Tickets for 2008-09 Craterian Performances season shows go on sale to the general public
[ 07.21.08 ]
The Craterian Box Office opens at 10 am Tuesday, July 22, to the general public for phone and walk-up sales of tickets for the 2008-09 Craterian Performances season.
The new season line-up was announced in late May and priority processing of ticket orders for Craterian Performances members ran from June 3 through July 18.
As of July 21, tickets remain available for all events, but premium seats for the musical theater presentations are sold out.
Box Office hours are as follows --
On non-event days: Tuesday-Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm
On event days: Tuesday-Friday, from 10 am to performance time; Saturday, Sunday & Monday, from noon to performance time
Box Office phone is (541) 779-3000. During very busy times such as first days of public sale, the phone system is designed to hold a certain number of calls in a queue. If you reach the Box Office voicemail message, please stay on the line and your call will be answered in order received. If you reach a busy signal, hang up and try again. Please do not call the administrative line for ticket orders. You will be just be advised to keep trying the Box Office line. Be patient!
Online ticket sales will begin Tuesday, August 5.
2008-2009 Season Goes on Sale to the General Public on July 22
[ 07.08.08 ]
The Box Office is processing priority ticket order forms for Craterian Performances members only through July 18. The hottest tickets in the 2008-09 season so far are "Chicago," "Nunsense, "Movin' Out," "Annie" and "Oliver." Tickets remain available for all shows, but premium seats for the musicals are sold out.
Expect to see a line form outside the theater prior to 10 am on Tuesday, July 22! The day the Box Office opens for new season ticket sales to the general public is traditionally its busiest day of the year.
If you'd like to "beat the rush" and get the best seats that remain available you can still take advantage of these final days of members-only ticket order processing by joining NOW for the new season! Membership begins at the $50 donation level. How to do it? You can call the Development Office at 779-8195, ext. 303, to make your contribution with a credit card or you can submit a ticket order form (fax to 779-8175, mail to 23 S. Central Avenue, Medford OR 97501, or drop off at the Box Office) and just add your membership contribution to the total.
We hope you'll join us this season for the drama, power & excitement of the performing arts. "It's more than entertainment. It's life. Don't miss it."
Craterian Performances Announces 2008-2009 Season
[ 05.27.08 ]
Craterian Performances announces its 12th presenting season with a lineup that includes 24 shows, the sixth annual GingerBread Jubilee, plus free community events. The nonprofit organization that operates the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater (CGRT) in Medford offers a diverse array of celebrity, music, dance, comedy, musical theater, spectacle and family programs in its annual season that runs fall through spring each year.
One of the brightest stars in North America’s comic firmament, Martin Short, will shine on the Craterian stage on September 17, 2008. The Canadian-born funnyman’s credentials include “Second City Television,” “Saturday Night Live,” movie roles (most notably The Three Amigos, Innerspace, and the 1991 remake of Father of the Bride) as well as a Tony Award-winning performance on Broadway in the 1999 revival of Little Me. His Emmy-nominated show “Primetime Glick” featured his preposterous characterization of fictional TV reporter Jiminy Glick.
Tony and Emmy Award-winner Mandy Patinkin visits the Craterian on February 22, 2009. To some, he will always be Che, the fiery revolutionary from Evita. To others he’s best remembered as the brilliant but unstable Dr. Geiger of TV’s “Chicago Hope.” To still others he can only be Inigo Montoya, revenge-obsessed swordsman from The Princess Bride. This Craterian appearance will feature Patinkin’s dramatic tenor voice in a one-man concert of popular song.
Craterian Performances Executive Director Stephen McCandless notes, “The Craterian is the perfect venue to showcase Broadway stars in an intimate concert experience. Artists love the theater’s amenities and—with our farthest seat only 65 feet from the stage—patrons can catch every nuance of emotion, each nod and wink of an artist’s show.”
The sun will come up on five touring musicals to continue the Craterian tradition of bringing uptown, Broadway-style entertainment to downtown Medford. The line-up includes the sizzle and snap of “Chicago” on September 3, classic family favorite “Oliver!” on September 22, and Tony-winning charmer “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” on October 30,. January doldrums will be banished with “Movin’ Out,” the “rock ballet” featuring Billy Joel songs and Twyla Tharp choreography on January 15, 2009; and “Annie” in a 30th anniversary production on January 26, 2009.
