Carlsen Center Presents at Johnson County Community College launches another spectacular season in September of this year. As the venue enters its 30th season of presenting, it offers the community more variety, excitement and enrichment than ever before.
“There’s something for everyone,” General Manager Emily Behrmann said. “We have several big spectacle shows like Illusionist Rick Thomas and Cirque Mechanics. We also are the only venue in Kansas City to present the Tony® Award-winning ‘An American in Paris.’ And our musical artists are outstanding, with Harlem 100, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and Bobby McFerrin, just to name a few.”
FABULOUS FOOTWORK
Ballet Nepantla’s “Valentina” kicks off the season Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. in Yardley Hall. The troupe combines contemporary ballet with traditional Mexican folklórico to tell the story of women in revolutionary Mexico. Other dance events include:
- New Dance Partners “The Ultimate Collaboration” (8 p.m., Sept. 27 and 28) Commissioned by the Carlsen Center, this creative project highlights the collaborative genius of four nationally known choreographers and four local dance companies to create four world premieres.
- National Dance Company of Siberia (8 p.m.,
Nov. 2) Their breathtaking performance features stunning costumes, fabulous choreography and amazing acrobatic strength. - Alonzo King LINES Ballet “Figures of Speech”
(8 p.m., May 9, 2020) This San Francisco-based troupe will perform its iconic work, which explores the power of lost languages, set to artist/activist Bob Hollman’s collection of native peoples’ poetry and song.
SPECTACULAR SPECTACLES
Once again, during its 2019-20 season, Carlsen Center Presents will bring magnificent spectacles to its mainstage, Yardley Hall. “Back by huge demand,” Behrmann said, “Illusionist Rick Thomas will present an all-new show with the most intriguing, innovative and mind-blowing grand illusions ever on the Yardley Hall stage.” Get your tickets early for this 8 p.m. performance Oct. 19 — it’s sure to sell out!
Other shows coming to Yardley Hall include:
- Taj Express “The Bollywood Musical Revue” (8 p.m., Oct. 25) Celebrate India’s new pop music, Bollywood culture and deep traditions with an explosion of color and music written by A.R. Rahman, Oscar® winner for Best Score for “Slumdog Millionaire.”
- Cirque Mechanics “42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels” (8 p.m., Nov. 8) Spectacle Magazine describes this family-friendly show as “. . . the greatest contribution to the American circus since Cirque du Soleil.”
- Drum TAO (8 p.m., March 20 and 21, 2020) Audiences have two opportunities to see this high-energy performance where athletic bodies and contemporary costumes combine with explosive Japanese drumming, precise choreography and innovative visuals.
MUSICAL MAGIC
- Robert Randolph and the Family Band (8 p.m.,
Nov. 9) Named one of the “100 greatest guitarists of all time” by Rolling Stone, this artist will blend rock, funk, soul and jazz when he brings his pedal steel/jam band sound to Yardley Hall. - “Harlem 100: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance” (7 p.m., Nov. 10) Join the party and enjoy the music of Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Billie Holliday, Bessie Smith and many more.
- Bobby McFerrin and Gimme5 “circlesongs” (7 p.m., Feb. 9, 2020) McFerrin will cover it all in his sweeping, soulful concert, which also features the Gimme5 vocal ensemble.
ONE-OF-A-KIND PERFORMANCES
- Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood “The Scared Scriptless Tour” (8 p.m., Nov. 22) You laughed at their hijinks on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” but now these masters of improv bring their skills to Yardley Hall to create hilarious improvisations based on audience suggestions.
- “An American in Paris” (8 p.m., Feb. 15, and 2 p.m., Feb. 16, 2020) Audiences will have two chances to see this beautiful Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical that recreates the streets of mid-century Paris against the backdrop of a Gershwin score.
- “The Choir of Man” (8 p.m., Feb. 21, 2020) Described as the “runaway hit of international music festivals,” a high-spirited male cast sings everything from bar tunes to folk, Broadway to classic rock in this boisterous and joyful pub party.
- Danú “St. Patrick’s Celebration” (8 p.m., March 7, 2020) Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations a little early with a fun, musical journey to Ireland.
These are just a taste from the monumental new season of performances at Carlsen Center Presents. A complete list can be found at jccc.edu/1920season. Season tickets are on sale now, with discounted pricing for ticket packages.
CARLSEN CENTER BOX OFFICE
Hours: Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; one hour before curtain
Location: Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210
Ticket sales: In person, by phone at 913-469-4445 or online at jccc.edu/CarlsenCenter.
More information: Email CarlsenCenter@jccc.edu
–Susan Tolleson
