With the Clann Na Cara Irish Dancers
General Admission $15
($13 Opera House Members)
Folk in Fredonia Music Series
Opera House favorites The Dady Brothers return just in time for St. Patrick's Day with an evening of superb harmonies on traditional Irish and folk music.
The Dady Brothers have been a major driving force at the forefront of the western New York music scene for nearly 30 years. They have taken their musical talents from their home base in Rochester to diverse venues all over the world, including Canada and Ireland.
John and Joe take roots music and bring it to their audience in an authentic and enjoyable way. The brothers are at home with many styles of music including bluegrass, folk, Celtic and even country blues. The impressive list of musical instruments on which they perform reads like a dictionary of traditional folk instruments: mandolin, fiddle, guitar, penny whistle, bodhran, harmonica, banjo and uilleann pipes. Musical enthusiasts and professional musicians alike are continuously singing the praises of the brothers and their level of professionalism.
The Dadys have recorded music in their own studio, called "The Garage," as well as performed on many other artists' recordings. Their 1979 "Mind to Move" brought them national recognition. And their CD, "Soul Lilt" was used as a soundtrack in a documentary about Irish history.
Joining The Dady Brothers will be dancers from the Clann Na Cara School of Irish Dance. Clann Na Cara is the newest Irish dance school in western New York, established in 2006 by four National and World Champion medalists. Prior to receiving their dance teacher certifications, all four founders were regular performers at the Opera House during St. Patrick's Day events. In addition, each has led dancers in performances with such notable artists as The Chieftains, Cherish the Ladies and Natalie MacMaster. The students at Clann Na Cara range in age from 4 to 21 and include numerous Preliminary and Championship dancers.
Attending from out of town? Consider staying at one of the area's beautiful inns or bed & breakfasts as part of an overnight performance package.
Sponsored by Arkwright Printing
It's ComplicatedJane (Meryl Streep) is the mother of three grown kids, owns a thriving Santa Barbara bakery/restaurant and has - after a decade of divorce - an amicable relationship with her ex-husband Jake (Alec Baldwin). But when Jane and Jake find themselves out of town for their son’s college graduation, an innocent meal together turns into the unimaginable - an affair. With Jake remarried to the much younger Agness (Lake Bell), Jane is now, of all things, the other woman. Caught in the middle of their renewed romance is Adam (Steve Martin), an architect hired to remodel Jane’s kitchen. Healing from a divorce of his own, Adam starts to fall for Jane, but soon realizes he’s become part of a love triangle. It's... complicated.
“Ends up being one of the end of the year’s best sources of pure entertainment. And for those who believe laughter is the best medicine, there’s more than a bellyful or two to be found here.” ~ James Berardinelli, Reelviews.
“Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and keep it there.” ~Rex Reed, New York Observer.
Rated R for some drug content and sexuality, 114 mins.
Marley and MeBased on the hit memoir by John Grogan, MARLEY AND ME is a tale of a couple embarking on the adventure of marriage, career, family, and the world's worst dog. At least that's how writer and newlywed John (Owen Wilson) comes to describe his blonde lab, Marley, when he takes the puppy home and finds that the fluff-ball has an uncanny ability to eat and/or destroy just about anything. As years go by, John and his wife, Jennifer (Jennifer Aniston), contemplate having babies and moving across the country, while Marley grows into 100 lbs. of funny, wild, completely untrainable canine companionship - as well as one of the most important people in the family.
"It's an enjoyable and unpretentious perspective of life that reminds us how important and rewarding the little things can be." ~ James Berardinelli, ReelViews.
"Wilson has a scene near the end with Marley that's the most wrenchingly tender acting of his career." ~ Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly.
Rated PG for thematic material, some suggestive content and language, 120 mins.
Crazy HeartFour-time Academy Award nominee Jeff Bridges stars as the richly comic, semi-tragic romantic anti-hero Bad Blake in Crazy Heart, the debut feature film from writer-director Scott Cooper. Bad Blake is a broken-down, hard-living country music singer who has had way too many marriages, far too many years on the road and one too many drinks way too many times. And yet, Bad can’t help but reach for salvation with the help of Jean (two-time Golden Globe nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal), a journalist who discovers the real man behind the musician. As he struggles down the road of redemption, Bad learns the hard way just how tough life can be on one man’s crazy heart.
“Crazy Heart is blessed with so many marvelous moments, lovely lines and vivid characters.” ~ Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal.
“It’s a juicy, career-crowning role, and Bridges -- a master of subtle brilliance -- plays the hell out of it.” ~ Peter Travers, Rolling Stone.
“The music is terrific, as it should be in a movie where T Bone Burnett wrote the songs with Stephen Bruton.” ~ Ty Burr, Boston Globe.
