The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) has an exciting roster of events scheduled for the next six months. Check out what’s coming up; to purchase tickets, contact SOPAC at 973.313.ARTS (2787) or visit www.SOPACnow.org.
January 10: Theatre in the Loft: Midtown Direct Rep
Evanston: A Rare Comedy begins with the disappearance of a teenage girl in deepest suburbia and ends when a meeting of the local Women’s Book Club goes horribly awry. In between, a housewife dreams of Mexico, an economics professor has an affair with a check-out clerk at Whole Foods, and the financial crisis rages on. Inspired by the words of Psalm 137 and the best-seller “Eat, Pray, Love,” Evanston: A Rare Comedy takes a look at Middle America and asks: how can we sing a song of joy in this strange land? South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7pm. $15. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
January 23: Art and Film: Van Gogh
Hosted by Gerard Amsellem and Mikel Frank, The Visual Passion Duo, this seminar will be an in depth look at the work, the life and the time of Vincent Van Gogh. The day begins with an illustrated lecture followed by a presentation covering the historical context, the life and the art of Van Gogh. A light lunch (included in the ticket price) will be offered before a screening of the French film Van Gogh. The film focuses on the last few months of the artist’s life. A post-screening question and answer period along with discussion about the film will conclude the seminar. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 11 am- 5pm. $50 includes a light lunch ($25 students). (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
January 24: Jazz in the Loft: Radam Schwartz
Radam Schwartz has built his reputation over the last 25 years playing with such great musicians as Arthur and Red Prysock, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Al Hibler, and Jimmy Ford. He continues to make music history today playing with renowned artists Cecil Brooks III, Russell Malone, and David Fathead Newman. Radam Schwartz’s own band, Conspiracy for Positivity, offers a fresh, original jazz sound and brings youth and experience to the bandstand. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7pm. $15. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
January 30: Robyn Hitchcock
Robyn Hitchcock is one of England’s most enduring contemporary singer-songwriters and live performers. A surrealist poet, talented guitarist, cult artist and musician’s musician, Robyn Hitchcock is among alternative rock’s father figures and is the closest thing the genre has to a Bob Dylan, who is, coincidentally, Robyn Hitchcock’s biggest musical inspiration. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $32-$38. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
February 5: An Evening with Fran Lebowitz
Purveyor of urban cool, Fran Lebowitz is the author and witty chronicler of the “me decade,” as well as the cultural satirist whom many call the heir to Dorothy Parker. Fran Lebowitz is one of the foremost advocates of the Extreme Statement. She is pointed, forthright, unapologetically opinionated, and known for her hilariously dry social commentary on American life. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $45. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
February 7: Juilliard @ SOPAC: Matthew Lipman, viola
The recipient of a 2015 Avery Fisher Career Grant, American violist Matthew Lipman has been hailed by The New York Times for his “rich tone and elegant phrasing” and by the Chicago Tribune for his “splendid technique and musical sensitivity.” Matthew Lipman’s debut recording of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante with violinist Rachel Barton Pine and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Sir Neville Marriner was recently released on the Avie label. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 3pm. $25. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
February 7: Blues in the Loft: Bill Sims, Jr.
