Spring 2015 - Society for the Performing Arts
Transcription
Spring 2015 - Society for the Performing Arts
Spring 2015 Inside This Issue: Centre Chorégraphique National de Créteil et du Val-de-Marne / Compagnie Käfig Scottish Ballet – A Streetcar Named Desire The Illusionists – Witness the Impossible Neil deGrasse Tyson 2014 - 2015 Season Sponsor SPA spring 2015 Official Program Magazine for Society for the Performing Arts Contents: Beyond the Spotlight 4 Staff 5 SPA’s 2015 Gala 6 Patron Information 8 Welcome 9 Centre Chorégraphique National de Créteil et du Val-de-Marne / Compagnie Käfig Scottish Ballet – A Streetcar Named Desire 10-11, 13, 23 14-17 2014-2015 SPA Board of Directors 17 The Illusionists – Witness the Impossible 18-21 Neil deGrasse Tyson 22-23 SPA Corporate and Foundation Support 23 Individual Donors 24 Visit SPA’s website at www.spahouston.org Chief Executive Officer, June Christensen Editorial Director, Karen Watassek 615 Louisiana St. #100 Houston, TX 77002-2796 Contents copyright © 2015 by Society for the Performing Arts On the cover: The Illusionists – Witness the Impossible 713-227-4772 This magazine is produced for Society for the Performing Arts by Advertising 713-523-5323 info@newleafinc.com Publications That Perform Carey Clark Betsy Gugick Jane Kremer Frances Powell Tricia pucciarello Marlene Walker 2006 Huldy, Houston, TX 77019 | www.newleafinc.com Society for the Performing Arts beyond the spotlight SPA Honors Young Artists SPA recently recognized 25 budding artists at its 17th Annual Student Art Contest sponsored by Wells Fargo, at an awards ceremony held at Episcopal High School. Nearly 400 pieces were submitted to this year’s visual art contest, offering all kindergarten through 12th grade students in the greater Houston area the opportunity to showcase their talents and win prizes while learning about the performing arts. The title for the art contest, “My Caravanserai,” was inspired by SPA’s 2014-2015 education residency, Caravanserai: Malaysia, a three-part series of events that introduced American audiences to dynamic artists from the Muslim world and the Best of Show winner, Samantha Kim, poses for a picture with Mary and Miguel Espinosa. culture of Malaysia. Caravanserais were roadside inns located upon trade routes in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, especially along the Silk Road. Travelers along these routes used the caravanserais as safe-havens where they could rest, restock their supplies, converse with other travelers and enjoy entertainment, no matter where they were from or what language they spoke. The exchange of ideas along these trade routes, facilitated by caravanserais, led to a great cultural exchange between the East and West and was a significant factor in the development of many countries, including Malaysia. Students entered artwork based inspired by the spirit of Malaysia and the caravanserai: inclusiveness, diversity and the exchange of ideas. Students were asked to consider their own journeys and the story they want to tell about who and what has influenced their life. Entries ranged from paintings to drawings to digital images. All submitted artwork was judged on creativity, skill and interpretation of the theme “My Caravanserai.” Winners selected in Division A (kindergarten through second grade) were: First Place – Rubi Sanchez, Kujawa Elementary School, Aldine ISD; Second Place – Jorge Gutierrez, A.B. Anderson Academy, Aldine ISD; Third Place – Evelyne Morales, Woodland Acres Elementary School, Galena Park ISD; Honorable Mention – Michael Davis, St. Anne Catholic School. Division B (third grade through fifth grade) winners were: First Place – Ashling DeGraaf, Northwoods Catholic School; Second Place – April Wang, Highlands Elementary School, Fort Bend ISD; Third Place – Cristina Elizondo, Woodland Acres Elementary School, Galena Park ISD; Honorable Mention – Arly Cruz, Woodland Acres Elementary School, Galena Park ISD. In Division C (sixth through eighth grade), the winners included: First Place –Tessa De La Fuente, Hamilton Middle School, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD; Second Place – Puneetha Goli, T.H. Rogers School, Houston ISD; Third Place – Lidzy Juarez, Patrick Henry Middle School, Houston ISD; Honorable Mention – Liberty Ward, Hamilton Middle School, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. The Division D (ninth through 11th grade) winners were: First Place – Ruiyang Liu, Memorial High School, Spring Branch ISD; Second Place – Gustavo Leal, Nimitz Senior High School, Aldine ISD; Third Place – Jihyeon Joung, Memorial High School, Spring Branch ISD; Honorable Mention – ShaNel Robertson, Nimitz Senior High School, Aldine ISD. Division E (graduating senior) winners included: First Place – Inchan Hwang, Memorial High School, Spring Branch ISD; Second Place – Laura Vargas, Alief Hastings High School, Alief ISD; and Third Place – Anna Cho, Memorial High School, Spring Branch ISD; Honorable Mention – Jacqueline Villarreal, Sam Rayburn High School, Pasadena ISD. Josue Montemayor, a senior at Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena ISD, was the recipient of the SPA Special Merit Award, a $500 scholarship in memory of K.E. “Jake” Jacob given by Dinah and Michael H. Sultanik, for his work titled The Silk Road. Samantha Kim, senior from Memorial High School was awarded the SPA Master Class Fun! Best of Show Award, a $2,000 scholarship in Members of CCN Créteil et Val-de-Marne/Cie Käfig visited Houston in March to teach dance memory of Viola Davis Rosson and donated by master classes all over the city. The dancers led five classes during a two-day stop in Houston, Mary and Miguel Espinosa, for her artwork titled on their way from Florida to California. Students at Awty International School, Johnston The Mind’s Eye. Middle School, High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Houston Community Winners received scholarships to Glassell College Central Campus and Klein Oak High School were treated to classes of break dancing, Jr. School, art supplies and tickets to see capoeira and everything in-between. a performance. Society for the Performing Arts Staff 713-632-8100 www.spahouston.org June Christensen Chief Executive Officer/President lena asinovsky Group Sales Associate Jordan Drum Director of Education & Community Engagement robert eubanks Director of Production Tineke Franck Director of Development Samantha gonzalez Individual Giving and Special Events Manager Stephanie Gumpf Education Coordinator alex irrera Executive Administrative Assistant Freddie Piegsa Marketing and Sales Associate Lee Strickland Director of Sales and Operations Mark Truett Director of Marketing Karen Watassek Director of Public Relations charisse weston Development Associate karen whitlock Director of Finance and Administration Terry W. Zeno Accounting Assistant Cory Grant Technical Director Elizabeth Carley Customer Service Representative Publications That Perform www.newleafinc.com Janet Meyer Publisher Keith Gumney Art Director Jennifer Greenberg Associate Publisher Advertising 713-523-5323 info@newleafinc.com Carey Clark Account Executive JANE KREMER Account Executive Frances Powell Account Executive Tricia pucciarello Account Executive Marlene Walker Walker Media spring 2015 spa’s 2015 gala Somewhere Over the Rainbow Chaired by Linda and Willie Chiang, with honorary chairs Elizabeth and Tim Vail, SPA held its 2015 Gala, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Saturday, March 28. The Grand Foyer at the Wortham Theater Center was transformed into the land of Oz with dazzling décor by Rebecca Johnson of Bergner and Johnson. While dining on a delightful seated dinner designed by Jackson and Company, guests enjoyed a performance by vocalist Hilary Kole who sang the songs made famous by Judy Garland. Following dinner, guests danced the night away to the music of Skyrocket! The event, honoring Occidental Petroleum, was SPA’s most succesful to date, raising more than $585,000 for SPA’s education and community engagement programs. June Christensen and Melanie Gray Paul and Katherine Murphy, Liz and Tom Glanville Doreen and Victor Bhatt Tim and Elizabeth Vail, Honorary Chairs Willie and Linda Chiang, Chairs Jonathan and Amy Homeyer Shelby Kibodeaux and Bruce Padilla, Richard and Karen Turner-Smith Proud sponsor of this feature and publisher of Society for the Performing Arts Magazine www.newleafinc.com Society for the Performing Arts Patron information For Tickets to Individual Performances: Call Society for the Performing Arts’ box office at 713-227-4772 or visit spahouston.org. Groups: To book a group of 15 or more, call 713-632-8113. Lost Tickets: Replacements for lost tickets can be arranged by calling 713-227-4772. Entry to Jones Hall and Wortham Theater Center: Doors open 90 minutes prior to SPA performances. Emergencies: In case of extreme emergencies, doctors and audience members can be reached by phone at the backstage security offices located at Jones Hall 713-236-5712, Wortham Theater Center 713-250-3657. In order for security to locate you, the caller needs to identify you and your seat location (door, row and seat number). Personnel for medical emergencies are provided for all performances. Late Arrivals: We thank our patrons for cooperating with our policy of no late seating once a performance has begun. Late seating takes place during designated intervals as determined by the guest artist. If