(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Renee Elise Goldsberry, winner of the Tony Award for the role of Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, opens MPAC’s 28th season on Friday, September 30. MPAC’s lineup features over 60 events, with many more to be added throughout the season. The 2022-2023 season continues MPAC’s return to a full schedule after two years of rebuilding from COVID rescheduling, postponements and cancellations. Tickets for shows are now on sale.
“It has been wonderful seeing so many people returning to MPAC over the past year to enjoy live entertainment again,” said Allison Larena, President and CEO, MPAC. “Our 2022-2023 season builds upon this momentum with a full lineup including Broadway headliners, pop favorites, family shows, dance, world music and much more that create so many diverse opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to reconnect with the performing arts.”
MPAC’s lineup features a diverse variety of performances representing all genres of the performing arts, including comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Paula Poundstone, music favorites David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Michael Bolton, Richard Marx and Chris Isaak, family events including Peppa Pig’s Adventure and Disney Junior’s Costume Palooza, spectacles like The Illusionists and Cirque Zuma Zuma, Latin Grammy winner Nella, the annual return of New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker and much more.
The lineup includes (additional events to be added):
7/14: Best of the Eagles - the most exact interpretation of the music of The Eagles, bar none! Each musician mirrors his counterpart in The Eagles instrumentally and vocally as they recreate the songs, the music and the aura of one of America’s greatest rock bands.
7/17: Generation Radio - This supergroup of rock and country music legends features two-time Grammy Award-winner Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, Jason Scheff, former lead vocalist of Chicago for over 30 years, Steve Ferrone, drummer of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Chris Rodriguez and Tom Yankton, playing the hits of Journey, Chicago, Rascal Flatts and other classic rock and country favorites.
7/21: Dion - Dion defined Rock and Roll for a generation. Enjoy classic hits such as “Runaround Sue,” “The Wanderer” and more from this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
7/26: Chris Isaak - Platinum-selling and GRAMMY-nominated singer and actor Chris Isaak performs the music (“Wicked Game,” “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing,” “Somebody’s Crying”) that has made him a concert favorite across the globe for over three decades.
7/27: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band - A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans over three decades. His works, rich and eclectic, are some of the most beloved of any living artist working today.
7/28: The Disco Nights - Get down and boogie to the greatest hits of the disco era, like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Le Freak,” “I Will Survive,” “Hot Stuff” and “It’s Raining Men.” The Disco Nights perform the music of The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Chic and more in this “outta sight” musical adventure that brings back to life the glory days of Studio 54 and Saturday Night Fever!
8/3: Boz Scaggs: Out of the Blues Tour 2022 - Boz Scaggs has been making innovative blues, rock and pop for over 50 years with such hits as “Lowdown,” “Lido Shuffle” and “We’re All Alone.” Scaggs performs favorites as well as music from his release Out of the Blues, which returns him to the Texas and Oklahoma roots that shaped his musical sensibility.
8/10: Glen Burtnik’s The Summer of Love Concert (Woodstock Edition) - Glen Burtnik and the amazing Summer of Love band celebrate the songs of the Woodstock generation, the music that changed the world! Featuring the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jefferson Airplane and many more.
8/18: Air Supply - Air Supply performs from among their classic romantic hits, which include “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “One That You Love,” “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” and “Every Woman in the World.”
8/19: Manhattan Comedy Night - Get some comic relief with our popular stand-up series showcasing the rising stars of comedy. Mature content, language. Adults only.
9/9: Guest Attraction: Jerry Seinfeld - America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, comes to the Mayo Performing Arts Center to perform his newest stand-up! Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere.
9/16: The Robert Cray Band - Robert Cray has created a sound that rises from American roots and arrives today both fresh and familiar. In just over 40 years, Cray and his band have recorded 20 studio releases, 15 of which have been on the Billboard charts, and played bars, concert halls, festivals and arenas around the world.
9/24: Sinatra: The Man and His Music starring Michael Martocci - Sinatra: A Man and His Music is a multi-media musical tribute that celebrates Frank Sinatra’s career. Michael Martocci will debut some of the original arrangements by Quincy Jones from the legendary album, Sinatra at the Sands with Count Basie & his Orchestra. These are one-of-a-kind, never-heard-in-public arrangements as well as all the Sinatra classics. The show will also feature the 20 piece Ol’ Blue Eyes Orchestra led by Dean Schneider and comedian Tammy Pescatelli.
