PARAMUS, N.J. – Why cross the Hudson to see the stars? The upcoming season at Bergen Community College’s Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre offers a full slate of exhilarating entertainment – without the tunnel rage and bridge gridlock.
The 300-seat venue, located at the College’s main campus in Paramus, kicks off the season with another “Oldies Weekend Celebration” featuring the fabulous Four Aces and the Shirelles with original founder and lead singer, Shirley Alston Reeves. Both performances start at 7:30 p.m. on consecutive days: Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28. Comedians John Pizzi and Jeff Pirami will open.
“So many of you let us know that you wanted another ‘Oldies Weekend,'” Peter LeDonne, managing director of community and cultural affairs at the College, said. “The 2013-14 season begins with a double-dose of nostalgia and sing-along with two great groups from the past.”
Sure to stimulate even the most discerning cultural palette, this season, dubbed “Curtain Up!” at the Ciccone Theatre, offers more than 20 shows for all ages that span a broad range of the performing arts.
After the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer Reeves sets the stage for the season, productions continue with Ali Stroker, former contestant on “The Glee Project” and Ridgewood native; Gary Lucas, legendary American guitarist and Grammy-nominated songwriter; Peter Yarrow, from the famed trio Peter, Paul & Mary; and the great Cissy Houston, American soul singer and mother of the late Whitney Houston.
Ticket prices for the general public are $35, with discounts offered to senior citizens, Bergen faculty and students. Group discounts are also available. Tickets for performances are now on sale and can be purchased online at tickets.bergen.edu or by calling the Theatre box office at (201) 447-7428.
Other theatrical performances adding to the excitement of the upcoming season at the Ciccone Theatre include a series of productions by Bergenstages – the College’s student-run theatrical program. Audiences will experience a few miracles – and masterpieces – from adaptations of works like the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Angels in America” by Tony Kushner.
2013-14 Main Stage Schedule Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre:
Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
The Four Aces
Opening Act: Comedian John Pizzi
Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
The Shirelles featuring Shirley Alston Reeves
Opening Act: Comedian Jeff Pirami
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Ali Stroker
Actress, Singer, Wild Child
Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Gary Lucas
The Edge of Heaven
Friday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Cristina Fontanelli
Viva L’Italia
Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Peter Yarrow
Friday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Cissy Houston
Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Bergen Sinfonia
Holiday Concert
Friday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Black 47
The Best Irish Rock Band in America
Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Just a Jersey Guy
Brian Altano – The Raconteur of the Garden State
Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu) based in Paramus is a public two-year coeducational college, enrolling nearly 17,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip J. Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields.