Scranton Cultural Center Announces Studio Two: The Early Beatles Tribute The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will present Studio Two: The Early Beatles Tribute on October 11 at 7:30 PM in Shopland Hall. Voted as ‘New England’s Best Beatles Tribute Band’ by “The Boston Globe,” Beatles tribute band, Studio Two will return by popular demand with their iconic show in celebration of The Beatles coming to America. Studio Two, now entering its 11th year, is a headlining Beatles band featuring Berklee College of Music Alum who focus on the most exciting, energetic period of The Beatles: the early years (1962 – 1966). Choosing from a catalog of number one hit songs from their club and touring performances, Studio Two captures all of the excitement and danceable 50s and 60s Rock ‘n’ Roll songs The Beatles helped popularize. Completing this stellar show are period attire as well as equipment, transporting audiences back in time. The show will take place in Shopland Hall, located on the building’s fourth floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $33.25 in advance, and will increase to $43.25 on the day of the show. All ticket prices include fees. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning July 19 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. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2024-2025 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Matt McGloin, Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Allied Services, Audacy, Lamar Advertising and MAC Signs.
Scranton Cultural Center Announces Comedian Nick Swardson This November at the Scranton Cultural Center, brace yourselves for a comedy show like no other as comedian Nick Swardson embarks on his new stand-up tour, Toilet Head. Renowned for his unfiltered humor and razor-sharp wit, Swardson promises to tackle the hard-hitting issues of our time, from the discomforts of diarrhea to the highs and lows of edibles, all the way to the enigmatic charm of Norm MacDonald. Produced by Live Nation, the 37-city tour kicks off in September making stops across the U.S., with a performance at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on November 23 at 7:00 PM. The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre. With a career spanning over 26 years, Nick Swardson has cemented his status as a comedy legend. From his memorable collaborations with Adam Sandler to his scene-stealing role as Terry in “Reno 911,” and his unforgettable performances in cult classics like “Grandma’s Boy” and “Bucky Larson,” Swardson’s comedic prowess knows no bounds. Not to mention his own comedic creations, including Comedy Central’s “Pretend Time” and “Typical Rick.” As he gears up for his sixth stand-up special, audiences can expect nothing short of an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, surprises, and perhaps a few unexpected smells along the way. Nick Swardson’s unique brand of comedy transcends the ordinary, offering audiences an escape into a world where hilarity reigns supreme. For a full tour schedule, visit nickswardson.net Tickets start at $48.20. Doors will open at 6:30 PM and a cash bar and concessions will be available. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning May 17 at 10:00 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.
Broadway in Scranton Hosts Pretty Women: The Musical After a sold-out weekend of COME FROM AWAY, the final show of the 2023-2024 Broadway in Scranton season, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL comes to the Scranton Cultural Center for four performances May 17 – 19. Performance times are Friday at 7:30PM, Saturday at 2PM and 7:30PM, and Sunday at 1PM. Tickets are available online at BroadwayInScranton.com and in person at the Scranton Cultural Center box office. Box office hours are Monday – Friday 10AM – 5PM, Saturday 10AM – 2PM. The show age recommendation is 12+ and the run time is 2 hours and 20 minutes with an intermission. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). The 3-time Audience Choice Award-Winnerfeatures an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. This show will lift your spirits and light up your heart – “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News). PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is“Big Romance & Big Fun!” (Broadway.com) and “Dazzles!” (Deadline). The Hollywood Reporter calls it “Irresistible! A romantic fantasy. A contemporary fairy tale.” Leading the tour as Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis are Ellie Baker and Chase Wolfe. Joining them are Rae Davenport as Kit De Luca, Adam Du Plessis as Happy Man/Mr. Thompson, and Mikey Marmann as Philip Stuckey. Rounding out the company in alphabetical order are Matthew Blum, Brianna Clark, Kerry D’Jovanni, Lauren Esser, Charlie Fusari, Steven Gagliano, Justin Glass, Matt Henningsen, Christian Maxwell Henry, Connor Kabat, Alexandra Kinsley, Bethany McDonald, Robert Miller, Blaise Rossmann, Taylor M. Sheppard, Devyn Trondson, Elana Valastro, Sarah Wang, and Channing Weir. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has Original scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, makeup design by Fiona Mifsud, and music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke. Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which inspired the iconic movie. PRETTY WOMAN the film (produced by Arnon Milchan – New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. Atlantic Records’ PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is produced by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and is now available on all DSPs. For more information visit: PrettyWomanTheMusical.com Facebook.com/PrettyWoman | Twitter.com/PrettyWoman | Instagram.com/PrettyWoman/ Connect with BROADWAY IN SCRANTON Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayInScranton/
