MIDDLETOWN — With the new slogan “You’ll find it all at the Middletown Arts Center,” the nonprofit, award-winning facility has announced a 21-event fall schedule that includes art exhibits, a concert series, dance, comedy, drama, poetry, magic, themed socials, even a masquerade ball.
The diverse schedule begins on Aug. 30 and is a complement to the more than 50 arts, design and performance classes also being offered at the center’s building at 36 Church St. next to the Middletown train station.
A key event, the open house, will take place on Sunday, Sept. 14, from noon to 4 p.m. and will allow visitors to tour the center, observe performances in the 240-seat theater, and explore the additional 17 arts education learning spaces. Visitors will have the chance to meet instructors, participate in mini-workshops, and see demonstrations relating to the fall programs.
The open house and four other events on the schedule will be free to the public, while ticket prices for most other events are set at only $10 or $12. Ticket prices for several of the special events range from $15 to $25. The low prices are designed to be family friendly. Special events in the series include:
The Festival of Dance will take place Sunday, Oct. 5, 1-5 p.m. This free festival is designed to showcase performances by various dance troupes that will also give tutorials and workshops through the afternoon.
Drew the Dramatic Fool will amuse on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. “Help! Help! I Know This Title Is Too Long, But Somebody’s Trying to Kill Me” features the comic genius of Drew Richardson, who discovers all the performers in a vaudeville variety show have been murdered. It’s up to him to perform all their acts, or he’s next. For adults and children.
The Halloween Masquerade Ball will be held Friday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. Revelers are invited to dress “masquerade formal” or “classic scary” and, if they desire, to wear a homemade mask. Masks are an art form celebrated around the world. Creativity is encouraged, and prizes will be awarded. Several mask designs with “how to” instructions are available at the arts center.
“Coming to America — Transformations” will be presented Saturday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. Stephanie Satie’s “tour de force” is a moving one-woman show, revealing a gallery of women transformed, first by extraordinary events in their country of birth, and then by their response to America.
Middletown Poetry Jam will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. This jam is for poetry lovers, writers and readers. Come read your own. Read a dead poet, a live poet, a new poet. Sign up for a reading time, 732-706- 4100.
Holiday Magic with Madeleine the Magician will be presented Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. One of New York’s best, Madeleine the Magician brings her full stage show to the MAC Theater. Audience participation. Levitations!
Illusions!
Art Exhibits at MAC will include: “Another View” Sept. 28-Oct. 12 in the Main Gallery. Artwork created by and for the blind. Paintings, sculptures, prints and mixed media with an emphasis on tactile accessibility. “The Art of Tracey Ann Finley — She Dreams in Color,” Oct. 17 to Nov. 1.
Music programs will include a series of four Sunday concerts that will feature the Navesink Brass Quintet, Mike Barris & Friends with Jerry Topinka (prewar jazz & blues), The Last Whippoorwill Band (bluegrass), and the Keith Calmes Group (eclectic chamber music).
A series of four Improv Jam Comedy Labs for teens, and a series of four dance socials featuring ballroom and Latin for professionals and all dance lovers, with beginners given a special tutoring time with instructor Richard Givney.
For more details, go to: www.middletownarts. org or call 732-706-4100.