Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, known for its eclectic choices and the highest levels of visual and performing arts, announces a season that audiences of all ages will embrace. The Quick Center events are part of Fairfield University's Arts & Minds schedule of cultural and intellectual offerings. Subscriptions are currently available online at fairfield.edu/quick or by calling the Box Office at (203) 254-4010 or Toll Free at 1-877-ARTS-396. For up-to-date information and discount offers, sign up for e-mail blasts at fairfield.edu/quick .

Quick Center Executive Director Tom Zingarelli, commenting on this year's lineup said, "We have researched many artists, listened to our patrons, and responded with what I believe will be another season of entertaining and inspiring presentations in both the visual and performing arts." The rich collage of dynamic artistic and cultural events of which he speaks, includes Los Lobos, Leon Redbone, Alexei Volodin, Shaolin Warriors, Pilobolus, Marc Cohn, "Seussical," live radio dramas, the new Met Live in HD season, provocative art exhibitions and exclusive Connecticut screenings of NT Live, the highly acclaimed debut series in high definition broadcast from the UK's National Theatre.

Quick Center event sponsors include The National Endowment for the Arts - American Masterpieces, WPKN, Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts, Fairfield County Community Foundation, WFUV and the Herman Goldman Foundation.

Fairfield University's strategic vision stresses the importance of "integration" as a way of approaching education. This year, the Fairfield community has selected three areas on which to focus major academic and cultural enrichment programming: Latin America - Images, Dialogue and Action (LA); The R&J Project: Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" (RJ); Communities in Action: A year of activism (CA). Quick Center events that correspond to a particular focus are indicated with abbreviations. A detailed listing of events follows:

Classic Impressions

The popular and informative pre-concert Art-to-Heart discussions with Robert Sherman continue for select performances. Single tickets are available for all and a flexible "pick four or more" plan can also be purchased.

• Alexei Volodin - Friday, October 16 at 8 p.m., $35 - Art-to-Heart with Robert Sherman
  This young and critically acclaimed Russian pianist's career was launched as First-Prize-winner at the ninth International "Géza Anda Piano Competition in Zurich in 2003. Program includes Beethoven Sonatas and Chopin 24-preludes.
• Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center - Saturday, November 7 at 8 p.m., $35 - David Finckel and Wu Han, Artistic Directors - Art-to-Heart with Robert Sherman
  All Schubert program with Christopher Maltman, baritone; Inon Barnatan, piano; Liza Ferschtman, violin.

• Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center - Saturday, February 20 at 8 p.m., $35 David Finckel and Wu Han, Artistic Directors - Art-to-Heart with Michael Lawrence
  Beethoven sonatas with Gilbert Kalish, piano and Ani Kavafian, violin

• New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Holiday Pops - Saturday, December 19 at 8 p.m., $40, $35
  Thomas C. Duffy conducts this concert of holiday merriment.

• New Haven Symphony Orchestra - Friday, March 26 at 8 p.m., $40, $35
  William Boughton, Music Director and Principal Conductor (CA)
  "Revolution" The music of two musical revolutionaries: Schoenberg and Beethoven

• New Haven Symphony Orchestra - Saturday, May 15 at 8 p.m., $40, $35
  William Boughton, Music Director and Principal Conductor
  "Choral" features soprano, alto, tenor and bass soloists with the choir as they present Beethoven Symphony No. 8 in F Op. 91 and Symphony No. 9 in D minor "Choral" Op. 125

Dance America

Post-show Art-to-Heart Q & A with the company follows each performance. Single tickets are $45, $40 and $35. Full and flexible subscriptions are also available.

• Pilobolus - Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 at 8 p.m.
  With its trademark "combined bodies" choreographic style, kinetic energy and humor, the company is known for creating moving images that are colorful and riveting.

• Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company - Friday, November 6 at 8 p.m.
  Brown founded the Evidence Dance Company at age 19 to create dance stories in response to the human condition. This performance features "Two-Year-Old Gentlemen." Original music composed and performed live by drummer Mamadouba Mohammed Camara. Sponsored in part by New England Foundation for the Arts and a National Dance Project grant.

• Ballet Folklórico de México - Friday, February 26 at 8 p.m. (LA)
  Founded by dancer/choreographer, Amalia Hernández in 1952, the company reflects Mexican and the world's beauty of the Universe in motion from pre-Colombian civilization through Hispanic influences of the Vice royal era to the popular strength of the Revolutionary years.

