Event Descriptions

2010-2011 Arts Alive at the Rogers Center for the Arts 

The Rogers Center for the Arts 2011-2012 Season Brochure is available now. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to receive a brochure, please forward your mailing address to RogersCenter@merrimack.edu or call the Box Office at 978-837-5355. 

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Rogers Center for the Arts Season Schedule:

 Wednesday, February 1, 2012 
Film Series: “The Shop Around the Corner”
Commentary: 6:30 p.m. Screening: 7:00 p.m.

One of the most charming and romantic films around, this 1940 comic romance finds James Stewart working in a small shop in Budapest and longing for a girl to call his own. His coworker, Margaret Sullavan, feels the same, and soon they are both corresponding and falling in love with their respective pen pals. What they don’t realize is that they are writing to and falling in love with each other, but the problem is that they can’t stand each other in person.  1940. 99 minutes.

Free
Information: 978-837-5355

February 2, 2012
James Vanderpol Book Read and Lecture
7:00pm

James Vanderpol chronicles his life experiences from his happy childhood growing up in a middle-class family inthe Netherlands to the day the Nazi occupation began in Amsterdam—ultimately propelling fifteen-year old Vanderpol into a world of terror and brutality that would last five years.

James Vanderpol shares a fascinating glimpse into a traumatic time in history when Hitler’s rampage forever changed the lives of innocent people around the world. From the cleaning maids who were hired by Germany to spy on the Dutch, to the children’s books that were rewritten to substitute Hitler for the book’s original hero. Vanderpol tells how he and his other family members were considered undesirable and slowly came to anticipate and recognize the threat of death. He moved to an apartment where an elderly couple lived who were willing to risk their life to save him from the Gestapo. (The security police whose  purpose was to eliminate undesirable people.)

Despite several close calls Vanderpol survived in a truly miraculous way as compared to Ann Frank who did not make it. Vanderpol came to the United States in 1946 and had an unusual and illustrious career. His book AND THE MONEY WENT OVER THE RAILING was recently published. His concern about the future of our democracy has led him to address young people and adults to discuss his experiences and how important it is for everyone to understand the responsibility of each citizen and what makes a democracy work.

Free and open to the public
Information: 978-837-5355

Friday, February 3, 2012
The New England Tenors
 7:30 p.m.

Join us for a warm evening of great music featuring three of New England’s finest tenors, accompanied by piano and violin. This super-group of crowd-pleasing songsters, featuring John Middleton-Cox, Damien Corcoran, and Ray Bauwens, will perform beautiful interpretations of timeless classics such as “Danny Boy,” “Somewhere,” “O Solo Mio,” “You’ll Never Walk Along,” and plenty more. We guarantee a great evening to help you survive the mid-winter blues.

Advance Tickets: $20.00
All Tickets at the Door: $25.00
Student Rush: $5.00
Reservations and Information: 978-837-5355 or Order Online

Saturday, February 4, 2012
National Marionette Theater presents “Pinocchio”
 2:00 p.m.

Carlo Collodi’s epic about a puppet who wants to become a real boy is a classic example of storytelling at its best. This adaptation is a faithful re-telling of this childhood favorite. Follow Pinocchio as he goes on a series of adventures and discovers that only by being truthful, selfless and kind to others will he realize his dream of becoming a real live boy.

Recommended for family audiences ages four and up. Running time for this production is approximately one hour.

Tickets: $12.00
Family Four-Pack: $40.00
Reservations and Information: 978-837-5355 or Order Online

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Film Series: “J.S.A.: Joint Security Area”
Commentary: 6:30 p.m. Screening: 7:00 p.m.

In the DMZ separating North and South Korea, two North Korean soldiers have been killed, supposedly by one South Korean soldier. But the 11 bullets found in the bodies, together with the 5 remaining bullets in the assassin’s magazine clip, amount to 16 bullets for a gun that should normally hold 15 bullets. The investigating Swiss/Swedish team from the neutral countries overseeing the DMZ suspects that another, unknown party was involved - all of which points to some sort of cover up. The truth is much simpler and much more tragic.  2000. 110 minutes.

