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Tennessee Rising

The Dawn of Tennessee Williams

Written and Performed by Jacob Storms
Originally Directed by Alan Cumming

THU, NOV 21
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Tennessee Rising

The Dawn of Tennessee Williams

Written and Performed by Jacob Storms
Originally Directed by Alan Cumming

THU, NOV 21
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Tennessee Rising is a critically acclaimed solo play that explores the formative early years (1939-1945) of the young Williams when the world is on the brink of World War II. It traces his journey from the unknown young writer named Tom into one of the theatre’s greatest playwrights Tennessee Williams and explores the people in his life that will go on to inspire his most iconic characters. The play is a riveting theatrical experience." (The Scotsman) Contains adult language and sexual content.

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HolidayFest 2024: Selections from Handel's Messiah

SAT-SUN, DEC 7-8
 CONCERT HALL

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HolidayFest 2024: Selections from Handel's Messiah

SAT-SUN, DEC 7-8
 CONCERT HALL


Join the JMU Choral Area and JMU Symphony Orchestra for a joyous HolidayFest celebration of "Selections from Messiah," a powerful and celebratory classic. This family-friendly event also features favorite songs and readings from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and our annual audience Carol-Sing! Prior to the December 8th matinee (at 1:00 pm), children can enjoy crafts, cookies, and lemonade in the lobby.

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Lúnasa

Irish Solstice Celebration

THU, DEC 12
 CONCERT HALL

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Lúnasa

Irish Solstice Celebration

THU, DEC 12
 CONCERT HALL


The beloved Irish folk supergroup Lúnasa, who the Irish Voice called the “hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet” shares a festive holiday winter solstice concert featuring a guest vocalist. Comprised of some of the finest pickers, pipers and fiddlers in the world, Lúnasa is sure to lift your spirits! They have performed more than 2,000 shows across 36 countries thrilling audiences worldwide. Video
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Pirate School: Sea Dreams

Created and performed by David Engel

THU, JAN 23
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Pirate School: Sea Dreams

Created and performed by David Engel

THU, JAN 23
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Pirate School: Sea Dreams is a madcap, swashbuckling solo show created and performed by veteran New York actor David Engel. Please feel free to come in costume! Recommended for ages 4 and up. Video
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Percussion All Stars

Silkroad Ensemble

With Kaoru Watanabe (taiko drum,flute), Balla Kouyate (balafon, vocal), Sandeep Das (tabla, vocal percussion),  Shane Shanahan (percussion), Francesco Turrisi (percussion), and Haruka Fujii (percussion)

SUN, JAN 26
 CONCERT HALL

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Percussion All Stars

Silkroad Ensemble

With Kaoru Watanabe (taiko drum,flute), Balla Kouyate (balafon, vocal), Sandeep Das (tabla, vocal percussion),  Shane Shanahan (percussion), Francesco Turrisi (percussion), and Haruka Fujii (percussion)

SUN, JAN 26
 CONCERT HALL


All-star percussionists drawn from the Silkroad Ensemble present an exhibition of storytelling through the exchange of rhythm, pulse, and melody from different musical traditions around the world including India, Africa, Japan, Cuba, the Middle East, Europe and beyond. The program showcases a virtuoso performance by each world-class artist plus  master percussion works by luminary composers. The GRAMMY Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble, conceived of by Yo-Yo Ma in 1998, has been called "one of the most visionary arts initiatives of our time." (WNPR) Video
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Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra

FRI, JAN 31
 CONCERT HALL

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Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra

FRI, JAN 31
 CONCERT HALL


The Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the leading and oldest symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic celebrating its 79th season in 2024. Based in the historic capital of Moravia, the orchestra ranks among the most authentic interpreters of Czech national music culture. This spectacular program will celebrate works by two of the Czech Republic’s acclaimed composers, Antonín Dvořák (1841- 1904), and Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884). Video
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The Spirit of Harriet Tubman

Written and performed by Leslie McCurdy

In Celebration of Black History Month

WED, FEB 5
 CONCERT HALL

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The Spirit of Harriet Tubman

