The Sold Firm Gallery Welcomes New Young Curator

The content of this post comes from an announcement by The Sold Firm...

The Sold Firm — located on 8th and Tatnall Streets in the heart of downtown Wilmington — is an intimate contemporary gallery focusing on the curation of emerging artists of several genres and styles who may be unable to exhibit in larger institutions.

Owner and gallerist Nataki Oliver has kept strong to that mission since opening in 2019, while also hosting broader community events and arts-based workforce development opportunities for Wilmington youth. Recently, Oliver was proud to make the below announcement:

"Many teens have come through the gallery as assistants. The journey finding one dedicated to learning smarter who also 'breathes' the arts was the goal. I knew one day the 'Wright' person would walk in and own their place in The Sold Firm Art Gallery.

I am extremely excited to announce that teen is Nia Rae Wright! Nia Rae has been working hard for a year at the gallery. She is more than I expected but exactly what the gallery needs. The most fitting opportunity for Nia Rae is taking the lead as a paid 2025 Guest Curator.

Nia Rae is currently planning the fist exhibit coming in February 2025. The exhibit will exclusively feature selected visual artists over the age of 60 years old. I will be behind her to make sure she has the support to deliver her vision. Please congratulate Nia Rae on being amazing!"

Wright is a 17-year-old junior at Cab Calloway School of the Arts, majoring in Visual Arts and Theatre (Acting). She says that as much as she enjoys her work as a guest curator at the Sold Firm, she doesn't really see herself pursuing gallery managing or owning as a career.

"I started [with The Sold Firm] last November to collect volunteer hours for my school's National Arts Honors Society," Wright says. "but it ended up going beyond that and now I’m [Nataki's] intern/assistant."

Her favorite aspect of the job is definitely the opening night of exhibits and getting to see people come in and look at the art and discuss it with others.

So, with this experience on her resumé, does Wright have any advice for emerging or aspiring artists? "Whatever it is you want to do just go for it," she says, "whether that’s getting your art into a gallery or experimenting with a new medium!"

Delaware Arts Info wishes Nia all the best in her exciting new chapter and thanks The Sold Firm for providing opportunities like this for Wilmington youth to experience and become involved in the arts!

CLICK HERE to see Nia Wright in action at the gallery...

Navigating the Rough Crossing with The REP

By Mike Logothetis
Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

The Tom Stoppard absurdist comedy Rough Crossing began its run at the University of Delaware Resident Ensemble Players’ (The REP) campus home this weekend. The show entertains with witty banter and lots of visual pizzaz.

(L-R): Stephen Pelinski, Hassan El-Amin, Mic Matarrese, Elizabeth Heflin, Michael Gotch
star in The REP's production of Rough Crossing. Photo courtesy of The REP.

While its zaniness may go overboard in places, it is a pleasing production which satisfies on multiple levels. Liberally adapted from celebrated Hungarian playwright Ferenc Molnár’s Play at the Castle, the show sees playwrights Sandor Turai (Stephen Pelinski) and Alex Gal (Hassan El-Amin) onboard the SS Italian Castle as they work on their latest musical The Cruise of the Dodo. Both writers are hoping to refresh their careers by working with an up-and-coming composer, the anxious and lovelorn Adam Adam (Michael Gotch).

Adam has a tic which manifests as delayed verbal responses to questions. Naturally, every conversation which includes him loses its way because of his inability to keep up. The nervous Adam is engaged to one of the stars of the show — the glamorous Natasha Navrátilova (Elizabeth Heflin). But when Adam overhears Natasha’s co-star Ivor Fish (Mic Matarrese) agonizingly confess hisunwavering love for her on her cabin balcony 
— “Let the whole world know that I mean nothing to you. I’m a dashed Martini!” — the writers must work to keep Adam engaged and alive. Nautical nonsense ensues on a tropical themed ship set created by scenic designer Stefanie Hansen.

Typically, Stoppard’s work is the star, but for this production the physical theater is the feature. Hansen has created three beautiful and complex settings for the director Ian Belknap to utilize. The most dynamic and lush décor is the setting for Act II: the “Pisa Room.” The performance space has art deco-influenced lines and moving leaning towers (of Pisa). Even the chandeliers sway with the ship’s movements.

In Act II, Natasha and Ivor rehearse their patently awful Dodo dialog in a ridiculous plot which keeps changing, per the direction of Gal and Turai. They take mini smoke and make-up breaks between musical numbers and feedback. Heflin and Matarrese lean into wacky melodrama, prancing around the ship’s rehearsal space and making constant digs at Turai’s ridiculous writing. All the while, the ultimate goal is to get Adam back in a good headspace so they can finish the show.

The running gag for the cabin steward Dvornichek (Lee E. Ernst) is his misunderstanding of Turai’s requests and constantly downing his ordered cognac. Of course, this can only take place after the dim-witted Dvornichek learns proper nautical terminology. As for Gal, the man simply cannot stop grazing on whatever food is present.

Kudos to actor El-Amin for not mumbling lines with a full maw or even choking!

Another highlight is the live music provided by pianist Charlie Gilbert. Gilbert has no lines, but adds accompaniment and interludes during which silent actors Kyle Montanez and Mackenzie Speed entertain. Gilbert can be found either on a rising stage apron or on stage with the cast. The show ends happily in a cabaretstyle finale with curtain call.

Performances of Rough Crossing run November 7-24. Informal talkbacks with the cast take place following the evening performances on Thursday, November 14 and Friday, November 22. Two “prologues” occur on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 24. Tickets prices range from $35-39 with discounts available for students, seniors, plus University of Delaware faculty and staff. 

Tickets can be purchased online at www.rep.udel.edu; by contacting The REP box office at 302-831-2204; or visiting in person at 110 Orchard Road Tuesdays through Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00pm. The show runs approximately 2.5 hours with one 15-minute intermission between acts.

The Thompson Theatre at the Roselle Center for the Arts is located on the University of Delaware’s Newark campus and is ADA-compliant. It is equipped with a hearing loop system, which works with hearing aid t-coils, cochlear implants, and in-house hearing devices. Wheelchair and other seating requests can be made prior to the performance by calling the box office or emailing cfa-boxoffice@udel.edu.