9/30: Opening Night: An Evening with Renee Elise Goldsberry - Best known for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the musical phenomenon Hamilton, Renée Elise Goldsberry is a multi-gifted actress and singer who has delivered award-winning performances both on Broadway and on screen. Renée’s performance in Hamilton earned her a Tony Award, Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award, and Lucille Lortel Award. Currently, Renée can be seen starring in Tina Fey’s Peacock series, Girls5Eva.
10/6: Nella - Born in Venezuela, Nella skyrocketed to international renown fueled by her powerhouse voice and undeniable presence. Winner of the 2019 Latin GRAMMY® Award for Best New Artist, her full-length debut, Voy (I Go) yielded the hit “Me Llaman Nella” (They Call Me Nella) which surpassed 1.4 million Spotify streams and 1.4 million views on YouTube. The title track was named the 14th best song of 2019, in any genre, by the New York Times.
10/8: Masters of Illusion - Cutting-edge illusionists perform sleight-of-hand, perplexing interactive mind magic, hilarious comedy, dangerous escapes and large scale illusions that baffle and astound audience members of all ages.
10/13: Jay Leno - Jay Leno presents his hilarious take on the world when he performs his trademark brand of everyman humor that has made him one of America’s favorite personalities.
10/14: Croce Plays Croce: 50th Anniversary of You Don’t Mess Around With Jim - Soulful singer A.J. Croce pays tribute to his father, the late, great Jim Croce, with a heartfelt night of music and stories featuring Jim Croce’s enduring songs, such as “Time in A Bottle,” “One Less Set of Footsteps” and “Operator,” as well as A.J.’s own tunes, and songs that influenced both father and son.
10/16: Peppa Pig’s Adventure - Come join Peppa on an exciting camping trip in the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunchboxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of singing, dancing, games and surprises. Little piggies everywhere will love this 60-minute live musical experience! Ages 2-7.
10/29: Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza - The Pollstar nominated Disney Junior tour is back with an ALL-NEW show, Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza! This show brings beloved Disney Junior characters and favorite Marvel Super Heroes together live on stage for a jam-packed, concert-style show with singing, dancing, acrobatics and more. It will feature favorite songs from hit Disney Junior series, as well as new original music. Mickey, Minnie, and their pals are getting ready to throw a huge costume party but mysterious green rain, wind and smoke keep interrupting the fun. Can Spidey and his Amazing Friends help save the Costume Palooza? Come join the party!
11/2: Richard Marx: An Acoustic Evening of Love Songs - Grammy winner Richard Marx (“Hold on to the Nights,” “Don’t Mean Nothing,” “Satisfied,” “Right Here Waiting”) has sold over 30 million albums since the 1980s. He has scored 14 No. 1 singles, both as a performer and as a songwriter/producer (including Keith Urban’s “Long Hot Summer”), revealing him a true multi-talented performer who continues to challenge himself and his fans.
11/11-11/12: The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays - Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.
11/19: New Jersey Ballet presents New Direction - New Jersey Ballet opens its season with New Direction, which will feature three works that point to the new artistic vision Maria Kowroski has for New Jersey Ballet as Artistic Director. The program will feature Who Cares?, by George Balanchine, set to music by George Gershwin bringing out the exuberance of city life, Hallelujah Junction, by Peter Martins, a living locomotive of propulsive vitality, and a world premiere by Harrison Ball, principal dancer with New York City Ballet, with costumes by world renowned fashion designer Zac Posen.
11/25: Manhattan Comedy Night - Get some comic relief with our popular stand-up series showcasing the rising stars of comedy. Mature content, language. Adults only.
11/26: Darlene Love: Love for the Holidays - We could all use a little “Love” this holiday season! Rolling Stone Magazine calls Darlene Love one of the greatest singers of all time. This rebel in stilettos performs seasonal favorites such as “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” as well as her hits.
11/27: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical - The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season! Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.
12/2: The Kat & Dave Show: David Foster and Katharine McPhee - Sixteen-time Grammy award-winning musician, songwriter and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star Katharine McPhee are bringing their viral Instagram show on the road. This intimate show with the powerhouse duo will be packed with David’s hits from Chicago, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Buble and more, and Kat’s biggest songs from American Idol, Smash and Waitress. Plus some of their favorites that they just love!
12/3: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis - The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of the top-selling Christmas music artist in history! America’s favorite holiday celebration for four decades features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects that bring the magic of the holidays to life.
12/4: Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute Christmas Show - The incomparable Carpenters gave us some of the most unforgettable ballads and melodic pop songs of all time, including “Close To You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Yesterday Once More.” Enjoy a nostalgic journey through the Carpenters greatest hits as well as holiday favorites like “Merry Christmas Darling” while sharing the backstories behind the music.