NEPA Philharmonic to Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue with All Gershwin Concert The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, under the baton of Maestra Mélisse Brunet, will present an ALL GERSHWIN Concert on Friday, April 12, at 7:30 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 North Washington Avenue. The program will feature three Gershwin masterpieces: Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, and selections from Porgy and Bess. Soloist for Rhapsody will be international pianist, Ron Stabinsky, who was born and raised in NEPA. Ron studied classical repertoire with concert pianists Ilya Itin and Thomas Hrynkiw. Introducing the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic from the stage will be President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Robert Durkin. This will be an incredible evening of music by the innovative genius, George Gershwin. Pianist Lara Downes said, that when we hear Rhapsody in Blue, we are somehow connecting with Gershwin, his enthusiasm, his open heart, and his wanting to show us the best of what our country can be-whether we know it or not. Vocalists Michael Preacely and Marquita Richardson will be soloists for songs from Porgy and Bess. Baritone, Michael Preacely, and soprano Marquita Richardson, have worked with numerous major and regional opera houses and orchestras in the United States and have consistently garnered critical acclaim. George Gershwin, 1898-1937, was an American composer and pianist whose eclectic compositions spanned popular jazz and classical genres. Among his other compositions were Swanee, Concerto in F, Overture to Strike up the Band, I’ve Got Rhythm, the scores to Shall We Dance, Girl Crazy, and many more. Unfortunately, his career was cut short at the age of 38 when he died from a brain tumor. Tickets may be purchased at nepaphil.org, through the Philharmonic box office, 570.270.4444, at the Scranton Cultural Center Box office, or at the door on concert night. Reserved seats begin at $38. Student tickets are $16 Sponsoring this ALL GERSHWIN evening are PNC Foundation, Dr. Seth and Caroline Fisher, Munley Law, Louis and Barbara Nivert, Toyota of Scranton, and The Atkins Family. Our media sponsors are WNEP TV, WVIA, Happenings Magazine, Halibut Blue, Lamar Advertising, and Discover NEPA Our Philharmonic concerts would not be possible without sponsorship by our friends in the corporate community and individuals who are committed to keeping the music playing. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra, performing in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. In addition to main stage concerts, the Philharmonic performs chamber concerts, “Music in Or Schools”, “Once Upon an Orchestra for tots in public libraries, and programs in local senior centers. At the center of the Philharmonic’s music programs is a juried mentoring program that offers talented high school students the opportunity to study with Philharmonic musicians throughout the year and perform side by side with their mentors in the annual Young People’s Concerts. For additional information about tickets, programs, sponsorships, or special events, please call 570.270.4444
Chamber Goes “All In” on AI at the 155th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce held its 155th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, on Wednesday, March 27, at the Scranton Cultural Center in downtown Scranton. Over 450 people attended, including Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Matt McGloin. Shawn Kanungo, a disruption strategist, bestselling author, and former innovation expert for Deloitte, was the keynote speaker. The event included a networking dinner followed by the Chamber program where board chair, Attorney Jerry Musheno offered remarks and had a little fun with generative AI. The Chamber, along with the help of member Posture Interactive, developed AI photos and videos for the night’s entertainment. Members submitted prompts that generated photos. The Chamber’s President, Bob Durkin, stated, “The Chamber is blessed to have such strong support from our regional business community. The Annual Dinner is an occasion to salute all of our members and celebrate the efforts of our literally hundreds of volunteer leaders over this past year.” Pete Danchak, northeast PA regional president of PNC Bank, offered remarks and introduced Shawn Kanungo, the keynote speaker. Kanungo is a world-renowned generative AI expert who gave an inspiring keynote on AI’s power in businesses. Kanungo delivered a riveting challenge to the audience on AI and its power of influence on the world. AI can be a useful tool to help advance small businesses that don’t have the manpower but use the tool wrong, and the intent of AI can have a negative impact. Kanungo’s work with corporations has shaped their trajectory as they harness AI’s power to advance operations and lay a foundation of mining through data, creating social campaigns, and more. His presentation gave Chamber members a perspective on AI for their businesses and paved a path for future discussions. The incoming board chair, Attorney Marianne Gilmartin, concluded the evening with remarks and looked to the upcoming 2024–25 program year. The Chamber’s success stems from its members and their growing businesses.
Broadway in Scranton Wants to Hear from You Millions of people around the world were touched by the acts of kindness shown towards the stranded in those days after 9/11. Was there someone you knew who was stranded in Gander? Did you know about this story and lent your support to the Gander community? Broadway in Scranton want to share your stories! Please email us at ali@nacentertainment.com. COME FROM AWAY comes to the Scranton Cultural Center for four performances April 5 – 7. This Tony Award-winning hit musical is based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. On September 11, 2001 the world stopped. On September 12, their stories moved us all. Charles McNulty of the Los Angeles Times called COME FROM AWAY “An affecting, stirring and unpretentious new musical. Christopher Ashley’s production lets the simple goodness of ordinary people outshine sensational evil,” and Bob Verini of Variety raved, “Superb! Canadians Irene Sankoff and David Hein have forged a moving, thoroughly entertaining tribute to international amity and the indomitable human spirit.” A “Best Musical” winner all across North America, the smash hit musical has won the Tony Award for “Best Direction of a Musical” (Christopher Ashley), 4 Olivier Awards (London) including “Best New Musical,” 5 Outer Critics Circle Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding New Broadway Musical,” 3 Drama Desk Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding Musical,” and many more accolades. COME FROM AWAY performance times are Friday at 7:30PM, Saturday at 2PM and 7:30PM, and Sunday at 1PM. Tickets are available online at BroadwayInScranton.com and in person at the Scranton Cultural Center box office. Box office hours are Monday – Friday 10AM – 5PM, Saturday 10AM – 2PM. The show age recommendation is 10+ and the run time is 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission.
