Eisemann Center Announces 2018-2019 Season

The Eisemann Center and the City of Richardson announced the 2018-2019 Season of Eisemann Center Presents (ECP) at the Annual Season Preview Party on Thursday, May 10, 2019. The season includes our two full subscription series: Jeffrey Siegel's Keyboard Conversations with a total of four concerts; and the Family Theatre Series with four productions and the accompanying immersive children's program Eisemann Extras. In addition we have 11 Music & Dance performances featuring a diverse mix of programming and artists; five Theatre & Comedy productions with 18 performances, including new works by returning artists Jaston Williams, Steve Solomon and Pat Hazell along with four Family & Broadway Specials productions with eight performances.

MUSIC & DANCE

GRAEME JAMES / Thu, Oct. 11, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Born in Nelson, New Zealand, GRAEME JAMES started playing violin in the Netherlands as a seven year old with the desire to become a classical concert violinist. He pursued this goal throughout high school as well as branching out into folk and Celtic music, playing fiddle and singing in his family's folk band at local events. It was while he was at university that he put down the violin and started learning other instruments, the most significant of which being the acoustic guitar, which enabled him to start writing and playing his own songs. In 2010, he bought a loop pedal which would finally allow him to combine and layer the various instruments that create his unique sound.

CALLAS IN CONCERT / Sat, Oct. 27, 2017 at 7:30 pm
The Eisemann Center is proud to present the return of the original opera diva Maria Callas. Performing her greatest hits, accompanied on stage by the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, the internationally renowned musical sensation is set to return with CALLAS IN CONCERT - THE HOLOGRAM TOUR. Through cutting edge technology and extraordinary theatrical stagecraft, this first of its kind live concert brings the famed opera star back 40 years following her passing through breathtaking state-of-the-art digital and laser projection for a live full concert.

A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION OF HOPE AND UNITY / Tue, Dec. 11, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Featuring the Sonos Handbell Ensemble with Frederica von Stade and the Dallas Street Choir
Join us for this very special holiday musical event featuring the world-renowned SONOS HANDBELL ENSEMBLE and famed mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade. Along with the featured artists, the DALLAS STREET CHOIR, which is comprised of those experiencing homelessness, will bring their inspirational talents to this magical family concert.

THE TEN TENORS - HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS / Tue, Dec. 18, 2018 at 7:30 pm
THE TEN TENORS are undoubtedly one of Australia's most successful touring entertainment groups of all time, with more than 90 million people worldwide witnessing their unmistakable charm, camaraderie and vocal power. Following 17 years of sell-out performances across the globe, including more than 2000 of their own headline concerts, THE TEN TENORS have cemented their place as one of the worlds most loved classically based contemporary music groups.
HERMAN'S HERMITS Starring Peter Noone / Fri, Jan. 11, 2018 at 7:30 pm
At the age of fifteen, Peter Noone achieved international fame as lead singer of the legendary Sixties pop band Herman's Hermits. His classic hits included: "I'm Into Something Good" "Mrs. Brown, you've Got A Lovely Daughter," "I'm Henry VIII, I Am," "Silhouettes," and many more. Ultimately, HERMAN'S HERMITS sold over sixty million recordings. Accompanied by his band, HERMAN'S HERMITS, Noone consistently plays to sold-out venues the world over. He has a legion of faithful fans (known as "Noonatics") whose loyalty is unparalleled.
BUMPER JACKSONS / Fri, Feb. 1, 2019 at 7:30 pm
The BUMPER JACKSONS are hot and sweet, painting America's story from the seductive sounds of New Orleans to the hollers of the Appalachian Mountains. Folding together early styles of jazz, blues, and country swing, BUMPER JACKSONS strike a bold yet elegant balance between paying homage to the traditions and fashioning their own unique, DIY sound. The BUMPER JACKSONS' hard-driving energy brings you into the center of a party where everyone's invited and the dance floor never sleeps.