Free
Information: 978-837-5355

Friday, February 17, 2012
New Black Eagle Jazz Band
 7:30 p.m.

We cannot think of a better way to spend a cold Friday night in the middle of winter than with these hot musicians. The Black Eagles, as they are often known to their fans, have been a fixture on the international jazz scene since 1971, bringing the sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz to audiences all over the world. Many observers regard them as the premier band playing in the traditional jazz style; they do regard themselves as the “Keepers of the Flame!”

They refuse to slavishly copy earlier jazz performances note for note, but are – at all times – aware of the legacy and influence from such legendary New Orleans musicians as Louis Armstrong, George Lewis, Kid Ory, Sidney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, Paul Barbarin, and, of course, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band - just to name a few who represent the best in the history of New Orleans jazz. They also have a good selection of Duke Ellington and Ragtime to spice the pot – so to speak.

Advance Tickets: $20.00
All Tickets at the Door: $25.00
Student Rush: $5.00
Reservations and Information: 978-837-5355 or Order Online

Friday, February 24, 2012
The Legendary Ladies of Song- The Music of Doris Day, Peggy Lee and Rosemary Clooney
 7:30 p.m.

This concert will pay tribute to some of our favorite singers, and promises to bring back some great memories for all of us! Sue Matthews joins a quintet of swinging musicians for a sparkling tribute to three of the most famous “girl singers” from the big band era who went on to magnificent solo careers: Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, and Peggy Lee. The show, crafted especially for Ms. Matthews by its producer, John Tegler, is charming, musical, occasionally dramatic, and often humorous. Between numbers, Sue and John intersperse anecdotes and insights about the tunes she is performing and the ladies who made them famous. Sue Matthews has built quite a reputation herself in New York, and Europe as well. She has performed repeatedly at the Arts Week Festival in County Galway, Ireland and in Budapest, Hungary as well as in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has also appeared at Town Hall in New York as a part of their annual cabaret convention.

Advance Tickets: $30.00
Advance College Employees, Students, Seniors: $25.00
All Tickets at the Door: $35.00
Student Rush: $5.00
Reservations and Information: 978-837-5355 or Order Online

Friday, March 2, 2012
The Makem Brothers and The Spain Brothers
 7:30 p.m.

Spring would not be the same without our annual visit with these phenomenal musicians. The Rogers Center will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with these superb performers.

Every generation has a few acts that define where a musical genre is going, performers so confident in their chosen field that they are able to completely embrace the genre and yet introduce something new to it. In Irish folk music today, that act is the Makem and Spain Brothers.

Not in the past 30 years has a group taken the international stage with such vocal power and stage presence, capturing the essence of their genre, while standing out as something truly unique. A host of various instruments and five male vocals, using precise three-part harmonies blend perfectly for what many have described as a wall of sound. The Makem and Spain Brothers are at their best on stage where their talent and enthusiasm draw in fans who have never experienced the joy of folk music.

Where is Irish music going? There are instrumental bands bringing it down uncharted roads, moving it forward and keeping it living. But there is only one band that is driving Irish folk songs into the 21st century internationally. That band is the Makem and Spain Brothers.

Advance Tickets: $20.00
Advance College Employees, Students, Seniors: $18.00
All Tickets at the Door: $25.00
Student Rush: $5.00
Reservations and Information: 978-837-5355 or Order Online

Saturday, March 3, 2012
Tenth Annual A Cappella Night
 7:30 p.m.

We are pleased to present three exciting A cappella groups for our tenth annual festival of the human voices. For the last 30 years, North Shore A cappella has entertained and excited thousands of listeners throughout the Boston area, adding an experienced blend of harmony, rhythm and tempo to songs from the 40s right up through today. The voices belong to Tommy Duarte, Paul Lopes, Jimmy Martin, Vinny Straccia, and Guy Chiapponi.

