The Hampton Arts 2016-2017 Season Has Arrived!
From world-renowned vocalists to Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, from dynamic visual artists to transformative educational experiences, Hampton Arts brings unparalleled artistry to Hampton Roads.
For over 25 years, Hampton Arts has provided an eclectic variety of dynamic performing and visual arts experiences for the entire Hampton Roads region. The 2016-2017 Season at The American Theatre and The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center continues that tradition of artistic excellence.
Richard M. Parison, Jr., Hampton Arts Artistic Director announced today complete details of the season that will present over 50 performances and exhibitions including a focus on diverse artists from around the world and around the corner.
“This is a storybook season for Hampton Arts,” says Parison, “and like a storybook, it’s a season that celebrates cultural narratives from around the world as well as the dynamic artistic communities found right here in Hampton Roads.”
The American Theatre season includes top notch entertainment including Up, Up and Away with Marilyn McCoo and Billy David, Jr., Kathy Mattea, the American Shakespeare Center’s Our Town and local favorites such as the Hurrah Players, Hampton Roads Philharmonic and Riddick Dance.
Over at the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center, visitors can look forward to thought-provoking exhibits, including the Hampton Arts League Annual Exhibition, Wade Mickely’s Plumb the Depths, Therefore: Glass by Ryan Tanner and Hardhat Heroes – Shipyard Workers of Hampton Roads: Photographs by Glen McClure.
Premier Performance Series
More than 25 years ago, Hampton Arts had an idea: host some of the world’s finest performing artists. Today, Hampton Arts continues to offer a year-round selection of unique, inclusive, renowned, and engaging performers from around the world and around the corner.
Don’t miss the joyous opening to The American Theatre 2016-2017 season with Up, Up and Away! A Musical Fable (September 24). Journey with Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr. and their supporting cast, The Next Dimension, for a musical celebration of their own iconic music, which includes a loving tribute to The Beatles. Up, Up and Away! A Musical Fable marks a long-awaited return to musical theater for the husband and wife duo.
On October 8, join us for Julie Fowlis’ performance of Music of the Scottish Isles. Julie will forever be recognized for singing the theme song to ‘Brave’, Disney animated film, set in the ancient highlands of Scotland. As October nears its end, warm up with music from jazz icons Paul Taylor and Althea Rene (October 21) as they take the stage for a soul-soothing mix of saxophone and flute performances.
Is it laughs you’re looking for? The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s The Complete History of America (Abridged): Election Edition (October 29) will “provide the historical context that is guaranteed to confuse an American voter.” Just in time for the 2016 Presidential Election, the Reduced Shakespeare Company returns with 600 years of history in 6,000 seconds.
What does it really mean to have your “boots on the ground”? Theatre, music, social media, journalism, and technology collide to tell the true stories of ordinary people fundamentally changed by the extraordinary experience of fighting a war in Basetrack Live (November 5).
Back by popular demand, Steep Canyon Rangers (November 12) are a bluegrass band at their core, and effortlessly walk the line between festival favorite and sophisticated string orchestra. A week later, The Four Freshmen (November 19) bring their tight-knit sound inspired by the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, The Mamas & The Papas, Frankie Valli and the Manhattan Transfer. The Four Freshmen have recorded over 75 albums, 70 top selling singles, and received 6 Grammy nominations.
Hampton Arts rings in the holiday season with Dianne Reeves: Christmas Time is Here (December 11). Renowned for her breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Grammy Award-winning Reeves will warm your heart with holiday cheer.
Lift your spirits in 2017 with The Jones Family Singers (January 14). Consisting in part of five sisters, two brothers and their father, The Jones Family Singers have been tearing up churches and festivals alike for over two decades. It’s gospel music – but fans of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and Vintage Trouble will also find a hip-shaking and spiritually uplifting workout at the core.
The Acoustic Living Room: Songs and Stories with Kathy Mattea featuring Bill Cooley (January 21) features Grammy Award-winning singer Kathy Mattea and her longtime collaborator, guitarist Bill Cooley. The duo welcomes you into “The Acoustic Living Room” to share songs and stories near and dear to their hearts
– including Kathy’s beloved classics such as “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses” and “Where’ve You Been?”
Laugh out loud with The Second City’s We’re All in This Room Together (January 28). For two extraordinary hours, resist the compulsion to check your text messages, status updates and twitter feeds. We’re All in This Room Together is one of Second City’s best, and a sure bet for a huge laugh, but keep in mind that the performance may include mature content.