• "Coppelia" Moscow Festival Ballet - Friday, March 19 at 8 p.m.
  Artistic Director Sergei Radchenko
  Radchenko has realized his vision of a company that would bring together the highest classical elements of the great Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies. His independent company marries exciting new work within the framework of Russian classic ballet.

• Aspen Santa Fe Ballet - Friday, May 7 at 8 p.m.
  Described by The New York Times as "A breath of fresh air," the company stands out as a model of what a small ballet company should be with its "musicality, athleticism and technique-conscious delivery." The program features Twyla Tharp's "Sue's Leg." Sponsored in part by National Endowment for the Arts, American Masterpieces grant.

Concerts, Comedy and Special Events

Flexible pricing available - Pick 4 or More plan.

• Los Lobos - Friday, September 18 at 8 p.m., $50, $45, $40 (LA)
  Three-time Grammy-winning American rock band, Los Lobos, creates a unique sound by combining rock and roll along with traditional Spanish and Mexican music, deriving from its roots. Sponsored in part by WFUV.

• The Classical Theatre of Harlem's production of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" - Saturday, October 3 at 8 p.m., $30 (CA)
  The company uses the agonizing wait for help after Katrina as the central metaphor, creating an electrifying theatrical event.

• Raul Malo - Friday, October 9 at 8 p.m., $45, $40, $35
  Best known as the founder and lead singer of the Grammy-winning country band The Mavericks, Raul Malo blurs the line of musical genres, making something that everyone can enjoy - country twang, a dash of salsa rhythms and good old rock 'n' roll. Sponsored in part by WFUV.

• Shaolin Warriors - Saturday, October 17 at 8 p.m., $45, $40, $35
  Remarkable skill, stunning movement and spectacular imagery allows the Shaolin Warriors to perform Kung Fu feats one thought only possible in the movies.

• "MacHomer" WYRD Production, created and performed by Rick Miller, Friday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m., $35
  Adapted from William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and characters created by Matt Groening for The Simpsons.

• Circo Aereo, "Espresso" - Saturday, November 14 at 8 p.m., $40, $35, $30
  Finland's Circo Aereo is widely recognized throughout Europe as a pioneer of New Circus. Beautiful "theater without words" mixes traditional circus arts – juggling and aerial work with innovative cabaret theater, movement and charming humor.

• Paula Poundstone, comedy - Friday, November 20 at 8 p.m., $45, $40, $35
  Paula Poundstone is famous for her razor-sharp wit and spontaneity. The Boston Globe said, she "improvises with a crowd like a jazz musician ... swinging in unexpected directions without a plan, without a net."

• Sara Tavares - Sunday, November 22 at 3 p.m., $35
  A product of African and Portuguese cultures, Tavares is a multi-cultural contemporary music performer. Her sweet voice and positive lyrics have a modern sound that encompasses the sounds of her cultural roots.

• Rockapella, "The Holiday Show" - Friday, December 11 at 8 p.m., $40, $35, $30
  The undisputed kings of contemporary a cappella music return to the Quick Center to offer proof of their boundless ability to inspire and attract devoted fans. Back by popular demand to open the show, Close Harmony, Fairfield Ludlowe High School's a cappella group, under the direction of Kevin Cotellese.

• Marc Cohn - Thursday, February 4 at 8 p.m., $40, $35, $30
  Best known for his song, "Walking in Memphis," Grammy Winner of Best New Artist, Cohn has since produced three full-length albums. His songs are layered with textures and soulful singing. Sponsored in part by WFUV.

• Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour - Friday, February 12 at 8 p.m., $40, $35, $30
  Featuring Kenny Barron Trio, Regina Carter, Kurt Elling, Russell Malone, the celebration of one of the world's most-important jazz festivals, includes elegant playing, sensitive melodies and infectious rhythms.

• Lucy Kaplansky/Richard Shindell - Friday, February 19 at 8 p.m., $40, $35, $30
  Touring her most recent release, "Over the Hills," NYC singer-songwriter rediscovers her musical roots, returning to a more acoustic sound. Shindell is a meticulous craftsman of song whose five studio albums and one live recording have been revered by critics and fans alike. Sponsored in part by WFUV.

