Sarah McLachlan, Moscow Ballet, Frankie Valli and More Make Kings Theatre Debuts This Year
By: BWW News Desk Feb. 04, 2015
The Kings Theatre announced today programming for its inaugural 2015 year, as the newly revitalized entertainment palace reopens this month.
Kicking off with a grand opening concert last night, February 3 by internationally acclaimed artist Diana Ross, the Kings will feature performances by major national, international, and local talent across a range of disciplines -- from leading popular and classic rock music, to jazz, theater, and dance.
Highlights of the Theatre's inaugural programming include performances reflective of Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods, including music legends Crosby, Stills & Nash; Gladys Knight; Sarah McLachlan; the Moscow Ballet; dancehall reggae sensation Mavado; Tales from the Silk Cotton Tree, a celebration of world music; and theatrical family favorites Three Classic Fairy Tales, presented by Disney Live!, and Annie.
Shuttered for almost four decades, the Kings Theatre -- one of the five Loew's 'Wonder Theatres' constructed in New York and New Jersey -- will reopen to the public on January 27 for a free ticketed performance by local performance groups, including the Brooklyn Ballet and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Additionally, a free open house tour of the Kings Theatre will be held on February 7. Details for both events will be available on KingsTheatre.com beginning January 20.
"As we look towards celebrating the reopening of this gorgeous theatre and important part of New York's cultural history, it is my hope the entire community will join us for the open house and free performance in the coming weeks," said Matthew Wolf, Executive Director of the Kings Theatre. "Looking forward, we are thrilled to host such a diverse roster of artists from around the globe for our inaugural year of live music, dance, and theatre."
Tickets for all performances are available at KingsTheatre.com, Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. On sale dates and times vary by performance. Premium Club Seating Packages are available now; visit KingsTheatre.com for more information.
The Kings Theatre is managed by ACE Theatrical Group, one of the nation's leading restorers and operators of historic cultural resources. The $95 million public-private project broke ground on January 23, 2013. Located at 1027 Flatbush Avenue, the Theatre is easily accessible by mass transit via the Q, B, 2, and 5 trains and the B41 and B49 bus lines.
Kings Theatre Programming Details:
An Evening with Diana Ross
Grand Opening Concert
February 3, 2015 - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale now
Diana Ross' famed and remarkable career spanning almost five decades has resulted in receipt of major awards and accolades and music history milestones. Ms. Ross is a consummate performer, as well as one of the most iconic female singers of all time, and one of the most prominent women in pop music and culture of the late 20th century. Beginning in the 60s as lead singer of the world-renowned group The Supremes, Ms. Ross achieved the unprecedented feat of 12 number-one singles in the U.S., leading The Supremes to become the most successful American group in history and rivaled only by The Beatles for the position of the biggest hit group of that generation. Ms. Ross went on to achieve six number-one singles as a solo artist, amassing a total of 18 number-ones in her career.
March 14, 2015 - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale Friday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m.
Produced by Live Nation
McLachlan's "Shine On Tour," which launched last June, has visited over 40 cities in North America to widespread critical acclaim. The Orange County Register described her performance at The Greek in Los Angeles as "a captivating 2 1/2-hour set" while The Vancouver Sun called McLachlan "breathtaking." McLachlan's unparalleled ability to craft finely tuned lyrics has led to an enduring career as one of the most beloved artists of the past two decades. On her latest album Shine On, The New York Times said "her songs materialize in grand resonant spaces" and People Magazine said McLachlan "still sounds like an angel."
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
March 21, 2015 - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Produced by Live Nation
Oh, what a story. Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four Seasons is hotter than ever in the 21st Century. Thanks to the volcanic success of Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys, which chronicles the life and times of Frankie and his legendary group, such classic songs as "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and "Sherry" are all the rage all over again.
Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales
Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt
April 2 - 5, 2015 -- full performance schedule listed at KingsTheatre.com
Tickets on sale now
Prepare to laugh, sing, and dance as you step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Three Classic Fairy Tales. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairy tale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life in a live theatrical experience that is pure magic. With dynamic storytelling, award-winning music, stunning costumes, glittering special effects and spectacular sets, you will be captivated by these spellbinding stories when you dream with the princesses and cheer for their heroes as they conquer evil villains.
Dancehall Rising, starring Mavado and Capleton
April 10, 2015 - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale soon
Known to the world as Mavado or more recently "The Gully God," the singer behind the eerie wails of "Anywayyy!" and "Gangsta for life!", which have dominated the airwaves, was born David Constantine Brooks in 1981 in the micro-ghetto community "Cassava Piece" in Kingston, Jamaica. Before getting his break in the music business, Brooks worked as a barber and cites his two main influences on the direction of his young life as his grandmother and the music of Bounty Killer. Brooks' ability to give voice to his experiences and capture the imagination of Jamaican youth has caught the ears and eyes of a new and broader fan base.
