· 7 min read
Lied Center’s 2021-22 season is eclectic mix of music, theater, dance
Intermission is over at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
In a return to full audiences enjoying some of the greatest artists in the world, the 2021-22 season at the Lied will feature a vibrant lineup of music, theater, dance and more. From the Boston Pops showcasing the iconic music of John Williams to Mannheim Steamroller and its beloved Christmas music, from the Stars of American Ballet to the mind-bending artistry of Pilobolus Dance, from the St. Louis Symphony to piano superstar Yuja Wang, from The Righteous Brothers to the hilarious “A Musical About Star Wars,” the season has something for everyone.
“I’m overwhelmed by how exciting it is to have big Broadway back, the world’s greatest orchestras, and all of our patrons in the theater together,” said Bill Stephan, the Lied’s executive director. “I know that everyone can’t wait to be entertained, inspired and full of joy after the challenges of the last year. We have put together the Lied Center’s biggest season of Broadway in our history, with a record 10 Broadway attractions, and there really is something for everyone, with more than 30 programs in music, theater and dance. The 2021-2022 season is a celebration of life and community.”
Season subscription sales begin at 11 a.m. June 30. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Lied Center box office at 12th and R streets, by phone at 402-472-4747 or online. By becoming a season subscriber, patrons can choose any four events and receive 10% off their entire order. Creating a season subscription of eight or more events increases the discount to 20%. University of Nebraska–Lincoln students can place season-ticket orders and receive a 10% or 20% discount, in addition to the 50% discount all current Husker students receive on Lied Center tickets.
If the performances are not sold out through season-ticket orders, any remaining tickets will be available for single-ticket purchase starting in early August.
The Lied Center’s 2021-22 schedule:
“Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville,” Sept. 10-12 (four shows) — Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all — and stay to find something they never expected. With a book by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia (“My Name is Earl,” “Raising Hope”) and Emmy nominee Mike O’Malley (“Survivor’s Remorse,” “Shameless”), “Escape to Margaritaville” is a musical comedy featuring both original songs and beloved Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Volcano” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
“STEP AFRIKA! Drumfolk,” Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. — STEP AFRIKA! combines dance, song, storytelling and humor to create a heart-pounding experience that celebrates the African American tradition of stepping. The performers are known for their lightning-fast footwork, percussive chants and incredible synchronicity.
“A Musical About Star Wars,” Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m. — A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away — a Staten Island Blockbuster Video, to be exact — two “Star Wars” fanatics, Scott and Taylor, write the most epic “Star Wars” music ever. On their endless quest to perform it at Comic-Con — a restraining order stands in their way — they discover a dark force is looming over their production, and her name is Emily.
Pat Metheny Side Eye with James Francies and Joe Dyson, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. — Twenty-time Grammy Award winner Metheny is one of the most accomplished jazz musicians in history. He has performed with such artists as Herbie Hancock, David Bowie and Steve Reich, while sidestepping the limits of any one genre.
Arnaldo Cohen, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. — The Brazilian-born pianist has long had a reputation for astonishing audiences with his musical authority and blistering virtuosity. He returns to the Lied to celebrate the music of composer Franz Liszt after an unforgettable performance in the 2013-14 season.
The Righteous Brothers, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. — This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo topped the charts for decades with No. 1 hits, including the most-played song in radio history, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” This concert will feature favorites such as “Soul and Inspiration,” “Unchained Melody,” “Rock and Roll Heaven” and “The Time of My Life.”
Boston Pops on Tour, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. — The Boston Pops is not only America’s orchestra; it was John Williams’ orchestra before he passed the baton to Keith Lockhart. The orchestra marks its return to the Lied Center with a program featuring the splendor of Williams’ iconic music.
BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet: Au Revoir Tour, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. — BeauSoleil’s distinctive sound — derived from New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco and bluegrass — has captivated listeners from the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans to Carnegie Hall. From appearances at the Super Bowl and on HBO’s “Treme” to capturing multiple Grammy Awards, BeauSoleil’s farewell tour celebrates the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet.
