The Hipp-Stage Production Company of Peoples Bank Theatre is no longer producing the Marietta Summer Theatre Festival; Shakespeare by the River (2014-2018), and the Summer Musical (Oklahoma, Cabaret, Guys and Dolls). The Theatre Department of Marietta College has assumed the responsibility for providing the Marietta Community with Summer Theatre beginning in 2019.
The historic Peoples Bank Theatre announces its 2019 Summer-Fall Spotlight Series. This latest lineup of eight national touring artists comes just as the theatre celebrates its 100th Anniversary. From Grammy Award-winning musicians, to stand-up comedy and trapeze artists the Summer-Fall series continues the theatre’s century-long history of live entertainment.
This style guide for our 1919 Speakeasy Party on February 2 is a guest post from our friends at Teri Ann’s. The era of the roaring twenties personified women pushing boundaries through fashion and style. No longer were women willing to trade their mobility for the old stodgy customs of the Victorian era. Society was evolving and fashion changed along with it.
GRAMMY award winner Keb’ Mo’ opens 2018-19 season at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 16
Talented musicians and dancers will highlight the 38th season of the Esbenshade Series at Marietta College, which features four performances that are free and open to the public at the Peoples Bank Theatre starting on Sunday, Sept. 16.
Each of the four performers this season are unique from each other and are sure to appeal to a wide-ranging audience.
“The 2018-19 Esbenshade Series has an outstanding slate of programs and continues our tradition of bringing diverse and eclectic top-tier performers and musicians to Marietta College and the community,” said Tanya Wilder, Director of the Esbenshade Series. “Generous support from the Esbenshade family makes it possible to experience concerts and performances at the Peoples Bank Theatre that complement ongoing initiatives in the arts in our area. It’s an honor to work with everyone involved in the Esbenshade Series as we stage some of the country’s finest talent each year.”
All performances are free and open to the public. You can reserve up to four seats per performance about a month before the show. You can reserve them at peoplesbanktheatre.com or call the Peoples Bank Theatre Box Office at (740) 371-5152
The season opens with Keb’ Mo’, a four-time GRAMMY winner, at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 16.
Keb’ Mo’s career took off in 1994 with the self-titled release under his newly coined Keb’ Mo’ moniker, and over the years, he has proven that he is a musical force that defies typical genre labels.
Album after album, 14 in total, garnered him 11 GRAMMY nominations and a producer/engineer/artist GRAMMY Certificate for his track on the 2001 Country Album of the Year, Hank Williams Tribute – Timeless. One of his GRAMMY nominations was for the Country Song of the Year for “I Hope,” co-written with The Dixie Chicks, and three alone for his 2014 self-produced release, BLUESAmericana including Americana Album of the Year. Keb’ Mo’ has also been awarded 11 Blues Foundation Awards and six BMI Awards for his work in TV & Film.
Tickets may be reserved starting on Aug. 6.
Up next is ukulele superstar Jake Shimabukuro at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 11. Shimabukuro’s unique approach to the ukulele started early. As a youngster growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, Shimabukuro started playing the instrument at 4, learning the basics from his mother, Carol, and then developing his craft further by studying the likes of musical masters such as Eddie Kamae, Ohta-San and Peter Moon.
As he matured, Shimabukuro also found inspiration from guitar players, drummers, pianists, and singers. Even athletes helped fuel the intensity of his artistic fire. Shimabukuro’s records have topped the Billboard World Music Charts on numerous occasions, and as a live performer he has become one of the hottest tickets around. His new album, The Greatest Day, will be released on Aug. 31.
Tickets may be reserved starting on Oct. 1.
The final two performances of the Esbenshade season will take place in the spring semester, beginning with MOMIX: Opus Cactus at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 17.
After a 10-year rest period, Opus Cactus is back again with a new look, fresh energy, and fun surprises. MOMIX’s dancers take audiences on a dynamic journey where their bodies become towering cacti, slithering lizards and fire dancers as they bring the landscape of the American Southwest to life through the illusionistic style of Opus Cactus. Originally created as a 20-minute piece in 2001 for the Ballet Arizona, Opus Cactus was then brought back into the MOMIX retort and a full-evening work was created.
Tickets may be reserved starting on Jan. 7.
The final performance of the 2018-19 Esbenshade Series features Havana Cuba All-Stars at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 10.
The Havana Cuba All-Stars are some of Cuba’s greatest musicians. The All-Stars will be performing “Nights in Old Havana” with Banda “Asere” and Bailes de Salsa. With rhythms and melodies from the cha-cha to the rumba, from “Son Cubano” style to the salsa, the All-Stars will showcase a wide variety of Cuban beats.
The group is inspired by and dedicated to promoting the entire tapestry of Cuban music through a fresh, contemporary lens. With the greatest dancers and musicians of Cuba working in tandem, the American encore of the Havana Cuba All-Stars’ tour will be a spirited spectacle of song and dance, exemplifying Cuba’s greatest musical traditions.
Ticket reservations begin January 28.
These events have been funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income for the purpose of bringing lectures, performing artists or programs of diverse nature to the campus for public appearances. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H. Esbenshade, Sr. and Harry H. Esbenshade, Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. All events are free and open to the public.
During First Friday: Downtown Art Walk, on July 6 stop in between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and join us for the opening reception of our latest Auditorium Gallery exhibit by watercolor artist Karol Goldstein, featuring beloved sights and iconic landmarks from historic downtown Marietta.
In Karol’s words…“As a photographer paints a picture with a camera, I hopefully do so with my brushes. I love the freedom, freshness, and looseness of watercolor, along with pen and ink. Combine that with my appreciation for old architecture and also the beauty of nature, it gives me the perfect canvas on which to express myself and a wonderful creative outlet for me.”
Karol taught art in the public school system for 22 years. She has received continuous workshops from nationally renowned watercolor artists. Her work has been purchased not only for homes and offices, but also for commissions and can be viewed at Riverside Artists Gallery in Marietta where she is a member.
Karol is originally from Ohio, being born and raised in Cleveland. She is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art and fortunate enough to have three of her art works displayed at the Cleveland Museum of Art May Show. She met and married her husband in Cleveland and soon moved to Parkersburg, West Virginia, where they raised three wonderful children.
Peoples Bank Theatre is excited to welcome Missoula Children’s Theatre for a summer production of Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, July 28 at 3 p.m. and 5:30.
A young princess named Show White finds herself in peril when her step-mother, the Queen, is told by her Magic Mirror that the princess is fairer than she! Aided by her two Henchmen and a band of evil Bats, the Queen plots to get rid of Snow White. Snow White escapes from the Queen and from the Black Forest Creatures with help from Witless the Woodsman, and finds a home with the Seven Dwarfs. When the Queen learns of Snow White’s whereabouts, she attempts to poison Snow White. But, the Queen’s evil plans are thwarted when Snow White’s fearless Forest Friends, her father King Backwards, the Seven Dwarfs and the Prince come to her rescue. Experience the unique twist the Missoula Children’s Theatre puts on this classic fairy tale!
Auditions for Snow White will be Monday, July 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Students entering 1st grade through 12th grade are encouraged to audition. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show. (Please note: There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play.) Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15-30 minutes after the audition.
Due to time constraints, late-comers and anyone missing the initial audition may not be considered in the casting of the show.
Most students in the production will rehearse daily 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning must have a clear schedule for the entire week and if selected, be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the audition. Cast members scheduled for the full 4½ hours of rehearsal will be asked to bring a sack lunch or snack.
Performances will be Saturday, July 28 at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the stage of Peoples Bank Theatre. Tickets: Adults $12 / Children $8. Admission proceeds directly support this program.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. This coming year more than 65,000 cast members across the globe will take to the stage to the delight and applause of their families, friends, community, neighbors and teachers!
Participation is FREE. No preparation or prior experience is necessary for the audition. (But a smile never hurts!) For more info call Peoples Bank Theatre at 740-373-0894.
- Auditions: Mon., July 23, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Rehearsals: Tues. – Fri., 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Performance: Sat., July 29, 3:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
The Unni Boksasp Ensemble, a musical group from Norway, will visit Marietta as part of Arts Midwest World Fest. Unni Boksasp is a warm and imaginative singer who draws you easily into the heart of Norway. Over the years, Unni has delved into the deep traditions found across her homeland, studying music and dance with renowned singers and folk arts departments in Norway and beyond. Her fresh arrangements of folk songs and original compositions have earned wide acclaim: she was a Norwegian national champion of traditional singing in 2010 and 2011 and won a Norwegian Grammy Award and Norwegian Folk Music Award for her 2010 album, Karamell. The purity of Unni’s voice, her ability to connect with an audience, and the vitality and joy of the entire ensemble ensures you are in for a treat. The Unni Boksasp Ensemble will perform a public concert at Peoples Bank Theatre on Saturday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Peoples Bank Theatre is in the midst of a two-year partnership with Minneapolis-based Arts Midwest. During the partnership, four different international ensembles will visit Marietta, spending a week each. The first ensemble, Manhu, visited last fall. “The first ensemble visit went well and we’re eager to have another group in town for a week, “ says Executive Director Hunt Brawley. “The groups not only perform a public concert but most of the week they are in the schools and other community locations sharing their culture and music through workshops. It’s not often smaller communities like ours have the chance to host international ensembles like The Unni Boksasp Ensemble at all—let alone for a full week,” continues Brawley. “We’re fortunate. This is a rare opportunity for us to enjoy an authentic slice of Norwegian music and culture right here in the Mid-Ohio Valley.”
Arts Midwest, one of six U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, partners with program sponsors like The National Endowment for the Arts, The Hearst Foundations, 3M, and the Nordic Culture Fund to cover a substantial portion of the program cost so that communities throughout the Midwest can enjoy this rich arts experience. Peoples Bank Theatre in Marietta was selected as one of only nine Midwest venues to host the 2017–2019 Arts Midwest World Fest and is the only partner community chosen in Ohio.
“It’s a real honor to be part of this program,” says Brawley.
David Fraher, president & CEO of Arts Midwest notes, “Arts Midwest’s goal is to make meaningful and lasting impressions on the communities that host this program. We think week-long residencies can offer so much more than one-day visits. There are more opportunities to truly connect with each other whether through workshops in schools, concerts in the greater community, or through social gatherings. We want this to be a rich experience for the entire community.”
Arts Midwest World Fest presents international music ensembles in the nine-state region it serves with the goal of connecting small and mid-sized Midwestern communities to world cultures. Arts Midwest’s organization-wide mission is to “promote creativity, nurture cultural leadership, and engage people in meaningful arts experiences, bringing vitality to Midwest communities and enriching people’s lives.”
A program of Arts Midwest, the 2017–2019 Arts Midwest World Fest cycle is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, The Hearst Foundations, 3M, the Japan Foundation through the Performing Arts JAPAN program, the Kaufman Family Fund for Israeli Cultural Exchange, the Nordic Culture Fund, Music Norway, and the BNSF Railway Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Heritage Foundation Grants Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation for Manhu. Funding for Sofi & the Baladis is provided in part by contributions from the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest; Israel Lottery Council for Culture & Arts; and Music Port. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Arts Midwest is also generously supported by Illinois Arts Council Agency, Indiana Arts Commission, Iowa Arts Council, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Minnesota State Arts Board, North Dakota Council on the Arts, Ohio Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council, and Wisconsin Arts Board.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on March 9 at 10 a.m. and are available at the Peoples Bank Theatre box office, by calling 740-371-5152, and online.
Peoples Bank Theatre and the Marietta College Theatre Department are holding local auditions for the Marietta Summer Theatre Festival on Sunday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. Auditions will take place at Peoples Bank Theatre. This summer’s productions will be Guys and Dolls and Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, running June 21 through July 8.
