Issuu

AFLAC IS PROUD TO BE A SEASON SPONSOR OF

RIVERCENTER

FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.

For more information about Aflac, visit aflac.com. One Day Pay SM available for most properly documented, individual claims submitted online through Aflac SmartClaim ® by 3 PM ET. Aflac SmartClaim ® is available on most Accident, Cancer, Hospital, Specified Health, and Intensive Care policies. Individual Company Statistic, 2017. Individual coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. Worldwide Headquarters | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, Georgia 31999. Z170888

EXP 7/18

A P PL AUSE

2017-2018 SEASON 9 0 0 B R OA DWAY | C O L U M B U S , G A | 7 0 6 . 2 5 6 . 3 6 1 2 | R I V E R C E N T E R . O R G

RIVERCENTER INC. & the Cultural Economy: Aside from providing great entertainment, performance space, and support services for several area arts organizations, RiverCenter plays an important role in our local economy. As calculated by the Americans for the Arts Economic Impact Calculator based upon an Annual Budget of $2,760,000 RiverCenter activities result in over $4.5 million in economic activity. This supports 153 full time equivalent jobs and represents over $3.5 million in local household income. RIVERCENTER INC. & Tourism: RiverCenter supports conferences, meetings, productions, and other programs that attract tourists to our community for multiple days. Those visitors dine in area restaurants and support other retail businesses in the County during their visit. The entire local economy wins. Since our performing arts center attracts tourists to the city, stands as a symbol of high culture, improves the community’s quality of life, and aids businesses when attracting talent to the region, RiverCenter receives a subsidy from the hotel/motel tax. The revenue is derived from taxes paid by visitors staying in area hotels or motels located within Muscogee County. These funds are exclusively dedicated to the maintenance, utilities, and upgrades necessary to keep the facility competitive and attractive for the city. Area residents do not fund this tax but they reap the benefits of having their very own performing arts center in Columbus. RIVERCENTER INC. & the Next Generation: RiverCenter provides extensive educational programming both in and outside of RiverCenter for area K-12 public schools. Activities include teacher workshops, study aids, pre and post visit lesson plans, subsidized tickets and transportation to low income schools, and access to the arts for over 20,000 students. RIVERCENTER INC. & Facility Partners: Through significant in-kind contributions RiverCenter supports the activities and performances of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus. Both are resident companies within the Center. In addition, RiverCenter’s south wing is filled with the Schwob School of Music. Through this collaboration both organizations serve the community in uniquely different ways that would ordinarily not be possible. This synergy brings the university and our nonprofit together to create vibrancy and variety in Uptown.

April 17 & 18, 2018

APPLAUSE JAN . - FEB. 2018

ISSUE NO. 81

IN THIS ISSUE: page 16: Riverdance: The 20th Anniversary World Tour Jan. 11 | 7:30 PM

page 29: Classic Albums Live: Creedence Clearwater Revival Feb. 1 | 7:30 PM page 35: The Magic of Adam Trent Feb. 2 | 7:30 PM page 41: Southern Fried Chicks: Cage-Free Comedy Tour

Feb. 14 | 7:30 PM

page 45: Mystical Arts of Tibet

Feb. 16 | 7:30 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 4 6 10 65

Curtain Raisers RiverCenter Members RiverCenter Capstone Society Volunteers

66 Board of Trustees 66 Administration and Staff 67 Ticket Information 1

MES S AGE

FROM TH E D I R EC TOR Welcome to the 2017-2018 RiverCenter Experience! Whether you are joining us for the first time or are a regular attendee, we are thrilled that you have joined us! This season we continue programs that are certain to delight, inspire and amaze. Family matinee performances for the very young and the young at heart are on tap together with stories of romance told in music, dance and the spoken word. Norman S. Easterbrook Experience the Broadway musical ELF with Executive Director your family. Perhaps a rock concert with Classic Albums Live is more your speed. On Valentine’s Day enjoy dinner and comedy with your sweetheart or just a ladies night. We are so pleased to be hosting the Mystical Arts of Tibet in the spring. Patrons can see the monks design a sand mandala in the RiverCenter lobby! We will offer expanded Arts Education this season too. All part of our commitment to provide opportunities for school students to engage in the live performing arts, not just at RiverCenter but through training teachers in ways that they can use the performing arts each day in the classroom. None of this could be possible without your generous support. We look forward to seeing you at the theatre this season!

To help support RiverCenter please contact the Advancement Team at 706.256.3653 or development@rivercenter.org 2

2017-2018 SEASON

CENTER STAGE SERIES Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd | Sep. 08, 2017 | 7:30 PM A Charlie Brown Christmas Live! | Dec. 18, 2017 | 6:30 PM Classic Albums Live: Creedence Clearwater Revival | Feb. 01, 2018 | 7:30 PM The Magic of Adam Trent | Feb. 02, 2018 | 7:30 PM Southern Fried Chicks: Cage-Free Comedy Tour | Feb. 14, 2018 | 7:30 PM Moscow Festival Ballet: Cinderella | Mar. 03, 2018 | 7:30 PM Olate Dogs: Rescue Tour | Mar. 10, 2018 | 2:30 PM Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin | Apr. 7, 2018 | 7:30 PM

RIVERCENTER CONNECT SERIES Choir of Clare College, Cambridge | Dec. 09, 2017 | 7:30 PM Cantus Christmas | Dec. 19, 2017 | 7:30 PM Mystical Arts of Tibet | Feb. 16, 2018 | 7:30 PM Urban Bush Women: Hair & Other Stories | Apr. 26, 2018 | 7:30 PM

RiverCenter Advancement RiverCenter is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Ticket sales meet only a portion of RiverCenter’s operating expenses. The balance is covered by contributions to RiverCenter. The generosity of many individuals and corporations helps RiverCenter present world-class artists and offer varied educational opportunities. To receive information about becoming a Member or Curtain Raiser, please call 706-256-3653 or email development@rivercenter.org.

RiverCenter Sponsors: Curtain Raisers

Curtain Raisers are RiverCenter’s major sponsors, granting agencies, or corporate contributors. The funds support RiverCenter’s diverse program schedule, including professional touring attractions and educational activities. RiverCenter values its phenomenal partners. List based on donations given as of Nov. 27, 2017 SEASON SPONSOR

CHAMPION LEVEL SPONSORS

SUSTAINER LEVEL SPONSORS

BENEFACTOR LEVEL SPONSORS

AND THE VALLEY

DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSORS

PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS

Fox Theatre Institute

Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker & Ford, PC

Wells Fargo

GOLD LEVEL MEMBERS

Columbus Water Works Graystone Properties, LLC

Kodak Company SILVER LEVEL MEMBERS

Chick-fil-A, Inc. Giving Fund BRONZE LEVEL MEMBERS

Rivertown Dental Care

Hoo Knows Magazine 5

RIVERCENTER MEMBERS

MARQUEE SOCIETY MEMBERS • The Marquee Society advances fulfillment of RiverCenter’s mission of “bringing together a variety of artists and audiences for entertainment, education and enrichment of the cultural life of our region.” Society members annually contribute $1,000 or more and know the true value of the arts and cultural preservation. Membership has its benefits. Please contact Betsy Fitzgerald at 706-256-3653 to discuss Marquee Society membership. List based on donations given as of Nov. 27, 2017

M A R Q U E E S O C I E T Y: S U S TA I N E R L E V E L

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen T. Butler M A R Q U E E S O C I E T Y: B E N E F A C T O R L E V E L

Sally & Madden Hatcher Al & Betsy Ramsay M A R Q U E E S O C I E T Y: D I A M O N D L E V E L Anonymous In memory of Dr. Davis R. Watson, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Daniel P. Amos Dr. David & Suzanne Levine

