Scranton Cultural Center Announces The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays

“THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS” ARRIVING AT THE SCRANTON CULTURAL CENTER ON NOVEMBER 22
Tickets on Sale September 20 at 10:00 AM

It’s the most magical time of the year… ‘Tis the season for The Illusionists – Magic Of The Holidays, the latest installment of the world-famous, blockbuster touring magic spectacular “The Illusionists,” from Producers Simon Painter, Cirque du Soleil and MagicSpace Entertainment. The U.S. tour based off the smash-hit Broadway production is headed to more that 20 cities this holiday season and will bring the mind-blowing, family friendly show to the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on November 22 at 7:30 PM for one show only. Tickets are on sale on September 20.

The Illusionists – Magic Of The Holidays will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre and is presented in partnership with Magic City Productions.  Doors will open for bar and concessions at 6:30 PM.  Tickets start at $58.05 (includes fees), and will be available for purchase beginning September 20 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster.  For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

“Our record-breaking Broadway run for The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays was an incredible hit and we are so excited to bring the show to more audiences around the country,” says producer Simon Painter. “The show is a perfect way for families and friends to celebrate the holidays together and see amazing illusionists perform on stage.”

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays showcases the 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.

This year’s family-friendly show promises even more illusions, close-up magic, mentalism, and technological spectacle performed by master entertainers who’ve captivated audiences worldwide.

The confirmed cast for 2024 includes:

  • Kevin James – The Inventor: James, a world-class magician and one of the most viewed ever on YouTube is known for his unique comedy and magic, has performed in 110 countries, and headlined top theaters, including Broadway, the West End, and Las Vegas. He has entertained royalty and performed for President Obama at the White House. He received the Creative Fellowship Award from The Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences in 2004 and is a multiple Stage and Parlour Magician of the Year.
  • James More – The Deceptionist: More is a leading illusionist who gained fame from his 2013 “Britain’s Got Talent” audition, amassing over 100 million YouTube views. He became the first British magician to appear on Broadway. More has also appeared on “The Ellen Show,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “Tonight at the London Palladium.”
  • David Williamson – The Trickster: Williamson is an award-winning magician with over 40 years of experience, known for his unique comedic style and engaging audience participation. He has performed globally on TV and in theaters, and his magic instruction book has been translated into five languages. He is dedicated to sharing the joy and wonder of magic with audiences of all ages.
  • Chris Cox – The Mentalist: Cox, a multi-award-winning “mind reader who can’t read minds,” has performed on Broadway, London’s West End, and the Sydney Opera House. He stars in the BBC’s “Chris Cox’s Mind Boggling Magic” and “Killer Magic” and has appeared on NBC’s “The Today Show.” The Guardian calls him “one of the most exciting entertainers in Britain,” and The New York Times describes him as “a hyperactive Harry Potter who knows what you’re thinking.”
  • Pablo Canovas – The Unforgettable: Spanish magician Canovas has gained international acclaim as a prodigy, holding the record three times as Spain’s youngest illusionist winner. He earned titles such as “Golden Magician” in Paris and “Heir of Illusion” in the House of Magic. He captivates audiences with his enchanting performances, leaving them questioning reality and marveling at his talent.

“The Illusionists” previously wowed audiences and around the world including smash hit engagements on Broadway, London’s West End and on tour around the United States and Canada.

The University of Scranton Welcomes Guest Performers for Family Weekend

Joseph Boga and The Scranton Ramblers with guest guitarist Stephane Wrembel, and an appearance by the University Concert Choir set for Sept. 21.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring Joseph Boga and the Scranton Ramblers with guitarist Stephane Wrembel, as part of the University’s annual Family Weekend festivities.

The concert, which will also include an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

“All of us in Performance Music are delighted to present such an outstanding Family Weekend concert, especially where our choir gets to perform a piece alongside musical powerhouses Joseph Boga and Stephane Wrembel,” said Janelle Decker, conductor and co-director of Performance Music at Scranton.

Boga, an area native, is a member of the legendary group Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, which appears in New York City every Monday in their roost – Birdland. In addition to his work with Giordano and The Nighthawks, Boga also leads his own groups and has performed and/or recorded with a variety of other ensembles such as Stephane Wrembel’s Django New Orleans, David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars, James Langton’s New York All-Star Big Band and The Kyle Athayde Dance Party, as well as with artists such as Stephane Wrembel, Wycliffe Gordon, Adrian Cunningham, Loren Schoenberg, Wynton Marsalis and many others. His film appearances include Killers of the Flower Moon, season 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Capote vs. The Swans and others.

Stephane Wrembel is quite simply one of the finest guitar players in the world. Though specializing in the Django Reinhardt style, he revels in transcending and expanding, and the breadth and range of his playing and compositions are unmatched. His music incorporates jazz, blues, classical, swing, flamenco and rock. All of these influences come together as a genre identifiable only as Stephane Wrembel. This prolific musician, composer, educator and musical director has released a steady stream of music since 2002, truly making his mark as one of the most original guitar voices in contemporary music. He tours the world and has headlined venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Town Hall in N.Y.C. and The Lyon Opera House in France, and has dazzled audiences at events like Montreal Jazz Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Django Reinhardt Festival in France, Ellnora Guitar Festival, Caramoor Jazz Festival and many others. Wrembel won a Grammy award for his tune Bistro Fada, which Woody Allen used as the theme song for his 2011 Oscar-winning film, Midnight in Paris.