12/7: Michael Bolton: Greatest Hits and Holiday Favorites - Celebrate the holidays with the Grammy-winning artist known for such classics as “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” “When a Man Loves a Woman,” “How Can We Be Lovers” and “That's What Love Is All About.”
12/8: Leslie Odom, Jr. Holiday Show - Leslie Odom Jr., best known for his Tony-winning role as “Aaron Burr” in Hamilton, performs his jazz-influenced music and holiday favorites that have shaped his multifaceted career that spans Broadway, television, film and music.
12/11: Deck the Halls with Disney featuring DCappella - Disney Concerts presents Deck the Halls with Disney featuring DCappella. Delight in a family day-out set to the magical and musical sounds of Disney’s premier a cappella singing sensation DCappella! Kick off the holiday season as DCappella takes you through a musical journey featuring all of your favorite holiday songs plus Disney’s greatest hits from Encanto, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and much more!
12/16-12/27: New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony - New Jersey Ballet's beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed live by New Jersey Symphony.
1/7: Stomp - Stomp is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. Stomp uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
1/12: Chaka Khan - Chaka Khan is one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated musicians. The 10-time GRAMMY® Award has the rare ability to sing in seven music genres, including R&B, pop, rock, gospel, country, world music and classical. Chaka is revered by millions of fans as well as her peers for her timeless, classic and unmatched signature music style and ability on such hits as “Ain't Nobody,” “I Feel for You,” “I'm Every Woman” and “Through the Fire.”
1/13: Manhattan Comedy Night - Get some comic relief with our popular stand-up series showcasing the rising stars of comedy. Mature content, language. Adults only.
1/14: The Doo Wop Project - Featuring stars of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys, A Bronx Tale and Motown: The Musical, The Doo Wop Project recreates and reimagines the greatest music in American pop history! The Doo Wop Project takes audiences on a musical journey from classic groups like the Crests and Belmonts to the sounds of The Temptations and The Four Seasons, to “DooWopified” versions of modern artists like Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5.
1/20: DC’s Reflecting Fools Featuring Former Members of The Capitol Steps - The stairway to heavenly political satire originally laid by The Capitol Steps continues upward with DC’s Reflecting Fools— the new musical parody group created by the performers and co-writer from the Capitol Steps. DC’s Reflecting Fools hold up a mirror to our crazy political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and foolish reflections that continue to inspire belly laughter.
2/5: Pinkalicious - A girl finds herself in a colorful predicament after her indulgence in too many pink cupcakes causes a severe case of Pinkititis that turns her pink from head to toe! Ages 4-12.
2/11: Cirque Zuma Zuma - As seen on America’s Got Talent! This African-style Cirque du Soleil pushes the envelope of human possibility with astonishing and unbelievable human feats of balance, agility and flexibility, all set to African music, drumming and dance. Cirque Zuma Zuma is an exuberant and highly entertaining showcase of the African culture for people young and old.
2/16: Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine - Theodore Kuchar, Conductor The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine was established in Lviv in 1902, a city known as one of the great cultural centers of eastern Europe, where music has always occupied the center and spirit of its existence.
2/18: Paula Poundstone - Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. Paula can be heard weekly as the host of the comedy podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone and as a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz, Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!
2/19: Ray on My Mind - Enjoy a high-energy celebration of the music and life of Ray Charles as performed by Kenny Brawner. Ray on My Mind includes his most popular hits such as ‘What’d I Say,” “I Got a Woman” and “Georgia on My Mind,” interwoven with stories of his life, his many musical styles and more.
3/3: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis - Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis leads the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, 15 of today’s finest jazz soloists and ensemble players, who perform the music of the great jazz composers as well as original works that foster an appreciation for this American music genre.
3/5: The Cat in the Hat - A boring, rainy afternoon turns into an amazing, mischievous and hilarious adventure when The Cat in the Hat comes calling. Ages 3-8.
3/10-3/12: Cats - Rediscover CATS—the beloved musical with breathtaking music—including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater, "Memory.” Featuring new sound design, direction and choreography for a new generation — experience CATS for the first time as it begins a new life, or let it thrill you all over again!