Those auditioning for Guys and Dolls do not have to prepare any music in advance. Short songs from the show will be taught to the full group at the audition. Additional music details may be found online at https://dmtstudioprojects.weebly.com/guys–dolls—auditions.html
In addition, those auditioning should prepare an original one-minute monologue in the style of stand-up comedy and be prepared to participate in a short dance-workshop.
Those auditioning for Twelfth Night should prepare a one-minute comedic or romantic Shakespeare monologue.
All are eligible to audition for either one or both shows. All are eligible to audition for either one or both shows. As these are professional productions, compensation may be available depending on the amount of time cast members can dedicate during the rehearsal period, May 13 – June 21.
Please download, print, and complete the audition form, and bring it with you to your audition:
MS Word
PDF
Reposted from Marietta College
Marietta College and Peoples Bank Theatre team up once again to bring the entire community another exciting season of Esbenshade Series performances, which begin on Sunday, Sept. 17.
The 37th season is highlighted by three musical performances, as well as best-selling author J.D. Vance and the talented dancers of Ailey II.
“This year, as always, my commitment is to bring top-tier talent to the Mid-Ohio Valley via the Esbenshade Series,” said Tanya Wilder, Director of the Esbenshade Series. “The generous support from the Esbenshade family makes it possible for the College and community at large to experience concerts and performances at the Peoples Bank Theatre that complement ongoing initiatives in the arts in our area.”
All performances are free and open to the public. You cmay reserve up to four seats per performance about a month before the show. Tickets may reserved at peoplesbanktheatre.com or by calling the Peoples Bank Theatre Box Office at (740) 371-5152
The season opens with Rhiannon Giddens, a vocalist, violinist, banjo player and founding member of the Grammy-winning country, blues and old-time music band Carolina Chocolate Drops. She will perform at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Peoples Bank Theatre.
Rhiannon Giddens
The Greensboro, North Carolina, native is also a founding member of the super group New Basement Tapes, a studio collaboration celebrating the discovery of never-seen Bob Dylan lyrics from his 1967 recordings known as the Basement Tapes.
Tickets may be reserved starting on Aug. 14.
Up next is world-class cellist Sujari Britt at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 12, at Peoples Bank Theatre. Britt began her formal training at the age of 4, following her study on the violin and piano. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at the Manhattan School of Music.
Sujari Britt
Britt is the distinguished recipient of the 2016-17 and 2015-16 Hans & Klara Bauer Scholarship at Manhattan. In Spring 2016, Britt was featured in Canada’s Neapolitan Connection Concert Series.
Tickets may be reserved starting on Oct. 9.
The final three performances of the Esbenshade season will take place in the spring semester, beginning with Vance at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8, in the Alma McDonough Auditorium. This event is first-come, first-served and there are no reservations being taken.
Vance, who grew up in Middletown, Ohio, and the Appalachian town of Jackson, Kentucky, will be speaking about his New York Times’ bestseller, Hillbilly Elegy. It is a passionate and personal analysis of a culture in crisis — that of white working-class Americans.
He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and Yale Law School, and he has contributed to the National Review and the New York Times. Vance has also appeared on FOX News, CNN, MSNBC and CNBC.
The talented dancers of Ailey II, who are renowned for captivating audiences and translating their strength and agility into powerful performances, will be at the Peoples Bank Theatre at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 4.
Ailey II
Under the artistic direction of Troy Powell, this critically acclaimed company presents vibrant performances and innovative community programs across the U.S. and internationally.
Ticket reservations begin Jan. 29.
The final performance of the 2017-18 Esbenshade Series features The Romeros in Concert at 7 p.m., Sunday, April 15, at the Peoples Bank Theatre.
The Romeros
Known to millions as “The Royal Family of the Guitar,” The Romeros were founded by the legendary Celedonio Romero with his sons Celin, Pepe and Angel in 1958. With a 55-year plus history, The Romeros have built an enviable discography.
Ticket reservations begin March 12.
