Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts announces its 18th season

Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts announces its 18th season

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University announces a 2007-2008 season that gives new meaning to the term "diversity." Known for a line-up that appeals to audiences of all ages and interests, the Quick Center presents popular favorites that include, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, folk singer Arlo Guthrie, legendary jazz master Arturo Sandoval and the original and hilarious Second City Touring Company. Pilobolus, the unique dance company returns, as does the fabulously colorful Ballet Folklórico de México, Live Radio Drama Series, Young Audience Sunday Series, ArtsBound Outreach Series. The pre-concert Art to Heart lecture series for classical concerts continues and some events offer the audience a post-show discussion with company members. In addition, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the internationally acclaimed, Borromeo String Quartet, the fascinating Whirling Dervishes, a mystical dance ceremony originating in the13th century Ottoman Empire and much more.

Live Radio Dramas
The 18th season opens Friday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. with the newest old Live Radio Drama series, which recreates vintage dramas complete with live music, sound effects and commercials. Tickets are $20 each or $48 for a package of this season's three radio dramas. They are:

"War Broadcasts"
Friday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 15 at 3 and 8 p.m.
World War II, the first "Radio War," was a pervasive presence in broadcasting. Dramas went hand in hand with propaganda and programs were regularly interrupted by news bulletins.

"Swashbuckling Heroes"
Friday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 19 at 3 and 8 p.m.
Exciting adventures from the old West to the future.

"Richard II" by William Shakespeare
Friday, March 14 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 15 at 3 and 8 p.m.
The Bard's play about murder, politics, banishment and conspiracy is alive and well in this brand new adaptation based on the many weekly radio programs that presented adaptations of Shakespeare's plays in the 20s, 30s and 40s.

Concerts, Comedies And Special Events
The Quick Center's concerts and special events are as exciting as they are varied, ranging from folk, jazz, blues, rock and Broadway to sidesplitting laughs.

Arlo Guthrie
"Together at Last"
Saturday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m.
$50, $45, $40
One of the most distinctive and expressive voices of modern day singer/storytellers, Arlo returns to the Quick Center with this rare solo concert.

Dar Williams
Friday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
A singer-songwriter, Dar Williams' songs are personal, political and create a telling narrative of the human condition.

Inti-Illimani
40th Anniversary Season
Friday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
Inti-Illimani's musical collaborations include Federico Fellini, Holly Near, John Williams, Peter Gabriel, Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen. It is wedded to traditional Latin American roots and plays on more than 30 wind, string and percussion instruments.

Rockapella
"Holiday Concert" with Close Harmony
Friday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
Rockapella is the undisputed king of contemporary a cappella music and the group became a sensation after five seasons on PBS's award-winning "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" And back by popular demand and opening for Rockapella is Close Harmony, an a cappella group from Fairfield Ludlowe High School under the direction of Kevin Cotellese.

Hot Tuna Electric Tour
Friday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m.
$50, $45, $40
With their acoustic and electric blues music, no one has more consistently epitomized American music than Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, the founders and continuing core members of the legendary Hot Tuna.

New Haven Symphony Orchestra
Gerald Steichen, Associate Conductor
"Holiday Pops Concert"
Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
$40, $35
Gerald Steichen again leads the orchestra in a blaze of holiday merriment with surprises galore! Celebrate the season with an enchanting blend of holiday favorites.

Neil Berg's "100 Years of Broadway"
Saturday, Feb. 9 at 3 and 8 p.m.
$50, $45, $40
A jubilant musical revue of Broadway's most beloved songs performed by a cast of five Broadway stars. The show recreates pivotal moments from the triumphant classics to the newest hit shows. An intimate evening of Broadway's best.

Marcia Ball and BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
Mardi Gras Celebration event
(post-show reception)
Friday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35
Singer/pianist Marcia Ball raises roofs with her infectious, intelligent and deeply emotional brand of southern boogie, roadhouse blues and heartfelt ballads; a fusion of New Orleans and Gulf Coast R&B with Austin's deep songwriting tradition. Since forming in 1975, Grammy winners BeauSoleil have claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun group in music.

Leahy
Pre-show St. Patrick's Day Celebration at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
Leahy is a musical powerhouse of eight Canadian siblings, known for their exceptional musicianship, electrifying step dancing and passion to perform. With a worldwide reputation, television and PBS specials to their credit, the Leahy name has become synonymous with what makes an exceptional and awe-inspiring performance.

Arturo Sandoval, Afro-Cuban jazz
Saturday, March 29 at 8 p.m.
$50, $45, $40
Acknowledged as one of the world's guardians of jazz trumpet and flugel horn, as well as a renowned classical artist, Arturo Sandoval returns to the Quick Center with his explosive mixture of jazz, classical, rock and traditional Cuban music.

