In keeping with the mission of bringing the best performing artists from all over the world to Columbus, CAPA has announced a diverse 2008-09 season. Extraordinary talent from all over the globe in every genre of entertainment is lined up to entertain downtown audiences on the stages of the Ohio, Palace, Southern, and Riffe Center Theatres.
Whether it’s musical theatre, ballet, Shakespeare, children’s programming, tango, comedy, Celtic, folk, jazz, salsa, or world music, this season’s assembly of artists offers something for everyone.
Tickets for most shows on the CAPA 2008-09 season go on sale to the public on Monday, Sept. 8 at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office, 39 E. State St., all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets by phone, call 614-431-3600 or 614-469-0939.
The 2008-09 season is listed as follows:
An Evening with Great Big Sea (on sale now)
Sept. 17, 8 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Great Big Sea has been described as "Celtic rock" or even "aggressive folk," but their distinctive brand of pop was founded on the folk music tradition of the band members’ native home, the island province of Newfoundland, Canada. Winners of an unprecedented 18 East Coast Music Awards, Great Big Sea hits the road in support of their ninth studio recording, Fortune’s Favor.
The Swell Season (on sale now), featuring the music and stars from the film Once,
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Sept. 22, 8 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
In 2005, singer/songwriters Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova co-wrote and recorded an album titled The Swell Season. While in development, Hansard and Irglova were enlisted to play the lead roles in romantic independent film Once with their album as its soundtrack. The film went on to win the World Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, and the album’s Falling Slowly won the 2008 Academy Award for “Best Original Song.” The duo is now touring as The Swell Season, and selling out venues nationwide. Special guest for the evening will be Bill Callahan.
KEM (on sale now)
Sept. 25, 8 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
Moving from homelessness and drug rehab to gold records and chart-topping success, KEM’s personal story is one of grit, inspiration, and triumph. While waiting tables and working as a wedding singer, he independently produced and released his debut album, Kemistry.
Cardinals (on sale now), featuring Ryan Adams, Neal Casal, Chris Feinstein, Jon Graboff, and Brad Pemberton
Sept. 29, 8:30 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
Although growing up on classic country, Ryan Adams discovered punk rock and began playing electric guitar as a teenager, and has been creating pop-rock songs with a country twist ever since. In 1994, Adams formed the alternative country band Whiskeytown whose large cult following helped launch the success of his first solo album, Heartbreaker (2000). Subsequent work has solidified Adams as an uncompromising and inventive songwriter. Now touring with the Cardinals in support of his 2007 release and ninth studio album, Easy Tiger, Adams is still demonstrating his signature touch, combining scorching rock 'n' roll with tender folk ballads.
Down by the Riverside, featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Oct. 8, 8 p.m.
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Sharing the stage for the first time ever, two of America’s great cultural ambassadors bring together the joy of gospel with the soul of New Orleans, promising an unforgettable evening. Winner of four consecutive Grammy Awards and recent inductee into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, The Blind Boys of Alabama remain at the top of the gospel charts, proving themselves an indisputable musical treasure. Recent recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts National Medal of Arts, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band performs traditional New Orleans jazz, embodying the joyful, timeless spirit of a true American art form.
Playhouse Disney Live! (on sale now)
Oct. 25, 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
Celebrate with your Playhouse Disney pals when Playhouse Disney Live! returns to Columbus. In this live show, you're invited to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends. The Little Einsteins set off on a musical mission around the world to find a song for the party — with the help of Rocket, of course! Pooh, Tigger, and Darby spring into action to search for music in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat.
Joe Jackson
Oct. 27, 8 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
English musician and singer-songwriter Joe Jackson is a unique and critically acclaimed recording artist with five Grammy nominations spanning 1979 to 2001. Best-known for his hit songs Is She Really Going Out with Him?, Steppin' Out, and You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want), Jackson is now touring in support of his 2008 release, Rain, which features 10 new songs with plenty of humor, swing, sophistication, barbed social commentary, and even some punk-like rocking out. Special guest for the evening will be Thea Gilmore.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Nov. 19-23
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Commissioned by the British Council and directed by Tim Supple, this once-in-a-lifetime production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is cast entirely with actors, dancers, martial arts experts, musicians, and street acrobats from India and Sri Lanka with the dialogue being delivered in English, Tamil, Malayalam, Sinhalese, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and even Sanskrit. This sensual and physical re-interpretation of the play casts aside familiar traditions of performing Shakespeare and replaces them with an epic and visceral power which has captivated audiences worldwide. Presented in association with CATCO.
