Rochester Opera House

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS & OTHER STORIES
Thursday, May 23 (12pm)

ARTS & EDUCATION SERIES
Sponsored by: Liberty Mutual
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Five favorite contemporary children’s books leap off the shelf and onto the stage in Dragons Love Tacos, a brand-new musical revue by Theatreworks USA, America’s leading touring theater for young people. Recommended for grades K-5, the show is about one hour in length. This show runs for 60 minutes and is best suited for students K-5. For ticket reservations, contact Martha Fowler at (603) 332-2211 or roh2@metrocast.net. Tickets are $7 and every 16th ticket is free. We’ll need the number of seats (including students, teachers, and chaperones), grades attending, and any special seating needs.

Performance Schedule:
Thursday, May 23 (10am) SOLD OUT
Thursday, May 23 (12pm)

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THE ARABIAN NIGHTS
(May 30 - June 1)

RENTAL PARTNER
Presented by: Home School Theatre Guild

Journey back to a time of sultans, palaces, enchantments and genies through this dramatic retelling of classic Persian, Indian and Arabian folktales which celebrate the worldwide tradition of storytelling. Betrayed by his first wife, King Shahrayar vows to re-marry and put to death a new wife each day. Shahrazad, the daughter of the King's adviser, weds the King with the hope of healing his heart and sparing her countrywomen. To forestall her execution, she tells him a story each evening, leaving the ending untold so he will keep her alive another day. Yet, what will happen when she runs out of stories? The fate of a kingdom will be determined by these delightful re-imaginings of ancient folktales about love, loyalty, and courage. The whole family will revel in the adventure, exploration and discovery of The Arabian Nights!

Homeschool Theatre Guild, now in its 24th year, continues its tradition of bringing gems of literature to the stage, delighting its audiences and celebrating the classics. Visit www.homeschooltheatre.org to learn more about the Homeschool Theatre Guild.

Performance Schedule:
Thursday, May 30 (7pm)
Friday, May 31 (9:30am & 7pm)
Saturday, June 1 (2pm) - ASL Interpreted Show

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MERRILL SINGS
Saturday, June 1 (7:30pm)

CONCERT SERIES AT RPAC
Presented at the Rochester Performance & Arts Center (RPAC)
32 North Main Street, Rochester, NH. (603) 948-1099
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The Rochester Performance & Arts Center presents "Merrill Sings: A One Night Only Concert." Merrill Peiffer performs a music revue that including rock, blues, and country tunes that stir the soul. Merrill is joined by Amanda Dane and Agatha Crusty a.k.a. Chris Bradley. Merrill has been on a National tour, the NYC circuit, and has been dazzling audiences on the seacoast for years - including such performances as A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre. 'Merrill Sings' features other powerhouse performers, such as Chris Bradley, and promises to be full of humor, heart, and a whole lot of talent! Cash bar.

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STRAFFORD WIND SYMPHONY
Sunday, June 2 (6pm)

FAMILY SERIES
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The SWS performs a variety of music from American Stage, Screen & Dance. The group has played at venues throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine. The Strafford Wind Symphony’s purpose is to provide opportunities for enhanced growth and life-long musical expression through challenging musical experiences for its members, musical educational assistance for younger musicians, and the performance of concerts aimed at entertaining a wide range of audiences, supporting the history and heritage of the American Community Band.

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YES TO LOVE starring WILLIAM ASHER
(June 7-9)

CONCERT SERIES AT RPAC
Presented at the Rochester Performance & Arts Center (RPAC)
32 North Main Street, Rochester, NH. (603) 948-1099
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The Rochester Performance & Arts Center presents "Yes to Love!", with William Asher, in a rare, pop/rock on-stage event of keyboard, voice, and monologue. “Yes to Love!” is a one-man concert featuring original and cover pop songs woven into a powerful, uplifting, and personal story of determination, inner strength, and a willingness to experience a love of life. He brings his array of keyboards, synthesizers, and samplers on stage with him. He is joined by Tommy O’Malley on drums, and Andy Buslovich on guitar. William is an award-winning musician and has worked across the country as a music director and keyboardist for various regional theatres and national tours. He also has worked as a studio musician for most of his life for tv and radio. Seacoast audiences know him as music director at Seacoast Repertory Theatre, Rochester Opera House, and the Ogunquit Playhouse.

