Need a hotel near the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
Plays, performances, concerts, and more - The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center hosts it all. Partnered with many prestigious venues across Charlotte and The Carolinas, this venue is not only a populart tourist attraction for upcoming events, but the natives of Charlotte get to enjoy the convenience of performance after performance every time a new one is brought to town. From CATS to Shrek the Musical, The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center has it all! Located just a few blocks away from the Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown, our complimentary shuttle can take you to and from any event going on at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center! See below for updates on all events taking place!
Blumenthal Performing Arts Events Calendar
June 14th-19th 2011
Shrek
SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on stage.
In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre – not a handsome prince – shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t shut up, a villain with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand...and his name is Shrek.
Featuring a terrific score of 19 all-new songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, WWOR-TV proclaims SHREK THE MUSICAL, “FAR, FAR AND AWAY THE FUNNIEST NEW MUSICAL ON BROADWAY!”
SHREK THE MUSICAL is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone.
Fabulation
The final show of the season, Fabulation: or the reeducation of Undine, puts the black bourgeoisie under scrutiny and displays its social snobbery, shallow friendships and rejection of roots. This show written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Lynn Nottage, follows Undine, a well to do black executive, with an ill attitude, who finds out her company is bankrupt, after her husband leaves, but not before getting knocked up. She has to return home to a family to whom she hasn’t spoken to in years. In the end she is learns valuable lessons about family, love and life. Stacey Rose will direct this biting humorous play.
June 18th 2011
Beatles Tribute Night
This is the 8th annual Beatles Tribute presented by John Tosco, and is just like a Tosco Music Party – only all Beatles songs! The format of the evening is a performance of one song by each of a variety of approximately 25 scheduled acts (professional and amateur) who donate their time and talent. The evening is an eclectic mix of all styles of music and includes Tosco’s trademark sing-alongs.
June 19th 2011
Speak Up Youth Poetry Slam
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and SlamCharlotte are proud to announce the launch of the Speak Up Youth Poetry Slam. A new addition to Charlotte's poetry slam scene, this series is dedicated to bringing the voices of the next generation to the forefront. Promoting writing and artistic expression through the eyes of tomorrow’s future, the Speak Up Youth Poetry Slam will be a monthly exhibition of the hottest and most dynamic young performers in our area. This event is open to all ages, so everyone (parents, teachers, students, siblings and fans of spoken word) can hear how our young people see the world around them. For more information call 704-890-8282 or visit www.slamcharlotte.com
June 19th 2011
An Evening with Delfeayo Marsalis
Internationally acclaimed trombonist, composer, producer, and 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award recipient Delfeayo Marsalis brings the “swing” to Charlotte, NC for a one-night jazz concert event.
Delfeayo Marsalis, member of ‘America’s First Family of Jazz’, is known for his resounding technical skill, humor, hipness, and charm on the bandstand. Marsalis will lead his world-class quintet in an evening of original modern jazz with a New Orleans flavor, and brilliantly arranged jazz standards. This performance follows Marsalis’ five-month national tour, a theatrical jazz production entitled Sweet Thunder.
Marsalis has toured internationally with legendary bandleaders such as Art Blakey, Slide Hampton, Max Roach, and Elvin Jones. In addition, over 100 recordings for major artists have been produced by Marsalis, including Harry Connick,Jr., Marcus Roberts, Spike Lee, Terrance Blanchard, Adam Makowicz, Nicholas Payton, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and the projects of Ellis, Branford, and Wynton Marsalis.
The JAI All-Star Youth Jazz Ensemble will open for this event.
June 25th 2011
Jennifer Holliday
Wells Fargo Presents an Evening with JENNIFER HOLLIDAY
a fundraiser for the United Negro College Fund
Jennifer Holliday has been proclaimed by critics and fans alike as one of history’s greatest Broadway legends. Over 25 years ago, Holliday’s show-stopping performance of the torch ballad “And I’m Telling You, I’m Not Going” in the hit Broadway musical, Dreamgirls, made her a household name and introduced her big soulful voice to the world. Her portrayal of Effie “Melody” White, a role which she co-created, garnered her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Female Vocalist.
June 30th-July 1st 2011
Hollywood Squares
Hollywood Squares meets Broadway as One Voice Chorus presents an audience-interactive cabaret-style night to remember! Audience members will be chosen at random to be the contestants in our game show. The questions will be centered around the Broadway shows and performers being featured. Also enjoy a stellar silent auction with must-have items! Come support One Voice and have a blast!
July 12th-July 19th 2011
Next to Normal
NEXT TO NORMAL won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The prize is rarely won by musicals. The last one that received this award was RENT in 1996.