Tango Fire
Nov. 23, 7 p.m.
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Featuring 10 fiery dancers, a quintet of brilliant young musicians, and two remarkable singers, Tango Fire offers a journey through the history of one of the world’s most sensual and alluring dances. From its origins in the steamy red light district of Buenos Aires to the glamorous Roaring Twenties, tango has survived and thrived, moving seamlessly from bordello to ballroom.
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 28-30
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
A Columbus tradition for 30 years, the Nebraska Theatre Caravan returns with the national touring production of A Christmas Carol. Capturing every detail of the Dickens classic, from the spine-chilling ghosts and gorgeous renditions of traditional British carols to crotchety Scrooge and lovable Tiny Tim, audiences have come to love Charles Dickens’ enchanting story and this treasured Columbus holiday event.
Dave Koz and Friends — A Smooth Jazz Christmas 2008
Dec. 5, 8 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
In a career spanning nearly two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. This six-time Grammy nominee returns to Columbus with his holiday tour, performing his smooth jazz hits and holiday favorites, with Grammy-nominated singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler, soul-jazz improviser Jeff Golub, and smooth jazz/new age keyboardist Keiko Matsui.
Cherish the Ladies’ Celtic Christmas
Dec. 19, 8 p.m .
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Cherish the Ladies has grown from a one-time concert concept to a traditional Irish music sensation, making them literally the most successful and sought-after Irish-American group in Celtic music.
Magic Tree House: The Musical
Jan.16-17
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
Based on Mary Pope Osborne’s beloved series of children’s books, Magic Tree House: The Musical is a theatrical event for the entire family. To restore joy and magic to King Arthur’s kingdom, Jack and Annie must travel to Camelot’s dreaded Otherworld and return with water from the mythical Cauldron of Memory and Imagination.
The Backyardigans Live!
Jan. 24-25
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Join knights Uniqua and Tyrone as they embark on a quest to protect King Pablo's unpredictable egg. Along the way, Grabbing Goblin Austin and Flighty Fairy Tasha join the medieval mayhem as the runaway egg hatches feet and makes an unexpected dash all the way up to Dragon Mountain! The Backyardigans will need your help to face a mighty dragon and return the egg to the king.
Ailey II
Jan. 27, 8 p.m.
Capitol Theatre, 77 S. High St.
Ailey II’s exceptional modern ballet dance company merges the spirit and energy of the country’s best young talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding choreographers. The dancers are the most gifted of their generation, translating strength, agility and grace of body and soul into stirring, powerful performances.
Ballet Hispanico
Jan. 31, 8 p.m.
Capitol Theatre, 77 S. High St.
For nearly 40 years, Ballet Hispanico has thrilled audiences worldwide with its magnetic energy and vivacious choreography. Boasting 13 stunning dancers who are true ambassadors for the rich cultural heritage of America’s Hispanic population, Ballet Hispanico offers an inspired program of duets and trios showcasing Cuban, Spanish, Brazilian, and Argentinean choreographic and musical styles.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Feb. 24, 8 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
In a career that has spanned nearly 30 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded 40 albums and sold over six million records. First brought to the attention of an international audience through Paul Simon’s Graceland recording, their first US album, Shaka Zulu, won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album. Since then, Ladysmith has been nominated eight times, earning a second Grammy in 2005 for Best Traditional World Music with their Raise Your Spirit Higher release.
The Second City on Tour
March 6, 8 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
The Second City returns to Columbus to perform some of the best sketches, songs, and improvisations from the company’s more than 45-year history. See up-and-coming comedy stars in the making with absolutely hilarious satire and cutting-edge improvisation. No topic or subject matter is off limits.
Duncan Sheik
March 7, 8 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
With the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Spring Awakening, composer Duncan
Sheik has successfully accomplished what few other pop or rock artists before him have done — create original music that seems right at home on Broadway yet feels very much his own. Those efforts earned him a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. The 1996 hit single, Barely Breathing, from his self-titled, Grammy-nominated debut album spent 55 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Eileen Ivers
March 8, 7 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Fiddler Eileen Ivers has established herself as the world’s pre-eminent example of the Irish fiddle. Being the nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, original music star of Riverdance, founding member of Cherish the Ladies, and featured guest artist with The Chieftains, Afro-Celts, Hall & Oates, Patti Smith, Paula Cole, Al DiMeola, and more than 30 symphony orchestras worldwide, Eileen Ivers and her band, Immigrant Soul, will change the way you think about the fiddle.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company in Completely Hollywood (abridged)
March 11, 8 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Since its origins as a pass-the-hat act in California, the Reduced Shakespeare Company has created six world-renowned stage shows, four TV programs, and numerous radio pieces – all of which have been performed, seen, and heard the world over. The company returns to Columbus with their newest creation, Completely Hollywood (abridged), a three-actor, 90-minute rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire of Tinseltown history.
African Children’s Choir
March 15, 3 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
The African Children’s Choir has been working with the most vulnerable children in Africa for 23 years, raising awareness of the plight of the orphaned and abandoned, but also showing the beauty, dignity and potential of the African child. They perform throughout the world, making a positive impact on society by being a voice for millions of children suffering in Africa.
Kodo Drummers of Japan
March 25, 8 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
The word “Kodo” conveys two meanings. The literal readings of the two characters that make up the name in Japanese are “drum” and “child,” conveying Kodo's desire to play the “taiko” or Japanese drum purely, with the heart of a child. It is also a homonym for “heartbeat,” humanity's most fundamental source of rhythm. On their “One Earth Tour,” the Kodo Drummers of Japan have given more than 2,600 widely-acclaimed performances in 42 countries, from war-torn Croatia to America's Carnegie Hall.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra
April 5, 7 p.m.
Capitol Theatre, 77 S. High St.
Directed by world-renowned pianist, arranger, and producer Oscar Hernández, this 13-member, all-star ensemble has reintroduced the classic sounds of New York City salsa to music lovers worldwide. Their 2002 debut album, Un Gran dia en el Barrio, earned them a Latin Billboard Award for Salsa Album of the Year–Best New Group and a Grammy nomination for Best Salsa Album. Their 2004 follow-up, Across 110th Street, merited the Grammy Award for Best Salsa Album.
Godspell
April 16-19
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Based loosely on the Episcopal Hymnal and The Gospel According to St. Matthew, Godspell is a whimsical blend of song, dance, mime, charades, vaudeville routines, and impersonations. This rock musical began as a workshop production of a graduate student’s master’s thesis, but with a delightful and enduring Stephen Schwartz score that includes Day By Day, All Good Gifts, and By My Side, it developed into one of the biggest musical theatre successes of all time. Co-presented with The Ohio State University Department of Theatre.
Annie
April 17-19
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
Leapin’ lizards! Annie, America’s most beloved musical, returns to Columbus to give a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic story about hope. With seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, Annie remains one of Broadway’s most successful and America’s most beloved musicals. Co-presented with Fifth Third Bank Broadway Across America—Columbus.
iO Theater–The Improvised Musical
May 2, 8 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
After more than 25 years of providing Chicago with groundbreaking, star-making, world-class improvisational comedy, the Improv Olympics Theater brings The Improvised Musical to Columbus.
The Four Bitchin’ Babes present Hormonal Imbalance…A Mood Swinging Musical Revue! featuring Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith, Nancy Moran, and Deirdre Flint
May 17, 7:30 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
After seven recordings and almost 20 years as “The Four Bitchin’ Babes,” these indestructible divas are hotter than ever. Spend an evening with these outrageously funny and multi-talented musicians as they examine and celebrate the lives of today’s women.