Warm up your February with the musical jazz genius of Michael Lington and Jonathan Fritzen (February 3) who will pay tribute to the music they fell in love with as teens, inspired by the music of Sam Cooke, Paul Taylor, Nils Lundgren and King Curtis.
Have your heart stirred with Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey Starring Jasmine Guy and The Avery Sharpe Trio (February 11). Raisin’ Cane celebrates and honors the legendary voices of the Harlem Renaissance through text, song, music, movement, and imagery. It’s inspired by the classic 1923 Jean Toomer novel “Cane” and works by the musicians, composers, poets, and actors of the Harlem Renaissance.
Ready for high-energy entertainment? Cirque Zuma Zuma (February 19), features a dazzling ensemble of African dancers, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, and more. Such is the standard of the performers and the quality of the show’s live musical score that it is often described as an African-style Cirque du Soleil.
Labeled an artistic phenomenon, The Fly Dance Company (February 24) crosses street dance with classical choreographic principles. The American Theatre welcomes FLY for three days of community outreach in our local schools and even in our local jail, culminating in an innovative full performance onstage.
Are you a fan of The Beatles but want more than a tribute band? Then Yesterday and Today: Interactive Beatles Tribute (February 25) is exactly what you’re looking for. This amazing group does away with the worn out “tribute” format of bad wigs and fake accents. Instead, they perform as themselves and leave the song choices completely in the hands of the audience.
In March, Hampton Arts welcomes a host of moving performances, including Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars (March 11). From their humble beginnings in West African refugee camps, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and matured into one of Africa’s top touring and recording bands. In Our Town (March 25), audiences will watch the citizens of Grover’s Corners as they fall in love, marry, and live out their lives. Our Town speaks to the core of our American values and reminds us that no matter the generation, we are all searching for the same things.
Rounding out March is a performance by jazz duo Cindy Bradley and Alex Bugnon (March 31). Bradley’s renowned trumpet sound mixes with Bugnon’s contemporary keyboard style to create a perfect jazz concert in which they’ll share their past hits as well as their latest work in this exciting Jazz Double Bill.
The final three acts in the Hampton Arts Premier Performance Series include Lovesick Blues: A Tribute to Hank Williams, Sr. and Patsy Cline (April 1), featuring returning performer Robbie Limon and guest Denis Patten. Robbie’s performances over the past two seasons have sold out, so get your tickets soon for this unique event.
Washington D.C.’s “Best Traditional Folk Band” The Bumper Jacksons (April 29), boldly pay homage to the musical traditions of yesteryear. The Bumper Jacksons’ romp through musical history incorporates 1930s-style hot jazz, country swing, Americana hits, and big blues. Last but not least is Pete Seeger: The Storm King – Stories, Narratives, and Poems (May 6). Featuring traditions as diverse as African Music, Blues, Bluegrass, Classical Guitar, Folk, Jazz, and East Indian Music, this exciting project brings Pete’s wisdom and stories to new audiences and into a new technological age.
Lighthouse Series
Hampton’s own historic lighthouse, Old Point Comfort, has been guiding hearty souls safely home since 1803. The American Theatre offers its own beacon of hope to the arts community, providing local talents a path to a welcoming creative home. The 2016-2017 Lighthouse Series includes performances from the Hampton Roads Philharmonic and Riddick Dance.
In 2013, talented professional and amateur musicians throughout the Hampton Roads area of Virginia signed on to the dream of creating a new orchestra to serve the area, and by that summer, the Hampton Roads Philharmonic (HRP) was born. The orchestra now works to inspire, enrich, and connect the community with classical music performed by local musicians. Currently in its fourth season, the HRP is led by Steven Brindle, a young conductor who has been recognized as a burgeoning local talent.
To open its fourth season, the HRP will present a varied program from the standard repertoire. Featured on this program will be Dvorak’s Symphony No. 6 (October 16), a work of many influences that ultimately expresses Dvorak’s Czech nationalistic style within the structure of Germanic classical-romantic form.
HRP’s Winter Classics (December 4) is arranged with a pop-style twist. Come hear how the coldest times have inspired some of the greatest composers, including selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet suite and his “Winter Dreams” symphony. Throughout the program, enjoy seasonal favorites such as The Skater’s Waltz, Sleigh Ride, and a special guest narration of “A Visit from St. Nick.”
Don’t miss the chance to hear Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” (March 12), a masterpiece of passion, conflict, and triumph. In addition, the HRP is proud to present the first annual Young Artist Showcase Performance, featuring winners from their concerto and aria competition. Expect a program of crowd pleasing standards with some contemporary soon-to-be favorites.
