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Lied’s 2022-23 season features mix of music, theater, dance, illusion
The Lied Center for Performing Arts’ 2022-23 season will feature more than 30 events, including top artists and ensembles from around the world in dance, classical music, jazz, musical theater, family entertainment, illusion and more.
“We have a thrilling season of music, theater and dance programs to look forward to in the upcoming year,” Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied, said. “From the return of iconic artists from the Lied Center’s 25th anniversary season, including Yo-Yo Ma and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, to the biggest shows currently on Broadway, including ‘Hamilton’ and ‘The Book of Mormon,’ the 2022-23 season will be a celebration of world-class entertainment and inspiration for every member of the family. The season culminates with the return of American Ballet Theatre’s ‘Giselle’ with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra. It will be one of the greatest seasons in our history.”
“Create Your Own Season” packages go on sale at 11 a.m. May 23 here, by phone at 402-472-4747 and at the Lied Center box office, 301 N. 12th St. To become a subscriber, patrons can select any four or more shows and receive a discount of up to 20% off the entire order.
The Lied Center’s 2022-23 schedule:
Diana Krall, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. — A living legend, Krall is the only singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard jazz albums chart. Her albums have garnered two Grammys and 10 Juno awards and have gone gold nine times, platinum three times and multiplatinum seven times. Krall’s notable collaborations have included Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand and Paul McCartney.
“Third Coast Percussion — Perspectives,” Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m., Kimball Recital Hall — This Grammy-winning ensemble explores and expands the sonic possibilities of the percussion repertoire, delivering exciting performances for all ages. The group’s 2022 program, “Perspectives,” invites listeners to embark on a musical adventure, featuring pieces written by some of today’s leading music creators. The group has collaborated with such artists as Danny Elfman, Jlin, Philip Glass and Flutronix.
The Wilds, Oct. 6-15 (eight shows), Johnny Carson Theater —The Wilds is a new-mixed reality performance experience where movement becomes music as emerging technology allows dancers to create an immersive journey of sound, light and visual media in real time. Part mythology, part utopian vision, The Wilds fuses live dancers with motion-capture technology and real-time animation.
“Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton,” Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. — This two-time Emmy-winning production makes its Lied Center debut, with Elfman live on stage with international soloists and Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra. The concert features Elfman’s famous Burton film scores — including “Batman,” “Edward Scissorhands” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” — enhanced by visuals of original sketches, drawings and storyboards.
“Winnie the Pooh,” Oct. 16, 4 p.m.; Oct. 17, 10 a.m. — Disney’s iconic Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl and Tigger come to life in this beautifully crafted musical with stunning, life-sized puppetry. Featuring the Sherman Brothers’ Grammy-winning music and additional songs by A.A. Milne, this new journey into the Hundred Acre Wood comes straight from its record-breaking premiere in New York City.
D.C.’s Reflecting Fools, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. — D.C.’s Reflecting Fools is the new musical parody group created by the performers and co-writer of the Capitol Steps, continuing the tradition of holding a mirror to America’s political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and foolish reflections that continue to inspire belly-laughter. Audiences will see cast members from past seasons of the Capitol Steps performing all the beloved bits — the mind-boggling backward-talking spoonerisms, break-neck costume changes, over-the-top impressions and all-new song parodies reflecting the day’s news.
“Chicago,” Oct. 25-28 (four shows) — After 25 years, “Chicago” is still the musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz, with one show-stopping song after another and astonishing dancing. The musical has earned six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations.
Naughton Duo, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. — Identical twins Christina and Michelle Naughton have been hailed by the San Francisco Examiner for their “stellar musicianship, technical mastery and awe-inspiring artistry.” The piano duo makes its Lied Center debut with a program of works by Felix Mendelssohn, Frédéric Chopin, Johannes Brahms and Maurice Ravel.
“STOMP,” Nov. 3 and 4, 7:30 p.m. — “STOMP” is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty and utterly unique — an unforgettable experience for all ages. The percussion group returns with some new surprises, with some sections of the show updated and restructured and two new full-scale routines utilizing props such as tractor-tire inner tubes and paint cans.
