Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts' 2016-17 Season Announced
By: Tyler Peterson Jun. 17, 2016
Multi-platinum-selling country artist Sara Evans, ukulele phenomenon Jake Shimabukuro, Grammy-nominated folk singer-songwriter Iris DeMent, Blues Hall of Famer Robert Cray, and the Nashville assemblage of high-dollar studio musicians The Time Jumpers, featuring Vince Gill, Kenny Sears, Ranger Doug Green, and Paul Franklin, are just a few of the artists set to appear at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University during its 2016-2017 season.
Among the musicians and bands coming to Pepperdine's Malibu campus are Bria Skonberg, Germán López, Tony DeSare, Richard Marx, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Jim Messina, The Wailin' Jennys, and Rockapella, bringing their funky and powerful holiday show. Virtuosi artistry is showcased in concerts by pianist George Winston, the violin and hip-hop duo Black Violin, classical guitarist Pablo Villegas, and in a special performance of jazz guitar prodigy Julian Lage, progressive bluegrass guitarist Chris Eldridge, and singer-songwriter Aoife O'Donovan.
TV-personality Bob Eubanks will also be coming to Malibu with a unique evening of music and behind-the-scenes storytelling with his Backstage with the Beatles, featuring Ticket to Ride.
The uplifting and contemporary Parsons Dance Company kicks off an exceptional line-up of dance and circus offerings in the season, which includes family-friendly and bold performances by the innovative circus show Flip FabriQue, Argentinian Estampas Porteñas Tango Company, and steampunk-inspired Cirque Mechanics.
The Gregg G. Juarez Stars of Stage series includes Forbidden Broadway and the Tony Award-winning Lea Salonga, who recently starred in the Broadway musical Allegiance.
This season, the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts will also present the Family Arts Fest, a day of face painting, museum tours, dance lessons, and a free public performance from L.A.-based Versa-Style Dance Company. Other family shows throughout the year include Mermaid Theatre's Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, Justin Roberts and The Not Ready for Naptime Players, and Mark Nizer 4D.
The Recital Series, featuring the talents of young classical musicians, includes performances by the Verona Quartet, pianist Daniel Hsu, clarinetist Narek Arutyunian, and cellist Jacob Shaw.
The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art features an exhibition of Light and Space movement artist Larry Bell, as well as explorations of digital photography and a special exhibition of works from the museum's permanent collection, in celebration of its 25-year anniversary. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, and is free of admission charge.
The Pepperdine Fine Arts Division presents Mozart's opera Don Giovanni; theatre productions of David Saar's The Yellow Boat; the new Gershwin musical Crazy for You; Sarah Ruhl's Eurydice; the U.S. Premiere of The Interference; and a series of performances by Pepperdine student music ensembles throughout the fall and spring semesters.
Additionally, Pepperdine Student Activities presents its popular Dance in Flight and Songfest.
"Our mission is to present an innovative, unique, entertaining, and diverse program of exceptional performances and museum exhibitions," says Rebecca Carson, managing director of the Center for the Arts. "We are grateful for the talented artists gracing our intimate stages this year, and we hope our eclectic mix of performances bring wonder and joy to our audiences."
Tickets for all performances are available beginning June 27 by calling (310) 506-4522 from 12 noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and two hours prior to curtain time. Tickets to all events are also available at: http://arts.pepperdine.edu/tickets/
Season subscribers (those who purchase tickets to four or more shows) are entitled to a 10 percent discount on select ticket prices.
The Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University provides high-quality activities for over 50,000 people from 664 zip codes annually through performances, rehearsals, museum exhibitions, and master classes. Located on Pepperdine's breathtaking Malibu campus overlooking the Pacific, the center serves as a hub for the arts, uniquely linking professional guest artists with Pepperdine students as well as patrons from surrounding Southern California communities. Facilities include the 450-seat Smothers Theatre, the 118-seat Raitt Recital Hall, the "black box" Helen E. Lindhurst Theatre, and the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art.
The Center for the Arts is located on the Pepperdine University campus at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, CA. Parking is available during performances next to Smothers Theatre for a fee and in the Theme Tower lot with shuttle service at no charge. All programs and artists are subject to change.
For more information about these and other Pepperdine Center for the Arts performances and exhibitions, visit: http://arts.pepperdine.edu.
PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS 2016-2017 SEASON
Sponsored by Michelle and Mark Hiepler
Award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, and composer Bria Skonberg is "poised to be one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation" (Wall Street Journal) with her adventurous style, rooted in New Orleans jazz and blues, world percussion, soul, and cabaret.
Saturday, September 17, 2016, 8 p.m.
$17-$35
Smothers Theatre
Sara Evans
Sponsored by the Office of Andrew K. Benton, President of Pepperdine University
Multi-platinum-selling country singer and songwriter Sara Evans has crafted a compelling body of work filled with slice of life vignettes, empowering songs, and life-affirming music.
Thursday, September 22, 2016, 8 p.m.
$40-$75
Smothers Theatre
Germán López
Germán López is an esteemed timple player from the Canary Islands, who blends the ancient traditions of his home island with a musical virtuosity on this small but powerful five-stringed instrument.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016, 8 p.m.
$17-$35
Smothers Theatre
Iris DeMent
Grammy-nominated folk and gospel tinged singer-songwriter Iris DeMent has spent her impressive career creating "heady, heart-stopping music of rare, unvarnished grace and power" (Boston Globe).
Thursday, September 29, 2016, 8 p.m.
$20-$40
Smothers Theatre
The Time Jumpers
featuring Vince Gill, Kenny Sears, Ranger Doug Green and Paul Franklin
Sponsored by the Office of Andrew K. Benton, President of Pepperdine University
The Time Jumpers was established in Nashville by an assemblage of high-dollar studio musicians who wanted to spend some spare time jamming on country, swing, and pop tunes with their sonically gifted buddies, who have all graced the top of the Billboard country charts over the last 30 years.
Friday, September 30, 2016, 8 p.m.
$40-$75
Smothers Theatre
Parsons Dance Company
Artistic Director David Parsons
Internationally known for presenting uplifting, energized, family-friendly contemporary ensemble work, Parsons Dance brings "delightful, vibrant, and enticing" dance (Broadway World) from emerging choreographers and collaborations with some of the greatest artists of our time.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 8 p.m.
$20-$40
Smothers Theatre
Named a Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, Tony DeSare infuses his rich voice and piano-stylings with a signature fresh take on old school class, bringing infectious joy, wry playfulness, and robust musicality from jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas.
Friday, October 7, 2016, 8 p.m.
$20-$40
Smothers Theatre
Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Richard Marx has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and is the only male artist in history to have his first seven singles reach the Top 5 on the Billboard charts, including "Satisfied," "Right Here Waiting," "Keep Coming Back," and "Now and Forever."
Friday, October 14, 2016, 8 p.m.
$25-$50
Smothers Theatre
Flip FabriQue
Sponsored by Bui and Herb Simon
Internationally lauded for its technical ability and panache, Flip FabriQue's fast-paced, innovative circus show incorporates hula hoops, juggling, and aerialist techniques in a crowd-pleasing cirque sensation with "acts that don't seem humanly possible" and "an irrepressible spirit of fun" (The New York Times).
Tuesday, October 18, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
$22-$45 for adults
$22 for youth 17 and under
Smothers Theatre
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents
Goodnight Moon and the Runaway Bunny
Adapted from Margaret Wise Brown's sixty-year-old classic, Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny's pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both feature the endearing animal puppets, stunning scenic effects, and evocative music that have earned international recognition for Mermaid Theatre.
Saturday, October 22, 2016, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
$15 for adults
$10 for youth 17 and under
Smothers Theatre
Family Art Day
Join us for special art projects and Weisman Museum tours.
Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.
Family Art Day is free and open to the public.
Gregg G. Juarez Palm Courtyard
Verona Quartet
Recognized as "thoughtful, impressive musicians" (Cleveland Classical), the Verona Quartet is a winner of the 2015 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, as well as the BMI Commissioning Prize, resulting in a brand new work premiering at Carnegie Hall in 2017. In less than three years, the Verona Quartet has set itself apart as one of the most compelling "sensational, powerhouse" young quartets in chamber music (Classical Voice America).
Sunday, October 23, 2016, 2 p.m.
$28
Raitt Recital Hall
Save 20% on The Recital Series
$88 for all four performances
Sponsored by the Office of Andrew K. Benton, President of Pepperdine University
The Drama Desk and Obie Award-winning, fall-down funny musical roast of Broadway is back, featuring outrageous costumes, dead-on impressions, and hilarious rewrites of the songs from Pippin, Kinky Boots, LES MISERABLES, Matilda, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, and more.