Written and performed by Leslie McCurdy

In Celebration of Black History Month

WED, FEB 5
 CONCERT HALL


Acclaimed playwright and actress Leslie McCurdy thrills audiences with her passionate portrayal of Harriet Tubman in this “powerful and must-see performance ” (Michigan Arts and Humanities) McCurdy invokes the 'spirit' of Harriet Tubman from her early childhood to her elder years and chronicles the life of the courageous Underground Railroad conductor, recreating familiar stories and some rarely told. A Q&A follows the show. Recommended for audiences ages 8 and up.Video
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Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid

Written and adapted by Joshua Borths
Based on the opera Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák

Featuring the JMU Opera Theater

SAT-SUN, FEB 8-9
 RECITAL HALL

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Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid

Written and adapted by Joshua Borths
Based on the opera Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák

Featuring the JMU Opera Theater

SAT-SUN, FEB 8-9
 RECITAL HALL


Take your family on a magical journey into the ocean, learning all about opera along the way! Based on Czech composer Antonín Dvořák's masterpiece "Rusalka," this charming, 35-min adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Performed in English.
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Time for Three

Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas Kendall (violin, vocals), Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals)

FRI, FEB 14
 CONCERT HALL

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Time for Three

Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas Kendall (violin, vocals), Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals)

FRI, FEB 14
 CONCERT HALL


GRAMMY and Emmy-winning ensemble Time For Three (TF3) defies conventions with genre-bending excellence. Their extraordinary sound merges classical, Americana, modern pop, and singer-songwriter styles. “Is it bluegrass or country, jazz improvisation or some new kind of classical? One thing’s for certain. It’s fabulous!” (Albany Times Union) Video
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Big Fish

Book by John August
Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa

Based on the Novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August
Originally produced on Broadway by Dan Jinks, Bruce Cohen and Stage Entertainment with Roy Furman, Broadway Across America/Rich Entertainment Group, John Domo, The Nederlander Organization and Edward Walson in association with CJ E&M, Dancing Elephant Productions, Parrothead Productions, Harvey Weinstein/Carole L. Haber, Peter May/Jim Fantaci, Ted Liebowitz/Joe Piacentile and Columbia Pictures.

TUE-SUN, FEB 25-MAR 2
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Big Fish

Book by John August
Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa

Based on the Novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August
Originally produced on Broadway by Dan Jinks, Bruce Cohen and Stage Entertainment with Roy Furman, Broadway Across America/Rich Entertainment Group, John Domo, The Nederlander Organization and Edward Walson in association with CJ E&M, Dancing Elephant Productions, Parrothead Productions, Harvey Weinstein/Carole L. Haber, Peter May/Jim Fantaci, Ted Liebowitz/Joe Piacentile and Columbia Pictures.

TUE-SUN, FEB 25-MAR 2
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide. www.theatricalrights.com
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Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents

New Orleans Songbook

SUN, MAR 2
 CONCERT HALL

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Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents

New Orleans Songbook

SUN, MAR 2
 CONCERT HALL


New Orleans Songbook brings the spirit and joy of Mardi Gras and the soul of New Orleans to this amazing evening, celebrating the composers and inspired songs of the Crescent City, the historic epicenter of jazz. Led by today’s hottest rising stars in jazz music including acclaimed pianist, Luther S. Allison and extraordinary vocalists Quiana Lynell and Milton Suggs, New Orleans Songbook immerses audiences in the captivating and timeless spirit of this vibrant city. Video
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The Vanishing Elephant

Produced by Cahoots NI

FRI, MAR 7
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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The Vanishing Elephant

Produced by Cahoots NI

FRI, MAR 7
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Inspired by true events, The Vanishing Elephant, an incredible story of resilience and friendship, comes to life through large-scale puppetry, illusion, and magic. Recommended for ages 8 and up.Contains moments of human mistreatment of animal puppets that can prompt further discussion. Video
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Houston Ballet II

TUE-WED, MAR 25-26
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Houston Ballet II

TUE-WED, MAR 25-26
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Don’t miss this amazing evening of dance from Houston Ballet II, the second company of Houston Ballet, America’s fifth largest ballet company. This magical evening features The Sleeping Beauty Act III (1890), staging by Ben Stevenson after Marius Petipa with music by Tchaikovsky, the Grand Pas de Deux from Don Quixote, Act III, and A Dance in the Garden of Mirth. Video
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The Antipodes