“The women and children don’t give an inch on this boat” – Alex Gal

Chapel Street Players Celebrate New Show & New Home

By Mike Logothetis
Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

After signing a deal to depart its cramped quarters on North Chapel Street in early 2019, the Chapel Street Players have new digs for their 90th season! The recently completed building features 210 seats – an increase from the former 155 – as well as a large lobby, box office, bar area, and green room. The new theater also has a stage curtain, a modern sound system, more comfortable seats, bigger dressing rooms, and wings for actors to gather while waiting for their cues to go on stage. A 24-foot ceiling allows volunteers to build complex two-story sets. Most importantly, the new location offers plenty of free parking.

While a bit boxy, the new theater is quite beautiful and a deserved home for the long-time community theater. Congratulations to the leadership for all its work in securing the funding, real estate, and partnerships to pull off this monumental move. The capital campaign raised $700,000 over four years to make this all possible. Kudos!

According to CSP President Scott F. Mason: “Due to the rush to get to opening there are more amenities to come such as chandeliers in the lobby, our logo, outdoor signage, an art gallery area, and more. Every show this season will see more and more added to the space.”

(L-R): Michael Anderson, Joel Richard Watson, Connie Regan,

Leslie Green Shapiro, and Nicholas Savino star in CSP's

Footlight Frenzy. Photo provided by Chapel Street Players.

Oh, right…there was a show to put on…a very funny show. Footlight Frenzy is a fast-paced modern farce written by Ron House, Alan Shearman, Bud Slocumb, and Diz White. In a desperate attempt to save their bankrupt “School for Unusual Children,” an inexperienced local group valiantly mounts an ambitious benefit play written by a wanna-be Broadway director. His questionable direction and the group’s dubious talent turn the production into a shambles. 

The wacky story shifts from the dramatic (and at times over-dramatic) tribulations of the performers’ real lives to the play they are performing. The audience sees this entire chaotic story from the best seat in the house – the back of the stage.

The run-up to curtain becomes a disaster as the poorly-conceived play Tarnished Silver is set for its world premiere. Several unseen cast members have quit the production late-on and the shaken director Tony Langdon (Joel Richard Watson) turns to the janitor Benny Dibble (Michael Anderson) to fill in the crucial role of a notorious gangster. (To boot, one of the missing actors is replaced by a telephone!) 

As a young man with no stage experience, Benny hams it up but also comes down with paralyzing stage fright. The ex-actress/singer Laura Becker (Connie Regan) hasn’t trodden the boards in a long time. Laura becomes neurotic as young Debbie Turner (Leslie Green Shapiro) lustily pursues her husband Paul (Tom Hartzell) — a teacher at the school who is always playing catch-up. To add another layer, Debbie’s unrequited lover is the oft-inept janitor Benny.

Meanwhile, Laura’s old flame Alex Malone (Nicholas Savino) is also in the production of Tarnished Silver. His addition just adds froth to the madcap antics. To cope, Laura tries to self-medicate with all sorts of drugs to calm her jangled nerves. You can imagine that doesn’t turn out as expected. 

The jokes come quickly and furiously — both spoken and in the form of physical humor. Highlights include a “toy” dog, a rollicking fight scene, an out-of-place polo match, and the poor (detachable) head of baby Anne. Also, try to keep track of how many gunshots are fired by Debbie — AKA Gwen in Tarnished Silver — to “kill” her fellow actors. Some just won’t die!

Director Brian M. Touchette delivers the action at a rapid clip; although there were times when brief lulls would slow the pace. The cast did a worthy job of acting to the house as well as to the back – where the audience for Tarnished Silver sits. The intertwining plots were sometimes hard to follow, but the jokes never stopped coming.

Performances of Footloose Frenzy run the first two weekends of November. Evening shows on November 8 and 9 are at 8:00pm. A matinee show on November 9 begin at 2:00pm. Tickets are $22 for adults. Students, seniors, and military tickets are $20. Tickes for children under 12 are $12. Purchases may be made at https://chapelstreetplayers.org/footlight-frenzy/ or at the box office, subject to availability. The run time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes which includes a 15-minute intermission. 

The new theater is located at 643 Creek View Road in Newark. Free parking can be easily located all around the building. A selection of wine, beer, and cocktails are now available before the show and at intermission from the new concessions booth. Water, soda, and snacks are also offered. Cash or credit cards are accepted. 

Chapel Street Players’ 90th season will continue with performances of Times Square Angel in December, The Foxy Mrs. Bumstead Leigh in February, Steel Magnolias in April and the annual Renee G. O’Leary fundraiser in the spring. A season package costs $70.

Dr. Renee G. O'Leary is the only living person and CSP Board Member who has worked in all five CSP locations! She started as an actress in Mitchell Hall. She is a true legend and made a significant donation to have the hearing assistance system installed in the new space. 

CSP is a 501c3 non-profit all-volunteer organization.

We're Head Over Heels for Bootless' Final Season Kickoff

By Mike Logothetis
Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

Bootless Stageworks kicks off its twenty-second and final [sniffle...] season with a lively production of Head Over Heels, a jukebox musical that fuses the plot of The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia – a 16th Century work by Sir Philip Sidney – and the music of The Go-Go’s.

The multi-faceted love story features the all-female group’s hit songs “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” and “Vacation” plus Belinda Carlisle’s solo efforts “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You.” Many people in the seats sang along to the tunes they loved as radio staples in the 1980s.

A mash-up of posh and punk, Head Over Heels is an unpredictable romp about what happens when the court of Arcadia is threatened by the mystical Oracle with the loss of its “Beat,” the divine power that ensures the kingdom’s prosperity. In order to save their beloved realm, the royal family embarks on an extravagant journey wrought with mistaken identities, jealous lovers, sexual awakening, scandal, and self-discovery. Not everything and everyone are what they seem.

Diving into the intricacies of the plot would be foolhardy and though some subtle wordplay got lost in the theater space, the audience joyously followed the broad antics of the company.

Will Rotsch was a standout player as the kindhearted shepherd Musidorus. A highlight of the show was a disguised Musidorus tempting both King Basilius (John Jerbasi) and Queen Gynecia (Tara Herweg) simultaneously during the lovely duet “This Old Feeling.” Rotsch’s physical humor – wielding his crook, acting as an Amazon warrior, etc. – and his warm yet powerful vocals made his character one to root for.