you arrive a few minutes late, please check with an usher who will advise you when the next seating break will take place. Performance Hall Policies: A city ordinance forbids smoking in public buildings or 25 feet from public entrances including Jones Hall and Wortham Theater Center. Society for the Performing Arts Food and beverages are permitted in lobby areas only. Use of cameras, cellular phones, recording, and paging devices are prohibited in the hall. Watch alarms should be turned off. Lost and Found: If you lose something at Jones Hall, call 713-2273974, or at Wortham Theater Center, call 713-237-1439. Society for the Performing Arts is a Member of: International Society for the Performing Arts The Association of Performing Arts Presenters Western Arts Alliance Mid-America Arts Alliance Mid-West Arts Presenters INTIX, The International Ticketing Association SWPAP, Southwest Performing Arts Presenters GHATA, Greater Houston Area Ticketing Association Dance/USA IPAY, International Performing Arts for Youth Please Note All programs, prices, performances, and artists are subject to change. Any changes from the printed program will be announced from the stage at the beginning of the performance. Welcome. . . Katya Horner June Christensen Chief Executive Officer/President Welcome! Each season we are delighted to feature artists and companies from all over the world. Bringing the world’s best is what makes SPA unique, and our 2015-2016 season is no exception with 24 companies representing 11 countries – including 14 debuts! You can look forward to an eclectic lineup of international artists with the Accordion Virtuosi of Russia; the Bollywood Masalas Orchestra and Dancers of India; La Compagnie Hervé Koubi from France; Malpaso Dance Company from Cuba alongside Arturo O’Farrill & Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble; and more. We will kick off the fall with The Rat Pack is Back!, a spirited show that recreates one of the famous “Summit at the Sands” nights, and ring in December with The Hot Sardines and their Holiday Stomp program. Dance performances include Ballet Hispanico’s full-length work CARMEN. maquia; American Ballet Theatre’s Daniil Simkin and his new project, INTENSIO; and contemporary dance company BODYTRAFFIC. The Music Series will feature debuts by Israeli-born cellist Maya Beiser, who has a flair for the unusual and performs works by rock-and-roll legends; Norwegian violinist Vilde Frang; and the fabulous pianist Charlie Albright. Look forward to new Family Fun performances with Blaze: The International Dance Spectacular and Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage, a production celebrating five decades of this iconic series. SPA’s Speaker Series is sure to be a hit with Anthony Bourdain, David Sedaris, and the debut of Ina Garten - “The Barefoot Contessa.” Of course, don’t miss returning favorites Cameron Carpenter, this time performing on his International Touring Organ; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Voca People; BLUE MAN GROUP. Join us for the fun next season. I look forward to seeing you soon! MELANIE GRAY Board Chair At SPA, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience an extraordinary performance at least once in their lives. What unforgettable dance performance or concert have you experienced? Do you recall the first time you walked into the iconic Jones Hall or the majestic Wortham Center? Have you ever witnessed a standing ovation at the end of a performance in the midst of an enraptured audience? Could it have been a more singular moment? Houstonians of all ages experience these moments each time SPA presents a performance. SPA delivers moments that define us, inspire us and bring us together. In May, we will launch the Visionaries Campaign in support of the newly established SPA Annual Fund. The first, generous supporters of the SPA Annual Fund will be Visionaries, because they will help shape and sculpt a sustainable future for SPA and enhance its increasing impact across the greater Houston community. The support of our Visionaries will enable SPA to fulfill its mission of “Bringing the World’s Best” performing artists to Houston by creating more opportunities for all Houstonians to experience that one defining moment. That moment when a person realizes that the performing arts must always be present in their lives and community! Please join me in becoming a Visionary by supporting the SPA Annual Fund, and in joining this critical group, enjoy many unique benefits, such as artist Meet & Greets, invitations to cast parties and Behind the Scenes tours. For more information about becoming a Visionary, or to make a donation to the SPA Annual Fund, please contact Tineke Franck at tfranck@ spahouston.org or call 713-632-8104. spring 2015 International Series friday | april 17 | 8 pm | Cullen Theater, Wortham Center CENTRE CHORÉGRAPHIQUE NATIONAL DE CRÉTEIL ET DU VAL-DE-MARNE / COMPAGNIE KÄFIG DIRECTED BY MOURAD MERZOUKI PHOTOS © MICHEL CAVALCA Correria Agwa THE PROGRAM CORRERIA (2010) Choreographer Assistant of the choreographer Musical arrangements Lighting design Stage design Costume design Video Mourad Merzouki with the collaboration of the dancers Laurence Pérez AS’N Yoann Tivoli Mourad Merzouki and Benjamin Lebreton Delphine Capossela Charles Carcopino Producer Co-producer Acknowledgements Centre Chorégraphique National de Créteil et du Val-de-Marne / Compagnie Käfig Espace Albert Camus de Bron Studio de la Maison des Arts de Créteil INTERMISSION AGWA (2008) Choreographer Assistant Musical director Lighting design Stage design Costume design Mourad Merzouki Kader Belmoktar AS’N Yoann Tivoli Mourad Merzouki and Benjamin Lebreton Angèle Mignot Producer Co-Producers Acknowledgements Compagnie Käfig Biennale de la Danse de Lyon, Espace Albert Camus de Bron Nouveau Théâtre du 8ème – Lyon, Centro Coreografico de Rio de Janeiro and the French Consulate at Rio de Janeiro Dancers Diego Alves Dos Santos known as Dieguinho, Leonardo Alves Moreira known as Leo, Cleiton Luiz Caetano De Oliveira, Helio Robson Dos Anjos Cavalcanti, Geovane Fidelis Da Conceição, Diego Gonçalves Do Nascimento Leitão known as White, Aldair Junior Machado Nogueira known as Al Franciss, Wanderlino Martins Neves known as Sorriso, Jose Amilton Rodrigues Junior known as Ze, Alexsandro Soares Campanha Da Silva known as Pitt Sincere thanks to Guy Darmet, who made this encounter happen. Light control Dominique Palabaud Sound control and stage management Eric Georges The Centre Chorégraphique National de Créteil et du Val-de-Marne / Compagnie Käfig- directed by Mourad Merzouki is funded by the Ile-de-France Regional Cultural Affairs Office - Ministry of Culture and Communication, the Val-de-Marne Department and the City of Créteil. 10 Society for the Performing Arts ABOUT CORRERIA AGWA The beginning for Correria and Agwa was an encounter between Mourad Merzouki and 11 young dancers from Rio de Janeiro at the Lyon Dance Biennial in 2006.The Brazilian dancers had their roots in the favelas – or slums – and their individual stories struck a profound chord with the Company Käfig choreographer. All of them were driven by a passion for dance and a fervent determination to make something of their lives in reaching out to others. Correria (running) plunges us into a frantic, hectic race just like the one that governs our daily lives. Bodies, movement and a show that takes your breath away! Agwa (water) is a relaxed and joyful piece about the most vital component of our bodies; a precious natural resource to be economized and preserved that is also a symbol of renewal. ABOUT MOURAD MERZOUKI Born in Lyon in 1973, Mourad Merzouki began practicing martial arts and circus arts as early as seven years old. At the age of 15, he encountered hip-hop culture for the first time and through it, he discovered dance. He quickly decided to develop this form of street art while also experimenting with other choreographic styles, particularly by Maryse Delente, Jean-François Duroure and Josef Nadj. The wealth of his experiences fed his desire to direct artistic projects, blending hip-hop with other disciplines. In 1989 he, along with Kader Attou, Eric Mezino and Chaouki Saïd, created his first company Accrorap. In 1994 the company performed Athina during Lyon’s Biennial Dance Festival; it was a triumph that brought street dance to the stage. Merzouki’s trips have led him into unchartered territory, where dance can be a powerful means of communication. In order to develop his own Northern American Tour : Sunny Artist Management Inc. Ilter Ibrahimof – Director ilter@sunnyartistmanagement.com www.sunnyartistmanagement.com The taking of flash photographs and the use of recording devices is prohibited. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers. Part of the Performance Prelude Series artistic style and sensitivity, Merzouki established his own company, Käfig, in 1996. In January 2006, Compagnie Käfig began a period of residence at Espace Albert Camus in Bron. The theater became the venue of the Karavel Festival, created in 2007 under the leadership of Mourad Merzouki. The festival invites some 10 different hip-hop companies and other initiatives to the city. In parallel, Mourad Merzouki spearheaded the inception of a new center for choreographic creation and development, Pôle Pik, which opened its doors in Bron in 2009. In June 2009, Mourad Merzouki was appointed director of the Centre chorégraphique National de Créteil et du Val-de-Marne. He continues to develop his projects there, with an accent on openness to the world. In 19 years, the choreographer has created 23 shows and his company gives on average 150 performances per year around the world. ABOUT THE COMPANY The Compagnie Käfig was created in 1996 by Mourad Merzouki, a major figure on the hip-hop scene since the 1990s, as he worked at the junction of different disciplines: to his exploration of all hip-hop styles, he adds circus, martial arts, fine arts and live music. In 2009, Mourad Merzouki is appointed director of the Centre Chorégraphique National de Créteil et du Val-de-Marne, where he develops a project spring 2015 11 Compagnie Käfig called Dance: a window on the world. Since 1996, 23 creations have been performed in more than 700 cities. In 19 years, the Compagnie Käfig gave over 2600 performances in 61 countries for more than one million people. Six shows are currently on tour. DANCER BIOGRAPHIES DIEGO ALVES DOS SANTOS trained in urban dance at the school of Marcia Lacombe and received a diploma from the Univercidade of Rio de Janeiro. In 2003, he studied with Buddha Stretch, Xavier, Nobru de Souza and Filipi Moura. Since 2000, he has worked with Aline Bittencourt, Fly and Bruno Williams. Diego teaches break dancing, locking and hip-hop. Since 2008, he has worked with Compagnie Käfig on Agwa (2008) and Correria (2010). He danced Käfig Brasil at the 2012 Montpellier Festival of Dance. Russia. He has also participated in events such as Urban Groove Steady (Lyon), Street Dance Kemp 2010 (Brazil), Cercle Underground 3 2011 (Paris), 3° House 2011 (Russia), Break Out Battle-jury (Russia), Kaat Festival (Japan) and Cercle Underground 4 (Belgium and Russia). Since 2008, he has been working with Mourad Merzouki on Agwa (2008) and Correria (2010) and is part of Käfig Brasil. DIEGO GONCALVES DO NASCIMENTO LEITAO has researched urban dance since 1995. He worked with Regis Yakagi (France) and Regina Sauer, Caio Nunes, Bernardo Stumpf and Renato Vieira (Brazil). Since 2003, Diego has led street dancing classes at several Rio de Janeiro studios and in several French cities. Since 2008, he has worked with Compagnie Käfig on Agwa (2008) and Correria (2010) and Käfig Brasil. ALDAIR JUNIOR MACHADO NOGUEIRA trained with Henry Link, Mr. Wiggles, Buddha Stretch, Archie Burnett, Lando Wilkins, Shaun CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 LEONARDO ALVES MOREIRA learned to dance with the Sindicato dos Profissionais da Dança do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Since 2007 he has danced with Fly, Dani Boy, Rose and Daddy Kall. Leonardo joined Compagnie Käfig in 2008 for Agwa, followed by Correria (2010) and Käfig Brasil (2012). He began touring with the company in 2014. Leonardo regularly leads workshops in France and Brazil. CLEITON LUIZ CAETANO DE OLIVEIRA Specializing in urban dance since 2006, Cleiton choreographed the works of Cie Espaço arte em movimento (Rio de Janeiro) and led hip-hop classes at the dance school Jaime Arôxa (Rio de Janeiro). Cleiton has danced with Thiaguinho, D’black and Dupla Dolls. He also leads hip-hop workshops in Brazil and France. He joined the Compagnie Käfig in 2008 for Agwa, followed by Correria (2010) and Käfig Brasil (2012). HELIO ROBSON DOS ANJOS CAVALCANTI mixes hip-hop culture (graffiti, dj, mc and b-boy), with the Brazilian popular culture like samba, funk and capoeira. He has been teaching classes in different districts of Rio de Janeiro. He is part of several companies such as Xstyle Dances Company and Cia D’Fora nad has performed at international festivals including Rio H2K, FiH2 of Curitiba, Intervenção Cacilda Becker and X-everything. He creates and coordinates the project “Hip Hop that comes From within,” for people who already dance or want to learn to dance. In 2014, he joined Compagnie Käfig’s productions Correria Agwa and Käfig Brasil. GEOVANE FIDELIS DA CONCEICAO began street dancing in 2004 and joined the dance collective Soul Brooklyn Crew (Russia). He leads dance classes in Brazil, France and spring 2015 13 Tudor Family Dance Series friday | may 15 | 8 pm | brown theater, wortham center SCOTTISH BALLET A Streetcar Named Desire Direction Choreography Music Design Lighting Design Nancy Meckler Annabelle Lopez Ochoa Peter Salem Niki Turner Tim Mitchell Original play by Tennessee Williams. Presented through special arrangement with The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire received its world premiere at Theatre Royal Glasgow on 11 April 2012. In 2012, the creation of A Streetcar Named Desire was the culmination of a collaboration that pushed boundaries. This award-winning production has become a significant part of Scottish Ballet’s repertoire and a favourite with our audiences at home and abroad. – Christopher Hampson, Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet The taking of flash photographs and the use of recording devices is prohibited. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers. Part of the Performance Prelude Series KAYSER FOUNDATION ABOUT SCOTTISH BALLET Scottish Ballet is Scotland’s award-winning national dance company that presents a wide range of high-quality dance to audiences across Scotland, the UK and abroad, with strong classical technique at the root of all of its work. This includes new versions of classic titles, seminal modern works from 20th century choreographers, signature pieces by living choreographers and new commissions. Scottish Ballet performs all over the world and is typically on the road for six months each year. The company regularly tours across Scotland and the UK, including at premiere theatres and events such as Sadler’s Wells in London and the Edinburgh International Festival. The company also performs by invitation at leading venues and festivals abroad including in Europe, Asia and North America. In addition to presenting in conventional dance venues, Scottish Ballet routinely looks for new creative opportunities to promote and 14 Society for the Performing Arts IAN AND KATHRYN FAY showcase its work to the widest possible audience, be it through digital media, in unusual locations or at one-off events. ARTISTIC TEAM BIOGRAPHIES CHRISTOPHER HAMPSON, Artistic Director, joined Scottish Ballet as Artistic Director in 2012. Christopher trained at the Royal Ballet Schools. His choreographic work began there and continued at English National Ballet (ENB), where he danced until 1999 and for whom he created numerous award-winning works including Double Concerto, Perpetuum Mobile, Country Garden, Concerto Grosso and The Nutcracker. Christopher’s Romeo and Juliet, created for the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) in 2004, was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award (Best New Production 2005) and, in the same year, he created a production of Giselle for the National Theatre, Prague. Christopher created Sinfonietta Giocosa for the Atlanta Ballet (USA) in 2006 and after a New York tour it received its UK premiere with ENB in 2007. He created Cinderella for RNZB in 2007, which was hailed as Best New Production by the New Zealand Herald and televised by TVNZ in 2009. His work has toured Australia, China, the United States and throughout Europe. Other commissions include Dear Norman (Royal Ballet, 2009); Sextet (Ballet Black/ROH2, 2010); Silhouette (RNZB, 2010); Rite of Spring (Atlanta Ballet, 2011); Storyville (Ballet Black/ROH2, 2012) nominated for a National Dance Award 2012; and Hansel and Gretel (Scottish Ballet 2013). Christopher is a cofounder of the International Ballet Masterclasses in Prague and has been a guest teacher for English National Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Bonachela Dance Company, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and the Genée International Ballet Competition. Christopher’s work now forms part of the Solo Seal Award for the Royal Academy of Dance. NANCY MECKLER, Director From 1989–2011 Nancy Meckler ran Shared Experience Theatre. Her productions, which toured extensively in the UK and abroad, included Anna Karenina (TMA Award Best Touring Production), A Passage to India, Heartbreak House, The Bacchae, Mother Courage, A Passage to India, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Bronte and, with coArtistic Director Polly Teale, Mill on the Floss and War and Peace. Nancy was the first woman to direct at the National Theatre with Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? As Associate Director for Hampstead Theatre, productions included Uncle Vanya, Buried Child and West End transfers of Dennis Potter’s Sufficient Carbohydrate and Pam Gems’ Dusa, Fish, Stas and Vi. For three years she was Associate Director at Leicester Haymarket where she directed Macbeth, The Cherry Orchard, Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has worked for the Royal Court, Young Vic, Women’s Playhouse Trust, Watermill and the Almeida where she directed Antony Sher in his own play, ID. Nancy has directed six Sam Shepard plays, including A Particle of Dread: Oedipus Variations with Stephen Rea which played Derry City of Culture and Signature Theater in New York City in 2014. For the Royal Shakespeare Company works include House of Desires, Comedy of Errors, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, All’s Well that Ends Well and The Heresy of Love. Nancy has also directed two feature films: Sister My Sister