Second City
"One Nation, Under Blog"
Friday, April 18 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
The Second City Touring Company returns with their latest show - original, daring and hilarious. A hothouse for humor, Second City has produced some of the most innovative comic talents, including Alan Arkin, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, John Belushi, Tina Fey and so many more. "Their alumni list is a veritable ‘Who's Who' of comedy and their reign is far from over!" The New York Times

The Acoustic Blues Project - Grossman, Kalb and Katz
Friday, April 25 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
Three of America's foremost guitarists - Steve Katz (founding member of Blood, Sweat and Tears and the Blues Project), Danny Kalb (the Blues Project) and Stefan Grossman, acclaimed guitarist and educator - have played together since they were teens. They have also played with favorites such as Dave Van Ronk, Phil Ochs, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, John Sebastian and Brownie McGhee to name a few. Together they cover the gamut of musical styles and remain as exciting and cutting edge as ever.

Classical Concerts
The Quick Center has a full slate of classical concerts, including a series of performances by several up-and-coming contemporary quartets and two top state orchestras. The season also features three concerts by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, which has made the Quick Center a home away from home for 15 years. Several subscription options are available for these concerts.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m.
$35
Eight members, including co-Artistic Director Wu Han, play an Arensky quartet for violin, viola and two cellos, Mussorgsky's Songs and Dances of Death for bass and piano, and Tchaikovsky's Piano Trio in A minor, Op. 50. Journalist Robert Sherman leads a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7-7:40 p.m.

Turtle Island Quartet
"A Love Supreme"
Turtle Island plays the music of John Coltrane
Friday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
Musical innovations abound with this bold group of chamber musicians as they fuse a classical quartet esthetic with contemporary American musical styles based on Coltrane's enduring jazz epiphany, "A Love Supreme." Howard Kissel leads a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7-7:40 p.m.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Saturday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m.
$35
A quintet of two pianos, violin, viola and cello focuses its talents on Fauré and the Violin Sonata No. 1 in A major, Op. 13, the Dolly Suite for Piano, Four Hands Op. 56 and the Piano Quartet No. 2 in G minor, Op. 45. Journalist Robert Sherman leads a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7-7:40 p.m.

Live Music Project
"Jewish Themes"
Saturday, Feb. 2 at 8 p.m.
$30
The secular and mystical worlds are both represented in the lively, approachable style for which the Live Music Project has become known. In addition, original music written especially for this concert will accompany dramatic readings of "The Battle of the Warsaw Ghetto" and the dark legend of the Golem.

Stamford Symphony Orchestra
"Bach & the Boys" - They composed for royalty ... and for their dads
Conducted by Eckart Preu
Friday, Feb. 29 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
Vivaldi, C.P.E. Bach and Mozart all played in the shadow of their famous fathers and grew up to steal the spotlight. Eckart Preu conducts the highly acclaimed Stamford Symphony Orchestra in masterworks by these musical giants.

Garrick Ohlsson, pianist
Saturday, March 8 at 8 p.m.
$50, $45, $40
Since his triumph as winner of the 1970 Chopin International Piano Competition, pianist Garrick Ohlsson has established himself worldwide as a musician of magisterial, interpretive, and technical prowess, and as a prolific recording artist. Although he is viewed as one of the world's leading exponents of Chopin, Ohlsson commands an enormous repertoire, which ranges over the entire piano literature. Journalist Robert Sherman leads a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7-7:40 p.m.

Borromeo String Quartet with Todd Palmer
"Dreams and Prayers" - the Chamber Music of Osvaldo Golijov
Saturday, April 12 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
The "visionary" and "ravishingly realized" interpretations of the internationally acclaimed Borromeo String Quartet have established it as one of the most important string quartets of our time. This Golijov program includes: Yiddishbbuk, Lúa Descolorida, How Slow the Wind with Jessica Rivera, Soprano, Tenebrae with Todd Palmer, Clarinet, and The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind. Howard Kissel leads a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7-7:40 p.m.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m.
$35
An evening of Beethoven, Tower, Haydn and Dvorák played by a piano, violin, viola and cello quartet. Journalist Robert Sherman leads a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7-7:40 p.m.

Quartetto Gelato
Peter DeSotto - tenor, violin, mandolin - Alexander Sevastian - accordion, piano, bandoneon - Elinor Frey - cello - Shalom Bard - clarinet
Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
For over a decade, this dazzling ensemble has enchanted audiences and critics worldwide with their exotic blend of classical masterworks, operatic arias and the sizzling energy of tangos, gypsy and folk songs. These artistically passionate and charismatic musicians are classical in intent and eclectic by design. Quartetto Gelato not only thrills its audiences with the mastery of six instruments but also offers the wonderfully unexpected bonus of a brilliant operatic tenor. Howard Kissel leads a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7-7:40 p.m.

Dance America

Ballet Folklórico de México
Friday, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
The celebrated company of 76 dancers in sophisticated and colorful costumes present preserved dancing traditions of Mexico through their repertoire of 40 original ballets. Inspired by the beauty of the Universe in motion, the dances incorporate historic influences of pre-Colombian civilizations that grew with the Hispanic influences throughout the modern era.

