2023-2024 Season Brochure Text-only version
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2023-2024 Season Brochure, text-only version
The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center celebrates the legacy of our founding benefactors, whose music continues to bring joy to generations. The Carpenter Center follows in their tradition of excellence with a new season filled with both emerging and legendary artists who engage our diverse arts community through enthralling, illuminating, and entertaining live experiences.
You’ll find a vibrant mix of music, dance, comedy, and creative performances to savor this season. Be sure to also enjoy our lobby’s permanent Richard & Karen Carpenter Exhibit when you attend your next show. Many of the Carpenters’ awards and memorabilia—including iconic photographs, hit arrangements, original instruments, and more—are on display.
The Carpenter Center is an intimate 1,054-seat venue conveniently located just off the 405, 605, and 22 freeways on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. Safe and convenient parking is located directly in front of the Center, operated by CSULB. For the latest parking and attendance information, visit our frequently asked questions page at carpenterarts.org/faq.
Purchase tickets online at carpenterarts.org!
Cover: Samara Joy, photo by Meredith Truax; Mailing panel: Branford Marsalis Quartet, photo by Eric Ryan Anderson; Amy Sedaris, photo by Chad Griffiths; pg3: A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, photo by Christopher Duggan; pg12: Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, Classroom Connections; pg13: David Brighton’s SPACE ODDITY
WIT& WISDOM SERIES
An Evening with Henry Winkler
Sat, Jan 20, 2024 at 8pm
From his breakout role as “The Fonz” on Happy Days to his current co-starring role as acting coach Gene Cousineau on the hit HBO dark comedy Barry, Henry Winkler has enjoyed over four decades of success as an actor, producer, and director. Beyond this Emmy Award- winning actor’s success, Winkler is a New York Times bestselling author, and recently released his new memoir, Being Henry. In this captivating evening, Henry Winkler shares humorous anecdotes and inspirational lessons from his life and storied career.
An Evening with Amy Sedaris
Moderated by KCRW host Anthony Byrnes
Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 8pm
A hilarious evening of moderated conversation with Amy Sedaris, followed by an audience Q&A. Amy is an actress, comedian and writer best known for her Emmy-nominated series, the hilarious and slightly deranged world of At Home with Amy Sedaris. She played the endearingly eccentric Jerri Blank in her hit comedy series Strangers with Candy, and can currently be seen on Disney+ in The Mandalorian.
An Evening with Paula Poundstone
Sat, Dec 9, 2023 at 8pm
One of the country’s preeminent comedians, Paula Poundstone returns with more smart, laugh- out-loud observational humor. Delivering her insights with her legendarily spontaneous wit, she makes every appearance freshly original. When not on stage, Paula can be heard as host of her weekly comedy podcast Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone, and as a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me!
LEGENDARY MUSIC
Not part of the Wit & Wisdom Series
David Brighton’s SPACE ODDITY: The Quintessential David Bowie Experience
Fri, Jan 19, 2024 at 8pm
Journey through the glam, genius, and pop sophistication of David Bowie in this live, theatrically staged spectacle by David Brighton and his electrifying band. SPACE ODDITY captures the icon’s transformative personas through timeless classics including “Changes,”“Modern Love,” and “Heroes” in this thrilling portrait of one of the most relentlessly innovative and influential musicians of our time.
SUBSCRIBE TO ALL THREE AND SAVE!
AWARD-WINNING JAZZ [NOT PART OF A SERIES]
Samara Joy
Sat, Sep 23, 2023 at 8pm
Hailing from the Bronx, rising jazz phenom and recent two-time Grammy Award winner Samara Joy is well on her way to joining the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie. Joy, a deeply emotive vocalist, exploded onto the scene in 2019 at the age of 21—often surprising audiences with the power she packs and her “lighter than air” and “understated, swingy rhythm.” (NPR) Joy won her first two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown
Sat, Dec 16, 2023 at 8pm
Get your family into the holiday spirit with an evening of Vince Guaraldi tunes from A Charlie Brown Christmas starring five-time Grammy nominee jazz pianist David Benoit! Don’t miss this must-see show featuring the cherished holiday songs that have charmed generations.
Branford Marsalis Quartet
Sat, Mar 16, 2024 at 8pm
An NEA Jazz Master and three-time Grammy Award winner, legendary saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most revered figures in contemporary music. He returns with the Branford Marsalis Quartet for more virtuosic improvisations supercharged by the quartet’s extraordinary energy and telepathic musical connection.
WOW! SERIES
FUN FOR EVERYONE!
Superstars of Magic
Sat, Oct 7, 2023 at 8pm
Back by popular demand, Superstars of Magic brings together award-winning Las Vegas illusionists for magic, comedy, and variety that’s a delight for all ages! Combining mesmerizing feats and sleight of hand with hilarious hijinks and comedy, these superstars of magic will leave you both amazed and in stitches!