• Chicago City Limits "Wikiphobia" - Saturday, February 27 at 8 p.m., $30
  With 8,500 NYC performances under their belt, the longest-running Off-Broadway show combines hilarious on-the-spot improvisation with suggestions from the audience to create a unique kind of humor. This troupe is guaranteed for a wonderful night of laughter and tears in your eyes.

• Danú - Sunday, March 7 at 3 p.m., $40, $35, $30
  Pre-show St. Patrick's Day Celebration - Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today. In Ireland, it's standing-room-only concerts that feature high-energy performances and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire.

• Aquila Theatre Company in William Shakespeare's "As You Like It" - Friday, March 12 at 8 p.m., $30
  In one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies, love comes in all shapes, sizes and disguises. Aquila's production is both faithful to the Bard and relevant and accessible to a modern audience.

• Leon Redbone - Saturday, March 13 at 8 p.m., $40, $35, $30
  A master at performing covers of turn-of-the-century music, Tin Pan Alley classics, Ragtime hits and melodious jazz. His fascinating and quirky persona intertwines with his mastery of the acoustic guitar to make his shows full of musical skill and comedy alike.

• Sisters in Soul - Saturday, March 20 at 8 p.m., $50, $45, $40
  Featuring Marcia Ball, Bettye LaVette and Maria Muldaur
  Get ready to rock! Marcia Ball and her blend of Texas-Louisiana border with New Orleans R & B sounds on her famous boogie piano, soul-singer Bettye LaVette recognized by The New York Times , "Classic soul singing does not get any better" and the Grammy-nominated vocalist Maria Muldaur are onstage together. Sponsored in part by WFUV.

• David Bromberg, Big Band - Friday, April 9 at 8 p.m., $40, $35, $30
  A remarkable musically versatile singular performer/writer/arranger, Bromberg "fits no pigeonholes" as one critic wrote. "He is a product of blues, country, jazz, folk and classical music ... a brilliant entertainer." Sponsored in part by WFUV.

• Dave Samuels and the Caribbean Jazz Project with special guest artist, Joe Lovano - Friday, April 16 at 8 p.m., $35, $30, $25 (LA)
  Grammy-Award-winner, "Dave Samuels is regarded as one of the world's leaders in jazz vibes and marimba," said All About Jazz.com.

Live Radio Dramas

• "Lights Out," directed by Frank Jacoby - Friday, November 20 at 8 p.m., Saturday, November 21 at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., $25
  "Lights Out" was one of the first radio shows that developed the medium of radio in the 1930s with distinct sound effects and dramas intended to stimulate the imagination of radio listeners. Director Jacoby directed the first televised "Lights Out" in 1951.

• "Dangerous Romances," directed by Daniel Smith - Friday, January 22 at 8 p.m., Saturday, January 23 at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., $25
  Crimes of passion gone wrong, murderous smooth-talking femme fatales and bad deeds catching up with those who did them, this and much more in store.

• "Vintage Grab-Bag," directed by Daniel Smith - Friday, March 5 at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 6 at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., $25
  Here's a chance to see an action-packed thriller, an odd comedy and a gruesome murder and a few surprises along the way. All with live music and vivid sound effects.

NT Live - the UK's National Theatre live broadcast in high-definition

The National Theatre Live is a new initiative to broadcast live performances of National Theatre plays onto cinema screens around the world. Subsequent to the exclusive Conn. summer broadcast of Helen Mirren's "Phèdre," the pilot season continues. Reserved seating. House opens one half hour prior to show for broadcast of pre-show interviews. Tickets are $22 adults, $20 seniors, $15 children/students.

• Shakespeare's "All's Well That Ends Well" - Thursday, October 1 at 2 p.m. (1:30 p.m.) Live, 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m.) Encore performance
  Marianne Elliott directs Oliver Ford Davies, Clare Higgins, Conleth Hill, George Rainsford and Michelle Terry in one of Shakespeare's great comedies.

• "Nation" adapted by Mark Ravenhill - Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 2 p.m. (1:30 p.m.)
  Based on a novel by Terry Pratchett, Melly Still directs Ravenhill's adaptation for this world premiere. Suitable for 10 years old and up, the setting is a parallel world in 1860. Two teenagers are thrown together by a tsunami that leaves Daphne shipwrecked on Mau's South Pacific island thousands of miles from home. Without a common language but with the common purpose of civilized survival, they come of age together as they discard doctrine to forge a new Nation.