Bill Sims, Jr., inherited the musical traditions of blues and gospel from his father and began playing piano at the age of four. At 14, Bill Sims, Jr turned professional by joining his first band, Ohio-based Jacksonian Blues. He left the band to attend Ohio State University where he majored in music. There, he learned his lessons well sitting in the piano chair of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Freddie King, the Ojays, Jerry Butler and many other greats. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7pm. $15. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
February 19: Triple Threat Dance Showcase
Umoja Dance Company, Freespace Dance, and NJTAP Dance Ensemble join forces to bring the excitement of three different styles of dance to the SOPAC stage in the Triple Threat Dance Showcase. This one incredible evening features performances inspired by the African diaspora, a modern dance company that is renowned for creating emotionally-driven work with a bold athletic style, and the joy and infectious spirit of the uniquely American art form called tap. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $20. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
February 20: An Evening with Graham Nash
Legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee – with Crosby, Stills, and Nash and with the Hollies. He was also inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame twice, as a solo artist and with Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and he is a Grammy Award-winning artist. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $79-$99. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
February 21: Jazz in the Loft: Tommy Campbell’s Vocal Eyes
Tommy Campbell grew up outside of Philadelphia steeped in a musical environment permeated by the notes of his father, an organist and singer, and his uncle, Jimmy Smith, the renowned Hammond B-3 virtuoso. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7pm. $15. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
February 26: Peter Yarrow & John Gorka
Peter Yarrow weaves a narrative of his life in music and politics, punctuating the major events with renditions of iconic songs we all know and love such as “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Day is Done,” “Light One Candle,” and “The Great Mandala.” From his life in Greenwich Village, to his connections to Bob Dylan & Pete Seeger, and his career as part of the trio Peter, Paul & Mary, Peter Yarrow shares a part of American history influenced heavily by music and creates community within his audiences through his reflections in both words and music. John Gorka illuminates with his trademark wordplay, twisting, turning, and tying words and phrases in the way a balloon artist creates complex creatures from simple balloons. Few contemporary songwriters coax language as deftly as John Gorka. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $35-$45. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
February 27: An Evening with Cowboy Junkies
For more than 20 years, Cowboy Junkies have remained true to their unique artistic vision and to the introspective, quiet intensity that is their musical signature, creating a critically acclaimed body of original work that endeared them to an audience unwavering in its loyalty. .South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $38-$60. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
February 28: Juilliard @ SOPAC: Verona Quartet
Hailed by critics as “thoughtful, impressive musicians” by Cleveland Classical, the Verona Quartet – members Jonathan Ong and Dorothy Ro, violins, Abigail Rojansky, viola and Warren Hagerty, cello – has won numerous accolades and awards, and is quickly establishing itself as one of the most exciting young string quartets on the music scene today. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 3pm. $25. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
March 5: Regina Carter’s Southern Comfort
Regina Carter is considered the foremost jazz violinist of her generation — a designation which doesn’t quite paint her picture in its entirety. For Regina Carter, the violin is a passport to unexpected realms, a Rosetta stone that unlocks the door to a myriad of cultures and worlds. As a result of her curiosity, passion, and quest for beauty brought to every stop taken on her full musical journey, Regina Carter was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship “Genius Grant.” Those qualities are more apparent than ever on her critically acclaimed release, Southern Comfort (Sony Music Masterworks), on which she explores folk music of the South. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $38-$48. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
March 9: Jorma Kaukonen
In a career that has spanned a half-century, Jorma Kaukonen has been one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music, blues, and Americana, and at the forefront of popular rock-and-roll. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Award nominee, he is a founding member of two legendary bands, Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $48-$68. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
March 11: Upright Citizen’s Brigade-Touring Company
Catch the best new improv comedians from the legendary Upright Citizens Brigade Theatres in New York and Los Angeles. In this 90-minute, unscripted and totally improvised performance, four improvisers at the top of their game perform a high-energy, surprising and hilarious show that has never been seen before and will never be seen again. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $25. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
March 13: Jazz in the Loft: Theo Walentiny