The Peking Acrobats
Sat, Jan 27, 2024 at 2pm & 8pm
Witness spellbinding feats rooted in more than 2,000 years of history! These masters of agility and grace display their artful athleticism, pushing the limits of human ability and defying gravity with their amazing acts of contortion and control. With a legacy of superb talent and rigorous training, The Peking Acrobats deliver all of the excitement and festive pageantry of a Chinese carnival!
Charo
Sat, Mar 9, 2024 at 8pm
Pop culture icon Charo is a multi-talented singer, musician, comedian, and stage and screen performer known for her high- energy live concerts and award-winning Flamenco guitar playing. This dynamo of delight’s flamenco-inspired album Guitar Passion won the Female Pop Album of the Year award at the Billboard International Latin Music Conference.
SUBSCRIBE TO ALL THREE AND SAVE!
DANCE SERIES
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham
Sat, Sep 30, 2023 at 8pm
“one of the most consistently excellent troupes working today.” (The New York Times)
Celebrated contemporary dance company A.I.M by Kyle Abraham returns in an evening of stunning repertoire that includes choreographer Bebe Miller’s legendary solo “Rain,” Maleek Washington’s meditative “Uproot: lover and legacy,” and A.I.M Artistic Director Kyle Abraham’s new works: “MotorRover,”“5 Minute Dance (You Drivin’?),” and “If We Were a Love Song,” an intimate exploration of love set to six songs by Nina Simone.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Sat, Feb 3, 2024 at 8pm
Celebrating their 50th anniversary season, the world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company return with their breathtaking pointe work and hilarious parodies of classical ballet favorites. Whether you’re a ballet aficionado or don’t know a plié from a jeté, the prima ballerinas of the Trocks deliver hilarity and awe. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have at the ballet!
Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles
with Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva America!
Sat, Mar 23, 2024 at 8pm
Featuring Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, the nation’s premier Mexican
folk dance company led by Kareli Montoya, and the musicians of Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar, led by three-time Grammy award-winner Jimmy Cuéllar, this colorful extravaganza is a joyful mix of folklorico, dance, and storytelling from both sides of the border. Set to traditional songs, as well as celebrating the music of Selena and Jenni Rivera, this incredible performance will capture your heart!
CABARET SERIES
Every seat is on the stage and less than 40 feet from the artist! Plus, you have the option of enjoying dinner or bar service before the show!
SUBSCRIBE TO ALL FOUR AND SAVE!
Broadway Baby
Melissa Errico Sings Sondheim
Wed/Thu Nov 8-9, 2023 at 7pm
Broadway star Melissa Errico pays tribute to her musical mentor Stephen Sondheim in a sparkling evening of sublime songs and often-humorous insights into Sondheim’s craft and life. The New Yorker calls Tony- nominee Melissa Errico “the finest interpreter of Sondheim’s music in America today.”
Allan Harris: A Nat King Cole Christmas
Wed/Thu Dec 13-14, 2023 at 7pm
Harlem-based vocalist, guitarist, and composer Allan Harris returns to kick off the holidays with beloved Nat King Cole classics, from “Silver Bells” to “Winter Wonderland.”The velvet-baritoned Harris and his masterful band unwrap a swinging and soulful performance of pure holiday joy.
Storm Large
Wed/Thu Mar 6-7, 2024 at 7pm
Powerhouse chanteuse Storm Large is back with more sultry and subversive jazz standards, Broadway showstoppers, and ageless anthems. Whether singing in a nightclub or in front of millions on 2021’s America’s Got Talent, Large enthralls with her gorgeous voice
and unrestrained presence, making every appearance intoxicating from the first note to the last.
Lucie Arnaz
I Got the Job! Songs From My Musical Past
Ron Abel, Musical Director
Wed/Thu May 8-9, 2024 at 7pm
Lucie Arnaz (Pippin, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, They’re Playing Our Song) explores her life on stage with iconic songs and hidden treasures from some of Broadway’s greatest shows—along with a look at the backstage magic it takes to create them!
Dinner/Beverage Service 6pm performance 7pm
SUBSCRIBE TO ALL FOUR AND SAVE!
SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT SERIES
When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years
of Disney
Sun, Oct 8, 2023 at 2pm
An unforgettable afternoon of jazz that celebrates 100 years of Disney. Pianist and music director Sean Mason leads the house band for the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and two singer-storytellers in bringing beloved, nostalgic Photo by Arthi Krishnaswami
songs to life, all performed with the syncopated rhythm and
complex harmonies
that define jazz.
