetry, art, and talk events featuring artists and thought leaders including Princeton professors Cornel West and Robert P. George; Grammy Award winner George Winston; two-time Tony Award nominee, Grammy nominee, and author Reg E. Gaines; Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and Oscar-winning writer and director John Patrick Shanley; Pulitzer Prize winning poet Sharon Olds; the Tony-nominated star of Harry Potter & The Cursed Child, Jamie Parker; Benedictine nun and former Hollywood leading lady Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B.; Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York; and events tackling topical national themes including civility on college campuses; police and refugee relations; and race, faith and identity politics.

Tickets/reservations for all events at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture (18 Bleecker Street, at the corner of Elizabeth Street) are available online at SheenCenter.org, by phone at 212-925-2812, in-person at The Sheen Center box office, or OvationTix.com.

The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture (www.sheencenter.org) is a New York City arts center located in NoHo that presents a vibrant mix of theater, film, music, art and talk events. A project of the Archdiocese of New York, The Sheen Center serves all New Yorkers by presenting performances and artists that reflect the true, the good, and the beautiful. Named for the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, best remembered as an inspirational author, radio host and two-time Emmy Award-winning television personality, The Sheen Center reflects his modern-day approach to contemporary topics. The Sheen Center is a state-of-the-art theater complex that includes the 270-seat off-Broadway Loreto Theater, equipped with five-camera high-definition TV and live-stream capability and a multi-track recording studio; the 80-seat off-off-Broadway Black Box Theater; four rehearsal studios; and an art gallery.

"We at The Sheen Center are excited about our upcoming fall/winter season, which is full of intelligent, thoughtful and uplifting programming," says William Spencer Reilly, Executive Director of The Sheen Center. "We are preparing for a fall that includes discussions of civility in America on campus with Princeton professors Cornel West and Robert P. George; authors' nights with Rachael Marie Collins and Mother Dolores Hart, Jonah Goldberg, Leah Libresco Sargent and Eve Tushnet, and Fox News' Juan Williams; music from George Winston, New York Voices who are celebrating their 30th anniversary, and Ireland's Lúnasa; poetry, spoken word and rap performances from Sarah Kay and friends, La Bruja aka Caridad De La Cruz, Reg E. Gaines, and Sharon Olds; and great theater with the New York premiere of the musical All Is Calm about the Christmas Truce of 1914, a new one-man play about Freddie Prinze, and an evening about Tony-winning musical Come From Away We invite all New Yorkers, whether liberal or conservative, believer or non-believer, to come and be engaged and entertained by what they're seeing and to celebrate the arts' ability to remind us of Fulton Sheen's mantra, 'Life is worth living.'"

Highlights of the 2018 Winter/Spring Season include:

FILM

JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL

November 2 - 4

The third annual showcase of inspirational feature films, documentaries, and shorts, showcasing stories of social justice, unexpected courage and redemption, diverse in issues and geography. Five features will be presented, each with an appropriate short film and followed by a talkback with the filmmakers. The full slate of features and shorts will be announced in late August. Your Festival Pass gets you in to see all films for one low price. $40 Festival Pass/$15 per film.

Highlights of this year's Festival include:

Emanuel - The untold story of the victims and survivors of the Emanuel A.M.E. Church shooting in Charleston, SC in 2015.

The Heart of Nuba - An inspirational portraitof American doctor Tom Catena as he selflessly and courageously serves the needs of a forgotten community in the Nuba Mountains of war-torn Sudan.

American Beat: Cops and Refugees Join Forces in Boise - Three heartwarming stories inter-twine, chronicling the groundbreaking efforts of Boise, Idaho police officers to integrate and mentor refugees from war-ravaged parts of the world.

(Visit sheencenter.org for the full Justice Film Festival schedule)

INTO THE NIGHT: SCREENING AND PANEL

October 17 at 7PM in the Loreto Theater

Screening of an uplifting new documentary by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Helen Whitney that grapples with death and dying. Followed by a panel discussion featuring the filmmaker. $12

FOR LOVE ALONE: PREMIERE

Presented by the Frassati Fellowship NYC

October 19 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater

The story of women religious, giving their lives, for love of God. $12

THEATER

ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914

November 9 - December 30 in the Loreto Theater

This a capella musical recalls the moment when French, British, and German soldiers emerged from the trenches and laid down their arms to celebrate Christmas together, a glorious respite from the horrors of World War I.

$49 previews/$69/$89

BACKSTAGE BROADWAY: COME FROM AWAY

November 12 at 7PM in the Black Box Theater

Tony Award nominee Chad Kimball sings and interviews Kevin Tuerff, the real-life inspiration for his character in Broadway's Come From Away.Kevin's life was forever changed when he and 6,600 other strangers landed in Gander, Newfoundland.