Rated R for language and brief sexuality, 112 mins.
General Admission $22
($20 Opera House Members)
DFT Communications Spotlight Series
Take a dollop of Grease, mix in some Pump Boys and Dinettes and add a generous dose of Forever Plaid and you've got the pedal-to-the-metal, high octane fun of Roger Bean's Route 66. This sure-fire crowd-pleasing musical revue features many hit songs from the late 50s and early 60s including: Dead Man's Curve, King of the Road, Little Old Lady from Pasadena, Six Days on the Road, GTO, Fun, Fun, Fun, I Get Around and of course, Route 66.
Route 66 begins in Chicago and travels along the famed "Main Street of America" to the coast of California. A large car radio delivers us to each new destination along the journey, with DJs and actual vintage radio ads building excitement along the way.
Produced by Springer Theatricals, the professional touring wing of the Springer Opera House, Georgia's historic state theatre, Route 66 is chock full of hilarious characters, wild antics and good old-fashioned schtick!
"Route 66 is revved up good entertainment that redefines the term 'road show.'" -- Tucson Weekly
"The audience was singing along and cooing audibly when old memories were awakened by a song. A fun, lighthearted trip!" -- Arizona Daily Star
Attending from out of town? Consider staying at one of the area's beautiful inns or bed & breakfasts as part of an overnight performance package.
Sponsored by Lake Shore Savings
The Young VictoriaPacked with drama, romance, political intrigue, and breath-taking cinematography, featuring an outstanding British cast including Jim Broadbent, Mark Strong, Paul Bettany and Miranda Richardson, The Young Victoria is the object of a royal power struggle. Her uncle, King William (Jim Broadbent), is dying and Victoria is in line for the throne. Everyone is vying to win her favor. Director Jean-Marc Vallée takes the helm for this look at the turbulent early years of Queen Victoria (Emily Blunt), who was crowned at the age of 18, and whose ill-fated marriage to Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) would later prompt her into a life of mournful seclusion.
“A sumptuous period drama.” ~ Ann Hornaday, Washington Post.
“This is well-groomed, upscale, three-hankie entertainment for the Masterpiece Theater crowd.” ~ Derek Elley, Variety.
“The Young Victoria is good, old-fashioned period drama, rich in pageantry and fine moments of drama, the whole show hinging on a beguiling performance from Blunt.” ~ David Germain, Associated Press.
Rated PG for some mild sensuality, a scene of violence, and brief incidental language and smoking, 104 mins.
The Imaginarium of Dr. ParnassusDirector Terry Gilliam’s fantastical morality tale follows the traveling show of the mysterious Dr. Parnassus -- a man who once won a bet with the Devil himself, trading his mortality for youth on the understanding that his firstborn would become the property of Mr. Nick (Tom Waits) when the child reaches its 16th birthday. Now, Dr. Parnassus’ daughter, Valentina (Lily Cole), is about to celebrate her sweet sixteen. He is desperate to save his little girl from her fiery fate. Just as Mr. Nick arrives to collect, a mysterious man named Tony (Heath Ledger) appears. Could Tony be the one man capable of helping Dr. Parnassus save Valentina?
“You’d expect no less from Terry Gilliam, and admirers of this singular filmmaker will be pleased to know that Imaginarium is one of his most original and accessible works.” ~ Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times.
“Shot through with a bold, extravagant generosity of spirit, this journey behind the literal and figurative looking glass marks a gratifying return to form for Gilliam.” ~ Ann Hornaday, Washington Post.
Rated PG-13 for violent images, some sensuality, language and smoking, 122 mins.
The Imaginarium of Dr. ParnassusPlease see the previous listing for more information about this film.
General Admission $15
($13 Opera House members)
Folk in Fredonia Music Series
On a July evening in 2004, at their campsite at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Laurie MacAllister, Abbie Gardner and Carolann Solebello harmonized for the very first time. As they sang their campmates off to sleep, they knew they had stumbled onto something extraordinary.
Audiences seem to agree. Since that summer night, Red Molly has garnered a devoted national fan base. These ladies have a lot of fun on stage, and it's contagious. Red Molly consistently brings concert-goers to their feet with stunning three-part harmonies, crisp musicianship and a warm, engaging stage presence.
The magic of Red Molly stems partly from the richness and diversity of each member's "pre-Molly" experiences. Laurie (vocals, guitar, banjo) left a career in psychology to pursue her love of singing. She worked for several years as a backup singer, and also released two solo albums, These Old Clothes and The Things I Choose to Do.