This special art of delivering music without instrumental accompaniment is what North Shore A cappella is all about. The award-winning group offers a continuously fresh repertoire of hundreds of popular hits that cover the last five decades. Each number and performance is arranged in a way that showcases each member in a role of lead singer – a trait that very few a cappella groups in the country can claim.

Over the years, Boston Jazz Voices’ repertoire has expanded to include jazz arrangements of the American songbook.  Their performances have taken them to medieval churches in Paris, to white colonial churches in New England, to schools and libraries and assisted living facilities all over the region, and to local radio and television.  They’ve sung the national anthem at Fenway Park in Boston, celebrated Christmas at Old Sturbridge Village and have rung in the New Year at First Night in Boston.  You can find them at festivals of all kinds of a cappella music where they are often chosen to represent that Big Band vocal sound possible only by a group of their size and mix. What Boston Jazz Voices offers is a unique combination of those old sounds and contemporary vocal jazz idiom. Boston Jazz Voices is indebted to those whose dreams and passions provided the foundation for what they represent.  It is their hope that they reach and touch all who are drawn into the magic of vocal jazz ensemble singing.  That is their goal. This is their history.

This year we open the concert with Merrimack College’s own “Mackapella” comprised of 18 students of all year levels, Merrimack’s very own a cappella singing group, Mackapella, has hit the ground running this past year. The group arranges original music of all genres, reaching new heights with unique harmonies and beats. Mackapella is delighted to be opening tonight, and looks forward to gracing the stage at the Rogers Center for many times to come.

Advance Tickets: $15.00
All Tickets at the Door: $20.00
Student Rush: $5.00
Reservations and Information: 978-837-5355 or Order Online

Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Film Series: “The Man Who Knew Too Much”
Commentary: 6:30 p.m. Screening: 7:00 p.m.

A family vacationing in Morocco accidentally stumbles on to an assassination plot and the conspirators are determined to prevent them from interfering. Direct by The “Master of Suspense”, Alfred Hitchcock. 1956. 120 minutes.

Free
Information: 978-837-5355

Saturday, March 10, 2012
Golden Dragon Acrobats
 4:00 p.m.

Back by popular demand, the Golden Dragon Acrobats promise to amaze and entertain audiences of all ages. Buy your tickets early!

The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than 25 centuries ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.

The reputation of the company is solidly rooted in a commitment to the highest of production values and an attention to artistic details that is unparalleled in the art form. World renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music, and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

Advance Tickets: $25.00
All Tickets at the Door: $30.00
Student Rush: $5.00
Reservations and Information: 978-837-5355 or Order Online

Thursday, March 29, 2012
8:00 p.m.
Friday, March 30, 2012
8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 31, 2012  
2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The Onstagers Dramatic Society of Merrimack College presents “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”

Meet Lawrence — handsome, rich, intelligent, romantic — and the most notorious con artist in Europe, who uses his charms to run the French Riviera by winning the hearts, and pocketbooks, of beautiful women. But when Freddy, a low life con man from the United States, invades Lawrence’s territory, he turns the paradise of Beaumont sur Mer on its head. The two enter a bet to seduce a beautiful heiress out of $50,000, and the loser must leave town for good.  Based on the 1988 film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” is a hilarious, Tony Award-winning musical comedy, filled with twists, mishaps, romance, and scandals that will have you laughing out loud the whole time. 

Tickets: $12.00
Students and Seniors: $10.00
Student Rush: $5.00
Reservations and Information: 978-837-5355 or Order Online

Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Film Series: “Ten”
Commentary: 6:30 p.m. Screening: 7:00 p.m.

Seen through the eyes of a beautiful, chador-clad divorcée, the film catches her impromptu conversations with various female passengers (and her imperious young son) as she navigates Tehran’s congested and vibrant streets over the course of several days. As Abbas Kiarostami’s “dashboard cam” eavesdrops on these extraordinary and moving stories of sex, divorce, love and religion, an entirely original and fascinating portrait of modern Iran emerges.  2002. 94 minutes.

Free
Information: 978-837-5355

Friday, April 20, 2012
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
 7:30 p.m.

