Brooklyn Center’s 2011/2012 Theater Series October 29, 2011

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College announces its 57th season of diverse, family friendly theater and musical theater performances, including the premiere U.S. tour of the National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China; the Tony Award-nominated play Say Goodnight Gracie; the Off-Broadway hit My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy, and three theater performances for children as part of Brooklyn Center’s Target FamilyFun series.

“It is an incredibly exciting time for the arts at Brooklyn College,” said Managing Director Lana Rogachevskaya. “With construction starting on the brand new Leonard and Claire Tow Performing Arts Center, the College’s profile as a destination for world-class arts will be heightened. We are delighted to be a part of this process and to share another exceptional season of internationally acclaimed performances with the many communities of Brooklyn.”

THEATER SERIES PRODUCTIONS

Direct from Beijing
National Acrobats of The People’s Republic of China
Ms. Zhang Hong and Mrs. Sun Lili, General and Artistic Directors
Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 1pm
Founded in 1950 as the first National Performing Arts Troupe established by the government of The People’s Republic of China, this ensemble of more than 40 gymnasts, contortionists, jugglers, and dancers combine centuries-old tradition with modern-day showmanship in their very first North American tour.
Tickets: $20

Alan Safier as George Burns in
Say Goodnight Gracie
Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 2pm
“You’ll be in heaven yourself, at least for an hour and a half.” – The New York Times. Spend a hilarious, heartwarming afternoon in the company of George Burns, the world’s favorite and funniest centenarian, in this life-affirming tribute to one of the greatest comedians of the 20th century. The performance will be followed by a Q & A with Mr. Safier and the playwright, Tony Award winner Rupert Holmes.
Tickets: $30

Steve Solomon in
My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy
Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 2pm
Twice the holidays! Twice the hollering! Twice the guilt! Join funnyman Steve Solomon as he brings to life a cast of more than 30 characters, inspired by his multiethnic upbringing in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. A master of dialects and comedy, Steve Solomon has headlined throughout the United States and Europe for more than twenty years. Written and performed by Mr. Solomon, this masterpiece of family dysfunction enjoyed an extended, sold-out Off-Broadway run and now comes to Brooklyn where it all began.
Tickets: $30

THEATER PERFORMANCES FOR CHILDREN

Clifford the Big Red Dog™ -- Live!
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 2pm
Embark on a whole new adventure with loveable Clifford, the big red dog with a heart of gold. Based on the classic children’s books by Norman Bridwell, this brand new musical is full of memorable songs and fun choreography celebrating the timeless values of sharing, respect, and cooperation. A Target FamilyFun event recommended for ages four and up.
Tickets: $10

John Steptoe’s
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale
Based on the Caldecott Award-winning book by John Steptoe
Adapted for the stage by Karen Abbott, music & lyrics by S-Ankh Rasa
Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 2pm
When a great African king desires a wife, only the most worthy maidens are invited to meet him, including Mufaro’s two daughters. Both are beautiful, but does either have the inner beauty of a potential queen? Told through African dance, drumming, narration and song, this family musical celebrates goodness, generosity, and kindness of heart. A Target FamilyFun event recommended for ages six and up.
Tickets: $7

Cinderella
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 2pm
American Family Theater’s award-winning production bursts with excitement, fantasy, and song as it tells the classic tale of a lowly servant girl whose one wish is to attend the royal ball. With the help of her friend Mortimer Mouse and a magical fairy godmother, her dreams come true and everyone lives happily ever after. A Target FamilyFun event recommended for ages four and up.
Tickets: $7

http://www.brooklyncenter.com