Mary W. Schley Mr. and Mrs. Wright B. Waddell Ray M. and Jane R. Wright Foundation

M A R Q U E E S O C I E T Y: P L AT I N U M L E V E L Kriss and Lisa Cloninger

Dr. Franklin J. Star

Akitoshi & Etsuko Kan

Rick and Jan Ussery

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Martin, II

Wade and Adrianne Wallace

Mr. & Mrs. Jack J. Pease, III

James & Teresa White

David & Linell Pringle

Mr. & Mrs. M. Troy Woods

Dr. & Mrs. Richard S. Robbins

James D. & Ruth B. Yancey

Mr. Gavin G. Spence

in memory of Geraldine Spence 6

M A R Q U E E S O C I E T Y: G O L D L E V E L Dr. & Mrs. Ferdinand Q. Alcaide

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony D. Link

Rick & Cindy Alexander

Mary Jane and Tony Link

Fred & Catalina Aranas Family Foundation

Mrs. James B Lipham

Jacob and Claire Beil

Jacki W. Lowe

Mrs. Tom B. Black

Mr. Walter Miller, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Walker R. Bickerstaff

Mrs. A. Ben Moon, Jr.

Miss Lucy Hill Bowers

Jimmy & Barbara Motos

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bradley

Mr. Jerry B. Newman

Mrs. Kay Broda

Mr. & Mrs. Marc Olivie

Mrs. Otis B. Burnham

Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Reed

Ann Burr

The Honorable & Mrs. Rumer

Mrs. Forrest L. Champion, Jr.

Dr. Carole Rutland & Mr. Robert D. Offer

Janet Davis

Ruth Ann & Lamar Powers

Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. Easterbrook

Marnie Salter

Mr. & Mrs. Thad Estes

Mr. Stephen M. Sawyer

Drs. Bobbi Farber & Thomas Walsh

Mr. and Mrs. Claude G. Scarbrough, III

Suzanne and Joel Fine

Mr. and Mrs. William P. Scarbrough

Mrs. Frank D. Foley, Jr.

Mary W. Schley

Dr. & Mrs. Mark R. Fortson

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Shinkle

Mrs. Mellie S. Fountain

Mr. & Mrs. J. Edward Sprouse

Cindy and Spencer Garrard

Mr. and Mrs. Clifford J. Swift, III

Mr. & Mrs. J. Hudson Garrett

Jim & Pat Thompson

Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Goldsmith

Chip and Audrey Tillman

Mr. and Mrs. A. Comer Hobbs

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Tomlinson

Roderick C. & Stephanie Y. Hunter

Martha S. Tubb

Mrs. Stephen C. Hunter

Mr. and Mrs. Jack G. Turner

Matthew E. & Cynthia Woodsmall Jones

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Turner

Dr. William P. Kendall

Chris Weaver

John & Kayron Laska

Bernard and Sylvia Witt Foundation

Dr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Lawhorne Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Joel O. Wooten 7

SILVER & BRONZE MEMBERS â€˘ Individuals may become members of RiverCenter with a contribution of $100 or more. List based on donations given as of Nov. 27, 2017

S I LV E R L E V E L Maria Luisa Aranas

Charlie and Pam Johnson

Ms. Betty L. Auten

Mrs. Charlyn Kerr

Bruce and Angie Bacon

Ashok and Mary Kumar

Dr. & Mrs. Philip L. Brewer

Ben and Annelle McCosh

Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Bush

Gene and Meg Perkins

Matthew & Zarina Cheves

Bob & Stacy Poydasheff

Dr. Thomas Cochran

Col. & Mrs. Robert H. Robinson

Dail and Christy Fields In memory of Wendell Lewis

Ralph & Edith Satterwhite

Marlene & Robert Garnett

Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Staples Mr. and Mrs. Matt Swift

Steve and Mary Hall

M. E. Thorne

Mr. & Mrs. William B. Hardegree

Pat and Jack Wilensky

BRONZE LEVEL

Anonymous

Thomas B. Buck, III

Mr. and Mrs. W. Mizell Alexander

Dr. and Mrs. Bob Bunting

Ray L. Allison

Revs. Taylor and Grace Burton-Edwards

Brian & Heather Anderson

John & Eva Chappelle

Mr. and Mrs. James R. Ballengee

Joan S. Cheves

Peggy and Charles Batastini

Skip and Joyce Chittenden

Janice Beam

Bonnie and Leslie Cohn

Susan and Carter Berry

Red and Fay Coleman

Mrs. James J. W. Biggers, Jr.

Rev. and Mrs. Mabry Collins

Alfred & Courtney Blackmar

Mrs. Marion Cornwell

Regina Satlof & Neil Block

Donna J. Craig

Ms. Jaunita Booker

Mrs. L. A. Cunningham

Chuck & Carol Bradshaw

Don & Bobbie Dakin

Sherida Brannan

Dan & Sandy Dawson

Ms. Julie A. Bray

Martha & Kelly Dimon

Frank and Jo Ann Brown

Mrs. Frank S. Etheridge, III

Judge & Mrs. Kenneth B. Followill

Dr. John C. Richards

Brett Gant

Mrs. Amy Robertson

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Gaymon

Dr. and Mrs. Theus W. Rogers, Jr.

Dr. and Mrs. Lamar Hamric

Barbara Rothschild

Phil and Marie Hand

Sally Rotunno

Maj. Gen (Ret.) and Mrs. Henry H. Harper

Mr. George F. Schladensky

Corinne M. Haslam

Patricia Schneider

Mr. and Mrs. David Hay

Joyce and Henry Schwob

Dr. & Mrs. Steven Henslee

Alex and Willette Shalishali

Ms. Betty Jo Hooks

Ms. Eva M. Smith

Pamela C. Humber

Mrs. Bettye T. Spence

Jeanette and Milton Jones

Murray & Celia Solomon

Kevin and Donna Kelly

Warren and Lorie Steele

Mrs. Jean Kent

Dr. & Mrs. John R. Stephenson

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kilpatrick, Jr.

Mary Stewart

Jo Ann and Ernie Kirk

Patty Kimbrough Taylor

LTC (Ret.) Patricia A. Krause

Jim & Sue Trott

Mr. & Mrs. John T. Laney, III

Mr. and Mrs. Dave Troxel

Marv & Vicki Lieberman

Ms. Lois Tryon

Julie and Neal Littlejohn

Richard M. Tucker In memory of Marjorie S. Tucker

Jim and Mary Matthews Ginny Mayher Almeda Medlin

Tim Vinson Dr. Thomas A. and Sherry F. Wade

Chris and Wendy Miller Mr. and Mrs. Binford Minter Vincent and Dian Naman Mr. & Mrs. Richard Olson Louise and Judson Patten Bill & Pat Porter

Anita B. Walters Lamar & Dorenda Weaver Lynn and Rex Whiddon Jim & Ann White Jerrel and Laura Yates Mrs. Margaret G. Zollo

THANK YOU!

WE COULDNâ€™T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! 9

The Capstone Society “Assuring the Promise of Tomorrow”

The Capstone Society is RiverCenter’s planned-giving program. Founded by the late Wendell Lewis, the society honors donors who disclose they have included RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in their estate plans. It provides RiverCenter the opportunity to recognize and thank these donors during their lifetimes. If you have made a planned gift to RiverCenter, Inc. and are not listed below, or if you wish to discuss how your planned gift can assist RiverCenter in its artistic and educational mission, please contact the Advancement office at 706-256-3653 or development@rivercenter.org.

