I LOVE A PIANO, HAIRSPRAY Set For Bklyn Center For Performing Arts 55th Season

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College announces its 55th season of music, dance, theater, and family programming reflecting the multicultural diversity of Brooklyn. The outstanding line-up features performances from Jamaica, Cuba, Israel, and Ukraine as well as the United States, and includes both Brooklyn premieres and returning favorites.

"Like all Brooklyn Center seasons, 2009-2010 offers something for everyone," says Brooklyn Center Managing Director Frank Sonntag. "There are fantastic jazz artists on the season, and plenty for Brooklyn's Jewish, Ukrainian, Caribbean, and African-American communities. We are bringing back a major international orchestra for the first time in many years, and our family programs are always popular. We strive to bring an astounding variety of stellar artists that reflect the tremendous diversity of our Borough at prices that are within reach for most families. This year, in particular, I believe we have succeeded spectacularly."

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' 2009-2010 season includes:
* I Love a Piano
* Harold and the Purple Crayon
* Luna Negra Dance Theater with the Turtle Island Quartet and Paquito D'Rivera
* Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company
* Of Mice and Men
* The Colonial Nutcracker
* The Clark Sisters
* Hairspray
* The Israel Ballet - Don Quixote
* National Dance Theater Company of Jamaica
* Odessa Philharmonic
* Sleeping Beauty
* Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band
* David Broza in concert
* In the Mood
* Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
* Dirty Sock Funtime Band
* Chinese Acrobats of Hebei
* Tap Kids
* United States Air Force Band of Liberty

I Love a Piano - September 13, 2009 at 3pm
Showcasing the music of legendary songwriter Irving Berlin, this musical captures the spirit of America from the Ragtime rhythms of the early 20th century through the innocent optimism of the 1950s. Including timeless classics such as "White Christmas," "God Bless America," "Puttin' On the Ritz," and "There's No Business Like Show Business," I Love a Piano does more than define the music of a generation - it defines the music of our country.
Tickets $25

Harold and the Purple Crayon - October 11, 2009 at 2pm
Enchantment Theatre Company returns to Brooklyn Center with a new theatrical adaptation of Crockett Johnson's beloved children's classic. Using life-size puppets, masks, magic and music, this family musical tells the story of Harold, a brave and resourceful little boy who creates the world he wants to explore using only a big purple crayon and his sky's-the-limit imagination.
Tickets $6

Luna Negra Dance Theater with the Turtle Island Quartet and Paquito D'Rivera - October 25, 2009 at 2pm
Dedicated to the works of Latino choreographers, Luna Negra Dance Theater celebrates its 10th anniversary by teaming up with the bold Turtle Island Quartet and legendary jazz musician Paquito D'Rivera, both multiple Grammy Award winners, in a celebration of the rich music and dance traditions of Cuba with their newest work entitled Danzón.
Tickets $30

Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company - November 8, 2008 at 2pm
Direct from Kiev, this spectacular company of 65 dancers and musicians combines brilliant ballet techniques with traditional folk dance in a tribute to the culture, beauty and spirit of the Ukraine.
Tickets $35, $25

Of Mice and Men - November 22, 2009 at 3pm
John Steinbeck's literary masterpiece about a unique friendship between two migrant workers and their quest for the American Dream is brought to life by the Tony® Award-winning Barter Theatre.
Tickets $25

The Colonial Nutcracker - December 13, 2009 at 2pm
An annual holiday favorite at Brooklyn Center, Dance Theatre in Westchester performs an abridged, narrated version of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet set in wintry colonial Yorktown.
Tickets $6

The Clark Sisters - January 23, 2010 at 8pm
One of the top female gospel groups in the country, the Clark Sisters have pioneered contemporary gospel music for the past three decades. They bring their Grammy-winning harmonies and inspirational message to Brooklyn in an uplifting evening of music and praise.
Tickets $40, $30

Hairspray - January 24, 2010 at 3pm
Pleasantly plump Tracy Turnblad has only one desire - to dance on the "Corny Collins Show." But she's got obstacles to overcome - all without denting her 'do! Don't miss Broadway's musical comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and won eight Tony® Awards, including Best Musical.
Tickets $40, $30

The Israel Ballet - Don Quixote - February 21, 2010 at 2pm
Making their first U.S. tour in 25 years, the acclaimed Israel Ballet performs one of the most beloved full-length ballets in the classical repertoire, Don Quixote, featuring choreography by the legendary Russian Imperial Ballet Master Marius Petipa.
Tickets $30, $20

National Dance Theater Company of Jamaica - March 6, 2010 at 8pm and March 7, 2010 at 2pm
Always a Brooklyn Center favorite, this jewel of the Caribbean blends the lore, music and dance of Jamaica, Africa, and the American south with modern and classical forms. Under the direction of Professor Rex Nettleford, they will present two programs combining new works with favorites from their extensive repertoire.
Tickets $40, $30

Odessa Philharmonic - March 13, 2010 at 8pm
Directed by maestro Hobart Earle, the brilliant Odessa Philharmonic returns to the United States for the first time in ten years with a program including Shubert's Ninth Symphony (Unfinished), Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, and Saint Saëns' cello concerto featuring soloist William DeRosa.
Tickets $35, $25