Theo Walentiny has been involved in music since the age of six. From the age of eight, Theo studied improvisation through private lessons with Benjamin Smith, exploring different concepts in a wide variety of genres ranging from classical music to avante-garde and everything in between. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7pm. $15. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
March 18: Jazz in the Loft: Sarah Partridge
Sarah Partridge has been performing at some of the most exciting jazz clubs in the nation for the past0 years and has released four critically-acclaimed CDs that have put her at the forefront of jazz artists. He r latest release, I Never Thought I’d Be Here, found itself on the first round of the 2015 Grammy Award ballot. We are proud to welcome Sarah back after her sold out performance at SOPAC last season. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $20. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
March 19: Martin Sexton
Critically-acclaimed Martin Sexton is a musician’s musician and prolific recording artist. His songs are intricate and spirited covering the American musical landscape distilling soul, gospel, R&B, country and blues. His performances are dynamic and bursting with depth and have earned him a devoted following among fans, peers and critics alike. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $38-$58. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
April 3: Juilliard @ SOPAC: Nicolas Namoradze, piano
Since his first public performance at the age of ten, 21-year-old pianist Nicolas Namoradze, whose performances have been hailed as “sparkling” by The New York Time sand “spectacular” by the Boston Musical Intelligencer, has given solo recitals in prestigious venues in several countries around the world. He has appeared as a soloist with orchestras such as the Savaria Symphony, the Granada Symphony, the Hungarian Radio Symphony, Concerto Budapest and the Budapest Chamber Orchestras. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 3pm $25. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
April 3: Blues in the Loft: Eliza Neals
Eliza Neals is an award-winning, sultry, powerful blues-rock-soul vocalist and recording artist. She is also a composer, publisher, and producer who has been compared to greats such as Etta James, Janis Joplin, and Ricki Lee Jones. Her work explores the musical spectrum with a combination of blues-rock, psychedelic soul and a twist of jam band with southern rock covers. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7pm $15. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
April 8: Graham Parker Duo Featuring Brinsley Schwarz
Graham Parker has worked with guitarist Brinsley Schwarz since 1975 when they first met and rehearsed together in a band that became known as Graham Parker and The Rumour. Since then, Brinsley Schwarz has often accompanied Parker on post-Rumour records and tours and recently joined him onstage as a duo playing songs from throughout Parker’s career. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm $30-$45. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
April 9: Atlantic City Ballet’s Carmen
The Atlantic City Ballet will set the stage for this classic tale of seduction, passion, betrayal and murder with Bizet’s sexy thriller, Carmen. Featuring the original, breathtaking choreography of Artistic Director, Phyllis Papa, and an enthralling score by Georges Bizet, Carmen tells the story of a beautiful seductress, the two lovers who vie for her affection and the tragic outcome of their tangled affair. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $25-$30. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
April 17: Jazz in the Loft: James Gibbs III
James Gibbs III, who recently worked and toured with eight-time Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Joe Thomas, was born in Newark and raised in Irvington, New Jersey. Gibbs began playing the trumpet at the age of 14 at The New Brunswick Jazz Institute under instructor and legendary organist Radam Schwartz. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7pm. $15. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
April 29: Rita Wilson
Although Rita Wilson is well-known as an actress (It’s Complicated, Sleepless in Seattle, recurring roles on CBS’: The Good Wife, HBO’s Girls, recently starring in Larry David’s sold out Broadway hit: Fish In The Dark) as well as a film producer (discovered My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Mamma Mia!), few may be aware that her early show biz ambitions were actually musical. Born and raised in the Hollywood Hills, Wilson harbored dreams of becoming a singer in the ‘60s and ‘70s after falling in love with The Beatles, The Mamas & the Papas, Janis Joplin, and The Supremes, among others. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $35-$45. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
April 30: Juan de Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All Stars Featuring Members of the Buena Vista Social Club
The Afro-Cuban All Stars is a unique orchestra, devoted to promoting the complete story of Cuban music. With each show the orchestra exposes Cuba’s rich musical history interpreting all of its musical genres. Buena Vista Social Club founder and bandleader Juan de Marcos is the man responsible for their best-selling recordings. His fourteen piece big band is one of the best-known and most successful Cuban orchestras performing today. Juan de Marcos stretches his creative wings, fusing contemporary, traditional and in essence, the future styles of Cuban music. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $45-$65. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
May 7: Midtown Direct Rep: Listen To Your Mother