Princesses Pamela (Samantha McNerney) and Philoclea (Maria Leonetti) were strong individually and as sisters encouraging each other in their quests for true love. Kudos to Director Andrew Dean Laino for his use of a faux mirror during “Beautiful” when Pamela sings of her beauty while Philoclea is supporting her in their chambers. Leonetti and McNerney have big voices, but use them differently – McNerney tended to be more rock-heavy (“How Much More”) while Leonetti vocalized more gently throughout. Both styles were appropriate for the characters they portrayed.

The Oracle Pythio (Nathan Hale) was a commanding presence with a booming voice while donning Costume Designer Rosanne DellAversano’s extravagant outfits. “Vision of Nowness” was a fun ensemble number led by Pythio as was “Heaven is a Place on Earth” – where a projected screen insinuated some amorous activities afoot.

The cast was rounded out by Aubrey Murphy (Mopsa), Sedric Willis (Dametus), Rosanne DellAversano (Ensemble), Genevieve Francis (Ensemble), Abbey Ketterling (Ensemble), and Jen Rotsch (Ensemble).

Musical standouts included “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “Head Over Heels” but the highpoint was “Mad About You.” Shepherd Musidorus proclaims his unconditional love for Philoclea in a field…with sheep…singing the backup chorus, “Maaaaaad about you,” like baa-ing sheep would sing. The audience ate it up.

Music Director James W. Fuerst led a talented band who both played behind the actors and let those great Go-Go’s riffs break through. There was a lot of foot-tapping going on.

Head Over Heels preaches unconditional love and acceptance of yourself and everyone you know, no matter their gender or sexual identity. And there’s a happy ending. And it has a rockin’ soundtrack.

The performance schedule of Head Over Heels, The Musical is:

• Saturday, September 28 @ 8:00pm
• Sunday, September 29 @ 3:00pm
• Friday, October 3 @ 7:30pm
• Saturday, October 4 @ 8:00pm
• Sunday, October 5 @ 8:00pm

Tickets start at $31 and tickets can be purchased via website (https://www.bootless.org/hoh/) or by calling Bootless Stageworks at 302.887.9300. Tickets are also available at the door, subject to availability. The run time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes which includes one 15-minute intermission. Bootless Stageworks offers a full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus some snacks at its concessions stand. The theater space is in the basement of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church at 1301 N. Broom Street in Wilmington.

I encourage you to “celebrate the [final] season” of theater at Bootless Stageworks filled with the “Beat.”

Hassan Najjar Appointed Executive Director of the Biggs Museum of American Art

The content of this post comes from a press release from the Biggs Museum of Art...

The Biggs Museum of American Art is proud to announce the appointment of Hassan Najjar as its new Executive Director. With a distinguished career in the arts and museum management, Najjar's leadership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Biggs.

Hassan Najjar, Executive Director of the Biggs Museum.
Photo provided by the Biggs Museum. 

Najjar joins the Biggs from the Foothills Art Center in Golden, Colorado, where he served as Executive Director. His tenure at Foothills was marked by transformative initiatives that enhanced the Center's community engagement, expanded its programs, and significantly increased its funding base. Under Najjar's leadership, Foothills Art Center became a beacon of arts and culture in the region, with notable achievements in community-building efforts, responsive programming, and using arts as driver of economic development.  

"We are thrilled to welcome Hassan Najjar to the Biggs," said Wilma Mishoe, President of the Biggs Museum Board of Trustees. "Hassan's vision, experience, and commitment to the arts are exactly what we need to propel the Biggs into a new era. His proven track record of success, particularly at the Foothills Art Center, demonstrates his ability to lead an institution to new heights, and we are confident that his leadership will bring fresh energy and innovation to our museum."

Hassan Najjar's appointment was the culmination of a competitive nationwide search led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG), engaged by the Biggs Museum Board to recruit the next Executive Director of the Museum. Najjar's deep experience in museum management and museum education, board governance, and financial management, combined with his passion for creating inclusive, equitable, and diverse communities, set him apart as the ideal candidate for the role.

In his role as Executive Director of the Foothills Arts Center, Najjar worked in a public/private partnership to rehabilitate historic landmarks and double the size of the facility, demonstrating that he is well-equipped to lead the Biggs through its expansion, which will connect historic buildings on its campus gifted to the Museum from the State of Delaware.

Jorge Zamanillo, President of the American Alliance of Museums, also expressed his enthusiasm for Najjar's new position. "Hassan Najjar is a respected leader in the museum community, and his appointment as Executive Director of the Biggs Museum is a significant win for both the museum and the broader arts community. His innovative approach and dedication to advancing the arts will undoubtedly benefit the Biggs and its audiences. We look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership in Dover."

Najjar's career in the arts spans several prestigious roles, including Executive Director of the Museum Center at 5ive Points in Cleveland, TN, and Assistant Curator of Education at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, TN. His expertise in curating engaging educational programs, managing diverse teams, and securing significant financial support will be invaluable as he leads the Biggs into its next phase.

"I am deeply honored to join the Biggs Museum of American Art as its next Executive Director," said Najjar. "The Biggs is a remarkable institution with a rich history and an exciting future. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and community to build on the museum's successes and to explore new opportunities for growth and innovation."

Najjar's appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Biggs Museum, as it continues to enhance its role as a cultural leader in Delaware and beyond. His leadership promises to bring new perspectives, dynamic programming, and a renewed commitment to serving the diverse communities of Dover and the surrounding region.

ABOUT THE BIGGS MUSEUM OF ART
The Biggs Museum of American Art is a dynamic, accredited, art museum in Dover, Delaware, founded in 1993 by collector Sewell C. Biggs. The Biggs Museum is nationally recognized for its exceptional collections of American decorative arts of Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region, and for its collections of American art from 1700 to today. The Museum engages audiences through a compelling program of collection based and temporary exhibitions plus encourages the development of creativity and an appreciation for art by offering a comprehensive slate of educational programming for all ages. The Biggs Museum of American Art is a private, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization.

Visit www.thebiggsmuseum.org to learn more.

Kuumba Academy Announces New School Leader

The content of this post comes from a press release from Kuumba Academy Charter School...

The Kuumba Academy School Board is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Natakie Chestnut-Lee as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kuumba Academy Charter School, effective August 19, 2024.

Dr. Natakie Chestnut-Lee, new CEO of Kuumba Academy.
Photo provided by Kuumba Academy. 