3/16: Dublin Irish Dance presents “Wings” - Featuring world champion dancers, Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos, and original music and choreography, this Celtic celebration thrills audiences with its transformative emotional and imaginative energy as it showcases Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
3/22: Taj Express – Bollywood Jukebox - the show explodes with the traditional and modern sounds of India and Bollywood which have been entertaining millions for generations. This big-hearted Bollywood razzle dazzle features an exceptionally talented cast, mesmerizing costumes, joyful choreography, thrilling live music and raw infectious energy that takes audiences on a journey through modern Bollywood culture and society.
3/25: The Hit Men: The Ultimate Rock Concert - Relive rock’s greatest hits with The Hit Men – five fantastic musicians who have shared the stage with legendary artists including Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Wings, Alan Parsons, Billy Joel, Sting, Elton John, Journey, The Who and Cream. The Hit Men share their first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history, and perform classic hits you know and love, such as “Don’t Stop Believin,’” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Eye in the Sky” and many more, just the way you remember them.
4/1: Elvis: The Concert of Kings - Experience the legendary power and presence of music’s greatest icon, Elvis Presley! Three of the world’s finest Elvis performers bring to life the music and charisma of Elvis Presley, from the electrifying early years of the 1950s, to the stunning sex-symbol era of the 1960s, to the powerful Las Vegas years of the 1970s. Elvis has not left the building!
4/2: Dragons and Mythical Beasts - Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new interactive show for all the family. Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you'd think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, but just don't wake the Dragon…
4/7: Manhattan Comedy Night - Get some comic relief with our popular stand-up series showcasing the rising stars of comedy. Mature content, language. Adults only.
4/21: Terry Fator: The Voice of Entertainment - For over a decade, Terry Fator has sold out night after night in Las Vegas with a show featuring his cast of characters that includes everyone from an Impersonating Turtle to Elton John to Elvis. In addition to winning America’s Got Talent, Terry has won Las Vegas’s best show, best all-around performer, best family show and best overall show.
4/22: Piano Battle - Internationally acclaimed pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis go head-to-head on stage, charming and enchanting audiences with a variety of classical pieces. The two artists, with distinctly different performance styles, take turns to perform pieces by leading classical composers. Who performs it best? You decide!
4/23: Take Me Home, the Music of John Denver starring Jim Curry - Jim Curry captures the natural essence of John Denver’s persona and music through his heartfelt delivery of such multi-platinum hits such as “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song” and “Country Roads.”
4/29: Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls - Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voice-over and stage. In 1999, she won a Tony Award for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown and she was nominated for her original role of Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked in 2004. In 2009, she received an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Pushing Daisies. Chenoweth has been nominated for two Emmy Awards and for a People’s Choice Award for her role on Glee. Chenoweth earned a Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award and Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for her lead role in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s On the Twentieth Century. She also earned nominations for a Tony Award and a Drama League Award.
5/7: Trifecta of Folk: The Kingston Trio, The Brothers Four and The Limeliters - Three groups at the center of the 1960s Folk Revival continue to delight fans with their smooth musical sounds: The Kingston Trio (“Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “Tom Dooley”), The Brothers Four (“Try to Remember”) and The Limeliters (“Take My True Love by the Hand”).
5/13: Lea Salonga - Award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga is renowned for her powerful voice and perfect pitch. Best known for her Tony Award winning role in Miss Saigon, she was also the first Asian to play Eponine in Les Misérables on Broadway and returned as Fantine in the 2006 revival. Lea was the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin, and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II, earning the honor of “Disney Legend.”
6/16: Manhattan Comedy Night - Get some comic relief with our popular stand-up series showcasing the rising stars of comedy. Mature content, language. Adults only.
Free Summer Community Events:
Funding for Arts in the Community concerts provided by ADP.
6/15: Darius Frowner & LaDonna Burns (Early Street Senior Center)
6/29: Salsa under the Stars featuring Newark Arts High Latin Band (Vail Mansion Plaza)
6/30: U.S. Army Field Band and Chorus (at MPAC; Tickets required)
7/6: Nahscha (Cauldwell Playground - Clyde Potts Dr. & Flagler Street):
7/13: Acute Inflections Vail Mansion Plaza (Vail Mansion Plaza)
7/27: The Bryan Hansen Band (Vail Mansion Plaza)
8/10: Sabrina Genesis (Vail Mansion Plaza)
8/24: John McDermott Band’s Sixties Rock & Roll Revue (Vail Mansion Plaza)
Free Movie Tuesdays at MPAC
Tickets available in July
8/2: Clifford the Big Red Dog @ 10:30 am
8/2: Summer of Soul @ 7 pm
8/16: Encanto @ 10:30 am
8/16: West Side Story (2021) @ 7 pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey. MPAC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2022-2023 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.