RHINELANDER — A tasty menu of music, plays, comedy and film makes up the Nicolet Live! Performing Arts calendar for the upcoming season, with 20 events tailored to a variety of tastes. The series begins in September and runs through June 2020.
All events will be held in the Nicolet College Theatre, 5364 College Drive, Rhinelander.
“We have a truly exciting lineup this year,” said Nicolet College Theatre Director Jim Nuttall in a news release. “There’s comedy improv from Second City, the a cappella vocal group Tonic Sol Fa, a children’s musical, a holiday concert with violinist Randy Sabien, and a host of other events with excellent performers, some of them nationally known. I think almost everyone in the area, including kids, will find something they want to attend.”
The award-winning Lebanese film “The Insult” begins the series on Sept. 17. It tells the story of how an emotional exchange between a Lebanese Christian and a Palestinian refugee escalates into a court case that rivets the nation. The film provides a window into Mideast politics and culture that can leave audiences rethinking how they view this part of the world – and ours.
The film, which is subtitled, will be shown at both 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Following The Insult, host Elaine Strite will lead a discussion about it and answer questions. Strite lived and worked in the Middle East for 27 years and has a master’s degree in Near Eastern Studies from the University of Michigan.
Other notable performances and events in the series include:
“The Art of Dining,” a comedy presented by the Nicolet Players Nov. 8 to 10 and Nov. 14 to 17. (Sunday performances are at 2 p.m.) The quirky fun begins when Ellen, an accomplished gourmet cook, and her husband, Cal, who’s mad about Ellen’s culinary creations, open a chic new restaurant in their home. $10 general public and $8 for students and seniors.
“Meet Me Under the Mistletoe: A Holiday Concert with Randy Sabien,” Dec. 10. Join us under the mistletoe for a feast of holiday songs and good cheer with violinist Sabien. Treasured throughout the region for his spirited, inventive style and his mastery of rock, jazz, blues, swing, and funk, Sabien will play both seasonal favorites and his own holiday compositions. $15.
“Magnolia North” concert, Jan. 8. Rhinelander native Steve Foltz, of the award-winning bluegrass band Trout Steak Revival, created Magnolia North with his wife, Jennifer Middleton, as a platform for their love of good songwriting and each other. The result is a warm Americana mix of country, folk and bluegrass that evokes the landscapes from which this music sprang. $15.
Tonic Sol Fa concert, SFeb. 1. This Emmy and Grammy Award-winning a cappella group, using only their voices and a tambourine, has become a leading force in the world of vocal music. Based in Minnesota, Tonic Sol Fa is known for its outstanding arrangements and compositions as well as its thrilling vocal performances. $20.
The Second City, Feb. 15. The Second City returns to break all the comedy rules in this all-new, all-hilarious revue that will leave you laughing until it hurts. Starring the next generation of comedy superstars, this is a not-to-be-missed show. $18.
Comedian Tim Cavanagh, March 14. Cavanagh has left audiences helpless across the U.S. and Canada with his wildly funny songs and stand-up routines. He makes regular appearances on the syndicated radio program “The Bob and Tom Show” and has also appeared on Comedy Central, ABC-TV, Showtime, and WGN-America. $15.
ArtsPower presents Judy Moody and Stink children’s musical, March 29. In this spirited play, Judy Moody and Stink take audiences on an uproarious adventure as Judy sets out to seek fame and happiness. Meanwhile, Stink and his foul-smelling sneakers become a real distraction as he vies for the coveted Golden Clothespin Award. It’s a story filled with fun, mystery, rivalry, and, in the end, true friendship. For grades K-5. Starting time is 2 p.m. $8 for adults and $6 for children and seniors.
“Picnic,” a comic drama presented by the Nicolet Players June 5 to 7 and 11 to 14. (Sunday performances are at 2 p.m.) A picnic on Labor Day promises to be the perfect send-off for a long hot summer in a small Kansas town. The community is turned upside down, however, when a charismatic drifter catches the eye of Madge Owens, the prettiest girl in town. $10 general public, $8 students and seniors.
“An Evening with Tom Nelson,” June 20. Vocalist Tom Nelson, a long-time veteran of Nicolet productions, returns for a musical performance all his own. Since first appearing on the Nicolet stage in 1971 at age 10, Tom has performed with the Three Tenors and the Northwoods Hymn Fest and starred in more than a dozen stage musicals. Admission is $10.
All events are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Concessions, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase prior to most events. To view the entire 2019-20 Nicolet Live! Performing Arts Series schedule and to order tickets, visit nicoletlive.com or call 715-365-4646.
Photo courtesy Nicolet College. The Oscar-nominated foreign film “The Insult” will kick off the 2019-20 Nicolet Live! season with a showing on Sept. 17 in the Nicolet College Theatre.