Sleeping Beauty - March 14, 2010 at 2pm
Master storyteller David Gonzalez puts a new spin on the classic fairy tale, using live and electronic music, dance, image projections, and exquisite lighting to create a magical multimedia world in which a beautiful princess is awakened by true love's kiss.
Tickets $6

Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band - March 20, 2010 at 8pm
Widely acknowledged as the most popular Latin jazz artist in the world today, Grammy Award winner Poncho Sanchez brings his explosive congas and legendary ensemble to Brooklyn for a sizzling hot evening of Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa, and vintage Latin soul.
Tickets $35, $25

David Broza - March 21, 2010 at 2pm
A superstar in his homeland of Israel, this multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter's unique compositions combine Middle Eastern pop and folk influences with flamenco and American country, rock and blues to create a true world music sound.
Tickets $25

In the Mood - March 28, 2010 at 2pm
Recall the music that moved a nation's spirit in this nostalgic 1940s revue. Featuring such favorites as "Sing, Sing, Sing," "Moonlight Serenade," and "Stardust," the sensational String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra and the talented cast of In the Mood take audiences on a sentimental journey in an afternoon of swing, jitterbug, and big band classics.
Tickets $25

Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra - April 10, 2010 at 8pm
The best of The Big Easy comes to Brooklyn as master trumpeter Irvin Mayfield leads his 16-piece orchestra through a spirited, swinging evening of Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and other New Orleans jazz icons.
Tickets $40, $25

Dirty Sock Funtime Band - April 11, 2010 at 2pm
Nominated Best Kid's Band by Time Out New York Kids, the Dirty Socks captivate children and parents alike with their high-energy concerts full of rockin' singalong jams and audience participation.
Tickets $6

Chinese Acrobats of Hebei - April 18, 2010 at 3pm
The world-class gymnasts, contortionists, and jugglers from Hebei combine gravity-defying acrobatics with the discipline of martial arts to create a spellbinding kaleidoscope of color, drama and skill for the whole family.
Tickets $30

Tap Kids - April 25, 2010 at 2pm
Eight of the nation's most talented young tap dancers take to the stage in this rousing, joyous celebration of American youth culture. Hip, contemporary and uplifting, this electrifying performance takes tap to dizzying new heights of passion and precision
Tickets $6

United States Air Force Band of Liberty - May 16, 2010 at 2pm
For the past 25 years, the United States Air Force Band of Liberty has served the nation with its inspirational repertoire ranging from symphonic band masterworks, to traditional military marches, to pops and jazz. Tickets to this event must be requested by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Brooklyn Center, PO Box 100163, Brooklyn, NY 11210, attn: Air Force Band Tickets. No phone orders.
Tickets FREE

Brooklyn Center's 2009-2010 season ticket packages include Theater Subscriptions (I Love a Piano, Of Mice and Men, and Hairspray) for $75; Arts in the Afternoon Subscriptions (The Israel Ballet, David Broza, and In the Mood) for $60; and the WorldPack (a minimum of three performances from Brooklyn Center's World Stages series, priced $73-$165 depending on performances selected). All seats for all performances in Brooklyn Center's Target FamilyFun series are $6. Multibuy packages (three or more performances) save up to 15% off individual ticket prices. Multibuy discounts do not apply to Target FamilyFun performances. Discounts are available for seniors, students, Brooklyn College faculty/staff/ alumni, and groups of 15 or more.

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1954, the mission of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is to present outstanding performing arts and arts education programs, reflective of Brooklyn's diverse communities, at affordable prices. Brooklyn Center's presentations explore both the classical traditions and the boldest contemporary performances, embracing the world culture that defines Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts welcomes over 70,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season, and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving schoolchildren from over 225 schools annually with its SchoolTime series.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College
2900 Campus Road, Brooklyn

Online orders: BrooklynCenterOnline.org
Box Office: (718) 951-4500, Tuesday - Saturday, 1PM - 6PM
Subscription Orders/Season Brochure Requests: (718) 951-4600, ext. 25
Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600, ext. 22

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' programs are made possible in part with public funding from the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding for Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' 2009-2010 season is provided by: Target; JP Morgan Chase; Independence Community Foundation; Con Edison; National Grid; TD Bank; Macy's; The Harkness Foundation for Dance; Air Jamaica; the Carnegie Corporation of New York; and the Lila Acheson Wallace Theater Fund, established in the New York Community Trust by founders of The Reader's Digest Association. Additional support provided by Courier-Life Publications, The Brooklyn Eagle, The Brooklyn Paper, and WBGO. Marriott New York LaGuardia Airport is the official hotel of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts 2009-2010 season. Backstage catering graciously provided by Bettina Harris of The Corn Bread Diner and by Applebee's.

Brooklyn Center gratefully acknowledges generous support from the Members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Assembly and Speaker Sheldon Silver; Members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Senate and Majority Leader Malcolm Smith; Members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York City Council and Speaker Christine C. Quinn; Cultural Affairs Committee Chairman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate Levin.

 

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