Performing Arts, Music and Theatre
Best Suited for Grades: 1-5
Curriculum: Language Arts, Creativity, Character
Study Guide: Click Here!
ASL/AD: February 12, 2024 at 10am
A New Musical is an exciting new musical based on the Creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds - The Dot, Ish and Sky Color. Adapted by Composers Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond, the musical, like the series, celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected.
When Marisol (Sky Color), a young artist and curator of the Musee de Marisol, decides that her gallery requires more than her own art, her search for emerging talent leads her to Vashti (The Dot), whose dots inspire Ramon (Ish) to become an artist in his own right.
The musical follows Marisol’s journey to help her new friends, and her entire community, break free from self-criticism and learn to let their imaginations soar.
Written by Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond
Based on the Books The Dot, Ish & Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds
Directed by Jesca Prudencio
Music Direction by Yan Li
ASL and AD will be available to all patrons at the 10am performance on February 12, 2024
For more than 25 years, Kevin Burt has been electrifying audiences throughout the Midwest dispelling the myth that true blues has no root in Iowa. His soul-inspired presentation is unique, which consistently gets him compared to a range of artists like Bill Withers and Aaron Neville, with the ability to build an audience rapport that has been compared to B.B King.
Kevin is a self-taught musician (vocals, harmonica, and guitar) whose smooth, warm vocal presentations sets a mood of relaxed exhilaration, with a welcome mixture of serious music and infectious humor, audiences of all ages seem to enjoy. His voice and presence are powerful. His unique delivery ranges from the sweetest, fullest, juiciest com-on to the most playful growl. Though he performs between 325 and 400 shows a year, he holds nothing back night after night and the audience leaves knowing that. Kevin has had some stage acting experience in his short career. His role as “Papa Gee” in an off Broadway play called “Klub Ka, the Blues Legend” had a two week run at LaMama’s Experimental Theater in New York City was sold out each night. It ran originally in Iowa City, and then in Washington D.C.. Burt also arranged all of the blues music for this play.
Kevin has also had roles in several other plays at the University of Iowa. Playing “Old Timer” in “Waking Niccodemus”. Also playing the role of “Whining Boy” in the acclaimed play by August Wilson, “The Piano Lesson”.
Kevin also composed the musical soundtrack, and landed a lead role in a short silent film called “The Guru’s Game”. He also landed a part as himself performing in the independent fil “Twelve-thirty”.
Kevin Burt has won many awards and played many festivals both solo and with his band, the Instigators. His awards include Best Entertainer in Iowa City (three times) Best Band in Iowa City (three times) Iowa Blues Challenge Champions, Named as one of the top 25 unsigned blues bands in the world by the International Blues Challenge Competition.
Kevin is also recognized as one of the Midwest top blues heritage educators. This honor was given to him by the Governor of Iowa, Chet Culver in February of 2009. Kevin is a registered artist, and artist educator with the state of Iowa Arts Council. He has also written and published a classroom harmonic method book called “Just Play It: an introduction to blues harmonica.” His approach is simple, education through entertainment. His program has been going strong since 1994. Burt plans to continue his work as well as his community work with Children and the arts.
This show is desginated as accessible. American Sign Language interpretation will be offered.
Celebrating over 20 years of music making, the twice Grammy nominated Imani Winds has led both a revolution and the evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations and outreach endeavors that have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The ensemble’s playlist embraces traditional chamber music repertoire, and as a 21st century group, Imani Winds is devoutly committed to expanding the wind quintet repertoire by commissioning music from new voices that reflect historical events and the times in which we currently live.
Present and future season performances include a Jessie Montgomery composition inspired by her great-grandfather’s migration from the American south to the north; and, socially conscious music by Any Akiho designed to be performed both on the concert stage and in front of immigrant detention centers throughout the country.
Imani Winds regularly performs in prominent international concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Walt Disney Hall and the Kimmel Center. Their touring schedule has taken them throughout the Asian continent, Brazil, Australia, England, New Zealand and across Europe.