Following an extensive and highly competitive search process incorporating input from staff and parents, Dr. Chestnut-Lee emerged as the ideal leader to guide the school into a new era of excellence. She brings with her a strategic vision, a deep passion for education, and a steadfast dedication to advancing the success of the professional team and student body.

Chestnut-Lee is a third-generation educator and proud HBCU graduate who combines analytical thinking with creativity, cultural grounding, and transparency. With over 20 years of experience in public, private, and charter school settings across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, she is a consensus-building, solution-oriented academic leader. "I am confident in my ability to lead Kuumba Academy to new heights of academic excellence and operational efficiency," she shared.

Throughout her career, Chestnut-Lee has consistently demonstrated strong leadership in coaching and managing adult outcomes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth among educators and staff. Her previous roles included implementing comprehensive professional development programs that significantly enhanced instructional practices and leadership skills, resulting in improved teacher effectiveness and student outcomes. By pairing experienced educators with new teachers through a mentorship approach, she has increased both retention rates and job satisfaction.

"By creating a collaborative and supportive environment, I empower teachers to take ownership of their professional development, leading to increased innovation in the classroom and improved student performance," Chestnut-Lee said. 

Chestnut-Lee introduced a comprehensive multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) that provided differentiated instruction, and interventions tailored to individual students' needs. This approach led to measurable improvements in academic outcomes, particularly among students with diverse learning needs. 

"Through these efforts, we saw significant gains in standardized test scores, increased graduation rates, and a reduction in the achievement gap between different student groups," said Chestnut-Lee. "My commitment to data-driven strategies and collaborative leadership plays a crucial role in these positive outcomes, demonstrating my ability to drive meaningful improvements in student achievement."

Chestnut-Lee’s extensive credentials include a background in dance arts, special education, adult education, criminal justice, school culture, and educational leadership. She has published several works, including her Walden University dissertation titled 'U.S. Teachers’ Perceptions on School Violence Programs' (2016), and more recently, the 2023 STEM Coloring and Activity Book, Piper and Tabia’s Journey to Egypt (a three-book Multicultural STEM series, 2023), Infusion Coloring Book (2023), and an eleven-journal collection (2023). 

Please join the Kuumba School Board, Sally Maldonado, Chief Operating Officer, and the Kuumba Village in extending a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Dr. Natakie Chestnut-Lee as the new CEO of Kuumba Academy Charter School.

ABOUT KUUMBA ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL
In response to the outcry from Wilmington parents looking for a high-quality public education and increased access to arts education for their children, Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) leaders, parents, and community supporters took action and were granted a Department of Education charter to create Kuumba Academy Charter School (KACS) in 2001. KACS was the first school model in the state that partnered a public charter school with a nonprofit community organization.

CCAC and KACS form a unique nonprofit/public school partnership committed to educational excellence. Through the innovative union of academics, arts, technology, and family engagement, each KACS student’s individual learning style is nurtured — resulting in creative learners who are agents of positive change in the community.

Visit kuumbaacademy.org to learn more about the school and its programs.

Hip Hop Pioneer Flavor Flav to Headline 2nd Annual Hip Hop Summit at Delaware Art Museum

The content of this post comes from a press release courtesy of the Delaware Art Museum...

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Hip Hop community and social justice advocates will gather at the Delaware Art Museum for the 2nd Annual Hip Hop Cultural Summit, presented by AllHipHop, Guerrilla Republik, and the Delaware Art Museum. 

Running from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, this free, family-friendly event offers an opportunity for learning, growth, and community-building while celebrating and uplifting Hip Hop’s deep roots in social justice, change, and civic engagement. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Hip Hop legend Flavor Flav will headline the 2nd Annual Hip Hop Cultural Summit
on Oct. 26. Photo provided by Delaware Art Museum.

Following the success of last year’s event, which drew over 1,000 attendees, this year’s event promises to be even more impactful, and Flavor Flav, co-founder of the legendary group Public Enemy, is confirmed as the headliner. 

Additional speakers include Chuck Creekmur, Co-Founder of AllHipHop, who will facilitate a Q&A with Flavor Flav; Hakim Green, Co-Founder of 24 Hours of Peace, who will share his insights on Hip Hop’s influence on education and activism; Pam Africa, renowned social justice advocate, who will speak on the intersection of Hip Hop and activism; and Dr. Yasser Arafat Payne, respected University of Delaware scholar, who will explore the academic and societal impact of Hip Hop culture.

Delaware Art Museum’s Community Engagement Specialist and Guerrilla Republik co-founder, Iz Balleto says of the Summit: "Our goal is to re-educate people on the true purpose of Hip Hop, as many have forgotten its message and meaning. This event is not just entertainment; it's an opportunity for empowerment and a chance to learn what Hip Hop culture stands for. Hip Hop began with a message of peace and advocacy for community needs through its elements, and it has always belonged to the people."

The Summit also includes Hip Hop with a Purpose, a presentation of three dynamic exhibitions. Visitors can explore a captivating photography exhibition by T. Eric Monroe, highlighting Hip Hop's rich history and cultural influence; a special exhibition from the Victrola Museum celebrating the invention of the record player; and a local artists' showcase delving into the Art of Activism and Social Justice. 

The event will also feature a series of competitive battles, including MC, DJ, graffiti, and breakdancing, judged by nationally recognized and local experts, showcasing the skill and creativity defining Hip Hop as a global cultural phenomenon. 

AllHipHop founder Grouchy Greg Watkins expressed his excitement for the event: "I'm incredibly excited about this year's Summit and the amazing lineup of guests we have in store. From legends like Flavor Flav to thought leaders like Hakim Green, this event will truly showcase the power of Hip Hop in driving social change. I’m looking forward to seeing the community come together to experience the art, the discussions, and the battles. It’s going to be an inspiring and unforgettable day for everyone."

Steve Tague is New Producing Artistic Director at The REP

The contents of this post come from a press release courtesy of The Resident Ensemble Players...

Steve Tague has officially been named the Producing Artistic Director of the Resident Ensemble Players (REP), the professional theatre company in residence at the University of Delaware. Steve has served as the Interim Producing Artistic Director of the REP and Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Delaware for nearly two years.

“I’ve spent a great deal of time in the last two years getting to know the REP’s audience,” says Steve Tague. “It’s been a pleasure. I love hearing about their deep connection to the theatre.”