Camille A. Brown and Dancers, Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. — A frequent Broadway choreographer, Brown leads one of America’s top dance ensembles through excavations of ancestral stories, encouraging each dancer to embrace their unique embodiment of the artistic vision and gestural movement. The company takes audiences on journeys through race, culture and identity, blending the styles of modern, hip-hop, African, ballet and tap dance to tell stories connecting history with contemporary culture.
“tenThing Brass Ensemble Holiday Celebration,” Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. — This Norwegian brass ensemble presents a holiday journey through Europe and America from the beautiful fjords of Norway through 18th-century Germany, warm Italian Christmas, evergreen England and the sounds of Ukrainian folk and Czech fairy tales. The program celebrates musical traditions of the season with new arrangements featuring 10 female musical virtuosos.
“Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats — The Holiday Variant,” Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. — Brown is hitting the road with this new culinary variety show. Audiences can expect more comedy, music, unusual cooking demos and potentially dangerous “science-y stuff.”
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” Dec. 22-24 (five shows) — This record-setting holiday sensation features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates while the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and remind audiences of the true meaning of the holiday season.
Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jan. 2, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — Dubbed “the last leading man” by The New York Times, two-time Tony winner Stokes has enjoyed a 40-plus-year career in Broadway, television, film and music. He received Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for his star turn in “Kiss Me, Kate.” He also gave Tony-nominated performances in “Man of La Mancha,” “King Hedley II” and “Ragtime.” This performance is part of the Lied’s GK Platinum Artist series, which has also featured Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth and Leslie Odom Jr.
“On Your Feet!” Jan. 27-28, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — This musical is the inspiring true story of two people who believed in their talent, and each other, to become an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan. “On Your Feet!” features some of the most iconic songs of the 1980s and ’90s, including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” “1-2-3” and “Coming Out of the Dark.”
Jazzmeia Horn, Feb. 14, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album and recently voted as having the No. 1 Jazz Vocal Album by NPR Music’s Jazz Critics Poll, Horn makes her Lied Center debut on Valentine’s Day. A three-time Grammy nominee, she performs songs of daring musicality and emotional power.
“REZA: Edge of Illusion,” Feb. 18, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — REZA has taken the art of illusion to a new level, delivering his rock concert-style magic show to audiences across the globe. His new production, “Edge of Illusion,” features cutting-edge magic including such grand illusions as making motorcycles and helicopters materialize out of thin air.
“Legally Blonde — The Musical,” Feb. 23-25, 2023 (four shows) — This fabulously fun show is the ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power. The musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, proving that self-discovery can be way too much fun and hilarious to boot. Based on the beloved movie, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” will take you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway’s brightest new heroine and, of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser.
“Henrietta Solway,” Feb. 25, 2023, 2 and 7:30 p.m., Carson Theater — Animal Engine Theater Company’s “Henrietta Solway” combines the short fiction and serialized novels of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Nebraska native Willa Cather into one epic story. A new play commissioned by the National Willa Cather Center about finding one’s place in the world, small towns, big cities and restless passion, “Henrietta Solway” brings to life an exciting and sweet tale of ambition, sacrifice and reconciliation.
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Pianist Alessio Bax, March 1, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — In celebration of Frédéric Chopin’s birthday (March 1, 1810), this Grammy-winning orchestra and Italian pianist Bax will collaborate to perform Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 1.” Bax has appeared as a soloist with some of the world’s top orchestras; performed solo concerts at Carnegie Hall and Los Angeles’ Disney Hall; and toured extensively with violinist Joshua Bell. Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is a radical experiment in musical democracy, proving for 50 years what happens when exceptional artists gather with total trust in one another and faith in the creative process. Making Carnegie Hall its home for more than 35 years, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra returns to the Lied Center for the first time since 2017.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T., March 3, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is the ultimate tribute to the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. This concert experience journeys through her courageous life of love, tragedy and triumph with a live band and supreme vocalists to get people dancing. The Motown odyssey includes such hits as “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “Chain of Fools” and “Respect.”
