Tag Archives: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Susan at Clarice Smith, Feb 7-8

Susan at Clarice Smith, Feb 7-8

Ahamefule J. Oluo presents
Susan

February 7 & 8, 2020 . 8PM

Fri, Feb 7, 2020 . 8:00PM
Sat, Feb 8, 2020 . 8:00PM

Venue: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Dance Theatre, general admission.

After moving audiences at The Clarice in 2017, trumpeter, composer and comedian Ahamefule J. Oluo returns with “Susan,” a memoir delivered through wry comedic monologue and live, grand-scale big-band and jazz. This vulnerable theatrical work about his childhood tells the story of how his Midwestern mother was left to raise two bi-racial babies after the sudden departure of her husband, a Nigerian doctoral student. There’s obvious chemistry between Oluo’s singular voice and the grand creation of the music; at times, when the story is too painful for him, the ensemble carries the show. “Susan” is a category-defying reflection on how race, class, and appearance impact everyone—and how we play the hand that we’re dealt.

In 2002, after being selected as Town Hall Seattle’s first-ever artist-in-residence, Oluo realized he wanted to do something different. After years of performing and recording with prominent musicians like John Zorn, Hey Marseilles, Wayne Horvitz and Macklemore, Oluo knew he had his own story to tell—and the diverse set of skills to do it. During his time in residency, he began experimenting with blending big-band, jazz, standup and memoir to formulate a new musical and theatrical identity.

Tickets: Regular $30, Student/Youth $10. Click here.

Register now for the Junior Academy of Performing Arts, Feb 8-May 17

2020 Winter/Spring Junior Academy for the Performing Arts at Clarice Smith, Feb 8-May 19

M-NCPPC presents:
The Junior Academy for the Performing Arts
Winter/Spring 2019 Session
Saturdays 9am-1pm, February 8, 2020 to May 17, 2020

The Junior Academy of the Performing Arts (JAPA) introduces musical theater to students who have a talent and curiosity for the performing arts and strengthens their knowledge and skill level through the disciplines of singing, acting and dance.

Students will discover the very best of themselves and be encouraged to share their stories in their own unique way!

This year’s show is Oz!, a musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. The timeless “Wizard of Oz” tale has been adapted into a dazzling musical. A cyclone carries Dorothy and Toto to the magical Land of Oz. When Dorothy’s house squashes the Wicked Witch of the East, she is ecstatically thanked by the liberated Munchkins and given permission to wear the witch’s powerful silver slippers. From there, Baum’s lovable characters, rubber-legged Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Woodsman, join Dorothy on a journey to meet the great Oz. While on their trek, they battle the Wicked Witch of the West, who is determined to get revenge for the death of her sister. This bright musical is charged with a bundle of wonderful songs and thrill after thrill… like the escape from the Fighting Trees and encountering the enchanted poppies. Eventually, Glinda the Good Witch helps Dorothy defeat the evil witch and her winged monkeys. The great and powerful wizard grants Dorothy’s friends their wishes and of course, helps Dorothy return to Kansas.

Winter/Spring Session
Registration is now open! The program is open to young performers ages 8 to 15. Whether a seasoned performer or new to the stage, all levels are welcome to join our team of rising stars!

Intensive program fee: $500 residents/ $650 non-residents

To register click here and enter keyword “Junior Academy”.

Rehearsals for JAPA are on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm at the Prince George’s County Room, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (8270 Alumni Dr, College Park, MD 20742)

Performance Date: Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 11am and 3pm, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

For more information see: https://www.mncppc.org/2457/Junior-Academy-for-the-Performing-Arts

I AM WOMB and Champagne Party for Time Travelers at Clarice Smith, Jan 31-Feb 1

I AM WOMB and Champagne Party for Time Travelers at Clarice Smith, Jan 31-Feb 1

Second Season: “I AM WOMB” and “Champagne Party for Time Travelers”
January 31 – February 1, 2020

Fri, Jan 31, 2020 . 7:30PM
Sat, Feb 1, 2020 . 2:00PM
Sat, Feb 1, 2020 . 7:00PM

Venue: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Dance Theatre, general admission.

I AM WOMB
Choreographed by Gabriela Grant

Grant explores how colored female bodies are crafted and presented in the eyes of institutions. She examines their femininity and masculinity and how this contributes to their commodification. It also explores how this impacts women’s relationships between one another. The work fuses her movement from her African and urban movement training, as well as her modern dance training. One question Grant presents and invites the audience to think about is, “How can women reclaim the power in their femininity?”

Champagne Party for Time Travelers
Written and Choreographed by Sydney Lemelin and Hana Huie

This piece is based on the real party that famed physicist Stephen Hawking threw for time travelers, for which he sent invitations after the party ended. Lemelin and Huie combine theater and dance to explore the journey of believing in things that do not exist and pursuing what is important to us, however insignificant we may be in the universe.

Free, no tickets required. Click here.

Thais at Clarice Smith, Jan 30-Feb 1

Thais at Clarice Smith, Jan 30-Feb 1

Maryland Lyric Opera presents
Thaïs
by Jules Massanet

Thu, Jan 30, 2020 . 7:30PM
Sat, Feb 1, 2020 . 2:00PM

Venue: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Kay Theatre.

A new production of Massenet’s rarely produced Thaïs. Claudia Zahn directs this new production in collaboration with scenic and lighting designer Harry Feiner. Sarah Joy Miller, a rising American soprano who made her Metropolitan Opera debut last season, sings the iconic title role. Louis Otey co-stars as Athanaël, and MDLO Young Artist Institute alumni Joseph Michael Brent, Hunter Enoch, Caroline Hewitt, Sarah Joyce Cooper, and Hayan Kim round out the cast. Music Director Louis Salemno leads the MDLO Orchestra interpreting Massenet’s powerful score.

Tickets: $10 to $75. Click here.

Ballet Company M presents The Nutcracker at Clarice Smith, Dec 15

Ballet Company M presents The Nutcracker at Clarice Smith, Dec 15

Ballet Company M: The Nutcracker
Sunday, December 15, 2019 . 3PM

Venue: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Kay Theatre.

Ballet Company M is proud to present a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. With the help of her Nutcracker, the audience will travel with Clara from her mother’s holiday party, through a beautiful snow storm and into the magical Land of the Sweets.