• "The Habit of Art" by Alan Bennett, Thursday, April 22 at 2 p.m. (1:30 p.m.) Thursday, April 29 at 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m.) Encore performance
  Directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring Michael Gambon, Alex Jennings and Frances de la Tour. Following the huge success of Bennett's Laurence Olivier and Tony Award-winning play, "The History Boys," he returns to the National with a new play involving W.H. Auden in his last years and includes a fictional meeting between the poet and the composer Benjamin Britten.

TimesTalk LIVE in HD - New Event!

The New York Times , in association with BY Experience, Inc., presents TimesTalks LIVE - a new live high-definition digital cinema initiative featuring one-of-a-kind, intimate discussions with some of today's most fascinating film, TV and literary talents, interviewed by prize-winning New York Times journalists, in front of a live audience at The TimesCenter in New York. This pilot program features two well-known authors in sold-out New York City events. House opens 30-minutes prior to the show for a unique introductory video to the TimesTalk LIVE. Reserved seating. Tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors, $15 children, $12 students. Discounts for groups of 20 or more. Call the Box Office for pricing.

• John Irving - Wednesday, October 28 at 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
  This event features a conversation with this popular novelist.

• Stephen King - Wednesday, November 11 at 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Encore Presentation)

Young Audience Sunday Series and ArtsBound Schoolday Series

The Young Audience Sunday Series is available as a full subscription (6 events); flexible pricing is available through the Box Office. Single tickets are $15 adults, $12 children. The ArtsBound Schoolday series is sponsored in part by the Herman Goldman Foundation and Fairfield County Community Foundation. Tickets are $7. Outreach Program Study Guides are available on the Quick Center website at quickcenter.com.

• "Click, Clack, Moo" (Pre-K-4) - Sunday, October 4 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
  ArtsBound Schoolday performance - Monday, October 5 at 10 a.m.
  A Theatreworks/USA hilariously "moo-ving" new musical about compromise, based on the award-winning book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin.

• "Seussical" (Pre K-4) - Sunday, November 1 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
  ArtsBound Schoolday performance - Monday, November 2 at 10 a.m.
  Theatreworks/USA's biggest production ever! Dr. Seuss' tales hit the stage in this unforgettable musical adventure by Broadway veterans Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

• "Babes in Toyland" (All ages) - Sunday, December 20 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
  American Family Theatre Productions presents the musical that has become a holiday tradition. It sparkles to life on stage in a delightful adaptation of the wonderfully imaginative classic.

• Tomie dePaola's "Strega Nona" (Pre-K-4) - Sunday, February 21 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
  ArtsBound Schoolday performance - Monday, February 22 at 10 a.m. & noon
  Based on the books by Tomie dePaola, this musical tale of a friendly magical witch with a funny name was adapted for the stage by Thomas W. Olson. Music and additional lyrics by Aron Accurso. Original lyrics by Roberta Carlson.

• William Shakespeare's "As You Like It" (Grades 5 & up) - ArtsBound Schoolday performance, Friday, March 12 at 10 a.m.
  The Aquila Theatre Company production of one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies is both faithful to the Bard and relevant and accessible to a modern audience. Love comes in all shapes, sizes and disguises and Shakespeare tells the story of power-hungry men, girls playing guys and finding love in unexpected places.

• "Goodnight Moon" and "The Runaway Bunny" (Pre-K-2), Sunday, March 21 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
  ArtsBound Schoolday performance - Monday, March 22 at 10 a.m. & noon
  The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia will add to its acclaimed repertory of outstanding children's productions with an innovative double-bill adaptation of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd's beloved bedtime classics.

• "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (Grades 2-6), Sunday, April 11 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
  ArtsBound Schoolday performance - Monday, April 12 at 10 a.m.
  Theatreworks/USA presents a Two Beans production of a hilarious play about sibling rivalry based on Judy Blume's book.

• "Junie B. Jones" (Grades K-5) - ArtsBound Schoolday performance - Monday, May 17 at 10 a.m.
  The Theatreworks/USA's production centers on an outspoken, precocious and lovable Junie B. Jones who stars in a colorful, funny and fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament and other various first-grade angst-ridden situations.