$25

PRINZE: THE ONE-MAN SHOW

October 24 - November 18 in the Black Box Theater

Prinze charts the meteoric rise and tragic fall of '70's comedy icon Freddie Prinze, whose short life opened doors for the next generations of Latino performers.

$35

TALK

CIVILITY IN AMERICA: ON CAMPUS

Presented by The Sheen Center and America Media

December 18 at 7PM in the Loreto Theater

The Civility in America series continues with Princeton professors Cornel West and Robert P. George, a liberal and a conservative debating civility in higher education, moderated by Fr. Matt Malone, S.J., Editor in Chief of America Media. $20 ($15 students)

JESUITS & JEDI EPISODE II: THE DOMINICANS STRIKE BACK!

September 29 at 7PM at the Loreto Theater

Explore questions about good and evil via Star Wars with Dominican priests, author Fr. Humbert Kilanowski, O.P. and SIRIUS XM radio host Fr. John Maria Devaney, O.P. $15 ($10 Students)

ALFRED E. SMITH: THE MAN BEHIND THE DINNER

Presented by the Archdiocese of New York

October 1 at 6:00PM in the Loreto Theater

Timothy Cardinal Dolan and a panel of authors and historians reveal the legendary Al Smith, former New York governor and first Catholic presidential candidate. FREE (RSVP required)

THE JOHN COURTNEY MURRAY, S.J., LECTURE: RESTORING CIVILITY TO THE PUBLIC DISCOURSE

Presented by America Media

October 4 at 6:30PM in the Loreto Theater

Lecture by Arthur Brooks, President of the American Enterprise Institute. $15

THE 2018 ALBACETE LECTURE ON FAITH & CULTURE

Presented by the Crossroads Cultural Center

October 27 at 8PM in the Loreto Theater

Lecture by author and academic D.C. Schindler on the essence of freedom and its forgotten origins. FREE (RSVP required)

ANNUAL FULTON SHEEN LECTURE

December 9 at 1PM in the Loreto Theater

Monsignor Hilary Franco, former assistant to Archbishop Sheen, and Alexis Walkenstein, editor of a compilation of Sheen's writings, celebrate the life and legacy of Fulton Sheen. FREE (RSVP required)

FAITH AND DUTY: THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY IN TIMES OF WAR

December 15 at 4PM in the Black Box Theater

This panel discussion will examine the role that faith plays in times of war, beginning with the rise of the chaplain corps during the First World War. $10

14TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERARY AWARDS

October 6 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater

Recognizing and honoring the outstanding achievements and contributions of African-American writers in the publishing, arts and entertainment industries. $55/VIP Reception $75

MOTHER Dolores Hart

Presented by St. Paul Center

October 18 at 6PM in Studios A&B

Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B. discusses Called by God: Discernment and Preparation for Religious Life with author Rachael Marie Collins. $10

MUSIC

GEORGE WINSTON

November 27 at 8PM in the Loreto Theater

Grammy Award-winning solo pianist plays favorite pieces spanning his five-decade career, which includes nearly 20 solo albums and soundtracks. $35/$45/$65

New York Voices 30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

October 12 at 8PM in the Loreto Theater

Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader, and Kim Nazarian celebrate 30 years of collaboration as New York Voices, whose critically acclaimed style of close-knit voicings, inspired arrangements, and unparalleled vocal blend will be on display in this anniversary concert. $25/$35/$45

In addition to the concerts above, there is more music programming in the CHRISTMAS listing.

AUTHORS NIGHTS

JUAN WILLIAMS

October 5 at 7PM in the Loreto Theater

Fox News' Juan Williams discusses his new book, What The Hell Do You Have To Lose? Trump's War on Civil Rights. $10

JONAH GOLDBERG

December 12 at 7PM in the Black Box Theater

National Review Senior Editor Jonah Goldberg discusses his book Suicide of the West: How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics is Destroying American Democracy. $10

LEAH LIBRESCO SARGEANT AND EVE TUSHNET

December 13 at 7PM in the Black Box Theater

Leah Libresco Sargeant (Building The Benedict Option: A Guide to Gathering Two or Three Together in His Name) and Eve Tushnet (Christ'sBody, Christ's Wounds) discuss their books with America Media's Kerry Weber. $10

SPOKEN WORD/RAP/POETRY

THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM:

A NIGHT OF POETRY WITH SARAH KAY, ANIS MOJGANI, CLINT SMITH AND HANIF ABDURRAQIB

October 3 at 7:30 PM in the Loreto Theater

Sarah Kay and friends return to the Loreto Theater for an evening of incredible poetry and spoken word. $20/30/45

PAGE MEETS STAGE WITH SHARON OLDS & OCEAN VUONG

Presented by Page Meets Stage

October 28 at 6PM in the Loreto Theater

An evening of poetry from Pulitzer Prize winner Sharon Olds and T.S. Eliot Prize winner Ocean Vuong. $25

