KEEPING YOU SAFE DURING COVID-19
What We’re Doing to Keep You and Our Staff Safe:
• We are following guidance issued by the Governor’s task force and CDC, as well as adding other safety measures.
• Staff and volunteers will be wearing masks and have been trained on the proper measures for use of PPE.
• We’ve upgraded our systems and HVAC to increase safety, and are changing filters more often and increasing the circulation rates on a 24-hour cycle.
• We created order-ahead, contactless concessions! You can order your snacks and beverages before the show at musichallnh.square.site.
• We’re asking parties to leave 6 feet of space in all directions in between other parties.
What We’re Asking You to Do When You Visit:
• If you are feeling sick, have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, loss of smell or taste, muscle aches, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, gastrointestinal issues), or if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive to COVID-19, please stay home!
• We’re asking you to protect yourself, our staff, and our community by wearing a mask in all communal areas. You may remove your mask while sitting in your seat, but please wear your mask while entering, exiting, and if you visit concessions or the restrooms.
For the most up-to-date information visit: TheMusicHall.org/Reopening
The Music Hall Needs Your Help
Thank you to all of you who have continued to support us through this time. The arts face an existential crisis. We were among the first to close and we’ll be the last to open fully. If you are able, please consider a financial gift or membership. We know that it is a very uncertain time for many people, so if a financial gift isn’t in your budget, you can help spread the word or email your local representatives. Saving the arts and cultural organizations means saving downtowns and cities, as well as 12 million jobs nationwide. We participated in #RedAlertRESTART by lighting the theater red, to promote the RESTART Act and Save our Stages Act.
To donate, or for more information on membership: TheMusicHall.org/donate
A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SUPPORT THE ARTS FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR ALL TINA
SAWTELLE, Executive Director
In a constantly changing live entertainment industry, we sometimes have to improvise in order to deliver the best of the best. The Music Hall has been adapting for over 140 years and we hope to continue to do so for generations to come. Luckily, we’re creative people and we are constantly working on solutions to keep our doors open. We’ve extended our outdoor Live Under the Arch series offerings to the end of October and are working with local and regional artists across all of our programming. We are doing everything we can so we can continue to bring the finest artists, authors, and films to Portsmouth, and be an economic driver for our neighboring Seacoast businesses and restaurants. This community will only survive if we help and support each other.
Still, the urgency remains. One of the challenges we are facing is that our max capacity has been greatly reduced to allow for social distancing. With six-feet spacing, the 900-seat Historic Theater is limited to 250 people, while the 120-seat Loft space is currently shuttered. The Music Hall and all of your other favorite venues, theaters, and stages need your help. Nationally, the arts and entertainment industry is in crisis. We will need the arts when the pandemic is over; not because they’re nice to have, but because our culture survives in them, our greatest lessons are passed down through the arts, and our humanity and empathy shine through. Your advocacy and support now will keep our future bright.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Make New Friends, but Keep the Old
“Back to school” is an annual event we thought would never change. Prior to this year, the student experience has been similar to the student experience 10, 20, even 30 years ago or more. But as with all things, 2020 has been a year chock full of new experiences. That’s why it’s particularly nice to know that some things do stay the same. We’d like to take this opportunity to recognize the consistent and generous support of D.F. Richard Energy, the founding sponsor of our School Days Series Scholarship Program. Thanks to D.F. Richard’s continued commitment, The Music Hall is able to offer schools complimentary tickets, transportation, and even lunch, to make it possible for all students to attend our School Days Series professional matinees for young people.
We are happy to recognize one new thing that happened this season: Meredith Village Savings Bank signed on to take a lead role in supporting this important educational program. Though this represents their third year of Music Hall sponsorship, this is Meredith Village Savings Bank’s first season supporting the School Days Series and first sponsorship at this level. For that change, we are truly grateful.
For more about DF Richard Energy, visit DFRichard.com. For more about Meredith Village Savings Bank, visit MVSB.com
Courtesy Photo
ON STAGE
LIVE AT THE HISTORIC THEATER/LIVE UNDER THE ARCH SERIES SPONSORS:
MEDIA PARTNER: Live Free Print & Frame
INNOVATION + LEADERSHIP PRESENTING SPONSOR:
SERIES SPONSORS: Bangor Savings Bank; Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
LIVE AT THE HISTORIC THEATER CHRIS TRAPPER
Fri., October 2 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Trapper has become a modern-day acoustic troubadour and storyteller, using his honeyed tenor and humor to withstand the test of time.
LIVE AT THE HISTORIC THEATER THE MAMMALS
Fri., October 9 • 8pm • Historic Theater
The Mammals are a warm-blooded party band with a conscience, equally inspired by their folk predecessors and Americana peers.
LIVE AT THE HISTORIC THEATER SONS OF SERENDIP
Sat., October 17 8pm Historic Theater
The creative quartet Sons of Serendip’s emotionally stirring arrangements and fresh compositions make their way to the Historic Theater for a night of socially distanced music!
MEDIA PARTNER:
LIVE AT THE HISTORIC THEATER WARD HAYDEN & THE OUTLIERS
Sat., October 3 8pm Historic Theater
The Boston-based band returns to The Music Hall with an electrifying mix of country and rock.
INNOVATION + LEADERSHIP KIMBERLY HAMLIN
Thu., October 15 • 7pm • Historic Theater
The remarkable true story of Helen Hamilton Gardener, in celebration of the suffrage centennial.