Steve Tague, new Producing Artistic Director
of The REP. Photo courtesy of The REP.

Steve spent the early part of his life as an actor, performing at regional theatres including Seattle Repertory Theater, A Contemporary Theatre, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Baltimore Center Stage, Walnut Street Theater, the Arden Theater, Sierra Repertory Theater, Delaware Theater Company, and was a founding member of the Resident Ensemble Players’ Acting Company.

Steve joined the faculty at the University of Delaware in 1992 and shifted more of his attention to teaching and directing. As a faculty member, he has taught courses for the PTTP in acting, movement, speech, and voice. As a director, he has directed productions with Delaware Theatre Company, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, and the Resident Ensemble Players since its founding in 2008.

In 2022, when the REP’s founder Sandy Robbins announced his plans to step down, Steve Tague agreed to serve as an Interim Producing Artistic Director of the REP and Interim Chairperson of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Delaware as a national search for a successor was conducted. After conducting a search, Steve Tague has agreed to throw off the “Interim” in the title and take on the challenges of leading the REP into its next chapter.

“I’m focused on the future of performing arts in the Delaware region,” says Tague. “I’m dedicated to growth for the REP, and our audience and community will be a vital part of that. We’re also introducing two new majors in our department, one in theatre and one in dance. It’s very exciting to serve young and old, and everybody in-between, throughout the region with the beauty of the performing arts.”

ABOUT THE REP
The Resident Ensemble Players (REP) is a professional theatre company in residence on the campus of the University of Delaware. The REP’s mission is to engage audiences throughout the tri-state region and beyond with frequent productions of outstanding classic, modern, and contemporary plays performed in a wide variety of styles that celebrate and demonstrate the range and breadth of an ensemble of nationally respected stage actors. The REP is committed to creating and expanding audiences for live theatre by offering a diversity of productions at low prices that enable and encourage the attendance of everyone in the region, regardless of background or income. The REP performs in the Roselle Center for the Arts, 110 Orchard Road, Newark, Delaware on the main campus of the University of Delaware.

Recognizing Improv Comedy as an Art Form

By Jeff Gudzune

Jeff writes book reviews for a variety of publishers and is active in community theater. Since 2013, Jeff has owned and operated Matrix Notary Service.

In the pantheon of theater, improv is one of the most difficult arts to master. It is not for the timid. There is no script, no set, and no director. It’s a series of extemporaneous actions; a symbiosis that requires familiarity and trust. There must be a bond among the performers for it to work. 

Fearless Improv serves as an exemplar of that bond. A frequent sight onstage as City Theater Company's traveling comedy team, this troupe has mastered the art — weaving hilarious concepts from the ether. Moreover, they have been so gracious as to share their talents with curious laymen such as myself.

Learning lines and blocking can be difficult even under the controlled circumstances of a scripted play or musical. To create a character, dialogue, and blocking based on a simple premise and then launch into a performance is deer-in-headlights terrifying! The talented array of performers at Fearless do this weekly. 

Featuring an ever-growing cast, Fearless has been a staple at CTC for almost 10 years. I recently had the opportunity to take the Intro to Improv workshop taught by Jason Langin. In just two hours, the participants went from a collection of 15 strangers too timid to give more than their names to a fully interactive group, feeding off one another’s creativity in a series of short skits and exercises. It was terrifying and exhilarating!

Fearless Improv provides an off-the-cuff and truly wondrous experience. Improv starts with a premise, a suggestion from the audience. From this premise, the performers springboard into a full-fledged comedic performance. Fearless recently added a musical component to their shows with Drew Waldron improvising musical interludes and songs as part of the show. Sadly, Drew is leaving for new opportunities at the conclusion of the season. His contributions will be missed.

Fearless Improv brings something new every time. While there is a format to the show, anything can happen. The reality of improv is to expect the unexpected. It takes talent to instantly come up with dialogue and run with it, and it takes keen observation to see where the scene is going. It’s obvious that members of this group trust one another and have developed a strong working relationship.

Fearless Improv offers regular live performances, September through May, at CTC's home at The Delaware Contemporary, as well as quarterly "18 and over" shows at Wilmington Brew Works. They also offer regular improv classes for adults, a summer youth improv camp, and professional development workshops for corporate and business groups. 

To learn more, visit city-theater.org/fearless.

Kick Up Your Heels with Wilmington Drama League's Snazzy "Kinky Boots"

By Mike Logothetis
Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

The cast of WDL's Kinky Boots. Photography by Rich Lee. 

The Wilmington Drama League is staging an enthusiastic rendition of the much-beloved show Kinky Boots at its refurbished theater on Lea Boulevard. If the standing ovation the players received on Opening Night is any indication, this production is one the reader should make plans to experience!

Kinky Boots is an award-winning musical with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein. Based on the 2005 British film of the same name – written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth (and mostly inspiredby true events) – the musical tells the incredible story of Charlie Price. Having inherited a shoe factory from his father, Charlie forms an unlikely partnership with drag queen Lola to produce a line of high-heeled boots and save the business. In the process, Charlie and Lola discover that they aren’t so different plus are stronger together than apart.

Disparate Charlie (Stephen Piergrossi) and Lola (Aubrey Murphy) connect over two common bonds – shoes and people. Charlie is as loyal to his factory workers as Lola is to her “Angels” – drag performers like her who form her family. They are also true to themselves – who they are and what they aspire to be. 

Piergrossi and Murphy leapt off the stage with powerful voices and sincere emotions that kept the audience rapt. Piergrossi excelled with his touching solo “The Soul of a Man.” It seemed like every Lola song morphed into an epic disco number with bright lights, a chorus of dancers, and a party atmosphere. Murphy held the audience in a trance with her subtle yet strong movements and pointed dialog. You really can’t take your eyes off her. “Celebrate yourself triumphantly,” she says…and does.

Kudos to director/choreographer Patrick Murray for filling every inch of the multi-level modular stage (by Aaron Cook) with dancers, props, and overall action. I especially enjoyed the slapping fans, elevated conveyor belt catwalking, and the visuals during the boxing match. Timothy Cannon and Laurene Eckbold must be cited for the costuming of everyone in the show, but especially Lola and her Angels. The sassy Angels were played by Cannon, Tommy Fisher-Klein, Keian Hagstrom, Todd Hartsock, Galen Keliikuli, and Ricky López.