An off-Broadway song and dance romp will get people in the “habit” of laughing on September 30 with the 25th anniversary tour of “Nunsense” starring Sally Struthers. The Little Sisters of Hoboken have to put on a show to raise the funds needed to bury their colleagues who succumbed to the cooking disaster of Sister Julia, Child of God.
The season features seven music acts including one “back by popular demand” and the others covering the bases with British humor & harmony, “bluegrass on steroids,” brass, jazz, American soul and a “high-octane fiddle fest.”
Neil Berg returns with another powerhouse ensemble of Broadway performers recreating pivotal moments in the history of the Great White Way. “101 Years of Broadway” on October 15 features composer/producer/performer Berg, best known for his off-Broadway hit “The Prince and the Pauper,” providing accompaniment for his stellar cast.
Cantabile, also known as The London Quartet, combines exquisite a cappella harmony with wacky British wit on September 27. Cherryholmes, the Grammy-nominated family band delivers music described as “bluegrass on steroids” on January 10, 2009. The Spanish Brass on February 8 and Duke Ellington Orchestra on March 10 provide the season’s brass and jazz flavors. Taking rock music back to its gospel roots is the American Soul & Rock & Roll Choir on January 20. With a Memphis-style side band, the choir belts out some of the best songs of the past 40 years such as “People Get Ready,” “Spirit in the Sky” and “I want to Know What Love Is.” Barrage on February 7 features a hip cast of string-playing, singing and dancing virtuosos in a show that has been called “Stomp with fiddles.”
America 1968 on March 14, 2009, is a multi-media music event that portrays an unforgettable year in contemporary American history and culture. With a live band and a compact ensemble of actor-singers, the show mixes potent imagery, unforgettable words and immortal songs in a music-filled history lesson.
Holiday events in the coming season include the Craterian traditions of the GingerBread Jubilee in November, “Christmas with the Trail Band” shows of holiday music on December 6 and 7 as well as a Valentine date for the whole family with “Cirque Voila!” on February 14. The sixth annual GingerBread Jubilee includes a gala auction as well a community tour, when all of the elaborate gingerbread creations can be appreciated. All proceeds from GingerBread Jubilee events benefit the theater. Trail Band performances include a mixed bag of traditional and contemporary songs with some original tunes, international numbers and story-telling tossed in. Cirque Voila! is a celebration of the extraordinary talents of contortionists, clowns, jugglers, acrobats and aerial artists.
Speaking of jugglers…Michael Moschen is better described as a juggler-dancer-physicist-sorcerer and his show on January 17 will provide theatrical magic. He draws on scientific and mathematical principles to create breathtaking feats of manipulation and imagination and, in the words of The Village Voice, “to unfurl the secrets of the universe.”
Three dance programs are in the lineup for 2008-09 beginning with “Champions of the Dance,” showcasing the talents of some of the best ballroom dancers in the world, on October 24. The evening of elegantly sensual entertainment includes appearances by Jonathan Wilkins, who has appeared as a special guest performer on “Dancing with the Stars” and Hazel Newberry, both of whom have won multiple national and international championships.
Globally renowned DanceBrazil offers its fusion of traditional and contemporary Afro-Brazilian dance, modern choreography and capoeira (an acrobatic, dance-like martial art form) on April 3, 2009. The show includes colorful costuming and the rhythms of native musical accompanists.
The most beloved of all classical ballets—“Swan Lake”—will be performed by the Eugene Ballet on April 22. The troupe tours nationally and internationally and wins praise for its gracefulness, theatricality and mix of classical and contemporary styles.
Presentations tailored for youth and families include Mad Science CSI: LIVE! on November 8 and The Phantom Tollbooth on March 5, 2009. CSI: LIVE! is an interactive journey through the world of crime scene investigation that blends cutting-edge forensic science, audience participation and visual effects.
The Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour program returns with another witty adaptation of a children’s story. In The Phantom Tollbooth , Norton Juster’s beloved children’s book is transformed into a musical version of the tale of a bored young boy who discovers an enchanted portal into another world.
Free community events planned for next year include Stars on Stage: Celebrating State Soloists featuring Jackson County winners of the District 8 high school solo music competition on April 19 as well as the interactive Viva Voce Community Sing-Along on May 15.
In addition to booking performing artists from around the world for its own season, Craterian Performances makes the theater available as a rental venue for various nonprofit and commercial uses. Rogue Opera, the Rogue Valley Chorale, Rogue Valley Symphony, Ballet Rogue, Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon and Rogue Valley Youth Choruses have event listings in the 2008-2009 Craterian Performances season brochure as “Art Partners.”