and Martin Sherman’s film about a dance company, Alive and Kicking (Audience Award for Best Film, London Film Festival 1997; Grand Prix Luchon Festival; Most Popular Film San Paolo Film Festival). Nancy’s first foray into ballet is this collaboration with choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa which won Outstanding Dance Production at Southbank ANNABELLE LOPEZ OCHOA, Choreographer The Colombo-Belgian Annabelle Lopez Ochoa completed her dance education at the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp, Belgium. After 12 years in various European dance companies, Annabelle decided to focus solely on choreography in 2003. In that same year she was hailed “rising star of the Dutch dance scene” (NRC newspaper). The Temecula Performing Arts Examiner wrote: “Ochoa is truly a masterful choreographer with an edge for what dance can and should be in this constantly changing industry.” Annabelle has created works for many companies around the world such as the Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Dutch National Ballet, Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, The Royal Ballet of Flanders, the Gothenborg Ballet, Modern Dance Theater Ankara, BalletX, Pennsylvania Ballet, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Ballet National de Marseille, Ballet Hispanico, Le Jeune Ballet du Québec, Saarbrucken Ballet, Whim W’him, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Finnish National Ballet, Compania Nacional de Danza, Scottish Ballet, The Washington Ballet, Ballet Austin, Atlanta Ballet, Augsburg Ballet, Ballet Nacional Dominicano, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, Grand Rapids Ballet, Ballet Moscow, West- PHOTO © GRAHAM WYLIE Awards 2012 and was an Olivier nominee for Best Dance Production. spring 2015 15 PHOTO © ANDREW ROSS scottish ballet continued Australian Ballet, Ballet Manila, Ballet Nacional Chileno and Danza Contemporanea de Cuba. In 2012, she created her first full-length Ballet, A Streetcar Named Desire, in collaboration with theatre director Nancy Meckler for Scottish Ballet. The piece was acclaimed by both press and public, and received several awards. PETER SALEM, Composer Peter’s compositions range from scores for television dramas, documentaries and film to music for theatre, dance and the concert hall. His most recent TV commission was for the highly acclaimed BBC series “Call the Midwife” and other TV dramas have included the award winning “5 Daughters,” “The Other Boleyn Girl,” “Beau Brummell,” “Trial and Retribution,” “The Vice,” “Great Expectations” and documentaries such as Simon Schama’s The Power of Art: Caravaggio and Francesco’s Venice. In theatre he has worked with Nancy Meckler for many years writing music for her productions of Anna Karenina, Mill on the Floss, The Tempest, A Passage to India, War and Peace and Bronte (all for Shared Experience Theatre), as well as her dance-themed film Alive and Kicking. Other theatre credits include Jane Eyre, Kindertransport, Mine, Ten Tiny Toes, Speechless (also for Shared Experience Theatre), Julius Caesar, Murder in the Cathedral (RSC), The Miser, The Crucible and Robert LePage’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream 16 Society for the Performing Arts (The National Theatre), and many other productions. He is also a performer and musical director, recently playing in the on-stage band at the National Theatre in England People Very Nice. Early in his career Peter was a rehearsal pianist with London Contemporary Dance, wrote a piece for Zaragoza Ballet choreographed by Caroline Salem and worked with Second Stride and The Gregory Nash Co. collaborating with Gregory and Ian Brown on an award winning adaptation of Great Expectations for actors and dancers in Glasgow. Concert works include a series of pieces for strings including an octet, quartet and Windhover for Piano Trio which has recently been played and recorded by The Fidelio Trio and can be streamed from his website. NIKI TURNER, Set and Costume Design, graduated from Central St Martins School of Art with a First Class degree in Theatre Design. She was then awarded a bursary to travel the world researching street festivals, which culminated in an exhibition in The Orangery, Gunnersbury Park, London. Working extensively in opera, in the UK and internationally, her credits include Madame Butterfly (Theater Magdeburg, Germany); The Magic Flute (Fundacion Opera De Oviedo, Spain); Il trovatore, La traviata, Rigoletto (Danish National Opera); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Royal Opera House, Linbury Studio); The Marriage of Figaro (cos- tumes, English National Opera); The Magic Flute, The Rake’s Progress, Sarka, Osud and Cherevichki (Garsington Opera); Chorus! (Welsh National Opera); National Opera Studio Showcase (QEH); La traviata (English Touring Opera); L’amore industrioso, Carmen (Opera Holland Park); Don Gionvanni (Opera North); and Rusalka (Opera North/Sydney Opera House, winner of Design in Opera Australian Green Room Award and Best Production Helpman Award). Her theatre credits include A Passage to India, Orestes and Gone to Earth (Shared Experience); Cardenio, Brixton Stories, As You Like It (co-design) and Oroonoko (Royal Shakespeare Company); Island Princess (RSC/West End); My Fair Lady (Århus, Denmark); Cyrano De Bergerac (Bristol Old Vic); Further than the Furthest Thing (National Theatre); Great Expectations (Derby Playhouse/ Philadelphia); Speaking in Tongues (Hampstead Theatre); Our Boys (Donmar Warehouse); Things Fall Apart (Royal Court), and Junk (Oxford Stage Company/Norway). Her most recent works include Madame Butterfly, Norma, Hansel and Gretel and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. TIM MITCHELL, Lighting Design Tim Mitchell’s Dance and Opera credits include Cleopatra, Hamlet and Dracula (NBT); Ariadne Auf Naxos (WNO/Boston); La Bohème, Die Fledermause (WNO); Die Frau Ohne Schatten (Mariinsky, Russia); Elektra (Opéra de Nice/ 2014-2015 SPA board of directors Mariinsky); The Lady and The Fool (BRB); The Marriage of Figaro, Requiem Ballet and Don Giovanni (Kammeroper Vienna); and Carmen Negra (Icelandic Opera). Theatre credits include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Singin’ in the Rain (West End/Chichester); Crazy For You (West End/Regents Park); Earthquakes in London (Headlong Theatre tour); Smash (Menier); Bingo (Young Vic/Chichester); Racing Demon (Sheffield Crucible); Me on A Sunday (Tour); Master Class (Theatre Royal Bath); Filumena, The Knot of the Heart, Becky Shaw (Almeida); The Syndicate, Goodnight Mr. Tom, The Critic/ Real Inspector Hound, The Master Builder, Oklahoma, The Grapes of Wrath, Cyrano De Btergerac (Chichester Festival Theatre, for whom he is an associate); The Secret Garden (Edinburgh Festival Theatre/Toronto); The Cherry Orchard, Arthur and George (Birmingham Rep); Dirty Dancing (West End/UK tour/International); The History Boys (Tour/WYP); Darker Shores (Hampstead); A Month in the Country (Salisbury Playhouse); Cinderella (Old Vic); Sleeping Beauty (New York/Barbican/Young Vic); Henry IV Parts I & II (Washington Shakespeare); The Play What I Wrote (Broadway/West End); Merrily We Roll Along (Donmar); Hamlet (Japan/ Sadler’s Wells); and Yes Prime Minister, Lend Me A Tenor, Toyer, Imagine This, Bad Girls The Musical, Otherwise Engaged, As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men (West End). Working extensively with the RSC, his credits include Written on the Heart, The City Madam, Cardenio, Morte D’Arthur, Twelfth Night and Hamlet. His most recent works include The Snowman, Anything Goes, Dangerous Corner, Guys and Dolls and Henry IV Parts I & II, for which he was nominated for a Falstaff Award for Best Lighting Design. HOPE MUIR, Rehearsal Director Born in Toronto, Hope was a founding member of Peter Schaufuss’s London Festival Ballet School (now English National Ballet). Upon graduation she joined English National Ballet where she danced numerous soloist and principal roles. In 1994, Hope joined Rambert Dance Company with the appointment of Christopher Bruce CBE. There she danced a wide variety of repertoire from some of the most prolific choreographers, including Ek, Kylian, Naharin, Tharp, Tetley, De Frutos, Cunningham and more than a dozen Bruce works. Hope then moved to Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and expanded her repertoire to include Forsythe, Duato and Lubovitch among others. Hope holds a diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance (PDTD) and coaches classical and contemporary technique. Hope assists Christopher Bruce CBE and Crystal Pite with the setting of their work internationally. Hope joined Scottish Ballet as Rehearsal Director in November 2009. EXECUTIVE officers John T. Jones, Jr., (1917-1994) Melanie Gray James J. Postl* Ian H. Fay Jonathan C. Homeyer Theresa Mallett Ginni Mithoff* Stephen D. Newton William Swanstrom Executive members at large Norah G. Adams Victor Bhatt Chree Boydstun Willie C.W. Chiang Charles D. Davidson* Theresa A. Einhorn Miguel Espinosa* Marc Folladori Curtis Karges Samir Khushalani Stephen A. Lasher* Eileen Lawal Ann V. Rogers Melanie B. Rother H. Michael Sultanik Patricia D. Tilton Stephen M. Trauber* Robert B. Tudor III* Marcus A. Watts* Directors Stephen Baird Sherrie Barnes Linda Bertman Mrs. Fred C. (Pat) Burns Dona S. Chambers Richard E. Chandler, Jr. Robert K. Devlin Elizabeth Glanville Kari Gonzales Kimberly