With their 91st season beginning in September there is little doubt that the beautiful movie palace that is known as The Temple Theatre, which was built in 1926 and thanks to a $7 million renovation back in 2002 by the family of Dr. Samuel Shaheen, today truly stands strong and proud as the premiere ‘Showplace of Northeastern Michigan’.
True to form, the 2018-19 programming season at The Temple stands equally unparalleled not only in terms of the breadth and quality of its appeal, but also in terms of its engagement with all strata of age and income groups within the Great Lakes Bay Region.
“We couldn’t be more excited about our upcoming 2018-2019 season at the Temple Theatre,” enthuses Director Stacey Gannon. “Our line-up has something for everyone and we have a series of very special programming for children and families.”
“As each season passes, we learn more about our audience and what they want to see, continues Gannon. “This year we’ve responded to many requests for more family programming and hope patrons take advantage by bringing their kids, grandkids, friends and neighbors to our beautiful facility.” “We’re kicking off the season with Capitol Steps, Art Garfunkel and the film Rudy, accompanied by a tailgate party and have featured a variety of programming to suit everybody’s taste.”
“We’re always working to find the right mix of producing our own events and finding promoters to lease the space and keep a solid balance between the two,” she continues. Last season we started our Saginaw Silver Screen Film Series that has been fantastic. We all know how expensive it can be to go to the movies and for only a $5.00 admission and $3.00 for popcorn and pop, people can enjoy some wonderful and affordable entertainment on Sunday afternoons at 1:30 pm in a unique setting with the Barton Organ entertainment.”
“I’m very excited about this year’s film series, as people can truly experience the magic and power of such memorable movies as The Birds, When Harry Met Sally, and The Way We Were, to name but a few; in the expansive and beautiful embrace of our fully restored venue.”
Gannon says the strongest selling shows are anything that has to do with dance, along with country music artists. “Many of our best-selling shows are not necessarily recognized names,” she notes. “Last season we did a show with the Tao Drum Heart that was an amazing success. I’ve never seen an act that got a standing ovation during the performance, along with two encores. These are world class artistic presentations that we’ve never really presented in Saginaw before; and these are the types of events we are striving to showcase in the upcoming year.”
Here is a line-up of the major events, films, and entertainers slated to broaden your world and lift for spirits for the first half of the 2018-19 season at the beautiful community treasure known as The Temple Theatre. For a full listing, please visit their website at www.templetheatre.org.
When the Capitol Steps hear of a scandal, they don’t think about whether it’s good or bad for the country. Instead, they ask themselves: Is it funny? And what rhymes with it? After enough news cycles, they’ve got a show full of topical, irreverent ditties, brought to life by costume changes, choreography, and a razor-sharp musical team. Their latest ode to political dysfunction, Orange Is The New Barack, takes an unsparing and hilarious look at all your favorite and most reviled figures, ripped straight from the headlines. RESERVED SEATING: $20, $25, $30, $45
Four Broadway performers join together to sing some of the best music of Broadway, while sharing personal stories from their individual journeys in an intimate, funny, and entertaining evening of music, laughter, and dreams. This extraordinary group of artists met while performing “PHANTOM: The Las Vegas Spectacular” and together formed their own highly-acclaimed spectacle that continues to thrill audiences everywhere. THE PHAT PACK opened in the fall of 2012 in Las Vegas to rave reviews and standing ovations. This event is part of a fundraiser for the Field Neuroscience Institute and features a reception and buffet before the performance. For reception and buffet tickets, contact FNI at (989) 497-3117. RESERVED SEATING: $20, $30, $40. SHOW, RECEPTION & BUFFET TICKETS: $125 (Call FNI to order)
Blessed with what the New York Times described as a “beautiful countertenor,” singer Art Garfunkel has made an indelible mark on the music world as both a solo artist and half of the unrivaled Simon & Garfunkel. He has also enjoyed a successful film career, published a book of poetry and released 12 solo albums, the most recent being Some Enchanted Evening in 2007. In late 2017 he released an autobiography, What Is It All But Luminous: Notes From An Underground Man (Alfred A. Knopf). RESERVED SEATING: $55, $65, $80
Victor Frankenstein is a Swiss scientist with a mission to create an artificial human. Without considering the consequences of such progress, he succeeds with terrifying results. After wandering the world alone, the monster eventually comes for Frankenstein’s family. Horrific events unfold until the doctor tentatively agrees to create a mate for the creature. Ultimately, the doctor refuses in an effort to spare humanity but bears the terrible and personal penalties of his decision. Two hundred years later, Frankenstein still poses a myriad of critical ethical questions. Aquila Theatre’s production of this timeless classic will be bold and thrilling — while paying homage to the original, frightening writing of Mary Shelley. RESERVED SEATING: $20, $25, $30, $40
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] is an irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays and was London’s longest-running comedy, having clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre. Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories, and tragedies in one wild and memorable ride. In the spirit of Shakespeare himself, this show contains some occasional bawdy language and mild innuendo. All children (and parents) are different, so they’ve rated their show PG-13 (Pretty Good if You’re 13). RESERVED SEATING: $20, $25, $30, $45
