Sheen Center to Feature Grace McLean, Megyn Kelly, and More
By: Julie Musbach Jan. 05, 2018
The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture has announced its 2018 Winter/Spring season, a rich program of theater, film, music, poetry and talk events featuring artists and thought leaders including NBC's Megyn Kelly, MSNBC host Chris Matthews and CNBC senior contributor Larry Kudlow, indie singer-songwriter mother-and-daughter duo Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche, celebrated author Sapphire,actress-singer-songwriter Grace McLean, Fox News' chief national correspondent Ed Henry, Director of the Vatican Observatory Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J., author George Weigel, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and events tackling themes ranging from civility in the American media, race in America, science and spirituality, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, as well as Lessons In Hope.
Tickets/reservations for all event at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture 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 is a forum to showcase works highlighting the true, the good, and the beautiful. Located downtown on historic Bleecker Street, the Sheen Center is a vibrant new arts organization that focuses on theater, music, film and talk. A project of the Archdiocese of New York, the state-of-the-art complex encompasses the 270-seat Loreto Theatre, equipped with five-camera high-definition live-stream capability and a multi-track recording studio; the 80-seat Black Box Theatre; four rehearsal studios; and an art gallery. It was named after the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, best known for his popular, inspirational radio and TV ministry in the 1950's and 60's.
"The Sheen Center is a new locus of intelligent, thoughtful and entertaining programming here in New York City," says William Spencer Reilly, Executive Director of The Sheen Center. "We are settling in for a winter of discussions of serious issues such as civility in America in the media with MSNBC's liberal Chris Matthews and CNBC's conservative Larry Kudlow, and race in America through storytellers Sapphire, Major Jackson, and Patrick Phillips; socially conscious music from some memorable acts including Suzzy Roche and daughter Lucy Wainwright Roche, Tom Paxton and the DonJuans, and Dom Flemons; and great theater including a new play about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, a revival of the classic The Rainmaker, and a New York premiere about the Little Rock Nine. We invite all New Yorkers, whether liberal or conservative, believer or non-believer, to come and be engaged in civil discussions about some of the big news of the day and to celebrate the arts' ability to remind us of Fulton Sheen's calming mantra, 'Life is worth living.'"
Highlights of the 2018 Winter/Spring Season include:
THEATER
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
Produced by Frog & Peach
February 1 - 25 in the Black Box Theater
Known for cinematic pace, thrills and for never "dumbing down" the text, Frog & Peach's A Midsummer Night's Dreamcombines the First Folio text, gorgeous acting and an edgy, rock 'n' roll sensibility to turn regular New Yorkers into lifelong Shakespeare fans. Tickets: $26.95.
HOW THE NUNS OF NEW YORK TAMED THE GANGS OF NEW YORK
Directed by George Heslin
Produced and created by Turlough McConnell
February 28 in The Loreto Theater
Back by popular demand, experience this celebration in music, dance and story of the Sisters of Charity of New York from their tumultuous founding in the 19th century. "A luminous theatrical experience." Tickets: $20.
THE SIGNATURE PROJECT
March 8 - 25 in The Loreto Theater
This multi-sensory theatrical experience has at its core a 76'x36' mural layered with hidden secrets. Watch this mural come to life as artist Patrick Dunning ingeniously weaves stories, music, dance and images in the great tradition of Irish artists. Tickets: $55 Orchestra, $45 Mezzanine.
PYGMALION
March 12 - April 22 in the Black Box Theater
After their triumphant Sense and Sensibility, Bedlam returns to The Sheen Center with a new production of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion. Bedlam Artistic Director Eric Tucker will direct. Tickets: To Be Announced.
THE RAINMAKER
Produced by Blackfriars Repertory Theatre
April 27 - May 20 in the Black Box Theater
A stage classic by N. Richard Nash from the golden age of American theater, The Rainmaker is the story of a charismatic stranger who arrives in town on a hot summer day, bringing hope to a drought-stricken town as well as a lonely spinster in this deeply romantic fable of love, longing, hope and fulfillment set in the American West of the 1920's. Tickets: $27.