Gremillion Gigi Huang Mark Jodon Shawn K. Jackson Karl L. Kilian Emily T. Kuo Jack Lapin Founder Board Chair Past Chair; Vice President, Nominating & Governance Co-Vice President, Strategic Planning Vice President, Audit & Finance;Treasurer Vice President, Community Relations Vice President, Special Projects Co-Vice President, Strategic Planning Vice President, Development Mimi Lloyd Soraya McClelland Katherine E. Murphy Michaelene Lusk Norton Christopher O’Hara Nichole Pruitt Nicholas Rasmussen Lisanne Rogers Leslie Elkins Sasser Wayne Stinnett, Jr. Timothy G. Taylor Tymothi O. Tombar Margaret Alkek Williams in memoriam Ann Sakowitz* *** **** Joseph H. Peck, Jr. * *** **** Society for the Performing Arts Foundation Trustees Jesse H. Jones II, President Robert B. Tudor III, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer Charles D. Davidson Miguel Espinosa Stephen A. Lasher James J. Postl Stephen M. Trauber Marcus A. Watts * Past Chairman ** Served for 30 years ***Served for 40 years **** Honorary Lifetime Director spring 2015 17 Citi Energy Group Family Fun Series tuesday – friday | june 2 – 5 | 7:30 pm | jones hall saturday | june 6 | 11 am, 3 pm & 7:30 pm | jones hall WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST ANDREW BASSO (The Escapologist) is Italy’s star escape artist and is fast becoming one of the world’s favorite illusionists. His hero is Harry Houdini and his thrilling escapes take place under water, 150 feet in the air and everywhere in between. Explosives, water boxes, handcuffs, chains, padlocks, straightjackets, cars bursting into flames... his escapes place him within seconds of life and death and have audiences all over the world frozen in suspense and disbelief. You’ll never catch The Escapologist. He is definitively born to escape. www.AndrewBasso.com Part of the Performance Prelude Series 18 Society for the Performing Arts AARON CROW (The Warrior) is the ultimate strong, silent type and has mastered some of the most dangerous acts of mentalism ever performed on stage! He will thrill and captivate you without uttering a single word! Crow fuses mentalism, illusions and dangerous stunts using swords, paintball machine-guns and highly powerful bows, keeping you on the edge of your seat with anticipation. Little wonder Belgium’s foremost international TV sensation won first place at the World Championships of Magic (FISM), and has since toured the world with his incredible brand of (silent) extreme mentalism. Get set to be targeted by The Warrior. Visit Official Website - www.aaroncrow.com JEFF HOBSON (The Trickster) is an actor, comedian, magician and the only natural blond in the show. He’s been known as “the host of Las Vegas” for more than 15 years and is the epitome of glamour and showmanship. A veteran of more than 20,000 live performances around the globe, Jeff leaves audiences laughing long after the curtain goes down. Don’t be fooled by his innocent appearance - The Trickster will get you every time. www.JeffHobson.com YU HO-JIN (The Manipulator) Through elegant manipulation and mystery, the artistic Yu Ho-Jin has the ability to turn anyone into a loyal fan, whether children and parents or his colleagues – the world’s finest magicians. Yu was recently named Magician of the Year (2014) by the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA). Yu would go on to win numerous magic competitions with his emotional performances. At age 19, he took first prize in the manipulation category and was the Grand Prix Winner in stage magic at Federation Internationale des Societes Magiques (FISM), a competition that is considered the Olympic Games for magicians. Now you see it, now you don’t - meet The Manipulator. KEVIN JAMES (The Inventor) is one of today’s most ground breaking and innovative illusionists. Some of his ideas have made it into the shows of Penn & Teller, David Copperfield and Doug Henning. He is an inventor and collector of the strange and unusual. Performing on Broadway is a highlight of his career, right next to his performance at the White House. Kevin believes he has a solemn responsibility to remind people of that important sense wonder they felt as a child. Whether he’s holding a rose or swinging a chain saw, anything is possible with The Inventor. DAN SPERRY (The Anti-Conjuror) With millions of hits on YouTube and hundreds of thousands of loyal online followers, Dan Sperry, the AntiConjuror, has become a social media phenomenon and one of the most sought after live performers working today. His totally unique style of shock illusion initially captured the imagination of his fans; it is his hilariously eccentric and shocking routines that have grown his popularity across the globe. From headlining sell-out tours to guest starring on popular TV shows, Dan Sperry blends a bizarre mixture of comedy magic and mayhem into an utterly original performance that is as unique as it is entertaining. ADAM TRENT (The Futurist) One of the most dynamic, extraordinary and multi-talented artists working today – a comedian, dancer, magician and television star with multiple appearances on NBC, “Good Morning America,” “The Joan Rivers Show,” Travel Channel, “America’s Got Talent,” Disney Channel and winner of SyFy Channel’s “Wizard Wars” – a magic competition based on originality and judged by Penn & Teller. In addition to The Illusionists, he performs more than 150 solo headline shows a year around the globe. US News & World Report named him “One of the 10 Most Influential Youths in America.” He is undeniably the future of magic - bring on The Futurist. www.AdamTrent.com @ AdamTrentMagic VICTORIA CHIMENTI (Magic Assistant) originally from Yonkers, New York, is excited to be working with such an incredible cast in The Illusionists – Witness The Impossible. From performances in the Caribbean to dancing for Xbox in the streets of New York City, Vicki is using her talent to conquer her dreams. She gives a super special thanks to her family, friends and mentors for their love and support that lead her to her debut on Broadway! ROB COGLITORE (Magic Assistant) is a native New Yorker who only recently started pursuing a professional career in dance. His passion has led him to appear on “Good Morning America,” a commercial for Wendy Williams and more, including his Broadway debut in The Illusionists. Rob looks forward to his journey and is forever grateful for his amazing friends and family. TODD HAMPTON (Magic Assistant) graduated from Brent Street Studios in Sydney, Australia. Since then his credits include Wicked, Snow White and The Illusionists. Some of Hampton’s television appearances include dancing for artists Ke$ha, Cyndi Lauper, Olivia Newton John and Ricky Martin. Todd is thrilled to make his Broadway debut with The Illusionists – Witness The Impossible and would like to thanks his friends and family for their endless support. KENDRICK SAMUEL (Magic Assistant) was born and raised in Queens, New York. He’s always carried a love for entertainment and the arts and has developed even more of that love after becoming so immersed in this field over the years. Some of his credits include Gap, Diana Espir (The Voice, France) and now The Illusionists - Witness the Impossible which he’s absolutely excited to be a part of and thankful of endless support from friends, family and peers back home. SIMON PAINTER (Creative Producer) is a visionary creative producer and entrepreneur based in California. Originally from London, Simon started his career as a classical violinist, but transitioned to producing and creating commercial theatre. During the last 10 years, Simon has been at the forefront of the live entertainment industry, having launched and managed major performance venues and conceived, created and produced acclaimed productions including Adrenaline and Le Noir. The first show he produced, Le Grand Cirque smashed box office records at the Sydney Opera House selling over 40,000 tickets in 10 days. The Illusionists franchise followed, becoming one of the biggest magic shows of all time, playing in over 50 cities in 15 countries, including performances at London’s Hammersmith Apollo which was broadcast on ITV. The show has since expanded with the stunning sequel, The Illusionists 2.0, and The Illusionists 1903 made its debut in Australia in January 2015. TIM LAWSON (Executive Producer) Australasian theatrical credits include Sweet Charity, Buddy – The Musical, Jolson, Spirit of the Dance, Oh! What A Night, Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol, It’s A Dad Thing!, Weary – The Life of Sir Edward Dunlop, Shout! The Musical, Brave Men Run In Our Family, Jekyll and Hyde, The Rocky Horror Show narrated by Richard O’Brien, A Chorus Line (and London Palladium season), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. With partner Simon Painter, credits include the international theatre and arena tours of Le Grand Cirque, Ariel Dreams, Adrenaline, Le Noir, The Illusionists, The Illusionists 2.0 and the upcoming The Illusionists 1903 – The Golden Age of Magic. Collectively their network spans over 120 cities through 23 countries. www.tmlenterprises.com NEIL DORWARD (Director/Choreographer) A top commercial theatre and TV director/ choreographer, Neil has worked on critically acclaimed shows around the world: Le Noir, The Dark Side of Cirque (World Tour), Le Grand Cirque Adrenaline (Sydney Opera House), All Night Long (U.S./ European Tour), Rock Around the Clock (Monte Carlo), Spirit of