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For Immediate Release: May 8, 2015                                                                                       Media Contact: Sarah Nesbit

Sarah.nesbit@cor.gov

972-744-4612 or 972-261-4066

 

CHARLES W. EISEMANN CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS ANNOUNCES

“EISEMANN CENTER PRESENTS” LINEUP FOR 2015-2016 SEASON

 

 

RICHARDSON, TX – The Eisemann Center and the City of Richardson announced the 2015-2016 Season of Eisemann Center Presents (ECP) at the Annual Season Preview Party on Thursday, May 7, 2015. The season will include our popular Theatre Series (formerly the Theatre Comedy Series) with four productions and 20 performances; the Methodist Richardson Family Theatre Series with five productions and Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations® with a total of four concerts.  In addition we have seven MainStage Shows featuring a diverse mix of programming and artistic disciplines. Some of our more popular productions and artists from the past twelve years are returning to join the season – The Midtown Men, Jaston Williams, Pilobolus Dance Theater and The Manhattan Transfer in an exciting new show with Take 6. They will be joined by some outstanding new artists and shows for the Eisemann Center, including Molly Ringwald, Garrison Keillor and Blood Sweat & Tears with former American Idol contestant Bo Bice. Also new on this season’s schedule is the three show cycle titled Spotlight Artists that includes touring artists as well as locally based groups such as The Quebe Sisters.

 

MAINSTAGE SHOWS

 

THE MIDTOWN MEN / Sat, Oct. 17, 2015 at 8:00 pm

The Midtown Men reunites stars from the Original Cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys, making them the first vocal group ever formed by the principal cast of a high-profile Broadway show. After sharing the stage for over a thousand performances, Tony® Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony® Award nominee J. Robert Spencer decided to take their signature sound and chemistry to audiences everywhere, bringing to life their favorite 1960s hits and returning to the Eisemann Center for a second appearance.

 

THE TIME JUMPERS – Featuring Vince Gill, Kenny Sears & Ranger Doug Green / Thu, Nov. 5, 2015 at 8:00 pm The Time Jumpers are a Western swing ensemble formed in 1998 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Time Jumpers began as a garage practice session; the group started playing occasional gigs in the Nashville area until they were offered a regular slot playing at the Station Inn.In 2007, the group recorded a live album entitled Jumpin' Time and were nominated for two Grammy awards. In 2012, the group recorded the album entitled The Time Jumpers and were nominated for two Grammy awards. Familiar faces in the group include Vince Gill, Kenny Sears and Riders in the Sky lead singer, Ranger Doug Green.

 

AN EVENING WITH MOLLY RINGWALD / Sat, Nov. 14, 2015 at 7:30 pm

Molly Ringwald acts, writes books, and sings jazz. She tours a crowd-pleasing concert act AN EVENING WITH MOLLY RINGWALD with her quartet to venues worldwide. Since her debut Jazz album on Concord Records was released, Ringwald and her band have performed over 160 concerts in seven countries. This show is presented in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, where she will make a special appearance on Friday, November 13, 2015.

 

 

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BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS WITH BO BICE / Sat, Jan. 23, 2016 at 8:00 pm

A twenty-first century version of one of the music world’s most popular bands − currently touring with American Idol star, Bo Bice.  It’s been more than four decades since drummer/producer Bobby Colomby and friends assembled the first group to successfully blend rock and jazz into a genre-crossing sound and style. So successfully, in fact, that the band’s second album, Blood, Sweat & Tears, topped the Billboard charts, beating out the Beatles Abbey Road for Grammy Album of the Year, and produced three major hit singles “You Made me so Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die.”

 

AN EVENING WITH GARRISON KEILLOR / Thu, Jan. 28, 2016 at 8:00 pm

The acclaimed host of A Prairie Home Companion shares hilarious anecdotes about growing up in the American Midwest, the people of Lake Wobegon, and "late-life fatherhood." Best known for his wildly popular radio show, A Prairie Home Companion–which attracts more than 17 million listeners each week and daily radio and online program The Writers Almanac–Keillor is a humorist and captivating speaker who combines storytelling with a wonderfully dry sense of humor.

 

PILOBOLUS DANCE THEATER / Sat, Feb. 27, 2016 at 8:00 pm

Making their third appearance at the Eisemann Center, Pilobolus Dance Theater is the present-day vehicle for over forty years’ worth of Pilobolus’s most inventive and groundbreaking choreographic work. The company tours extensively in the United States, splitting time between performing and teaching, and creating new works in the Pilobolus Lab’s International Collaborators Project. Physically and intellectually, the company engages and inspires audiences around the world through performance, education and creative consultation.

