OPAS 2018-19
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THE SOUND OF MUSIC • THE CHOIR OF MAN S O M E T H I N G R OT T E N ! • T H E K I N G A N D I S OW E TO G O S PE L C H O I R • B O STO N POPS CELTIC WOMAN CHRISTMAS • AND MORE!
ORDER TODAY to get the BEST SEATS at the BEST PRICE.
OPAS 2018-19 SEASON
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Maria won’t be the only heroine belting Rodgers and Hammerstein’s favorites in Rudder this year. She’ll be joined by another strong and confident woman - Anna in The King and I. Equally vocal powerhouses appearing on the 2018-19 season include the ladies of the Ph international sensation Celtic Woman, the inspirational artists of the Soweto Gospel Choir and the handsome blokes who have taken Europe by storm - The Choir of Man! In fact, we are the first market to present these guys as part of their first North American tour.
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The scene in The Sound of Music of Maria twirling excitedly while singing “The Hills Are Alive!” has inspired nearly everyone to do the same at some point. That moment is just one of the inspirations behind this season’s theme - “Raise Your Voice!”
Receive invitations to special events like the annual season announcement party! Replace your lost or missing tickets at no additional charge. Donate your tickets for student use if you can’t attend a performance. You will receive a receipt equal to the value for tax purposes. Renew your season tickets for next season (2019-20) before they go on sale to the general public.
And finally...the biggest concert of the season! Led by Conductor Keith Lockhart, one of the most beloved orchestras in the country will be on our stage. Some refer to them as “America’s Orchestra,” but you know them as the Boston Pops! (“See It All” Main Stage season ticket buyers will have exclusive access to buy tickets to their March 22 concert first. See page 3 for more details.)
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Take advantage of exclusive access to purchase tickets to Boston Pops before they go on sale to the general public. (“See It All” Main Stage season ticket buyers only.)
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Get the best seats at the best price!
Other highlights on the season include the Broadway tours of the gorgeous Finding Neverland and the hilarious Something Rotten! Speaking of hilarity, The Capitol Steps return just a few weeks before the fast-approaching mid-term elections. Families will be wowed by the 3-D like effects of Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure. We also have Frankenstein (Aquila Theatre), Steel Magnolias (L.A. Theatreworks) and a concert by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Yes pipers!
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Photo by Matthew Murphy
The vocalists are warming up. The instruments are tuning up. We hope you will raise your voice and order your season tickets today! See you soon in Rudder.
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ENJOY YOUR DONOR BENEFITS!
Everyone likes to be a VIP every now and then, and OPAS donors get the star treatment while enjoying a wealth of benefits. The most popular benefit is the VIP Donor Lounge featuring light fare from Christopher’s World Grille. Donors at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond levels ($1250 and up) have exclusive access to the VIP Donor Lounge prior to every Main Stage performance (Saturday performance of Something Rotten! only) and the Boston Pops concert.
EXCLUSIVE FREE CONCERT FOR ALL DONORS AT THE FRIEND LEVEL & ABOVE!
Please consider making a donation with your ticket order. Benefits aside, your donation helps ensure the future of OPAS and is considered tax-deductible by the IRS. *Donors receive one lounge pass for each Main Stage season ticket package at the qualified donor level (refer to table). Additional guest passes may be purchased for $25 per person. For tax purposes, the fair market value for VIP Donor Lounge usage is $200 per person per season.
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Starring Great Irish Tenor & Original Star of Celtic Thunder
MSC OPAS Donor Rewards First Option to Purchase Tickets to Special Events, Invitations to Special Events, and Personalized Donor Card Special Handling of Season Ticket Order • Priority Based on Giving Level Name Listing in All Main Stage OPASBills Priority Season Seating Option to Order AA Premium Season Tickets
Access to VIP Lounge*
Up to 2 VIP Donor Lounge passes per performance
Elite Access Parking on Perf NIght Reserved Area for Easy Entry/Exit Highest Priority Season Seating, Up to 4 VIP Donor Lounge passes per performance Opportunity for Meet & Greet for Selected Performances Private Champagne Reception Pre- or PostPerformance for 12 People, Up to 6 VIP Donor Lounge passes per performance
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 7:30 PM • RUDDER THEATRE A more detailed invitation will be mailed to donors closer to the event.
Paul is the celebrated Irish tenor who won millions of hearts worldwide as an original lead vocalist of the Irish Music phenomenon Celtic Thunder. Known by his fans as “The Swanky Tenor” for his suave and romantic style of performing stamped on Celtic Thunder numbers such as “Recuerde Me/Remember Me” and “She,” Paul has everything it takes to be a big star: good looks, great talent, and an amazing stage presence. What distinguishes him from the rest is the emotional and artistic investment he puts into every song, every lyric. Paul’s first solo album debuted at #1 on the World Billboard Charts and led to him being named Irish Tenor of the Year by the Irish Music Association. His solo career took off in 2014 with a public tv special called “This is the Moment Live” that aired in 40 top U.S. markets.