Capleton is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist. He is also referred to as King Shango, King David, The Fireman, and The Prophet. His record label is David House Productions, and he is known for his Rastafari views expressed in his music.
Widespread Panic
April 24-25, 2015 - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale Friday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m.
Produced by Live Nation
Blues-inspired southern rock band Widespread Panic have been creating a dedicated following since forming in the early 80s. Based on the strength of their musicianship, songs like the Billboard charting "Can't Get High" and "Hope in a Hopeless World," and energetic live shows, they've managed to rank among the top 50 grossing touring acts for eight years straight without the aid of substantial radio play, television appearances, or retail store promotion.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
May 15-16, 2015 - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale Friday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m.
Produced by Live Nation
More than four decades since Crosby, Stills, & Nash first harmonized in Laurel Canyon, and played their first-ever concert as a trio at the legendary Woodstock festival, its members continue a creative partnership that is one of the most influential and enduring in music. David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash have each been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice -- once with Crosby, Stills & Nash, and a second time with The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and The Hollies, respectively. They have also been inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, with the honor recognizing both the group and each member as individual solo artists. Crosby, Stills, & Nash's music first became a cornerstone of rock 'n roll with their self-titled 1969 debut LP, one of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Ever since -- through changing times, various configurations, and acclaimed solo careers -- Crosby, Stills & Nash have continued to tour and record as "three together."
June 6, 2015 - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale soon
Produced by Live Nation
The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last 50 years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time GRAMMY Award-winner has earned number one hits in Pop, R&B, and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance. In addition to dozens of live performances throughout the year, Knight recently appeared in the Lifetime movie "Seasons of Love" and will be seen guest-starring in FOX's new hit show "Empire" on January 21st as well as in the TV Land sitcom "Hot in Cleveland" in February. Additionally, Knight helped kick off the groundbreaking new online music series "Skyville Live," live streaming January 14th with fellow performers Martina McBride and Estelle.
Tales from the Silk Cotton Tree
June 20, 2015 - 7:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale soon
The Tales From the Silk Cotton Tree series is an exhilarating celebration of World music and culture, immersing audiences in the rich and creative world of Folkloric story telling. In this stylized Broadway production, musical virtuosity is accompanied by stunning visual expressions. Pan Jazz, Soca, and Reggae meet theater to provide a culturally rich entertaining experience like none other.
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
December 5, 2015 - 7:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale soon
Celebrate the beloved Christmas tradition with the whole family as 40 world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. The New York Times raves "Knock Out!" Experience Tchaikovsky's master score this Christmas with the magic of larger-than-life-puppets, a growing Christmas tree and super-sized Matrushka dolls.
Annie
December 15 - 27, 2015
Tickets on sale soon
Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of Annie is a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie includes such unforgettable songs as "It's the Hard Knock Life," "Easy Street," "I Don't Need Anything But You," plus the eternal anthem of optimism, "Tomorrow."
Additional programming will be announced in the coming months. All Programming Subject to Change.
About the Kings Theatre - The historic Kings Theatre will reopen its doors in 2015 as one of New York's premier performing arts venues. Providing a destination for large-scale popular entertainment and serving as a resource for local arts groups and community organizations, the City-owned Theatre will be a cultural and economic cornerstone of the Flatbush community and add a major fixture to Brooklyn's vibrant cultural landscape. The Kings Theatre was originally designed by Rapp & Rapp in 1929 and was one of the five Loew's 'Wonder Theatres' built in New York and New Jersey during that period. Featuring high curved ceilings, ornate plaster walls, wood paneling, pink marble, and a glazed terracotta ornamental façade, the classic 20th-century movie palace was inspired by the French Renaissance Revival style of the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House. Spearheaded by ACE Theatrical Group and designed by Martinez+Johnson Architecture, with Gilbane Building Company serving as construction manager, the redevelopment project will both revive the historic structure's original splendor and transform the Theatre into a state-of-the-art facility with over 3,000 seats-the largest of its kind in Brooklyn. The Theatre was recently selected as a recipient of the 2014 New York State Historic Preservation Award for excellence in preservation and revitalization.
The renovation and restoration of the Kings Theatre is a partnership between the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Kings Theatre Redevelopment Company-a consortium of ACE Theatrical Group, Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, and the National Development Council. Public sector funding is provided by the City of New York, through the Office of the Mayor, the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, the New York City Council and District 40 Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene, and by the State of New York. Additionally, the Kings Theatre is a Federal and New York State Rehabilitation Tax Credit project and a Federal New Markets Tax Credit project in partnership with Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, United Fund Advisors, and the National Development Council. www.KingsTheatre.com | Facebook: facebook.com/KingsTheatreBklyn | Twitter: @KingsBklyn.
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