As an acclaimed dance repertory company based in the City of Hampton, Virginia, Riddick Dance aims to enrich the range of cultural offerings of the Hampton Roads region by focusing on a wide range of performing arts, but especially expressive dance.
Choreographed by David F. Riddick, ONE (October 15) returns to The American Theatre stage with a fresh interpretation of the beauty found when two people capture the true essence of love through life’s obstacles and trials. Through struggle comes the ability to look beyond the layers of the person you love and see the inner depths of each other’s soul.
CIARFOA (December 10) is a must-see production combining multiple art forms in this unique performance concept designed to uplift our community. In addition to CIARFOA as a high-energy performance for all to enjoy, the evening also supports the Arts Save Lives campaign.
Riddick Dance’s final performance, Phoenix, Rising from the Ashes (April 22), imagines a modern take on the ancient Phoenix mythology. Phoenix is a story of a young boy who, through many life trials, realizes how pain helps him become an anchor for others who grieve in silence.
Phoebus Film Club Series
After two successful seasons, The Phoebus Film Club Series returns to offer a unique series of films and special events, including nostalgic #TBT Throwback Thursday Movie Nights, interactive Film Club Special Events, and the documentaries of True Life Thursday Films. From The Princess Bride to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, there’s something for every movie goer—whether you enjoy watching a film or participating in one.
Enjoy cult, classic, and some down-right neglected older film gems with #TBT Throwback Thursday Movie Nights at The American Theatre. Ghostbusters (October 13) - The film that turned the phrase “Who you gonna call?” into a cultural phenomenon, Ghostbusters tells the story of unemployed parapsychologists who set themselves up as “Ghostbusters” to rid of the evil monstrous apparitions taking over New York.
The Princess Bride (November 10) - This beloved classic fairytale begins with a grandfather reading his favorite book, “The Princess Bride,” to his hard-to-impress grandson. This book, he promises, has everything – “Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love. Miracles.” – and all that he promised comes to life before the boy’s enchanted eyes.
E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (December 8) - A gentle alien stranded on Earth is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. The alien, E.T., falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien.
Phoebus Film Club Special Events bring the joy of classic audience-participation films to Hampton Roads. Kick off your shoes and warm up your vocal chords, because these shows need you ready to hit that high note.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (October 28) - Dust off your gold sequin top hat for some harmless musical fun – a delightful spoof of Hollywood horror movies and Old Dark House melodramas!
Sing-A-Long Grease (November 18) - Now is your chance to don those pink jackets, grease up that hair, and let your inhibitions go. Just sit back and watch Danny & Sandy and the gang, while singing and dancing along to the lyrics shown on the screen. Dressing up is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential.
Sing-A-Long of Sound of Music (April 21) - The Hills of Hampton Roads will be alive with the sounds of the Sing-A-Long Sound of Music. Sing along with Julie, wave your edelweiss, dance in the gazebo with Liesl, snuggle up with Gretel, and join in earnest choruses of “My Favorite Things.” The audience takes over as the star of this show and almost anything can happen – and usually does.
With True Life Thursday Films, The American Theatre brings you some of the best in documentary film and video from across the country, and showcases meaningful life stories which educate and entertain audiences of every demographic, followed by film discussions.
The Joe Show (January 26) - Randy Murray’s documentary, The Joe Show profiles Joe Arpaio, the controversial sheriff from Arizona who courts publicity with his vocal support of hardline tactics and laws.
A Ballerina’s Tale (February 9) - Get the incredible, behind-the-scenes story of how iconic ballerina Misty Copeland overcame a tumultuous upbringing and injuries to become the first African- American woman to be named principal dancer of the legendary American Ballet Theater.
Batkid Begins (March 16) - This incredible and touching true story of Miles Scott, a five-year-old cancer patient whose wish to be Batman’s sidekick for a day, became one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s most memorable moments and a global phenomenon.
Family Fun Series
Families come in a wide variety of “shapes and sizes,” and at Hampton Arts we celebrate them all. Art is for everyone, but Hampton Arts believes it is most richly enjoyed when experienced with the ones we love. Family Fun Series performances include:
School of Rock: The Musical (October 22) tells the story of a failed, wannabe rock star who poses as a substitute teacher and creates his own rockin’ curriculum.
Hurrah for the Holidays (December 3) features holiday favorites from yesterday and today, precision kick line dancers, a celebration of all faiths, and a 100% chance of snow.