Patrons are encouraged to place ticket orders as soon as possible. Craterian Performances is a nonprofit organization and contributing members receive presale privileges: Ticket orders by mail or fax will be processed in each membership level according to date received, beginning June 3 and continuing for 7 weeks. Membership begins at $50 and supports the theater’s programming and operations. For membership information, contact Maureen Esser at (541) 779-8195, ext. 303.
The Box Office opens for public sales on July 22. The Box Office is located at the theater, 23 South Central Avenue, Medford. Internet sales are set to begin on August 5.
Box Office Phone is (541) 779-3000. More information on the theater and its programs is available at www.craterian.org.
Counting down to the Craterian 2008-2009 Season Announcement!
[ 05.20.08 ]
Tuesday, May 27, is the day we announce the new line-up of shows for 2008-2009, our 12th presenting season of Craterian Performances. Watch for information on the outstanding touring musicals, celebrities, comedy, music, dance, holiday, youth and family shows set to light up the Craterian stage beginning in September.
Priority processing of ticket orders by membership level begins June 3 and continues for 7 weeks. Public sale begins July 22.
Membership benefits begin with a $50 contribution. Call Maureen at 779-8195, ext. 303, or email maureen@craterian.org for details, or to join by phone.
Here are a few hints about the new season:
The sun will come up on 5 touring musicals, two of which have geographic references in the titles and one of which can be categorized as a "rock ballet!"
Two celebrities: each a star of stage as well as big and small screen. Both male, their first names begin with "M!"
7 great music acts including one "back by popular demand" and the others covering the bases with British humor & harmony, "bluegrass on steroids," jazz, brass, American soul and a "high-octane fiddle fest!"
An off-Broadway song & dance romp that will get you in the habit of laughing!
A multi-media music event that portrays an unforgettable year in contemporary American history & culture!
A sweet Valentine's date for the whole family: an evening of music, awe-inspiring stunts and laughter!
Another top-notch Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences musical production of a beloved children's book!
An exciting, interactive, crime-solving youth & family show!
It's our most amazing season ever and we can hardly wait to share the news because..."It's more than entertainment. It's life. Don't miss it!"
It's "Rumpelstiltskin!" Don't miss our annual children's musical theater workshop July 14-19
[ 05.01.08 ]
Craterian Performances will welcome back the Missoula Children’s Theatre for its annual summer visit, offering a musical theater workshop for school-age youth culminating in two public performances. This year’s offering will be “Rumpelstiltskin” the week of July 14 and the workshop is open to students who will be entering 1st through 12th grade this fall.
Missoula Children’s Theatre sends two professional theater directors and a truck full of costumes, makeup and props to spend a week in Medford for their popular theatrical workshops. This opportunity is part of Craterian Performances' education and outreach program.
Fifty to sixty local students will be cast in the musical. Free auditions will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 14, at the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater. No audition material is necessary but pre-registration is required and is limited to 200 young people on a first-come, first-served basis. Call (541) 779-3000 to pre-register. For those who are cast in the production, there will be a $25 workshop fee (payable by cash on check on audition day) and rehearsals will begin that afternoon, so participants should pack a lunch.
Performances will be at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 19. Tickets are on sale at the box office (779-3000) and are $10 for adults and $7 for children.
Archived News
[ 05.28.08 ]
Season updates are still being made to our website....stay tuned for full roster.
Technical difficulties have delayed the full posting of the 2008 - 2009 season on the event calendar. We hope to have the problem resolved shortly. The full season is described in the news release below.
[ 04.03.08 ]
Classic children's story comes to life with music, puppets, masks and mime
Don't miss Enchantment Theatre Company's innovative musical version of "The Velveteen Rabbit" on Sunday, April 20. This wonderful theater company from Philadelphia does very inventive children's musical theater and takes it out on tour so it’s accessible to families all over the country. Their recording of "The Velveteen Rabbit: Love Can Make You Real" received a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Album for Children this year. Their website (www.enchantmenttheatre.org) also includes a study guide for teachers to use to integrate great curriculum ideas with children's early experiences of theater and attendance at a performance such as this. Show is recommended for ages 5 and up. Performances are scheduled for 2 and 5 pm. Bring the whole family for a wholesome, enriching theater experience!
[ 03.05.08 ]
Tickets for 3 pm Matinee on Saturday April 12 now available
Due to popular demand, Craterian Performances has just added a 3 pm matinee of "CATS" on Saturday, April 12. The originally announced 8 pm performance sold out in one week! Tickets available for the matinee at the Box Office or online.