 

THE SUMMIT – THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER MEETS TAKE 6 / Sat, Apr. 23, 2016 at 8:00 pm

Combining forces for the first time, The Manhattan Transfer and Take 6, two of the most acclaimed, award-winning vocal groups in pop music, create an unforgettable concert event that will thrill audiences of all ages. Each of these legendary acts has 10 Grammy Awards to their credit amongst a host of other recognitions. Each will perform a set, culminating with a duet featuring the tightest harmonies known in the music business as well as in innovative arrangements and funky grooves. This will be third appearance of The Manhattan Transfer at the Eisemann Center.

 

Theatre Series

 

MAID MARIAN IN A STOLEN CAR / Oct. 22-25, 2015 (Five performances) Starring Jaston Williams

Creator/Actor Jaston Williams describes his new solo show Maid Marian in a Stolen Car... with charming simplicity: “Theatre is about sharing experiences, and I happen to live in a world full of characters and strange circumstances.” Be prepared to laugh out loud as Jaston recalls a San Antonio production of Hamlet that mimicked the Battle of the Alamo. Learn why you can't do “trust exercises” with a multiple personality. And experience his recreation of the wildest Maid Marian since they chopped down Sherwood Forest. This show will be presented in the round in the Bank of America Theatre.

 

TEA FOR THREE: LADY BIRD, PAT AND BETTY / Nov. 19-22, 2015 (Five Performances)

Starring Elaine Bromka

Tea for Three: Lady Bird, Pat and Betty reveals life and love in the White House. Particularly pertinent in an era of heightened politics, Tea foe Three humanizes the political scene with a story both whimsical and deeply moving − a behind-the-scenes look at Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, and Betty Ford. Share the journey of each as she deals with the fishbowl of First Ladydom − a tale of a remarkable trio in a most unusual job. Emmy Award-winning actress Elaine Bromka, with over thirty years in film, television, Broadway and Off-Broadway, starred as eight First Ladies opposite Rich Little in the PBS show The Presidents. Intrigued by their stories, she went on with playwright Eric H. Weinberger to create this one-woman show.

 

 

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SOSSY MECHANICS’ TRICK BOXING: SWINGIN’ IN THE RING / Feb. 11-14, 2016 (Five Performances)

Bringing the aesthetic of classic movie musicals to the stage, two actor/dancers and four ridiculous puppets playing 16 different characters, use rapid-fire dialogue, physical comedy, 1930’s music (think Benny Goodman), Fred and Ginger-style dancing and boxing to tell a romantic rags-to-riches story about beating the odds and spending your time wisely. The artists of Sossy Mechanics will be engaged with arts and humanities students at UT Dallas during a week-long residency event.

 

WIESENTHAL / Apr. 14-17, 2016 (Five Performances)

Filled with hope, humanity and humor, Wiesenthal is the riveting true story of Simon Wiesenthal, an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. Nicknamed the “Jewish James Bond,” he devoted his life to bringing more than 1,100 Nazi war criminals to justice. Intelligent, funny, flawed and noble, Wiesenthal was a universal hero. His unbelievable dedication and tenacity over decades is honored in this play, written by and starring Tom Dugan, giving equal weight to his wisdom and wit during his long, purposeful life.

 

METHODIST RICHARDSON MEDICAL CENTER FAMILY THEATRE SERIES

 

Eisemann Center Presents’ Methodist Richardson Family Theatre Series is a Sunday matinee series for children and families of all ages. All Methodist Richardson Family Theatre Series performances take place in the Hill Performance Hall. The popular Eisemann Extras program will enter its third season with pre-show activities designed to stimulate and engage our youngest patrons.

 

FLY GUY AND OTHER STORIES! / Sun, Oct. 11, 2015 at 2:30 pm

Seven delightful stories come to life in Theatreworks USA’s musical revue FLY GUY & OTHER STORIES. Books featured in the show include: Fly Guy Meets Fly Girl; Diary of a Worm; Fluffy the Classroom Guinea Pig; Horace & Morris but Mostly Dolores; Kitten’s First Full Moon; Lilly’s Big Day; and Paper Bag Princess. (Titles are subject to change).

 

ROOM ON THE BROOM / Sun, Nov. 15, 2015 at 2:30 pm

Room on the Broom was adapted from the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. We see the witch and her cat flying happily on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s belongings. A helpful dog, bird and frog find the witch’s lost things, and they all hop on the broom for a ride.  But, CRACK! SNAP! This broomstick’s not meant for five. When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? Produced by Tall Stories, Room on the Broom features incredible puppets, original songs and a lot of laughs.

