Brooklyn Center Announces 2011-2012 Season, Begins With Nat'l Acrobats

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College announces its 57th season of music, dance, theater, and family programming reflecting the multicultural diversity of Brooklyn. The outstanding line-up features performances from Jamaica, Spain, China, and Russia, as well as the United States, and includes both Brooklyn premieres and returning favorites.

"It is an incredibly exciting time for the arts at Brooklyn College," said Lana Rogachevskaya, Managing Director of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts. "With construction starting on the brand new Leonard and Claire Tow Performing Arts Center, the College's profile as a destination for world-class arts will be heightened, demonstrating our enduring commitment to both the visual and performing arts. We are delighted to be a part of this process and to share another exceptional season of international performances with both the Brooklyn College community and the borough as a whole."

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' 2011-2012 Season includes:
National Acrobats of the People's Republic of China (North American premiere tour)
Alan Safier in Say Goodnight, Gracie
Soul Street Dance: Breakin' Backwards
Compañia Flamenca José Porcel
The Colonial Nutcracker
Clifford the Big Red Dog^TM -- Live!
Children's musical group Hot Peas 'N Butter
The Beauty of Ballet (co-presented with ABT's School of American Ballet)
National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (50th Anniversary tour)
Red Star / Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble
Steve Solomon in My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish, & I'm in Therapy!
Moscow Festival Ballet's Giselle
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters
Fifth annual National Grid Earth Day Celebration
Roslyn Kind in concert
American Family Theater's Cinderella

Direct from Beijing
National Acrobats of the People's Republic of China
Mr. Tian Zichun and Mr. Jianguo Yao, General and Artistic Directors
Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 1pm
Founded in 1950 as the first National Performing Arts Troupe established by the government of the People's Republic of China, this ensemble of more than 40 gymnasts, contortionists, jugglers, and dancers combine centuries-old tradition with modern-day showmanship in their very first North American tour.
Tickets: $20

Alan Safier as George Burns in
Say Goodnight, Gracie
Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 2pm
This Tony Award-nominated solo tour-de-force is a life-affirming tribute to one of the great comedians of the 20th century, a man who laughingly lived and loved each day for all it had to offer, until he finally went 'gently into that good night' to forever be reunited with his beloved Gracie. "You'll be in heaven yourself, at least for an hour and a half." - The New York Times
Tickets: $30

Soul Street Dance: Breakin' Backwards
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 2pm
With an incredible combination of energy, speed, innovation, and just plain fun, Soul Street Dance combines youthful athleticism with different types of contemporary and street dance, including Brazilian capoeira, New York-style break dance, and hip hop. A Target FamilyFun event recommended for ages six and up.
Tickets: $7

Direct from Madrid
Compañia Flamenca José Porcel
José Porcel, Artistic Director
Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 2pm
Considered by many to be one of the greatest dancers in all of Spain, José Porcel brings his spectacular company of dancers, singers, and musicians to Brooklyn in "Gypsy Fire," an explosion of rhythms, colors, and emotions that evokes the richness, vitality, and passion of Spanish culture.
Tickets: $45 orchestra, $36 mezzanine

The Colonial Nutcracker
Sunday, December 11, 2011 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, complete with a red-coated mouse army and an enchanted nutcracker prince. A Target FamilyFun event recommended for ages four and up.
Tickets: $7

Clifford the Big Red Dog^TM -- Live!
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 2pm
Embark on a whole new adventure with loveable Clifford, the big red dog with a heart of gold. Based on the classic children's books by Norman Bridwell, this brand new musical is full of memorable songs and fun choreography celebrating the timeless values of sharing, respect, and cooperation. A Target FamilyFun event recommended for ages four and up.
Tickets: $10

Hot Peas 'N Butter
Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 2pm
Even if your kids don't like vegetables, they won't be able to resist Hot Peas 'N Butter! This children's musical group combines an interactive, invigorating approach to performance with multicultural music, blending jazz, R&B, folk, rock, and Afro-Caribbean tunes that will have kids dancing in the aisles. A Target FamilyFun event recommended for ages four and up.
Tickets: $7

The Beauty of Ballet
Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 2pm
Join students and faculty of the world-famous School of American Ballet (the official academy of New York City Ballet) in this program illustrating the process by which talented youngsters develop into accomplished classical ballet dancers. Children will watch a "class" where training exercises and steps are demonstrated, and also enjoy excerpts from famous ballets. A free event recommended for ages six and up. General admission, no tickets issued.