[ 02.25.08 ]
Come and see this "purrenial" favorite, back by popular demand!
Craterian Performances will present one night of “CATS” at 8 pm Saturday, April 12, at the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater, 23 S. Central, Medford. This “return engagement” of the touring musical that sold out 3 shows here in the spring of 2005 is the result of a routing opportunity and is a special addition to the current season line-up.
A “purrenial” favorite of musical fans and feline fanciers, the legendary show (which is now over 25 years old) continues to melt hearts. It all began when pop/rock opera creator Andrew Lloyd Webber rediscovered the T.S. Eliot poems of his childhood (Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats), set the rhymes to music and ultimately created a masterpiece show-biz musical that opened in London in 1981 and then on Broadway in 1982. “CATS” was the longest-running musical in Broadway history (18 years) and cleaned up at the Tony Awards in 1983, winning Best Musical, Best Score, Best Set and Best Costumes.
Tickets are $75, $69, $63, $57. Priority ticket sale for members of Craterian Performances takes place Tuesday and Wednesday, February 26-27 during box office hours 10 am to 4 pm (phone and walk-up sales). Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning at 10 am Thursday, February 28. Online ticket sale begins at 4 pm Thursday, February 28.
[ 02.14.08 ]
Join us for the St. Patrick's Celebration on March 17 featuring Men of Worth & Friends
Celebrate St. Paddy's day with us at 8 pm Monday, March 17. It will be an evening of spirited jigs, reels, and blarney-filled stories by Celtic folk duo Men of Worth and a hearty band of their talented friends. Irishman & current Ashland resident James Keigher along with Northern California Scotsman Donnie Macdonald provide music, wit and sparkling showmanship in their very engaging and authentic style. Their Celtic cohorts include Maureen Brennan on Celtic harp, Kevin Carr playing Uilleann pipes and fiddle as well as two champion Irish step dancers. Tickets are going fast, so call the box office at (541) 779-3000, stop by in person or purchase online.
[ 02.06.08 ]
Teatro Lirico D'Europa sings the Greatest Hits of Italian Opera
As Lloyd Schwartz of The Boston Phoenix says, "Opera exists to melt our hearts, and Teatro Lirico does just that."
The world's most celebrated touring opera company comes to the Craterian at 8 pm Wednesday, February 13, to present an evening of unforgettable music. Think of it as a "Greatest Hits of Italian Opera" concert featuring highlights from cherished classics such as "Tosca," "Madame Butterfly," "La Traviata" and "The Barber of Seville."
The Italian Opera Gala includes an onstage orchestra, sumptuous costumes and some of the most sublime and beautifully sung music you'll ever hear. Whether you're a novice or opera aficionado, the crowd-pleasing "hit parade" of Teatro Lirico D'Europa will make your own heart sing!
[ 01.11.08 ]
Patti LuPone returns to Broadway in "Gypsy"
It has just been announced that Patti LuPone is set to star as Mama Rose when "Gypsy" returns to Broadway this spring. In fact, our Medford performance of "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda" will be the last chance to see her solo concert show (which sold out Carnegie Hall!) before she goes into rehearsals. Get your tickets now for the 8 pm Monday, January 28, show!
Best know for her Tony Award-winning portrayal of Eva Peron in "Evita," LuPone is a bona fide Broadway legend. She has also scored triumphs in other media including film and television. Her powerful singing voice is unforgettable. For a sample, check out this video clip of "Worst Pies in London" from "Sweeney Todd".
For lots of other info about her visit www.pattilupone.net. Her "Ramblings from the Road" blog provides a real glimpse into the life of a busy entertainer.
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to see Patti in the intimate atmosphere of the Craterian on January 28! We hope that neither rain, nor sleet, nor dark of night will keep you away!
[ 12.10.07 ]
During the Holidays Look for GingerBread Jubilee Creations at These Locations
Thank you to the following businesses and locations that have agreed to display gingerbread art during the holidays:
Boys and Girls Club, 3275 Avenue G, White City: "Around the World"
Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater, 23 S. Central, Medford: "North Pole Theater Presents the Nutcracker Ballet" and "Street of Sweet Sponsors"
Harry & David's Country Village, 1314 Center Drive, Medford: "Not Even a Mouse?" and "GingerBread Square" (from 2006)
Jackson County Central Library, Children's Department, 205 S. Central, Medford: "Once Upon a Time"
Lithia BMW, 600 N. Central, Medford: "K & B Acres"
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge, 4540 Grumman Drive, Medford: "Winter Wonderland"
Lithia Honda, 700 N. Central, Medford: "Christmas at St. Basil's"
Lithia Nissan, 600 N. Central, Medford: "12 Days of Christmas"
Lithia Saturn, 400 N. Riverside, Medford: "All Aboard!"