Sunday, October 23, 2016, 7 p.m.
$22-$45
Smothers Theatre
Bob Eubanks' Backstage with The Beatles, featuring Ticket to Ride
Sponsored by Anne Marie and Mitch Bredefeld
Join us for an evening of magical music, never-before-seen photos, and behind-the-scenes stories about The Beatles from Bob Eubanks, the only living person to have produced The Beatles concerts all three years they toured America.
Thursday, October 27, 2016, 8 p.m.
$20-$40
Smothers Theatre
Daniel Hsu, Piano
Characterized by the Philadelphia Inquirer as a "poet...[with] an expressive edge to his playing that charms, questions, and coaxes," eighteen-year-old Daniel Hsu-a 2016 Gilmore Young Artist-is a fast-rising pianist who was recently named the First Prize winner at the 2015 CAG Victor Elmaleh Competition. He has earned top prizes in numerous other competitions, most recently first prize at the San Jose International Piano Competition, Pacific Musical Society Piano Competition and San Francisco Chopin Competition. http://daniel.hsumusic.com/
Sunday, November 20, 2016, 2 PM
$28
Raitt Recital Hall
Save 20% on The Recital Series
$88 for all four performances
Estampas Porteñas Tango Company
Straight from Argentina, Estampas Porteñas celebrates the indomitable tango and the athletic malambo of the gauchos with their newest piece, Deseos...Stories of Longing and Desire told through Argentine Tango and Music. This dazzling show transports the audience from a train station in rural Argentina, to a milonga in an urban barrio, to an outdoor plaza in Buenos Aires with flawless and emotive dancing, and ardent, soul-filled music performed by live musicians.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016, 8 p.m.
$25-$50
Smothers Theatre
In just over a decade of recording music and playing sold-out shows worldwide, Jake Shimabukuro has redefined the ukulele. In his hands this diminutive Hawaiian instrument becomes a complex and bold new musical force.
Sunday, December 4, 2016, 7 p.m.
$25-$55
Smothers Theatre
A Rockapella Holiday
With buckets of catchy original pop songs, and complete contemporary revisions of sparkling Motown, pop, and soul classics, Rockapella has toured the globe and provided a funky powerful soundtrack to several generations of a capella music fans, showing every audience the raw power of pure vocal talent and originality.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 8 p.m.
$22-$45
Smothers Theatre
Robert Cray
Sponsored by the Flamminio Family
In his over 40-year career, Robert Cray has created a sound that rises from American roots and arrives today both fresh and familiar, garnering him five Grammys, a spot in the Blues Hall of Fame, and a suitcase full of Blues Music Awards.
Thursday, December 8, 2016, 8 p.m.
$40-$70
Smothers Theatre
Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk
A steampunk-inspired acrobatic whirlwind where cycling is the escape from technology obsessed society, Cirque Mechanics' Pedal Punk is pure artistry and thrill when a zany bike shop mechanic helps cyclists repair more than broken bikes, in what Spectacle Magazine calls "the greatest contribution to American circus since Cirque du Soleil."
Friday, January 13, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
$20-$40 for adults
$20 for youth 17 and under
Smothers Theatre
Justin Roberts and The Not Ready for Naptime Players
Called the "Judy Blume of kiddie rock" (The New York Times), Grammy-nominated Justin Roberts and The Not Ready for Naptime Players dish out intelligent and whimsically-rocking music for kids and their parents.
Saturday, January 21, 2017, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
$15 for adults
$10 for youth 17 and under
Smothers Theatre
Family Art Day
Join us for special art projects and Weisman Museum tours.
Saturday, January 21, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.
Family Art Day is free and open to the public.
Gregg G. Juarez Palm Courtyard
George Winston
Sponsored by the Pepperdine University Crest Associates
Inspired by the seasons and topographies, George Winston's concerts feature a variety of styles including melodic folk piano, New Orleans R&B piano, and stride piano. He performs songs from his seasonal favorites, as well as Peanuts pieces from his Vince Guaraldi tribute albums such as Linus & Lucy-The Music of Vince Guaraldi.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017, 8 p.m.
$22-$45
Smothers Theatre
The Blind Boys of Alabama
Five-time Grammy winners and living legends The Blind Boys of Alabama both defined and innovated traditional jubilee gospel, turning their live shows into roof-raising musical events.
