A Christmas Carol
The Nebraska Theatre Caravan's 19th Century classic staging of a Currier and Ives portrait of Christmas returns. Dickens' beloved tale of Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge, and his ghostly night visitors, comes to life in this music-filled adaptation of one man's discovery of the real meaning of Christmas. Victorian ambiance, authentic English carols, outstanding voices, magical sets, lively dancing, lavish costumes, and stunning special effects mesh magnificently to create a spectacular holiday treat for the entire family.
They are back by ever popular demand and just in time for Christmas! Nowhere in the world does the sound of sibling harmonies, gorgeous vocals and top drawer instrumentals resonate so richly or as joyously as it does with Cape Breton's "first family" of Celtic music - The Barra MacNeils. Their world cherished annual Christmas tour makes a stop at the Dana Center this year, weaving a colorful tapestry of music, dance, storytelling, Gaelic songs and instrumentals providing a memorable journey through a beloved ancient culture.
The Ying Quartet
The Ying Quartet has earned a prominent position in the classical music world, combining brilliantly communicative performances with a fearlessly imaginative view of chamber music in today's world. Now in its second decade as a quartet, the Yings have established themselves as an ensemble of the highest musical quality.
Mendelssohn Madness
The Dana Center remains the premier showcase venue for performing artists from around the world and around the corner. We begin the New Year celebrating the works of one of the world's greatest composers, Felix Mendelssohn, performed by internationally recognized concert pianist, George Sebastian Lopez, who coincidentally calls Manchester home. Consistently fresh in his approach to classical music, George's passion and respect for classical music is compelling. A regular headliner at the New Hampshire Music Festival, Mr. Lopez recently completed his world tour during which he was hailed by the L.A. Times for his "musical perspective, continuity, and kaleidoscopic colors." Joining Mr. Lopez in this salute to Mendelssohn are Eva Gruesser on violin and Emmanuel Feldman on cello.
One-Act Play Festival
The Saint Anselm Abbey Players continue the tradition of presenting one-act, experimental and provocative plays directed by students. Call the Dana Center Box Office for additional information about this highly original and creative productions which never fail to delight.
Lula Washington Dance Theatre
This breathtaking, world renowned contemporary dance troupe took its first steps in the inner city section of South L.A., as a creative outlet for minority dance artists. Today it stands at the top of critics' lists as one of the most admired African-American dance troupes in the country. Powerful, high energy dancing and unique choreography set to music from every era and style abound defined and danced with bold athleticism. Lula has also choreographed the dancing fish in Walt Disney's The Little Mermaid movie. From Vivaldi and Chopin to Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and the Beatles, from frolic to fury, Lula's repertory is straight shooting and stripped of pretense, unveiling honesty, integrity and creativity of unparalleled power. Experience it for yourself.
Pogey & Cara
The Dana Center upholds our tradition of bringing you the most original Irish bands on the planet to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. This year we bring a unique brew of Celtic music with two powerhouse bands from two surprising corners of the world. Pogey hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia, bringing with them an intoxicating blend of traditional and contemporary sound that combines original Celtic/Rock tunes with stellar instrumentals. A feast of fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar, banjo, bass, drums and four part vocal harmonies keeps this on the high octane stage show list for sure.
Cara calls Germany home but finds its musical roots planted firmly in Irish tradition. Weaving flute, guitar, piano, fiddle, pipes and concertina together with brilliant vocals, the band adds the flavor of German folk influence to infuse a fresh perspective on the music. With a sound that is amazingly fresh and at once wonderful, you can be sure it was introduced first at the Dana Center!
Gypsy
From the first trumpet blast of its legendary Overture to the last white hot spotlight, Gypsy is considered by many to be one of the best Broadway musicals ever. This kaleidoscope of life in the theatre during the 1920s tells the backstage tale of vaudeville entertainer turned burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee and her domineering, overbearing mother, Rose, who battles stage directors, theatre owners and hotel managers in her efforts to push her two daughters toward stardom during the dying days of vaudeville. Created by three theatrical giants, the book of this musical fable is by two-time Tony Award winner Arthur Laurents, with music by two-time Tony Award winner Jule Styne, and lyrics by multiple Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim. The legendary score boasts such classics as Everything's Coming Up Roses, Together Wherever We Go, Let Me Entertain You, and Some People. You won't want to miss this classic musical performed for the first time ever by the Abbey Players.
Tom Rush in Concert
New Hampshire's "native son" and American folk revival hero Tom Rush remains a legend and lure to audiences around the world familiar with his distinctive "coffee house" guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice. His music has left its stamp on and helped champion generations of artists to the tops of many charts, including Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Garth Brooks, Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin. With an uncanny knack for finding and writing wonderful songs that range from melancholy ballads to the passion of gritty blues and performing shows filled with side-splitting laughter and story-telling, this will be the most memorable musical tour of the season. And for those "young" enough to remember the "coffee house" era of the 60s and 70s – a terrific trip back in time!
Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre
A dazzling performance honoring the deepest roots of our nation. The Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre is a Native American dance troupe committed to preserving and celebrating the rich history of their culture. Founded on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation of South Dakota in 1978 with the support of traditional elders, healers and cultural leaders, the troupe is dedicated to a thriving Lakota culture for generations to come. Experience the holistic world view of the Lakota Sioux through captivating dance, music and storytelling set against a backdrop of spectacular video imagery.
Glenn Miller Orchestra
Back by non-stop popular demand! The renowned Glenn Miller Orchestra returns to the Dana Center with the unique jazz sound that establishes it, by far, as the most popular and sought after big band in the world today. Under the musical direction of trombonist Larry O'Brien since the mid 1950s, the orchestra keeps the legend of America's favorite 'Big Band Era' orchestra leader alive. Take a romantic step back in time with your 'sweetie' at the Dana Center.
