Performing Arts Center at Sussex County Community College Announces Spring 2014 Season

NEWTON – This spring, the Performing Arts Center at Sussex County Community College presents a diverse showcase of dance, comedy, theater, family and international shows. Below is the lineup planned from January through April. Tickets are available via telephone at 973-300-3171, online at sussex.edu or in person at the box office in the Health Sciences and Performing Arts Center building on campus.

"The Return of Zeidwig"
Saturday Jan. 25, 2014

Snow Date: Sat. Feb. 1, 2014, 3 p.m.

Admission: $10-$18
The multi-talented Mitchell Zeidwig is described as a "modern-day Victor Borge." The first half will include the musical comedy routines and stunts and the second half is a "serious" piano concert where Zeidwig plays "Gershwin on Hendrix."

Joel Meyers, Comedian, magician

Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m.

Admission: $12
Joel Meyers is a 26-year-old an interactive comedy magician. Meyers is said to, "capture your imagination" according to Newsweek magazine.

The Black Maria Film Festival (Full program)

Saturday Feb. 8, 2014, 7:30 p.m.

Admission: $10-$12
Since 1981, the Black Maria Film and Video Festival has taken its name from that of the world’s first motion picture studio built by Thomas Edison in 1893. Each year the festival presents 40 to 60 juried works of short format, under one hour, works. The presentation is about two and a half hours long, and includes a question and answer session and short break.

Kofi Donkor Ensemble - African Drum and Dance

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014
10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m., PAC, Admission: $12

Maxwell Kofi Donkor provides a multicultural experience to his audiences. His songs and rhythms are passed from generation to generation. As a teenager, Maxwell was commissioned, like many Ghanaian youths, to carry on the traditions of his ancestors and performed for years with the Folklore Ensemble of Ghana.

Gary Lewis & The Playboys
Saturday Feb. 15, 2014

7:30 p.m., Admission: $36 to $54

In 1964, Gary Lewis & The Playboys took their first single, “This Diamond Ring” straight to number one. Shortly after, “Count Me In” went to number two. They followed with more Top 10 songs such as “Save Your Heart For Me”, “Everybody Loves A Clown”, and “She’s Just My Style." In 1965, Gary was "Cash Box" magazine’s “Male Vocalist of the Year”, winning the honor over other nominees such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Gary Lewis & The Playboys appeared on popular television shows including “American Bandstand," “Hullabaloo." “The Tonight Show” and an impressive five appearances within two years on the “Ed Sullivan Show”.

Tomaseen Foley’s “Irish Times” (1 hour Lecture/Demonstration)

Thursday, March 13, 2014, 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m.

Admission: $12
Tomaseen Foley’s “Irish Times” recreates just such a time, raising the rafters with traditional music, song, dances and storytelling featuring William Coulter, Grammy-award winning guitarist. The show also feature traditional Irish vocalist Marianne Knight on accordion, whistle, and flute, and world-champion level traditional Irish dance; award-winning Bronwyn Keith-Hynes on fiddle and Cape Breton dance; Brian Bigley on uilleann pipes, whistle, low whistle, flute, and world champion-level Irish dance; and Tomáseen Foley, native Irish storyteller.

Mystic India (College Concert)

Thursday, March 27, 2014, 11 a.m., Admission: $12

Mystic India (Full Production)
Friday, March 28, 2014, 8 p.m., PAC, Admission: $16-$28

Based on the concept of ancient India’s transition into modern India, "Mystic India" features 65 professional dancers, 1,000 opulent costumes and the dynamic music of Bollywood cinema. The vibrant costumes and elaborate sets have been custom designed in India’s film capital by a team of 40 designers and workers over the course of a year. Audiences can expect an explosion of colors and energy as they travel on a celebratory journey through Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab and Gujarat. And even through the progression of Bollywood films via a stunning visual display that fuses dance, theater and spectacular special effects.

Adam Ferrara, Comedian
Saturday April 12, 2014, 8 p.m.

Admission: $29 to $32
Adam Ferrara is an internationally touring comic and actor who has recently appeared in the motion pictures "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" and "Definately Maybe." He stars in three hit television shows, playing Chief Needles Nelson on the Emmy-nominated FX drama "Rescue Me," Frank Verelli in Showtime's "Nurse Jackie," and is host for History's critically acclaimed "Top Gear USA." He's a regular guest on late night TV shows and has appeared on "Caroline in the City," "The Job," and "Law & Order." Adam was the opening act for his comedy idol, George Carlin, and has performed at both Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall.

“Drunk with Hope in Chicago” – Alcohol Awareness “Edutainment”

Tuesday, April 15, 2014
10:50 a.m.–12:05 p.m.

Admission: $12
This engaging and entertaining one-woman show portrays the insidiousness, sometimes fun, but essentially devastating effects of alcoholism. Tara Handron tells the stories of over 15 women, some in the throws of alcoholism, some in recovery.

Junk Rock Band
Tuesday, April 22, 2014

10:50 a.m.–12:05 p.m., SCCC Lakeland Bank Pavilion

Admission: $12
Junk Rock Band traded in their drum sets for an assortment of plastic buckets, tubs and other found objects. Call it recycling, reclamation or reconditioning, members of the band are “city-billies” who have re-purposed junk to create an urban phenomenon.

Tri State Actors Theater presents: "Heels Over Head"

PAC, Admission: Adult-$23, Seniors-$20

Thursday, April 24, 8 p.m.; Friday April 24, 8 p.m.; Saturday April 26, 2 p.m., 8 p.m.

Sunday April 27, 3 p.m.; Thursday May 1, 8 p.m.; Friday May 2, 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 3, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday May 4, 3 p.m.

A romantic farce about a couple vowing to keep their poetic, rhapsodic love alive despite overwhelming disruption. Jake and Luna meet and fall in love at a "bungee jumping for singles" weekend. They elope, not caring where they drive, and spend the next several days at an inn subsisting on blueberry muffins. But as real life awaits their passion is challenged by dwelling problems, roommates, relatives, old lovers, secrets and many idiosyncrasies.

Remembering Vietnam
Tuesday April 29, 2014, 3 p.m.

Suggested Donation: $10
The Vietnam War may have ended 41 years ago, but it left a lasting impression on the veterans who served in the conflict, and several of them are just beginning to speak about their experiences. In this interactive and engaging presentation, several stories never before told will be captured for the history books. It is part of an on-going effort to hear as many of the personal stories as possible and perhaps take home some lessons learned that we can apply to those service men and women coming home today from war and conflicts abroad.