Saturday, January 28, 2017, 8 p.m.
$40-$70
Smothers Theatre
Jim Messina
One half of Loggins & Messina, co-founder of the country-rock band Poco, and member and key contributor to Buffalo Springfield, Jim Messina has left an indelible footprint on popular music, selling over 20 million albums domestically.
Sunday, January 29, 2017, 7 p.m.
$22-$45
Smothers Theatre
Black Violin
Named one of the hottest bands of SXSW 2013, Black Violin's rich blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass breaks down musical stereotypes to create a dynamic, playful, high-energy performance.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017, 8 p.m.
$22-$45
Smothers Theatre
Pablo Sáinz Villegas
Sponsored by Ellen and Doug Weitman
The Gold Medalist at the inaugural Parkening International Guitar Competition, Spanish classical guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas is celebrated by critics for his charismatic and intimate performances. His interpretations conjure the passion, playfulness, and drama of his homeland's rich musical heritage, routinely drawing comparisons with such legendary exponents of his instrument as Andrés Segovia.
Thursday, February 2, 2017, 8 p.m.
$20-$40
Smothers Theatre
Narek Arutyunian, Clarinet
Winner of the 2010 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, clarinetist Narek Arutyunian is an artist who "reaches passionate depths with seemingly effortless technical prowess and beguiling sensitivity" (The Washington Post). By the age of 16, he had already won First Prizes in the International Young Musicians Competition in Prague and the Musical Youth of the Planet Competition in Moscow.
Sunday, February 12, 2017, 2 p.m.
$28
Raitt Recital Hall
Save 20% on The Recital Series
$88 for all four performances
Family Arts Fest, Featuring Versa-Style Dance Company
Enjoy a family-friendly day of art, food, and fun, featuring face-painting, museum tours, backstage tours, dance lessons and a free public performance by L.A.-based Versa-Style Dance Company-a dynamic troupe of some of the hippest street dancers in L.A. The energetic and uplifting show features hip-hop specialties like popping, locking, breaking, and house, along with salsa, West African, and merengue.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Family Arts Fest 11 a.m. -3 p.m.
Versa Style Performance 12 p.m.
Free and Open to the Public
Smothers Theatre & Gregg G. Juarez Palm Courtyard
The Wailin' Jennys
Juno Award winners and frequent guests on A Prairie Home Companion, The Wailin' Jennys are "the darlings of the North American roots music arena" (Toronto Star), with three distinct voices that combine to make an achingly perfect vocal sound.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 8 p.m.
$22-$45
Smothers Theatre
Jacob Shaw, Cello
Award winning British cellist Jacob Shaw has given acclaimed concerts across Europe, the U.S., and Asia with "personal, thoughtful, reflective" performances (Strings Magazine), establishing himself as one of the most prominent young soloists based in Scandinavia. At 19 years old he became the youngest ever cellist to graduate with highest honours from the École Normale de Musique in Paris, and continues to explore the boundaries of what is possible on his instrument, often collaborating with folk, world, indie, electronic and jazz musicians.
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 2 p.m.
$28
Raitt Recital Hall
Save 20% on The Recital Series
$88 for all four performances
Praised around the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch, Lea Salonga is a singer and actress who is best known for her Tony Award-winning role in Miss Saigon. Also an Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Award-winner, she recently starred in the Broadway musical Allegiance, alongside legendary actor George Takei.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 8 p.m.
$22-$45
Smothers Theatre
Mark Nizer 4D
Whether he's juggling laser beams at 1000 rpms, playing piano with interactive 3D backgrounds, or jumping into a video virtual world in a robot suit, it's clear why Performance Magazine calls Mark Nizer's original comedy, world-class juggling, movement, music, and technology "nothing less than brilliant."
Sunday, April 23, 2017, 2 p.m.
$17-$35 for adults
$17 for youth 17 and under
Smothers Theatre
Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge
with Aoife O'Donovan
Collectively having worked with such artists as Nels Cline, Fred Hersch, The Infinite Stringdusters, and Seldom Scene, jazz guitar prodigy Julian Lage and progressive bluegrass virtuoso Chris Eldridge (Punch Brothers) join forces for a masterly acoustic performance "so extravagant and capacious that they bring flourishes to this music that it simply hasn't enjoyed before in this love letter to the acoustic guitar" (The New Yorker). They are joined by singer/songwriter Aoife O'Donovan, whose voice is "almost too gorgeous for its own good" (The Washington Post).