The crux of any show is the interaction between characters on stage and with the audience. There’s no room for “stupid hubris” (Charlie) and the actors bear all for us to appreciate. At the same time, the core for any musical is the performance of the songs. While many of the songs feel the same, the high energy and quality of the vocals elevate the musical numbers into crowd-pleasers. Simply put, this production of Kinky Boots has you rooting for all sides to win from the get-go. The coda “Raise You Up/Just Be” got the crowd up and moving in their seats for a rollicking finale.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t single out solid performances by Meghan Arters (Nicola) and Catherine Callahan (Lauren) as Charlie’s romantic interests. Both portray characters with kind souls who have no real malice toward people when things aren’t quite going their way. They’re both strong actresses and singers whose postures and authenticities shone.

Performances of Kinky Boots run from March 8 through 17 on Friday and Saturday nights (8 pm) plus two Sunday matinees (2 pm). Tickets prices are $25 with senior/student tickets $20 and children (12 or younger) $15. Group ticket rates are also available through the box office. Tickets can be purchased online at wilmingtondramaleague.org; by contacting the box office at 302.764.1172; or visiting in person at 10 Lea Boulevard. The show runs approximately 2.5 hours with one intermission.

The Wilmington Drama League seats 260 patrons, including six wheelchair bays. The newly revamped theater is equipped with an ADA compliant entrance ramp and bathrooms. “Flex Tickets” are also an option for those who plan to watch several WDL shows, but maybe not all of them. Inquire at the box office. 

“The most beautiful thing in the world is a [red!] shoe.” – Lola

REP Delivers Multilayered Story with Stark Examination of Race in Play "Pass Over"

By Mike Logothetis

Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

Justin William Davis (Moses) and Jeffrey Rashad (Kitch) in
The REP's performance of Pass Over by Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu.

Photo by Evan Krape.

The Resident Ensemble Players (REP) deliver
a stark examination of race with the play, Pass Over, by award-winning American playwright Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu. Pass Over is a loose amalgamation of the classic Waiting for Godot (Samuel Beckett) and the Book of Exodus told in a modern urban setting. 

The play spotlights two young black men who pass each day on a city street corner talking trash, killing time, and dreaming of the “Promised Land.” Then, a (white) stranger wanders into their space and disrupts whatever plans they may have…or wish for.

“It’s a spiritual and existential story,” says Hassan El-Amin, REP company member and director of Pass Over. “It’s a story of love, joy, hope, despair, longing, friendship, family, social conditioning. Pass Over is multilayered.”

Nwandu began writing Pass Over after the 2012 killing of 17-year-old Floridian Trayvon Martin and the outcome of the ensuing George Zimmerman murder trial. Nwandu channeled her feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration into this compelling, unfiltered play.

Word of caution: This is a mature show with adult language and scenes of violence, including gun shots. While the bawdy talk sometimes feels gratuitous, there is contextual relevance in the vernacular Moses (Justin William Davis) and Kitch (Jeffrey Rashad) use to describe their seemingly never-ending situation.

Moses and Kitch appear to exist in a state of purgatory, where their days are fruitless and tedious due to their lack of initiative and impulse. Police choppers fly over their corner of Martin Luther King and Freedom Drives while the two pals make top ten lists of what their dream lives would entail.

But an odd white man (Mic Matarrese) in a suit and boater hat interrupts their usual discussions. Mister (or “Master”) disrupts whatever semblance of constancy the two black men had in their patch of the city. Challenges of norms by Mister and verbal provocations by both sides take the action to heightened levels. Matarrese (as Mister) is excellent at pushing Moses’ buttons while Kitch somehow sees positives in what the visitor represents, even though there are cultural chasms and significant distrust between them.

Visiting actors Davis and Rashad do a beautiful job of switching from wistful to defensive to brotherly to defiant. The roles must be fully embraced to spew the sorts of emotions Moses and Kitch feel throughout the show. REP company member Matarrese plays his roles of Mister and Ossifer — a policeman — with a certain menacing poise. He must walk a thin line between the huckleberry lost stranger Mister and the no-nonsense Ossifer.

To reveal dialog and plot direction in this review would be a disservice to the writing and performance of the company. During this play, both the journey and destination are worth deep evaluation. The ending was affecting and sudden. Many remained in their seats absorbing what had just happened.

Nwandu has embraced revising Pass Over’s ending to continue to engage with the current events and audience. “Each time I go back with this play, I ask, ‘What’s happening in the world? Who’s actually going to be in those seats?’”

Acknowledging that having multiple Pass Over scripts offers multiple interpretations, Nwandu encourages theaters to use the version that fits the needs of the specific community. “I now have three versions of this play from this era of American history,” says Nwandu. “If your community needs the angry version, then do that. Present whichever version you need.”

“To be able to put this play on stage in 2024 when it was born in 2012, shows you the power of the story,” says director Hassan El-Amin. “But it also shows you how far we have to go to overcome whatever this sickness is, this disease, we have when it comes to the value of life for African Americans in the United States.”

Pass Over is an emotionally charged and powerfully impactful story that brilliantly blends modern poetry, Biblical verse, and funny modern refrains. Kudos to the creative team at the REP: El-Amin (Director); Stefanie Hansen (Scenic Designer); Jo Fulmer (Costume Designer); Eileen Smitheimer (Lighting Designer); and Ryan P. McGinty (Sound Designer).

Performances of Pass Over run from February 8 through 18 with Opening Night being February 9. Informal talkbacks with the cast take place following the evening performances on Saturday February 10 and Thursday February 15. Tickets prices are only $20 with discounts available for students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.rep.udel.edu; by contacting the REP box office at (302)831-2204; or visiting in person at 110 Orchard Road Tuesdays through Fridays from 12 to 5 PM. The show runs approximately 85 minutes.

The Thompson Theatre at the Roselle Center for the Arts is located on the University of Delaware’s Newark campus and is ADA-compliant. It is equipped with a hearing loop system, which works with hearing aid t-coils, cochlear implants, and in-house hearing devices. Wheelchair and other seating requests can be made prior to the performance by calling 302.831.2204 or emailing cfa-boxoffice@udel.edu.

“You are men and you are free to go.” – Kitch

Delaware Shakespeare Announces New Leadership

The contents of this post comes from a press release from Delaware Shakespeare... 