 

CURIOUS GEORGE: THE GOLDEN MEATBALL / Sun, Jan. 24, 2016 at 2:30 pm

With every swing and flip, George takes the audience through a fun-filled adventure in which he learns more about Rome…and meatballs…and the “secret ingredient” to cooking, than he'd ever imagined! Join the inquisitive, lovable little monkey Curious George, star of books, movies and the award winning PBS television show in this delightful new musical, produced by Theatreworks USA.

 

CHICKEN DANCE / Sun, Feb. 28, 2016 at 2:30 pm

ArtsPower’s newest musical portrays the colorful story of Marge and Lola, two barnyard chickens on a mission to win the barnyard talent contest first prize of two tickets to see the great Elvis Poultry in concert! But first, they must present a performance that will score higher than a flock of very talented ducks, who seem to have the contest locked up. Can Marge and Lola face their challengers, against all odds, and win the talent contest?

 

THE GREATEST PIRATE STORY NEVER TOLD / Sun, Apr. 10, 2016 at 2:30 pm

The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told is Off Broadway’s improvised, interactive, musical pirate adventure and was nominated as “Best Family Show of 2014” by the Off-Broadway Alliance Awards. Flung into the future by a musical-loving Sea Witch, a crew of misfit pirates-turned-actors must now perform the greatest pirate epic ever seen on stage! But when their script is partially obscured by a tragic squid ink accident, they turn to the audience to fill in the missing bits of the plot.

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SPOTLIGHT ARTISTS

 

New this season is our lineup of Spotlight Artists: a series of independent performances spotlighting artists we feel should be showcased in a more intimate space like the Eisemann Center’s Bank of America Theatre. These are artists who are touring nationally as well as artists located right here in North Texas. Spotlight Artists will be artists of exceptional talent presented in a more casual format who will comfortably meet and greet our audiences in the lobby following their performances.

 

A BAND CALLED HONALEE / Sat, Nov. 7, 2015 at 7:30 pm

A Band Called Honalee is a modern-day folk trio inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul and Mary. Musically accomplished, interactive and energetic, their shows allow audiences to experience this timeless music live onstage once again. Their mission is to share this uniquely American music with new audiences, while rekindling the passion of life-long fans. Featured at our Season Preview Party in 2014, we’re happy to have them return for a full concert.

 

HARD TRAVELIN’ WITH WOODY / Sat, Feb. 20, 2016 at 7:30 pm

Hop a box car through the Dustbowl with Woody Guthrie and commune with the spirit, stories and songs of America's iconic folksinger, saint-of-the-workingman and poet-of-the-people in this critically acclaimed multimedia one-man play with Woody's music and artworks. Woody plays for a union meeting of striking mineworkers who are on the verge of breaking due to vigilante violence. Hard Travelin’ with Woody is a one-man multimedia play written and performed by Randy Noojin with the music and artwork of Woody Guthrie.

 

THE QUEBE SISTERS / Sat, Mar. 12, 2016 at 7:30 pm

The Quebe Sisters is an American fiddleWestern swing group from Burleson, Texas. The band consists of sisters Grace, Sophia and Hulda Quebe. Formed in 2002, the band performs Western Swing, vintage Country and Western (Bob Wills, Sons of the Pioneers) and traditional Texas style fiddle tunes. Currently based in Fort Worth, The Quebe Sisters tour nationally and internationally, including appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and at Lincoln Center.

 

JEFFREY SIEGEL’S KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS®

 

Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations® are piano concerts with broad, popular appeal and lively commentary, making the music more accessible and meaningful for all. Each piece is performed in its entirety and there is a question and answer session following the concert. Gain a whole new perspective and enrich your life with great music! If you’re a newcomer to classical music, you’ll be captivated to hear pianist Jeffrey Siegel talk about the great composers' lives and illustrate musical themes from each featured work. If you’re a seasoned listener, you’ll delight in Siegel’s fresh and intriguing insights into the music and be thrilled by his virtuoso performances.

 

Piano or music teachers may request one complimentary ticket for each ticket purchased (single or subscription) to bring a student to experience a Keyboard Conversations® concert. 