Wednesday, April 26, 2017, 8 p.m.
$17-$35
Smothers Theatre
FREDERICK R. WEISMAN MUSEUM OF ART
Celebrating 25 Years
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and one hour prior to most performances through intermission.
Altered Reality: Selections from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation
August 30-December 4, 2016
Art changed in the 19th century with the invention of the camera, and was radically transformed once again with the rise of digital imagery. This exhibition of contemporary photographs and digital media reveals why the interaction between the camera and the computer is one of the most fascinating areas of art today.
Larry Bell
January 21-April 2, 2017
Larry Bell helped found the California Light and Space movement in the 1960s and since then has continued to explore the dynamic possibilities of light and optics. This exhibition focuses on a new site-specific installation that uses his signature materials- glass, plastic, and industrial coatings-to push the boundaries of vision and perception.
Studio Art Thesis Exhibition
April 13-29, 2017
This exhibition showcases art by the seniors graduating from Seaver College's Studio Art program.
Process and Reality: Works from the Permanent Collection
Celebrating 25 Years of Acquisitions
May 13-August 6, 2017
For the past 25 years, the museum's permanent collection has grown to include works by some of the great figures in contemporary art. Featuring works by artists such Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mike Kelly, and Tim Hawkinson, this exhibition focuses on creative process and engaging the physical world.
Major exhibitions are held in the Gregg G. Juarez Gallery and Ron Wilson-Designer Gallery in the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art. Funding for all exhibitions is provided by the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation. No admission charge. Museum office: 310.506.7257. arts.pepperdine.edu/museum
STUDENT PRODUCTIONS
The Pepperdine University Fine Arts Division presents the Mary Pickford-Stotsenberg Performances
OPERA
The Flora L. Thornton Opera Program presents
Don Giovanni
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Henry Price, Director
With the Pepperdine University Orchestra
Seduction, murder and retribution propel Mozart's masterpiece, Don Giovanni, AKA Don Juan, often called "the greatest opera ever written." The brilliant young artists of the Flora Thornton Opera Program bring this quintessential Mozart music drama to life. Sung in the original Italian, with English supertitles.
Thursday, February 23, 2017 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 25, 7:30 p.m.
$20
$10 for Pepperdine students
$16 for Pepperdine faculty and staff
Smothers Theatre
DANCE
Pepperdine Student Activities presents
Dance in Flight
Dance in Flight embodies the diversity and essence of Seaver College and the liberal arts tradition. For over 20 years, Dance in Flight has provided a safe environment for emerging student dancers and choreographers to cultivate creativity, physical expression, and teamwork in a professional performing atmosphere. The company members come from a variety of dance backgrounds, interests, and fields of study. United by their passion for the art of movement, they are dedicated to presenting an impressive showcase of student artistry.
Thursday, February 9, 2017 8 p.m.
Friday, February 10, 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 11, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
$20
$10 for Pepperdine students
Smothers Theatre
SONGFEST
Pepperdine Student Activities Presents
Songfest
March 14-18, 2017
Tickets go on sale in February 2017.
Featuring a cast of hundreds, this musical variety show has been Pepperdine's biggest student tradition since 1973.
MUSIC
Music
Free tickets to choir and orchestra concerts are available for Pepperdine students, faculty, and staff with ID.
Pepperdine Wind Ensemble
Tony Cason, Director
Saturday, October 15, 2016, 1 p.m.
Free
Smothers Theatre
Pepperdine University Orchestra
Tony Cason, Director
Thursday, October 20, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Free
Smothers Theatre
Pepperdine Chamber Choir
Ryan Board, Director
Friday, October 28, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Free
Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art
String Faculty Recital
Sunday, October 30, 2016, 2 p.m.
