THE SCOOP
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In this issue... SigPro Ribbon Cutting Bob Alper Don't Tell Nonnie Kathleen Madigan Mark O'Connor Exclusive Interview! A Christmas Carol The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Dreams, A Spectacular Holiday Cirque! Three Dog Night Christmas with the Celts Subscriptions at The Sharon I Mustache You a Question Angel Street Cry It out Cabaret The Roommate
NOVEMBER 2023
BREAK A LEG
shout outs
CALLING ALL THEATRE ENTHUSIASTS! ––––––––––
Show some love and support to the talented cast of a performance at The Studio with our brand new "Break a Leg" shout outs! For just $20, you can purchase a shout-out for someone in the show or the entire cast and crew. Your heartfelt messages will be printed in an insert that is placed in every program for a whole week!
GET MORE INFO
BREAK A
LEG
shout outs
Break a leg cast and cr ew! - Whitney Morse SO excited
to see you, Ja - Love Adam ckson!
Good luck ,
Mark! We know you’ ll do great! - Love Mom & Dad
Break legs Kristin! - Love The Fam You got th
is Canter! Break legs ! - Love You
Couldn’t be
prouder of you Russel l! - Love Sara
Would you lik Email: Mar e to send your own shout out? keting@Si gnificantPr Each ad ha oductions.o s a limit of rg 50 characte rs. Cost is $20 per ad
.
ribbon cutting Significant Productions is thrilled to invite you to our Ribbon Cutting Event, a celebration of creativity, community, and the establishment of a new nonprofit theatre company in Central Florida. Step inside The Sharon L Morse Performing Arts center, one of the two beautiful venues we operate and learn more about Significant Productions! Join us in the lobby for live music by our wonderfully talented, Music Director, Gary Powell. Meet some of the founding team members of Significant Productions and stop by the box office to purchase tickets to upcoming performances.
NOV 15 • 1:15-2pm FREE
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Significant Productions, Inc. was organized in the state of Florida as a not-forprofit corporation and is a tax exempt public charity as described in sections 501(c)(3) and 170 of the internal revenue code.
B BO R E P L A
p U d n a t S / i b Rab
) y l l a e R ( c i m Co
Repartee with the Rabbi WHY DOES A DISTINGUISHED RABBI WITH A DOCTORAL DEGREE BECOME A STAND-UP COMIC? Short answer: Because I could! Longer answer: Stand-up comedy is an enormously challenging profession, but I can’t think of a more satisfying moment in my unusual career than when a woman who I knew was dying of cancer approached me after a show and explained, “For an hour and a half, I forgot I was sick.” WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR STAND-UP AND BOOK MATERIAL? In my stand-up act it’s a combination of real life observations and “what ifs.” In my two books, on the other hand, I’ve written a total of 75 true short stories from my life. They occasionally include a bit of humor, but for the most part are serious, poignant, inspirational. HOW DOES A RABBI HANDLE HECKLERS? Fortunately, that’s not a problem, since my material doesn’t encourage hecklers or irritate people. But in my early days, when I did very scary and often disastrous guest sets at comedy clubs, I’d occasionally encounter an inebriated patron who wanted to “help” me. My response: “Sir, would you kindly lead us in the silent prayer”? WHAT DO MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY THINK OF YOUR CAREER? When my kids were teenagers I’d occasionally get a sarcastic, “Ha. Yeah, so funny Dad. Why don’t you use it in your act.” They’ve matured, and I actually use a few jokes that they’ve written. As for my wife – a retired psychotherapist – we have an excellent arrangement. I never criticized the way she did therapy. And she always criticized the way I did comedy.
NOV 11 7PM $25
AND UP
| $20
LIMITED VIEW
obby Lounge L Open Mic Piano Bar HOSTED BY HEATHER ARD
OPEN MIC! Hosted by Special Guest Heather Ard, this Open Mic Night is open to all singers. Gary Powell, Music Director, will be your accompanist on the piano. Feel free to bring your own sheet music or peruse our collection to find your favorite song! Sing a song and cheer for your friends. In between numbers & cocktail refills, Heather Ard & Gary Powell will perform some of their favorite cabaret numbers.
