Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College doubles season offerings for 2015-16

New opportunities for families, expanded speaker series and behind-the-scenes learning offer something for everyone

 

Oscar nominees. Broadway’s brightest. Best-selling authors. Deep-sea explorers. Kermit the Frog. Diverse interpretations of excellence are the name of the game this season at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College. Ticket packages and passes are now on sale for the theatre’s fourth season, presenting the best in music, dance, theatre, comedy, film and more.

“Community response and participation in our first few years has been fantastic,” says Harbison Theatre’s executive director, Katie Fox. “Audience input and interest encouraged us to expand our offerings this season. In 2015-2016, we’ll offer an expanded speaker series that will challenge us to think big; more family offerings, so that multiple generations can enjoy the theatre together; and the exciting National Theatre Live screen series that will offer Midlands audiences access to Broadway-caliber (and often Broadway-bound) theatre starring some of the biggest names in the business.”

The college’s full season includes 25 events including three Behind the Scenes learning opportunities. Packages and passes are on sale now at the box office, 803.407.5011 and at HarbisonTheatre.org. (Packages and pass details below.)

Show Details:
Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College 2015-16 Season

Caroline Rhea
Friday, October 2, 2015, 7:30 p.m. | $25
Star of the hit television show “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” veteran comedian Caroline Rhea brings pure magic to the standup mic. Rhea, who energetically jokes about blind dating after 30 and her elder parents’ technological challenges, has also starred in several Comedy Central specials, Disney’s “Phineas and Ferb” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.” Host of “The Biggest Loser” and “The Caroline Rhea Show,” this seasoned performer reminds us to laugh at ourselves, kindly pointing out the funniest, most ridiculous things about everyday life. Recommended for teens and older.

The Magical Music of Harry Potter
Sunday, October 11, 2015, 3:30 p.m. | $22
Meet us at platform 9 ¾ to hop on the Hogwarts Express with “conductor” Morihiko Nakahara and the enchanting musicians of the S.C. Philharmonic. Follow John Williams’ score through the epic series of Harry Potter films as Morihiko’s wand introduces us to the instruments of the orchestra and the beloved magical characters – from Hermione to Hedwig – to whom the instruments give voice. We encourage you to don your house colors and school robes for a show of good magic, but no owls or rats, please! Sponsored by Rice Music and Capital City Lake Murray Country.

National Theatre Live: Of Mice and Men
Thursday, October 15, 2015, 7:00 pm | $15
James Franco (Spider-Man, 127 Hours) and Chris O’Dowd (HBO’s “Girls,” Bridesmaids) star in this landmark revival of Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck’s powerful portrait of the American spirit and heartbreaking testament to the bonds of friendship.

The Great American Songbook
Sunday, October 18, 2015, 3:30 p.m. | $29
“Happy Days Are Here Again” when the S.C. Philharmonic takes audiences “Over the Rainbow” in this concert based on songwriter and critic Alec Wilder’s compilation of America’s most influential songs of the 20th century, from “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Dancing in the Dark” to “Swinging on a Star” and “Makin’ Whoopee.” Say “Bye Bye Blackbird” to “Blues in the Night,” and relish the songs that never go out of style.

Committed
Friday, October 23, 2015, 7:30 p.m. | $20
Season two champions of NBC’s hit reality show “The Sing Off,” this five-man gospel and pop sensation is considered one of the top ten a capella groups in the nation. They have appeared on NBC’s “The Today Show,” at the NAACP Image Awards and at the Dove Awards, and their self-titled EP was released on Epic Records in Fall 2014. Performing together since childhood, the group’s chill-inducing vocals blend flawlessly on originals and covers alike.

Fabien Cousteau: One Ocean, One People
Tuesday, November 10, 2015, 7:30 p.m. | $18
Grandson of world-famous deep ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, Fabien Cousteau lived for 31 days in an underwater laboratory, setting a world record while swimming amongst sharks and saving endangered sea turtles.

Cousteau will recount his adventures, which include numerous expeditions for National Geographic, his PBS series and more. Families will leave wide-eyed and inspired to protect and love our oceans, thanks to this global adventurer with saltwater and passion flowing through his veins.

National Theatre Live: Hamlet
Thursday, November 12, 2015, 6 p.m. | $15
Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the title role in Shakespeare’s great tragedy of war, vengeance, politics and doomed romance. Recommended for teens and older.

MOMIX Botanica
Sunday, November 15, 2015, 3:30 p.m. | $29
Feast your eyes on the vibrant cycle of the seasons with this lush, illusionist masterpiece by internationally acclaimed contemporary dance company MOMIX. Led by the co-founder of modern dance company Pilobolus – which thrilled our audiences in 2012 – MOMIX presents dance at its most organic and innovative with fantastical costumes, projections, custom-made props and puppetry, bringing nature straight to the edge of the stage.