Mr. & Mrs. W. Mizell Alexander Thomas B. Buck, III Mrs. Otis B. Burnham Dorothy Jean Bush

Nora Garrard Charlyn Kerr Virginia Norman Chris Weaver

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade we do not plan to sit.” —Nelson Henderson

In memory and celebration of the life of Wendell Lewis. 10

R iver C enter

MARQUEE SOC I ETY THE MARQUEE SOCIETY IS COMPRISED OF DONORS WHO INVEST A MINIMUM OF $1,000 TO THE RIVERCENTER MISSION EACH SEASON.

Every aspect of the Marquee Society emblem has a special meaning. The gears represent our mill history and the collaboration of the Columbus Challenge.The bee in its hive is a powerful symbol of the workers who built the city and RiverCenter. The blue represents our connection to the mighty river and the creative flow of the arts. The gold represents your annual investment and commitment to quality. Each Marquee Society member embodies the spirit and sentiment of this design. To join the Marquee Society, visit rivercenter.org, email development@rivercenter.org, or call 706-256-3653.

ENJOY DINNER AND A SHOW Prix fixe dinners are available for $32 (unless otherwise noted) prior to the following shows.

Southern Fried Chicks: Cage-Free Comedy Tour Feb. 14, 2017 | 6:15 PM (Dinner available for $40 per person) Moscow Festival Ballet: Cinderella March 03, 2018 | 6:15 PM Motown the Musical Mar. 20, 2018 | 6:15 PM Motown the Musical Mar. 21, 2018 | 6:15 PM Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin Apr. 07, 2018 | 6:15 PM The Sound of Music Apr. 17, 2018 | 6:15 PM The Sound of Music Apr. 18, 2018 | 6:15 PM For menu options or reservations, call RiverCenterâ€™s box office 706-256-3612.

COURTESY CUPS Refillable Courtesy Cups will now be sold at RiverCenter concessions for $10 each. These cups will be allowed into Bill Heard Theatre during select RiverCenter performances. Outside beverages are not permitted.

RD US letter_placed.indd 1

13/10/2015 09:48

BROADWAY ON BROADWAY SERIES

Abhann Productions Presents

Starring PRINCIPAL DANCERS: Maggie Darlington, Amy-Mae Dolan, Ciara Sexton Will Bryant, Kieran Hardiman, Jason O’Neill The Riverdance Irish dance troupe, musicians and singers and featured International soloists. Set Designer ROBERT BALLAGH

Costume Designer JOAN BERGIN

Sound Designer MICHAEL O’GORMAN

Lighting Designer JOHN COMISKEY

Projection Animation LUIS POVEDA

Poetry Written by THEO DORGAN

Orchestrations by NICK INGMAN and BILL WHELAN

Press Representative Polk & Co.

Executive Producer

JULIAN ERSKINE COMPOSER BILL WHELAN PRODUCCER MOYA DOHERTY DIRECTOR JOHN McCOLGAN

CAST The Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe Principals: Maggie Darlington, Amy-Mae Dolan, Ciara Sexton Will Bryant, Kieran Hardiman, Jason O’Neill Troupe:

Megan Baffa, Ellen Bonner, Will Bryant, Darren Casey, Courtney D’Angelo, Maggie Darlington,Amy-Mae Dolan, Aidan Garvey, Kieran Hardiman, Meadhbh Kennedy, Kelsey Latham, Miriam Lee, John Lonergan, Greg Molony, Jennifer Murray, Jason O’Neill, Gianna Petracic, Jack Quinn, Erin Roberge, Tyler Schwartz, Ciara Sexton, Chloey Turner, Megan Walsh, Peter Wilson The Riverdance Band

Patrick Mangan Fiddle / Musical Director Mark Alfred Drums / Percussion / Bodhrán Emma Frampton Saxophone Tara Howley Uilleann Pipes / Low Whistle / Tin Whistle / Concertina The Riverdance Singers and Drummers Members of the Company

The Riverdance Baritone Soloist DeWitt Fleming Jr

The Riverdance Flamenco Soloist Rocio Montoya

The Riverdance Russian Folk Dance Troupe

Ekaterina Brovkina, Rifat Gabdulkhakov, Aleksandr Safonov Mariia Tsuneva, Eugeniu Turcan, Ana Turcan The Riverdance Tappers DeWitt Fleming Jr Tyler Knowlin

Poetry Narrated by John Kavanagh

ORINGAL PRINCIPAL IRISH DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY – MICHAEL FLATLEY ORGINAL CHOREOGRAPHY BY MAVIS ASCOTT, JEAN BUTLER, JOHN CAREY, BRENDAN DE GALLAI, COLIN DUNNE, CAROL LEAVY JOYCE, EILEEN MARTIN, PAULA NIC CIONNATH, MARIA PAGES, TARIK WINSTON At certain performances, alternative principal performers will dance the principal roles. Cast and content may be subject to change without prior notice.

THE SHOW Act One Reel Around the Sun……..............The Riverdance Male Irish Dance Principal & Troupe The Heart’s Cry…………………………………..………...........The Riverdance Singers The Countess Cathleen……....…………………….….........The Riverdance Female Irish Dance Principal, Troupe and Russian Folk Troupe Caoineadh Chú Chulainn (Lament)……………..…..............The Riverdance Irish Piper Thunderstorm……............………The Riverdance Male Irish Dance Principal & Troupe Firedance……………......Flamenco Soloist and the Riverdance Male Irish Dance Troupe Shivna………………………..........The Russian Folk Troupe and the Riverdance Singers Slip into Spring – The Harvest……….......……………..........The Riverdance Musicians Riverdance…...The Riverdance Irish Dance Principals & Troupe, Singers and Drummers Act Two American Wake………………....…….....The Irish Dance Troupe and Riverdance Singer Heal their Hearts – Freedom……………….………….................... The Baritone Soloist Trading Taps……………………………………………….…….....The Riverdance Male Irish Dance Principal & Male Troupe and the American Tappers Macedonian Morning /The Russian Dervish……........The Riverdance Musicians & the Russian Folk Troupe Andalucía………………..………………………………………… The Flamenco Soloist Anna Livia……….......................The Riverdance Female Irish Dance Principal & Troupe Slow Air & Tunes………………………………….…..………The Riverdance Musicians Heartland……………………...........….The Riverdance Irish Dance Principals & Troupe Finale…………………………………………………………..........………The Company RIVERDANCE CAST & BAND

The Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe

The Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe are world-class Irish dancers. They hail mostly from Ireland, but also from Britain, the United States, Canada and Australia. Between them the dancers can boast of hundreds of championships won in Ireland and abroad. Most started dancing at three or four years of age at local dance schools and progressed to world championship level before being chosen to perform in Riverdance. The dancers would have known and competed against each other at various competitions, including the World Championships. Riverdance has given them the opportunity to perform together for the first time in a non-competitive way. The grace and eloquence of their soft-shoe dance and the power and precision of their hard-shoe routines clearly display the endless hours of practice and their dedication to the art of Irish Dance. The Riverdance Principal Dancers Female Lead Dancers

Maggie Darlington Maggie began dancing with the Claddagh School of Irish Dance in California. She won four North American Championships, two All-Ireland Championships and in 2007 won the World Irish Dancing Championships. In 2010 Margaret performed the lead role in Busch Gardens’ production Celtic Fyre and originated the lead female role in Battle of the Dance. She joined the cast of Riverdance in 2011. 19

Amy-Mae Dolan Amy-Mae Dolan from County Tyrone began dancing at the age of two. She danced for the fantastic Carson Kennedy Academy in Belfast. Amy-Mae has won the World Irish Dance Championships as well as many more major titles. In July 2016, she completed the Riverdance Summer School which she felt was one of the most rewarding and educational weeks of her life. She achieved her lifelong ambition of joining the Riverdance team in November 2016. Amy-Mae is both honoured and humbled to perform the lead role in the show she has loved her entire life. She would like to thank her family, friends and teachers for their continued love and support.