Highly talented ballerinas and danseurs dazzle you with effortless ease, as they glide across the mystically transformed stage. You’ll be in awe watching Russian performers whirl–lighter than air–as they tell this fantastical tale. The story centers on a young girl named Masha and her Christmas Eve celebration. It begins with a Christmas party where Masha is presented with the gift of a beautiful Nutcracker in the traditional shape of a soldier. Her brother is jealous of her gift and breaks the Nutcracker. Masha falls asleep and awakens to find the Nutcracker is not only repaired but has transformed into a handsome Nutcracker Prince who leads her on a wondrous journey. RESERVED SEATING: $25, $40, $55, $70
Founded by the daring duo of Riley Roam and Kenny Mikey, Page Turner Adventures combines story + circus + steampunk in “Super-Sized” productions that redefine the meaning of audience participation. Riley plays the intrepid Storyologist, Page Turner. Kenny, a former Ringling Clown, is her slapstick side-kick. Together, they transform children into Storyologists and send them on comic quests of controlled chaos that include magical airships, secret keys, ancient books and mysterious trunks. After the show, kids are inducted into the Storyologist Society, where they’re encouraged to create their own fearless feats of fact and fiction. RESERVED SEATING: $12
This is one of four performances in the PJ Series, which provides entertaining, educational, and affordable programs to families of all ages as part of the Temple Theatre’s regular season.
Imagine mind-blowing illusions combined with the hilarity of a headliner comedian. Mike Super has taken the performance of magic to new, mainstream levels that will reach out and literally touch you. Mike has turned the magic show on its side and dumped it out into the audience—YOU become Mike’s onstage assistant! As a Top Finalist on NBC’s #1 rated summer series America’s Got Talent and chosen to be on the season premiere episode of Penn & Teller’s Fool Us, Mike has emerged as magic’s newest celebrity, with a legion of fans numbering in the millions. RESERVED SEATING: $30, $40, $55
Show times are Wednesdays at 7:30 pm on the following dates: Sep 19, Nov 21, Jan 16, Mar 20
The always interactive, never predictable piano revue returns to the Temple. Select song favorites throughout the ages by sending requests to the two talented maestros. Watch as both pianists play off each other and engage you in whimsical, fun, unforgettable renditions of the songs you love.
This event takes place in the Leopard Lounge or Ballroom. Seating is 10 seats to a table, so bring some friends or make new ones! Reserved tables are located closer to the musicians, with general admission tables behind them. Light concessions and cash bar are available. GENERAL ADMISSION: $12 / RESERVED TABLE SEATING: $15
The Saginaw Silver Screen is a movie series featuring classic movies, insightful commentary, and interactive experiences, all on the Great Lakes Bay region’s grandest stage. Join us for Q&A with local film experts, movie-themed games and giveaways, trivia contests, and more! More details on specific events can be found on templetheatre.com as they are announced – check often for updates!
Films are on Sunday afternoons at 1:30 pm.* Tickets are always only $5, and soda & popcorn combos are just $3.
RUDY (1993) • Sept. 16 • Rated PG. Rudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame.
I, TONYA (2017) • Sept. 30. Rated R. Starring Saginaw native Paul Walter Hauser, Competitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises among the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the activity is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes.
HOCUS POCUS (1993) • Oct. 7. Rated PG-13. After three centuries, three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, and it is up to two teenagers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to their reign of terror once and for all.
THE BIRDS (1963) • Oct. 21 • Rated PG-13. An Alfred Hitchcock classic. A wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town in Bodega Bay that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people.
WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954) • Nov. 23 & 25. Not rated. A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont Inn of their former commanding general. Now a Temple tradition!
“While shows offer you the chance to laugh, cry, imagine and wonder, while witnessing a breadth of other cultures; our activity at the Temple goes beyond performances, concludes Gannon. “It takes a lot to keep this beautiful resource thriving, so it’s important to remind people that we also welcome hosting numerous events, from weddings to private parties, in one of our many beautiful spaces.”
“Also, with all the ticket resellers out there, it’s important to remind people to purchase their tickets directly from our box office or online at startickets.com. We intentionally keep our prices affordable and don’t want people paying more than necessary through an unauthorized source.”
“Finally, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we count on public participation, contributions and feedback to make us stronger. Public support is critical to our ability to provide world-class entertainment in the heart of Downtown Saginaw.”
“Please consider becoming a Friend of the Temple with one of our many membership offerings. And consider event tickets as a gift that is sure to please.”
The Temple Box Office is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. For Season and Individual ticket sales you can phone 989-754-7469 or visit www.templetheatre.com. If you purchase five tickets you can obtain one of equal or lesser value for free.
info@review-mag.com
989-780-4162
Aug 16, 2018
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