TOLKIEN AND LEWIS: OF WARDROBES AND RINGS
New York premiere of a new play by David Payne
May 22 - June 14 in the Black Box Theater
J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, the two great lions of literary fantasy, meet one last time at Oxford's "Bird and Baby" pub. Unresolved disagreements and estrangements are thawed by humor, confession and reconciliation. Remarkable lives. Memorable theater. Tickets: To Be Announced.
LITTLE ROCK
A new American play by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj
Produced by Rebel Theatrical Managament, LLC
May 30 - August 5 in The Loreto Theater
This play by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj tells the story of nine brave students who wanted a better education at a white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas at the dawn of the civil rights movement in 1957, three years after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. Little Rock became ground zero in the fight to integrate public schools across America. With the aid of an emerging technology called television, the world met a brave and stalwart group of black teenagers who would become known as The Little Rock Nine, along with a supporting cast including a defiant Governor, a resolute President, and 11,000 federal troops. Tickets: To Be Announced.
Get a preview of Rebel Theatrical's Little Rock at a reading of excerpts from the play on Thursday, February 22 at 3PM. This special afternoon event is free (reservations required) and includes a panel discussion about a seminal chapter in American history. Panelists for the post-reading discussion will include Carlotta Walls, one of the members of the Little Rock Nine.
SHEEN CENTER THEATER FESTIVAL
June 22 - 24in the Black Box Theater
Over three days, the second annual festival will present several fully mounted short plays and full-length staged readings, showcasing a new generation of Catholic playwrights. Tickets: $18.
MUSIC
Inspirations: Women And Their Muses Series
Lauren Kinhan - "A SLEEPIN' BEE"
Thursday, January 11, 2018: at 7PM discussion with the artists, 8PM concert in The Loreto Theater
This live music event celebrates the launch of Lauren Kinhan's latest album, "A Sleepin' Bee." With her first all-standards collection, Kinhan pays tribute to the legendary Nancy Wilson on the occasion of Wilson's 80th birthday. The concert will be preceded at 7PM by a talk with award-winning recording engineer Elliot Scheiner, Lauren, and arranger Andy Ezrin. Tickets: $35.
Back On Bleecker Street: Music For Social Change Series
SUZZY ROCHE & LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE
Friday, January 26, 2018 at 7:30PM in The Loreto Theater
Folk and indie singer-songwriter mother-and-daughter duo Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche bring their latest collaboration, "Mud and Apples," to the stage. The album is a mix of original songs and much-loved covers of music by icons such as Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks. The concert includes a discussion with the Suzzy and Lucy hosted by John Platt of WFUV Radio. Tickets: $35.
Back On Bleecker Street: Music For Social Change Series
Tom Paxton & THE DONJUANS
Friday, February 23, 2018 at 7:30PM in The Loreto Theater
The legendary Tom Paxton started out in the folk music scene of early '60's Greenwich Village. Today, he's a prime influence on today's New Folk performers. He is joined by Grammy winning singer-songwriter duo The DonJuans (Don Henry and Jon Vezner). WFUV's John Platt hosts and talks with the musicians.Tickets: $35.
Indie Band Series
TWISTED PINE
Friday, March 22, 2018 at 7:30PM in the Black Box Theater
Genre-bending band Twisted Pine is a new force in American music. Their debut album showcases four versatile players and singers writing and improvising across bluegrass, folk, funk, jam, and vintage radio pop a la Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers. Tickets: $25.
CELTIC NIGHTS - OCEANS OF HOPE
March 28 - April 9 in The Loreto Theater
Direct from Ireland, this is the epic story of the Irish diaspora seeking a better place, liberty, freedom and,above all, family. Told through Irish eyes via song, music, laughter, dance, and narration featuring a stunning cast of talented performers from Ireland. Tickets: $89.
