
January 2020
Nadia Boulanger was a French musician who had a list of students that reads like a “who’s who” of twentieth century composers: Philip Glass, Aaron Copland, Astor Piazzolla, Michel Legrand, Gian Carlo Menotti, Walter Piston, Jean Françaix, and the list goes on and on. She’s been called “the most influential teacher since Socrates.” Writer/Creator Mina Fisher tells Nadia’s story through words and music performed by Michael Kim, pianist, Stephanie Arado, violin, and soprano Adriana Zabala as Nadia.
This activity is made possible by voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Jillian Rae is a truly multi-disciplinary singer, songwriter, and performer. Always connected to her roots in Northern Minnesota, the Minneapolis musician has expanded on her upbringing as a classical violinist to become one of the most powerful and unique voices in the Twin Cities music scene.
Since performing their very first shows together in the early spring of 2004, Transit Authority has become known throughout the U.S. as the premier tribute band to the iconic group Chicago. Based out of St. Paul, Minnesota, this eight member ensemble creates an accurate musical salute to the greatest horn driven rock band to ever hit the stage. Transit Authority’s mission is to recreate the excitement of the original Chicago’s sound with each and every performance (minus the cracks and pops of the vinyl!). Transit Authority has assembled some amazingly talented musicians who meticulously capture all the nuances of the original recordings and will honestly make you believe you are witnessing the real thing. Performing mega-hits such as, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”, “Hard Habit to Break”, “Make Me Smile”, “Old Days”, “Just You ‘n Me”, “Beginnings”, “Wake Up Sunshine”, and many more.
Let Self IMPROVment help you chase away the winter chill. Our hometown improv comedy group is combining with other area talent for a fast paced night of laughter. Escape to Sunova Beach for some locally written sketches, a few bits of crazy improv, and maybe a surprise or two.
The Reminders are a rare and remarkable musical duo seamlessly blending soulful sounds and roots music with insightful messages and thoughtful lyrics. The duo consists of Brussels-born emcee Big Samir and Queens-born emcee/ vocalist Aja Black, a collective creative force that’s hard to beat. Big Samir weaves intricate rhythmic patterns with a bilingual French/English flow, displaying his street-smart credibility in both his lyrics and cool demeanor. This is beautifully complimented by Aja Black’s confident delivery, diverse cadences, and unique vocal stylings. The two have an undeniable magical chemistry as they share more than lyrical abilities and stages; the couple shares a partnership in both music and life as Samir and Aja have been married for almost a decade.
THANK YOU TO SPONSOR
This is a rich, powerful, world-class show by one of America’s best interpreters of the “Popular American Songbook,” Steve Lippia. It features well-known, beloved classics made famous by the greatest popular singer of the 20th century, Frank Sinatra. In this musical celebration, Steve’s singing brings to life the music and lyrics of great American composers like Cole Porter, Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen, Rogers & Hart, Harold Arlen and Steven Sondheim. Backed by a hot 10- piece swing band, Steve’s soaring voice, swinging stylings, and great signature stage presence always wow audiences and lift them to their feet. A night of soulful ballads and finger snapping swing tunes that will bring tears–and smiles–to everybody in the room.
THANK YOU TO SPONSORS
An evening of new works composed by Aby Wolf, in collaboration with Eric Mayson and Grant Cutler, and performed by a cast of renowned musicians as comfortable in experimentation as virtuosity. Through a creative process based in improvisation resulting in atypical song structures, Champagne Confetti is a practice in embracing uncertainty. It blurs the lines between ambient neo-minimalism, chamber music, and electro-R&B. It is inspired by the imminent universal need to find footing in an unstable world, and on both a personal and global scale, these new compositions explore that uncertainty.
MPR members receive $2 off per ticket by using code MPR at checkout.
February 2020
It’s a typical morning at Scranton’s third largest paper company until, for no logical reason, a documentary crew begins filming the lives of the employees of Dunder Mifflin… Don’t miss this hilarious, parody of the hit TV show, “The Office.” Currently playing on Broadway at The Theater Center in New York City.
THANK YOU TO SPONSOR
Lillian Carter was much more than President Jimmy Carter’s mother – she was a social activist, great humanitarian, nurse, peanut farmer, and nurturer. She celebrated her 70th Birthday in India while serving in the Peace Corps. She was astonishing in her ordinariness: she loved to fish and disliked cooking. But to describe her as “ordinary” is so far off the mark, as her President-son called her “Remarkable.” This play introduces us to this woman who refused to bow to the attitudes of her Southern surroundings, a free-thinker who enjoyed professional wrestling, who nurtured the best human qualities in all with whom she interacted. Mis Lillian loved her soap opera and a glass of good bourbon – often at the same time! Audiences internationally have appreciated meeting this “belle,” warts and all. There is no effort, no need, to present her as an angel. Her life is inspiring, funny, ever-changing, and, as is true of most people sometimes tragic. She was an “original.” No one who met her ever forgot her. Once you see her story come to life, you won’t forget her either.
Includes a pie social following the program!
Tickets: boxoffice@reifcenter.org
(218) 327-5780
Open to senior living facilities, groups and folks 62 and over.
Part of the 2019-2020 Reif Senior Series.
THANK YOU TO SPONSOR
Sutton + Associates
Lillian Carter was much more than President Jimmy Carter’s mother – she was a social activist, great humanitarian, nurse, peanut farmer, and nurturer. She celebrated her 70th Birthday in India while serving in the Peace Corps. She was astonishing in her ordinariness: she loved to fish and disliked cooking. But to describe her as “ordinary” is so far off the mark, as her President-son called her “Remarkable.” This play introduces us to this woman who refused to bow to the attitudes of her Southern surroundings, a free-thinker who enjoyed professional wrestling, who nurtured the best human qualities in all with whom she interacted. Mis Lillian loved her soap opera and a glass of good bourbon – often at the same time! Audiences internationally have appreciated meeting this “belle,” warts and all. There is no effort, no need, to present her as an angel. Her life is inspiring, funny, ever-changing, and, as is true of most people sometimes tragic. She was an “original.” No one who met her ever forgot her. Once you see her story come to life, you won’t forget her either.
THANK YOU TO SPONSOR
Sutton + Associates