Performance Schedule:
Friday, June 7 (7:30pm)
Saturday, June 8 (7:30pm)
Sunday, June 9 (7:30pm)

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LENNY CLARKE
Friday, June 7 (8pm)

MAINSTAGE SERIES
Sponsored by: LAARS Heating Systems Company
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(RATED-R) Lenny Clarke has an oddly calibrated act — his material and his perspective are very much in an old-school Don Rickles vein, but his attitude is very much that of a quick-witted young comic. This contrast comes wrapped in a conversational, deceptively genial delivery, with just brief moments of clowning. Clarke is also unpredictable in a very good way on stage — you don’t know where he’s going to go next! He’s a unique and funny performer and truly worth catching. Lenny is famous for his thick Boston accent and role as Uncle Teddy on the series Rescue Me. He was the most famous "saloon comic" in Boston during the 1980s, the heyday of the Boston comedy scene.

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1964 THE TRIBUTE (BEATLES TRIBUTE)
Saturday, June 8 (8pm)

MAINSTAGE SERIES
Sponsored by: The Ridge
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Experience a Beatles’ concert the way it was performed over 50 years ago. "1964" meticulously re-creates the magic of those LIVE Beatles' performances with artful precision and unerring accuracy. For those that never saw The Beatles live and always wanted to know what it must have been like... For over 30 years, "1964" has thrilled audiences with what is considered to be the most authentic and endearing tribute to The Beatles. This has been accomplished by a steady and consistent cast of talented professional musicians, who painstakingly recreate the look, feel and note for note sound of an actual LIVE Beatles performance. Come see why 1964 The Tribute has been called the "Best Beatles Tribute on Earth".

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ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA THE MUSICAL
(June 13-30)

THEATRE SERIES
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The story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is a captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.

Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. Show Credits

Performance Schedule:
Thursday, June 13 (7:30pm)
Friday, June 14 (7:30pm)
Saturday, June 15 (2 & 7:30pm)
Sunday, June 16 (5pm)
Thursday, June 20 (7:30pm)
Friday, June 21 (7:30pm)
Saturday, June 22 (2 & 7:30pm)
Sunday, June 23 (5pm)
Friday, June 28 (7:30pm)
Saturday, June 29 (2 & 7:30pm)
Sunday, June 30 (5pm)

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FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA
(July 5-21)

RENTAL PARTNER
Presented by: PerSeverance Productions
Handicap Access in Balcony Only

PerSeverance Productions presents From Sea to Shining Sea, an original USO style musical comedy review covering the years of WWI, WWII and the Viet Nam War. While our great country fights through turmoil in 2019, Sea is an opportunity to sit back and celebrate the nostalgia and glory of the American experience through classic song, dance and comedy. So come on, Bill Bailey, Pack up Your Troubles and join us on a Sentimental Journey through America the Beautiful!

Performance Schedule:
Wednesday, July 3 (7:30pm) GET TICKETS
Friday, July 5 (7:30pm)
Saturday, July 6 (7:30pm)
Sunday, July 7 (5pm)
Thursday, July 11 (7:30pm)
Friday, July 12 (7:30pm)
Saturday, July 13 (7:30pm)
Sunday, July 14 (5pm)
Thursday, July 18 (7:30pm)
Friday, July 19 (7:30pm)
Saturday, July 20 (7:30pm)
Sunday, July 21 (5pm)

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PIRATES OF PENZANCE
(July 25 - August 11)

RENTAL PARTNER
Presented by: PerSeverance Productions
Handicap Access in Balcony Only

The Pirates of Penzance is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most beloved operettas, filled with hilarious lyrics and brilliant musical craftsmanship. Following their trip to Rome and A Funny Thing Happened at the Forum last summer, the whacky team at PerSeverance Productions is back for more comic mayhem and hijinks on the high seas. Join a crew of lovable pirates, a bevy of beautiful maidens, and a nervous band of policemen for this delicious musical comedy treat!