Inspirations: Women And Their Muses Series
Grace McLean & THEM APPLES
Friday, April 20, 2018 at 7:30PM in The Loreto Theater
Grace McLean is an actress-singer-writer-teacher with a sound that's quirky, jazzy, irreverent, sassy and full of rhythm. Inspired by women as diverse as JoniMitchell, Fiona Apple, Liz Swados andHildegarde von Bingen, Manhattan User's Guide writes, "[She has] seriously infectious melodies with seriously antic lyrics ... Her voice can Raise the Roof, or ... break your heart."Tickets: $35
Back On Bleecker Street: Music For Social Change Series
DOM FLEMONS and VICTORY BOYD
Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 7:30PM in The Loreto Theater
Spend an evening with Dom Flemons, Grammy Award- winning musician, singer-songwriter and slam poet. Flemons mixes traditional music forms with a contemporary approach, creating new sounds for wider audiences.Flemons draws from a wide rangeof styles, including ragtime, Piedmont blues, spirituals,southern traditional music, fife and drum music, string band music and jug-band music. Victory Boyd's music is a fusion between soul and folk music. Some people describe her as in the lane of Tracy Chapman, Roberta Flack, and Nina Simone. Beyond them, Victory brings a new youthful element to her music, rooted and grounded in jazz.
Tickets: $35
FILM
THE UNTOLD STORY OF EMMETT LOUIS TILL
A discussion with filmmakers Keith Beauchamp and Frederick Zollo
Thursday, February 1 at 8PM in The Loreto Theater
Social filmmaking at its most effective, Keith Beauchamp's documentary reconstructs the infamously brutal murder of the 14-year-old African-American boy that helped to usher in the American Civil Rights Movement. Beauchamp will discuss his film which is currently being turned into a feature by producer Fredrick Zollo (Ghosts of Mississippi), and director Whoopi Goldberg. Tickets: $15
PAUL: APOSTLE OF CHRIST
Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 7PM in The Loreto Theater
Paul (James Faulkner) suffers alone in a Roman prison, awaiting execution by Emperor Nero. Once Paul was Saul of Tarsus, high-ranking and brutal killer of Christians. Now his faith rattles Rome. At great risk, Luke (Jim Caviezel) visits the aged Paul to comfort and tend to him - and smuggle out Paul's letters to the growing community of believers. A conversation with the filmmakers will follow. Tickets Free, RSVP required.
YOUNG LEONARDO
Written and directed by Jean-Pierre Isbouts
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 6:30PM in Studios A & B
Shot on location all over Europe, this documentaryis a thriller-like quest fora mysterious second version of the famous 'Last Supper' fresco, reportedly painted by Leonardo da Vinci and his workshop for King Louis XII of France. Tickets: $10.
MY ITALIAN SECRET
Monday, April 23, 2018 at 7PM in The Loreto Theater
This film tells the story of courageous Italians and Tour de France cycling champion Gino Bartali who rescued Jews from Nazi-occupied Italy during WWII. Panel discussion after the film. Tickets: $15.
TALKS
JACKIE ROBINSON: THE FAITH BEHIND THE LEGEND
Author's Night with Ed Henry
Tuesday, February 27 at 7:30PM in the Black Box Theater
Join Fox News' chief national correspondent Ed Henry as he discusses his New York Times bestselling book "42 Faith: The Rest of the Jackie Robinson Story." Henry will be signing copies of his book after. Tickets: $10.
LESSONS IN HOPE BY GEORGE WEIGEL
With George Wiegel
Wednesday, February 28 at 7:30PM in the Black Box Theater
Preeminent Catholic Church authority and St. John Paul II biographer George Weigel shares the story of his unique, decades-spanning friendship with this towering pope. Weigel will be signing copies of his book after. Tickets: $10.
RACE IN AMERICA: TELLING OUR STORIES
A conversation with Sapphire, Major Jackson, and Patrick Phillips
Tuesday, February 20 at 7:30PM in The Loreto Theater
Stories can be drivers of real change during these times of racial tension. A conversation with readings by author Sapphire (Push), poet and professor Major Jackson (Hoops), and poet and author Patrick Phillips (Blood at the Root: A Racial Cleansing in America). Moderated by Obie-winning producer Kelley Girod (Fire This Time Festival). Tickets: $25.
A NEW WAY OF SEEING: THE CHURCH AND CONTEMPORARY ART & FILM
Thursday, March 22 at 7PM, 2018 at 7:30PM in Studios A & B
Bishop Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Culture, offers reflections on modern art and cinema from aChristian perspective with Fr. Robert Lauder of St. John's University. Tickets: $10.