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Saturday, November 21, 2015, 7:30 p.m. | $29
Proving that everything new can be old again, jazz pianist Scott Bradlee and his band Postmodern Jukebox have become a viral YouTube sensation by crafting 21st century pop hits into croony, vintage-fueled renditions straight from the early 20th century. Coolio’s hip-hop classic “Gangsta’s Paradise” takes on the patina of an old-Hollywood speakeasy; Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop” becomes a squeaky-clean ’50s doo wop tune; and Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” is weaved into an Irish folk anthem. Young and old will enjoy this vintage-gone-viral concert.

National Theatre Live: Frankenstein
Thursday, October 29, 2015, 7:00 p.m. | $15
Celebrity actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller star in this thrilling gothic tale, directed by none other than Academy Award® winner Danny Boyle.

Holiday Pops
Sunday, December 13, 2015, 3:30 p.m. | $29
Welcome the holiday season with the fourth annual Holiday Pops concert with the S.C. Philharmonic. Featuring classic, festive carols and contemporary holiday anthems, this family-friendly show will leave audience members with smiles on their faces and seasonal cheer in their hearts.

National Theatre Live: Treasure Island
Sunday, January 17, 2016, 2 p.m. | $15
It’s a dark, stormy night. Jim, the inn-keeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger with a huge sea-chest full of secrets, and her dangerous voyage begins. Adapted from the classic by Robert Louis Stevenson, multiple generations can enjoy this show together over the three-day weekend.

Strings and Salsa
Friday, January 22, 2016, 7:30 p.m. | $20
Blending live salsa dancing with traditional Cuban music, orchestral string arrangements and Latino-pop variations on Pharrell Williams and Stevie Wonder hits, this interactive, energetic performance will have everyone dancing in the aisles! Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College is proud to bring the Charleston-based Strings and Salsa to the Midlands in an effort to help support and sustain the careers of South Carolina-based, professional artists.

Wiesenthal
Saturday, January 30, 2016, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | $22
Step into the office of the world’s most respected Nazi hunter as he recounts the engrossing story of his life’s work. Fresh from off-Broadway and now touring the globe, this one-man drama lets the audience connect intimately with the true story of Simon Wiesenthal, who devoted his life to bringing more than 1000 Nazi war criminals to justice. In a performance the New York Times calls “Moving. Powerful. Beautiful,” playwright and actor Tom Dugan honors the man behind the legend with poignancy, humor and nobility. Recommended for pre-teens and older.

Glennon Doyle Melton
Thursday, February 04, 2016, 7:30 p.m. | $26
The voice behind wildly popular blog Momastery.com and author of New York Times bestselling book Carry on, Warrior, Glennon Doyle Melton is a self-proclaimed “Recovering Everything” who will share the beauty and brutality of her daily road to recovery in a candid conversation with HT@MTC Executive Director Katie Fox. From her spiritual and motivational workshops to keynotes at TEDx and the Microsoft Corporation U.S. Public Sector summit, this award-winning writer and inspiring family woman motivates her audiences to live with more courage, confidence and intention. Recommended for teens and older.

Valentine’s Cinema: Roman Holiday
Saturday, February 13, 2016, 7:00 p.m. | $17
A high-spirited princess plays hooky from her royal duties in beautiful Rome – unwittingly inviting an undercover reporter along for the ride – in the Oscar-winning film Roman Holiday. Stars Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, who won an Academy Award for her performance in this romantic comedy, will charm fans new and old. Join us for our fourth-annual Valentine’s Cinema event, complete with fun souvenir portraits, sweets and bubbly in the lobby before the film!

Sing Along with The Muppet Movie
Sunday, February 21, 2016, 3:30 p.m. | $15
“All Together Now!” Sing along with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and friends at Heather Henson’s interactive film experience featuring the original Muppet Movie. Kids of all ages (grownups, too!) will laugh, dance and sing along as America’s favorite furry creatures come to life on our state-of-the-art screen and sound system, enhanced by interactive playtime with live actors, singers and puppeteers on stage, plus beepers, squeakers, streamers, balloons and more in each sing-a-long goodie pack!

HT@MTC Performance Incubator presents: Ruins
Saturday, February 27, 2016, 7:30 p.m. | $22
From Mayan fortification to Egyptian mummification, ancient ruins serve as a tangible reminder that others came before us. In an age saturated with images, videos and tweets, how will we imbue meaning in what we leave behind? International award-winning, locally based choreographer and performer Terrance Henderson offers Ruins, a live contemporary dance work depicting the journey to physically and spiritually shape our own legacy, as individual contributors and as a human community. This original production was developed as a part of the HT@MTC Performance Incubator, which supports the creation of new work and sustainable careers for Midlands-based professional performing artists.

Broadway Back Together
Saturday, March 05, 2016, 7:30 p.m. | $28
See four of Broadway’s brightest stars shine in Broadway Back Together, a collaborative performance starring Tony-nominee Adam Pascal of Rent (original Broadway cast and feature film), Aida and Chicago; Mandy Gonzalez of Wicked, Aida, In The Heights and the film Across the Universe; Marcus Paul James of Motown the Musical, In The Heights and Rent; and two-time Tony-nominee Robin de Jesús of La Cage Aux Folles, Wicked, In The Heights and the feature film Camp. Hear exclusive behind-the-curtain stories and anecdotes from New York City’s biggest stages as well as all of the hit songs from Broadway’s most popular shows in this one-of-a-kind, intimate performance.