IBEX Puppetry’s “Ajijaak on Turtle Island: Cranes in North America,” March 9, 2023, 7 p.m. — Nebraska’s favorite bird takes center stage in this larger-than-life production featuring live music, dance and puppetry. The story features Indigenous artists, music, language and culture with puppets created by the Jim Henson Creature Shop. The family-friendly show was created in New York City with inspiration from Nebraska and the North American crane migration.
“TRINITY: Classically Irish,” March 17, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — Straight from its new hit PBS special, “TRINITY: Classically Irish” is the next big thing in Irish music from the creator and producer of the Irish Tenors. Three accomplished young singers — with performance experience including Celtic Thunder, Riverdance and Celtic Woman — perform fresh arrangements of beloved music. Songs include “Red is the Rose,” “Danny Boy,” “The Parting Glass” and “The Rocky Road to Dublin.”
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, March 21, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — The incomparable dance company will bring the thrill of contemporary favorites and the joy of such classics as Ailey’s masterpiece “Revelations.”
“The Book of Mormon,” March 24-26, 2023 (five shows) — This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing-room-only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, “The Book of Mormon” has truly become an international sensation. This production contains explicit language.
“We’re Muslim, Don’t Panic,” March 29, 2023, 7:30 p.m., Carson Theater — Internationally recognized hip-hop dancer and choreographer Amirah Sackett joins forces with acclaimed beatbox artist MR MiC for an evening where beatboxing meets “popping.” In “We’re Muslim, Don’t Panic,” which achieved viral video fame, Sackett breaks down misconceptions about Muslim women and the Islamic religion.
Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott, March 30, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — After sold-out concerts celebrating the Lied Center’s 20th and 25th anniversaries, Ma returns to Nebraska with pianist Stott for a must-see performance. Winner of 19 Grammy awards, Ma has built a multifaceted career that is a testament to his belief in culture’s power to generate trust and understanding. Stott was thrust into the life of a professional musician in 1978 via the Leeds International Piano Competition, where she met Ma. Since 1985, the two have enjoyed a collaboration that has taken them across the world and led to musical adventures with artists from various cultures.
“Cirque Alfonse: Animal, A Farm Story,” April 1, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — One of the world’s top cirque troupes leads young and old on a journey to a reinvented land. The cattle-shed is crazy, and the barn is upside-down. A gentleman-farmer surrounds himself with crazy creatures: The chickens have teeth, the ducks are very naughty, and the cows run amok.
Huntertones, April 13, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — Huntertones brings people together with fun, imaginative, fearless music. The group’s high-energy, horn-driven sound fuses inspired improvisation and adventurous composition, melding jazz, funk, rock and soul. The group’s members have collaborated with such artists as Jon Batiste, Snarky Puppy, Stevie Wonder, Andy Grammer and Ed Sheeran.
“Madagascar the Musical,” April 15, 2023, 3 and 7:30 p.m. — 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 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.
Van Cliburn gold medalist, April 16, 2023, 7 p.m. — Once every four years, a new gold medalist emerges from the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. As Nebraska’s official Cliburn presenter since 1994, the Lied Center will present the 2022 winner in concert. With previous winners including Olga Kern, Vadym Kholodenko, Jon Jakamatuso and Joyce Yang, the Cliburn is considered one of the world’s preeminent music contests.
“Jagged Little Pill,” April 25-30, 2023 (seven shows) — Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis and life are all present in this exhilarating new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s music. Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (“Waitress,” “Pippin” and the upcoming “1776”) with a Tony-winning book by Diablo Cody (“Juno”) and Grammy-winning score, this electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family “vaults the audience to its collective feet,” according to The Guardian.
“American Ballet Theatre: Giselle,” May 2 and 3, 2023, 7:30 p.m. — American Ballet Theatre returns to the Lied Center with its acclaimed production of the heartbreaking romance “Giselle” after performing for a Nebraska audience of 6,000-plus in July 2021 in Lincoln’s Pioneers Park. “Giselle” is a perfect match for the exquisite artistry and technical virtuosity of ABT’s international ballet stars who bring the story of unrequited love, remorse and forgiveness vividly to life.
“Hamilton,” Aug. 2-13, 2023 (16 shows) — “Hamilton” is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, the musical has taken the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, “Hamilton” is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
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