NOV 20 7PM $20
Comedian Kathleen Madigan's 34-year comedy career is showing no signs of slowing down on her current 2023 tour, Boxed Wine & Tiny Banjos. Madigan has been touring 250 nights a year on the road and has risen from performing in comedy clubs to performing in marquee theaters with sold-out shows. Chicago Tribune wrote, “She has all but perfected the art of crafting and delivering a perfect joke. That singular dedication to the craft shows in both the evolution of her material over the years and way she can make a complicated joke with a hidden nub of wisdom seem both effortless and offhand.” “There's nobody better than Maddy. She’s smart and just crushes it every time. She's not just one of the best 'female' comics, she's one of the best comics, period,” says Comedian Ron White. She's won the American Comedy Award for "Best Female Comedian" and the Phyllis Diller award for "Best Female Comedian." She has written and produced for Lewis Black's Root of All Evil on Comedy Central and done multiple USO tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
DATE ADDED! NOV 17 & 18 7PM $40
AND UP
| $20
LIMITED VIEW
~ An Evening with ~
"One of the most spectacular journeys in recent American music." — The New York Times "One of the most talented and imaginative artists working in music -- any music -- today." — The Los Angeles Times
HOW DID YOU AND YOUR WIFE, MAGGIE, MEET?
About 10 years ago I received a message that a grad student was inquiring about having one lesson and coaching session in fiddle music. Once we played through a few things at the lesson, we both could sense there was a kind of musical magic that we could not ignore. That led to a mini performance later that evening at a local music school. In the process, we fell in love and were married six months later. We’ve been performing together ever since!
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE O'CONNOR METHOD?
One of the things about music education in the states that seemed so perplexing to me is how American music was left out of violin lessons. I wanted to bring American music and it’s powerful impact on the music world, back to the violin. The O’Connor Method is the result of authoring a set of books for learning strings; violin, viola, cello and string orchestra. Tens of thousands of students over the last dozen years have learned to play the violin using this method.
WHAT'S IT LIKE PERFORMING AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY?
Maggie and I just recently performed three of our songs at the Grand Ole Opry at the beginning of September. My own history at the Opry goes back to when I was a 12-year old making my debut there as a guest of the King of Country Music, Roy Acuff. It’s a special feeling each time I perform there, with the community of Nashville country musicians taking part in each performance, such a warm audience attending from all over the country and parts of the world, and a large radio audience on WSM. The sense of the music history there is always an inspiration, and I believe it is easy to give your best performances there because of the inviting nature of the Grand Ole Opry as a big musical family to all.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START STRING CAMP?
It has been 30 years since I directed my first string camp, at that time just outside of Nashville. I was experiencing a lot of personal success in my music career, and I simply wanted to give back. These days Maggie and I co-direct the O’Connor Method String Camp in Charlotte, NC each summer where we live today, still going strong after three decades. The string camps now focus on the materials and philosophies behind my book series; musical literature across 400 years of American music history, the ethnic diversity of American music and the creative and improvisational aspects to the music—from solo to ensemble to orchestra. For more information; www.oconnormethod.com
NOV 19 7PM $55
AND UP
| $45
LIMITED VIEW
A powerful story of redemption, Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of Holiday joy. Ebenezer Scrooge, that most unrepentant and miserly of fellows, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery of revelations by the ghosts of his own life: Jacob Marley and the Christmas Spirits of Past, Present, and Future. Celebrate the true Spirit of Christmas with this brand new, original production filled with haunting special effects and heartfelt sentiment. "A Christmas Carol" is delightful and thoroughly entertaining, it is the perfect family holiday event. Filled with beloved music of the season, superb staging, and tremendous artistry, this Carol is a production you will be proud to bring to your venue!
"I have never seen a better performance than the one put on by you and your talented crew. I hope you get to share this with many more audiences." — Mike Staggs, Shreveport, LA.
NOV 27 7PM $35
AND UP
| $20
LIMITED VIEW
MESSIAH G. F. HANDEL THE MESSIAH PART ONE - NATIVITY FOR SOLI - CHORUS & ORCHESTRA
23/24 SEASON SEPT 3 - MAY 6
CHOOSE AT LEAST 4 SHOWS GET 10% OFF
PASQUALE VALERIO, MAESTRO BASED IN FLORIDA'S FRIENDLIEST HOMETOWN, "THE VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC" IS A PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA PRESENTING THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MUSICAL PERFORMANCE SINCE 2003. Most members live in the Orlando area but we have regular members who come from as far afield as Jacksonville, Tampa, Daytona and St. Petersburg. The Philharmonic gives 13-15 concerts per year and so we don't provide full time employment for any of the players. Our players are comprised of resident and international artists who collaborate with symphonic and operatic companies at large. Although most orchestra members are not Villagers, there are two professional orchestra members who are Village residents and there are six amateurs who train each Saturday so that they can meet the standards required to play with the Philharmonic.