Christmas (Kodak, LA), Man in the Mirror (European tour). Neil proudly directed The Illusionists franchise from its debut, to the London’s Apollo theatre to Broadway. www. directordorward.com JIM MILLAN (Creative Director) NYC: Play Dead (Teller/Robbins) Off Broadway: Mythbusters Live, which sold out across North America and Australia (ongoing). Jim collaborated with celebrity chef Alton Brown on his Edible Inevitable tour (ongoing). As a comedy writer/director he created SPANK! The 50 Shades Parody which has played in over 200 cities/four countries in the last three years. Director/producer of cult comedy legends The Kids in the Hall. Has directed comedy, plays, magic and musicals on five continents in 35 countries in 17 languages in his career, including 150 premieres. He lives in Toronto with his wife Kyra and children. PAUL MILLER (Lighting Designer) On Broadway, Paul designed the lighting for Legally Blonde (also in London’s West End), Freshly Squeezed, Laughing Room Only. For City Center Encores! he designed Irma la Douce, Lost in the Stars, Where’s Charley?, Of Thee I Sing and Music in the Air. Off Broadway credits include Lucky Guy, Vanities: The spring 2015 19 the illusionists–witness the impossible continued Opera House); Big White Fog (Almeida, London); arrangements for The Genius of Ray Charles and Thriller: The Musical (West End, UK and U.S. tours). Film and TV credits include Tonight Is Cancelled (Fastnet Films); Under The Skin (FilmFour); Cowboys In India (Channel 4); “Graham and Alice” (BBC). Video games (with James Hannigan) include Command & Conquer and the Harry Potter franchise. ‘Z’ (Band) ‘Z’, from Long Beach, Calif., debuted in 2008 on national television as legendary rapper Nas’ featured backing band. The group has since toured extensively with Nas, Kanye West and Lauryn Hill, as well as a Michael Jackson tribute production. The band has performed soldout venues such as the Sydney Opera House, London’s 02 Arena and Radio City Music Hall. ‘Z’ combines electronic production with acoustic instruments, utilizing progressive technology and steadfast musicianship. Web: iBelieveInZ; Eddie Cole-Vocal/Percussion, Dustin Moore-Bass/ Synthesizer, Tom Terrell-Trumpet/Keyboard, Andy Meixner-Electric Guitar, Jody GiachelloDrum Set/Percussion. ANGELA AARON (Costume Designer) International stylist Angela Aaron has suited and booted them all. She has styled the covers of magazines from Esquire to Newsweek, costumed chart topping music videos, and seen her work featured on national TV. On the live front, her costumes have graced stages and circuses from Beijing to Sydney and from Beirut to Dubai. She is proud and happy to work with The Illusionists, adding her own style of magic to a Broadway success story. Broadway: American Idiot, A Night With Janis Joplin, Everyday Rapture. Off Broadway: Found (Atlantic Theatre); Checkers (Vineyard Theatre, Drama Desk nomination); Kung Fu, Golden Child (Signature Theatre); The Village Bike, The Submission (MCC); Bikeman (Tribeca Performing Arts Center); Masks Outrageous and Austere (Culture Project); Tokio Confidential (Atlantic Stage 2). Other designs include Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey circus’ Legends (144th edition), Harmony (Ahmanson, CTG), The Shape She Makes (A. R. T.), Allegiance (Old Globe), Hughie (Shakespeare Theatre), Surf (Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas), Karen O’s Stop The Virgens (St. Ann’s Warehouse and Sydney Opera House), The Submission (MCC), SCKBSTD (Virginia stage), The Elephant Man (Minnesota Opera), as well as lighting and projections for Peer Gynt (La Jolla Playhouse and Kansas City Rep.). Darrell is also the founder of the design and production studio the 13th and serves on the faculty of the Yale School of Drama. www.darrelmaloney.com DARREL MALONEY (Video Design) has designed for broadcast, concerts, film and theatre. EVAN JOLLY (Composer) Theatre includes: The Illusionists 2.0 and Le Grand Cirque (Sydney Musical, Waiting for Godot, Addicted, Balancing Act and Nunsense. U.S. national tour credits include Elf (two current tours), Shrek, Storytime Live (Nickelodeon), The Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, The Producers, Nunsense, Scooby Doo in Stage Fright and The Sound of Music. For television he designed “Camelot” (“Live from Lincoln Center”) and has been the lighting director for the internationally televised “New Year’s Eve Celebration” in Times Square for the last 14 years. 20 Society for the Performing Arts EDDIE COLE, DUSTIN MOORE (Additional Composition) They Took Off, composer/producer/ DJ duo of Dustin Moore (a.k.a. Neon Phoenix) and Eddie Cole. Credits include the 2008 hiphop Grammy-nominated Nas album Untitled, the original The Illusionists show score and many professional artist collaborations. Both are bred musicians: Moore’s mother toured as a rock/funk band-leader in the 1970s; Eddie is the greatnephew to Nat ‘King’ Cole. Their multitude of influences result in a self-designated sub-genre of Galaxy Music, encompassing elements of glo-fi, underground hip-hop, experimental electropop and vintage jazz-rock. ASIA LIVE NETWORK (Producer) Asia Live Network owns and operates the interests of producers Simon Painter and Tim Lawson, who began collaborating in 2007 on Le Grand Cirque at the Sydney Opera House. The show broke all box office records in the history of the iconic venue and led to multiple international productions. They repeated the critical and box office success over the coming years with Aerial Dreams and Adrenaline, again launching at the Sydney Opera House followed by extensive touring through Australasia and beyond. Recognizing the absence in the market of a high-quality touring magic show, the company created a production showcasing seven of the world’s best magicians, The Illusionists—Witness the Impossible. The show sold out its Sydney Opera House season before opening, a pattern that would follow throughout arenas and theatres in more than 50 cities in 15 countries within its first two years. The London season was filmed live and aired throughout the UK and is available on DVD. Following the show’s unprecedented success, The Illusionists 2.0—The Next Generation of Magic, was created to cater to the demand for a sequel, and a brand new show, The Illusionists 1903—The Golden Age of Magic, premieres in Australia in early January. During this time, their critically acclaimed production, Le Noir—The Dark Side of Cirque, has been setting imaginations and box office records on fire. Each venue it plays around the world, ranging from 500 to 15,000, is transformed like never before, so audiences experience the jaw-dropping, daredevil talents of the world’s finest circus artists and acrobats in the round, up close and personal. MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT (Producer) Principals Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard, Steve Boulay and Bruce Granath have been producing and presenting shows worldwide for more than 30 years. Broadway producing credits include Hello, Dolly! Starring Carol Channing; Jekyll & Hyde; The Who’s Tommy; Cabaret; Donny & Marie: A Broadway Christmas; and Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles on Broadway. National tour credits include The 101 Dalmatians Musical, Ann-Margret starring in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, West Side Story, Grease, A Chorus Line, Jesus Christ Superstar and concert tours by Janet Jackson, Cher, Fleetwood Mac, Styx, Britney Spears and *NSYNC. Special tours and events produced or presented on the road include Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, Tom Stoppard’s Every Good Boy Deserves Favour starring Patrick Stewart, Van Cliburn, the Alexandrov Red Army Chorus, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition, Titanic: The Exhibition, Diana: A Celebration and St. Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes exhibition. MagicSpace Entertainment manages Broadway subscriptions in seven cities and hundreds of events each year across the U.S. and Canada. MagicSpace Entertainment is currently touring The Magic of David Copperfield, Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman starring in Mythbusters: Behind the Myths Tour, Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour, Walking With Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular, and The Illusionists— Witness the Impossible. SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Creative Producer Simon Painter Executive Producer Tim Lawson Director/Choreographer Neil Dorward Creative Director Jim Millan Lighting Designer Paul Miller Video Designer Darrel Maloney Costume Designer Angela Aaron Composer Evan Jolly Additional Composition Eddie Cole, Dustin Moore Illusion Director Mark Kalin Illusion Designer Don Wayne Additional Scenic Design Todd Ivins Associate Director/Choreographer Jenn Rapp Associate Director Kirsty Painter Magician’s Assistants Victoria Chimenti, Robert Coglitore, Todd Hampton, Edward Purnell Hawkins, Claudia James, Rachael Joy, Kendrick Samuel Band Z Tom Terrell, Andy Meixner, Jody Giachello The Inventor Lite Antonio Hoyos Resident Director Rachel Bickerton Associate Lighting Designer Timothy A. Reed Assistant Video Designer Nicholas Hussong Production Managers David Simpson, Mike Martin Lighting Programmer Christopher Boon Casey Producer Jonathan Sanford Associate Producer Hollie Sanford Casting (Magician’s Assistants) Stuart