January/Mid-February 2023 Magazine

CURATORS’ CORNER

Our expert Curatorial Team wants to draw your attention to these highlights but there's programming for everyone at The Music Hall. Make sure you never miss a show announcement! Sign up for alerts at TheMusicHall.org/Subscribe.

TINA SAWTELLE

I’m thrilled to be furthering our partnership with Ogunquit Playhouse by bringing an additional Broadwayquality production to our stage this spring! If you haven’t had the privilege of seeing Nat Zegree take the stage as Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet before, you won’t want to miss this performance!

LAUREN HODGE

TALENT BUYER

If you’ve seen Fortune Feimster or Matteo Lane, Caitlin Peluffo (2/18) just might have been on the bill. A popular performer in NYC comedy clubs, she’s heading up north for anyone who needs a laugh on Valentine’s Day weekend. And speaking of love, Griffin House (2/25) crafts love songs that are pure and right to the point.

MONTE BOHANAN

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CreativeMornings PKX returns! Join us for our monthly breakfast lecture series at The Lounge on January 27 at 9am (8:30am if you want coffee and conversations beforehand) for an inspired presentation by local speakers on a global topic.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

JAMES PAONE PROGRAMMING MANAGER

Putting their punny past behind them, Watchhouse Duo (formerly Mandolin Orange) has climbed into the upper echelon of folk duos over the past decade. If you consider yourself a fan of inspired Americana (of course you do!), your calendar should have a big red circle around March 3 when they grace our stage for a special, intimate duo performance.

BRITTANY WASON

LITERARY PRODUCER & CONTENT MANAGER

The Lounge is the spot to be up-close with the popular writers of the day, from the author of Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist

The Great Believers, Rebecca Makkai (2/22) with her new novel set in New Hampshire, to New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik’s investigation into learning new skills (3/14).

MARK PRUETT

DIRECTOR OF DATA SERVICES & CINEMA CURATOR

If you follow awards season, you will recognize several buzzworthy titles. If you just want to escape from real life, or laugh, or cry, we have those too— movies for everyone!

DESIGN

MAGAZINE

COMEDY AT THE LOUNGE

From bright new stars to seasoned comedians

MICHAEL LONGFELLOW

Thu., January 12 • 6pm & 8:30pm

• The Lounge

Michael Longfellow is one of Saturday Night Live’s new cast members, having previously been chosen for the inaugural “Netflix Introducing…” showcase at the Netflix is a Joke Festival in 2022.

MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE

JIMMY TINGLE

Sat., January 14 • 5:30pm & 8:30pm • The Lounge

Comedian, commentator, and actor, Jimmy Tingle weaves the good, the bad, and the ugly of the pandemic with the humor, hope, and humanity the world so desperately needs in 2023.

Beloved local and national singer-songwriters

Discover new artists with our Spotify Playlists!

CONNOR GARVEY

Fri., January 13 • 8pm • The Lounge

Portland, ME native Connor Garvey has the lyrical depth of a poet and enchantment of a storyteller in his songwriting.

LEE DEWYZE

Sat., February 4 • 7:30pm • The Lounge

The American Idol winner (Season 9) creates a delicate balance of harmony, melody, deep emotion, and subtlety with his chart-topping folk music.

ON SALE NOW: RENTAL PARTNERS

ANOTHER TEQUILA SUNRISE: EAGLES TRIBUTE

Sat., February 25 • 8pm • Historic Theater

America’s premier tribute to the Eagles returns to The Music Hall.

COMEDIAN BOB MARLEY

Sat., March 11 • 8pm • Historic Theater Maine native Bob Marley is one of the most sought-after comedians in the country.

THE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP PRESENTS DC’S REFLECTING FOOLS

Sat., April 29 • 7pm Historic Theater

Join us for the unveiling of the next political movement in comedy sweeping the country.

SCHOOL DAYS SERIES AT THE HISTORIC THEATER

Top-caliber entertainment for Pre-K to Middle Schoolers

SCHOOL DAYS SERIES SPONSOR:

GENEROUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY: D.F. Richard; Demoulas Foundation; The Fabulous Find; The French Foundation; The Fuller Foundation

LLAMA LLAMA - LIVE!

Tue., January 24 • 9:30am & 11:30am Historic Theater

Bedtime has never been so exciting! Baby Llama and his toys are ready to sing and dance their way to sleep, but where is Mama Llama?

MET AT THE MUSIC HALL

HD broadcasts direct from Lincoln Center

Schedule subject to change. Check TheMusicHall.org for updates.