$10
Raitt Recital Hall
Pepperdine Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert
Ryan Board and Tony Cason, Directors
Thursday, December 1, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
$10
Smothers Theatre
Pepperdine Jazz Ensemble
Brian Scanlon, Director
Monday, December 5, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Free
Smothers Theatre
Woodwind Faculty Recital
Sunday, March 19, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
$10
Raitt Recital Hall
Pepperdine Wind Ensemble
Tony Cason, Director
Thursday, March 23, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Free
Smothers Theatre
Pepperdine Choir Masterworks Concert
Ryan Board, Director
J. S. Bach's St. John Passion
Friday, April 14, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Free
Ascension Lutheran Church
1600 East Hillcrest Drive,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Pepperdine Jazz Ensemble
Brian Scanlon, Director
Monday, April 17, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Free
Smothers Theatre
Pepperdine Orchestra Masterworks Concert
Featuring the 2016 Thomas M. Osborn Concerto Competition Winner
Tony Cason, Director
Friday, April 21, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
$10
Smothers Theatre
THEATRE DEPARTMENT SERIES
$48 for four events
The Yellow Boat
By David Saar
Scott Alan Smith, Director
The story of The Yellow Boat is a glorious affirmation of a young boy's journey and the strength and courage of all children. It is a profound play of imagination, hope and love and a vibrant celebration of life for all ages. Based on a true story, The Yellow Boat is an exploration of the power of imagination and art's ability to transform lives in the face of overwhelming obstacles, all told through the eyes of 8-year-old Benjamin.
Tuesday, September 27-Friday, September 30, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 1, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
$15
$10 for Pepperdine students
$12 for Pepperdine faculty and staff
Lindhurst Theatre
No late seating allowed. Join a talkback with the actors and director after the Wednesday performance.
The Luciana and Daniel Forge Fall Musical
Crazy for You
The New Gershwin Musical
Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Book by Ken Ludwig
Co-Conception by Ken Ludwig and Mike Ockrent
Inspired by Material by Guy Bolton and John McGowan
Originally produced on Broadway by Roger Horchow and Elizabeth Williams
Bradley Griffin, Director
Put on your dancing shoes and tell the world that you've got rhythm! Crazy for You won three Tony Awards in 1992, including the award for Best Musical. It follows the story of Bobby Child, a would-be performer trapped in the life of a New York banker by his overbearing mother. On a business trip to Deadrock, Nevada, Bobby meets Polly Baker, who just happens to be saddled with a worn-out theatre in need of repair. While it sounds like love at first sight, things quickly take the first of many hilarious, complicated turns. Featuring a script by Ken Ludwig and a host of Gershwin hits including "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Embraceable You," "I've Got Rhythm," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "But Not for Me," and many more, Crazy for You will have audiences of all ages tap dancing in the aisles.
Thursday, November 10-Saturday, November 12, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Matinee: Sunday, November 13, 2 p.m.
Thursday, November 17-Saturday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
$20
$10 for Pepperdine students
$16 for Pepperdine faculty and staff
Smothers Theatre
Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members of the Center for the Arts Guild are invited to a special backstage tour before the November 17 performance.
Eurydice
By Sarah Ruhl
Hollace Starr, Director
A modern telling of the Orpheus myth, Eurydice takes you on a journey to the hereafter. With its chorus of talking stones and its tricycle-riding Lord of the Underworld, this afterlife may as well be Alice's Wonderland! After taking a dip in the River of Forgetfulness, Eurydice stumbles upon her deceased father, only to mistake him for a hotel bellman. Over time, father and daughter fight the natural order of death itself to rediscover their primal bond. But when a lovelorn Orpheus descends into the underworld to retrieve his beloved, Eurydice must make a difficult choice. Come see why The New Yorker's John Lahr describes Ruhl's work as "full of astonishments, surprises, and mysteries."
Tuesday, January 24-Friday, January 27, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 28, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
$15
$10 for Pepperdine students; $12 for Pepperdine faculty and staff
Lindhurst Theatre
No late seating allowed. Join a talkback with the actors and director after the Wednesday performance.
The US Premiere of
The Interference
By Glasgow-Based Irish Playwright Lynda Radley
Cathy Thomas-Grant, Director
Allegations. He said. She said. Truth.
Through the use of a live-mixed soundscape and set against the backdrop of the worldwide University Campus Sexual Assault Epidemic, The Interference follows one survivor's struggle to make her story heard above all the noise. It explores the seemingly infinite source of opinion, commentary, and distorted or suppressed information that have become routine players in the aftermath of these incidents. The play also takes a closer look at the unique circumstances involved when student athletes are part of the story. Commissioned by Pepperdine University and first presented in its world premiere by Pepperdine Students at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in summer 2016.
Wednesday, April 5-Friday, April 7, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 2 p.m.
$15
$10 for Pepperdine students; $12 for Pepperdine faculty and staff
Smothers Theatre
Join a talkback with the actors and director after the Wednesday performance.
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