LIVE UNDER THE ARCH KELLY MACFARLAND
Thu., October 22 • 6pm & 8pm • Historic Theater
Boston comedy festival favorite, Kelly MacFarland has appeared on the Today Show, Comedy Central, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, AXS Gotham Comedy LIVE, and Comics Come Home to name a few.
INNOVATION + LEADERSHIP CREATIVEMORNINGS PKX
Fri., October 30 • 9am • Streaming
A local chapter of the global lecture series for creatives, featuring a local speaker on the month’s topic.
Photo: RayaOnAssignment.com
ON SCREEN HISTORIC THEATER
PRESENTING CINEMA SPONSOR:
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA
SERIES SPONSOR:
MET AT THE MUSIC HALL MEDIA PARTNERS:
MET AT THE MUSIC HALL ENCORE:
10/4 • 1pm
RIGOLETTO
(VERDI) 2h 30m
Director Michael Mayer reimagines Verdi’s towering tragedy in Las Vegas in 1960—an ideal setting for this eternal conflict of depravity and innocence.
WILDCARD BROTHER OUTSIDER: THE LIFE OF BAYARD RUSTIN (2003) NR • 1h 24m • US 10/7 • 7pm
A disciple of Gandhi, a mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., and the architect of the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin dared to live as an openly gay man during the fiercely homophobic 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Presented in partnership with Seacoast Outright.
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA A LIFE OF ENDLESS SUMMERS: THE BRUCE BROWN STORY NR • 1h 28m • US 10/20 • 2pm & 7pm
In 1962, Bruce Brown followed the summer season around the world with two surfers on a quest for the perfect wave— it became the most successful surf film of all time.
WILDCARD
SERIES SPONSORS: Cocked Hat Ventures; The Hippo; RAM Printing
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA GORDON LIGHTFOOT: IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND
NR • 1h 31m • Canada
10/6, 10/13 • 2pm; 10/6, 10/13 • 7pm
With unprecedented access to the artist, the documentary follows Lightfoot’s evolution from Christian choirboy to troubled troubadour to international star.
MET AT THE MUSIC HALL ENCORE: LE NOZZE DI FIGARO (MOZART) 3h 17m 10/18 1pm
Richard Eyre’s spirited production of Mozart’s masterful comedy stars bass-baritone Ildar Abdrazakov in the title role of the clever servant, opposite soprano Marlis Petersen as his bride, Susanna.
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA GREAT ART ON SCREEN: SECRET IMPRESSIONISTS NR • 1h 20m • US
10/27 • 2pm & 7pm
The story of the art revolution sparked by the Impressionist movement, along with an unveiling of 50 previously unseen works by Manet, Caillebotte, Renoir, Monet, Cézanne, Signac, Sisley, and Morisot.
OCTOBER 2020
Schedule
Offsite/Livestream
What’s another way that you can support The Music Hall during this time? Bid on a variety of options in our annual Online Auction on BiddingForGood.com live November 8-22
This holiday gift giving guide will help you check off the gifts on your shopping list. From day trips to personal instructions, home improvement services, and gift certificates to your favorite shops, make sure you start your bidding on November 8 to see this year’s unique and COVIDsafe offerings.
Do you have an item to donate? Donating to our auction not only further supports our fundraising goal, but it includes additional exposure for your business. If you are interested in donating an item or learning more about this year’s auction fundraiser, please contact Ashleigh Tucker Pollock at atucker@themusichall.org or visit TheMusicHall.org/ support-us
Proceeds from this year’s auction will help support The Music Hall’s continued operations. Happy bidding!
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
Portsmouth, NH 03801
AT A GLANCE
At press time, this information was the most up-to-date, but likely there will be changes by the time you receive this magazine.
For updates on our programming, please visit TheMusicHall.org and sign up for our enews.
Photo: David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com
TAKING A SELFIE?
Taking a picture with the Chestnut St. Arch or our marquee? Use the hashtag #MyMusicHall!
At the Historic Theater At the Loft
OCTOBER
Live at the Historic Theater
Chris Trapper (NEW DATE)
Friday, October 2 • 8pm
Live at the Historic Theater
Ward Hayden & The Outliers
Saturday, October 3 • 8pm
Met at The Music Hall HD Broadcast Encore
Rigoletto (Verdi)
Sunday, October 4 • 1pm
Wildcard
Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin
Wednesday, October 7 • 7pm
Live at the Historic Theater
The Mammals
Friday, October 9 • 8pm
Innovation + Leadership
Kimberly Hamlin (NEW DATE)
Thursday, October 15 • 7pm
Live at the Historic Theater
Sons of Serendip
Saturday, October 17 • 8pm
Met at The Music Hall HD Broadcast Encore
Le Nozze Di Figaro (Mozart)
Sunday, October 18 • 1pm
OCTOBER
Live Under the Arch
Kelly MacFarland
B2W BOX OFFICE @ THE HISTORIC THEATER: 28 Chestnut Street
Thursday, October 22 • 6pm & 8pm
Livestream
CreativeMornings PKX
Friday, October 30 • 9am
NOVEMBER
Live at the Historic Theater Nellie McKay
Saturday, November 7 • 8pm
Online Holiday Auction
Sunday, November 8 - Sunday, November 22
Writers in the Historic Theater
Martha Ackmann (NEW DATE)
Tuesday, November 10 • 7pm
Rental Partner
DSP Shows: Wailin’ Jennys (NEW DATE)
Friday, November 13 • 7:30pm
Live at the Historic Theater
Patty Larkin
Saturday, November 14 • 8pm