Listen To Your Mother features live readings by local writers on the beauty, the beast, and the barely rested of motherhood, in celebration of Mother’s Day. Born of the creative work of mothers who publish on-line, each production is directed, produced, and performed by local communities, for local communities. Listen To Your Mother gives voice to motherhood–in all of its complexity, diversity, and humor. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 5pm (Theatre) 7:30pm (Loft) (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
May 11: Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant” 50th Anniversary Tour
Arlo Guthrie has been known to generations as a prolific songwriter, social commentator, master storyteller, actor and activist. Born in Coney Island, New York in 1947, Arlo Guthrie is the eldest son of Marjorie Mazia Guthrie, a professional dancer with the Martha Graham Company and founder of The Committee to Combat Huntington’s Disease, and America’s most beloved singer/writer/philosopher/artist Woody Guthrie. Arlo Guthrie has become an iconic figure in folk music in his own right with a distinguished and varied career spanning over fifty years. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7:30pm. $88-$108. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
May 22: Justin Hayward: the voice of the Moody Blues
Having spent nearly fifty years at the peak of the music and entertainment industry, Justin Hayward’s voice has been heard the world over. Known principally as the vocalist, lead guitarist and composer of English rock band The Moody Blues, his is a talent that helped soundtrack more than a generation and created a legacy that remains undimmed. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7:30pm. $58-$78. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
June 5: Mike Griot & Friends with special guest Tomás Doncker
Internationally-acclaimed bassist and musical director Mike Griot leads an all-star ensemble in a journey through the blues and all of its unique musical destinations. Mike Griot’s performance will present a “blues/soul” cavalcade of premier musicians and performers – all heavyweights in their own regard. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7pm $15. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
June 22: Tommy Emmanuel with special guest Richard Smith
Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian virtuoso guitarist, songwriter and occasional singer, best known for his complex fingerstyle technique, energetic performances and the use of percussive effects on the guitar. A noted fingerstyle guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel frequently threads three different parts simultaneously into his material, operating as a one-man band who handles the melody, the supporting chords and the bass all at once. One of only five musicians handpicked by his mentor, Chet Atkins, as a Certified Guitar Player (CGP), he’s piled up numerous accolades, including two Grammy Award nominations, two ARIA Awards from the Australian Recording Industry Association and repeated honors in the Guitar Player magazine reader’s poll. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7:30pm $45-$55. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
Kids ‘N Family Performances
February 6: The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favourites
The triple-bill includes the wonderful story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly; the fanciful account of Little Cloud’s travels through the sky, and the Mixed-Up Chameleon’s discovery of his own unique nature. The whimsical tales have enchanted several generations, and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s acclaimed stage adaptation teaches as well as entertains. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 2pm. $20-$25. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
March 19: PINKALICIOUS, The Musical
Elizabeth and Victoria Kann’s popular series of picture books follows the adventures of a charming girl whose single-minded determination gets her into all sorts of colorful trouble. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 2pm. $23-$28. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
April 2: The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)
Humongous on humor and large on laughs, the story of The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) was Roald Dahl’s personal favorite. On stage, his whizz-cracklingly wacky tale comes to life with puppets and people creating a fantastical world of towering giants and magical adventures. Join us for a post -show “Flee the Giants” Party for only $13 more! South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 2pm. $25-$30. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
May 14: Story Pirates: Greatest Hits
Story Pirates celebrates creative writing by students from coast to coast in a loud, hilarious sketch comedy musical performed by professional improvisers and musicians. When the curtain rises, cats can fly; hot dogs save the world; fried foods battle dairy foods; some of the characters you’re likely to meet are Captain Waffles, Moneyhead Alan, or Snufflepants. Each live performance also includes an improvisation segment with stories and suggestions coming straight from the live audience! South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 12pm. $18. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a 501(c)(3)charitable organization.
About SOPAC
Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The premier arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC—a series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council’s performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz N’ the Hall performances and Seton Hall Theatre productions. SOPAC also presents performances by its theater company in residence, Midtown Direct Rep, and its dance company in residence, Lydia Johnson Dance. For more information, visit SOPACnow.org.