LA BRUJA

September 27 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater

Caridad De La Cruz, aka La Bruja, is a Bronx- born performer considered one of America's leading spoken word poets. $20/$30/$45

Reg E. Gaines

October 2 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater

The two-time Tony Award nominee, Grammy nominee, and author of four books of poetry brings his unique art to life on stage. $20/$30/$45

CHRISTMAS AT THE SHEEN CENTER

In addition to ALL IS CLAM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 (see THEATER listing), The Sheen Center presents the following Christmas season offerings:

 

OLIVER MESSAIEN: VINGT REGARDS SUR L'ENFANT-JÉSUS

December 10 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater

Five of New York's most distinguished contemporary pianists join together to perform Olivier Messiaen's profound meditations on the Infant Jesus. $20/30 ($15 students)

LÚNASA: CHRISTMAS FROM IRELAND, with special guest Ashley Davis

December 11 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater

A musical, spoken word, and entertainment tapestry that takes the audience back to the band's Irish homeland in the days leading up to Christmas. $25/$35/$45

SHEEN CENTER FAMILY CHRISTMAS

December 17 at 7PM in the Loreto Theater

Tony nominee Jamie Parker, Broadway's Harry Potter, reads the holiday poem "The night Before Christmas," choirs sing, and the event capsoff with a screening of a classic holiday short film. $15 ($10 students)

MINI COURSES

IMPROV FOR EVERYONE

September 10 - October 22 in Studio C

Discover your inner stand-up with this six-week improv comedy course taught by seasoned performers Adam Hamway and Paul Valenti. $199 for for six classes

THE GREAT BOOKS SERIES: PART 1

October 3, November 14, December 5 at 7PM

Journalist, poet, and author James P. MacGuire discusses three great Catholic novels in three sessions: Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited,Graham Greene's The End of the Affair, and Walker Percy's The Thanatos Syndrome. $20 for three classes

John Patrick Shanley WORKSHOP

Presented by the Australian Theatre Company and 16th Street Actors Studio Australia

October 21 - 25 in the Loreto Theater

Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and Oscar-winning writer and director John Patrick Shanley leads a five-day acting workshop. See website for details.

GALLERY

All exhibitions are in The Gallery (in the Elizabeth Street lobby), from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. FREE

ON SOLITUDE: THE ART OF MATTHEW KIRBY

August 9 - September 7

Paintings attempt to locate both the personal and the remote through traditional and nontraditional techniques on an intimate scale. Opening reception: August 9, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

BARABBAS'S GARDEN: THE ART OF JENN CACCIOLA

September 13 - October 12

Free stitch embroidery merges with wood lithography and the human voice in an interactive exhibition. Opening reception: September 13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

 

KISUMU: ART FROM THE MWANGAZA ART SCHOOL

October 18 - November 16

Art from students of Mwangaza Art School in Kenya. Opening reception: October 18, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

FAITH & DUTY: NEW YORK'S CHAPLAINS IN WORLD WAR I

Curated by Kate Feighery and Bridget Cusick

November 21 - December 15

Accompanying the musical All is Calm in the Loreto, World War I as seen through the words of chaplain priests and soldiers who served from the Archdiocese of New York. Opening reception: November 29, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

THE ETERNAL DIVINE: THE ART OF OKSANA PROKOPENKO

December 20 - January 18, 2019

Exquisite oil paintings and micro-mosaics composed of tiny pieces of glass. Opening reception December 20, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2019

Looking ahead, The Sheen Center's 2019 winter/spring lineup will include:

ALL OUR CHILDREN

The U.S. premiere of Stephen Unwin's new play from London's West End, directed by Ethan McSweeney. It's January 1941, Nazi Germany. Terrible crimes are taking place in a clinic for disabled children. One brave voice is raised in objection. But will anyone listen? (March-May)

MOVIES THAT MATTER

Screenings of celebrated films. Each will be followed by a moderated discussion about the film's message. (Dates TBA)

Eileen Ivers

9-time all-Ireland fiddle champion Eileen Ivers, her band and special guests Raise the Roof with the best in Irish music! (March)

MISSISSIPPI BURNING 30TH ANNIVERSARY

A panel featuring producer Frederick Zollo will discuss the impact of the film on today's world. A screening of the Oscar-winning film about the murder of three civil rights workers in 1964 Mississippi will precede the panel. (February)

The full winter/spring 2019 lineup of Theater, Music, Film, and Talk events -- such as Civility in America: The Media; Lives Worth Living; Heavenly Images: Art and the Catholic Imagination; In the Courtyard of the Gentiles: At the Creative Crossroads Between Secular and Religious Imaginations; Great Preachers series; and more authors' nights - will be unveiled in December.

Tickets/reservations for all events at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture are available online at SheenCenter.org, by phone at 212-925-2812, or in-person at The Sheen Center box office Monday to Friday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.