On Sale Now - Disney's The Lion King

This morning, eager ticket buyers were lined up bright and early for tickets to Disney's The Lion King. One of the hottest tickets in town, the landmark Broadway event makes its return to the Fox Cities P.A.C. April 9 - May 5, 2013.

Tickets for Disney's The Lion King start at $35 and are available in person at the Fox Cities P.A.C. or online at foxcitiespac.com, lionking.com and ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at (866) 870-2717. VIP Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.

Remember, orders for groups of fifteen or more may be placed by calling (920) 730-3786.  Additional fees may apply.There is an eight ticket limit for all ticket buyers.

The first 100 ticket buyers received a holiday gift - a Lion King ornament!

It's an action packed day in the ticket office.

Lots of Lion King tickets will be wrapped up just in time for the holidays!

Reporting on 10 Amazing Years

Today, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center released a special
10th Anniversary Report to the Community!

With so many memorable moments and milestones, the Fox Cities P.A.C. could hardly fit everything into one short book. As you flip the pages, please join us in remembering 10 amazing years in the spotlight. The 2011/12 Season Snapshot captures the latest year of accomplishments.

Do you have a favorite memory of time spent at the Fox Cities P.A.C.?
Tell us about your special moment with Share Your Story at foxcitiespac.com/ten. Simply write a note or post a photo, and you will be entered for a chance to win 2 tickets to Fox Cities P.A.C. Fan Day with SCRAP•ARTS•MUSIC!

Tickets On Sale Friday for Disney's The Lion King

Score the Hottest Ticket in Town!

DISNEY'S THE LION KING APRIL 9 - MAY 5, 2013 FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER DOWNTOWN APPLETON

On Friday, November 30, tickets will be available for Disney's The Lion King! Be Here at 7:00 a.m. Tickets available in-person at the Fox Cities P.A.C. Ticket Office The first 100 ticket buyers will receive a free gift with purchase! Order Online Starting at 10:00 a.m. Online and phone sales begin Ticketmaster.com, lionking.com or call (866) 870-2717

REMEMBER - PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THIRD PARTY TICKET SELLERS Ticket buyers are reminded that Ticketmaster is the only official retail ticket outlet for all performances at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Tickets purchased from other ticket retailers such as secondary ticket agencies or brokers may be more expensive and may not be valid. For more information, visit foxcitiespac.com/events.

Share Your Story for a Chance to Win!

Do you have a special memory of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center?  If you have tickets for Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis this Saturday, look for the camera station in the Main Lobby. You can Share Your Story and make your favorite moment part of a 10th Anniversary Celebration. By sharing your story, you will be entered for a chance to win two tickets to Fox Cities P.A.C. Fan Day with SCRAP•ARTS•MUSIC on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Up to 100 lucky winners will be selected at random!  WATCH: Click here to see just a few Fox Cities P.A.C. Moments Feeling Camera Shy? You can also Share Your Story by writing a short paragraph, submitting a photo or coloring a special entry form for kids. Click here to enter!  Upcoming Share Your Story Video Opportunities December 8 & 9 - The Makaroff Youth Ballet's The Nutcracker February 5 - BBC Concert Orchestra February 9 - Spirited Songs: A Celebration of Choral Music

Theater on Parade

Theater magic is second only to holiday magic. This week, they meet on the parade route.

Downtown Appleton Excitement
The Fox Cities P.A.C. is excited to be part of the 42nd Annual Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade. Members of the founding board of directors have been asked to serve as Parade Grand Marshals riding the first float with none other than Mrs. Claus.

Please join us in thanking John F. Bergstrom, Richard Bergstrom, O.C. Boldt, Tim Hanna, Paul Heid, Mike Marsden, Kirk Metzger, Tom Prosser, Walt Rugland, Kathi Seifert and Fox Cities P.A.C. President Susan Stockton for their leadership in making the performing arts a thriving part of downtown Appleton. 

Broadway Bounty
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has a long history of showcasing some of New York City's biggest Broadway shows. That tradition continues this Thursday, from 8 - 11 a.m. (CDT) with performances by the casts of Newsies and Once. Tune in and get a taste of Broadway before your Thanksgiving celebrations!

2012 Holiday Parade in Downtown Appleton

Ensure the Arts Now and for Future Generations

  THE FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
LAUNCHES $25 MILLION KEYSTONE CAMPAIGN
TO PROVIDE LONG-TERM SUPPORT

$17 MILLION RAISED TO DATE 

APPLETON, WI (November 16, 2012) – The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center announced the launch of The Keystone Campaign, a $25 million dollar endowment to support the arts now and for future generations. The Keystone Campaign will provide long-term financial stability to the nonprofit's long-range business plan.