Scranton Cultural Center to Host St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is once again the place to celebrate this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The Center’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party will begin at 11:00 AM on March 9 and will continue until 4:00 PM. Admission is free and live entertainment will be provided by Across the Pond. In addition, several parade performers will continue their acts at the SCC for all partygoers to enjoy, from bagpipers to step dancers and more! Admission is FREE to the public as the Scranton Cultural Center’s gift to the community. A cash bar and light fare will be available for purchase. The 2024 St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party is sponsored by The Society of Irish Women, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick – Lackawanna County, Comfort Suites Scranton and LT Verrastro. Supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2023-2024 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Bill Gaughan, Matt McGloin and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Allied Services, Audacy, Lamar Advertising, MAC Signs and Times Shamrock Communications Listing Information: WHO: The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple WHAT: St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party with Music by Across the Pond WHEN: Saturday, March 9 – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM WHERE: Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple – Grand Ballroom 420 N. Washington Avenue – Scranton, PA 18503 TICKET PRICE: **FREE ADMISSION!!**
Scranton Cultural Center Announces Free Jazz Ensemble Concert Enjoy a concert given by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Rhythm in Blue at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on March 18 at 7:00 PM. This performance is part of a concert series the band is presenting across Pennsylvania and New York from March 15-19. The concert is free and open to the public. Rhythm in Blue features the diverse talents of 14 professional musicians whose commitment to excellence has earned worldwide acclaim and military distinction. The band incorporates a wide repertoire of jazz and fusion, from big band swing to cutting-edge contemporary music. Their fabulous vocalist captures the sound of the great jazz standards and inspires with patriotic classics. The United States Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band concert is sponsored by LT Verrastro and supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts. The concert will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tickets are free to the public and are required for admission. They can be acquired at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. Convenience charges may apply online or by phone. For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2023-2024 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Matt McGloin, Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Allied Services, Audacy, Lamar Advertising, MAC Signs, The Times-Tribune and Times Shamrock Communications. WHO: The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple WHAT: United States Air Force Heritage of America Rhythm In Blue Jazz Ensemble WHEN: Monday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m.; Doors at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple 420 North Washington Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 TICKET PRICE: FREE! Tickets are required. Convenience charges may apply online or by phone
Scranton Cultural Center Hosts “The Classic Rock Show – World Tour 2024” The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is pleased to announce The Classic Rock Show – World Tour 2024, kicking off in Scranton on March 21 at 7:30 PM. This electrifying production by CMP Entertainment features all the hits from Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, AC/DC, The Beatles, Dire Straits, Meat Loaf, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, Boston, Toto, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac and more. The Classic Rock Show is an amazing opportunity for rock fans, young and old, to celebrate three decades of the world’s greatest classic rock music with a stunning multi-million dollar sound and light show to match. Note-for-note, anthem after anthem, riff after riff and solo after solo – the night will culminate in a show-stopping guitar duel that is definitely not to be missed. The show will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre and is presented by Magic City Productions and the Scranton Cultural Center. Tickets start at $44.30. A VIP Sound Check Experience Pre-Show Package is available for an additional fee. Doors will open at 7:00 PM and a cash bar and concessions will be available. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning January 26 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.
Broadway in Scranton Announces Shows Coming to The Scranton Cultural Center This past weekend, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon HAIRSPRAY played to capacity crowds at the Scranton Cultural Center! The company had an incredible time in Scranton, and audiences raved about the show. 2024 is off to a sensational start, and there’s still plenty of Broadway to come – tickets to ANNIE, THE CHER SHOW, COME FROM AWAY, and PRETTY WOMAN – THE MUSICAL are now on sale online at BroadwayInScranton.com and in person at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office. Box Office hours are Monday – Friday 10AM – 5 PM, Saturday 10AM – 2PM. Ticket buyers are reminded that BroadwayInScranton.com, the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office, and Ticketmaster.com are the only official retail ticket outlets for all individual Broadway in Scranton tickets. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Broadway in Scranton is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance. ANNIE February 16 – 18 Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production–just as you remember it and just when we need it most. ANNIE, directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way. THE CHER SHOW March 1 – 3 Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture – breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. THE CHER SHOW is the Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon. THE CHER SHOW is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy®, an Oscar®, an Emmy®, and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles! THE CHER SHOW features Scranton’s own Lorenzo Pugliese as Sonny Bono! COME FROM AWAY April 5 – 7 Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!” On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. PRETTY WOMAN May 17 – 19 PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift your spirits and light up your heart. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News). PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL delivers on all the iconic moments you remember. Get ready to experience this dazzling theatrical take on a love story for the ages. Are you ready to fall in love all over again?