Ciara Sexton Ciara Sexton is an internationally known Irish dancing professional who possesses multiple skills as a lead dancer, choreographer, lecturer and television announcer/ presenter for major shows and events throughout the world. She is a five-time World & AllIreland Champion and has starred as a lead dancer in Riverdance, Heartbeat of Home and in both Lord of the Dance and Lord of the Dance 3D. Ciara is proud to be a senior editor for Irish Dance Magazine. She thanks her family and friends for their continued support. Male Lead Dancers

Will Bryant Born in Sydney, Australia, Will trained with the Halloran Dance School in Irish, ballet, contemporary and tap from the age of four. Will performed lead roles in musical productions and made regular appearances on TV. At University he studied for a Bachelor of Music and is an accomplished guitarist. An ambitious athlete, Will is studying personal training on and off tour. Following an impressive competitive Irish dance career, placing top-three internationally and winning state and national titles, he then went on to perform with Celtic Illusion and Heartbeat of Home. In 2014 he joined Riverdance, touring throughout Europe, the USA and China and is thrilled to be part of the lead team. Kieran Hardiman Kieran started dancing at the age of nine for the Costello O’Brien School in Galway, Ireland. He has competed in every major championship, winning the Connaught and All Scotland Championships before placing third in the world. In Kieran’s professional career he has performed with over 12 different shows touring in over 40 countries. During this time, he has performed on BBC’s The Alan Titchmarsh Show, RTE’s The Late Late Show, BBC’s Proms in the Park, and UNICEF’s Cinema for Peace. He has also danced for the President of Ireland and the Empress of Japan. Kieran first joined Riverdance in 2007 and is delighted to dance the lead role. Jason O’Neill Jason started dancing at the age of five alongside his six sisters. Under the tuition of the Armstrong school in Belfast he developed a deep-rooted passion for rhythm. Jason has been a lead dancer with Prodijig’s Footstorm and with Heartbeat of Home and is truly honoured to attain the lead role in three shows. As an avid traveller he has now performed in 200 cities worldwide. Jason is delighted to join Riverdance again on its remarkable 20th Anniversary Tour. The Riverdance Band

Patrick Mangan Fiddle / Musical Director

Two-time All-Ireland fiddle champion Patrick Mangan is from Brooklyn, New York, where he was introduced to traditional music at an early age. He grew up playing alongside legendary Irish musicians from both sides of the Atlantic. At aged sixteen, Patrick appeared in Riverdance On Broadway, becoming the youngest fiddler in the show’s history. Since then he has toured extensively, playing to enthralled audiences around the world. In addition to his love of the stage, Patrick is also an award-winning composer. His debut CD, Farewell to Ireland is available now at www.cdbaby.com/mangan 20

Mark Alfred Drums / Percussion / Bodhrán

Mark Alfred, a native of Monaghan, Ireland, began playing drums at the age of four. He studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin and then the Performing Arts College. He is now one of Europe’s most sought after, and highly regarded drummers and is constantly in demand from a host of leading stellar international music acts. His very individualistic and energetic style has seen him play with many international acts including Lionel Richie, Simply Red, Katie Melua, Josh Groban, The Corrs, The Divine Comedy, Lemar, Gary Moore, Mary Coughlan, Ronan Keating, Westlife, Girls Aloud, Donnie Osmond, and the late Christy Hennessy. Mark Alfred uses and proudly endorses: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Vater Drumsticks, Protection Racket Cases. Tara Howley Uilleann Pipes / Low Whistle / Tin Whistle / Concertina

Tara Howley is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer and dancer from Kilfenora Co. Clare. She is a two-time senior All-Ireland champion on the uilleann pipes. Starting both classical and traditional music at the age of four, Tara has numerous AllIreland titles in solo competitions and with bands and groups in various instruments such as concertina, fiddle, drums, mouth-organ, piano, whistle and uilleann pipes. In 2014 Tara toured Britain and Ireland with the group Macalla na hEireann and The Echoes of Erin. She produced and launched her debut solo album in April 2015 and is currently studying Irish music and dance in the Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick Emma Frampton Saxophone

Since graduating from Leeds College of Music with a BA (Hons) in Jazz, Emma has relocated to London and over 8 years has established herself as a much in-demand session musician. Emma has toured throughout the World for Hedkandi, & Fierce Angel, as well as performing with Olly Murs, John Newman, Busted, Mr Hudson, The Ting Tings, and Patrick Wolf to name a few. Emma is looking forward to being part of Riverdance’s North America Tour in 2018. The Riverdance Russian Folk Dance Troupe

The Riverdance Russian Folk Dance Troupe combines elegance and grace with verve, dynamism and joyous physicality. The company’s dancers come from a diverse mix of cultural backgrounds. What they have in common is a dedication to dance and many years of training and performance in pursuit of perfection in their chosen art. Working as individual performers, they have come together for Riverdance, where they will share their individual talents and fuse the many elements that have gone into the development of their own unique style of dance. The Riverdance Flamenco Soloist

Rocio Montoya Rocio started dancing at age four in Granada, Spain. At twenty one, she graduated from El Conservatorio Profesional de Danza, Granada and began working professionally with various flamenco companies and artists including Compañia Andaluza de Danza, Flamencos en Route, Mario Maya and Rafaela Carrasco. Rocio has also created her own works. In 2006, she premiered Acordes Pintados con Palabras and currently has an ongoing show Alhambra Baila. Rocio has performed all over the world as a featured flamenco soloist in Riverdance and most recently added Heartbeat of Home to her credits as a flamenco artist/choreographer. The Riverdance Tappers

Dewitt Fleming Jr (Baritone / Tapper)

DeWitt Fleming Jr is an acclaimed tap dancer, and has performed and taught throughout the world. He has danced as a soloist with Grammy award winning artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Marvin Hamlisch, Christian McBride, the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, and Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks to name a few. The New York Times calls him “a non stop source of rhythmic variety and surprise….sparks seem to fly from those shoes!” Tyler Knowlin Tyler Knowlin is a professional tap dancer from Connecticut. He attended The Hartford Academy for the Arts, where he was introduced to rhythm tap and given the opportunity to train with masters such as Jimmy Slyde and Gregory Hines. At 14, Tyler performed at New York City’s first annual tap festival, Tap City. Tyler’s east coast performances include Jacob’s Pillow, The Bushnell, Charter Oak Cultural Center, Playhouse on Park, The Duke Theater, and Lincoln Center. In 2007, Tyler moved to San Francisco. He taught for City Dance Studios and ODC Dance. In 2013, Tyler taught and performed in Brazil. Tyler was most recently a featured performer in Hillary Marie’s original show Soul Walk. Tyler would like to thank everyone who has supported him on this amazing journey. BILL WHELAN Composer

As a composer, Bill Whelan has written extensively for theatre, dance, film and the concert stage. His film work includes Dancing at Lughnasa starring Meryl Streep, Some Mother’s Son featuring Helen Mirren and Lamb with Liam Neeson. Music for television includes The Seven Ages, a history of the Irish State. He was appointed composer to the W.B. Yeats International Theatre Festival at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in 1989, writing original music for 15 Yeats plays. His adaptation of HMS Pinafore received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination. The Seville Suite, Whelan’s first large-scale orchestral work, was commissioned for Ireland’s National Day at Expo ’92 and was performed at Maestranza in Seville. The Spirit of Mayo followed in 1993 and The Connemara Suite, a trilogy of pieces written for chamber orchestra, premiered in Carnegie Hall in March 2005. Bill Whelan’s Symphonic Suite from Riverdance received its first performance in 2013. Bill’s production and arranging credits include U2, Van Morrison, Kate Bush, Richard Harris, Planxty, The Dubliners and many traditional world musicians and performers. He was honoured with the 1997 Grammy Award for ‘Best Musical Show Album’ for the lyrics and music of Riverdance. The album is a certified Platinum record in the US, Ireland and Australia. Bill is a member of the boards of Berklee College of Music in Boston, University of Limerick, Crash Ensemble and Music Generation, the newly established music education body for Ireland. He has completed a co-teaching course with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Paul Muldoon at Princeton University and was recently appointed Adjunct Professor to Trinity College Dublin’s School of Drama, Film and Music. Bill Whelan is a Fellow of the Royal College of Music and is the recipient of many international awards including the Spirit of Ireland Award in New York. MOYA DOHERTY Producer