FEDORA (GIORDANO) 2h 40m

Sat., January 14 • 12:55pm Historic Theater

Packed with memorable melodies, showstopping arias, and explosive confrontations, the Met’s new production promises to deliver.

OPERA CONNECTION: FEDORA

Sat., January 14 • 11:30am The Lounge

THE HOURS (PUTS) 2h 15m

Sat., January 7 • 12:55pm • Historic Theater

Music Hall favorite Renée Fleming makes her highly anticipated return to the Met in this world-premiere production.

NAT’L THEATER OF LONDON

HD broadcast of Shakespeare’s classic comedy

Opera expert/writer-producer Dennis Neil Kleinman will lead a lively discussion on Fedora

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING 3h

Sun., January 8 • 4pm • Historic Theater

Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) and John Heffernan (Dracula) lead the cast in Shakespeare’s romcom of sun, sea, and mistaken identity.

CINEMA AT THE HISTORIC THEATER

Independent & major studio films on the big screen

CATVIDEOFEST NR • 1h 10m

Sat., 1/7

• 7pm & Sun., 1/8 • 1pm

A 70-minute compilation reel of the latest and best, family-friendly, cat videos.

SHE SAID R • 2h 9m

Tue., 1/10, Wed., 1/11, Thu., 1/12 • 7pm

Schedule subject to change. Updates on TheMusicHall.org.

NYT reporters break one of the most important stories in a generation that helped shatter decades of silence.

ARMAGEDDON TIME R • 1h 54m

Fri., 1/13, Sat., 1/14 • 7pm, Sun., 1/15 • 1pm

A coming-of-age story about family and the pursuit of the American Dream. Starring Anthony Hopkins and Anne Hathaway.

TICKET TO PARADISE

PG13 • 1h 44m

Sun., 1/15 • 4pm & Tue., 1/17 • 7pm

A divorced couple travels to Bali to stop their daughter from making the same mistake as them. With Julia Roberts and George Clooney.

THE RETURN OF TANYA TUCKER

FEAT. BRANDI CARLILE R • 1h 48m Wed., 1/18 & Thu., 1/19 • 7pm

Brandi Carlile writes an entire album based on Tanya’s life, spurring the greatest comeback in country music history.

THE BANSHEES OF

R • 1h 54m

INISHERIN

Fri., 1/20 • 7pm, Sat., 1/21 • 4pm, & Sun., 1/22 • 1pm

Set in Ireland, two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship.

MOONAGE DAYDREAM

Sat., 1/21 & Thu., 1/26 • 7pm

PG13 • 1h 45m

A cinematic odyssey exploring David Bowie’s creative and musical journey.

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS R • 2h 27m

Fri., 1/27 • 7pm, Sat., 1/28 • 1pm & 7pm

A fashion model celebrity couple join an eventful cruise for the super-rich. Cannes Film Festival winner, Palme d’Or.

SALVATORE: SHOEMAKER OF DREAMS

PG • 2h

Sun., 1/29 • 1pm & Wed., 2/1 • 7pm

A portrait of a man whose vision, passion, and craftsmanship made him “shoemaker to the stars.” From filmmaker Luca Guadagnino.

TÁR R • 2h 38m

Sun., 1/29 • 4pm & Thu., 2/2 • 7pm

Cate Blanchett stars as Lydia Tár, the first chief female conductor of a major symphony orchestra.

THE MENU R • 1h 47m

Fri., 2/3 • 7pm & Sat., 2/4 • 7pm

A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared shocking surprises.

PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN NR • 1h 35m

Sat., 2/4 • 4pm & Sun., 2/5 • 1pm

An exclusive cinema event which offers an original portrayal of the story of The Queen.

bringing the arts home...

The Ar T s A re T he A nswer to vibrant and prosperous communities where we treasure our heritage, celebrate our diversity and nurture our ingenuity.

A STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS

Planning for Our Future Together!

Verbs come in three tenses: Past, present, and future. That mirrors how we think at The Music Hall. We maintain our Victorian gem and honor the past as we offer entertainment, education, and inspiration today, all while looking to the future. A strong mission and vision, detailed planning, and strategic thinking makes this possible. For the past 10 months, The Music Hall team has been developing a new Strategic Plan. Thanks to all of you who provided input via listening groups and surveys, this document provides direction for the future based on trends from our past, patron feedback and community input, and an analysis of our current economic climate.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, The Music Hall is mission-driven. We are here to invigorate audiences, nurture healthy communities, and drive economic vitality in the region, stewarding our Historic Theater and delivering high-quality entertainment, lifelong learning, and shared experiences in our venues. The 20232026 Strategic Plan will guide us to use our resources in the best way possible to fulfill this mission in the coming years. We heard you! Our Strategic Plan outlines: our commitment to providing you a first-class experience, a focus on financial stability, and a path for stewarding our facilities. We look forward to presenting the document to you this spring!

UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS BOOK CLUB

Portwalk Place, Portsmouth

WEST WITH GIRAFFES by Lynda Rutledge moderated by Marti Webster Mon., 1/9 • 6pm

THE CARTOGRAPHERS

by Peng Shepherd moderated by Brittany Wason Mon., 2/13 • 6pm

DIRECTOR’S CLUB

HOTEL THAXTER

Tue., 1/10 • 5:30pm 15 Middle Street, Portsmouth

For more info, contact Wesley Lovell at WLovell@themusichall.org

DIRECTOR'S CLUB SPONSOR: Newburyport Bank

BOOK CLUB SPONSOR: Sheehan Phinney

MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER

Don’t miss these dazzling acts

MUSIC SERIES

SPONSORS:

Discover new artists with our Spotify Playlists!

NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY

Sun., February 26 • 4pm • Historic Theater

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy’s electrifying performances on the fiddles have propelled their dazzling careers since childhood while cementing their status as Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music.

WATCHHOUSE - SPECIAL DUO SET

Fri., March 3 • 8pm • Historic Theater

Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange) is an Americana/folk duo who has toured throughout the U.S and Europe, including appearances at Austin City Limits, South by Southwest, Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.

IL DIVO: A NEW DAY TOUR

Sat., March 4 • 8pm • Historic Theater

The international, chart-topping supergroup Il Divo is a world leader in their unique pop-opera genre, achieving second to none success around the globe.

MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER

Tickets are going fast!

MUSIC SERIES

SPONSORS:

Discover new artists with our Spotify Playlists!

ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS [ALMOST SOLD OUT]

Mon., March 6 • 8pm • Historic

Theater

With an insatiable appetite for music, Grammy Award-winning Elvis Costello has over 30 albums to his name, ranging from rock & roll and pop to country and piano ballads.

EVENING SPONSORS: Avery Insurance; Eastern Bank

SIMONE PORTER WITH GREAT BAY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Sat., April 22 • 8pm • Historic Theater

Simone Porter, violin soloist and Avery Fisher Prize recipient, plays Mendelssohn with the Great Bay Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by music director David Upham.

GRAHAM NASH: SIXTY YEARS OF SONGS AND STORIES

Sat., May 13 • 8pm • Historic Theater

The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member of both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash returns to The Music Hall to celebrate his sixty-year career.

EVENING SPONSOR: Carpe Diem Coffee Roasting Co.

MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER

Our resident orchestra celebrates the seasons

RESIDENT ORCHESTRA PORTS. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WINTER CONCERT

Sun., March 12 • 3pm • Historic Theater

Featuring Beethoven’s beautiful and masterful Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73, “Emperor Concerto,” Jean Sibelius’ powerful Symphony No. 2 and William Grant Still’s emergent Poem for Orchestra

RESIDENT ORCHESTRA PORTS. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT

Sun., June 11 • 3pm • Historic Theater

The PSO’s final mainstage performance of the season features two powerfully evocative works: Vivian Fung’s Dust Devils and Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations

SCHOOL DAYS SERIES AT THE HISTORIC THEATER

Top-caliber entertainment for Pre-K to Middle Schoolers

SCHOOL DAYS SERIES SPONSOR:

GENEROUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY: D.F. Richard; Demoulas Foundation; The Fabulous Find; The French Foundation; The Fuller Foundation

PETE’S BIG HOLLYWOOD ADVENTURE

Mon., March 6 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater

Join Pete, Callie, Ethel the Apatosaurus, and Robo-Pete in this rockin’ musical adventure that features several fun-filled Pete the Cat books.

THE ADVENTURES OF SLEEPYHEAD

Wed., May 10 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater

From the brain of award-winning clown, Gemma Soldati, children and adults alike will delight in this adventure to the heart of dreamland as Sleepyhead fends off the Zzz...

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Wed., March 22 - Sun., April 9 • Historic Theater

On December 4, 1956, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits that includes “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Walk the Line,” “Hound Dog,” and more! The musical captures the singular moment when four major talents came together to become a red-hot rock ‘n’ roll band.