NOV 28 7PM $35
AND UP
| $25
LIMITED VIEW
HOLOGRAMS • ACROBATS DAREDEVILS • LASERS AND MORE!!
HOLIDAY DREAMS, A SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY CIRQUE! Holograms, Projection Mapping, Interactive Lasers and award-wining cirque artists all come together in one spectacular holiday show! Holiday Dreams presents an exciting, modern holiday show featuring cirque artists, comedy, daredevils and a modern soundtrack. THE STORY follows a mischievous Elf who thinks he is mailing himself to a tropical island, but instead finds himself delivered to the wrong address: YOUR theater! Trying to get to his destination, he recruits the help of a stage hand, the audience, and a cast of amazing performers. Does he make it to his tropical destination after all? ABOUT THE SHOW Show creator Fernando Quevedo wanted more than creating a holiday show that was just presenting amazing performers. He wanted to create a show that had a story thread that the audience can follow that was whimsical whilst also being heartwarming. It had to be light hearted and presents what he considered the values inherent in the Holiday Season: Joy, Peace, Love, Gratefulness and Hope. He also wanted to create a show that would unite families and bridge the generational divide and make it appealing to all. No small feat as you have grandparents that grew up without cell phones and millennials who can’t live without them. He carefully crafted a balance between incredibly talented performers, an epic soundtrack and amazing modern special effects such as holograms, computer graphics and laser technology. The result was that Holiday Dreams is truly a spectacular show that appeals to all generations because the talent and the themes in the show are universal.
DEC 1 4 & 7PM $55
AND UP
| $45
LIMITED VIEW
one night only, celebrate the hits! Mama Told Me (Not To Come) Joy to The World • Black And White Shambala • Easy To Be Hard An Old Fashioned Love Song The Show Must Go On
LEGENDARY BAND, THREE DOG NIGHT, now in its 5th decade, claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. In the years 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records, or sold more concert tickets than THREE DOG NIGHT. Boasting chart and sales records that remain virtually unmatched in popular music, THREE DOG NIGHT had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including 3 #1 singles, 11 Top 10's, 18 straight Top 20's, 7 million-selling singles and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs. Tens of millions of THREE DOG NIGHT records have been sold through the years. Created in 1968 by Danny Hutton, THREE DOG NIGHT maintains an aggressive, year-round touring schedule of over 90 dates a year, performing their hit-filled concerts for multi-generational audiences. The band's now-famous name refers to native Australian hunters in the outback who huddled with their dogs for warmth on cold nights; the coldest being a "three dog night". The band's music transcends time, bringing together both new and longtime audiences alike. THREE DOG NIGHT demonstrates its eclectic song choices once again with the new material being recorded for an upcoming album release. One of the new tracks, "Prayer of the Children" was discovered by Hutton who created an a cappella arrangement, so that for the first time in the history of THREE DOG NIGHT, the vocals of all six members of the band are featured. The song is currently part of their live concert set and quickly becoming an audience favorite. Marking over 50 years on the road, THREE DOG NIGHT continues to grow its fan base by keeping up a full schedule of concerts at theatres, performing arts centers, fairs, festivals, corporate events, and casinos. Since 1986, the band has performed nearly 3,000 shows including two Super Bowls.
DEC 2 7PM $79.99
AND UP
| $46.99
LIMITED VIEW
"Absolutely The Best Thing I've Seen In A Long, Long Time!" "This Event Could Have Not Been Better!" "Never A Dull Moment!" "The Show Was Fantastic! I Would Definitely Attend This Show Again Next Year!"