Delaware Shakespeare will begin 2024 with two dynamic arts leaders heading up the state’s largest professional Shakespeare company:

• Mariah Ghant, now the artistic associate and literary manager for the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, will become Delaware Shakespeare’s artistic director.
• Robert Tombari, now the program director of Goshen Theater in Goshen, Indiana, will step into the role of managing director.

DelShakes' new Managing Director, Robert Tombari,
and new Artistic Director, Mariah Ghant. 

“After a months-long search, the board and I are incredibly excited to welcome Mariah and Robert to Delaware, and to introduce our audiences to them,” said Julie Russ, president of the board of Delaware Shakespeare. “Individually, they impressed us with their talent, their passion, and their drive to continue the work that David Stradley has pursued over the last decade. Together, they’ll be unstoppable.”

Delaware Shakespeare audiences will recognize Ghant as having played Hippolyta/Titania in the company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Rodney Square, and last summer as the title role in Macbeth. She has served a term on the Delaware Shakespeare Artistic Squad and has held various arts administration roles in Philadelphia, as well as being a former Arden Theatre Company Apprentice (Class 26), a member of Theatre Contra, and an improviser with ComedySportz Philly. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, she is an alumna of Vassar College.

"I have a strong desire to continue making meaningful art for the Delaware community, a vibrant collection of folks and organizations who have embraced me and my artistry,” Ghant said. “This is a team and an organization that has an incredible opportunity to develop theatre for everyone in the community, and I look forward to the journey ahead!"

Tombari has been the program director of Goshen Theater since 2022. Robert and his partner, Peter, are both from Spokane, Washington. While living in Washington, Robert co-founded The Spokane Shakespeare Society, served as board president of Stage Left Theater, and was the executive director of Spokane Ensemble Theatre. He has previously served on the board of Goshen Pride, and is a current board member/production team member of The Cursed Players based in Los Angeles. He received his BA in Performance from Boise State University, and his MFA in Acting from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

“It’s exciting to be joining such an amazing organization as Del Shakes,” Tombari said. “The work that previous leadership, board members, artists, creatives, and volunteers have done for this organization shows me how community minded and forward thinking it is, and I am excited to continue to work for and with my new community.”

David Stradley has led Delaware Shakespeare as the company’s producing artistic director since 2011, spearheading a period of exponential growth that saw the creation of the Delaware Shakespeare Community Tour and art programming throughout the state. He will step down from his role at the end of the year.

"I'm elated that Mariah and Robert have said 'yes' to leading Del Shakes during its continued evolution as a community-centered theatre company,” Stradley said. “It's been an honor to work with Mariah as a member of the Artistic Squad and watch her lead a wide variety of programs that spoke to a broad mix of Delawareans. And I can already tell that Robert is going to be a force upon his arrival in Wilmington, embracing the opportunity to provide theatre for as many of his new neighbors as possible. I look forward to supporting them both, and joining you all as audiences for the thrilling experiences that are coming our way."

Ghant and Tombari will announce plans for the 2024 season of Delaware Shakespeare early next year.

About Delaware Shakespeare
Now in its twenty-first season, Delaware Shakespeare creates year-round professional theatre and learning programs for residents and friends of the State of Delaware. At Del Shakes, people from all walks of life celebrate and explore their shared humanity through the lens of Shakespearean work.

The DSO Invites Audiences to Dance in the Aisles for ¡Musica Bravo!

The content of this post comes from a press release from the Delaware Symphony Orchestra...

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) continues its 118th season with a performance of ¡Musica Bravo! on Friday, November 10, 7:30pm at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington and Sunday, November 12, 2:30pm at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes.

The DSO welcomes guest condcutor Michelle Di Russo
& guest guitarist João Luiz for its November concerts. 

The concert welcomes guest conductor Michelle Di Russo and guitarist João Luiz in a performance that features Latin- and Hispanic-inspired works. Di Russo will be the first female conductor to take the DSO podium in several decades.

“If I could pick a program that represents my absolute love for music, it would be this one,” says Di Russo. “I believe it truly showcases where my passion for music and my roots connect through classical music.”

Di Russo is certain this program will resonate with both first-time concertgoers and experienced music lovers. “This program will make you fall in love with the hypnotic, beautiful Latin and Hispanic melodies and rhythms,” she says. “I am also happy that I get to share music by Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera. It is extremely special for me to be able to perform music from my country.”

Di Russo, who is of Argentinian/Italian descent, is known for her compelling interpretations, passionate musicality, and championing of contemporary music. She currently serves as Associate Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony in Raleigh, N.C.

Guest artist João Luiz — half of the Brasil Guitar Duo who have performed previously with the DSO — joins the Symphony on Spanish acoustic guitar to bring the sounds of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez to life. The program also includes works by Márquez, de Falla, Rimsky-Korsakov, and the aforementioned Ginastera.

The orchestra will repeat this performance in Sussex County, travelling to Cape Henlopen High School on Sunday, November 12, for a 2:30 p.m. concert.

“We're very excited to bring you this dynamic program and welcome to the stage guest conductor Michelle Di Russo,” said Chief Executive Officer, J.C. Barker. “Don't miss these concerts. You will be dancing in the aisles!"

Subscription packages and single tickets for all concerts are available. Visit DelawareSymphony.org or call 302.656.7442 for more details.

Five Delaware Arts Organizations Receive Special Presenter Initiatives Grants from MidAtlantic Arts

The contents of this post originate from a press release from the Delaware Division of the Arts...

Mid Atlantic Arts, in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts, has announced over $102,000 in grants, across five states, through the 2023-2024 Special Presenter Initiatives program.

The Special Presenter Initiatives program provides funding to small and mid-size presenting organizations in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia, and the Native nations that share this geography. The program supports presenting projects with professional touring artists and ensembles from anywhere worldwide. The supported projects include public performances as well as community engagement activities that enhance the performance experience and offer meaningful exchanges between touring artists and a presenter’s community.

The artistic engagements proposed by applicant presenters are diverse in performance genre and artist identity. Examples of Special Presenter Initiatives engagement and community exchange include Delaware-based, groundbreaking female Kora player Sona Jobarteh will be presented in her home state by Arden Club, along with her band, to share her evolution of the African musical tradition through performances and an open Q/A and sound-check.

African Kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh will appear at Arden Concert Gild this season, as part of Arden's 
Mid Atlantic Arts grant. 

“We congratulate the grantees of the 2023-2024 Special Presenter Initiatives program,” said Jessica Ball, the Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “These grants will play a pivotal role in bringing exceptional artists and diverse performances to the First State. Our mission at the Delaware Division of the Arts is to foster artistic excellence and enrich the cultural landscape of Delaware, and these grants align perfectly with that goal. We are excited to witness the meaningful exchanges between touring artists and our communities, and we look forward to the transformative impact these performances will have on our state.”

The 2023-2024 grantees from Delaware include:

• Arden Club, Inc., Wilmington presenting Lankum, Ireland
• Arden Club, Inc., Wilmington presenting Sona Jobarteh, DE
• Christina Cultural Arts Center, Inc., Wilmington presenting Stacey Harcum, DE
• Cityfest, Inc., Wilmington presenting Gerald Veasly Electric Mingus Project, PA
• Coastal Concerts, Inc., Lewes presenting JiJi, Guitar and Danbi Um, Violin, NY
• Coastal Concerts, Inc., Lewes presenting Michelle Cann, PA
• Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Wilmington presenting André Raphel, PA

“Mid Atlantic Arts plays a vital role in bringing exceptionally talented artists to our community through their generous support,” said Delaware Symphony Orchestra CEO J.C. Barker. “Not only does their assistance enable the DSO to showcase these important artists, but it also provided the necessary resources to foster a collaboration with young talents at the Music School of Delaware. This partnership created invaluable opportunities for aspiring young musicians to learn from a musical virtuoso.”

“CCAC is humbled and honored to be the recipient of a Special Presenter Initiative Grant from Mid Atlantic Arts,” said Christina Cultural Arts Center Executive Director James Rhodes. “As we continue to move beyond shuttered venues and welcome visitors back to CCAC, this funding allows us to engage dynamic artists from around our region and across the country to reconnect with our thousands of supporters.”

Ron Ozer from the Arden Concert Gild stated, “the Special Presenters grant allows Arden Concert Gild to take bigger risks booking unusual eclectic but top tier artists from around the world, such as Lankum, in one of only 5 appearances across the US in one week in 2023.”

Carol Dennis, Executive Director of Coastal Concerts stated, “I’m a strong believer that music has a special way of inspiring and transforming our lives in a multitude of ways. The Mid Atlantic Arts Special Presenter Initiative Program is a remarkable program that allows us to enrich the lives of the youth and adults in southern Delaware by supporting the presentation of our educational outreach programs and concerts by renowned musicians.”

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

About Mid Atlantic Arts
Mid Atlantic Arts supports artists, presenters, and organizations through unique programming, grant support, partnerships, and information sharing. Created in 1979, Mid Atlantic Arts is aligned with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. We combine state and federal funding with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to nurture diverse artistic expression while connecting people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond. To learn more about Mid Atlantic Arts visit www.midatlanticarts.org.

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra Announces 118th Season of Bold New Artists & Repertoire

A sold-out audience at DSO's March 2023 concert.
Photo by Joe del Tufo.

The content of this post comes from a Delaware Symphony Orchestra press release...

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is proud to announce its 118th season, featuring a captivating lineup of performances. The season will include five Classics Series concerts, three Chamber Series concerts, a return to the Hotel du Pont's Gold Ballroom, and two concerts in Sussex County.

Classics Series: The Classics Series is the DSO’s full-orchestra concert experience with featured guest artists performed at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington and Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes.

Kicking off the series on Friday, October 13, 2023, is Sky, Sea, and Rhapsody. Under the leadership of Music Director Laureate David Amado, the DSO will perform Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, featuring acclaimed guest pianist Stewart Goodyear as well as Claude Debussy's timeless masterpiece, La Mer.

In the next Classics concert, ¡Música Bravo!, guest conductor Michelle Di Russo and guitarist João Luiz will take audiences on a vibrant journey through Hispanic and Latin-inspired works by Arturo Márquez, Alberto Ginastera, Manuel de Falla, Joaquín Rodrigo, and Rimsky-Korsakov. The program will be performed in both Wilmington and Lewes, Delaware, on November 10 and 12, 2023.

On January 19, 2024, the New Year commences with From Home to Rome, directed by guest conductor André Raphel and featuring the virtuosic talents of violinist Jennifer Frautschi performing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. In addition, this concert will feature West Chester native Samuel Barber's Symphony in One Movement and Ottorino Respighi's majestic Pines of Rome.

March 22 and 24, 2024, invites you to A John Williams Celebration — the iconic themes from Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, and more — led by guest conductor Scott Speck. This program will also be performed in both Wilmington and Lewes, Delaware.

The final Classics concert on April 26, 2024 — Amado Conducts Mahler — welcomes Maestro Amado back to the podium for Gustav Mahler's epic masterpiece, Symphony No. 7 "Song of the Night.”

Chamber Series: The Chamber Series offers intimate concerts, featuring smaller ensembles, at venues including the DuPont Country Club and the Gold Ballroom of the Hotel du Pont.

The first concert, Percussionists of the DSO, on October 24, 2023, promises an unforgettable evening showcasing the artistry and versatility of these DSO musicians. This exciting concert will feature the works of contemporary composers Joe Taylor, Michael Udow, Ney Rosauro, as well as the Baroque genius, G. F. Handel.

On December 12, 2023, we return to the glittering Gold Ballroom of the Hotel du Pont for Holidays at the Hotel, a delightful evening of festive melodies for the entire family, featuring the talents of Delaware's own baritone Grant Youngblood and works by Bach and Tchaikovsky.

On February 13, 2024, the final Chamber concert showcases Music of the African Diaspora. The Musicians of the DSO will perform works by influential composers Valerie Coleman, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Adolphus Hailstork, Jessie Montgomery, and Carlos Simon.

“This season represents our most diverse programming yet,” said Executive Director J.C. Barker. “Our audiences have grown significantly this past season, and we cannot wait to share this extraordinary lineup of music and artists with our friends, both old and new! We know this season will deliver performances that audiences of all ages and experience can connect with and enjoy.”

Subscription packages are available now; single tickets for all concerts will be available for sale starting August 15, 2023.

Visit DelawareSymphony.org or call 302.656.7442 for more details.