Their national and international presence includes performances at chamber music series in Boston, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Philadelphia and Houston. Festival performances include Chamber Music Northwest, Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Ravinia Festival, Chautauqua, Banff Centre and Music from Angel Fire.
Imani Winds’ travels through the jazz world are highlighted by their association with saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter, woodwind artist and composer Paquito D’Rivera and pianist and composer Jason Moran. Their ambitious project, “Josephine Baker: A Life of Le Jazz Hot!” featured chanteuse René Marie in a performance that brought the house down in New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Los Angeles and St. Louis.
Imani Winds’ commitment to education runs deep. The group participates in residencies throughout the U.S., giving performances and master classes to thousands of students each year. Academic and institutional residencies include the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Duke University, University of Chicago, Curtis Institute of Music, University of Michigan, Da Camera of Houston and numerous others across the country.
The ensemble launched its annual Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival in 2010, bringing together young instrumentalists and composers from across North America and abroad for expiration and performance of the standard repertoire and newly composed chamber music. Festival participants also take part in workshops devoted to entrepreneurial and outreach opportunities, with the goal of creating the complete musician and global citizen.
Welcome to Westerburg High, where Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody but it is murder being a somebody... Based on the 1998 cult hit that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.
Content Warning: This production deals frankly with issues including self-harm, suicide, bullying and mental health. It may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Welcome to Westerburg High, where Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody but it is murder being a somebody... Based on the 1998 cult hit that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.
Content Warning: This production deals frankly with issues including self-harm, suicide, bullying and mental health. It may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Welcome to Westerburg High, where Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody but it is murder being a somebody... Based on the 1998 cult hit that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.
Content Warning: This production deals frankly with issues including self-harm, suicide, bullying and mental health. It may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Welcome to Westerburg High, where Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody but it is murder being a somebody... Based on the 1998 cult hit that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.
Content Warning: This production deals frankly with issues including self-harm, suicide, bullying and mental health. It may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Join us as we reveal some of the most notable spaces and spectacular talent in the Cedar Valley. Experience live music illuminated by candlelight during these intimate, one of a kind experiences that showcase local artists from a variety of genres.
Tickets will be available for purchase approximately one month before each event. Check the website and social media for additional information.
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Brown Derby Ballroom
618 Sycamore, Waterloo
Appalachian Spring Meets OK Factor
Welcome to Westerburg High, where Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody but it is murder being a somebody... Based on the 1998 cult hit that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.
Content Warning: This production deals frankly with issues including self-harm, suicide, bullying and mental health. It may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Welcome to Westerburg High, where Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody but it is murder being a somebody... Based on the 1998 cult hit that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.
Content Warning: This production deals frankly with issues including self-harm, suicide, bullying and mental health. It may not be suitable for younger audiences.
The people of embattled Ukraine have a proud cultural and musical tradition. The current conflict has made public performance and gatherings throughout Ukraine almost impossible. The Kyiv Virtuosi have been chosen to share Ukraine’s spirit and culture with audiences around the world. Join us for an evening of Ukraine’s remarkable music and culture and celebrate these incredible performers.
Best Suited for Grades: PK-5
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Science, Arts, Character
Study Guide: Access the complimentary teacher's guide HERE.
This beautiful warming winter's tale brings the story of a bother of a boy, a mithered mother and a grand old brass band of a grandad. All set in the village of knitters with fingers flicking, needles clicking and where every new jumper tells a tale!
Inspired by the famous Aesop fable the wonderful play has a gifted ensemble of actor musicians who play the endearing characters, the hilarious sheep and perhaps a scary wolf or two!
Best Suited for Grades: PK-5
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Science, Arts, Character
Study Guide: Access the complimentary teacher's guide HERE.
This beautiful warming winter's tale brings the story of a bother of a boy, a mithered mother and a grand old brass band of a grandad. All set in the village of knitters with fingers flicking, needles clicking and where every new jumper tells a tale!