Moya Doherty’s career includes theatre, radio and television journalism and an awardwinning track record in television production, both in Ireland and the UK. Moya was the Commissioning Producer and originator of Riverdance for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1994; she is a founding Director of Tyrone Productions, Ireland’s leading independent television production company, whose many credits include Beckett on Film and the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games (held in Dublin in June 2003), and drama credits including Ros na Rún, now in its 18th season, for TG4 and Quirke, a major co-production with the BBC, starring Gabriel Byrne. Moya is Chair of RTÉ, Ireland’s national public broadcasting service. She is a writer and broadcaster and has co-presented a number of radio arts documentaries on George Bernard Shaw, John McCormack and Paddy Kavanagh, amongst others. She is a founding Director of Today FM radio station. She has sat on a number of arts-related boards, including Chair of the Dublin International Theatre Festival for seven years, The Ark Children’s Theatre in Dublin, Business to Arts and the Board of the Abbey Theatre. She is the Producer of the new music and dance stage spectacular Heartbeat of Home which had its world premiere in Dublin and has played in Beijing and Shanghai and North America as part of its global tour. Awards and honours include: Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and honorary doctorates from the University of Ulster and the National University of Ireland in recognition of her success and her ongoing commitment to the arts in Ireland. JOHN McCOLGAN Director

John McColgan’s career as a multi-award-winning producer and director began in the mid-seventies at RTÉ Television where he went on to become Head of Entertainment. While in RTÉ he produced and directed a wide range of programming from light entertainment to drama to documentary. He was awarded a Jacob’s Television Award in 1980 for ‘the consistently high quality of his entertainment programming’. He was also Head of Weekend Entertainment at TVAM – ITV’s breakfast television service. He played a key role in the evolution of Riverdance from the original seven minute dance number and went on to direct the full stage-show spectacular. John has been closely involved with the Abbey Theatre – he was on the Board of the theatre for five years, served as Chairman of the Abbey Centenary Committee and directed a critically-acclaimed production of Dion Boucicault’s 19th century melodrama The Shaughraun. In May 2011 he produced a major theatrical event marking the historic State visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland. John is the director of the new music and dance stage spectacular Heartbeat of Home which had its world premiere in Dublin and has played to universal acclaim in Beijing and Shanghai and North America, as part of its global tour. John has received many awards during his career, including an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the National University of Ireland, in recognition of his services to the arts and entertainment industry.

STAFF LISTING For Abhann Productions Limited

Directors Moya Doherty, John McColgan, David Orr Executive Manager Paula Burke Riverdance Dublin Production Office

Associate Director and Brand Manager General Manager Marketing Manager Head of Production Costume Shop Supervisor Social Media Manager Accountant Production Office Assistant

Padraic Moyles Sean O’Brien Mary O’Donnell Rachel Murray Monica Ennis Laura Griffin Dominick Tighe Alan Bradley

Original Design Credits

Lighting Design Rupert Murray Costumes for Riverdance Eurovision Margaret Crosse Costumes for Riverdance – The Show Jen Kelly Projection Animation Benjamin Pearcy Poetry and Music

Riverdance Poetry Theo Dorgan Spoken by John Kavanagh Music orchestrations by Nick Ingram and Bill Whelan Riverdance soundtrack recorded and mixed by Andrew Boland and Willie Mannion NORTH AMERICAN TOUR STAFF

North American Press Representative Polk and Co. Production Manager - Marie Barrett Company Manager – PD Seltzer

Production Stage Manager – Marc Anderson Head Sound/Monitors - Isaac Sheppard Associate Company Manager – Oran Ostinelli Assistant Sound/FOH Mixer - James Blake Technical Stage Manager – Aaron Kennedy Wardrobe Supervisor – Nichole Hull Irish Dance Captains – Ellen Bonner, John Lonergan Wardrobe Assistant – Stephanie Keller Russian Dance Captain – Ana Turcan Physical Therapy NEURO TOUR Physical Therapy, Inc. Head Carpenter – Jason Edens Physiotherapist – Sarah Schobben for Neuro Tour Production Electrician – Craig Caccamise Medical Director - Craig E. Weil, MD for Neuro Tour Head Electrician – Rose A. Nuchims Massage Therapist –Tony Clark Assistant Electrician/Carpenter – Brandi Fucci Merchandising Assistant Electrician – Abbey Dutton

SEE Merchandising www.seemerch.com/

www.riverdancestore.com International Representation

North American Representation Credits and Acknowledgements 24

Second Symphony Ltd WME Entertainment LLC

Dance Flooring and Covering American Harlequin Corporation Fibre Optics & Starcloths iWeiss Theatrical Solutions Lighting, Video, LED Screen High Resolution Lighting Ltd. / VER Sound Equipment CLAIR Global Handheld Radios Protocol Telecommunications Inc Trucking Provided by Janco Ltd. Tour Buses by All Access Coach Leasing and Lamers Bus Lines Lead Driver John Heron Housing Specialist Tourwerks Travel Support Aer Lingus Make-Up provided by Drums provided by Cymbals provided by Drumheads provided by Drumsticks provided by

MAC PEARL Zildjian Evans Vater

Protection provided by Racket Cases LED Projection Updates Luis Poveda Photography Deidre Buck, Barbara Corsico, Julian Erskine, Hugo Glendenning, Jack Hartin, Tom Lawlor, Joan Marcus, John McColgan, Rob McDougall, Sean Breithaupt & Yvette Monahan The producer would like to give special acknowledgement to: RTĂ‰ Commercial Enterprises Limited Paul McGuinness - Principle Management, Liam Miller, Maurice Cassidy, Tommy Higgins The Office of Public Works The National Gallery of Ireland Elements of the Ardagh Chalice and other artefacts by kind permission of the director of The National Museum of Ireland STAY IN TOUCH WITH RIVERDANCE www.riverdance.com www.riverdancestore.com facebook.com/riverdance twitter.com/riverdance youtube.com/riverdance instagram.com/riverdance The Musicians employed in thisproduction are members of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. Backstage Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.). ATPAM The Press Agents employed in this production are represented by the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers.

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CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PERFORMS

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL'S

CHRONICLE

The worldâ€™s greatest classic rock albums performed live on stage. No gimmicks. Note for note. Cut for cut.

