Bowie Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 15200 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715
The Center is immediately adjacent to Bowie High School and shares a parking lot with the Public Library.
Phone: (301) 805-6880
Website: http://www.bowiecenter.org/index.html
The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts is jointly owned and operated by Prince George’s County Public Schools, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the City of Bowie and the Bowie Regional Arts Vision Association (BRAVA). There are a wide variety of performances including music, dance and theater. This site lists the theatrical performances.
Upcoming shows:
Born to Swing, The Jazz Musical at the Bowie CPA, May 13
Harris & Harris Productions presents:
Born to Swing, The Jazz Musical
by Adrienne Lillette Harris
featuring MzChele Harris
Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 6:30pm
Location: Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.
The musical BORN TO SWING tells the story of the 85-year career of renowned concert pianist, composer/arranger, entertainer and philanthropist Lillette Harris (later known as Lillette Jenkins). It also tells how she and her husband, Actor & Comedian Bud Harris, in 1945 were the first Blacks to own Lillette’s Rhythm Club, a Nightclub, Casino, and Hotel in Sparks-Reno Nevada during the racially charged Jim Crow era. While performing concerts around the world she also entertained the troops for four years in the USO during World War II. She later recorded five separate jazz and gospel albums that are still selling. Films, TV, Broadway and Off-Broadway shows as Musical Director are also part of her legendary career.
Lillette has shared the stage with music legends who were friends like Nat “King” Cole, who after recording the song “Lillette” dedicated it in her honor. Just to name a few she also shared the stage with greats like Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, and Duke Ellington who nicknamed her “Queen of the Keys.” BORN TO SWING is penned by her daughter, Publicist & Producer Adrienne Lillette Harris, as a love letter to her mother who died from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 96 in 2020. Adrienne remarks: “In spite of her diagnosis, my mother could play the piano for up to three days before she passed away.” Lillette spent her final years in Columbia, Md with her two daughters and family.
Song Stylist and Actress MzChele Harris is cast as Lillette’s alter ego in the play and narrates the story brilliantly through visuals, music and dance. She is accompanied by some of the best musicians and dancers that Maryland has to offer. Don’t miss this awesome tribute!
BORN TO SWING debuts Mother’s Day weekend Saturday, May 13th at 6:30 p.m., at the Bowie Performing Arts Center, where it will be taped for later broadcast.
Lillette’s Foundation for the Arts Inc. will be making a donation from the musical to the National Alzheimer’s Association in the name of Lillette.
Tickets: $45 – $65. Click here.
Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, Bowie Maryland, Born to Swing The Jazz Musical, Harris and Harris Productions, Adrienne Lillette Harris, MzChele Harris, Born to Swing
Butterfly, the Story of a Life Cycle at the Bowie CPA, May 16-17
Arts on Stage presents:
Butterfly, The Story of a Life Cycle
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 10:15am and 12:00 noon
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 10:15am and 12:00 noon
Location: Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.
NEW DATE: Back by Popular Demand!!! A wondrous view into the insect world seen on the big stage! We will follow Mari a Monarch Butterfly as she grows from her tiny egg then through her caterpillar state, next make the amazing metamorphosis in the chrysalis and finally on her incredible 1500 mile journey to Mexico. With all her insect companions she will learn about her symbiotic relationship with Milkweed, she depends on it for food a home and her unique form of defense against predators. This production uses GIANT puppetry! The audience feels like they have been shrunk down to insect size!
Tickets: $9. Click here.
Tags: Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, Bowie Maryland, Arts on Stage, Butterfly The Story of a Life Cycle, Puppets
Rotten Apple at the Bowie CPA, Sep 16-17
BLNK Entertainment Presents:
Rotten Apple
by Barry Battle
September 16 – 17, 2023
Saturday, September 16 at 7:00pm
Sunday, September 17 at 4:00pm
Location: Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.
A man tormented by failed dreams is unwittingly given an opportunity to relocate his family to The Big Apple. His struggle between passion and family draws thin when a Rotten Apple enters their lives. Blinded by selfishness, will the foundation of which he’s built his home withstand or implode?
Tickets: $75 – $90. Click here.
Tags: Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, Bowie Maryland, BLNK Enterntainment, Rotten Apple, Barry Battle
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