Thomas J. Walsh Art Gallery

Admission to the gallery is free. The hours are: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m. Closed Monday. The gallery is always open when performances occur at the Quick Center.

• Robert January's figural works "Art & Human Consciousness" - September 16-December 6
  The solo exhibition entitled, "Art & Human Consciousness" will include January's drawings and paintings, as well as his photographs of historic art, which inspired January to paint. Dr. Jean Clottes, Dr. Frank Wilson and other specialists in conjunction with the exhibit, will present gallery conversations.

• The Art of John "Crash" Matos - January 28-February 28 (LA)
  The art of John "Crash" Matos weaves together his roots of graffiti and tagging growing up in the South Bronx with the immediacy of Abstract Expressionism and the bold colors of Pop Art. His career spans over three decades, starting on the subway trains of New York City to renowned galleries across the country and all over the world.

• Fairfield University's Studio Art Junior-Senior Seminar Exhibition - April 15-May 17
  The exhibition features works by juniors and seniors who are Studio Art majors. Emphasis is on mentoring students to develop their own individualized projects through exploring a visual language of invention.

• Bramble and Bramble: "Remnants, Glyphs and Palimpsests" - June 3-July 19
  In their painting and mixed-media work, artists Frank and Pamela Bramble independently examine the beauty of the worn surface and the tenuous fragile nature of time-altered surfaces.

• Director's Choice Exhibit - August 3-August 30
  Selections of Multimedia works by Contemporary Artists in Fairfield County.

The Met Live in HD

Individual tickets to the 2009-10 Metropolitan Opera Live in HD season are available online Tuesday, September 8. Reserved seating. Individual tickets $22 adults, $20 seniors, $15 children/students.

• Puccini's "Tosca" - Saturday, October 10 at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. (Encore Performance)
  Soprano Karita Mattila sings the title role, Luc Bondy, acclaimed for his imaginative theater and opera productions, directs. The cast also includes Marcelo Álvarez as Cavaradossi and Juha Uusitalo as Scarpia with James Levine conducting.

• Verdi's "Aida" - Saturday, October 24 at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. (Encore Performance)
  A heartbreaking love story and an epic drama full of spectacular crowd scenes. Violeta Urmana stars in the title role of the enslaved Ethiopian princess, with Dolora Zajick as her rival. Johan Botha plays Radamès, commander of the Egyptian army, and Daniele Gatti conducts.

• Puccini's "Turandot" - Sunday, November 8, Encore Performances at 12 noon & 6 p.m.
  Director Franco Zeffirelli's breathtaking production stars Maria Guleghina as the ruthless Chinese princess of the title whose hatred of men is so strong that she has all suitors who can't solve her riddles beheaded. Marcello Giordani sings Calàf, the unknown prince who eventually wins her love and whose solos include the famous "Nessun dorma." Andris Nelsons conducts.

• Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" - Saturday, December 19 at 1 p.m. New Production
  This new production stars Kathleen Kim as Olympia, Anna Netrebko and Joseph Calleja as Hoffmann. James Levine conducts.

• Strauss' "Der Rosenkavalier" - Saturday, January 9 at 1 p.m., Sunday, January 10 at 1 p.m. (Encore Performance)
  Renée Fleming sings Marschallin with Susan Graham as Octavian. James Levine conducts.

• Bizet's "Carmen" - Saturday, January 16 at 1 p.m., Sunday, January 17 at 1 p.m. (Encore Performance) - New Production
  Angela Gheorghiu in the title role with Barbara Frittoli as Michëla and Roberto Alagna as Don José. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts.

• Verdi's "Simon Boccanegra" - Saturday, February 6 at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. (Encore Performance)
  Starring Plácido Domingo in the title role with Adrianne Pieczonka and Marcello Giordani. James Levine conducts.

• Thomas' "Hamlet" - Saturday, March 27 at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. (Encore Performance) - New Production
  Natalie Dessay is Ophélia and Simon Keenlyside is Hamlet; with Jennifer Larmore, Toby Spence and James Morris. Louis Langrée conducts.

• Rossini's "Armida" - Saturday, May 1 at 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. (Encore Performance)
  Renée Fleming stars in the title role with Lawrence Brownlee at Rinaldo. Riccardo Frizza conducts.

Posted On: 08-03-2009 10:08 AM

Volume: 42 Number: 20