CENTER STAGE

FEB. 1 | 7:30 PM29

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PERFORMS

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL'S

CHRONICLE Classic Albums Live takes classic albums from the 60s and 70s and recreates those albums live on stage - note for note, cut for cut. Using the world's best musicians, fans are treated to an exact replication of the album followed by a seconds set of the featured artist's greatest hits Classic Albums Live brings together some of the country's finest musicians to re-create live on stage the exact sounds of the greatest albums of the 60s and 70s. Musicians are chosen according to their sound and their fit into a particular niche, be it CCR, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, or Led Zeppelin. The album might require a sitar player, a children's choir, a string quartet or someone to ring the alarm clock. Whatever it takes, the musicians treat these revered albums like a score -the way a symphony orchestra treats Mozart.Â Creedence Clearwater Revival was America's greatest band. Their music reached out and got an entire continent rocking. Hit after hit, no other band delivers that big a collection of instantly recognizable, toe tapping songs. Classic Albums Live will honour the legacy of CCR by performing their 'Chronicles' album with joy and dedication. Note for note - cut for cut. CRAIG MARTIN

Founder and Music Director of Classic Albums Live

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CENTER STAGE

FEB. 2 | 7:30 PM 35

A D A M TR E N T BIOGRAPHY

Adam Trent shatters stereotypes and brings a new generation of magic to fans fusing technology illusions, dancing and comedy with classic techniques. Adam looks to change people’s perception of magicians with his refreshing approach to magic; entertainment first and tricks second. He doesn’t want people to remember “tricks” as much as the laughs and memories made with the performance. He has mesmerized live audiences around the globe, in person and as a featured guest on America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, Ellen, the Travel Channel and Disney Channel among countless other TV appearances. The 31-year-old also stars in his own recently launched 10 episode TV series ‘The Road Trick’ on Red Bull TV. Adam doesn’t remember a time in his life when he wasn’t performing, starting with birthday party shows at age 9 and bigger events when he was 13. At age 14, he started street performances which he says “was the most amazing and brutal training a performer could ever have.” Through this experience, he discovered an audience’s true attention span and when he was 18, went to a Los Angeles college for a degree in finance and entertainment marketing. “Apart from learning that a tiger would be tax-deductible, I got a crash course in LA’s music and comedy scene. I realized that the most important element in a show is the performer’s connection to the audience, and without that even amazing skill can fall as flat as a bad boy band.” Information about The Illusionists Present Adam Trent tour can be found on Facebook: /adamtrentmagic; Twitter: @adamtrentmagic; Instagram: @adamtrentmagic; use and search the tour hashtag #AdamTrentMagic Photos & Videos: https://www.adamtrent.com 36

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FEB. 14 | 7:30 PM 41

THE SOUTHER N FRIED CHICKS: MIA JACKSON Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that's Georgian for "native") and self proclaimed know-it-all. After graduating from the University of Georgia she hit the local comedy scene and has thrilled audiences since day one. To her credit she has appeared on NickMom's Night Out, Viceland and was a semifinalist on Season 9 of NBC's Last Comic Standing in 2015. She also recently appeared on the fourth season premiere of Inside Amy Schumer and the movie Mother's Day. Mia is a diverse comedian with an outspoken voice and unique perspective. Her energetic conversational style leaves the audience as if they have known her forever. Smart, funny, and versatile, Mia entertains all types of crowds - from alt comedy clubs to college campuses to the metropolitan main stage.

ETTA MAY Winner of the prestigious, American Comedy Award’s “Comic of the Year .” This Kentucky woman is a comedy icon, described as “Minnie Pearl with a migraine.” Etta has been seen on “Oprah”, CMT, Showtime, “Comic Strip Live”, “Comedy Stage” plus many others. Etta May is an audience favorite of XM/ Sirius Radio Comedy Channels and on the syndicated radio show “The Bob and Tom Show.” She’s a regular on CMT countdown shows and featured programming. CMT’s Documentary Series that featured the “Blue Collar” boys and “Etta May” places her as one of the top southern comics in the business.

SONYA WHITE Sonya White, originally from Virginia,now calls Chicago home. She combines her southern charm with big city street smarts. Her comedy and dead on impersonations make her show unique and down right funny. You’ve seen Sonya on HBO, E! and Comedy Central. A favorite on “Girls Behaving Badly,” “Comedy Spotlight” and “The U.S. Comedy Arts Festival,” Sonya’s sitcom credits include “Nightshift” on Fox, “Big Brother Jake” on The Family Channel and MTV’s “Spring Break.” Top that off with her cartoon voices for the Cartoon Network she’s one funny versatile lady. 42

T he M ystical A rts

of T ibet

Sacred Music Sacred Dance for World Healing RIVERCENTER CONNECT SERIES

FEB. 16 | 7:30 PM 45

T he M ystical A rts

T ibet

Sacred Music Sacred Dance for World Healing Ancient societies throughout the world conceived that ritual performance of sacred music and dance at auspicious times establishes communication with the higher powers of good and brings about healing on environmental, social and personal levels. In Tibet, whenever a monastery celebrated a spiritual festival, people from the surrounding villages and nomadic tribes would assemble in the monastery’s courtyard for the three or four days of sacred music and dance. The Mystical Arts of Tibet tour is designed as a development of this tradition. The presentation has been streamlined in such a way as to maintain the essential integrity and purpose of each of the individual pieces in the celebration. Tibetan sacred music and dance was not composed in a mundane manner. Rather, each piece was born centuries ago from a mystical visionary experience of a great saint or sage and has been transmitted from generation to generation in an unbroken oral legacy. The Drepung Loseling monks are particularly renowned for their multiphonic chanting known as zok-kay (complete chord). Each of the main chantmasters simultaneously intones three notes, thus each individually creating a complete chord. The Tibetans are the only culture on earth that cultivates this most extraordinary vocal ability. This tradition is also known as “overtone singing” because it is accomplished by means of learning to control the muscles of the vocal cavity and reshaping it while singing to make it accord with the natural overtones of the voice. In effect, the body is transformed into an efficient overtone amplifier. Acclaimed author Dr. Huston Smith, who so wonderfully documented this Tibetan phenomenon in his film The Mystic’s Journey: Requiem for a Faith, referred to multiphonic chanting as “lifting the human spirit to the level of the gods.” The Mystical Arts of Tibet: Sacred Music Sacred Dance performance comprises selections believed to generate energies conducive to world healing. Robed in magnificent costumes and playing traditional Tibetan instruments, the Loseling monks perform ancient temple music and dance for world healing. The entire performance lasts approximately two hours, including introductory comments and a 20-minute intermission. An outline of the program, including descriptions of the individual pieces, will be found on the following page.

The Performance: Part One (50 minutes) (1) Nyensen: Invocation of the Forces of Goodness In a tapestry of instrumental and vocal sounds, the monks invoke creative awareness within themselves and the audience. They enhance the spirit of goodness in the environment as a prelude to the performance of Sacred Music Sacred Dance. (2) Tentru Yultru: Purifying the Environment and its Inhabitants Chanting in the multiphonic tradition, the monks hold up a mirror and draw into it the reflection of the world and its living beings. They then purify these through sound and meditation, as symbolized by the act of pouring waters from a sacred wisdom vase over the mirror. Traditionally this piece was performed whenever an environmental, social or individual healing was required. (3) Shanak Garcham: Dance of the Black Hat Masters This ancient dance for the elimination of negative energies and hindrances is in the style known as drakpo, or “wrathful.” The implements held by the dancers symbolize the transcendence of false ego-identification on the outer (environmental), inner (emotional), and secret (subtle body-mind link) levels. Their movements symbolize the joy and freedom of seeing reality in its nakedness. (4) Taksal: Intense Encounters of the Third Degree A demonstration of the tradition of Tibetan monastic inquiry. Two monks engage one another in a process leading to the deeper levels and implications of spiritual experience, enhancing the mind of enlightenment. (5) Senggey Garcham: The Snow Lion Dance In Tibet the snow lion symbolized the fearless and elegant quality of the enlightened mind. Sacred activities performed by human beings are believed to create a healthy and harmonious environment, where all beings, including animals, rejoice. The Snow Lion Dance captures this spirit. INTERMISSION (20 MINUTES)

The Performance: Part Two (40 minutes) (1) Durdak Garcham: Dance of the Skeleton Lords To remind the world of the ephemeral nature of all things and of the liberating and balancing impact of an awareness of this reality, two monks appear as the forces of goodness manifested as Cemetery Lords. These are Dharmapalas, or “Protectors of Truth,” with the message to point the mind toward authentic being (2) Dakzin Tsarchod: A Melody to Sever the Ego Syndrome Descending in a lineage from Pa-Dampa Sanggay and the 11th century female mystic Machik Labdon, this tradition of meditative music is considered among the most hauntingly beautiful to emanate from the Land of Snows. Its purpose is to release the mind from the ego-clinging habit. (3) Khadro Tenshug Garcham: Dance of the Celestial Travelers Five dancers symbolizing the five elements and five wisdoms, together with three musicians, invoke the sounds and movements of the Celestial Travelers, the mystical beings from another world whose blessings strengthen the forces of life and light. These beings visit our world in times of stress and danger, bringing with them the creative energy that inspires harmony and peace. (4) Sangso Shijo: Auspicious Song forWorld Healing The monks send forth the smoke of incense, which the wind carries into the 10 directions as a subliminal force invoking peace, harmony and the ways of creative living.