Abbie (vocals, guitar, Dobro) has a background in jazz, bluegrass, classical and a cappella music. She released two solo albums, My Craziest Dream, a collection of swing standards featuring her father Herb Gardner on piano, and Honey on My Grave, a collection of acoustic originals. In May 2008, she released a duo album, Bad Nights/Better Days, with Anthony da Costa.
Carolann (vocals, guitar, bass, mandolin) spent several years as a professional theatre actor before releasing her solo album, Just Across the Water. She later released two albums with power folk quartet CC Railroad, Smile Whenever and Black Horse Motel.
As a trio, the group released its first CD in 2006, Never Been to Vegas. It climbed to the Top 30 on the Radio & Records Americana chart, a rare accomplishment for an independent album. And listeners of WUMB Radio Boston voted the CD one of the Top 10 CDs of 2006. Red Molly's newest release, Love and Other Tragedies, is the group's first full-length studio album. It was released in spring 2008.
"Everything Red Molly sings is delivered with tick-tight arrangements, crystalline vocals and caramel harmonies. But what is most striking is the ardor they bring to eveything they do, whether snuggling into the sweet parochialism of an old spiritual, or the gritty pathos of a Gillian Welch tune." -- The Boston Globe
Attending from out of town? Consider staying at one of the area's beautiful inns or bed & breakfasts as part of an overnight performance package.
The Last StationA tragicomic love story set during the last year of the life and turbulent marriage of the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer) and his wife the Countess Sofya (Helen Mirren). Tolstoy, having rejected his title and embraced an ascetic lifestyle whose principles are abolishing private property, pacifism, and sexual chastity, finds himself increasingly at odds with Sofya. As his devoted disciple Vladimir Chertkov (Paul Giamatti) urges him to sign a new will leaving the rights to his work to the Russian people rather than his family, the conflict between husband and wife grows to the breaking point. The Last Station is a film about the difficulty of living with love and the impossibility of living without it.
“The arrival of a movie with as much intelligence and artistry as The Last Station should also be accompanied by the sound of trumpets.” ~ Rex Reed, New York Observer.
“For those who enjoy actors who can play it up without ever overplaying their hands, The Last Station is the destination of choice.” ~ Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times.
Rated R for a scene of sexuality/nudity, 110 mins.
GarfieldBased on the comic strip characters created by Jim Davis, the film tells the story of the supremely spoiled cat, Garfield, who wants the affection of everyone around him, only he wants it on his own terms. Trouble arises one day when his owner Jon stuns him by bringing home a cuddly dog, Odie. Jealous at the attention Odie is receiving, Garfield locks Odie out of the house. Odie runs away and when he's kidnapped, Garfield realizes his mistake, and embarks on a brave mission to rescue his new housemate. Bill Murray is a perfect choice to provide the loveable voice behind the computer-animated cat. Breezy and charming, GARFIELD is a nostalgic return to the past for older viewers who grew up with the fuzzy feline, and an engaging introduction for younger audiences who are meeting him for the very first time.
"The filmmakers obviously understand and love Garfield, and their movie lacks that sense of smarmy slumming you sometimes get when Hollywood brings comic strips to the screen." ~ Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times.
Rated PG for brief mild language, 80 mins.
General Admission $8
($7 Seniors, $5 Students/Children)
Six of the area's high schools - Chautauqua Lake, Dunkirk, Forestville, Fredonia, Jamestown and Pine Valley - present highlights of their spring musicals in this special cavalcade aimed at showcasing our County's rising stars.
The evening includes selections from Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Little Shop of Horrors, Oklahoma, Peter Pan and The Pirates of Penzance. Don't miss this great evening of home-grown entertainment. It's fun for the whole family!
Attending from out of town? Consider staying at one of the area's beautiful inns or bed & breakfasts as part of an overnight performance package.
General Admission $15
($13 Opera House Members)
Folk in Fredonia Music Series "Extra"
A unique two-part program of music and dance... In one part, well-known folk singer/songwriter Davy Sturtevant joins with SoMar Dance Works to present DIS-EASE: A COMING OUT, an original 13-movement autobiographical work about the challenges of coming to terms and living with Bi-Polar Disorder. In the program's other part, Sturtevant takes the stage solo to present the traditional folk music for which he's most known.
Sturtevant learned singing and fiddle from his father, who was born in the Appalachian foothills of north central Pennsylvania and performed traditional ballads, camp songs and Lutheran hymns. He studied voice and trumpet in high school and college, and taught himself to play guitar. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a degree in sound recording technology, Sturtevant was a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Contest. His songs have been recorded and performed by nationally touring folk musicians including Joe Stead, Dan Duggan, John Kirk, Neal and Leandra, and Sue Trainor. He also performs with the James Madden Quartet.