Howard-SH Entertainment Orchestral Recordings Prague Symphony Orchestra Additional Guitars Luis Almau Additional Keyboards & Brass Evan Jolly Music Mix Simon Changer, Toby Wood Head Carpenter Assistant Production Supervisor Assistant Carpenter/Pyrotechnics Head Electrician Assistant Electrician Head Sound Assistant Sound Head Prop Person Camera Operator Camera Operator Video Engineer Wardrobe Supervisor Insurance Merchandise Graham Stuart Wesley Yount Steve Curtis John Edwards Will Brown Chris Lutz John Kelly Sam Weaver Lance Strader Josh Stewart Chris Schultz Sarah Wade Crane Insurance Kyle Baldwin STAFF FOR THE ILLUSIONISTS -WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE GENERAL MANAGER MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT Dave Stinson PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Chris Luner COMPANY MANAGER Gretchen Pfarrer PRESS REPRESENTATION TELLEM/GRODY PR John Tellem, Dan Grody MARKETING REPRESENTATION MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT Kristy Maple WARNING The photographing or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device for such photographing or sound recording inside this theatre, without the written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Violators may be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for money damages. TOUR DIRECTION THE ROAD COMPANY, Stephen Lindsay & Brett Sirota WILLIAM MORRIS ENDEAVOR, Clint Mitchell ASIA LIVE NETWORK Chairman & CEO Tim Lawson Financial Controller Liam Gretgrix Production Manager. David Simpson Producer Jonathan Sanford Associate Producer Hollie Sanford Payroll Services CAPS Marketing AKA Graphic Design & Video Nice Studios/ Gil Nevo, Ian Noe Merchandise Sam Klingner, Christopher Wayne MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT Chief Executive Officer/Producer Lee D. Marshall Chairman Joe Marsh President John W. Ballard Chief Operating Officer Steve Boulay Vice President, Marketing Bruce Granath Vice President Touring Dave Stinson Tour Marketing Kristy Maple Tour Marketing Grace Torreano Graphic Designer Katie Perhai Accounting David Rooker Mary Deon-Roberts CREDITS Makeup provided by M-A-C. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Sydney Opera House, Gil Nevo & Ian Noe from Nice Studios, Clint Mitchell, Lee Marshall, Stephen Lindsay Backstage Employees are represented by the international Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.) Become a fan of The Illusionists on Twitter @ Illusionists7, Facebook, Instagram, & YouTube! www.TheIllusionistsLive.com spring 2015 21 special Wednesday | june 17 | 8 pm | jones hall NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON The taking of flash photographs and the use of recording devices is prohibited. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers. Part of the Performance Prelude Series NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON Neil deGrasse Tyson was born and raised in New York City where he was educated in the public schools clear through his graduation from the Bronx High School of Science. Tyson went on 22 Society for the Performing Arts to earn his B.A. in Physics from Harvard and his PhD in Astrophysics from Columbia. Tyson’s professional research interests are broad, but include star formation, exploding stars, dwarf galaxies and the structure of our Milky Way. In 2001, Tyson was appointed by President Bush to serve on a 12-member commission that studied the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. The report was published in 2002 and contained recommendations (for Congress and for the major agencies of the government) that would promote a thriving future of transportation, space exploration and national security. In 2004, Tyson was once again appointed by President Bush to serve on a 9-member commission on the Implementation of the United States Space Exploration Policy, dubbed the Moon, Mars and Beyond commission. This group navigated a path by which the new space vision can become a successful part of the American agenda. And in 2006, the head of NASA appointed Tyson to serve on its prestigious Advisory Council, which will help guide NASA through its perennial need to fit its ambitious vision into its restricted budget. In addition to dozens of professional publications, Dr. Tyson has written, and continues to write for the public. From 1995 to 2005, Tyson was a monthly essayist for Natural History magazine under the title Universe. And among Tyson’s 10 books is his memoir The Sky is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist; and Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution, co-written with Donald Goldsmith. Origins is the companion book to the PBSNOVA four-part mini-series “Origins,” in which Tyson served as on-camera host. The program premiered September 28 and 29, 2004. Two of Tyson’s recent books are the playful and informative: Death By Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries, which was a New York Times bestseller, and The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet, chronicling his experience at the center of the controversy over Pluto’s planetary status. The PBS/NOVA documentary The Pluto Files, based on the book, premiered in March 2010. For five seasons, beginning in the fall of 2006, Tyson appeared as the on-camera host of PBS-NOVA’s spinoff program “NOVA ScienceNOW,” which is an accessible look at the frontier of all the science that shapes the understanding of our place in the universe. During the summer of 2009 Tyson identified a stable of professional standup comedians to assist his effort in bringing science to commercial radio with the NSF-funded pilot program “StarTalk.” Now also a podcast, StarTalk Radio combines celebrity guests with informative yet playful banter. The target audience is all those people who never thought they would, or could, like science. Tyson is the recipient of 18 honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to a non-government citizen. His contributions to the public appreciation of the cosmos have been SPA corporate and foundation Support Society for the Performing Arts salutes our corporate and foundation contributors for their exemplary leadership and financial support. $100,000 plus City of Houston Houston Downtown Alliance Houston Endowment Houston First Corporation The Wortham Foundation, Inc. $50,000 to $99,999 H-E-B The Humphreys Foundation JW Marriott Houston Downtown* Occidental Petroleum Corporation Reliant, an NRG company $20,000 to $49,999 Alkek and Williams Foundation M.D. Anderson Foundation The Brown Foundation, Inc. Citi Energy Group ConocoPhillips The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Jackson & Company* JPMorgan Chase Phillips 66 Tudor Family United* Wells Fargo Bank neil degrasse tyson continued recognized by the International Astronomical Union in their official naming of asteroid 13123 Tyson. On the lighter side, Tyson was voted Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive by People Magazine in 2000. In February 2012, Tyson released his 10th book, containing every thought he has ever had on the past, present and future of space exploration: Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier. Recently Tyson served as executive editor and on-camera host and narrator for “Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey,” the 21st century reboot of Carl Sagan’s landmark television series. The show began in March 2014 and ran 13 episodes in Primetime on the FOX network, and appeared in 181 countries in 45 languages around the world on the National Geographic Channels. “Cosmos,” which is also available on DVD and BluRay, has been nominated for 13 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Documentary. Tyson is the fifth head of the world-renowned Hayden Planetarium in New York City and the first occupant of its Frederick P. Rose Directorship. He is also a research associate of the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. $10,000 to $19,999 CB&I Gulfstar Group KPMG Miller Theatre Advisory Board, Inc. Leslie & Shannon Sasser Family Foundation Texas Commission on the Arts Vaughn Foundation $5,000 to $9,999 Bank of Texas CAMAC Foundation Chevron Continuum Energy George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation The Harris Foundation Haynes & Boone LLP Kayser Foundation Kinder Morgan Corporate Foundation Locke Lord LLP The Mithoff Family Foundation Norton Rose Fulbright Neiman Marcus PaperCity* Phoenicia* Postl Family Foundation Scotiabank Susan & Jack Lapin Family Foundation The Wave* Winston & Strawn LLP $1,000 to $4,999 Apache Corporation Asia Society* The Coca-Cola Foundation DLS Event Services Museum of Fine Arts Houston Da Camera* Houstonian Lite* Houston Ballet* Houston Grand Opera* Houston Symphony* *Designates in-kind contribution Compagnie Käfig continued from page 13 Evaristo, Federica Naclerio, Kite, Hiro, Yoshie and Tatsuo, Edson Guiu and Storm. He has participated in dance competitions in the United States, Europe, Japan and Brazil. He has worked with choreographer Renato Vieira. Since 2008, he has worked with Compagnie Käfig on Agwa (2008), Correria (2010) and Käfig Brasil. WANDERLINO MARTINS NEVES began dancing in 2000 and joined the dance group Mabe. He then founded a break dance group, Elemento Surpresa, which participated in dance competitions, concerts and festivals. He joined the Compagnie Käfig in 2008 with the creation Agwa, followed by