T he M ystical A rts

Mandala Sand Painting

T ibet

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning sacred cosmogram. These cosmograms can be created in various media, such as watercolor on canvas, wood carvings, and so forth. However, the most spectacular and enduringly popular are those made from colored sand. From all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, that of painting with colored sand ranks as one of the most unique and exquisite. In Tibetan, the art is called dul-tson-kyil-khor, which literally means â€œmandala of colored powders.â€? As with the sand painting tradition as a whole, mandalas have their roots in the Tantric legacy of Buddhist India, extending back some 2,500 years. The mandalas are used as tools for reconsecrating the earth and healing its inhabitants. They are formed of a traditionally prescribed iconography that includes geometric shapes and a multitude of ancient spiritual symbols. The mandala is a formal geometric pattern showing the floor plan of a sacred mansion. In general all mandalas have outer, inner and secret meanings. On the outer level they represent the world in its divine form; on the inner level they represent a map by which the ordinary human mind is transformed into enlightened mind; and on the secret level they depict the primordially perfect balance of the subtle energies of the body and the clear light dimension of the mind. The creation of a sand painting is said to effect purification and healing on these three levels. To construct the mandala, millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days or weeks. When finished, the mandala is destroyed to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists, and the colored sands are swept up and poured into a nearby river or stream where the waters carry the healing energies throughout the world. The actual construction of the mandala begins with the drawing of the design on the base or tekpu. The artists measure out and draw the architectural lines using a straightedged ruler, compass and white pencil. Once the diagram is laid out, the colored sand is applied to the mandala through the end of a metal funnel. The funnel is filled with colored sand and is then rasped in order to release a fine stream of sand. The artists begin at the center of the mandala and work outward. The most common substance used in the creation of dul-tson-kyil-khor is colored sands. Other popular substances are powdered flowers, herbs or grains; and also powdered and colored stone. In ancient times powdered precious and semi-precious gems were also used. Thus lapis lazuli would be used for the blues, red coral for the reds and so forth. There are hundreds of mandalas in the Tibetan tradition. On the Mystical Arts of Tibet tours, the lamas create many different types, including the mandalas of Bhaishajya Guru (Medicine Buddha), Amitayus (The Buddha of Boundless Life),Yamantaka (The Opponent of Death), and Avalokiteshvara (The Buddha of Compassion). Mandalas are created for the healing of living beings and the environment. The lamas consider our present age to be one of great need in this respect and therefore construct these mandalas wherever requested. Every Tantric system has its own mandala, each one symbolizing a particular existential and spiritual approach. For example, that of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara symbolizes compassion as a central focus of the spiritual experience; that of Manjushri takes wisdom as the central focus; and that of Vajrapani emphasizes the need for courage and strength in the quest for sacred knowledge. When The Mystical Arts of Tibet offered to create mandala sand paintings for New York and Washington in the wake of the September 11 tragedies, the monks approached His Holiness the Dalai Lama for blessing and advice. His Holiness recommended the mandala of Yamantaka (The Opponent of Death) for New York and the mandala of Buddha Akshobhya (The Unshakable Victor) for Washington, D.C. Both of these mandalas are used in times of great stress and danger. Organized in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution, these events were dedicated to the healing and protection of America. The monks were deeply moved by the profound statements of gratitude and emotional comfort expressed by so many of the people who attended. It was a great honor for them to have been able to help in these difficult times.

Mandala Sand Painting Construction Process Opening Ceremony (Feb. 13) The monks begin by consecrating the site of the Mandala Sand Painting with approximately 30 minutes of chants, music, and mantra recitation. This event is visually and acoustically striking and will provide excellent material for print, television and radio journalists. Drawing of the Lines After the Opening Ceremony the monks start drawing the line design for the mandala. This is tedious and exacting work that takes about three hours to complete. Mandala Construction Throughout the residency, the monks pour millions of grains of sand into place over a period of days, using traditional metal funnels called chak-pur. The finished mandala is approximately 4â€™ x 4â€™ in size. Mandala Completion/Closing Ceremony (Feb. 17) The monks conclude their creation of the Mandala with its consecration. In some cities, several thousand guests have attended the colorful Closing Ceremony. Dismantling the Mandala During the Closing Ceremony, the monks dismantle the mandala, sweeping up the colored sands to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists. When requested, half of the sand is distributed to the audience as blessings for personal health and healing. Dispersal of the Sand The remaining sand is carried in a procession by the monks, accompanied by guests, to a flowing body of water. Here the sand is ceremonially poured into the water, thus dispersing the healing energies of the mandala throughout the world. Like the Opening Ceremony, the Closing Ceremony and subsequent procession will appeal to journalists working in any medium. 49

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RiverCenter Volunteers Made up of devoted, conscientious supporters of the arts, the members of RiverCenter Volunteers work tirelessly in support of the many programs, projects, and activities that RiverCenter produces or hosts. A major portion of the volunteersâ€™ efforts involves ushering at events and assuring that all patrons have an enjoyable experience each time they visit RiverCenter. To receive information about RiverÂCenter Volunteers call Heather Watson at 706-256-3652. Mary Ann Alexander

Gregory Crockett

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Tom Wierzbicki

Philip Chan

Jennifer Hardy

Linda Nerness

Louise Simmons

Renate Wiley

Laura Chandler

Shirley Harris

Mary Noles

Barbara Singleton

Carol Williams

Eva Chappelle

Theresa Hart

Barbara Nye

Sylvia Sledge

Juanita Williams

John Chappelle

Jim Henley

Julius Otero

Rose Slonaker

Walter Williams

Levonia Cochran

Cynthia Hightower

Charlotte Pace

Donna Smith

Jane Wilson

Latrella Conwell

Mary Hightower

Ethel Pate

Eva Smith

Yulane Wilson

Denise Cook

Claren Hill

Ethel Patrick

Judy Smith

Fred Young

Gabriel Couroux

Colette Hilliard

Chyll Perry

John Soltau

Frank Zylstra

Sandra Couroux

Creola Howard

Lorene Peterson

Tess Soltau

Gayle Zylstra

Shirley Covington

Irene Hughes

Socorro Pope

Alice Spengler 65

2018 RiverCenter Board of Trustees Mr. Alex Shalishali, Chair Mrs. Susan Lawhorne, Past Chair Mr. Gene Perkins, Vice Chair Mrs. Becky Rumer, Treasurer Dr. William P. Kendall, Secretary Mr. Norman S. Easterbrook, Executive Director, CEO Mr. Matthew J. Barkley Ms. Dale Goldsmith Mr. Keith Harnage Mr. Isiah Harper, III Dr. Tom Helton