I Have a Dream (February 4) chronicles the phenomenal impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he gains recognition and becomes the dominant force in the Civil Rights Movement.
Disney’s Aladdin (March 4) is sure to send audiences soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with romance and adventure.
The Wright Brothers: Those Daring Men & Their Flying Machine (April 8) is guaranteed to make your imagination fly high through music and a historical story of triumph.
Creating Wellness Series
A brand new offering this year, The Creating Wellness Series, is intended to provide options for living a healthier, more mindful lifestyle at work and at home – with an emphasis on improving the well-being of your mental, physical, and nutritional health.
Participants will find classes and workshops to manage all that bombards your attention and increases stress in your daily work and personal life, including:
Mindfulness for Challenging Emotions (August 14) – How do we stay present in the moment when things are tough, and why would we want to? These and other questions will be explored experientially through mind-body practices.
Community Sitting (August 21 and 28) – Short teachings from various traditions followed by meditation.
The Missing Link in Exercise (September 7) – Learn simple techniques that can make a profound difference in how and why you exercise.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course (September 13-November 8) – For 8 weeks, be part of a living container – a group of individuals devoted to exploring mindfulness as a means to living in the only moment there is: now. For this 8 week course, register at www.rebeccaeldridge.com
Functional Medicine: A Roadmap for 21st Century Health Care (October 5) – Functional Medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual by addressing the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
The Benefits and Challenges of Eating Locally and Seasonally (November 9) – Learn some of the food traditions and challenges from a multi-generational farming family. Leave with a better understanding of the past, present, and future of small-scale farming and eating seasonally.
Yoga Therapy (Wednesdays) – Dilip Sarkar combines his 45 years of experience in Conventional Medicine with his extensive knowledge of Integrative Medicine, including Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy. No experience required.
In the Galleries
Some say it’s the Peninsula’s best kept secret; others call it their creative home. To the folks at Hampton Arts, The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center is the very soul of Hampton Arts.
Under the guidance of James Warwick Jones, Gallery Manager, an award-winning artist in his own right, the Arts Center will again present a year-round slate of creative, thoughtful, and inspiring art exhibitions, classes, workshops, trips, and events.
When asked about what the exhibits mean for visitors, Jones lights up with a smile. “It means providing a friendly, welcoming atmosphere to experience, enjoy and be challenged by the art,” he says. “Whether you’re a first time visitor or a longtime friend, we hope to see you during our upcoming season to experience the art, take a class and meet the artists.”
Visitors can take in the wide array of exhibits offered during the 2016-2017 season, including:
The Artist Studio (June 25- August 14) – The artist’s studio is a sanctuary where artists can escape the rest of the world and focus only on their art. This space reflects the personality, interests, and work habits of the artist. In this unique exhibition, each artist couples an artwork inspired by their studio with a photograph of it.
Virginia Artists 2016 Juried Exhibition (August 20- October 9) – Over 115 artworks in all styles, genres, and media will be selected and exhibited in the Arts Center. The exhibition features a total of $6,750 in cash awards, including a $1,500 Best in Show and awards in each media including drawing, printmaking, painting, photography, crafts, watercolor, mixed media, and sculpture.
Plumb the Depths: Mixed Media by Wade Mickley (August 20- October 9) – Plumb the Depths is a result of Wade Mickley’s Best in Show Award in the Virginia Artists 2015 Juried Exhibition. Inspired by folk art, primitive art, personal angst, and all forms of graphic design, his work contains an intriguing awkwardness that has a rhythm between contour, color, and mistake. His work is a meditation on the unpredictability of life.
Virginia Glass Guild 29th Annual Juried Exhibition (October 15- December 4) – Visitors will be dazzled by a wide range of creative glass processes, including blown, carved, cast, painted, flame-worked, fused, leaded, neon, sandblasted, and stained glass. Over $3,750 in cash awards and scholarships will be presented.
Therefore: Glass by Ryan Tanner (October 15- December 4) – In describing his exhibition, the artist writes, “The exhibition title Therefore is based on the idea that every piece I work on in the show will be a ‘remnant’ or something with a second life.” Tanner’s exhibition is a result of his Best in Show Award in the 2015 Virginia Glass Guild Juried Exhibition.
Miniatures and Small Works by Tidewater Artists (December 10- January 22) –Miniatures and Small Works includes exciting pieces representing various media from drawing, watercolor and pastels to printmaking, photography, jewelry, glass – and many more, all of which are no larger than 20 square inches.