SPECIAL EVENTS SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR Tuesday, October 30, 2018
7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium Add tickets to this concert to your order now!
Bringing joy to audiences all over the world isn’t easy, but the Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir has been doing just that since their formation in 2002. Over 40 of the best artists in South Africa come together to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music using only their voices. Soweto Gospel Choir has performed with some of the biggest names in music including U2, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Robert Plant, Celine Dion, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Peter Gabriel, and Josh Groban. Experience the sheer bliss of Soweto Gospel Choir!
ERTH'S PREHISTORIC AQUARIUM ADVENTURE Friday, November 30, 2018 6:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium Add tickets to this underwater adventure to your order now!
The creators of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live want to take your family on an all new adventure – this time to the bottom of the ocean. Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure is an immersive experience that invites you to jump in and explore unknown ocean depths where prehistoric marine reptiles lived eons ago and maybe live still today! Erth shows are at the forefront of family entertainment, using actors, technology, puppets, science and imagination to create an amazing visual experience that connects young audiences to the real science of paleontology.
ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Call 979-845-1234 or visit www.MSCOPAS.org.
“THESE ABSOLUTELY THRILLING SINGERS NEED NOTHING BUT THEIR VOICES TO MAKE DAZZLING MUSIC!” - Billboard
THE CONCERT PROGRAM WILL FEATURE WORKS BY GRAMMY AND OSCAR WINNER JOHN WILLIAMS.
BOSTON POPS
Friday, March 22, 2019 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium
Their annual July 4th concert is a tradition for families across the nation. Now you can witness their phenomenal musicality in person! The Boston Pops, affectionately known as “America’s Orchestra,” is the most recorded and arguably the most beloved orchestra in the country. Led by conductor Keith Lockhart, the orchestra will perform a broad spectrum of styles from past to present including jazz, big band, pop, Broadway, film scores, and more. It’s the perfect combination of classical and pop - an evening of symphony for people who don’t know they love the symphony! “See It All” Main Stage subscribers will have EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to purchase tickets to this concert before they go on sale to the public. Seating is not guaranteed to be the
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Sponsored by
TOM & MARY KIRK (McGregor, TX)
ANN COBB WIATT MAIN STAGE THE CHOIR OF MAN Tuesday & Wednesday, October 2 & 3, 2018 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium
The first national tour by these incredible performers will open in Rudder! The runaway hit of numerous international music festivals is hitting the road for its first U.S. tour! Known across the globe as “the ultimate feel-good show,” The Choir of Man offers up 90 minutes of indisputable joy! It’s a party. It’s a concert. It’s a pint-filled good time set in a working pub that combines hair-raising harmonies, high-energy dance, and live percussion with foot-stomping choreography. The multi-talented cast of nine handsome blokes sings everything – pub tunes, folk, opera, classic rock – all to roof-raising heights. It’s the best singing, dancing, stomping, pub crawl of a concert you’ll ever see! CHEERS!
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Tuesday & Wednesday, November 6 & 7, 2018 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium
The Hills Are Alive! A brand new production of “SPARKLING, The Sound of Music is coming to Aggieland. The FRESH AND beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp LIVELY.” Family will once again thrill audiences with its – Los Angeles Times Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” and the title song. The Sound of Music enjoyed extraordinary success as a live television production when “The Sound of Music Live!” aired on NBC in December, 2013 and was seen by over 44 million people. 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history. Jill-Christine Wiley as Maria Rainer and the von Trapp Children. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
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ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Call 979-845-1234 or visit www.MSCOPAS.org.
CELTIC WOMAN: THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS
Monday & Tuesday, December 3 & 4, 2018 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium
Celebrate this holiday season with the celestial voices of multi-platinum Irish singing sensation Celtic Woman as they present The Best of Christmas Tour. The concert will feature music from the all-female ensemble’s most favorite Yuletide songs performed by them over the years. Prepare for an enchanting and festive evening filled with mesmerizing music, performance and holiday cheer.
Sponsored by
ANN COBB WIATT MAIN STAGE “I DOUBT I’LL SEE A BETTER PRODUCTION IN MY LIFETIME” T H E WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L
THE KING AND I
Tuesday & Wednesday, February 5 & 6, 2019
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium Two worlds collide in this “breathtaking and exquisite” (The New York Times) musical, based on the 2015 Tony Award®-winning Lincoln Center Theater production. One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, The King and I boasts a score that features such beloved classics as “Getting To Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.” Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British school teacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. The King and I is “too beautiful to miss” (New York Magazine).
ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Call 979-845-1234 or visit www.MSCOPAS.org.
“I DOUBT I’LL SEE A BETTER PRODUCTION IN MY LIFETIME.”