National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica
Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 8pm
Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 3pm
Always a Brooklyn Center favorite, NDTC blends the lore, music, and dance of Jamaica, Africa, and the American South with modern and classical forms to create a colorful celebration of West Indian culture. Founded by visionary artistic director Rex Nettleford, this jewel of the Caribbean celebrates its 50th Anniversary with two programs combining evocative new works with favorites from their repertoire and rarely performed pieces from early in the company's history.
Tickets: $45 orchestra, $36 mezzanine

Red Star / Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble
Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 8pm
Returning to Brooklyn for the first time since 1998, this spectacular company of 70 singers, dancers, and musicians has thrilled audiences worldwide for decades with their dazzlingly athletic folk dances and traditional Russian anthems, showcasing the culture and pride of its homeland.
Tickets: $40 orchestra, $30 mezzanine

Steve Solomon in
My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish, & I'm in Therapy
Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 2pm
Twice the holidays! Twice the hollering! Twice the guilt! Join funnyman Steve Solomon as he brings to life a cast of more than 30 characters, inspired by his multiethnic upbringing in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. This hysterically funny show is one part lasagna, one part kreplach, and two parts Prozak.
Tickets: $30

Moscow Festival Ballet: Giselle
Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 2pm
Founded in 1989 by legendary principal Bolshoi dancer Sergei Radchenko, this acclaimed company brings together the highest stylistic elements of the great Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets in its interpretation of Giselle, one of the most dramatic and beloved ballets in the classical repertoire.
Tickets: $45 orchestra, $36 mezzanine

John Steptoe's
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale
Based on the book by John Steptoe
Adapted for the stage by Karen Abbott
Music & Lyrics by S-Ankh Rasa
Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 2pm
When a great African king desires a wife, only the most worthy maidens are invited to meet him, including Mufaro's two daughters. Both are beautiful, but does either have the inner beauty of a potential queen? Told through African dance, drumming, narration and song, this story celebrates goodness, generosity, and kindness of heart. A Target FamilyFun event recommended for ages six and up.
Tickets: $7

Fifth Annual National Grid Earth Day Celebration
Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 3pm
National Grid Earth Day Celebration educates families on how they can play a role in caring for the Earth and creating a more sustainable future. Children and adults alike will enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and street performers at this free community festival, while interactive family activities and educational displays highlight the need for conserving energy, recycling, and having a heightened awareness of the global issues that we face today. A free event for all ages. General admission, no tickets issued.

Roslyn Kind in concert
Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 8pm
"Forget that Roslyn Kind is Barbra Streisand's kid sister. She is too good - and too special - to have to worry about comparisons." - Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times. With a successful career spanning all facets of entertainment, from critically acclaimed recordings to sold-out performances on Broadway and in top concert venues and nightclubs the world over, this Brooklyn-born songstress returns home to perform an unforgettable evening of popular song.
Tickets $35

Cinderella
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 2pm
American Family Theater's award-winning production bursts with excitement, fantasy, and song as it tells the classic tale of a lowly servant girl whose one wish is to attend the royal ball. With the help of her friend Mortimer Mouse and a magical fairy godmother, her dreams come true and everyone lives happily ever after. A Target FamilyFun event recommended for ages four and up.
Tickets $7

Multibuy (three or four performances) and Megabuy packages (five or more performances) save up to 15% off individual ticket prices (discount not applicable to Target FamilyFun performances). Discounts are available for seniors, students, Brooklyn College faculty/staff/alumni, and groups of 15 or more. $10 student rush tickets available to all other students.

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College
Founded in 1954, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College presents outstanding performing arts and arts education programs at affordable prices, embracing the diverse communities that define Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center welcomes over 65,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series. In recognition of its commitment to quality family programming, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts was voted Brooklyn's Best Theater or Theater Group for Kids as part of Nickelodeon's 2009 ParentsConnect Parents' Picks Awards.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College
Walt Whitman Theatre
2900 Campus Road, Brooklyn
2 train to Brooklyn College/Flatbush Avenue

Online orders: www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org
Box Office: (718) 951-4500, Tuesday - Saturday, 1pm - 6pm
Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600 x22

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. Major support for the 2011-2012 season is provided by: Brooklyn College; Target; Con Edison; Macy's Foundation; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; TD Bank; National Grid; and The Harkness Foundation for Dance. Additional support provided by CNG Publications and The Brooklyn Eagle. Backstage catering is graciously provided by Applebee's.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges support from the Members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York City Council and Speaker Christine C. Quinn; and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate Levin.

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