Correria (2010) and Käfig Brasil (2012). JOSÉ AMILTON RODRIGUES JR. began studying urban dance in 2003 at the Movimento Art e Cia. Since then, he has developed his technical skills by studying dance in Brazil and around the world. He teaches hip-hop and dances many styles including house, pop, lock and break dance, in addition to classical and jazz dance. In 2008, he joined Compagnie Käfig for Agwa, followed by Correria (2010) and Käfig Brasil (2012). ALEXSANDRO SOARES CAMPANHA DA SILVA has worked in urban dance since 2001. In Brazil, he participated in several break dance competitions and commercials. He performed in the feature film Maré nossa história de amor. He has led break dancing workshops in France and recently shared the stage with Roll Ballet (USA). Since 2008, he has worked with Compagnie Käfig on Agwa (2008) and Correria (2010) and Käfig Brasil (2012). spring 2015 23 individual donors Society for the Performing Arts is honored to receive annual support from the following individuals and gratefully acknowledges their commitment and generosity. Special benefits and privileges are extended to those who contribute $1,000 or more annually. For more information, please call 713-632-8104. ArchAngels ($5,000+) Norah and Henry Adams Eric S. Anderson Joni Baird Stephen and Heather Baird Sherrie A. Barnes Linda Bertman Doreen and Victor Bhatt Chree Boydstun Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burns Dona S. Chambers Richard E. Chandler Jr. Courtney Chapoton Linda and Willie Chiang Mr. and Mrs. Charles Davidson Robert K. Devlin Ms. Barbara Duganier Ms. Theresa A. Einhorn and Mr. Donald A. Yurewicz Scott Ensell Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Espinosa Ian and Kathryn Fay Marc Follardori Georgia Gatoura Foulard Liz and Tom Glanville Kari Gonzales Melanie Gray and Mark LD Wawro Kimberly Gremillion Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan C. Homeyer Gigi Huang Shawn and Bill Jackson Jesse H. Jones II Kristyn and Mark Jodon Curt Karges Samir Khushalani Karl Kilian Emily Kuo Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lapin Janiece and Steve Lasher Eileen and Kase Lawal Marian Lloyd Jane and Steve Malashock Theresa and Edward Mallett Soraya and Scott McClelland Ginni and Richard Mithoff Betty and Steve Newton Dr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Norton Beverly and Jim Postl Nichole Pruitt Julia Tucker and Nick Rasmussen Ann V. Rogers Melanie B. Rother Shannon B. and Leslie K. Elkins Sasser Wayne D. Stinett Jr. Dinah and Michael Sultanik Bill and Janet Swanstrom Patricia and Michael Tilton Tym and Charlene Tombar Leticia and Stephen Trauber Phoebe and Bobby Tudor Sharon and Tim Taylor James O’Salle Vaughn Brenda and Marc Watts Mrs. Margaret Alkek Williams Stellar Angels ($2,500-$4,999) Yvonne and Mark Jacobs Glen Rosenbaum Angels ($1,000-$2,499) Danielle Ames Sandy and Thomas Cattarin Susan E. Denson, M.D. Carolyn Grant Fay Timothy Green David Jackson Laura Lee Jones Spencer Kelly Susan and Michael Klaveness David Lieberman Troy Porter Allison and Jay Ring Drs. Cynthia and George Santos DEMI Angels ($500-$999) Cathy Eng Carl Cunningham Lucy Gebhart Ken and Tracy Janda Jan Johnson Marianne Kah Barbara Kauffman Patrick Pearson Gary Rodriguez 24 Society for the Performing Arts Stargazers ($100-$499) David and Susan Arkanase Don Bagley Philip and Mrs. Wendy Bentlif Gus Blackshear Lisa Brenskelle Kathryn Cervenka Michael Chilen Mary Chu Chris Corcoran Ann Diebel Thomas Fountain Waverly and Bill Gage Leslie Gassner William Grindle Helene Gould Margaret Green Harry Grenader Karen Grubbs Bill Haase Mark E. Hafle Kathrine Hale Punkin and Walter Hecht Diane and Geoffrey Ibbott Ann Iverson McKenna Jordan Teresa Kaminski Daniel Kaufman Andrew Lattu Patricia Laurent Mary Magin William Malone Rosalinda Mendez Mr. Benton McClure and Mrs. Jennifer McClure Renee Morris Dr. Barbara Murray Liz Myers Yvonne Myles Todd Nolde The Ostdiek Family Jerry Petrizzo Colleen Robles Jack H. Rooker Miguel and Cheryl Ruiz Victoria Sharp William and Alina Schrom H. Irving Schweppe Jr. M.D. Bryan S. Scrivner Andrea W. and Charles T. Seay II Maxine and Herman Silberstein Justin Sloan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith David Smith Mary and Garland Stephens Hywell Upshall Mary Vandenbrook Ronald Walters Thomas Waterhouse Ann Webb Joyce Wellman Marc Wenhammer Bettina Whyte Barbara Woolhandler Charles and Norris Zabriskie Syma and Walt Zerkow Nathan Zuege donations in memory of eric anderson Gus Blackshear Jerry A. Bell William H. Caudill Alice and Michael Conlon Debbie Y. and Frank G. Jones Arthur H. Rogers III Neil and Kris Thomas Timothy Thomas Randall B. and Judy J. Thompson Patricia Tilton Smith, Murdaugh, Little, and Bonham, L.L.P. Jim Murdaugh and Gary Smith SPA 2015 GALA SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW CHAIRS Linda + Willie Chiang HONORARY CHAIRS: Elizabeth and Tim Vail HONOREE Occidental Petroleum DIAMOND Eric Anderson* Nancy + Chuck Davidson Occidental Petroleum RUBY Aramco Cartier Debevoise & Plimpton LLP Goldman Sachs & Co. Melanie Gray + Mark Wawro Plains All American Pipeline Phoebe + Bobby Tudor Vinson & Elkins Llp GOLD Cb&i Linda + Willie Chiang Enterprise Products Partners L.p. Evercore The Friedkin Group Ge Oil & Gas Jp Morgan Samir Khushalani + David Brantley/kpmg Korn Ferry Locke Lord Llp Beverly + Jim Postl Reliant, An Nrg Company Mr. + Mrs. Stephen M. Trauber PATRONS OF OZ Admiral Transfer & Rigging, Inc. Shirley + Ralph Alexander Bank Of America Merrill Lynch Mr. + Mrs. Victor Bhatt G2x Energy/ Elizabeth + Tim Vail Gablegotwals Liz + Tom Glanville H-e-b Eileen + Kase Lawal Reid Morrison Katherine + Paul Murphy Phillips 66 Southern Chemical Corporation Wood Mackenzie Monica + Larry Ziemba INDIVIDUAL TICKETS Heather + Stephen Baird Sherrie Barnes Cheryl + Sam Byington Angie + Danny Hollaway Amy + Jonathan Homeyer Kristyn + Mark Jodon Theresa + Edward Mallett Neiman Marcus Miki + Ralph Lusk Norton Karen Turner-smith + Robert Smith Patricia + Michael Tilton John Daugherty, Realtors/ Stephanie + Trey Weiss Jennifer Garrett + Brian Williams DONATIONS Margaret Alkek Williams Kristen + David Buck Janet Kelly + John Carrig Fayez Sarofim & Co. The Greentree Fund Susan + Kevin Howard Jefferies Hamid Keeorsafm The Mithoff Family Foundation Leslie And Shannon Sasser Family Fund Mark Lashier Toby Yu SPECIAL UNDERWRITERS Bergner & Johnson Designs Cartier Houston First Corporation Jackson & Company Jw Marriott Houston Downtown Papercity Magazine Reliant, An Nrg Company Kathryn And Jeff Smith United Airlines AUCTION CONTRIBUTORS Abuso Catering Armandos Baccarat Crystal Bergner & Johnson Design Camillia Inn Bed And Breakfast Dean Day Gallery And Stephanie Chubback Define Mind & Body Deville Fine Jewelry & Diamonds Dr. Kenneth M. Alo, M.d., P.a. Dr. Shel Wellness & Spa Elaine Turner Elite Island Resorts Elizabeth & Tim Vail Elizabeth Swift/swift & Co. Escalante’s Ezulwini Game Lodges + The Saad Family Gittings Portraiture Gremillion & Co. Fine Art, Inc. Hotel Derek Hotel Granduca Houston Grand Opera Houston Symphony The Houstonian Hotel & Spa Jackson And Company Jw Marriott Houston Downtown Karr Limousine Kendra Scott Lance Deutsch/deutsch And Deutsch Fine Jewelry And Watches Marc Watts/the Friedkin Group Mariquita Masterson Mcm Worldwide/bruce Padilla Melanie Gray + Mark Wawro Neiman Marcus Nigro Dermatology Nos Caves Vin Patti Mullendore Phillips 66 Revana Family Vineyard Saks Fifth Avenue Society For The Performing Arts The Houstonian Hotel & Spa The St. Regis Houston Tony Bradfield + Kevin Black/Tenenbaum & CO. Tony’s Tootsies Tracey Young United Airlines Victoria’s Fine Linens Zadok Jewelers *SPA acknowledges the recent passing of Eric Anderson, a devoted SPA Board member from 1990 to 2014, and generous supporter of SPA and this Gala. foundation support The John T. Jones, Jr. Fund for the Performing Arts in Education – Named in honor of the Founder of Society for the Performing Arts, this restricted fund was established to maintain continuity, diversity, growth and excellence in educational programming and outreach in our community. It is funded exclusively by Houston Endowment, Inc. and The Wortham Foundation, Inc. The New Now Fund – A restricted fund supporting the presentation of contemporary, nontraditional events and commissions. Major contributors include The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts and The Brown Foundation, Inc. The Family Series Fund – A restricted fund supporting artistic and production costs associated with the presentation of quality family attractions. It was established with a generous grant from Neva and Wesley West Foundation, Inc. Society for the Performing Arts presentations are supported by THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS, TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS, MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE and the CITY OF HOUSTON. Publications That Perform delivers your dream demographic! Houston Symphony | Society for the Performing Arts | The Grand 1894 Opera House Lights. Action. ADVERTISE where it counts! Our suite of Official Performing Arts Magazines attracts the Gulf Coast’s finest audiences: discerning, cultural enthusiasts, consumers of all things luxury. 1 in 6 Millionaires 21% Multiple Homes 88% Investors 1 Million + Pass-along Multiple Autos 21% Own 3+ 70% C-Suiters 713.523.5323 | info@newleafinc.com | www.newleafinc.com spring 2015 25