– The Wall Street Journal
“FAR FROM ROTTEN, IT’S AWESOME!” –Associated Press
SOMETHING ROTTEN!
Saturday, February 23, 2019 (7:30 PM) Sunday, February 24, 2019 (3:00 PM)
Rudder Auditorium
Something Rotten! is “Broadway’s big, fat hit!” (New York Post). Set in 1595, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first MUSICAL! With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! is “The Producers + Spamalot + The Book of Mormon. Squared!” (New York Magazine).
FINDING NEVERLAND
Thursday & Friday, April 11 & 12, 2019 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium
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This breathtaking smash, based on the “BEAUTIFUL critically-acclaimed Academy Award® winning film, & WONDROUS! Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most IT’S PURE beloved characters: Peter Pan. BLISS!” Playwright J.M. Barrie – The Huffington Post struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of P pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie leaves his old world behind for Neverland. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event.
INTIMATE GATHERINGS THE CAPITOL STEPS
Thursday, October 11, 2018 7:30 PM • Rudder Theatre
Just a few weeks before the midterm elections, The Capitol Steps will put the MOCK back into Democracy! What began as a group of Senate staffers who were satirizing the people and places that employed them has now grown into a full-fledged revolution! These “equal opportunity offenders” have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard twice a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their “Politics Takes a Holiday” radio specials. If there’s one thing we can ALL agree on, it’s that we need a few more laughs at Washington’s expense!
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 7:30 PM • Rudder Theatre
At turns both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching, this important play reveals the strength of the human condition and our shared need for companionship. The well-known film starring Sally Fields, Dolly Parton, and Julia Roberts brought Steel Magnolias to the forefront of pop culture, and the play has had multiple New York runs and performances staged around the globe. Considered a tour-de-force for its female cast - whether you’re a Truvy, a Shelby, a M’Lynn, or even a Ouiser - Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias is a poignant and powerful reminder that we are stronger together.
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ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Call 979-845-1234 or visit www.MSCOPAS.org.
Series Sponsored by:
FRANKENSTEIN
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 7:30 PM • Rudder Theatre
Written two hundred years ago, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was the first true science fiction novel and has inspired countless film and stage adaptations. Often thought of as just a “monster story,” Frankenstein raises an important question that we are still pondering today - just because it can be done, should it be done? Aquila Theatre’s production of this timeless classic will be bold and thrilling – while paying homage to the original, frightening writing of Mary Shelley. You’ve seen it on tv, now see the story live on stage…IT’S ALIVE!
“A CLASSICALLY TRAINED, MODERNLY HIP TROUPE. ” – The New York Times
Series Sponsored by:
INTIMATE GATHERINGS RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS Tuesday, March 19, 2019 7:30 PM • Rudder Theatre
Bagpipes with attitude. Drums with a Scottish accent. A blazing rock band and show so hot, it carries its own health warning! Formed in 2002, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers have fast become a global phenomenon, taking their signature 'Bagrock' sound to the masses with their unique fusion of rocked up bagpipes and clever covers of popular songs from all genres. The band’s trademarked sound is a unique fusion of traditional pipe tunes and contemporary anthems like Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” and Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” and more! Feel the Chilli heat: It’s time to come closer to the fire!
LONESOME TRAVELER: THE CONCERT with Guest Star & Folk Legend Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary Thursday, April 4, 2019 7:30 PM • Rudder Theatre
Come and celebrate the story of an ever-changing America with Lonesome Traveler – and special guest star Peter Yarrow. This concert version of the acclaimed 2015 Off-Broadway musical tells the story of Americana Music from Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan, from Joni Mitchell to James Taylor, from Pete Seeger to Harry Chapin. An inspiring evening of great music, the concert stars charismatic singers, multi-instrumentalists, multimedia projections, plus lots of fun sing-a-longs. It’s perfect for the entire family! ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Call 979-845-1234 or visit www.MSCOPAS.org.
OPAS IS COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING THE AUDIENCES OF TOMORROW.
EDUCATION OUTREACH Did you know, in addition to the presenting season, OPAS introduces the performing arts to thousands of local school children in our community? By working closely with education professionals and local school districts, OPAS brings artists directly into the classroom as well as hosts students for special performances in Rudder. This year’s education outreach activities will include:
• The Magic School Bus (First Grade) • Charlotte’s Web (Second Grade) • The Story Pirates (Third Grade) • Storytelling (Fourth Grade) • ArcAttack (Fifth Grade) • Artrageous (Sixth Grade) • The Great Promise (Seventh Grade) • Freedom Bound (Eighth Grade)
A N N UA L O U T R E AC H
These performances are for educational institutions only and therefore not open to the public. For more information about the OPAS Education Outreach program, please contact Shanna Wright (swright@msc.tamu.edu • 979-845-1661). OPAS school performances and education outreach activities are generously supported by
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT IS OPAS?