Performance Schedule:
Thursday, July 25 (7:30pm) GET TICKETS
Friday, July 26 (7:30pm)
Saturday, July 27 (7:30pm)
Sunday, July 28 (5pm)
Thursday, August 1 (7:30pm)
Friday, August 2 (7:30pm)
Saturday, August 3 (7:30pm)
Sunday, August 4 (5pm)
Thursday, August 8 (7:30pm)
Friday, August 9 (7:30pm)
Saturday, August 10 (7:30pm)
Sunday, August 11 (5pm)

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JOHN MAYALL
Friday, August 16 (8pm)

MAINSTAGE SERIES
Sponsored by: Rochester Self Storage
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Handicap Access in Balcony Only

Often referred to as "The Godfather of British Blues," John Mayall has an impressive musical career that spans over 50 years. The English blues singer, pianist, harmonica player, guitarist, and songwriter founded the band, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in the 1960s -- a band whose members included many celebrated blues and blues rock guitarists, such as: Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Jack Bruce, Mick Taylor, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya and Buddy Whittington.

Mayall then made his permanent move from England to Los Angeles in 1969 and began forming bands with American musicians. Throughout the next three decades, Mayall became further revered for his many jazz/rock/blues innovations featuring such notable performers as Blue Mitchell, Red Holloway, Larry Taylor, and Harvey Mandel. Mayall's popularity continued with a succession of dynamic albums including the Grammy-nominated "Wake Up Call" that featured guest artists Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Albert Collins and Mick Taylor.

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ALMOST QUEEN (QUEEN TRIBUTE)
Saturday, August 17 (8pm)

MAINSTAGE SERIES
Reserved dance floor seating on the orchestra floor and reserved theatre seating in the balcony
Handicap Access in Balcony Only
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The most authentic QUEEN live show since the days of QUEEN themselves. A deliberate four piece band, Almost Queen delivers a live performance showcasing signature four part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. Donning genuine costumes, Almost Queen recaptures the live energy and precision that is the ultimate Queen experience. Hear your all time favorite hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody To Love, Don't Stop Me Now, Killer Queen, We Will Rock You, Now I'm Here, Another One Bites The Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and many more. Band Members include Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor.

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BLUE ÖYSTER CULT
Saturday, September 14 (8pm)

SPECIAL EVENT
Sponsored by: Rochester Self Storage
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For over four decades, Blue Öyster Cult has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, NY based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. Blue Öyster Cult occupies a unique place in rock history because it's one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success. BÖC's canon includes three stone-cold classic songs that will waft through the cosmos long after the sun has burned out: The truly haunting "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" from 1976's Agents of Fortune, the pummeling "Godzilla" from 1977's Spectres and the hypnotically melodic "Burnin' for You" from1981's Fire of Unknown Origin. Other notable BÖC songs include "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll," "Then Came the Last Days of May," "I Love the Night," "In Thee," "Veteran of the Psychic Wars," "Dominance and Submission," "Astronomy," "Black Blade" and "Shooting Shark." The intense creative vision of BÖC's original core duo of vocalist/lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Eric Bloom are complemented by Richie Castellano on guitar and keyboards, and the longtime rhythm section of bass guitarist Danny Miranda, and drummer Jules Radino.

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PHIL VASSAR
Friday, September 27 (8pm)

MAINSTAGE
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Phil Vassar is celebrating 20 years of chart-topping hits and is taking them on the road with his "Hitsteria Tour". His reign of signature songs include 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits, including Carlene, Just Another Day in Paradise, Six-Pack Summer, When I Love You, and many more. Vassar was racking up hits on the radio long before he even began his own recording career that has seen the release of six albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist and sold-out shows across the country. Vassar's songwriting career blossomed in the mid-’90s when he landed a publishing contract with EMI and penned hits for Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), Alan Jackson (Right on the Money), Tim McGraw (For a Little While), Jo Dee Messina (Bye Bye, Alright), and Blackhawk (Postmarked Birmingham). He signed a record deal of his own with Arista in 1998 and was named ASCAP's Country Songwriter of the Year in 1999. Vassar continues to churn out incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in the unique and special way that only he can.

Soon...