The World Famous, Glenn Miller Orchestra, is the most popular and sought after big band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. The present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world. Trombonist Larry O’Brien is the orchestra’s present musical director. Join us at the Rogers Center as we welcome back the Glenn Miller Orchestra for what will be a great night of big band jazz!

Advance Tickets: $30.00
Advance College Employees, Students, Seniors: $25.00
All Tickets at the Door: $35.00
Student Rush: $5.00
Reservations and Information: 978-837-5355 or Order Online

Friday, April 27, 2012
Merrimack College Jazz Band
7:30 p.m.

Join the Merrimack College Jazz Ensemble for an unforgettable night of traditional and contemporary jazz tunes of all styles. This group of talented musicians, formed a little over eight years ago, continues to excite the Merrimack community. Come and enjoy an evening dedicated to the celebration of jazz that’s guaranteed to please all in attendance.

Information: 978-837-5355

Saturday, April 28, 2012
“Let’s Hang On”- A Tribute to 60’s icon Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
 7:30 p.m.

“Let’s Hang On!” pays tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and the sensational show “The Jersey Boys.”  Unlike other tribute acts, “Let’s Hang On!” is not just a band or group of singers, it’s a full-blown stage show and a true entertainment experience.  “Let’s Hang On!” combines four great looking guys and two beautiful girls who sing and dance their way through some of the best songs of all time.  All of this is backed up with a four-piece live band.  What you get is a 90 minute, high energy, great sounding production, sure to entertain every audience!

The guys cover all of the great Four Seasons hits complete with the shrill Frankie Valli vocals supported by superb harmonies!  You’ll hear: “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Sherry,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “C’mon Marianne,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “December of 1963,” “Who Loves You,” “My Eyes Adored You,” “Let’s Hang On,” “Working My Way Back To You,” “Stay,” “Beggin,” “Dawn,” “Rag Doll,” and “Big Man In Town.”

Advance Tickets: $30.00
Advance College Employees, Students, Seniors: $25.00
All Tickets at the Door: $35.00
Student Rush: $5.00
Reservations and Information: 978-837-5355 or Order Online

Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Film Series: “Night and Day”
Commentary: 6:30 p.m. Screening: 7:00 p.m.

A fictionalized biography of composer Cole Porter from his days at Yale in the 1910’s through the height of his success to the 1940’s. Directed by Michael Curtiz and staring Cary Grant, John Alvin and Alexis Smith.  1946. 128 minutes.

Free
Information: 978-837-5355

 

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Other Exciting Events!

Performed by various community organizations. Please note the telephone numbers for tickets and information vary for each performance.

 

Friday, February 10, 2012  7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 11, 2012  1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 12, 2012  3:00 p.m.
Acting Out! Theater Company Inc. present “Hairspray”

The place is Baltimore and it’s 1962. Hair is big and everyone wants to have a crack at being Miss Teenage Hairspray. Especially Tracy Turnblad, the heroine with a big heart, big hopes and an even bigger waist line! Welcome to Hairspray!
“Hairspray” is a joyous tribute to an era past; it’s an intelligent, warm, and joyous musical comedy of the type theater goers should never be without.  It’s a heart-warmer on two levels: pure entertainment married with a celebration of diversity.  Although Hairspray is colorful – both musically and visually – its plot also revolves around the theme of “color” in 1960s America and the fight for equality.  It’s a simple message of tolerance for others.   Hairspray is joyful, full of unforced enthusiasm, and imagines a world where no one is an outsider, no one is a square, and invites everyone in.  Acting Out! invites you to join us on our musical adventure…You Can’t Stop The Beat and….you won’t want to!! 

Reserved Seating: $20.00
Advance General Admission Tickets: $15.00
General Admission Tickets at the door: $18.00
Tickets available December 1, 2011
Reservations and Information: 978-208-9132
or www.actingout.biz or tickets@actingout.biz

 

Saturday, February 25, 2012
“Solitary Man” Neil Diamond Tribute Show
8:00pm
18+ Event
$15 per person
Tickets can be purchased by calling 978-683-4117
Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Benefit Concert for Charitable Endeavors of North Andover Police Association.