Click here for more information.
From the director of RENT comes the most talked about new show on Broadway, NEXT TO NORMAL, winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three 2009 Tony® Awards including Best Score. This highly-anticipated musical will arrive in Charlotte starring its acclaimed Tony Award-winning star, Alice Ripley.
Chosen as “one of the year’s ten best” by major critics around the country, NEXT TO NORMAL is an emotional powerhouse of a musical with a thrilling contemporary score about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other. The NewYork Times calls NEXT TO NORMAL “a brave, breathtaking work of muscular grace and power. It is much more than a feel-good musical; it is a feel-everything musical. It is great, in ways that few Broadway musicals are.” And Rolling Stone raves, “It is the best musical of the season – by a mile. It’ll pin you to your seat.”
July 14th-16th 2011
Die Roten Punkte
Back by popular demand to “Rock-Bang” Charlotte, Die Roten Punkte (Otto and Astrid Rott) pump up the musical intensity in their high-powered "return concert." At least they would, if they could ever get all the mikes, guitars and stools working at the same time. Otto and Astrid's attempts to perform numbers from their first album are constantly interrupted by technical hitches, and it's impossible to figure out which are real and which are feigned.
Whatever the truth, the brother-sister act is always amusing, trying to keep up a rock 'n' roll appearance while endlessly bickering. There's something intensely funny about their German accents, their suspiciously close relationship, Otto's lipstick and eye shadow, and Astrid's antics with drumsticks.
As they play with our stereotypes of trashy Euro bands, they (eventually) produce high-voltage music that blows the roof off the building. It's a class act, entertaining both musically and comically. If you've ever laughed at Spinal Tap or Flight of the Conchords, then say "Hallo" to your favorite new band, Die Roten Punkte!
July 16th 2011Elvis Costello
Following up on his 2007 appearance at the Belk Theater, Elvis Costello returns to Charlotte and this time he is bringing The Imposters – Steve Nieve on keyboards, Pete Thomas on drums and Davey Faragher on bass – with him for The Revolver Tour. For the first time in 25 years, Costello will let his set-list be chosen by "The Spectacular Spinning Songbook," a monumental game-show wheel that features 40 song-titles, including hits, rarities and very unexpected covers.
July 26th-31st 2011
Mama Mia!
A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads.
And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!
Over 40 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show!
Writer Catherine Johnson's sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.
The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives!
With more productions playing internationally than any other musical, MAMMA MIA! is a Global Smash Hit!
September 9th 2011An Evening with Bruce Cockburn
Celebrated Canadian recording artist Bruce Cockburn will be supporting the release of his 31st studio album Small Source of Comfort with an extensive North American tour that includes the McGlohon Theatre. Small Source of Comfort is an adventurous collection of songs of romance, protest and spiritual discovery. The album, primarily acoustic yet rhythmically savvy, is rich in Cockburn’s characteristic blend of folk, blues, jazz and rock. As usual, many of the new compositions come from his travels and spending time in places like San Francisco and Brooklyn to the Canadian Forces base in Kandahar, Afghanistan, jotting down his typically detailed observations about the human experience.
Bruce Cockburn has always been a restless spirit. Over the course of four decades, the celebrated Canadian artist has travelled to the corners of the earth out of humanitarian concerns—often to trouble spots experiencing events that have led to some of his most memorable songs. Going up against chaos, even if it involves grave risks, can be necessary to get closer to the truth.
October 7th 2011Celtic Thunder - Heritage
Following the success of their last four shows, the new Celtic Thunder show Heritage accentuates the musical culture of Ireland. Celtic Thunder features performances by fan-favorites Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, George Donaldson and the newest member of the ensemble, Emmet Cahill. Delivering stirring and show-stopping performances, Celtic Thunder returns to their distinct Irish roots with this inspired collection of songs, including the sweet and tranquil "Kindred Spirits," the rousing jig, "A Place In The Choir," the seductive "Black Is The Color," and the upbeat "Whiskey In The Jar," to name a few.
October 11th-16th 2011
The Addams Family
The weird and wonderful family comes to devilishly delightful life in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. This magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (THE WILD PARTY), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (JERSEY BOYS) and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch (SHOCKHEADED PETER) with creative consultation by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks.
This is definitely not the same old song and dance.
It's every parent's nightmare. Your little girl has suddenly become a young woman, and what's worse, has fallen deliriously in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Yes, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a “normal” boyfriend, and for parents Gomez and Morticia, this shocking development will turn the Addams house downside up.
It’s a family portrait that’s completely off the wall!