Other musicians performing with The Scranton Ramblers for the concert will include trombonist Sam Chess; guitarist Roy Williams (a native and current resident of the Scranton area); Will Reardon-Anderson, alto sax and clarinet; and Jay Rattman, bass saxophonist (a native of the Delaware Water Gap area.

The University of Scranton Concert Choir is an soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB) mixed choir comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum – none of whom are music majors – who are brought together by their mutual love for making music. They will be performing “La Vie En Rose” with the featured guest ensemble. For further information on the performance, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit the Performance Music website. For more on Boga, visit josephboga.com, and for more info on Wrembel, visit stephanewrembel.com

NEPA Alliance holds media event with The Ritz Theater in Scranton.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) held a media event with The Ritz Theater in Scranton.

Pictured from left: James Hazen, Lackawanna County; James Olecki, The Ritz Theater; Jack McNulty, NEPA Board; Patti Monahan, Senator Bob Casey’s Office; Jeffrey Box, NEPA Alliance and Phil Condron, NEPA Board.

The Ritz Theater is an event space in downtown Scranton, PA. They host numerous events (i.e. concerts, parties and theme nights) and serve food and drink on site through “Noir Dark Spirits”, the bar/restaurant inside the theater. The Ritz’s mission is to drive economic vitality in downtown Scranton while resurrecting the historic Ritz Theater and Performing Arts Center.

NEPA provided The Ritz with two loans – one through the SBA 504 program and one through an EDA Cares Act Revolving Loan fund. The loans provided funding to the borrowers to help purchase the building and complete necessary renovations to make the space operational. NEPA partnered with First Keystone Community Bank on this project.

“As we evaluated financing for The Ritz project, NEPA Alliance was the perfect partner because of our shared goal of revitalizing downtown Scranton,” said James J. Olecki, co-owner and Chief Executive Officer. “Our vision from the onset was to create a premier arts and entertainment venue that brings the community together and serves as an inspiration to the region.  I’m proud to say that with the help of the NEPA Alliance team, the Ritz is alive once again.  Millions of dollars have been invested, five new businesses have come to Lackawanna County, and over 50 new jobs have been created within the theater.  Never doubt what collaboration and commitment can do to change the world.”

“NEPA Alliance is proud to have assisted The Ritz Theater in the growth of their business”, said Jeffrey Box, President & CEO of NEPA Alliance.

Marywood Univeristy and NEPA Philharmonic Collaborate on Concert

Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance (MTD) department is part of a unique performance collaboration between its music faculty and the Northeast PA Philharmonic.

A concert, titled “Quartet for the End of Time by Olivier Messiaen,” will take place on Saturday, September 28, at 7 p.m. in the Marian Chapel at the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life on Marywood University’s campus.

Featured musicians include Sophie Till–violin; Christiane Vaida–cello; Ron Stabinsky–piano, and Pascal Archer–clarinet.

To secure tickets prior to the performance, go to: https://marywood.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1580&p=1. Tickets are $15 for the general public or free with a Marywood ID. To learn about other Marywood University MTD events, go to marywood.edu/mtd and scroll to the bottom of the page to view upcoming performances.

UNC’s 8th Annual Welcoming Scranton Celebration

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites the community to our 8th Annual Welcoming Scranton Celebration on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10 am to 1 pm at 526 Cedar Avenue, at the corner of Alder Street, in Scranton. This fun-filled celebration is in conjunction with our South Side Farmers Market.

Welcoming Scranton, a part of Welcoming Week, is a national celebration that warmly embraces long-term residents and newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging in our shared community. It promotes cross-cultural understanding and raises awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone.

Family, friends, and neighbors can look forward to a wide range of diverse activities at Welcoming Scranton. Enjoy the upbeat Latin sounds of Grupo Zona, free ice cream from Scoopz Ice Cream Truck, free face painting with local artist Monica Noelle, and free balloon animals with Becky Corby. Many other community resource organizations will also be joining us.

Shop our 15+ Farmers Markets vendors and their one-day special $5 deal, purchase authentic Mexican food from El Buen Amigo, and challenge your mind with cultural trivia, activities, and games from UNC’s Community Revitalization and Education Departments for fun prizes.

For more information, please contact Chrissy Manuel, UNC’s Director of Development and Communication, at 570.878.5643 or cmanuel@uncnepa.org.

Geisinger hosts March for Babies on Sept. 22

Walk supports March of Dimes helping to prevent preterm births and defects

Get ready to take steps, whether big or small, to join the fight for the health of local parents and babies. Geisinger is hosting the March of Dimes’ March for Babies at noon on Sunday, Sept. 22 at the Henry Hood Center, which is on Center Street next to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

The event will include a superhero sprint for children at 11:45 a.m. Registration opens at 11 a.m. and opening remarks will be made before the walk.

Money raised during the March for Babies helps to fund the NICU Family Support programs in Geisinger’s Danville and Wilkes-Barre hospitals. NICU Family Support provides educational and supportive activities to help local families through the NICU journey and prepares them to take their baby home.

Geisinger has partnered with the March of Dimes since 2006. The organization plays critical roles in raising awareness and funds to help prevent preterm birth, birth defects, and deaths.

Register or donate at marchforbabies.org/event/geisinger and join the movement on Sept. 22.