ROCHESTER PORCHFEST 2019
Sunday, September 29 (12-5pm)

SPECIAL EVENT
A Benefit for Music, Dance, and Theatre Scholarships
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PorchFest is a FREE outdoor music festival featuring more than 30 bands of all genres! Bands are placed on outdoor stages throughout the town and attendees can walk around and hear a little bit of everything. We’ll also have a few food trucks and vendors at the Union Street parking lot. Participating restaurants and shops will be offering specials and discounts to attendees wearing all-access bracelets. The all-access pass also gives you access to the after party. You don't want to miss this incredible live music event — There’s something for everyone at Rochester PorchFest!

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FOREIGNERS JOURNEY (FOREIGNER/JOURNEY TRIBUTE)
Saturday, October 12 (8pm)

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This amazing show brings together the incredible sounds of two of rock’s greatest arena bands of the 80’s – Foreigner & Journey. Experience the rock ballads Faithfully, Waiting for a Girl Like You, and Open Arms, along with rock classics Cold As Ice, Urgent, Hot Blooded, Feels Like The First Time, Jukebox Hero, Separate Ways, Don’t Stop Believin’, Anyway You Want It… and so much more! All performed as the originals were, in their original key and pitch!

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DIRTY DEEDS (AC/DC TRIBUTE)
Saturday, November 2 (pm)

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Dirty Deeds, The AC/DC Experience out of Boston, MA, has been touring the country for over 20 years bringing forth their high energy and wildly entertaining tribute to one of the world’s best rock bands, AC/DC! Dirty Deeds' performance revisits all of the timeless AC/DC hits along with a theatrical ride through rock n’ roll history bringing you back to the early music that was at the roots of AC/DC’s rise to stardom. Earning a reputation for their attention to detail and passion for AC/DC, Dirty Deeds The AC/DC Experience recreates the exact sound of AC/DC by performing the songs authentically note for note along with capturing the unique and exact tone that the super group has come to be known for.

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AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH JOHN HIATT
Wednesday, November 6 (8pm)

MAINSTAGE SERIES
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John Hiatt, an American singer-songwriter and musician, has played a variety of musical styles, including new wave, blues, and country. Nominated for nine Grammy Awards, he is one of the most respected and influential American singer-songwriters.

Called by the Los Angeles Times, “one of rock’s most astute singer-songwriters of the last 40 years,” he is a master lyricist and satirical storyteller who weaves hidden plot twists into fictional tales ranging in topics including redemption, relationships, growing older and surrendering, on his terms.

The songs are still very much there. And The Eclipse Sessions, his newest collection, offers up his strongest set of ‘em in years. Long celebrated as a skilled storyteller and keen observer of life’s twists and turns, Hiatt can get at the heart of a knotty emotion or a moment in time with just a sharp, incisive lyric or witty turn of phrase. And the 11 tracks presented in his newest collection, from the breezy opener “Cry to Me,” to the stark “Nothing in My Heart,” the lost-love lamentation “Aces Up Your Sleeve” to the rollicking “Poor Imitation of God,” demonstrate that the singer-songwriter, now 66, is only getting better with age, his guitar playing more rugged and rootsy, his words wiser and more wry.

Soon...

EAGLEMANIA (WORLD'S GREATEST EAGLES TRIBUTE)
Friday, November 8 (8pm)

MAINSTAGE SERIES
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Back by popular demand! Eaglemania has evolved into a nationally touring tribute to The Eagles, performing to sold out audiences everywhere they go. Their music appeals to a wide variety of age groups, and the combination of heartfelt ballads, rock anthems laden with guitar harmonies, and the unmistakable sound of vocal harmonies as only the Eagles can do, has propelled the band for the past 40-plus years, positioning them as one of the most successful and popular bands in music history. Eaglemania performs all of the hits of the Eagles, as well as Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh’s solo albums. Their attention to detail and their ability to reproduce the Eagles exactly leaves their fans with an experience that they do not soon forget. People often remark that if they closed their eyes, they would think they were listening to the actual Eagles live in concert. The band consists of an ensemble of veteran musicians whose goal is to faithfully reproduce the Eagle’s repertoire, music they love to sing and play, always committed to giving their audience a perfect show every time they take the stage.

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