Paul Taylor DANCE COMPANY / Sat, Feb. 9, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Returning to the Eisemann Center for a ninth appearance, the Paul Taylor DANCE COMPANY, established in 1954, is a National Treasure and one of the world's most sought-after dance troupes. Mr. Taylor has become an American cultural icon, a living legend, and one of history's most celebrated artists. His dancers travel the globe, bringing his ever-burgeoning repertoire to theaters and venues of every size and description.

SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION / Thu, Feb. 21, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Grammy nominated drummer SAMMY MILLER has become known for his relentless focus on making music that "feels good" as a drummer, singer, and bandleader. Upon completing his Master's at The Juilliard School, Sammy formed his ensemble, THE CONGREGATION. As a band they are focused on sharing the power of community through their music-joyful jazz. This is the third return engagement for SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION due to popular demand.

ARLO GUTHRIE - ALICE'S RESTAURANT / Fri, Feb. 22, 2019 at 7:30 pm
ARLO GUTHRIE has been known to generations as a prolific songwriter, social commentator, master storyteller, actor and activist. Back by popular demand, this tour is in celebration of the 50th anniversaries of the film Alice's Restaurant, Woodstock...and 50 years of Flower Power. During the tour Guthrie will perform The Alice's Restaurant Massacree in its entirety along with select songs from every full length studio album he's released.

THE HUNTS - DARLIN' OH DARLIN' / Fri, Mar. 15, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Known for their harmony-laced take on alt-folk, THE HUNTS are a Chesapeake, Virginia-based band of seven siblings who've been playing music together almost their entire lives. Inspired by shared memories, THE HUNTS have created songs that capture heartache and wonder with a wide-eyed but wistful elegance. THE HUNTS hold true to a songwriting process that taps into each member's unique strengths but remains intensely collaborative. That unified approach infuses their music with an irresistible richness of spirit and graceful simplicity.

THE YOUNG IRELANDERS - ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION! / Sun, Mar. 17, 2019 at 3:00 pm
Each and every year the Irish Cultural Academy brings together some of its finest exponents of Irish traditional music, song, and dance as part of one sensational group known as THE YOUNG IRELANDERS. These performers are still in their 20's and are unique among their peers, in that they are all world and Irish national champions in their disciplines. This will be a fun St. Patrick's Day Celebration for the entire family.
THEATRE & COMEDY

Jaston Williams IN CLEAR TO PARTLY CRAZY / Oct. 19-20, 2018 (Three performances)
Announcing the premiere of Jaston Williams in his new one man show CLEAR TO PARTLY CRAZY, where he holds forth on subjects all Texans understand; cheerleading, tornadoes and certifiably insane blood relatives. Travel with him from grandstands, to storm cellars to the occasional mental institution, laughing all the way. This show contains mature content.

FROM BROOKLYN TO BROADWAY IN ONLY 50 YEARS / Nov. 16-17, 2018 (Three Performances)
An evening of hilarious comedy from Steve Solomon, author and star of one of the longest running one-man comedies in Broadway history: My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy. This will be a night of pure enjoyment as Steve, using his gift for acting, dialects and voices, brings to life 20 or more oddball people in hysterical situations that we all relate to...from family to friends...from TSA officers to Steve's doctors...from BROOKLYN TO BROADWAY IN ONLY 50 YEARS!

MY FUNNY VALENTINE with PAT HAZELL & DINA BLIZZARD / Feb. 15-18, 2019 (Four Performances)
Join comedians Pat Hazell, one of the original writers for NBC's Seinfeld and a veteran of The Tonight Show, and Dena Blizzard, as they come together for an evening of hilarious and heartwarming standup comedy. Topics include relationships, dating, parenting and family life, and there will be a chance to ask for free relationship advice as Pat and Dena answer questions from the audience. There is a special Valentine's Day Date Night package with: two tickets to the Feb. 14 show, valet parking, dinner at Prelude Café with champagne and a post-show Meet & Greet with the artists for $200 per couple.