Inspired by the famous Aesop fable the wonderful play has a gifted ensemble of actor musicians who play the endearing characters, the hilarious sheep and perhaps a scary wolf or two!
We Will Rock You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We are the Champions and the legendary Bohemian Rhapsody, are songs that just scratch the surface of Queen’s legacy. There was only one Freddie Mercury. His unique vocals have made it near impossible to perform his music as he did. Finally, we are able to present Marc Martel and One Vision of Queen performing Freddie’s music as it should be. Legendary Queen drummer Roger Taylor remarked to the Daily Record: “That voice. You listen, close your eyes and you think it’s Freddie. It’s really uncanny.” You may have already heard Marc as he performed vocals on the Bohemian Rhapsody, the recent Queen/Freddie Mercury biopic.
Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic and whimsy, MOMIX sends audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, Alice, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland. “I don’t intend to retell the whole Alice story” Pendleton says, “but to use it as a starting point for invention.”
Join this dazzling company on a mind-bending adventure, as Alice encounters time-honored characters including the undulating Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts and a variety of other surprises. Filled with visual splendor and startling creative movement, Alice reveals that nothing in MOMIX’s world is as it seems!
Best Suited for Grades: 3-12
Curriculum: Language Arts, Character, Art, Social Studies
Study Guide: Access the complimentary teacher's guide HERE.
Soonie’s great-grandma was just seven years old when she was sold to a big plantation without her ma and pa, with only some fabric and needles to call her own. She began to stitch a Show Way, a quilt with secret meanings to show enslaved people the way to freedom. As each generation passes, the Show Way shines a light on the past and paves a road to the future, stitching together possibility and promise.
Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour Presents Show Way The Musical
By Jacqueline Woodson
Adapted from her book Show Way, illustrated by Hudson Talbott
Music and Lyrics by Tyrone L. Robinson
Choreographed by Tiffany Quinn
Music Directed by Tiffany Underwood Holmes
Original Direction by Schele Williams
Best Suited for Grades: 3-12
Curriculum: Language Arts, Character, Art, Social Studies
Study Guide: Access the complimentary teacher's guide HERE.
Soonie’s great-grandma was just seven years old when she was sold to a big plantation without her ma and pa, with only some fabric and needles to call her own. She began to stitch a Show Way, a quilt with secret meanings to show enslaved people the way to freedom. As each generation passes, the Show Way shines a light on the past and paves a road to the future, stitching together possibility and promise.
Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour Presents Show Way The Musical
By Jacqueline Woodson
Adapted from her book Show Way, illustrated by Hudson Talbott
Music and Lyrics by Tyrone L. Robinson
Choreographed by Tiffany Quinn
Music Directed by Tiffany Underwood Holmes
Original Direction by Schele Williams
Join us as we welcome Katie and the Honky Tonks Unplugged for our third Candlelight Concert - events that reveal some of the most notable spaces and spectacular talent in the Cedar Valley.
Experience live music illuminated by candlelight during these intimate, one of a kind experiences that showcase local artists from a variety of genres.
Tickets will be available for purchase on March 16, 2024. Check the website and social media for additional information.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Three Pines Farm
9611 Wagner Road
Cedar Falls
In a small seaside village where men build boats and women do not, young Suzette knows she is different – she longs for the sea and believes she is meant for something greater than a life on land. So when a mysterious event occurs, Suzette is forced to do that most difficult thing – prove herself worthy of her destiny.
In October of 1998, Matthew Shepard, a young, gay student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped, severely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in a lonely field under a blanket of stars. His death sparked a world wide and ongoing conversation about the costs of hate and the importance of acceptance. This three-part fusion oratorio speaks with a fresh and bold voice, incorporating a variety of musical styles seamlessly woven into a unified whole. A collaborative project with UNI School of Music.
This show is designated as accessible.
American Sign Language interpretation will be offered.