The Whirling Dervishes
Saturday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
The Whirling Dervishes, also known as the Mevlevi Order, are Sufis, a spiritual offshoot of Islam. The mystical dance of the Whirling ceremony, which is accompanied by the haunting music used by the Dervishes, is based on the inspiration of the 13th century world-renowned philosopher and mystical poet Mevlâna Celâleddin-I Rumi as well as Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture.

Pilobolus
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16 and 17 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
Pilobolus has earned a reputation as one of the world's most innovative and imaginative modern dance companies. Its trademark "combined bodies" choreographic style, kinetic energy and humor have created moving images (seen worldwide on the 2006 Academy Awards show) that are colorful and riveting. Post-show Q & A with company following the performance.

St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre
Yuri Petukhov, Artistic Director
"Swan Lake"
Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre was founded by Peter Gusev, an artist of the Leningrad Opera and Ballet and director of the Kirov Ballet. The company's rich history includes noted Russian directors and choreographers, as well as leading soloists from the Kirov Ballet. The company will perform a full evening program of the classic favorite. Post-show Q & A with company following the performance.

Shen Wei Dance Arts
Saturday, May 3 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
Shen Wei Dance Arts, dedicated to the creation of 21st Century dance, was founded upon the fusion of art forms: dance, theater, Chinese Opera, painting and sculpture. The multilayered works are based upon research in original movement, spiritual beliefs and develop.m.ent of a unique hybridism between western and eastern cultures. Post-show Q & A with company following the performance.

Theatre

"Notes to the Motherland" by Paul Rajeckas and George L. Chieffet
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 12-13 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 14 at 3 p.m.
$30
"The Best of the Fringe" at the 2005 Edinburgh Festival, "Notes to the Motherland" is Paul Rajeckas' passionate gut-wrenching and often hilarious journey to unearth his family's secret during WWII. Combining original music, sound effects, eccentric movement and three-dimensional characterization, the show is a one-man tour-de-force reminiscent of the best of Keaton and Chaplin.

The Acting Company, "Moby Dick Rehearsed" - Orson Welles' stage adaptation of the classic novel by Herman Melville - Directed by Casey Biggs
Friday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. - ArtsBound Schoolday Program ($7 for Grades 5 and up)
Friday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m.
$30
A dramatic hybrid of Melville's masterpiece, adapted to draw a parallel between King Lear and Captain Ahab. A troupe of actors abandons its rehearsal of "King Lear" to recreate another about a similar unforgiving, vengeance-obsessed man, Captain Ahab.

The Team, "Particularly in the Heartland"
Friday-Saturday, April 11-12 at 8 p.m., Sunday, April 13 at 3 p.m.
$30
Winner of the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe First Award - Following their sold-out run in London and the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Team presents a play about losing sight of America and trying to fall back in love with it.

Walsh Art Gallery
The Walsh Art Gallery, located in the Quick Center, will present four exhibits and four Director's Choice lectures in the coming season. Admission is free to the exhibits.

The Creative Photograph in Archaeology
Thursday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Dec. 9
This photographic exhibition brings together for the first time new ways of seeing archaeological sites, monuments and sculpture, from the invention of photography to the present day. Group reservations to visit the Walsh Art Gallery may be made by calling (203) 254-4000 ext. 2969.

The Emperor's New Clothes: Contemporary Paintings and Drawings by Donald Vaccino
Sunday, Jan. 27-Sunday, March 9
This exhibition features extraordinary non-conformist artworks that are done from memory, imagination, observation or a combination of the three. "They are done in the spirit in which a musician practices with the intent of keeping my eye and hand in shape," explains Vaccino.

Salon 2008
Thursday, March 20-Thursday, May 22
Works of art by students enrolled in Fairfield's Studio Art Program in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts are featured in this salon style exhibition of paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and installations.

Falling and Floating: Paintings by Tom Weaver
Curated by Jo Yarrington, Chair, Studio Art Department, Fairfield University
Thursday, June 12-Thursday, July 31
This exhibition features paintings on paper by Tom Weaver, Chair, Department of Art at Hunter College. Weaver's range of painterly means encodes subtle contradictions in his works that combine the "immediacy of touch" of "pointillist" drawing to dripping with "mechanized" devices for repetition. The artist communicates states of introspection, absorption, isolation, reverie and loss of control.

Director's Choice Lecture Series
Four lectures on Modern and Contemporary art topics relating to the Gallery exhibitions given by Diana Mille, Ph.D., Director of the Walsh Art Gallery and guest lecturers. Tickets are $5 and participants are invited to bring their lunches. Lectures will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 3, Dec. 5, Feb. 7, and April 18.

For ticket information or a copy of the Quick Center's 2007-08 brochure, visit the website at www.quickcenter.com or call the box office at (203) 254-4010. The toll free number is 1-877-ARTS-396. Discounts for Quick Center events are available to subscribers and groups. For more information, visit the website, www.quickcenter.com.

Posted On: 06-07-2007 10:06 AM

Volume: 39 Number: 240