October 13th-15th 2011
NC Dance: Director's Choice
For Director’s Choice, Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux chose three outstanding ballets. A dynamic, physical work by legendary choreographer William Forsythe, In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated is a contemporary masterpiece. The New York Times proclaimed, "In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated is Mr. Forsythe at his fierce finest.” The excitement of Director’s Choice continues with Bolero. Set on a hot summer afternoon in a south of the border village, the steamy and sensuous ballet is sure to heat up the theater. Rounding out the performance is a world premiere by choreographer Sasha Janes.
October 5th-23rd 2011
Il Trovatore
In Italian with English subtitles
Based on the Spanish drama, El Trovador by Antonio Garcia Gutierrez
Production Presenting Sponsor: The Hearst Corporation
On opposite sides of a political conflict, and rivaling for the affections of the same woman, the Count di Luna and the troubadour Manrico have no idea they are brothers. Lady Leonora is the woman of their dreams but another would be the sibyl of their inescapable nightmare -- Azucena: a gypsy woman whose mother, at the behest of di Luna’s father, was burned at the stake for practicing witchcraft. Bent on revenge she stole the count’s younger brother at birth and raised him as her son. Little does the impassioned and honorable Manrico know that he will be the chief agent in a vow of vengeance that will destroy everything he holds dear. This is a tale where sweet romance is devoured by a force far more rapturous. This time it is the bitter promise that rests beneath every tongue, lingers on every lip.
October 25th 2011
Condoleeza Rice
Condoleezza Rice is Professor of Political Economy in the Graduate School of Business, Thomas and Barbara Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution and Professor of Political Science at Stanford University.
November 1st-6th 2011
West Side Story
More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it's back, and mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, WEST SIDE STORY as the greatest love story of all time. Directed by David Saint, using Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction, WEST SIDE STORY remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The new Broadway cast album of West Side Story recently won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway's finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as "Something's Coming," "Tonight," "America," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere."
November 3rd-12th 2011
NC Dance: Innovative Works
New works in a new venue! Experience NC Dance Theatre in an all new way at the 200-seat, 701 N. Tryon Theater at the Company’s home in Uptown Charlotte. This intimate theater is the perfect venue for Innovative Works, giving audience members an up close and personal view of the dancers’ athleticism and passion. Hear the dancers breathe and feel the intensity of their movements as they perform new ballets by choreographers Mark Diamond, David Ingram and Sasha Janes, and an existing work by Dwight Rhoden. This performance not only includes contemporary dance, but audience members will also be treated to culinary delights throughout the evening, concluding with dessert with the dancers.
November 22nd-December 11th 2011
Million Dollar Quartet
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the smash hit Broadway musical, inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.
On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ’n’ Roll” at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring timeless hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and more.
December 9th-18th
NC Dance: The Nutcracker
Nutcracker, Charlotte’s favorite holiday tradition, celebrates the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Bring your family and friends along for this holiday voyage featuring choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, live music from the Charlotte Symphony and over 100 performers. Be there as the Nutcracker Prince triumphs over the evil Mouse King and as the Sugar Plum Fairy entertains Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the audience with dazzling dancing sweets.
December 26th-31st
Rock of Ages
"Impossible to resist! As guilty as pleasures get." - Charles Isherwood, New York Times
"Rock and comedy in perfect proportion!" - David Cote, Time Out
In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker an in LA’s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!
January 3rd-8th 2012Memphis
TURN UP THAT DIAL... From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts on the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love.
Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves – filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll.
January 21st-29th 2012Madama Butterfly
Some travesties are truer than others. This one begins in Japan on a flowing terrace above Nagasaki harbor. It is the turn of the 20th century -- American imperialism is leaving a trail of casualties. The enchanting Cio-Cio San, a former geisha known as Butterfly, enters into a 999 year arranged marriage with American naval lieutenant B. F. Pinkerton. Yes, the passion and tenderness are rich, but the contract’s monthly renewal option evinces its seriousness for Pinkerton. The storm brewing in the fragile psyche of Butterfly tells a different story however. Despite the urgings of her confidants, dwindling funds, and the pursuit of a rich suitor, even after a three-year absence from her husband she insists he will return. There is a child after all. Surely he would want to be with his wife and son. Much to her excitement, Pinkerton returns and he indeed wants to be with his son. Unfortunately, it is to happen with his American wife who has accompanied him to Japan. For Cio-Cio San there is no choice between living with disgrace and dying with honor. Releasing everything she loves, she raises the very blade her father used to fulfill his honor, and falls to her own devastating fate.