Yuja Wang, Piano, and Leonidas Kavakos, Violin, in Concert, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. — A pair of classical music superstars share the Lied Center stage in Wang’s return to Lincoln. Kavakos’ playing has been praised by The New York Times for its “balance of pyrotechnics and lyricism,” while Wang has been called “quite simply the most dazzlingly, uncannily gifted pianist in the concert world today” by the San Francisco Chronicle.
“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis,” Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. — The neoclassical new-age group — the top-selling Christmas act in history — is bringing its holiday tour back to the Lied Center. Experience the music that has become the hallmark of the holidays and a tradition for generations of families.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Jan. 13, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — Continuing the Lied’s partnership with the orchestra, Music Director Stéphane Denève returns to Lincoln to lead a program highlighted by Sergei Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet Suite.” Grammy Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich also joins the orchestra to perform Samuel Barber’s “Violin Concerto.”
Berlin Philharmonic Piano Quartet, Jan. 18, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — Established as a chamber music ensemble of the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic in 1985, the group returns to Lincoln after its Lied Center debut in 2018. The program includes Richard Strauss’ “Piano Quartet,” as well as a newly revised edition of Danny Elfman’s “Piano Quartet,” which was co-commissioned by the Lied.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Jan. 27-29, 2022 (four shows) — Roald Dahl’s amazing tale is now Lincoln’s golden ticket. It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film — including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” — alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of “Hairspray.” Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper.
Anna Deavere Smith, “Notes from the Field,” Feb. 9, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — A celebrated theatre and television artist, Smith (“The West Wing,” “Black-ish,” “Nurse Jackie”) leads a new installation of powerful first-person storytelling in the new production “Notes from the Field.” Drawn from interviews with more than 250 people living and working within a challenged system, “Notes from the Field” depicts the personal accounts of students, parents, teachers and administrators caught in America’s school-to-prison pipeline.
“Beautiful — The Carole King Musical,” Feb. 18-20, 2022 (four shows) — This Tony- and Grammy-winning musical tells the story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband, Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in pop music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music; she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. All previously purchased tickets to “Beautiful” will be honored for the rescheduled performance dates.
IBEX Puppetry: “Ajijaak on Turtle Island,” Feb. 22, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — Experience the journey of Ajijaak, a young whooping crane, in this majestic production brought to life through puppetry, dance and visual projections. Ajijaak’s story puts forward visions from Native communities, celebrating the symbiotic relationship between cranes and Indigenous peoples while inspiring the next generation of storytellers and change-makers.
Bernadette Peters, Feb. 26, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — Throughout her illustrious career, Peters has dazzled audiences with her performances on stage, film and television, in concert and on recordings. One of Broadway’s most critically acclaimed performers, she has earned three Tony Awards. Her Broadway credits include “Into the Woods,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Gypsy,” “Song and Dance,” “Follies” and the recent revival of “Hello, Dolly!” Peters has appeared in 17 films and received a Golden Globe Award for her performance in “Pennies from Heaven.” She also guest-starred on the NBC series “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.”
Stars of American Ballet, March 5, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — Praised by The Boston Globe as “an unapologetic showcase of virtuosity,” Stars of American Ballet brings together today’s most remarkable ballet talents. Led by Daniel Ulbricht and featuring a cast of principal and soloist dancers from the New York City Ballet and other renowned companies, this collective makes its Lied Center debut celebrating ballet masterpieces.
“Riverdance,” March 8-10, 2022 (three shows) — This production is a powerful and stirring reinvention of the beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy-winning score and the energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelan has re-recorded his mesmerizing soundtrack, while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have reimagined the groundbreaking show with innovative lighting, projection, stage and costume designs.
The Fab Four, March 12, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — From appearances at the Hollywood Bowl to their Emmy Award-winning PBS broadcast, The Fab Four have been lauded as the best Beatles tribute ever. After a sold-out Lied performance in 2015, experience the group’s return to Lincoln with performances of such hits as “Yesterday,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “Hey Jude.”
“This Mortal Life Also,” March 17-20, 2022, Johnny Carson Theater (four shows) — Produced by Angels Theatre Company, this new production is based on a true story. Renowned theologian and pacifist Dietrich Bonhoeffer is drawn into a web of lies and deceit as a double agent in World War II Germany. His efforts to maintain his integrity while fighting against National Socialism create a landscape of secrets, broken promises, fierce love and dangerous alliances.
