A cornucopia of 13 arts events at Nazareth College in November

Celebrate gratitude for the arts this November at the Nazareth College Arts Center, presenting a cornucopia of 13 music, theatre, comedy, and visual arts events this month, many of which are free.

ARTS CENTER SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
On Saturday, November 3 at 8 p.m., NPR’s Snap Judgment Stand-up Storytellers James Judd & Jen Kober join forces in Callahan Theater. A former member of L.A.’s legendary improv troupe The Groundlings, James Judd connects with audiences as he shares stories of triumph following “spectacular public embarrassments and utter failures.” The Democrat and Chronicle said, “James Judd is like David Sedaris on a pot of coffee.” Louisiana-born comic Jen Kober has taken her southern style sassiness to sold-out houses across the country, with stories ranging from love lost at the buffet to midnight mishaps at WalMart. The LA Times said “Jen Kober has got to be our 21st Century Lucille Ball, and that’s no exaggeration.” Both comics are recent winners of NPR’s Snap Judgment “Comedic Performance of the Year” Award. This show contains mature content and language. Tickets $15-$35.

“James Judd and Jen Kober are storytellers first, stand-up comics second,” said Arts Center Executive Director Rita Mannelli. “This form of comedy pulls you into their hilarious and touching stories. You may find yourself relating to their stories of life’s ups and down while remembering that laughter is always the best medicine.”

Get ready to party on Saturday, November 17 at 8 p.m. in Callahan Theater with The Company Men. Unlike any other four-man vocal group touring today, The Company Men uniquely interweave today’s Top 40 hits with re-imagined classics of the last six decades, blending songs by some of your favorite artists including Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Adele, The Temptations, Sam Cooke, The Weeknd, Billy Joel, Prince, Meghan Trainor, Bruno Mars, Michael Bublé, The Eagles, and many more. Expect to hear more than 70 pop and soul music favorites in this high-energy show suitable for all ages. Tickets $25-$50.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Lightwire Theater returns with an electrifying tale of family, friendship, and hope set to timeless holiday hits in Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas on Saturday, November 24 at 2 p.m. in Callahan Theater. As seen on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and TruTV’s Fake Off, the group combines theater and technology to bring stories to life in complete darkness and are internationally recognized for their signature brand of electroluminescent artistry.

Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas follows a young bird’s journey to reunite with his family, traveling through the North Pole where Santa and his helpers are busy preparing for Christmas! Back by popular demand, Lightwire Theater makes its third stop at the Arts Center following DiNo-LIGHT (2013) and Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey (2017). Tickets $13-$20.

“Lightwire Theater’s unique shows done in complete darkness are perfect for the whole family,” said Mannelli. “This show is the Saturday after Thanksgiving and we hope to draw families with out of town guests and others who are ready to get into the Christmas spirit!”

November Calendar of Events
Friday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Beston Hall, free
The Synergy of Music
Nazareth College Symphony Orchestra
Nancy Strelau, conductor; Rosanna Moore, harp
Featuring Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from West Side Story and Debussy’s Danse sacrée et danse profane.

Saturday, November 3 at 4 p.m. in Beston Hall, free
The Bernstein Centennial: Chichester Psalms
Nazareth College Chamber Singers
Featuring Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Bach’s Cantata No. 106, “Gottes Zeit ist die Allerbeste Zeit.”

Saturday, November 3 at 8 p.m. in Callahan Theater, tickets $15-$35
From NPR’s Snap Judgment, Stand-up Storytellers James Judd & Jen Kober
Award-winning comedians and storytellers James Judd and Jen Kober join forces in this comedy double-bill. Contains mature content and language.

Sunday, November 4 at 3 p.m. in Wilmot Recital Hall, free
Guest recital: ‘Like rain it sounded till it curved’—Musical Responses to Poetry
Caroline Sonett, flute; Adam Paul Cordle, viola; Rosanna Moore, harp
Described as “daring and unconventional” by the Spalding Guardian, Trio Alexander will perform music based on poetry and literature, including the winner of the Trio’s inaugural “Call for Scores” competition.

Saturday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Beston Hall, free
Bernstein at 100: A Celebration
In honor of the 100th birthday of Leonard Bernstein, the Music Department’s Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Singers and Wind Symphony with the Nazareth Dance Ensemble join forces to present music by the legendary composer and conductor. This event will be preceded by a symposium exploring the legacy of Leonard Bernstein. For more information and an up-to-date schedule, visit go.naz.edu/bernstein.

Monday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Wilmot Recital Hall, free
“Loose Change” Jazz Combos
Brad Batz, director
The Nazareth College jazz combos perform standards, swing, funk, Latin, and more.

November 15, 16, 17, 18, 7:30 p.m.
November 17, 18, 2 p.m.
$15, $13 senior, Studio Theater A48
Spring Awakening
Winner of eight Tony Awards including best musical, Spring Awakening is an alt-rock musical about sexual awakening based on the German play by Frank Wedekind. Presented by the Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department. Directed/choreographed by Brett Smock with musical direction by Corinne Aquilina. Contains mature content and language.

Saturday, November 17 at 8 p.m. in Callahan Theater, tickets $25-$50
The Company Men
Four Broadway vocalists with Motown moves interweave more than 70 pop and soul music favorites from the last six decades into one high-energy performance suitable for all ages.

Sunday, November 18 at 3 p.m. in Beston Hall, free
Guest recital: Music from My Childhood
Esther Park, guest piano
International prize-winning pianist Esther Park performs Schumann’s Scenes from Childhood, Beethoven’s 32 Variations in C Minor, Chopin’s Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante, and Stravinsky’s “Three Movements” from Petrushka.

Saturday, November 24 at 2 p.m. in Callahan Theater, tickets $13-$20
Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas
Back by popular demand, Lightwire Theater returns with an electrifying tale of family, friendship, and hope set to timeless holiday hits. As seen on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and TruTV’s Fake Off. Suggested for ages 5+.

Wednesday, November 28 - Wednesday, December 5 in the Colacino Gallery, free
Art & Social Justice Class Show
This week-long exhibition will feature the work of Nazareth B.F.A. students and will include a range of course projects such as bookmarks, zines, and tunnel books.

Thursday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Beston Hall, free
Spotlight on Excellence
The Nazareth College Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band collaborate with the Eastman Community Music School Music Educators Wind Ensemble. Led by Jared Chase, Steven Zugelder, and Bill Tiberio, conductors.

Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Beston Hall, free
Of Light and Love
Nazareth College Concert Choir
Brian Stevens, conductor
Celebrating light and love in our lives, with works by Whitacre, Gjeilo, Sixten, Ešenvalds, Hagen, and more.

November 30 at 7 p.m.
December 1 at 5 p.m.
December 2 at 12 p.m. & 5 p.m.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
$7, partial proceeds to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital, Studio Theater A48
Enjoy this holiday classic adapted from the 1965 cartoon based on the comic strip by Charles M. Schulz. Presented by the Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department.

TICKETS
Ticket prices for individual shows are noted above and are available online at artscenter.naz.edu, by phone at (585) 389-2170, or in person at the Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, N.Y. 14618. Free events do not require advance tickets or reservations.

Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a m. - 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. until curtain time on performance days.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2018 October
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