 

Concerts for 2015-2016 are:

 

The Passionate Love Music of Robert Schumann / Mon, Oct. 5, 2015 at 7:30 pm

 

Splendor from Silence: Beethoven, Fauré and Smetana / Mon, Dec. 7, 2015 at 7:30 pm

 

The Golden Age of the Piano / Mon, Feb. 22, 2016 at 7:30 pm

 

Musical Pictures / Mon. Apr. 18, 2016 at 7:30 pm

 

 

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SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MULTI-SHOW DISCOUNT PROGRAM

 

 

Subscriptions for the Theatre Series are on sale to the public with a 15% discount on full series subscriptions ranging from $133.45 to $155.55. The Methodist Richardson Family Theatre Series subscriptions range from $52.00 to $92.00, a savings of 20% off single ticket prices. The Keyboard Conversations® series subscriptions range from $95.20 to $112.20 at a 15% discount off single ticket prices. All ticket prices include a $1.50 non-refundable facility maintenance fee.

Due to the artistic diversity of the MainStage Shows, these events are not packaged as a subscription series. All of these shows, as well as the other shows in the season qualify for this unique discount flex program, in which you can create your own entertainment package with a minimum of any four shows and enjoy savings up to 20%. The Multi-Show Discount Program does not guarantee the same seats, but offers you great flexibility of choice economically (different price levels and quantity of seats on a show-by-show basis), as well as artistically (shows of choice). If you are a subscriber to one or more of our subscription series, those shows will also count towards this discount package making it even easier for you to get discounts on other shows of interest. All shows must be ordered at the same time in order to receive the discount benefits offered.

 

Single tickets may be purchased online at www.eisemanncenter.com, by telephone and in person beginning Monday, July 13, 2015. For more information, call the Eisemann Center Ticket Office at 972-744-4650. The Ticket Office is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and one hour prior to curtain time for all events. The Ticket Office fax number is 972-744-5830. Series subscriptions are not available online, but orders are accepted by mail, fax, telephone, and in person at the Ticket Office. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more patrons. A digital version of the season preview brochure can be found online at www.eisemanncenter.com.

 

The Eisemann Center is a City of Richardson facility located in the Galatyn Park Urban Center at 2351 Performance Drive in Richardson, Texas. Eisemann Center Presents 2015-2016 Season sponsors include Methodist Richardson Medical Center, North Central Ford, the University of Texas at Dallas School of Arts & Humanities and media partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA-TV and WRR Classical 101.1 FM. Additional support provided by Altrusa International of Richardson, Texas, Inc., Richardson East Rotary Club and the Richardson Woman's Club.

 

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WildRide Against Cancer Launches New

Survivor Shirts with 2014 Bike Race

 

Join the WildRide Against Cancer at the new Methodist Richardson Medical Center Grand Opening Party and Healthy Kids Day on April 12 from 9:00am–1:00pm. Race registration information and our new Survivor t-shirts will be available. 

This is the first year where there is a specific shirt for cancer survivors.  All donations for the shirts will be used to help pay for programs offered at Methodist Richardson Medical Cancer Center including:

  • Artist-In-Residence Program – provides patients with two hours of time with artists experienced in art therapy, as they are receiving chemotherapy. Studies show that patient anxiety decreases if they are participate in a creative activity during treatment. 
  • STAR (Survivorship Training and Rehabilitation) Program – provides one hour of cancer survivorship care through the STAR Program. Trained staff work with cancer survivors to help reduce pain and fatigue allowing patients to regain movement and strengthen mind and body.

The 11th annual WildRide Against Cancer happens Saturday, May 17, 2014 and supports programs and services that benefit cancer patients and their families!  Cyclists may register to ride 16, 40, or 64 miles through Richardson, Plano, Murphy, Wylie, and Garland and across the dam at Lake Lavon – a once a year experience!

Proceeds from the WildRide also support new equipment and technology so that North Texas cancer patients can receive quality, compassionate cancer treatment close to home.  Sponsors include Richardson Bike Mart, Fujitsu, Ericsson, Perkins + Will, Cisco, Toll Brothers, and Mavenir.  We hope you will be WILD about supporting our Cancer Center and ride with us on May 17, 2014!

About Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation

The Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation is a not-for-profit, charitable organization led by business and civic leaders who donate their time, service, and expertise to raise funds and awareness for MethodistRichardsonMedicalCenter. Established in 1977, this organization’s fundraising has helped upgrade obstetrical services, establish the Center for Women’s Health, enlarge the SeniorHealthCenter, expand cardiovascular services, and bring the first Novalis®-enhanced linear accelerator in Texas and the seventh in the United States to the Lance Armstrong Shaped Beam Surgery™ program at the Methodist Richardson Cancer Center. For more information or to make a donation, call 972-498-7678 or visit www.methodisthealthsystem.org/richardsonfoundation.   

 

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