Lithia Toyota, 1420 N. Riverside, Medford: "Lithia Toyota"
National Furniture Warehouse, 1990 N. Pacific Highway, Medofrd: "Crater Lake"
Umpqua Bank, 117 N.E. F Street, Grants Pass: "Making Memories"
[ 10.22.07 ]
The most-popular shows & ticket availability
As of October 22, Here's a list of shows with fewer than 100 tickets remaining:
Cirque-Works: Birdhouse Factory on November 1
Evita on November 18
The Producers on December 3
Gypsy on March 12
Moral of the story: Don't wait!
Because, it's a sign of the times in our busy lives: "Dates on calendar are closer than they appear!"
[ 10.17.07 ]
Deadline for Entering GingerBread Jubilee Design Event is October 19
All creative bakers and "imagineers" are invited to design architectural wonders with all-edible ingredients for the 5th Annual GingerBread Jubilee, a benefit for the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater. New this year 2 additional categories: Group & Exhibition. Qualifying entries in Student, Adult & Group categories will be judged for over $3500 in cash prizes. Entry forms available at www.craterian.org and at the Theater. Deadline for entries October 19. For information call 941-6984 or 779-8195, ext. 303.
[ 09.21.07 ]
GingerBread Bakers' Workshop Offered Saturday, October 6
A “GingerBread Bakers’ Workshop” will be offered to the public from 10:30 am to noon on Saturday, October 6, at the Girl Scouts of Winema Council Program Center, 2001 N. Keene Way Dr., Medford. Instructor is Lois Springer, this year’s GingerBread Jubilee baker coordinator and multi-year Jubilee baker (Remember last year's Autzen Stadium? Lois created that amazing U of O scene with her daughter, Melisa Corcoran). Workshop participants receive a recipe booklet, tips and templates...and just might be inspired to create this year's "Best of Show" winner at the GingerBread Jubilee. Workshop cost is $10. Call Springer at 941-6984 to sign up.
[ 09.12.07 ]
Queen Latifah's "Trav'lin' Light" Tour Comes to the Craterian November 27
Craterian Performances presents “Queen Latifah: The Trav’lin’ Light Tour” at 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 27. “Trav’lin Light” is Latifah’s latest album on the Verve jazz label (due in stores Sept. 25) and features a blend of American pop, jazz and blues standards inspired by the music of Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughn, Roberta Flack, Phoebe Snow and others.
Seen most recently as Motormouth Maybelle in the summer box office smash “Hairspray,” Latifah is a multi-talented queen of entertainment: Grammy-winning hip-hop artist, Oscar- and Emmy-nominated actress, and author. Her new album is the long-awaited follow-up to the 2004 release of “The Dana Owens Album” (Latifah’s real name) which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
“Trav’lin’ Light” combines a saucy, sultry mix of tunes with Latifah’s playful personality as she puts her spin on familiar classics as well as forgotten jewels.
Tickets are $78, $75, $72. Priority ticket sale for members of Craterian Performances takes place September 18-21. (Annual theater memberships begin at $50.) Tickets go on sale to the general public September 25.
[ 09.07.07 ]
New show to be announced September 12
On Wednesday, September 12, Craterian Performances will announce a Special Presentation concert event that has just been booked. The artist--Grammy-winning singer, TV and film star, author and entrepreneur--is releasing a new CD later this month and going out on national tour. And...the Craterian will be the only place in Oregon to see this show! Stay tuned for official announcement plus info on when tickets go on sale...
[ 08.28.07 ]
Mavis Staples here in Medford with "Solid Blues" on October 9!
Mavis Staples, winner of a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, was recently interviewed on the "Today Show." She spoke of her family's long musical history, their personal connections with the civil rights movement and the freedom songs that still resonate in her heart. To see the interview, click here.
Note: The interview with Brian Williams will play after a short commercial.
Don't miss this legendary singer at the Craterian on Tuesday, October 9, in "Solid Blues."She'll be joined by blues harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite, the North Mississippi Allstars and piano virtuoso Joe Krown. For details, go to the "On Stage" tab for the Craterian's event calendar.
