Compiled by Katrina Langer and Kevin Coughlin
One of the greatest addresses in Greater Morristown is 100 South St. Of course, that is the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Two decades ago, when it was known as the Community Theatre, the place was rescued from ruin by visionary musicians and passionate volunteers.
MPAC will celebrate this joyous anniversary on Friday with a concert led by Valery Gergiev, the Russian conductor who brought the Kirov Orchestra here in 1994 at the invitation of the late pianist Alexander Slobodyanik. The orchestra, like the theater, has a new name (Mariinsky). But this performance is sure to bring together many old friends.
Happy Birthday, MPAC — and many more.
Other sure bets this weekend: Bluesman Toby Walker in a benefit for Central America, and The KENJEX, rapping for greater glory.
And Wayne Walters, conductor of the Morris Choral Society, will premiere a one-act opera.
Scroll down for details on these and other fun events. And don’t forget to check our handy calendar for more options.
THURSDAY, JAN. 29, 2015:
Music At Noon concludes its 35th season at the Morristown United Methodist Church with A Musical Heritage, featuring Pauline Lederer on piano and daughter Nancie Lederer on violin; Allegra Whiting and Marnie Kaller on cello; Marnie’s son Rick Kaller on piano, and the Heritage Piano Trio. The half-hour program will include Bridge, Mozart, Davidoff and Beethoven, at 50 Park Place. Suggested donation: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors. Students are free, and childcare is available during concerts. A light luncheon is available for $8 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
The Downton Abbey Support Group reconvenes at the Morristown & Township Library at 7 pm. Talk recent casting and show news, the impossible length of time between episodes, and re-watch of a favorite episode. Tea and scones will be served! At One Miller Road, Morristown.
Wait Until Dark makes its east coast premiere at the Bickford Theatre stage at 7:30 pm, with performances throughout the weekend. Con men trace the location of a mysterious doll to a Greenwich Village apartment where lies, murder, and deception all meet. Tickets: $45. The show runs through Feb. 15, 2015. At 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morris Township. Call 973-971-3706 for more.
FRIDAY, JAN. 30:
The KenJex are having a CD release party at the Calvary Baptist Church in Morristown at 7 pm. Brothers Kaleb Mitchell, 16, and Elias (aka Ben Beatz), 12, aim to bridge cultural and generational divides with their Christian-inspired hip hop. They will be joined by Th3 Saga and DJ YNot? The church is at 10 Martin Luther King Ave.
Bill Staines takes The Minstrel stage at 8 pm. Staines, a contemporary folk singer, created such favorites as Roseville Fair, River, and All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir. Openers will be recent Folk Project additions, Gerry & Olga, who made an impression at the Spring 2013 Acoustic Getaway. Admission: Adults $9; children 12 and under, free. At the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morris Township.
The Mayo Performing Arts Center celebrates its 20th anniversary with Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra (the former Kirov Orchestra) at 8 pm. In September 1994, Gergiev and the Kirov opened the hastily renovated Community Theatre; they plan to recreate the magical night that set the stage for today’s Mayo Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $69-$150. At 100 South St., Morristown. Call 973-539-8008 for more.
SATURDAY, JAN. 31:
Show some love, give some blood! From 10 am to 3 pm, The Red Cross will be at the Center for Spiritual Living Morristown. At 331 Mount Kemble Avenue (Route 202) in Harding. All blood types are needed; parental consent is needed from 16-year-old donors. Call 1-800-REDCROSS for more details, or register online at redcross.org.
Sister Act, the musical, featuring music from Tony- and Oscar-winning Alan Menken, comes to the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown at 3 pm. Also on Sunday at 1 pm. Tickets are $39-$79. At 100 South St. Call 973-539-8008 for more.
Video Playlist: NY Blues Hall of Famer Toby Walker
Guitarist and 2014 NY Blues Hall of Fame inductee Toby Walker headlines the 29th Annual Benefit Concert for Central America, at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship at 8 pm. All proceeds will go to two local charities that support employment and education in Central America. Openers are local musicians Mary and Darrel Courtley. Mike Agranoff of the Folk Project will emcee. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Doors open at 7:15 with a chili bake-off competition. At 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morris Township.
Germaine, a new, one-act opera composed by Wayne Walters, premieres at Delbarton at 8 pm. Celebrating the life of the patroness of abused children, Germaine Cousin, the opera stars soprano Elena T. Bird, supported by Patricia Ruggles, John Hammel and Robert Long — as well as a chorus of townspeople and a full orchestra. At St. Mary’s Abbey, 230 Mendham Road, Morris Township. Suggested donation: $20. A reception will follow the premiere. Please call 973-998-7239 for more.
SUNDAY, FEB. 1:
Space Flowers, an exhibit by painter John Darvie, is on display at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township from 9 am until 4:30 pm. Admission: Free. At 353 E. Hanover Ave. Call 973.326.7603 for more.
The Bel Melodia and Bel Canto children’s choirs present the musical Table for 5000 at the 10 am service at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, at 57 E. Park Place. Call 973-538-1776 for more.
Superhero Events, LLC. presents its fourth annual Pre-Game 4-Miler, a road race in Morristown on Super Bowl Sunday. It starts at 11 am at 8 Dehart St., at the Wells Fargo parking lot. Pick up your official race shirt and welcome packet at the Morristown Running Company at 31 South St. Registration is $35 before Jan. 31, $40 on race day. Wear a Superbowl-inspired costume!
Bundle up for some cold-weather fun from noon to 4 pm at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. A Winter’s Day on the Farm offers a rare glimpse into an estate farm of the early 20th century. Meet the farm animals, enjoy a wagon ride, learn about ice harvesting, and even collect sap from maple trees. Watch a sewing demonstration, try some weaving, and see seasonal food being prepared at the Farmhouse. At Kahdena Road in Morris Township. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), $6 for children 4-16, $4 for children ages 2 and 3, and free for children under age 2. Call 973-326-7645 for more.
Sister Act, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, 1 pm. See Saturday entry for more details.
The Colors of Brazil Art Show can be seen from 2 pm to 6 pm at the Therese A. Maloney Art Gallery in the Annunciation Center, at the College of Saint Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road, Morris Township. Admission: Free. Call 973-290-4000.