SoMar Dance Works began in 1999 as a duet company debuting at the Missouri Fine Arts Academy. Now with nine dancers, the company is the company-in-residence at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa. Serving as co-directors, choreographers and dancers, the company's founders, Solveig and Mark Santillano, are seasoned performers who have danced all over the world.
Solveig Santillano spent her early years in the performing arts and theatre programs of Circle in the Square (NYC), Northwestern University and with a variety of modern dance companies including Anna Sokolow's Player's Project, Ruby Shang and Dancers and the Prometheus Dance Co. She toured internationally with MOMIX Dance Co., where she was a soloist and choreographic collaborator.
Mark Santillano worked with Indianapolis' Dance Kaleidoscope and the internationally acclaimed Pilobolus Dance Theatre. With Pilobolus, he toured the world as soloist, dance captain, choreographic collaborator and master class teacher. Mark has performed in the national tours of The King and I, West Side Story and A Chorus Line. He currently serves as assistant professor of dance at Mercyhurst College.
Don't miss this wonderfully unique program that takes us "beyond folk."
Artie Shaw Under Music Director Rich Chiaraluce
Reserved Seating $25
($23 Opera House Members)
Great Performers Concert Series
On the eve of America's entry into World War II, TIME magazine reported that to the German masses, the United States meant "sky skrapers, Clark Gable and Artie Shaw." Some 42 years after that, in December 1983, Artie Shaw made a brief return to the bandstand after 30 years away from music, not to play his world-famous clarinet but to launch his latest (and still touring) orchestra.
It all clicked when Shaw reworked one little show tune with his own signature sound. "Begin the Beguine," which Shaw jokingly referred to as "a nice little tune from one of Cole Porter's very few flops," was that song. Shaw's break-through recording became the hit that catapulted him into the ranks of top bandleaders; and he was immediately dubbed the "new King of Swing." Every year, the Artie Shaw Orchestra recording of "Begin the Beguine" sells in the thousands, making it one of the best-selling records in history.
Artie Shaw OrchestraIn 1954 Shaw made his last public appearance as an instrumentalist, giving his blessing in 1983 to the current rendition of the Artie Shaw Orchestra, now led by Rich Chiaraluce.
An accomplished musician originally from New Haven, CT, Chiaraluce is no stranger to the Big Band sound. He has toured for years as the lead alto sax player for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with Buddy Morrow and as the featured clarinetist with the Artie Shaw Orchestra. When asked recently to step in for the ailing Dick Johnson, who led the Artie Shaw Orchestra since 1983, Chiaraluce didn't hesitate. And he hasn't missed a step since!
Artie Shaw put the "swing" in Swing; and his Big Band, now under Chiaraluce's leadership, still remains one of the swingingest outfits around.
With Mike Randall
General Admission $15
($13 Opera House Members)
Victorian Dazzle Festival
Opera House favorite Mike Randall returns with his latest version of Mark Twain Live! In this one-man show, America's greatest author and humorist is brought to life with all the wit and wisdom that was the trademark of the "Great Man Himself." From the moment Randall walks on stage, there is no doubt that the celebrated humorist Mark Twain was, and continues to be, one of America's greatest natural resources!
Samuel L. Clemens hit the stage with his first lecture even before his pen name, Mark Twain, had become a household word. Eventually he grew into one of the funniest and most sought-after speakers of his day. Several lecture tours and hundreds of speaking engagements helped the humorist refine his storytelling skills into a fine art. To see Mark Twain in person was a rare treat indeed!
Mike Randall began impersonating Twain at the age of 17. Two years later he was performing professionally as Twain at the Buffalo Showboat. At age 20, he performed for the State Department in Washington, D.C., in the same theatre that John F. Kennedy used to give his State of the Union addresses. One year later, Randall brought his rendition to New York City's Little Hippodrome.
Randall is the only Mark Twain impersonator to be formally acknowledged by the Daughters of the American Revolution for his authenticity and the only Mark Twain actor to be a member of the prestigious National Speakers Association. Mark Twain Live! is endorsed by the Mark Twain Museum of Buffalo; and Randall is the "official Mark Twain" of the Huck Finn Jubilee in Victorville, Calif., and the Annual Mark Twain Birthday Bash & Symposium, in Buffalo.
In more than 30 years of "being" Twain, Randall has given more than 2,000 performances. To transform himself into the 70-year-old Twain, Randall spends more than three hours at the make-up table. When "Twain" walks onstage, the audience is in for a rare treat - two hours of folksy, wise-cracking wit and wisdom in Twain's own words. Mike Randall as Mark Twain points his irreverent finger of humor at everything from politics to religion, making it clear why some have called Twain "America's original stand-up comic."
Sponsored by ECR International