Hampton Arts League Open Members Exhibition (January 28- March 12) – This annual Hampton Arts League exhibition features artwork by many of the over 400 Hampton Arts League members in all media and a wide range of styles.
Artists Who Teach Juried Exhibition (March 18- April 30) – This juried exhibition will feature over 115 artworks including drawing, watercolor, painting, crafts, printmaking, photography, and sculpture from Hampton Roads’ nine colleges and universities. Cash awards total over $800 and the first place winner will be invited to show their work in a solo exhibition in 2018.
The Rest is Silence: Drawings by Barbara Hennig-Loomis (March 18- April 30) – “The Rest is Silence” offers drawings that address the interstices between figure and ground, mark and space. The majority of the work is rendered in silverpoint, which is executed by pulling a metal stylus across a prepared surface, leaving a luminous line.
NOW: African-American Artists in Tidewater (May 6- June 18) – This survey exhibition features about 100 African-American artists of Hampton Roads working in a wide range of styles, content, perspectives, and media. They range from established artists with impressive resumes who have worked and/or taught in Tidewater for decades, to young emerging artists just beginning their creative journey.
Hardhat Heroes – Shipyard Workers of Hampton Roads: Photographs by Glen McClure
(June 24- August 13) – Photographed at the work site, subjects include laborers, skilled craftspeople, apprentices, hourly workers, maintenance staff, salaried professionals, engineers, and scientists. This is an artistic celebration of some of the thousands who make their living in the historic Hampton Roads, Virginia shipbuilding and ship repair industry.
Working in Series: Photographs by Glen McClure (June 24- August 13) – Glen McClure will also be exhibiting other photographic work from his various continuing series of image making, including, The West of Ireland, Tuscany and Umbria Italy, Virginia Derby Girls, Street Portraits from Italy, France, Ireland and Virginia, A Random Portrait of Virginia Faces at the Races, and Endangered Species: Watermen of the Chesapeake.
Artists as Photographers (June 24- August 13) – In the 1880’s, as photography became available to the masses, artists took an interest in this new medium. Edgar Degas and others explored this new medium as another art form or as reference material for the artwork in their preferred medium. This small group exhibition offers a glimpse of photographs by mostly regional artists who are best or exclusively known for their artwork in another media.
It was December 1987 that the Hampton City Council established the Hampton Commission on the Arts. Appointed by the Council, this 13-member citizens board acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council to promote further development and awareness of artistic and cultural programs in the City and to provide a coordinated method of City support of cultural organizations and programs. This body worked closely with the City to create a City department known as the Hampton Arts Commission.
Since its creation, the Hampton Arts Commission spun off a private foundation, The Hampton Arts Foundation, to raise private funds for the long term sustainability and advocacy of the arts. This unique public/private partnership continues a long tradition of artistic excellence. The Hampton Arts Commission (now popularly known as Hampton Arts) is a much respected and praised institution that has been responsible for a remarkable renaissance of the arts not only within the City of Hampton, but within the entire Hampton Roads region.
Their mission is to advance the arts and enhance the quality of life for all Hampton Roads residents and visitors by educating and inspiring teachers, students, and life-long learners to embrace the arts, providing opportunities for Hampton Roads artists to showcase and develop their arts, and presenting unique, world-class caliber arts that appeal to a diverse citizenry, promoting a deeper cultural awareness.
Learn more about Hampton Arts upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities by visiting www.HamptonArts.net.
Sponsor Acknowledgement
Hampton Arts is the heart of the region’s cultural arts tapestry. Through the generous support of sponsors, we are able to enrich lives of our community through arts education, the performing, and visual arts. Together, we can keep the arts alive. Hampton Arts is proud to thank the following businesses, foundations, and sponsors who have helped support our programs on stage, in the classroom, in our galleries, and in our community.
Platinum Series Sponsors: The Point at Phoebus and Holiday Inn Express
Family Fun Series Sponsors: Hampton Convention and Visitors Bureau and POMOCO
Lighthouse Series Sponsors: Paragon City Center and My Pi Pizza + Craft Beer
Phoebus Film Club Series Sponsors: Virginia Natural Gas
Performance Series Sponsors: Jeff’s Flowers of Course
Series Subscription
Series subscriptions are available now in person or by phone at The American Theatre Box office at (757) 722-ARTS or Hampton Coliseum Box Office at (757) 838-4203.
Single Ticket Sales
Individual event tickets are available starting August 2 in person at The American Theatre Box Office or Hampton Coliseum Box Office. Tickets may be ordered online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.