"FIRST THERE WAS RIVERDANCE, THEN CELTC WOMAN, AND NOW THE POPULAR PBS SHOW 'CHRISTMAS WITH THE CELTS' WHICH IS TOURING ACROSS AMERICA" Kevin Crane, PBS The original national PBS show Christmas with The Celts aired on over 200 PBS channels across the U.S., Canada and on the BBC in Ireland for three years. Celebrating 12 years of successful national touring, Christmas with the Celts performs a wonderful combination of timeless ancient Irish Christmas Carols and lively Irish dance with modern contemporary songs but with Irish instrumentation. New Christmas hits, Celts originals and fresh Irish Dance tunes are added to the show each year so that no 2 years are the same. Always a pleasant surprise. This year Christmas with the Celts will introduce top Irish musicians Patrick D'Arcy from Dublin and Fiachra O'Regan from Connemara, Ireland. These two have performed with Bono of U2, Sting, Quincy Jones, The Waterboys, Bill Whelan of Riverdance, just to name a few. Also, featured will be the haunting vocals of beautiful singer/fiddler Luisa Marion. And an Irish Christmas would not be complete without the unpredictable Irish jokes (craic) and banter that occurs between band members and the audience every year and the always crowd pleasing fiery Irish dancers. The high-stepping spirited musical selections have audiences clapping along from the first lively renditions of popular contemporary Christmas classics such as Irish versions of Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas, White Christmas, John Lennon's perennial Happy Christmas and many surprises. The show presents a perfect combination of modern Christmas hits, lively ancient Irish Carols, hilarious spontaneous humor, thrilling Irish dancing, a children's choir and meaningful Christmas ballads with lush string arrangements giving audiences a most memorable interactive Christmas experience.
DEC 6 3 & 7PM $55
AND UP
| $35
LIMITED VIEW
Through the Lens: Creating a Ripple
Annie Griffiths Photographer
JANUARY 23 • 7pm
UP $25 AND | $20 LIMITED VIEW
ANNIE GRIFFITHS One of the first women photographers to work for National Geographic, Annie Griffiths has photographed in more than one hundred countries during her rich and varied career. She has worked on dozens of magazine and book projects for National Geographic, including stories on Lawrence of Arabia, Galilee, Petra, Sydney, and Jerusalem. In addition to her editorial work, Annie is deeply committed to using photography to support aid organizations. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Ripple Effect Images, a collective of prize-winning photojournalists and filmmakers who are documenting programs that empower women and children in the developing world.
The Search for Longevity
David McLain Photographer
APRIL 19 • 7pm
UP VIEW $25 AND | $20 LIMITED
DAVID MCLAIN honed his photographic chops shooting feature length assignments around the world for National Geographic magazine. The stories varied but the mandate was always the same: work with every kind of person under any kind of condition and create timeless yet contemporary images for a client with the highest visual standards on earth. Spending time with people who inhabit different worlds is what inspires David the most. He says it's a constant reminder that people are never quite what you think they're going to be at first glance. Whether David is creating content for global brands like Apple and Sony, or for small nonprofits like Caringbridge, he anchors his work in the human story. He believes the best stories inspire us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. One story he has documented for more than 15 years is called The Blue Zones project. Together with author Dan Buettner, David travels the world to study and document those five places in the world where people are living the longest and staying the healthiest. This work has produced a number of books, including a best-selling cookbook, and stories for Nat Geo, Smithsonian, and others. David is also one of the original Sony Artisans of Imagery—a talented and diverse group of photographers and filmmakers who are helping Sony break new ground and reimagine what cameras can do in the 21st Century. When he's not on the road, David and his family make their home in a 220 year old farmhouse and he runs his studio out of a post and beam barn in the woods just outside of Portland, Maine.
International Subscription
Your passport for Destination Evenings in The Villages!