Poetry Series
THE TRUE, THE GOOD, AND THE BEAUTIFUL: PART 2
Monday, April 16, 2018 at 7:30PM in The Loreto Theater
An evening of readings and performance of mystical poetic texts led by Fr. George Drance, S.J., from the Song of Songs, St John of the Cross and Rumi.Tickets: $10.
Poetry Series
WONDEROUS THAT TREE: THE CROSS IN POETRY
Led by Fr. Sebastian White, O.P.
Wednesday, February 21 & Wednesday, March 7 at 7PM in Studio A
In this two-part series, participants will explore the connection between theology and literature by reading poems focusing on the Cross.Tickets: $10 (includes both sessions).
HOLY ENTREPRENEURS
Game changers who are revitalizing the Catholic Church
Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 7PM in Studios A & B
Join author Chris Lowney as he talks with people who use creativity and commitment to the Church to invigorate parish life through innovative leadership.Tickets: $10.
THE ERASMUS OPTION
By Gregory Wolfe, founder of Image Journal
Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 7PM in in Studios A & B
In an era of fierce culture wars, many Christians believe that the best way to preserve their faith and way of life is through withdrawing from the public sphere, using the analogy of the monastic life. Gregory Wolfe argues that a bettermodel for these times is that of Christian Humanism, exemplified in the person of the great Renaissance scholar, Erasmus.Tickets: $10.
CIVILITY IN AMERICA: PART 2 - THE MEDIA
Chris Matthews & Larry Kudlow, moderated by Fr. Matt Malone, S.J.
Wednesday, May 2 at 7PM in The Loreto Theater
Part 2 of this new series features Larry Kudlow, Senior Contributor for CNBC, and Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews," who will dissect the polarization of American society, importance of a free press, and power of the media to build walls and bridges. Moderated by Fr. Matt Malone, S.J.,editor-in-chief of America Magazine. Tickets: $20, $15 Students.
JESUITS AND JEDI: SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE AGE OF STAR WARS
Tuesday, April 10 at 7PM in The Loreto Theater
Blast off with Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J., Director of the Vatican Observatory, as he tours us through the cosmos and some of his favorite (and least favorite) science fiction stories and movies. Joining him is Dr. Charles Camosy of FordhamUniversity.Tickets: $15, $10 Students.
TV BARES SOUL: AN INTIMATE EVENING OF CONVERSATION WITH Megyn Kelly
Hosted by Fr. Edward L. Beck, C.P.
Saturday, April 28 at 7PM in The Loreto Theater
Fr. Edward L. Beck, C.P. hosts an intimate conversation with NBC Today Show host Megyn Kelly about her career, faith, life choices, struggles and high points. She will also address topics from her #1 New York Times bestselling book, Settle For More: experiences with sexual harassment in the workplace, her experience with Donald Trump, the state of the media today, and how her faith has helped her weather the storms. Tickets: $30-$60.
ART
The Gallery at The Sheen Center is free and open from 9am to 11pm daily. The entrance is on Elizabeth Street at Bleecker Street.
ON A TIPPED CHAIR
Works by Jared Boechler
February 8 - 23
Opening Reception, Thursday, February 8 at 6:00PM
This solo exhibition marks the first time that both the oil paintings and their companion scents are being presented together.
WINDOWS TO HEAVEN
March 1 - April 1
Opening Reception, Thursday, March 1 at 6PM
A selection of new Coptic Christian artworks by brothers Fr. Francis Fayez and Ayman Fayez.
BACKDOOR TO EASTER: THE ART OF ALFONSE BORYSEWICZ
April 5 - May 4
Opening Reception, Thursday, April 5 at 6PM
This collection of old and new paintings makes its first appearance in over 30 years "bathed in faith."
THE CARDINAL'S PORTRAIT
Works by Richard Hearns
May 9 - 17
Richard Hearns unveils the official portrait of Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. The portrait will be on display with smaller studies in oil.
NINE: LRCH 1957
Curated by Ajamu Kojo
May 14 - July 6
Opening Reception, Thursday, May 24 at 6PM
A group multimedia exploration and examination of the Little Rock Nine curated by Ajamu Kojo Chioke Walker.
Tickets/reservations for all events at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture are available online at SheenCenter.org, by phone at 212-925-2812, in-person at The Sheen Center box office, or OvationTix.com.
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