COMEDY AT THE HISTORIC THEATER

The TV show legends return!

COMEDY SERIES

SPONSORS:

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?

Sun., April 23 • 7pm • Historic Theater

90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes.

EVENING SPONSORS: The Fifth Flavor; Harvey Family Dentistry; Leone, McDonnell & Roberts

COMEDY AT THE LOUNGE

NYC comedians in your backyard

CAITLIN PELUFFO

Sat., February 18 • 8:30pm • The Lounge

This lovable loose cannon comedian has opened for Maria Bamford, Brian Regan, and Matteo Lane.

MET AT THE MUSIC HALL

HD broadcasts direct from Lincoln Center

DER ROSENKAVALIER (Strauss)

Sat., April 15 • 12pm • Historic Theater

LOHENGRIN (Wagner)

Sat., April 22 • 12pm • Historic Theater*

OPERA CONNECTION

CHAMPION (Blanchard)

Sat., April 29 • 12:55pm • Historic Theater

FALSTAFF (Verdi)

Sun., May 14 • 12:30pm • Historic Theater*

Opera expert and writer-producer Dennis Neil Kleinman leads a discussion prior to select Met at The Music Hall broadcasts.

*Delayed Schedule subject to change.

DON GIOVANNI (Mozart)

Sat., May 20 • 12:55pm • Historic Theater

DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE (Mozart)

Sat., June 3 • 12:55pm • Historic Theater

DER ROSENKAVALIER (Strauss)

Sat., April 15 • 10:30am • The Lounge

LOHENGRIN (Wagner)

Sat., April 22 • 10:30am • The Lounge

LITERARY AT THE LOUNGE

New books from critically acclaimed writers

REBECCA MAKKAI

Wed., February 22 • 7pm • The Lounge

In the riveting new novel from the author of The Great Believers, a woman must reckon with her past when new details surface about a tragedy at her elite New Hampshire boarding school.

ADAM GOPNIK

Tue., March 14 • 7pm • The Lounge

Bestselling author and New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik embarks on a wildly creative inquiry into perhaps the oldest question: How do we learn a new skill?

TALKS AT THE LOUNGE

Take time for self care

TALKS SERIES SPONSOR: Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine MEDIA PARTNER:

CREATIVEMORNINGS PKX: SANCTUARY

Fri., January 27 • 9am • The Lounge

CreativeMornings PKX returns in-person to 131 Congress St. for the first meeting in the new and improved Lounge! Each meeting features a local speaker on the month’s topic and is free and open to the public.

THE BIG CALM WITH ANKATI DAY

Sun., February 19 • 11am • The Lounge

Exhale... it’s time for The Big Calm! That moment to slow down, breathe, calm your nerves, and slow those racing thoughts. Take a moment for self-care. Join us for an hour of relaxation using meditation and sound therapy.

MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE

Take in the tunes in our new venue!

Discover new artists with our Spotify Playlists!

TAYLOR O’DONNELL

Tue., February 14 • 5:30pm & 8pm • The Lounge

Spend Valentine’s Day at The Music Hall Lounge with Taylor O’Donnell, whose voice is hard not to love!

MARIELLE KRAFT

Fri., February 17 • 8pm • The Lounge

The Nashville-based indie pop singer-songwriter has toured with Jon McLaughlin, Ava Max, and Betty Who.

GRIFFIN HOUSE

Sat., February 25 • 8:30pm • The Lounge

Griffin House celebrates his new album, Stories for a Rainy Day, with a stripped down rootsy Americana sound.

ROB ICKES & TREY HENSLEY

Sun., February 26 • 7pm • The Lounge

The bluegrass Player of the Year and a guitar prodigy make for a powerhouse acoustic duo.

DEB TALAN (OF THE WEEPIES)

Sat., March 4 • 8pm • The Lounge

Half of the long-running duo The Weepies, Deb Talan is a mega-talented singer-songwriter.

AT A GLANCE

Schedule subject to change. Check TheMusicHall.org for updates.