CANADA
CANADIAN BRASS JAN 12 • 7pm AND LIMITED $35 UP | $20 VIEW
BULGARIA
SOFIA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA JAN 18 • 7pm AND LIMITED $35 UP | $20 VIEW
CENTRAL AMERICA BALLET HISPANICO FEB 4 • 7pm AND LIMITED $45 UP | $20 VIEW
15% OFF 3 SHOWS OR 20% OFF 5 SHOWS! VIENNA
VIENNA BOYS CHOIR FEB 13 • 7pm AND LIMITED $38 UP | $20 VIEW
CHINA
PEKING ACROBATS MAR 4 • 7pm AND LIMITED $35 UP | $20 VIEW
AFRICA
STEP AFRIKA MAR 14 • 7pm AND LIMITED $30 UP | $20 VIEW
Broadway subscription SAVE WHEN YOU BUY ALL 3! SUBSCRIPTION ON SALE NOW! THE BOOK OF MORMON DEC 9 • 7:30pm DEC 10 • 2 & 7:30pm UP $55 AND | $35 LIMITED VIEW
THE CHER SHOW FEB 20 • 7:30pm FEB 21 • 2 & 7:30pm UP $55 AND | $35 LIMITED VIEW
COME FROM AWAY MAR 1 • 7:30pm MAR 2 • 2 & 7:30pm UP $55 AND | $35 LIMITED VIEW
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QUIRKY INTERVIEWS WITH A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE SHARON & THE STUDIO THEATRES!
FOLLOW US TO TUNE IN!
SEASON 8
That's A Wrap
SEASON 8
A hilarious comedy about the absurdities of motherhood. Produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Meet the Cast
ardner
Ashleigh Ann G as Jessie
Roberta Emerson* as Adrienne
sold out
Megan M istretta as Lina
David Goodloe as Mitchell
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Previews: NOV 14-16 | Performances: NOV 17-DEC 16 $20 Preview Performance | $35 Performances
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.
Shhh...
only for The Sharon® ticket holders! Show your ticket stub* from The Sharon at these participating restaurants & order from an exclusive
Secret Drink Menu!
990 Del Mar Dr, The Villages 352-268-3701
1045 Old Camp Rd, The Villages 352-750-6000
2738 Brownwood Blvd, The Villages 352-571-5344
1542 Water Tower Cir, The Villages 352-751-4501 *Ticket stub must be from a show in the last six months. It may be shown digitally or printed.
STUDENT DISCOUNT
10 OFF
$
You read that right! The Studio™ Theatre now offers Student Discounts! Just present your valid Student ID at any of The Villages Box Offices and you get tickets at a discount. $35 Musicals & $25 Plays
SEASON 8
“Willkommen” to Kander and Ebb’s iconic musical Cabaret, which transports us to the seedy underbelly of 1931 Berlin and the dynamic, dark, and hedonistic Kit Kat Klub. As Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich, the Klub’s entertainers and patrons must decide if they’ll wake up to the evil just outside the stage door or continue to escape to the alluring sexually liberated fantasy world of the Kit Kat Klub. Since its debut in 1967, this classic musical has won countless awards, including the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Revival of a Musical. This hit-maker is full of vibrant and beloved songs like “Willkommen,” “Maybe This Time,” “Money,” “Don’t Tell Mama,”and, the titular “Cabaret.”
Previews: JAN 30-FEB 1 | $25 Performances: FEB 2-MAR 2 | $45
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
With a recent divorce and her son living across the country, 50-something Sharon posts a listing for a roommate to fill the empty space of her Iowa home. Enter Robyn also in her mid-fifties, a fascinating woman who needs a place to hide and the chance to start over. Sharon is Walmart and white bread, book clubs, and leaving your door unlocked. Robyn is black leather boots, a motorcycle jacket, and cigarettes she’s trying to quit. When Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, they encourage her own deep-seated desire to abandon her comfort zone and live a life of danger and adventure. Come along for this wild ride of a comedy that can only be described as The Odd Couple meets Breaking Bad. The Roommate cleverly navigates the rocky roads of change and hilariously examines what happens when the wheels come off.
Previews: MAR 26-28 | $20 Performances: MAR 29-APR 27 | $35
Significant Productions is a Not-for-Profit Arts organization that operates The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center (The Sharon) and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol (The Studio). SignificantProductions.org #SigPro marketing@significantproductions.org 1000 Main Street, Suite 208, The Villages, FL 32159
The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center has a mission to curate and present a variety of world-class performing arts in order to enrich the cultural offerings of The Villages® and surrounding communities. TheSharon.com | #TheSharon 1051 Main Street, The Villages, FL 32159
Our mission is to inspire the residents of Central Florida to examine relevant issues by elevating them through innovative and intimate storytelling. Think outside the box, inside the box at The Studio Theatre™. TheSharonStudio.com | #TheStudioTheatreTDS 806 San Marino Dr, The Villages, FL 32159 © 2023 Significant Productions, LLC.