• By Mabel Pais

The Morristown Performing Arts Center’s (MPAC, mayoarts.org) features a fun mix of January events, especially for families, to beat the Winter blues and get out for a fun outing.

Here’s the list…..

Face 2 Face: A Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel

Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 8 pm

Friday, January 12, 2024 at 8 pm

Come celebrate the two greatest “Piano Men” of our generation in this tribute concert starring David Clark as Billy Joel and Jeff Scott as Elton John, performing hits like “Crocodile Rock,” “I’m Still Standing,” “You May Be Right,” “Piano Man” and much more!

LIMITED TICKETS

Dancing with the Stars: Live! – 2024 Tour

Sunday, January 14 at 3 pm and 7 pm

See the ballroom brought to life in this brand-new production featuring your favorite ‘Dancing with the Stars’ pros, PLUS special guest stars joining the pros this year! With dazzling routines in every style, jaw-dropping talent, and non-stop entertainment, it’s sure to be an unforgettable night full of all the magic of the TV show and more!

DRUMLine Live

Thursday January 18, 2024 at 7 pm

DRUMLine Live, the show stopping attraction created by the musical team behind the hit movies ‘Drumline and Drumline: A New Beat,’ embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience. With its riveting rhythms, bold beats, and ear grabbing energy, DRUMLine Live is a high octane musical roller coaster ride that is guaranteed to touch every emotion in your body. You will be on your feet by Halftime!!

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Save My Life

An Award-winning, Inspirational True Story

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 7:30 pm

When life took an unexpected turn, Keith Alessi finds that the healing power of music becomes the key to saving his life. This authentic true story is one sure to leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to dust off your own long forgotten dreams. Presented in the round with the audience seated on stage.

Hairspray

Friday, January 26, 2024 at 8 pm

Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 3 pm and 8 pm

You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the ‘60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat, ”HAIRSPRAY is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times). This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring HAIRSPRAY to a new generation of theater audiences.

All Programs are Subject to Change.

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OFFERING SPRING PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES FROM THREE TO ADULT

By Mabel Pais

Registration for MPAC’s spring Performing Arts Classes is ongoing.

Classes begin the week of January 22 and run for 14 weeks. Classes will be offered for children as young as three through adult. Classes include musical theatre, acting, improv, audition technique, private voice lessons, and The Miracle Project, MPAC’s program for children on the autism spectrum and with specific needs.

Registration will be processed on a first come, first served basis.  All classes must be paid for in full at the time of registration unless other arrangements have been made.  Limited scholarships available based on need.  For a scholarship application, visit mayoarts.org. For a list of classes, visit mayoarts.org/education/pas.

NEW: Winter Enrichment Series!

Beat the winter blues with one of our new and exciting programs!  MPAC’s new Winter Enrichment Series features Broadway master classes, magic and mayhem and open Mics. These limited classes run 3-4 sessions:

Classes featured:

THURSDAY OPEN MIC CABARET! Do you love to sing and perform?  Do you play an instrument and you’d love to jam with fellow musicians?  Are you looking for a fun way to release stress and socialize?  Join MPAC for this new casual open mic Cabaret!  Experience a true sense of communal artistry in a low stress environment!   Come and share your talents or feel free to observe and sing along! Hosted by seasoned performers & established accompanists  Ages 21 & UP!  Begins Feb 1 (3 sessions)

MAGIC & MAYHEM A fun and interactive 6 week Magic Trick Workshop!! At each session, you will learn the secrets to, and get to keep, a number of fun and exciting magic tricks!  Develop the skills and confidence necessary to begin performing magic whenever you want and wherever you are! Ages 11-18

BROADWAY MASTER CLASS SERIES

With Mandy Gonzalez, Danielle Ferland, Bob Marks & Forrest McClendon!

MPAC is thrilled to offer this unique opportunity for aspiring students and performers to work with an incredible line up of Broadway Performers, Directors and Teachers!   There are four exciting programs, each with a different professional who will work with students, tell their story, give advice on pursuing a career in theatre and participate in a Q&A!

Register as a Participant if you are a serious and experienced performer.  Or, Register as an Observer to watch the class and participate in the Q&A!

Each session is being sold separately. 

For a list of Winter Enrichment classes, visit mayoarts.org/education/performing-arts-company

Auditions for Spring 2024 Musical coming soon!

Auditions will be announced soon for MPAC’s 10th annual Main Stage Musical!  This fully produced musical offers young performers the unique opportunity to be a part of professional production for thousands of MPAC patrons! Check back soon for the show announcement and audition details!

The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)

Learn more at mayoarts.org.

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)