Fox Cities P.A.C. President Susan Stockton explained, "As a nonprofit arts and cultural education organization serving this community, it's important to understand that ticket sales and other earned income alone cannot cover the cost of the mission." Stockton emphasized, "Establishing an endowment is a natural next step as our organization matures. We have built incredible programs that add to the quality of life in the Fox Cities, and we have a strong base of support from our Annual Partners. The Keystone Campaign will ensure the Fox Cities P.A.C. continues to thrive and serve generations to come."

The Keystone Campaign supports the Center's subsidized mission-based programs by:

• Providing sufficient cash reserves to weather the volatility of the theater business
• Generating capital for unanticipated challenges like downturns in the economy
• Protecting and maintaining the facility by planning for long-term maintenance needs

The Center has raised $17 million in contributions and pledges toward the The Keystone Campaign goal of $25 million during a quiet, leadership phase of fundraising. 

With the public launch, campaign co-chair Barb Merry looks to the Fox Cities to fortify the organization it built 10 years ago. Merry said, "Our community came together to build this world-class theater and make it part of our lives. On behalf of the organization, I'd like to say thank you for making the Center what it is today. Now, as we embark on the next chapter, we ask that you make a donation that's meaningful to you, securing this remarkable dream for the future."

The Keystone Campaign was announced at a press conference today as the Center unveiled the Keystone Donor Wall of Honor, honoring contributors who have made a tax-deductible gift of $5,000 or more. The Wall of Honor is located in the Center's Dress Circle Lobby and will be updated periodically as the fund progresses.

For more information on The Keystone Campaign, contact Diane Zempel, Keystone Campaign manager, at (920) 730-3731 or visit foxcitiespac.com.

ABOUT THE FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in downtown Appleton, provides a premier venue for live performing arts. Since 2002, the Center has proudly served as a gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities while enhancing a greater understanding and appreciation of the live performing arts. The 2012/13 Season marks the Center’s 10th Anniversary. For more information on upcoming performances, programs and 10th Anniversary celebrations, visit foxcitiespac.com. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center – Where the Arts Come Alive! 

###

Local Kids Take the Stage in Elf

This week, students from Lawrence Academy of Music are taking the stage at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, appearing alongside Broadway performers in Elf the Musical. 

The young performers between the ages of 5 and 12 will include Nora Austin, Pippa Austin, Gavin Burkheimer, Eleanora Dane, Izzy Dane, Roseanna Dane, Nathaniel James, August McLaughlin, Sylvia Polansky, Will Scheffler, Maura Tarnowski and Annika Urness.   

Congrats to all on a job well done!

View from the Pit at Elf the Musical

We had the chance to ask Elf the Musical musician Jim Geddes a few questions prior to opening night at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Find out what are the most exciting parts about being on tour and Jim’s advice for aspiring musicians. See Jim and the Elf the Musical cast and musicians this week November 13-18!

Jim Geddes

Where do you call home besides The North Pole?

I was living in Los Angeles, but I just moved back to Saint Paul, Minnesota. 

What instrument(s) do you play in Elf the Musical?

I play Reed 1 which includes alto saxophone, flute, piccolo and clarinet. 

What’s your favorite song/number in Elf the Musical?

All the music is great in this show, however I would have to say that the number entitled "Nobody Cares About Santa" is my favorite. 



Woodwind Section for Elf the Musical



What’s the most exciting part about being on tour with a Broadway musical?

The most exciting part is being able to play every single night with amazing musicians in the pit and with the great talent onstage. 

Have you been on a Broadway tour before? If yes, what show(s)?

Yes. I have played for the international tour of Avenue Q and also the national tour of In the Heights.

Where did you get your start with music?

I got my start in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin both in the public school music program and private lessons with Dan Gilgenbach. 

 

Jim getting ready for a performance at the
Providence Performing Arts Center



What advice do you have to someone who wants work in musical theater?

Work insanely hard to be the best you can at your craft. It is a very competitive career, and every edge you can get will help you get into the industry.  

Tell us one thing people should know about musicians.

Most musicians are people who aren't cut out to work “9 to 5” jobs. We usually are a special kind of breed that thrive off of hard work and working odd, usually very late, hours. Our hobby is our job. We all enjoy every minute we play. 

In one word describe how you feel before the curtain rises.

Confident. I try and make every show I'm about the play the best I've ever played it, and I have to be confident in myself in order to do that. I can't second guess anything. It's live. That's the beauty of theater!