LEGEND: At The Historic Theater | At The Lounge | Offsite/Online | **Member Event contact Wesley Lovell (WLovell@themusichall.org) for more info

JANUARY 2023

Met at The Music Hall

The Hours (Puts)

Sat., January 7 • 12:55pm

Cinema CatVideoFest Sat., January 7 • 7pm & Sun., January 8 • 1pm

Nat’l Theater of London HD Broadcast Much Ado About Nothing Sun., January 8 • 4pm

Book Club

West with Giraffes** Mon., January 9 • 6pm

Director’s Club Hotel Thaxter** Tue., January 10 • 5:30pm

Cinema She Said Tue., Jan. 10, Wed., Jan. 11, Thu., Jan. 12 • 7pm

Comedy Michael Longfellow Thu., January 12 • 6pm & 8:30pm

Cinema Armageddon Time

Fri., January 13 & Sat., January 14 • 7pm; Sun., January 15 • 1pm

Music Connor Garvey Fri., January 13 • 8pm

Opera Connection Fedora Sat., January 14 • 11:30am

Met at The Music Hall Fedora (Giordano) Sat., January 14 • 12:55pm

Comedy Jimmy Tingle Sat., January 14 • 5:30pm & 8:30pm

Cinema Ticket to Paradise Sun., January 15 • 4pm & Tue., January 17 • 7pm

Cinema

The Return of Tanya Tucker ft. Brandi Carlile Wed., January 18 & Thu., January 19 • 7pm

Cinema

The Banshees of Inisherin

Fri., January 20 • 7pm; Sat., January 21 • 4pm; Sun., January 22 • 1pm

Cinema Moonage Daydream

Sat., January 21 & Thu., January 26 • 7pm

School Days Series

Llama Llama - Live! Tue., January 24 • 9:30am & 11:30am

Talks

CreativeMornings PKX: Sanctuary Fri., January 27 • 9am

Cinema

Triangle of Sadness

Fri., Jan. 27 • 7pm & Sat., Jan. 28 • 1pm & 7pm

JANUARY 2023 CONT...

Cinema

Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams Sun., Jan. 29 • 1pm & Wed., Feb. 1 • 7pm

Cinema TÁR Sun., Jan. 29 • 4pm & Thu., Feb. 2 • 7pm

FEBRUARY 2023

Cinema

The Menu

Fri., February 3 & Sat., February 4 • 7pm

Cinema

Portrait of the Queen Sat., February 4 • 4pm & Sun., February 5 • 1pm

Music

Lee DeWyze Sat., February 4 • 7:30pm

Book Club

The Cartographers** Mon., February 13 • 6pm

Music

Taylor O’Donnell Tue., February 14 • 5:30pm & 8pm

Music Marielle Kraft Fri., February 17 • 8pm

Rental Partner

Miss NH USA & Miss NH Teen USA 2023 Sat., Feb. 18 • 8pm & Sun., Feb. 19 • 2pm

Comedy

Caitlin Peluffo Sat., February 18 • 8:30pm

Talks

The Big Calm with Ankati Day Sun., February 19 • 11am

Literary Rebecca Makkai Wed., February 22 • 7pm

Rental Partner

Another Tequila Sunrise: Eagles Tribute Sun., February 25 • 8pm

Music Griffin House Sat., February 25 • 8pm

Music

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Sun., February 26 • 4pm

Music

Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley Sun., February 26 • 7pm

MARCH 2023

Music

Watchhouse - Special Duo Set Fri., March 3 • 8pm

Music

Il Divo: A New Day Tour Sat., March 4 • 8pm

MARCH 2023 CONT...

Music

Deb Talan (of The Weepies) Sat., March 4 • 8pm

School Days Series

Pete’s Big Hollywood Adventure Mon., March 6 • 9:30am & 11:30am

Music

Elvis Costello & The Imposters Mon., March 6 • 8pm

Rental Partner

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Thu., March 9 • 7pm

Rental Partner Comedian Bob Marley Sat., March 11 • 8pm

Resident Orchestra

Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert Sun., March 12 • 3pm

Literary Adam Gopnik Tue., March 14 • 7pm

Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall presents Million Dollar Quartet Wed., March 22 - Thu., April 9

APRIL 2023

Opera Connection

Der Rosenkavalier Sat., April 15 • 10:30am

Met at The Music Hall

Der Rosenkavalier (Strauss) Sat., April 15 • 12pm

Opera Connection

Lohengrin Sat., April 22 • 10:30am

Met at The Music Hall Lohengrin (Wagner) Sat., April 22 • 12pm

Music

Simone Porter with Great Bay Phil. Orchestra Sat., April 22 • 8pm

Comedy Whose Live Anyway? Sun., April 23 • 7pm

Met at The Music Hall Champion (Blanchard) Sat., April 29 • 12:55pm

Rental Partner DC’S Reflecting Fools Sat., April 29 • 7pm

Friends of The Music Hall 28 Chestnut Street Portsmouth, NH 03801

UPCOMING SHOWS