Featuring Cul-de-Sac, A Christmas Carol, a 10th Anniversary Celebration, and a
Sizzling Cabaret Series at the CIA
Poughkeepsie, NY – Half Moon Theatre celebrates its
10th Anniversary Season in 2016–17 by showcasing sensational artists in
acclaimed plays, musicals and cabarets that will bring the excitement of
Broadway to the Hudson Valley.
A highlight of
this milestone season will be the spring 2017 regional premiere of Cul-de-Sac, a new comedy by the acclaimed American playwright John Cariani.
Mr. Cariani is also a Tony-nominated actor, having
recently starred in Broadway’s Something Rotten and starring in the new off-Broadway
musical The Band’s Visit with Tony Shalhoub this fall. His previous plays, Love/Sick and Almost, Maine, were major successes for Half Moon Theatre.
“We are longtime
fans of John Cariani’s work. He is one of the most
intelligent and insightful voices in today’s theater, and this is an amazing
opportunity for Half Moon to premiere Cul-de-Sac,”
said Molly Renfroe Katz, one of the company’s
founders and Half Moon’s executive director. “Our tenth season brings together
extraordinary artists with programing for both visitors and our loyal Hudson
Valley audiences. We are so proud of our accomplishments and we hope people to
come out and celebrate the power of the performing arts with us.”
Half Moon’s
2016–17 season also features tarot readings by
rock-star psychic Pattie Canova; a sizzling cabaret series that features
Hudson Valley artists, New York City’s hot young talents, as well as veteran
Broadway stars like Mary Testa and Michael Starobin; the family holiday favorite, A
Christmas Carol; and a powerful re-telling of the Anne Frank story: Yours,
Anne.
Founded in
2006, Half Moon Theatre is the only professional theater company in the Hudson
Valley that produces a traditional season of plays and musicals from September
to June. All of Half Moon’s 2016–17 productions will be presented in the Marriott Pavilion on the campus of The Culinary Institute
of America in Hyde Park. Mainstage productions
are in a state-of-the-art 800-seat theater, while cabaret shows are in a more
intimate venue one floor below. Half Moon ticket buyers get priority access to
the .
2016–17 Half Moon Theatre Season Overview
10th Anniversary Celebration: We're Over the Moon!
Special event: Saturday, October 22
Half Moon Theatre kicks off its milestone season with a 10th Anniversary
Celebration: a night of stellar Broadway entertainment featuring two-time Tony
Award-nominee Laura Osnes, Broadway’s sparkling
“Cinderella,” and emceed by Seth Rudetsky, “The Mayor
of Broadway” and popular Sirius XM host. All proceeds support Half Moon’s
performances and arts education programs, serving 15,000 youth and adults annually.
Pattie Canova: Tarot Tales &
Psychic Glimpses
Three shows: Friday, October 28 and
Saturday, October 29
Tarot Tales & Psychic Glimpses features
spiritual counselor Pattie Canova, hailed by national media as the “Rock Star
of Insight.” Includes meal prepared by the renowned chefs of the CIA. Seating
is strictly limited.
Cabaret
at the CIA: Mary Testa & Michael Starobin
Two shows: Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19
Broadway sensations Mary Testa and Michael Starobin bring their soulful, electrifying NYC cabaret to
the Hudson Valley. This powerhouse duo earns rave reviews for “brass-knuckled”
and “fiercely intelligent” interpretations of American standards (Stephen
Holden, The New York Times).
A Christmas Carol,
original adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel
Multiple shows: December 3–18
This new adaptation of a classic holiday favorite is
humorous, touching and fast-paced—perfect for the entire family! Enjoy
pre-theater dining at one of the CIA’s award-winning restaurants for an
unforgettable family holiday memory. Student matinees are available for school
groups.
Cabaret at the CIA: Denise Summerford & The Cover Project
Two shows: Friday, January 13 and
Saturday, January 14
The Cover Project features Drama Desk
Award-winner and Broadway veteran Denise Summerford with a fierce band
of live musicians. Join Denise for a dynamic reimagining of
unforgettable songs from the 1950s and ’60s as well as jazz, Broadway
and
blues.
Cabaret at the
CIA: Valentine’s Day Celebration
Multiple shows: February 10–12
Half Moon Theatre’s Broadway performers host a tribute to love and romance—for
a special Valentine’s Day celebration to remember.
Yours, Anne:
Book by Enid Futterman, Music by Michael Cohen
Multiple shows: March 25–April 2
This hauntingly powerful re-telling of Anne Frank’s story features a moving,
lyrical score and includes talks and panels on the resonance of this story
today. Student matinees are available for school groups.
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:
Executive Director Molly Renfroe Katz (right, with scissors) and Managing Director Kristy Grimes cut the ribbon
on Half Moon Theatre’s 10th anniversary season surrounded by theater company
supporters. For the third consecutive year, The Culinary Institute of America
in Hyde Park, NY serves as Half Moon’s home stage. (Photo credit: CIA/Phil Mansfield)
Media Contacts:
Kristy Grimes
Managing Director
Sara Capozzoli
Public Relations Director
914-456-6832
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s
premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and
hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers bachelor’s degree majors
in management, culinary science, and applied food studies; associate degrees in
culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; and executive education through its
Food Business School. The college also offers certificate programs and courses
for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences and consulting services have
made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of
49,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food business. The CIA
has campuses in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.
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