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! 

Making Plans for the Holidays?

A performance at the Fox Cities P.A.C. may be just what you need to kick off the holiday season! 

ELF THE MUSICAL
November 13-18
Elf the Musical is an original musical that brings to life the heartwarming and hilarious tale of Buddy, an orphan who mistakenly believes he’s really one of Santa’s elves. Featuring an all-star creative team led by three time Tony®-nominated director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Drowsy Chaperone, Spamalot), Tony-winning book writers Thomas Meehan (The Producers) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and the Tony-nominated songwriting team of Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), Elf is the one present everyone wants this holiday season. In addition to the performances, ticket holders are invited to a free preshow Ugly Sweater Holiday Party on Tuesday evening, and Wednesday night ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early for Family Night activities. Tickets start at $54.





10th Anniversary Signature Event 
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS BY CHIP DAVIS 
Saturday, November 24 at 8:00 p.m.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday celebration for over 25 years, and it is headed to the Fox Cities P.A.C. Grammy® Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller. Don’t miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the #1 Christmas music artist in history. Tickets start at $55.

10th Anniversary Signature Event
THE MAKAROFF YOUTH BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER

Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. 
Sunday, December 9 at 1:00 p.m. 
Join in a celebration of the Center’s 10th Anniversary with a unique community production Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 9 at 1:00 p.m. The Makaroff Youth Ballet, in collaboration with the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and the Fox Valley Symphony, presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Ballet. Watch in awe as talented local dancers tell the classic holiday tale of Clara’s adventures with the Prince and his army of toy soldiers, the Mouse Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy, accompanied with live music by the Fox Valley Symphony. Tickets start at $20.

Troupe America’s
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Tuesday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Miracle on 34th Street brings a holiday tradition to life onstage as Santa takes the stand in defense of Christmas with a script and score by Meredith Willson (Music Man and The Unsinkable Molly Brown). When Kris Kringle brings about a season of goodwill at Macy’s Department Store, he finds himself the subject of scrutiny and on trial for claiming to be the real Santa Claus. Under oath, can Kris convince the judge and a skeptical six-year-old Susan that magic is in the air this holiday season? Tickets start at $35.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s holiday performances are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s ticket office and online at foxcitiespac.com. To charge tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (920) 730-3786. Group discounts and additional fees may apply.

There’s Still Time for Broadway Season Tickets!

Mamma Mia! was the official start to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s 10^th Anniversary Season this past August, but believe it or not, the 2012/13 Kimberly-Clark Broadway Across America – Fox Cities Season Ticket Package has yet to begin.

This season’s Broadway package includes tickets to Blue Man Group (October 9-14), Elf the Musical (November 13-18), Catch Me If You Can (December 18-23), The Addams Family (February 26-March 3) and War Horse (June 25-30). You can even add tickets to Disney’s The Lion King (April 9-May 5), all in one easy purchase!

Many of the Center’s Kimberly-Clark Broadway Across America– Season Ticket Holders upgrade their packages to Premium status with preferred seating locations and even more great benefits. The kick-off Premium Season Ticket Holder Party is a favorite. With show inspired décor, light hors d’oeuvres and complimentary drinks, it’s a great way to launch a season of Broadway’s best. 

Check out some photos from previous Premium Season Ticket Holder parties!

Parisian Fare before Les Misérables

Exploring the Island before South Pacific

Just imagine what we’ll dream up for the Blue Man Group
Premium Season Ticket Holder Party!

If you’re interested in becoming a Season Ticket Holder, visit foxcitiespac.com or speak to a ticket agent today at (920) 730-3760.

Last Chance for Christmas in July Savings!

Do you hear jingle bells? Your present arrived early at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center with Christmas in July!

For one week only July 18-25, save up to $60 on 2012/13 Broadway Season Tickets including Blue Man Group, Elf the Musical, Catch Me If You Can, The Addams Family and War Horse. Treat yourself to five amazing shows, and enjoy great seats and exclusive benefits throughout the year. Or, make it a six show package with Disney’s The Lion King. 

With one easy purchase, wrap up your tickets to the hottest Broadway shows by July 25!

Best Seats + Best Prices = Season Tickets

If you are thinking about becoming a Kimberly-Clark Broadway Across America – Fox Cities Season Ticket Holder, there’s no time like the present. It’s the easiest way to secure the best seats at the best prices to next year’s hottest shows in one simple purchase. Plus, you’ll enjoy great Broadway Season Ticket Holder benefits!   

SEATING
Become a Broadway Season Ticket Holder and seats you’ll love can be yours for every Broadway Series show.

SAVINGS
Season Tickets Holders take advantage of special package pricing and save up to 30% compared to buying each show separately.*

FLEXIBILITY
Can’t make your scheduled show? You can easily exchange your tickets for another performance of the same title.

PRIORITY ACCESS
Season Ticket Holders can order additional ticket now months before the general public, and you are among the first to know about new events.

SERVICE
Have you lost your tickets? Season Ticket Holders can request reprinted tickets free of charge.
 

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM SEATS

Premium Broadway Season Ticket Holders have access to coveted Orchestra Level and Dress Circle seating locations and enjoy the very best benefits including:

• An exclusive invitation to a Blue Man Group preshow party
• Special savings on show merchandise
• Premium parking pass
• Special offers from preferred restaurants
• New York concierge Ticketing Service to assist with purchasing tickets for shows on Broadway
• Complimentary Ticket Exchanges by Phone
• Complimentary Ticket Replacement by Phone

MAY BONUS:

The Fox CitiesP.A.C. is offering two great incentives if you become a Season Ticket Holder by May 31. First, take advantage of an optional payment plan and pay 50% now and 50% on June 29. Then, as you head to a show, enjoy complimentary preshow and intermission drinks with a guest pass to the exclusive Partners Lounge!

*Based on performance date, time, seating location and final single ticket prices.

Announcing Broadway-A-Day Sweepstakes Winners!

The Broadway-A-Day Sweepstakes has drawn to a close, and it's time to announce the winners! Seven lucky winners have been selected at random to receive a pair (2) tickets to the opening night performance indicated below. 

Congratulations!

Blue Man Group – Tiffany Miller

Elf – Jenissa Carlson

Catch Me If You Can – Toni Wheeler

The Addams Family – Dana Boettcher

War Horse – Travis Kocourek

Mamma Mia! – Kathy Cecil

Disney's The Lion King – Jennifer Jensen

Winners, be sure to check your email for details on how to claim your prize! 

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