By Annie Baker

TUE-SUN, APR 1-6
 STUDIO THEATRE

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The Antipodes

By Annie Baker

TUE-SUN, APR 1-6
 STUDIO THEATRE


Annie Baker is a Pulitzer Prize-winner and one of America’s most provocative playwrights. Her 2019 play, Antipodes, delivers a surreal writer’s room, a #MeToo premonition, and a many-layered meditation on storytelling.Contains sexual content and adult language. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
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Idomeneo

Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto by Giambattista Varesco

Featuring the JMU Opera Theater

SAT-SUN, APR 5-6
 CONCERT HALL

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Idomeneo

Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto by Giambattista Varesco

Featuring the JMU Opera Theater

SAT-SUN, APR 5-6
 CONCERT HALL


Written when Mozart was only 25, this operatic masterpiece filled with stunning arias, choruses, and ensembles, brings the myth of Idomeneo to life. On his way home at last from the Trojan War, the King of Crete, Idomeneo, is shipwrecked at sea. In desperation, he promises to sacrifice the first creature he finds if he safely survives the storm. However, in a twist worthy of the greatest Greek tragedies, it is his son, Idamante, he first encounters along the beach. Sung in Italian with English Surtitles.

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Miró Quartet

Daniel Ching (violin), William Fedkenheuer (violin), John Largess (viola) Joshua Gindele (cello)

FRI, APR 11
 CONCERT HALL

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Miró Quartet

Daniel Ching (violin), William Fedkenheuer (violin), John Largess (viola) Joshua Gindele (cello)

FRI, APR 11
 CONCERT HALL


Miró Quartet is one of America’s most celebrated chamber groups, captivating audiences around the world. Widely acclaimed for its thoughtful expressivity and imaginative interpretations as well as its “explosive vigor” and “technical finesse,” (The New York Times) the quartet has performed for 29 years on the world’s most prestigious concert stages, earning accolades from critics and audiences alike. Video
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New Voices in Dance 2024

Featuring JMU’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble

FRI-SUN, APR 11-13
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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New Voices in Dance 2024

Featuring JMU’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble

FRI-SUN, APR 11-13
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


​​New Voices in Dance will feature JMU’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble, which is comprised of sophomore to senior JMU dance majors. This concert will highlight original choreography by five JMU dance majors and an inspiring piece choreographed by Doug Varone.
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Reduced Shakespeare Company

All the Great Books (abridged)

WED, APR 16
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Reduced Shakespeare Company

All the Great Books (abridged)

WED, APR 16
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


The literary canon explodes as the Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) once again unleashes a comic outrage on an unsuspecting public. The Bad Boys of Abridgment take audiences on a roller-coaster ride through a compact compendium of the world’s great books in All The Great Books (abridged). It's a blast of bibliography! RSC shows contain some occasional bawdy language and mild innuendo, so they rate their shows PG- 13: Pretty Good If You’re Thirteen. ​​  Video
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JMU Symphony Honors Concert 2024

SUN, APR 27
 CONCERT HALL

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JMU Symphony Honors Concert 2024

SUN, APR 27
 CONCERT HALL


Revel in the delightful sound of glorious classical music as JMU’s Symphony Orchestra joins the esteemed 2024 School of Music Concerto Competition winners to bring you a captivating concert. Majors from each of the six areas of the School (woodwinds, brass and percussion, strings, piano, and voice) competed, and two finalists are then selected to compete in the finals for a coveted spot in this concert.
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Cello Stories
A Life Under Broadway

With Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf

FRI, MAY 2
 CONCERT HALL

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Cello Stories
A Life Under Broadway

With Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf

FRI, MAY 2
 CONCERT HALL


Acclaimed cellist Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf has established a stellar career in New York City as a solo, chamber, Broadway, and recording artist. Dorman-Phaneuf mesmerizes audiences with captivating and funny stories about her life as a Broadway musician and her exquisite arrangements for cello and piano. Since 2003, she has held chairs in 20 Broadway shows including Sunday in the Park with George, Parade, and A Little Night Music. Video
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Masterpiece Season Brochure
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2024 Circle of Excellence Award:
Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra
circle of excellence award 2024
CVPA Food Drive
Logo for the CVPA Food Drive featuring a donation can for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, with event dates listed as October 28 to December 12.

Forbes Center Seeks Volunteer Ushers
for 2024-2025 Masterpiece Season
volunteer ushers needed

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951 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807