Sunday, March 4, 2012
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
2:30 p.m.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Overture to the Magic Flute

George Bizet
Symphony No. 1 in C Major

Emmanuel Chabrier
Espana

Edouard Lalo
Symphonic Espagnole for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 21
Zina Schiff, Violinist

Tickets: $20.00
Seniors and Students: $15.00
Reservations and Information: 978-685-3505

Thursday, March 15, 2012  8:00 p.m. -Ticket discount at the door for Merrimack College students with i.d. for this show-
Friday, March 16, 2012  8:00pm
Saturday, March 17, 2012  8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 18, 2012  2:00 p.m.

Colonial Chorus Players present “Urinetown The Musical”

One of the most uproariously funny musicals in recent years, “Urinetown” is a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love, and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he’s had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!

Tickets: $20.00
Students and Seniors: $17.00
Tickets available January 8, 2012
Reservations and Information: 781-944-9780 or www.colonialchorus.com

Saturday, March 24, 2012
New England Civic Ballet Company presents “The Enchanted Glen”
2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

“The Enchanted Glen,” a contemporary ballet, is a mystical, Celtic love story, with faeries, banshees, woodland creatures and the White Owl. It is a ballet that will stir your emotions and stimulate your imagination.

Come join Eilis, her friends Bri and Breen and the cast of the New England Civic Ballet as they celebrate the coming of Spring and the surprises that it brings forth. A delightful ballet for all ages…

Tickets: $25.00
Children and Seniors: $22.00
Group Rates Available
Tickets go on sale February 10, 2012
Reservations and Information: 978-975-0289
or www.newenglandcivicballet.org

Friday, April 13, 2012 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 14, 2012 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 15, 2012 2:00 p.m.
Pentucket Players present “Titanic”

100 years ago, on April 15, 1912, the unsinkable “Ship of Dreams”; the White Star’s luxury ocean liner, “RMS Titanic” sank with 1,517 souls on board. Eleven years ago, Pentucket Players was pleased to debut here at the beautiful Rogers Center for the Arts with the first community theatre production of this exciting new musical play.

We proudly celebrate the memory of those who lost their lives with this glittering new production!

Tickets: $20.00
Group Rates Available
Reservations and Information: 978-521-9259
or www.pentucketplayers.org

Sunday, April 29, 2012
The Andover Choral Society presents “A Mozart Gala – Music from the Cathedral”
3:00 p.m.

Allen Combs, Conductor

The Andover Choral Society will present a selection of Mozart’s festive works for the cathedral in Vienna. The program will include settings of the Mass and Vespers, along with a number of smaller-scale motets and anthems. Well-known Boston area soloists and a professional orchestra promise to make this a musical treat for all lovers of Mozart and choral singing.

Tickets: $20.00
Tickets available February 21, 2012
Reservations and Information: 978-688-6353
or www.andoverchoral.org

Sunday, May 6, 2012
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
2:30 p.m.

George Gershwin
Cuban Overture

Joaquin Rodrigo
Concierto de Aranjuez for Guitar and Orchestra
Aaron Larget-Caplan, Classical Guitarist

Antonin Dvorak
Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70

Tickets: $20.00
Seniors and Students: $15.00
Reservations and Information: 978-685-3505

Friday, May 11, 2012  7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 12, 2012  2:00p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 13, 2012  2:00 p.m.
Andover Community Theatre presents “42nd Street”

Come and meet those dancing feet at ACT’s production of the Tony Award winning 42nd Street.
Peggy Sawyer is a star-stuck chorus girl from a small town who gets her big break when the star of the show can’t go on. Can Peggy rise to the occasion and become a star herself? Come find out! 42nd Street is one of the biggest and most memorable Broadway musicals of all time.

Composer: Harry Warren
Lyricist: Al Dubin
Librettists: Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble

Reserve Circle Seating: $25.00
Adults: $20.00
Students and Seniors: $17.00
Reservations and Information: 978-276-9568
www.ACTandover.com or by emailing boxoffice@actandover.com