Founded in 1972, MSC OPAS at Texas A&M University presents professional productions of theatre, music, and dance programs that enlighten, entertain, and inspire. OPAS programs are funded entirely by revenue generated from ticket sales, sponsorships, and contributions.
WHEN DO TICKETS GO ON SALE?
Season and priority single ticket orders are being accepted now. Please contac the MSC Box Office at 979-845-1234 or order tickets securely online at www.MSCOPAS.org.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY TICKETS?
Your tickets will be mailed in August – plenty of time before the first performance of the season!
WHERE DO I PARK AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Parking is FREE in the University Center Parking Garage ONLY. This garage is located directly across the street from the main entrance of Rudder Tower. If you park in other campus parking structures on performance nights, standard parking rates will apply. Parking information for other venues will be provided when your tickets are mailed.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MSC OPAS?
Visit the OPAS website at www.MSCOPAS.org. Connect with OPAS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. To receive OPAS news and ticketing tips via text message, just text OPAS to the number 24587.
OPAS strives to make our performances and facilities accessible to all patrons. If you have questions or would like to receive additional information about accessibility, please contact the Box Office at 979-845-1234.
Look for the Family Friendly seal!
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF A SHOW IS APPROPRIATE FOR MY CHILDREN?
This can be a difficult question to answer because children and families are unique. We make every effort to inform ticket buyers about the suitability of a program for a young person. A “family friendly” seal has been added to the performances that are suitable for family audiences. We encourage parents to use their personal judgment when deciding on the appropriateness of a performance for themselves, their children, and other patrons. If you have questions regarding the content and audience suitability of a particular program on the season, please call the OPAS office at 979-845-1661.
OPAS STAFF Anne Black, Executive Director Terri Becker, Business Coordinator Becky Wade, Marketing & Development Coordinator
Due to pending contract negotiations, all programs are subject to change.
ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Call 979-845-1234 or visit www.MSCOPAS.org.
Shanna Wright, Education Outreach Coordinator
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AT A GLANCE
ANN COBB WIATT MAIN STAGE THE CHOIR OF MAN October 2 & 3, 2018
SPECIAL EVENTS SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR October 30, 2018
ERTH'S PREHISTORIC AQUARIUM ADVENTURE November 30, 2018
BOSTON POPS
March 22, 2019 Sponsored by Tom & Mary Kirk (McGregor, TX)
THE SOUND OF MUSIC November 6 & 7, 2018
CELTIC WOMAN: THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS December 3 & 4, 2018 Sponsored by Aggieland Credit Union
Rodgers & Hammerstein's
THE KING AND I
February 5 & 6, 2019
SOMETHING ROTTEN! February 23 & 24, 2019
FINDING NEVERLAND April 11 & 12, 2019
INTIMATE GATHERINGS THE CAPITOL STEPS October 11, 2018
STEEL MAGNOLIAS October 24, 2018
FRANKENSTEIN February 26, 2019
RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS March 19, 2019
LONESOME TRAVELER: THE CONCERT with Guest Star & Folk Legend Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary April 4, 2019
The Intimate Gatherings series is sponsored by Comfort Keepers, Sonic and Allstate Exclusive Agent Jackie Voss.
These programs made possible in part through Hotel Tax Revenue funded from
OPAS patron photos by Bryan Smith
NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
COLLEGE STATION, TX PERMIT #215
ORDER SEASON TICKETS & SAVE MONEY! Questions? Call the MSC Box Office at 979-845-1234.
Ordering OPAS Tickets Is Easier Than Ever!
You may order season ticket packages and priority single tickets to the new season now! Season ticket package buyers save money and enjoy seating priority over single ticket buyers.
There are four easy ways to order:
1 Order securely online at www.MSCOPAS.org.
2 Call the MSC Box Office at 979-845-1234.* OPAS 2018-19
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3 Download and complete a paper order form and mail or
fax the to the address or fax number on the order form. www.MSCOPAS.org/OPAS46OrderForm.pdf
4 Visit the box office in-person on the first level of
Rudder Tower at Texas A&M.
*MSC Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10 AM - 4:30 PM
T H E C H O I R O F MAN • T HE C AP I TOL STE PS • STE E L M AGN O L IA S • S OW E TO GO S PE L CHO I R • T H E S O U N D OF MUSI C • ERTH' S PR E H ISTO R IC AQ UA R IUM A DVE N TUR E • C E LTIC WO M A N C H R I ST M A S • T HE K I N G AN D I • SOM E TH IN G ROT TE N ! • F R A N KE N STE IN • R E D H OT CHI LLI P I P E R S • B O S T O N P O P S • F I N D I N G N E V E R L A N D • L O N E S O M E T R AV E L E R : T H E C O N C E R T