Cherish the Ladies
Thursday, March 10, 2016, 7:30 p.m. | $24
This award-winning folk band has been blending instrumentals, vocals and Irish stage dancing with entertaining stories of their Irish-American up-bringing since 1985, sparking critical acclaim from the New York Times, Boston Globe, Washington Post and even earning a Grammy nomination. With 15 albums and their own PBS special, “An Irish Homecoming,” Cherish the Ladies has toured internationally and performed everywhere from the Olympics to the White House.

Negin Farsad: Fighting Islamophobia, Bigotry, and What Have You with Comedy
Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 7:30 p.m. | $18
Star of her own brand of “social justice comedy,” Negin Farsad is not afraid to ask the tough questions – or to make her audience laugh just as hard as they’re thinking. An Iranian-American Muslim comedian who tackles prejudice head-on and hilariously, this TED Senior Fellow is also a fearless filmmaker and actor who has written for MTV, PBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and more. In this engaging talk, Farsad will explore how she approaches race, religion and culture through comedy – and how we can chuckle our way to common ground. Recommended for teens and older.

Sci-Fi in Hi-Fi
Saturday, April 23, 2016, 3:30 p.m. | $29
Symphony fans will embark on an epic space odyssey through universally loved science fiction and fantasy film scores, from Star Wars to 2001. While thematic attire is not required for this journey to “a galaxy far, far away,” those who beam up and dress for a fantastic voyage will certainly live long and prosper.

 

Packages and Passes:
Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College 2015-16 Season

The Flex Pass
Purchase tickets to four or more shows and receive a 10% discount on each ticket! The pass can be split among any or all shows, and purchasers can choose different seats at every show. Online purchasers will be granted the “best available” seat, but we recommend that you call the box office at 803.407.5011 and let our box office staff help you with your Flex Pass purchase. Please note that shows in the National Theatre Live series may not be included in your Flex Pass.

Pops Package
Back for a new season, the South Carolina Philharmonic delivers three shows for just $87; Pops Package purchasers grab the same seats for every show! This season’s Pop Series is sponsored by Capital City Lake Murray Country.

National Theatre Live Package
New to Harbison Theatre, National Theatre Live (NTL) provides audiences with access to some of the best theatrical performances in the world, via a multi-camera live performance recording of productions at London’s Royal National Theatre. Purchase a package of all four shows and save 10%. In the event that more shows are added this season, your discount will extend to your future NTL purchases.

HT Behind the Scenes
This fun opportunity to explore various art forms is a great way to learn and make new friends. Join us for all three sessions and save $15!

Theatre
September 14 | 1 pm – 3:30 pm
Host: Harbison Theatre Staff
From opening the script to the final curtain call, who and what does it take to bring a play to life? Harbison Theatre staff will offer a crash course in play production, with a chance to try your hand at a few choice roles! Appropriate for all levels of experience.

Music
October 8 | 1 pm – 3:30 pm
Host: Jarrod Haning, principal violinist with the S.C. Philharmonic
How do tremendously complex pieces of symphonic music come together? Piece by piece, step by step, infused with inspiration. Jarrod Haning will walk us through the tools and tricks of symphonic composition with hands-on demonstrations, funny anecdotes and a preview of what we’ll enjoy this season at the Pops performances at the theatre. Appropriate for all levels of experience.

Dance
November 4 | 1 pm – 3:30 pm
Host: Terrance Henderson, choreographer, performer, and featured artist in this year’s HT@MTC Performance Incubator
How do dancers make it look so natural? Balance, strength, fluidity, storytelling – how does the choreographer combine them all to move an audience? Terrance Henderson will walk, skip, and twirl us through the basics of dance and choreography, just in time to enjoy this season’s performances of MOMIX Botanica and the HT@MTC Performance Incubator presents: Ruins. The workshop is appropriate for all levels of experience, ability, and mobility.

 

 

About Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College
Rooted in the performing arts, Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College offers programs and productions that encourage reflection, examination and discovery; and that provide entertainment, education and opportunity to professionals, learners and community members in all stages of life. To learn about upcoming events, purchase tickets, or pursue sponsorship and volunteer opportunities with Harbison Theatre, please visit harbisontheatre.org.

Harbison Theatre on Facebook: facebook.com/HarbisonTheatre
Harbison Theatre on Twitter: twitter.com/HarbisonTheatre

About Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College (MTC) is a comprehensive, multi-campus, public, two-year college serving Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties of South Carolina. The fifth-largest provider of higher education in South Carolina and the largest provider of transfer students to four-year colleges and universities in the state, MTC enrolls approximately 18,000 credit students annually. The college’s Corporate and Continuing Education program, one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Southeast, annually has 30,000 enrollments and provides continuing education to hundreds of area businesses each year. midlandstech.edu