Mrs. Stephanie Hunter Mrs. Lucia Reed Mrs. Linda Shinkle Mrs. Natalia N. Temesgen Ms. Judy Thomas Mr. Tom Titus Mr. Dave L. Troxel Mr. Wright Waddell Ms. Teresa White Mr. M. Troy Woods

RiverCenter Administration & Staff EXECUTIVE GROUP Norman S. Easterbrook, Executive Director, CEO John Camp, Production Director Carrie Corbett, Director of Marketing Cherwanda Jones, Operations Director Betsy Fitzgerald, Director of Development Jannina Marion, Director of Business Affairs, CFO Jim Rutland, Program Director BOX OFFICE Jennifer Graham, Box Office Manager Indya Bussey, Assistant Box Office Manager Shonda Dugan, Ticketing Associate Amanda Ellenburg, Ticketing Associate Zamar Griffin, Ticketing Associate Zach McDonald, Ticketing Associate De'Marcus Monroe, Ticketing Associate Kayla Reid, Ticketing Associate Rebekah “Chase” Worthey, Ticketing Associate BUSINESS AFFAIRS Jannina Marion, Director of Business Affairs, CFO Shannon Preston, Accounting Coordinator & HR Assistant Mahalia Dawes, Administrative Assistant DEVELOPMENT Betsy Fitzgerald, Director of Development 66

Kasey Cross, Advancement Assistant MARKETING Carrie Corbett, Director of Marketing Gina Tew, Marketing Specialist OPERATIONS Cherwanda Jones, Operations Director Seth Burgamy, Events Manager Veronica Frazier, Facility Coordinator Marion Fletcher, Facility Services Specialist Ishmun Holcomb, Events Assistant Heather Watson, House Manager/Volunteer Coord. Billy Johnson, Security Lead Terry Karnes, Security Officer PRODUCTION John Camp, Production Director John (J.D.) Davis, Technical Director John Land, Stage Manager Austin Phillips, Stage Coordinator Lance Fraker, Audio Coordinator Randall Baptiste, Lighting Coordinator PROGRAMMING & EDUCATION Jim Rutland, Program Director Rick McKnight, Education Program Manager

Ticket Information The RiverCenter box office has tickets available for these series and events: TSYS Broadway on Broadway, Synovus Center Stage, RiverCenter Music, Discovery Matinees, and Spotlight Specials. Tickets also are available for programs presented by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, CSU Schwob School of Music, and various third-party presenters. The box office accepts cash, and all major credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. TICKETS AT THE DOOR—Tickets to events that are not sold-out may be purchased at the box office beginning one hour before the start of the event. SEASON TICKETS—Season tickets may be purchased at the box office by telephone (706-256-3612) or with order forms in RiverCenter publications and mailings. CUSTOM COMBOS—Tickets to single RiverCenter events may be purchased at a savings as Custom Combos. A Custom Combo consists of at least one ticket to each of at least

three events per patron. SINGLE TICKETS—Single tickets to individual RiverCenter events may be purchased without a service charge at the box office at the corner of Broadway and Tenth Street. For a service charge, tickets also may be purchased online at tickets.com. GROUP DISCOUNTS—Most RiverCenter events offer discounts on individual tickets sold to groups of 10 or more. For information call 706-256-3612. SPECIAL DISCOUNTS—Patrons must come to the box office to take advantage of most special promotions and discounts. Military, Public Service, Educator and Senior discounts are available on single ticket purchases to most events. Student Rush prices are available all day on the day-of-show at most events. Patrons using vouchers or gift certificates should note deadlines and restrictions that apply. No refunds are given for ticket price variances or special offers.

Important Information BOX OFFICE & PARKING BOX OFFICE—The box office at RiverCenter, located at the corner of Broadway and Tenth Street, is open Monday–Friday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. It opens one hour before each performance and remains open through intermission. The box office is not open on federal holdays unless there is an event that day. FREE PARKING—Parking is available in the parking garage directly in front of RiverCenter, 900 Broadway. Parking for those with disabilities is available in front of RiverCenter’s main entrance. The garage is managed by the City of Columbus, not RiverCenter.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY FIRE NOTICE—Exits are indicated by red “exit” signs. In case of fire or other emergency, please do not run, but walk to the exit nearest to your seat.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS—The RiverCenter emergency phone number is 706-256-3610. Please provide this number and your seat location to your personal contacts or child care providers.

HOUSE RULES NO BABIES IN ARMS—Everyone attending a ticketed event, including all children regardless of age, must have a ticket. BACKSTAGE AREAS RESTRICTED—For safety and security and out of respect for performers’ privacy, patrons are not given access to backstage areas before or after performances. HOUSE OPENING AND LATE ARRIVALS— RiverCenter’s Grand Lobby opens one hour prior to events and seating begins approximately 30 minutes before curtain. At the discretion of house management and in compliance with artists’ 67

contractual agreements, latecomers will be seated at appropriate intervals during events. Latecomers may be seated near the entry doors out of courtesy to performers and other patrons. PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT—Please be courteous and turn off devices such as cell phones and pagers. Photography and recording is prohibited in the theatres. SMOKE-FREE POLICY—RiverCenter is a smokefree facility. Smoking is permitted in outdoor areas only. Thank you for your cooperation.

SPECIAL SERVICES BAR SERVICE—Bar service is available in the Grand Lobby prior to the start and during intermissions of most RiverCenter events. Food and drink is not permitted in the theatres. COURTESY CUPS—Refillable Courtesy Cups will now be sold at RiverCenter concessions for $10 each. These cups will be allowed into Bill Heard Theatre during select RiverCenter performances. Outside beverages are not permitted. ELEVATOR—A patron elevator is located between the entrances to Bill Heard Theatre and Studio Theatre. WHEELCHAIRS—Wheelchairs are available for patrons needing help getting to or from seating. Ushers will provide assistance. AUDIO AIDS—Subject to availability, infrared lis tening devices are available for hearing impaired patrons. They may be obtained free of charge by presenting personal identification to ushers.

LOST AND FOUND—Lost items should be given to an usher for storing with RiverCenter Security. These items are retained by Security for sixty days then donated to Valley Rescue Mission, Inc. Owners may claim lost items by calling 706-256-3610.

RENT A VENUE BILL HEARD THEATRE, STUDIO THEATRE, AND/OR LEGACY HALL—Call 706-256-3607 regarding availability of specific dates on the RiverCenter master calendar. Complete rental fees and policies can be found on rivercenter.org. PATRONS ROOM—The Patrons Room on the mezzanine level may be reserved for private functions by RiverCenter Members and Partners. For information call Jim Rutland at 706-256-3607. ILLGES PLAZA—Event and green space on 10th St. on North Side of Center may be reserved for special events. Call 706-256-3607.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency

706-256-3610

Event Information

706-256-3612

Ticket Information

888-332-5200

Season Ticket Purchases

706-256-3632

Group Sales

706-256-3612

Rentals

706-256-3607

Volunteer Office

706-256-3652

Development

706-256-3653

Marketing / Advertising

706-256-3608

ArtsReach

706-256-3607

Applause, the program guide for RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, is published periodically by RiverCenter, Inc. and distributed to patrons of season shows. Graphic design and typography by Gina Tew. Each issue includes program and performer information for a group of contemporaneous performances and general information about RiverCenter programming, facilities, donor members, sponsors and staff. Cover art by Gina Tew.

April 17 & 18, 2018

AFLAC IS PROUD TO BE A SEASON SPONSOR OF

RIVERCENTER

FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.

EXP 7/18

A P PL AUSE

2017-2018 SEASON 9 0 0 B R OA DWAY | C O L U M B U S , G A | 7 0 6 . 2 5 6 . 3 6 1 2 | R I V E R C E N T E R . O R G