Liza Mitchell
Fifty years after making its local debut, the FSCJ Artist Series has become the primary source for Broadway musicals and plays, concerts, comedy, and dance in the Southeast. Originally developed as a vehicle to make the arts more accessible to students, the FSCJ Artist Series brings quality entertainment to individuals of all ages and all tastes with its unique blend of musical and dramatic presentations.
The FSCJ Artist Series complete listing of 2016 shows will feature Broadway, Off Broadway, International Dance, International Opera, Family, and the Concert & Variety Series. Performances will be held at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts and the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts.
The New Year begins January 8th with Tchaikovsky’s Spectacular Ballet featuring performances of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker. Experience the best of these three ballets complete in a fully staged production. Performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Russia, the company has established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies. The soloists and corps de ballet include some of Russia’s most accomplished dancers.
42nd Street is staged January 12th-17th. Read the article in this issue for more about the production.
Verdi’s AIDA is performed January 21st with a company of 60 including a full, live orchestra and chorus, and international soloists from Europe and the USA. The story begins as the Egyptians capture and enslave Aida, an Ethiopian princess. An Egyptian military commander, Radamès, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh and the Pharaoh’s daughter Amneris. Amneris is in love with Radamès, although he does not return her feelings.
Late Nite Catechism – Sister Rolls the Dice! is January 21st-24th. The convent needs a new roof, so the order has decided that Sister will organize a Las Vegas night. Sister will tackle topics ranging from Magicians and Show Girls to live animal acts and the dangers of drive-through marriage chapels.
Hooking Up with the Second City is a must-see new show all about relationships staged January 23rd. The show features hilarious sketches, songs, and world-famous improvisation from Chicago’s best and brightest. This comedy revue is a mix of romance, rancor, and everything in between. The Second City celebrates 55 years of producing cutting-edge satirical revues and continues to launch the careers of comedy superstars, including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and more.
Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage brings five decades of Star Trek to concert halls on January 23rd. This lavish production includes an impressive live symphony orchestra and international solo instruments. The concert will feature some of the greatest music from the franchise while the most iconic Star Trek footage is simultaneously beamed in high definition to a 40-foot wide screen.
Following back to back sold out tours, Dancing with the Stars: Live! is bringing its all new production to Jacksonville January 27th. Fans will have the opportunity to see their favorite stars dance live in Jacksonville. The tour features Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, Artem Chigvintsev, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Keo Motsepe, Peta Murgatroyd, Emma Slater, and special guest stars.
Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience features psychic medium and star of the hit TLC show Long Island Medium January 30th. She will share her incredible ability to communicate with the dead and give live readings to audience members throughout the show. Theresa will also share personal stories about her unique life balancing the unpredictability of her gifts while maintaining her role as a typical Long Island wife and mom.
Disorderly duo, Scott and Joan Houghton present Mutts Gone Nuts on January 31st, a comedy dog thrill show like no other featuring their hilarious pack of pooches. Audiences can expect incredible high flying frisbee dogs, tightwire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs and of course, the one and only Sammie the Talking Dog!
February 3rd, Yanni continues his world tour with an all new show. His world-renowned orchestra performs audience favorites from throughout his career, as well as newly reworked arrangements of the classics.
Cameron Mackintosh’s interpretation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera comes to Jacksonville February 10th-21st as part of a brand new North American Tour. With songs like ‘Music of the Night,’ ‘All I Ask Of You,’ and ‘Masquerade,’ the beloved story and thrilling score is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making it one of the largest touring productions. This production boasts exciting special effects, including the show’s legendary chandelier.
The Artist Series has a variety of shows throughout the rest of the season including the Jacksonville premiere of Motown the Musical on April 19th-24th and the return of Mamma Mia! May 6th-7th. Get more information and tickets on all the Artist Series shows at fscjartistseries.org.
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