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, March 18, 7:30 p.m. — The world-renowned ukulele superstars return to the Lied with their toe-tapping music, hilarious banter and joyful entertainment. With fans ranging from the Queen of England to David Bowie, they are masters of the unexpected, known for reimagining folk songs, twisting classical favorites and uncovering quirky versions of rock covers.
“Jersey Boys,” March 25-27, 2022 (four shows) — They were just four guys from New Jersey, until they sang their first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard, and the radio just couldn’t get enough. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a different story — one that has made them an international sensation all over again. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony- and Grammy-winning musical phenomenon “Jersey Boys.” The show features the top-10 hits “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “December, 1963 (Oh What a Night).”
Mnozil Brass, March 26, 2022, 7:30 p.m., Kimball Recital Hall — One of the top brass ensembles in the world makes its Nebraska debut with a program that highlights the most popular works of its 25-year career. Known as the “Monty Python of the music world,” this Austrian brass septet seamlessly combines slapstick comedy with virtuosic musical ability.
Pilobolus BIG FIVE-OH, March 31, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — For five decades, the athletic, zany, seemingly superhuman dancers and acrobats of Pilobolus have entranced audiences with their mix of wit, sensuality and physical acumen. Contorting, bending and partnering to transform themselves into incredible shapes and images, the Pilobolus dancers tell stories through the strength and precision of their bodies, enhanced by stunning stage effects.
“Madagascar the Musical,” April 2 (two shows) — Join Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this new hit musical from DreamWorks (“Shrek the Musical”). The four friends escape from their home in New York City’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. All previously purchased tickets to “Madagascar” will be honored for the rescheduled performance dates.
Diane Schuur, April 5, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — Regarded as one of contemporary jazz’s leading vocalists, Schuur is as eclectic as she is brilliant. She has been blind from birth but gifted with perfect pitch and a three-and-a-half-octave vocal range. With a recording career that spans more than three decades and includes two Grammy Awards, Schuur has explored almost every corner of the American musical landscape.
“The Band’s Visit,” April 9-10, 2022 (four shows) — This critically acclaimed musical is the winner of 10 Tony Awards, including best musical, making it one of the most Tony-winning musicals in history. It is also a Grammy winner for best musical theater album. In this joyously offbeat story, set in a town that’s way off the beaten path, a band of musicians arrive lost, out of the blue. Under the spell of the desert sky, and with beautiful music perfuming the air, the band brings the town to life in unexpected and tantalizing ways. With a seductive score and thrillingly talented onstage musicians, “The Band’s Visit” rejoices in the way music makes us laugh and cry and ultimately brings us together.
Church Basement Ladies, April 16, 2022 (two shows) — The Church Basement Ladies celebrate their return to the Lied Center with the hit show that started it all. From preparations for a record-breaking Christmas dinner to the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter fundraiser and a steaming-hot July wedding, the ladies stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young and keep the pastor on due course in this hilarious production.
Joyce Yang, Piano, April 18, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — Blessed with “poetic and sensitive pianism” (The Washington Post) and a “wondrous sense of color” (San Francisco Classical Voice), this Grammy-nominated pianist captivates audiences with her virtuosity, lyricism and interpretive sensitivity. She first came to international attention in 2005, when she won the silver medal at the 12th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Experience Yang’s first Lied Center performance since her memorable 2008 collaboration with the Takács Quartet.
“Come From Away,” April 27-May 1, 2022 (seven shows) — This musical tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. This authentic and moving musical chronicles the story of one of history’s most infamous days. On Sept. 11, 2001, the world stopped. On Sept. 12, their stories moved us all.
“Oklahoma!,” May 10-11, 2022 (two shows) — “How is it that the coolest new show on Broadway is a 1943 musical?” The New York Times wrote. This is “Oklahoma!” as you’ve never seen or heard it before — reimagined for the 21st century, and now the Tony Award winner for best revival of a musical. The production is recommended for ages 12 and older.
Michael Feinstein, June 17, 2022, 7:30 p.m. — Feinstein, the multi-platinum-selling, five-time Grammy-nominated entertainer dubbed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook,” is one of the premier interpreters of American standards. His 200-plus shows a year have included performances at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, as well as the White House and Buckingham Palace.