THE BEST OF THE SECOND CITY / Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2019 (Four Performances)
This must-see show features the best sketches and songs from The Second City's history made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more?as well as their trademark improvisation. Come see where it all began during this special engagement. This production is presented in partnership with the UT Dallas School of Arts & Humanities. This show contains mature content.

THE SECRET COMEDY OF WOMEN: GIRLS ONLY / Apr. 11-14, 2019 (Four Performances)
GIRLS ONLY is an original comedy that celebrates the honor, truth, humor and silliness of being female. With a two-woman cast and an audience full of raucous, laughing women, the show is a unique examination of all things feminine that even men will enjoy. Born out of the earnest writings the two authors discovered in their girlhood diaries, GIRLS ONLY is a mix of sketch comedy, improv and audience participation. This show contains mature content.

FAMILY THEATRE SERIES
Eisemann Center Presents' Family Theatre Series is a Sunday matinee series in the Hill Performance Hall for children and families of all ages. The popular Eisemann Extras program enters its sixth season with immersive pre-show activities designed to stimulate and engage our youngest patrons. Admission for Extras is sold separately from Family Theatre Series subscriptions.

TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY/ Sun, Oct. 28, 2018 at 2:30 pm
Tomás, the son of migrant workers, was born in Texas and loves the stories Papa Grande tells to him. One day while his family is in Iowa picking crops, Tomás meets the Library Lady and nothing is ever the same again. Soon his imagination takes off as he reads book after book, discovering a world filled with dinosaurs, tigers, and explorers!

PAGETURNER ADVENTURES - THE MAGNIFICENT CIRCUS MYSTERY / Sun, Nov. 18, 2018 at 2:30 pm
A steamer trunk, a mysterious book, and a hat belonging to Harry Houdini begin a show filled with magic, juggling, unicycling, and physical comedy. The audience must solve clues, overcome obstacles, and figure out a 90 year-old-secret as they help to create the story from beginning to end. Based on a real character, the kids are empowered to write about people and events in their own lives, while discovering how authors develop story ideas.

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS AND OTHER STORIES / Sun, Jan. 20, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Theatreworks USA presents their newest musical revue of beloved contemporary children's books including: Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin; Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein; The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds; Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo; and Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa School Days by Erica Silverman.

SHH! WE HAVE A PLAN / Sun, Mar. 31, 2019 at 2:30 pm
A nonverbal tale featuring magic, music, and puppetry based on the Chris Haughton book of the same name. Follow the delightful and surprising journey of a family adventuring through the woods ? when they see a beautiful bird perched high in a tree, each of these three madcap characters have a plan to capture it! Join us as the youngest teaches everyone that kindness and treating nature with respect is more important than getting what you want at any cost.
FAMILY & BROADWAY SPECIALS

THE WIZARD OF OZ / Oct. 12-13, 2018 (Three performances)
A spectacular celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film, THE WIZARD OF OZ will blow you away from the moment the tornado touches down and transports you to a dazzling Oz, complete with munchkins and flying monkeys. The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow in this lavish production, featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography, and classic songs.

THE BOY WHO WOULD BE CAPTAIN HOOK / Sat, Jan. 26, 2019 at 3:00 pm
In a moving, yet humorous look at growing up, David Harrell brings to life a story of his childhood in THE BOY WHO WOULD BE CAPTAIN HOOK. Born without his right hand and fitted with a prosthetic hook before he starts school, he is kept on the sidelines of recess until the game becomes Peter Pan! He fits perfectly into the game as Captain Hook but soon grows tired of playing the part and decides he wants to be a hero. What happens when you decide not to be defined by your circumstances and change the game? With appearances from hilarious and colorful characters from his childhood, David serves as story teller and performer, teaching the importance of accepting and including others that may not look exactly the way that we do.