(This production is not affiliated with, sponsored, or authorized by The Walt Disney Company.)
Tapestry, the Carole King Songbook with Suzanne O Davis
Sun, Dec 3, 2023 at 2pm
Suzanne O Davis and the Tapestry band capture the heartfelt sincerity of Carole King’s 1971 Platinum album Tapestry—including the hits that followed. From “I Feel the Earth Move” to “You’ve Got a Friend,” prepare for a rush of music memories in this concert brimming with the unforgettable melodies of one of the most successful female songwriters of all time.
The Doo Wop Project
Sun, Jan 14, 2024 at 2pmz
A brand new show—a brand new treat! The stars of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical are back with fresh renditions of classic Doo Wop hits, plus doo-wopified versions of contemporary favorites from Adele to Garth Brooks. Get ready for another fantastic concert with the greatest music in American pop and rock history!
Trailblazing Women of Country – A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly
Sun, Mar 17, 2024 at 2pm
Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton revolutionized country music, blazing a trail for generations of female artists. With their chart- topping hits, they wove threads of contemporary womanhood throughout the tapestry of country music. This afternoon concert features soloists Miko Marks (CMT’s 2022 “Next Woman of Country”) and Nashville-based singer Kristina Train along with an all-female band!
EDUCATIONAL & COMMUNITY EVENTS
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE 60 DAYS PRIOR
Symphonic Jazz Orchestra
Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 6pm
Spring 2024 - TBA
Comprised of some of the top musicians in the country, this 68-member orchestra conducted by music director Mitch Glickman is dedicated exclusively to blending the worlds of jazz and classical music, and has played with such renowned jazz artists as George Duke, Christian McBride, and the Yellowjackets.
Versa-Style Dance Company
Fri, Dec 8, 2023 at 8pm
Be inspired by the diversity and artistry of Los Angeles’ hip-hop and street dance culture with Versa-Style Dance Company. Named “Los Angeles’ Best Dance Troupe for Hip Hop Empowerment” by LA Weekly, Versa- Style Dance Company brings the exhilaration of street dance onto the stage in this unforgettable evening.
Julia Keefe Quartet
Fri, Jan 26, 2024 at 7pm
“She gives me hope for the future of jazz.”
– Judy Carmichael, NPR
Nationally acclaimed Native American jazz vocalist, actor, activist, and educator Julia Keefe (Nez Perce) honors the legacy of Indigenous contributions to jazz as she and her quartet perform fresh originals and swinging jazz favorites.
Support Arts for Life THANK YOU!
These events are possible thanks to the support of sponsors and donors like you. Gifts in any amount are gratefully accepted at any time. All gifts are tax deductible and gifts over $100 are acknowledged in our Carpenter Center program. Thank you for helping us share the arts throughout Southern California!
To donate to our Arts for Life program visit www.carpenterarts.org/donate.
EASY WAYS TO GET TICKETS
Online at CarpenterArts.org - Subscription and single tickets available online 24 hours a day.
Phone Mon-Thu, 11am-4pm 562.985.7000
FULL PRICES EVENT DATE/TIME START AT
Samara Joy Sat, Sep 23 at 8pm $55
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham Sat, Sep 30 at 8pm $40
Superstars of Magic Sat, Oct 7 at 8pm $45
When You Wish Upon a Star Sun, Oct 8 at 2pm $45
Carole King Songbook Sun, Dec 3 at 2pm $45
Paula Poundstone Sat, Dec 9 at 8pm $65
David Benoit Sat, Dec 16 at 8pm $50
The Doo Wop Project Sun, Jan 14 at 2pm $45
Space Oddity Fri, Jan 19 at 8pm $55
Henry Winkler Sat, Jan 20 at 8pm $65
The Peking Acrobats Sat, Jan 27 at 2pm $40 Sat, Jan 27 at 8pm $40
Les Ballets Trockadero Sat, Feb 3 at 8pm $55
Charo Sat, Mar 9 at 8pm $50
Branford Marsalis Quartet Sat, Mar 16 at 8pm $65
Trailblazing Women of Country Sun, Mar 17 at 2pm $45
Ballet Folklórico Sat, Mar 23 at 8pm $40
Single ticket orders are filled after subscription orders, in the order in which they are received.
°To add dinner to a subscription please add $160 per subscription or contact the Ticket Office. Dinner cost includes one meal for each of the four 2023-24 Cabaret shows. Dinner/Beverage Service 6-6:45pm [Performance 7pm]
°There is a $3.75 service fee per ticket for single ticket purchases at checkout. There is no service fee on series subscriptions or cabaret dinners.
Programs, artists, prices and dates subject to change. No refunds.
ADA compliance, please visit CarpenterArts.org/accessibility