In part, these events have been funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income for the purpose of bringing lectures, performing artists or programs of diverse nature to the campus for public appearances. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H. Esbenshade, Sr. and Harry H. Esbenshade, Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. All events are free and open to the public.
2017-18 Esbenshade Series schedule:
Peoples Bank Theatre is excited to welcome Missoula Children’s Theatre for a summer production of Cinderella. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, July 29 at 3 p.m. and 5:30.
A pumpkin coach, Prince Charming, a glass slipper and a dream come true are woven together by the magic of a Fairy Godmother in this enchanting musical. When Cinderella’s stepsisters try to keep Cinderella from attending the ball, the Fairy Godmother enlists the help of the Mice and the Pumpkins and is able to transform Cinderella just in time for the big event. Also featured in the production are Cleo the Cat, Fido the Dog, the Lords and Ladies, the Town Criers, the King and the Beggars. Experience the unique twist the Missoula Children’s Theatre puts on this classic story.
Auditions for Cinderella will be Monday, July 24 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students entering 1st grade through 12th grade are encouraged to audition. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show. (Please note: There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play.) Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15-30 minutes after the audition.
Due to time constraints, late-comers and anyone missing the initial audition may not be considered in the casting of the show.
Most students in the production will rehearse daily 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning must have a clear schedule for the entire week and if selected, be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the audition. Cast members scheduled for the full 4½ hours of rehearsal will be asked to bring a sack lunch or snack.
Performances will be Saturday, July 29 at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the stage of Peoples Bank Theatre. Tickets: Adults $12 / Children $8. Admission proceeds directly support this program.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. This coming year more than 65,000 cast members across the globe will take to the stage to the delight and applause of their families, friends, community, neighbors and teachers!
Participation is FREE. No preparation or prior experience is necessary for the audition. (But a smile never hurts!) For more info call Peoples Bank Theatre at 740-373-0894.
- Auditions: Mon., July 24, 3 – 5 p.m.
- Rehearsals: Tues. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Performance: Sat., July 29, 3 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Opening for Dennis DeYoung: The Music Of STYX.
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The songs of John A. Walsh have been described as “intensely personal,” “he sang what I wanted to say…” and, “the lyrics read like a painting…” Walsh is also an accomplished guitarist and vocalist blessed with a sweeping tonal range. His special talent for lyrical depth coupled with an off-the-beaten-path style of chord progression and song structure renders unique, listenable and memorable songs.
Over the years, Walsh has written scores of songs and has performed both as a soloist and in a variety of bands all over the United States. John has had the opportunity to play on the same stage with notables such as Jason Isbell, Lucy Kaplansky, Tim O’Brien, Amanda Shires, Todd Burge and Larkin Poe. He has released nine albums (as a soloist, with The Fields of Gettysburg ensemble, and with George’s Attic and The Fossils).
In 2013, John released The Fields of Gettysburg to coincide with the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. John’s all original song cycle brought real historical characters to life, enabling the listener to get to know people of the day on a personal level. The record, co-produced by Parkersburg singer/songwriter, Todd Burge, brought together an impressive ensemble of musicians, including Mountain Stage’s Larry Groce and Michael Lipton, two-time Grammy winner Tim O’Brien, Jessica Baldwin, Colton Pack and Justin Arthur. Met with wide critical acclaim, The Fields of Gettysburg was featured on NPR’s Mountain Stage and is currently available at Tamarack and The Gettysburg National Park’s Museum Gift Store.
Guitarist Jeff George will be joining John for this evening’s performance. Jeff and John have been playing music together on and off for 40 years, starting with their very first garage band – Scenario – when they were at Marietta Junior High School (1977). Jeff is a virtuoso lead guitarist who has played with countless bands and appears on numerous recordings (including records by 11/11, George’s Attic, The Fossils, and John A. Walsh). Jeff also composes original music; in fact, he and Walsh have co-written many songs over their years performing together.
For more information on John and his music, please visit www.johnawalsh.com