B - THE UNDERWATER BUBBLE SHOW / Sun, Mar. 10, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Inspired by Cirque du Soleil, the show is rich in various stage effects using the latest laser technologies, snow cannons, soap bubble tornadoes, theatrical fog, gigantic smoke rings, smoke-filled soap bubble machines, optical illusions and many other surprises. After another long day-as always filled with things to do, meetings and deadlines to be met-Mr. B finds himself transported, as if by magic, to a special, colorful, happy place called Bubblelandia. The "inhabitants" of Bubblelandia-seahorses, dragonfish, starfish, mermaids, clownfish and others-will carry Mr. B along his imaginary journey in this beautiful underwater world, where fantasy becomes reality.

STOMP / March 22 & 23, 2019 (Three performances)
STOMP, the international percussion sensation, makes its Eisemann Center premiere in March 2019. A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, STOMP has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expression: both household and industrial objects find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments - matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps - to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
JEFFREY SIEGEL'S KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS

Jeffrey Siegel's Keyboard Conversations are piano concerts with broad, popular appeal and lively commentary, making the music more accessible and meaningful for all. Each piece is performed in its entirety and there is a question and answer session following the concert. Piano and music teachers may request one complimentary ticket for each ticket purchased (single or subscription) to bring a student to experience a Keyboard Conversations concert. Series sponsored by Dr. John F. Dixon.
Jeffrey Siegel's Keyboard Conversations Concerts for 2018-2019 are:

THE JOYOUS MUSIC OF BEETHOVEN / Mon, Oct. 22, 2018 at 7:30 pm

COMMEMORATING RACHMANINOFF AND DEBUSSY / Mon, Dec. 10, 2018 at 7:30 pm

THE ROMANTIC CONNECTION - CHOPIN, SCHUMANN AND LISZT / Mon, Feb. 4, 2019 at 7:30 pm

CHOPIN IN PARIS / Mon. Apr. 15, 2019 at 7:30 pm
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MULTI-SHOW FLEX PACKAGES

Family Theatre Series subscriptions range from $36.00 to $66.00, a savings of 25% off single ticket prices. The Keyboard Conversations series subscriptions range from $102.00 to $120.00 at a 25% discount off single ticket prices. All ticket prices include a $2.00 non-refundable facility maintenance fee. Subscriptions may now be renewed or purchased online at www.eisemanncenter.com/subscriptions.

Due to the artistic diversity of the Family & Broadway Specials, Theatre & Comedy and Music & Dance productions, these events are not packaged as subscription series. All of these shows, as well as the other shows in the season qualify for our tiered discount flex program, in which you can build your own entertainment package with a minimum of any four shows and enjoy savings up to 20%. The Multi-Show Discount Program does not guarantee the same seats, but offers you flexibility of choice economically (different price levels and quantity of seats on a show-by-show basis), as well as artistically. If you are a subscriber to one or more of our subscription series, those shows will also count towards this discount flex package. All shows must be ordered at the same time in order to receive the discount benefits offered and may be ordered online at www.eisemanncenter.com/subscriptions.

Single tickets may be purchased online at www.eisemanncenter.com, by telephone and in person beginning Monday, July 9, 2018. For more information, call the Eisemann Center Ticket Office at 972-744-4650. The Ticket Office is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and one hour prior to curtain time for all events. Flex packages and subscription orders are on sale now at the Ticket Office.

The Eisemann Center is a City of Richardson facility located in the Galatyn Park Urban Center at 2351 Performance Drive in Richardson, Texas. Eisemann Center Presents 2018-2019 Season sponsors include the University of Texas at Dallas School of Arts & Humanities, Dr. John F. Dixon and media partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA-TV and WRR Classical 101.1 FM. Additional support provided by Altrusa International of Richardson, Texas, Inc., Richardson East Rotary Club, Robert Winn and Raising Cane's.

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