February 17th-19th 2012
SPAMalot
Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT is a new musical, with a book by Eric Idle and an entirely new score created by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.
Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, and featuring a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT “raises silliness to an art form” (The Sunday Times) and has been hailed as “a no-holds-barred smash hit.” (The New Yorker).
February 22nd-March 11th 2012
Jersey Boys
It’s the hit crowds go wild for and the New York Post raves is, “too good to be true!”JERSEY BOYS is the 2006 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. JERSEY BOYS tells the phenomenal story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30!
March 8th-18th 2012
NC Dance: Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty’s timeless tale of a beautiful princess, a dashing prince and the triumph of good over evil with a single kiss has delighted audiences for years. NC Dance Theatre is thrilled to perform Sleeping Beauty for the first time, an all new production with choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, gorgeous costumes, magical sets and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score. Take your family on a whimsical journey to an enchanted kingdom, as this beloved childhood story is sure to leave audiences of all ages feeling happily ever after.
March 17th-5th 2012
Eugene Onegin
Highly cultured yet bored with the world, Eugene is emblematic of a sardonic longing of 19th century Russia at the height of the Romantic era. His fast friendship with the poet Lensky leads him to an ominous step down a path in which no one would return unscathed. Lensky, in love with the vivacious Olga, introduces Onegin to her older sister Tatyana. In short time, the shy country girl passionately professes her love for this worldly stranger. The ache of Onegin’s rejection of Tatyana courses through the foursome, leaving an unrelenting wake of damage. It has lost none of its edge when he sees her six years later. Now the toast of St. Petersburg society, and married to Prince Gremin, Eugene knows that the answer to his emptiness is in his deep and unanswered love for Tatyana. Finally, his search is over. In the cruel chill of irony, her dutiful rejection of him breaks his heart, and renders hers irreparable.
STOMP
STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.
April 10th-15th 2012
Bring It On: The Musical
BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL is the explosive new musical comedy that raises the stakes on over-the-top high school rivalries. Set against the world of competitive cheerleading, this powerhouse new show hilariously proves that winning isn’t everything when it means losing something - or someone - you really care about.
April 26th-28th 2012
NC Dance: Dangerous Liasons
Dangerous Liaisons weaves audiences on a journey through a twisted tale of passion, betrayal and revenge. This provocative love story unfolds through the inventive choreography of Sasha Janes, original music by Ben Sollee and a modern day set. Audiences will be on the edge of their seats throughout the thrilling ballet, which culminates in an intense duel to the death. The evening of Dangerous Liaisons kicks off with Dwight Rhoden’s Artifice. The intriguing ballet delves into the imagination of a circus ringmaster, as he creates his own personal symphony using a colorful cast of characters and music by the Kronos Quartet.
May 1st-6th 2012
Come Fly Away
COME FLY AWAY is the new Broadway musical that brings together the legendary music of FRANK SINATRA and the creative vision of Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp (MOVIN' OUT).
This one-of-a-kind experience combines the seductive vocals of “Ol’ Blue Eyes” with the sizzling sound of a live on-stage big band and the visceral thrill of Tharp’s choreography. As 15 of the world’s best dancers tell the story of four couples falling in and out of love, you will experience the exhilaration of a first kiss, the excitement of a first dance, and the bittersweet moments of a first good-bye in a world of sparkling romance and astonishing beauty.
COME FLY AWAY features a score of beloved Sinatra classics including “Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way,” “New York, New York” and “Makin’ Whoopee.”
May 29th-June 3rdLa Cage Aux Folles
WELCOME TO LA CAGE AUX FOLLES! Winner of three Tony Awards® including the award for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL, this hilarious new production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES was the biggest hit of the 2010 Broadway season, leaving audiences in stitches night after night!
LA CAGE tells the story of Georges, the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges' son brings his fiancée's conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly! LA CAGE is a tuneful and touching tale of one family's struggle to stay together... stay fabulous... and above all else, stay true to themselves!
With a glorious score of hummable melodies and a dynamite cast featuring the "notorious and dangerous Cagelles," LA CAGE is an indisputable musical comedy classic... and this extraordinary new version shows you why!
June 26th-July 1st 2012
Beauty & The Beast
Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST features the animated film’s Academy Award®-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton.
The original creators of the Broadway production are together again for this new touring production! The play is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony Award® winner for her work on Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), Lighting Design by Natasha Katz, Scenic Design by Stanley A. Meyer, Sound Design by John Petrafesa Jr. and Music Supervision by Michael Kosarin.
North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
(704) 333-1598
130 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202-2100
(What Events Are Coming To Charlotte?)
